ONE OF A KIND

SINCE ALL OF THIS COVID-19 HAS BEEN GOING ON, WE HAVE BEEN CLEANING OUT SOME. WE HAVE HAD SO MUCH TRASH, AND THEM I HAVE FOUND SOME TREASURES ALSO, STUFF I HAD FORGOTTEN ABOUT. I HAVE A HUGE COLLECTION OF BOOKS, LOTS OF DEVOTIONAL BOOKS, JOURNALS, GREAT READS AND FINDS, USUALLY MY MOTHER AND I SWAP THEM BACK AND FORTH. I AM DOING A NEW STUDY, AND I WILL BEGIN SHARING MY THOUGHTS AND NOTES SOON.

I DID COME ACROSS A NOTEBOOK THAT I HAD WRITTEN SOME THINGS IN. I ATTENDED A LADIE'S MEETING A FEW YEARS AGO. IT WAS ON BEING ''ONE OF A KIND'' . I STARTED GOING THROUGH THESE NOTES AND THE LORD BLESSED ME ONCE AGAIN, AND SHOWED ME SOME THINGS I NEEDED TO BE REMINDED OF..
THIS LADIE'S MEETING WAS SO MUCH NEEDED. I NEEDED TO BE REMINDED THAT I AM ONE OF A KIND AND MY LORD IS ONE OF A KIND.DURING THIS PARTICULAR TIME, I HAD RECENTLY WENT THROUGH ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS AS A YOUNG WIFE THAT I COULD EVER IMAGINE. I FELT SO LONELY AND HAD REALLY BAD THOUGHTS, AND SOME REALLY BAD FEELINGS TOWARD SOMEONE. THIS WAS A TIME OF UNCERTAINTY, AND A LOT OF REGRET. I FELT LIKE I HAD BEEN BETRAYED AND LET DOWN, AND DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY BECAUSE I HADGIVEN MY ALL TO THIS SWEET PERSON, TRIED TO HELP THEM, BE THERE FOR THEM AND THEIR FAMILY, AND HELPED THEM WITH A BIG ADJUSTMENT THEY WERE GOING THROUGH. THE LORD USED  THIS MEETING TO SHOW ME THAT I AM ONE OF A KIND, AND THE ONLY PERSON I NEED TO PLEASE IS GOD ALMIGHTY!!!!! THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS!! I LEARNED THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO BE SOMEONE ELSE, OR TRY TO BE SOMEONE ELSE JUST TO GET THEIR APPROVAL, OR FOR THEM TO LOVE ME!! I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT TRUST AND I ALSO LEARNED FROM SOME MISTAKES I HAD MADE.IT WAS A TRUE TIME OF LEARNING, BUT MAINLY ME LEARNING TO LEAN ON THE LORD, LIKE NEVER BEFORE.
I WANT TO SHARE SOME OF MY NOTES FROM THE MEETING BECAUSE JUST GOING THROUGH THEM TODAY, I GOT SO MANY BLESSINGS, AND REMINDERS.
* I AM ONE OF A KIND, AND I SERVE A ONE OF A KIND GOD!
*HE MADE ME ONE OF A KIND, THERE IS NO ONE ELSE LIKE ME!WE ARE ALL UNIQUE IN OUR OWN WAY, SO WE DON'T NEED TO COMPARE OURSELVES TO OTHERS, OR TRY TO COMPETE WITH ANY ONE ELSE.THINK ABOUT HOW BORING LIFE WOULD BE IF EVERYONE WAS THE SAME... SAME LOOKS, PERSONALITY, THOUGHTS, ACTIONS... NO... NOT!!!
*GOD MADE YOU ONE OF A KIND FOR THAT SPECIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE, HE PICKED YOU TO MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES TOGETHER, AND THAT IS THROUGH EVERYTHING... SICKNESS, HEALTHY TIMES, NO MONEY, FAMILY PROBLEMS, ETC!!!
*BE ONE OF A KIND TO YOUR FAMILY. BE SOMEONE THEY KNOW THEY CAN TRUST. BE SOMEONE THEY CAN ASK TO FERVENTLY PRAY FOR THEM. BE SOMEONE WHEN THE CRISIS COMES, THEY KNOW YOU WILL BE RIGHT THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL, SUPPORTING THEM!!!BE COMPASSIONATE. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS MISSING A LOT THESE DAYS.. PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW YOU CARE ABOUT THEM.
* BE WILLING TO LET GOD USE YOU TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS. USE WHAT TALENT HE GAVE YOU FOR HIM. IT COULD BE SOMETHING SO SMALL, BE HE CAN TAKE IT AND USE IT FOR HIS HONOR AND GLORY!LET GOD MAKE YOU A TROPHY FOR HIS HONOR AND GLORY!
*WHEN I WENT TO THIS MEETING, I HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH A LOVED ONE. THIS WAS MAKING ME BITTER, I REALLY FELT MISERABLE THE FIRST FEW HOURS I WAS THERE. I WANTED TO GO HOME, CRAWL IN BED, COVER MY HEAD, AND JUST CRY IT OUT.. AND SOMETIMES, THAT IS GOOD... BUT I WAS BITTER.... AND MISERABLE. I WANTED TO BE BETTER.. AND I KNEW THAT WAS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN UNLESS I LET THE LORD DEAL WITH ME I WAS SO UPSET WITH PERSON, BUT I NEEDED TO BE CHANGED IN MY HEART.... AND HE DID. I ASKED THE LORD FOR FORGIVENESS, FOR HIM TO FORGIVE ME OF BEING SO SELFISH, JEALOUS, I HAD ENVY..AND THEN I ASKED THIS PERSON TO FORGIVE ME. THEY SAID THEY DID, BUT GOD FORGAVE ME, AND I KNOW HE DID. WHY? BECAUSE HE KNEW I AM ONE OF A KIND, AND THAT HE WANTED TO USE ME IN A FEW OTHER AREAS, BUT HE COULD NOT USE ME WITH THE WAY I WAS!!!! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME! SINCE THEN,I HAVE BECOME A BETTER PERSON, AND NO, I AM NOT MRS. PERFECT, NOR DO I CLAIM TO BE, BUT I AM  A BETTER PERSON, AND I YIELDED MY THOUGHTS, AND IMPERFECTIONS TO HIM THAT DAY, AND HE IS USING ME AND MY HUSBAND FOR HIS GLORY. I LOVE THAT SONG,''HE'S STILL WORKING ON ME!'' CAUSE HE REALLY IS! 

Ephesians 2:7 King James Version (KJV)

⁷ That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

LASTLY, I WANT TO REMIND YOU THAT WE ARE CREATED BY SOMEONE WHO IS ONE OF A KIND. THERE IS NO ONE ELSE LIKE JESUS, NO ONE CAN EVER CARE FOR YOU LIKE JESUS. HE KNOWS ALL THINGS, AND STILL CHOOSES TO LOVE US!AND NOW, BEING EASTER SEASON, HE HAD A ONE OF A KIND DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION! NO ONE ELSE HAS DONE WHAT HE HAS DONE. NO ONE ELSE CAN TAKE YOUR BURDENS FROM YOU, NO ONE ELSE CAN ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS IN HIS TIME BUT HIM... I AM GETTING A BLESSING HERE, IF YOU ARE OR NOT.. HE IS ONE OF A KIND! HE IS MARVELOUS!
LET GOD USE YOU FOR HIS GLORY. IT MAY NOT BE THE WAY YOU HAD PLANNED BUT REMEMBER OUR WAYS ARE NOT HIS WAYS!!BE POSITIVE AND PROGRESSIVE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD! REMEMBER YOU ARE UNIQUE.. BE THE UNIQUE YOU GOD INTENDED YOU TO BE!!
*NO ONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY BEING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!!
*REMEMBER HE IS STILL WORKING ON YOU. ASK GOD TO HELP YOU EACH AND EVERY DAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR HIM!!!
BE YOU.. BE UNIQUE.. BE ONE OF A KIND... FOR HIM!! I LIKE TO THINK OF THIS AS A LIMITED EDITION.... YOU ARE A LIMITED EDITION, BUT THERE IS NO LIMITS WHEN IT COMES TO GOD!!  I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THIS DEAR REMINDER TODAY. I AM THANKFUL HE KNOWS US AND KNOWS OUR WANTS, AND DESIRES OF OUR HEARTS.

fruits of the Spirit--- Temperance

THIS IS ANOTHER FRUITS FRIDAY! FRIDAY THE 13TH! HOPE YOUR WEEK HAS BEEN OK. THIS HAS BEEN AN EVENTFUL WEEK. PLEASE PRAY FOR MY DADDY. HE HAD A STROKE ON SUNDAY NIGHT, AND IS DOING SOME BETTER, BUT WE HAVE A LONG ROAD AHEAD!

TEMPERANCE SIMPLY MEANS SELF CONTROL, SELF DISCIPLINE, SELF RESTRAINT.

2 Timothy 1:7 King James Version (KJV)

⁷ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

SATAN IS A LIAR AND CAN TELL YOU ALL KINDS OF THINGS, THINGS THAT CAN CONTROL HOW YOU REACT TO CERTAIN SITUATIONS, AND YOUR  EMOTIONS CAN BECOME VERY MUCH OUT OF CONTROL. THIS IS WHEN TEMPERANCE CAN STEP IN..THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD GIVES US THE ABILITY AND POWER TO RESIST.
* TEMPERANCE MAKES US NOT WANT TO DESIRE CERTAIN THINGS AND DESIRE PLEASURE. THE LORD CAN HELP YOU THROUGH THIS THROUGH PRAYER, YIELDING YOURSELF FULLY TO HIM.

Isaiah 26:3 King James Version (KJV)

³ Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

WE MUST KEEP A CALM AND SOUND MIND TO PRACTICE TEMPERANCE. THINK ON PURE THINGS, AND LOVELY THOUGHTS. DON'T LISTEN TO THE DEVIL, AND DON'T LISTEN TO GOSSIP, OR HANG AROUND PEOPLE WHO SAY BAD THINGS ABOUT PEOPLE. CHANCES ARE IF THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT SOMEBODY TO YOU, THEY MOST LIKELY ARE TALKING ABOUT YOU TO SOMEONE ALSO. ALSO, LET ME GO ON RECORD HERE AND SAY SOME PEOPLE ONLY WANT TO TALK TO YOU WHEN IT BENEFITS THEM, OR IF THEY TRY TO FIND OUT INFORMATION FROM YOU.
*TEMPERANCE CAN HELP YOU SO MUCH BY GROWING  IN THE LORD. IT HAS REALLY HELPED ME SO MUCH. IT IS A FORM OF DISCERNMENT . IT LETS YOU KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL.
*IT IS EASY TO KNOW ABOUT LOVE AND ALL ABOUT LOVE BUT TEMPERANCE HELPS YOU LIVE OUT LOVE.IT GIVES YOU A HEART TO SERVE OTHERS. IT LET'S YOU PRACTICE CHRISTIAN LOVE TOWARD OTHERS.
*DENY YOURSELF, AND REFRAIN FROM THINGS THAT CAN MAKE YOU OUT OF CONTROL. THIS ALSO  INCLUDES MATERIAL THINGS SUCH AS OVER EATING, EXCESSIVE DRINKING, EXCESSIVE SPENDING ETC.
*STAY ACCOUNTABLE. STAY BUSY, PRAY AND ASK THE LORD TO HELP YOU. TEMPERANCE IS A GREAT THING, AND WILL KEEP YOU CLOSE TO GOD.
THIS ONE WAS A LITTLE SHORT BUT HAS TRULY BEEN A BLESSING TO ME THIS WEEK!
THIS STUDY, WEEKLY HAS BEEN A REAL BLESSING TO ME. IT HAS HELPED ME SO MUCH, AND I KNOW, WHEN I STARTED STUDYING THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, I ASKED GOD TO GIVE ME SOMETHING TO SHARE TO OTHERS. HE DID THAT AND SO MUCH MORE. GOD ALWAYS HAS A PLAN. I KNOW HE WAS PREPARING MY HEART FOR THINGS THAT I WOULD FACE THESE PAST FEW WEEKS.IT IS ONE THING TO TALK ABOUT THESE FRUITS BUT TO LIVE THEM OUT WITH THE LORD'S HELP IS ANOTHER THING. I AM PRAYING DAILY FOR THE LORD TO HELP ME TO LIVE THEM, SO THAT OTHERS CAN SEE CHRIST THROUGH ME AND IN ME, AND TO BE A BLESSING AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO OTHERS. THE LORD HAS SO MUCH FOR US IF WE YIELD IT TO HIM, AND WAIT PATIENTLY ON HIM, AND LET HIM LEAD AND DIRECT OUR LIVES.
STAY TUNED FOR A NEW STUDY TO COME SOON!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY FRUITS FRIDAY!

fruits of the spirit - MEEKNESS

I AM EXCITED TO BRING TO YOU ANOTHER FRUITS FRIDAY! TODAY, WE WILL COVER MEEKNESS. THIS IS ANOTHER FAVORITE FRUIT OF MINE, THIS HAS BEEN RATHER HARD FOR ME PERSONALLY AT TIMES, BUT I HOPE  TO ALWAYS TRY TO DEMONSTRATE THIS FRUIT.
* MEEKNESS IS A FORM OF SELF CONTROL WHICH CHRIST GIVES.

Matthew 11:29-30 King James Version (KJV)

²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
SPEAKING TOO QUICK OR ACTING TOO QUICK CAN SOMETIMES BE A HINDER IF WE LET IT. THIS IS HARD FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME THAT HAS NO FILTER SOMETIMES. 
 

James 1:19 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
THAT IS WHY WE MUST THINK BEFORE WE SPEAK OR ACT. THINK, IS THIS PURE, LOVELY, THOUGHTFUL, OR COULD THIS BE TAKEN WRONG??  MEEKNESS MEANS ACTING THE RIGHT WAY AT THE RIGHT TIME. I CAN REMEMBER A TIME WHEN I WAS NOT SO MEEK A FEW YEARS AGO. I WAS ANGRY, HURT, AND HAD FEELINGS OF BITTERNESS AND BETRAYAL. I FELT LIKE I HAD BEEN USED.. USED FOR SEVERAL THINGS, AND I ACTED UPON MY FEELINGS. I WAS NOT MEEK. I HAD TO GET MY HEART RIGHT AND MAKE THINGS RIGHT WITH SOMEONE WHOM I LOVED DEARLY. I ASKED THE LORD WHY HAD HE LET ME GO THROUGH THIS. HE SPOKE TO MY HEART IN SEVERAL WAYS AND LET ME KNOW WHY. HE WAS PREPARING ME FOR SOMETHING. I DID LEARN SO MUCH FROM THIS, AND IT HAS MADE ME BECOME A BETTER PERSON AND A BETTER CHRISTIAN FOR HIM. I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT DISCERNMENT AND HOW THE LORD LETS YOU KNOW THINGS. IT HAS MADE ME MORE MEEK, NO, I AM NOT PERFECT, BUT THE LORD USED THIS FOR HIS GLORY. PRAISE GOD!!
*MEEKNESS MAKES US NOT RESENTFUL, BUT MAKES US TRUST HIM MORE .WE CAN FIND REFUGE IN HIM.
* THE MEEK LEAVES EVERYTHING IN THE HANDS OF THE LORD WHO LOVES AND CARE FOR US ALWAYS!!TO BE MEEK, YOU MUST HAVE FAITH, FAITH THAT GOD KNOWS ALL THINGS AND SEES ALL THINGS.
* THE MEEK HAS A GENTLE  AND LOVING SPIRIT. WE CAN FOLLOW CHRIST' EXAMPLE.THIS CAN BE VERY HARD FOR A STRONG WILLED PERSON.
*HOW CAN WE PRACTICE MEEKNESS?
- REALIZE EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON AND FULLY TRUST IN HIM.
-PRAY.. PRAY FOR COMPLETE SUBMISSION TO GOD
-REFUSE TO COPLAIN OR GRUMBLE. KEEP IN MIND IT IS HARD TO PRACTICE MEEKNESS IF YOU GRUMBLE ABOUT SOMETHING ALL THE TIME, OR ALWAYS COMPLAIN ABOUT WHY GOD HAS NOT ANSWERED YOUR PRAYER

.

James 3:13 King James Version (KJV)

¹³ Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

-- REFUSE TO BE MANIPULATED... THIS OS VERY HARD. PEOPLE CAN USE WHAT YOU SAY SOMETIMES, AND TURN IT COMPLETELY AROUND AND MAKE IT OUT LIKE YOU SAID OR DID SOMETHING ELSE. THE BEST THING IS TO HAVE DISCERNMENT. 
* MEEKENSS IS LOVELINESS. IT IS POWER.
* THE MEEK HAS MUCH MORE FUN THAN THE OVERBEARING.
*BEING MEEK DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE WEAK. IS SIMPLY MEANS YOU ARE FULL OF WISDOM. THIS MAKES IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE TO LISTEN TO YOU, AND GIVE GREAT GODLY ADVICE TO OTHERS.
**** MEEKNESS IS SOMETHING THAT IS WELL WORTH PRACTICING. IT MAKES YOU LESS STRESSFUL, AND MAKES YOU A HUMBLE PERSON. IT SHOWS OTHERS HOW MUCH  THE LORD CAN USE A HUMBLE AND MEEK PERSON FOR HIS GLORY.
TO HAVE A MEEK AND QUIET SPIRIT, ONE WILL HAVE A MILD TEMPER. IT IS NOT ABOUT HER PERSONALITY, BUT A GENTLE LOVING SPIRIT.
IT IS A GREAT THING TO BE MEEK.. WE ARE NOT WEAK, BUT OH, HOW STRONG WE ARE. LORD, HELP ME TO BE MORE MEEK IS MY PRAYER TODAY.
 STAY TUNED FOR ANOTHER FRUIT NEXT WEEK. TEMPERANCE . TEMPERANCE CAN TEACH US  A LOT ABOUT OURSELVES.

Fruits of the Spirit- FAITHFULNESS

 

HOPE YOU HAVE HAD A WONDERFUL WEEK AND HAVE BEEN REMINDED OF FAITHFULNESS, FAITHFULNESS BY GOD, AND YOU BEING FAITHFUL TO HIM!

THIS IS A WONDERFUL FRUIT TO STUDY. THINK
OF GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO YOU, ALTHOUGH THIS IS A FRUIT WE DISPLAY AS BELIEVERS.

Deuteronomy 7:9 King James Version (KJV)

⁹ Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

* WHEN WE FOLLOW GOD, HE IS PERFECTLY FAITHFUL. HE IS STEADY, UNCHANGING, AND UNMOVING. HE WILL BE FAITHFUL WHEN THE WORLD IS NO MORE. IT IS GREAT TO KNOW WE CAN COUNT ON GOD.

* IN FAITHFULNESS, THERE IS LIFE THAT HAPPENS... EVERYDAY THINGS THAT ARE A PART OF JUST LIVING... THERE ARE PROBLEMS THAT ARE CURED, FAMILIES MENDED, HEARTS JOINED, RELATIONSHIPS RESTORED. ALL OF THESE THINGS CAN AND WILL HAPPEN IF ONE IS FAITHFUL TO THE LORD.
*WHEN WE TRUST IN THE LORD, IT MAKES US MORE DEPENDENT ON HIM.
* FAITH IN GOD GIVES US STRENGTH TO GO ON FOR HIM, THEREFORE WE ARE MORE FAITHFUL TO THE CAUSES OF CHRIST.
*FAITHFULNESS IS NOT EXCEEDING THE OTHER FELLOW, RATHER IT IS DOING THE BEST YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU HAVE.

Revelation 2:10 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁰ Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
BE FAITHFUL TO THE LORD TILL DEATH. THE REWARD IS PROMISED, A CROWN OF LIFE.
* AS A CHRISTIAN, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IS A PART OF OUR LIVES. WHY?  IT SHOWS THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN OUR LIVES!!
LASTLY, ARE WE FAITHFUL IN SERVING HIM LIKE WE SHOULD?? IF NOT, WE NEED TO BE BUSY AND FAITHFUL BECAUSE OUR TIME IS NOW. WE ARE NOT PROMISED TOMORROW. WE WANT TO BE FOUND FAITHFUL!!
ARE WE WILLING TO BE USED FAITHFULLY FOR HIM?  ARE YOU WILLING TO LET GOD USE YOU, WHATEVER HE ASK YOU TO DO. WHATEVER IT TAKES, THE LORD CAN USE YOU.
ASK THE LORD THIS WEEK TO HELP YOU TO REMAIN FAITHFUL AND BE THANKFUL FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.'' HE HAS NEVER NEVER FAILED, HE WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL, THE LORD IS STILL IN CONTROL. AND THERE'S NO NEED TO DOUBT HIM NOW, HE'LL MAKE A WAY SOMEHOW, SAFELY, THIS FAR JESUS HAS BROUGHT ME, THERE'S NO NEED TO DOUBT HIM NOW.!''
OUR FRUIT NEXT WEEK IS MEEKNESS! MEEKNESS IS NOT WEAKNESS THINK ON THAT THIS WEEK!

fruits of the Spirit ---GOODNESS

IT'S TIME FOR FRUITS FRIDAY YALL. TODAY, IS A GOOD ONE.. LOL IT IS GOODNESS..
*GOODNESS IS THE GOOD HEART FROM WHICH THE GOOD DEEDS COME IS ESSENTIAL.

Luke 8:15 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁵ But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
*BEING HONEST AND A GOOD HEART GOES A LONG WAY. GOODNESS IS THE PRODUCT OF A GOOD HEART.

Matthew 7:16-17 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁶ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
¹⁷ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Romans 12:21 King James Version (KJV)

²¹ Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

* A TREE IS KNOWN BY IT'S FRUIT IT BEARS. A CORRUPT TREE LIKE A CORRUPT MIND WILL BRING FORTH BAD FRUIT.
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS SOMEONE CAN SAY ABOUT YOU IS THAT YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON. THIS DOES NOT JUST MEAN BY YOUR GOOD WORKS, BUT BY THE EXAMPLE YOU LEAD, AND BY THE WAY YOU WALK WITH GOD. IF A PERSON SEES YOU PRAISING GOD IN THE VALLEY, IT IS EASIER TO SEE THE GOOD, WHY?? BECAUSE YOU ARE TRUSTING GOD AND HIS WAYS AND GOODNESS! REMEMBER HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS! THIS ALSO DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE PERFECT OR CLAIM TO BE AN ANGEL, BUT A GOOD PERSON.
* GOODNESS IS ACHIEVED BY WALKING IN THE SPIRIT! THERE IS POWER IN GOODNESS TO OVERCOME EVIL! 
*SOME RANDOM ACTS OF GOODNESS INCLUDE :
-DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT EXPECT ANYTHING.
-DO SOME CLEANING OR YARD WORK FOR AN ELDER.
-REPAIR SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE THAT NEEDS HELP.
-LIFT SOMEONE UP WHO HAS FALLEN AND NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT.
-A SIMPLE PRAYING FOR YOU MEANS AND SAYS A LOT! 
* PEOPLE WHO DEMONSTRATE GOODNESS HAVE A BIG HEART. THEY WOULD GIVE YOU ANYTHING THEY HAD. THEY WOULD PROVIDE FOR YOU IN TIMES OF NEED.
HERE IS A BIG ONE..... GOODNESS IS THE GOLDEN RULE IN PRACTICE!!
*SEE THE GOOD IN OTHERS. NOTICE HOW THEY CARRY THEMSELVES. DO THEY  LOOK LIKE THEY ENJOY LIFE?
*HEAR THE CRYS FOR THE NEEDY FOR GOOD.
*BE GOOD AND HELP SOMEONE BEAR A HEAVY BURDEN.
*HAVE HELPING HANDS WHO NEED FOR SOMEONE WHO NEEDS YOU TO BE STRONG. 
*HAVE FEET TO POINT SOMEONE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!
MR. JOHN WESLEY SAID IT BEST...'' DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN,BY ALL THE MEANS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE PLACES YOU CAN, AT ALL THE TIMES YOU CAN, TO ALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN, AS LONG AS EVER YOU CAN.'' 
WHAT A GREAT AND TRUE STATEMENT. LET US DO GOOD THINGS BUT MOST OF ALL, SHOW THE GOODNESS OF GOD TO OTHERS!
HAPPY FRUITS FRIDAY AND DO GOOD.. NEXT WEEK, WE WILL STUDY THE FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESS!  OH WHAT A GREAT ONE.. GET A HEAD START AND THINK ABOUT GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO YOU AND YOUR FAITHFULNESS TO HIM!!  

Creamy Ritz Chicken Bake

I tried a new recipe tonight and it was really tasty. I did add a few of my own touches to it. Yumm for the tumm!***Creamy Chicken Ritz Bake ***

Grease a 9×13 glass dish. Take 1 to 1/2 cups of instant rice, place in dish. Add 1/2 pack of Lipton Onion Soup mix, Add 1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup, 1 can of water,1 teaspoon of minced garlic, , and mix in dish together.  Add 3- 4 Boneless Chicken Breast.  Spoon some of the mixture on top  of Chicken.  Add Salt and pepper,  and crumble 1 sleeve of Ritz Crackers onthe top of chicken. Add some Pats of butter on top ritz crackers.  Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for an hour or until chicken is done. This is very yummy!!! A very warm and hearty dish, great with a side salad also! Enjoy!

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT -- GENTLENESS

WELCOME BACK TO ANOTHER FRUITS FRIDAY, AND ALSO A HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO EVERYONE!

 

THIS WEEK'S FRUIT IS GENTLENESS. OH, FOR MORE PEOPLE TO DISPLAY THIS FRUIT. I AM AFRAID THIS IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE LESS DISPLAYED BECAUSE OF THIS EVIL WORLD WE LIVE IN. KIND IS GENTLE AND GENTLE IS KIND, YET THEY ARE NOT THE SAME. IN THIS DAY AND AGE, GENTLENESS IS BECOMING SO RARE. OUR WORLD IS SO CORRUPT ALREADY, THE SIMPLE ACT OF GENTLENESS IS SO OFTEN MISSED. GENTLENESS MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE AND GIVES SO MUCH JOY TO EVERYONE. OTHER TRANSLATIONS REPLACE GENTLENESS WITH THE WORD KINDNESS.. I THINK GENTLENESS IS BETTER BECAUSE OF THE MATTER IT IS DEMONSTRATED. BEING GENTLE AND HAVING A GENTLE SPIRIT RUBS OFF. A GENTLE SPIRIT HAS A CALMING WAY ABOUT SOMEONE.THIS CAN BE EVEN TO THE POINT OF BEING ''APPROACHABLE''.  I LIKE TO USE THIS AS AN EXAMPLE, " OH, HE IS JUST A BIG POOH BEAR!'' THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE. TO ME, WINNIE THE POOH WAS ALWAYS A FAVORITE CHARACTER OF MINE. HE ALWAYS HAD THE RIGHT THINGS TO SAY, AND WAY SO CALM, AND ALWAYS MADE EVERYTHING SEEM OK..NOT COUNTING THE HONEY HE LIKED.. LOL  ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES FROM HIM IS,

“Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So, today is my new favorite day.”
—Winnie the Pooh

IF YOU LIVE A LIFE OF NOT BEING GENTLE, YOU LIFE IS A WASTE. THAT IS KIND OF BLUNT, BUT HEY, IT IS THE TRUTH. WE SHOULD BE KIND AND GENTLE TOWARD OTHERS, BEHAVE LIKE JESUS WOULD, EVEN THE FLESH WANTS TO DO OTHERWISE. THIS IS A BIG ONE .. 

* HOW ARE SOME WAYS WE CAN BE GENTLE?

--DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE WHO WOULD LEAST EXPECT IT, AND DO IT WITHOUT THEM EVEN KNOWING WHO DONE IT.

--BAKE A CAKE FOR A SHUT IN.

--TAKE A FRIEND OUT FOR A LITTLE TREAT.

--BE A GOOD LISTENER. JUST BE AN EAR FOR SOMEONE TO VENT TO.

--LEAVE A GENEROUS TIP

__ASK SOMEONE HOW YOU CAN PRAY FOR THEM

 

ALL OF THESE ARE JUST RANDOM THINGS TO SHOW GENTLENESS AND BEING KIND.

*GENTLENESS IS AN ACT OF THE HIGHEST PERSON. 

2 Timothy 2:24 King James Version (KJV)

²⁴ And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

*NEVER MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE  GENTLENESS. IT GIVES EVERYBODY A CHANCE TO GIVE JOY AND HAPPINESS. 
* IT TAKES A STRONG PERSON TO BE GENTLE, ESPECIALLY TO ONE THAT HAS NOT BEEN GENTLE TO YOU. I HAVE PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED THIS RECENTLY. THERE WAS SOMEONE THAT I KNEW THAT HAD NOT BEEN GENTLE AND KIND TOWARD ME AND MY FAMILY FOR QUITE SOME TIME. RECENTLY , THIS PERSON WENT THROUGH A VERY DARK TIME IN THEIR LIFE.. WE WENT TO THIS PERSON, TO HELP THEM DURING THEIR TIME OF GRIEF AND SORROW, PRAYING, AND REALLY NOT KNOWING HOW THEY WOULD REACT... BOY, WHAT A DIFFERENCE.. GOD MADE THEM THE MOST GENTLE WE HAVE REALLY EVER SEEN THEM. GOD CAN BREAK YOUR HEART, AND HE CAN BREAK IT FOR A REASON.. TO SHOW YOU A FEW THINGS. GOD ANSWERED OUR PRAYER, AND OUR PRAYER WAS TO MAKE THIS PERSON HAVE A SOFTER HEART AND GENTLE SPIRIT.* GOD CAN GROW US THROUGH GENTLENESS!!*
*JESUS GAVE US THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF GENTLENESS. IF WE ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO LEAD US, BEING GENTLE WILL COME NATURALLY. WHY? BECAUSE JESUS IS GENTLE. HE IS LOVING, A PROVIDER, AND A GREAT LISTENER. WHAT IF HE DID NOT LISTEN TO US WHEN WE CALL UPON HIM, OR NOT PROVIDE WHEN WE SEEK HIM IN NEED??? I AM SO GLAD HE IS A GENTLE GOD, A KIND AND LOVING SAVIOR IS HE!!

PEACH TREES BUDDING IN OUR YARD LAST YEAR

James 3:17 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

 NEXT WEEK , WE WILL STUDY GOODNESS.... THINK OF GOOD FRUIT FROM A GOOD TREE.. NOT A TREE WITH BROKEN LIMBS, AND NO BUDS.... HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND BE GENTLE AND KIND TO EVERYONE YOU SEE. SHOW THEM THE LOVE OF JESUS!

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FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT -- LONG-SUFFERING

HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE GIVING UP?HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY GOD IS LETTING YOU GO THROUGH SOMETHING? HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE NO ONE REALLY UNDERSTOOD?  HAVE YOU EVER BEEN SO DOWNHEARTED AND DISCOURAGED WITH LIFE THAT YOU REALLY WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT CAN'T? THIS IS WHERE LONG- SUFFERING COMES IN.
* LONG - SUFFERING IS FAITH AND PATIENCE ALL IN ONE. IT IS PROBABLY THE MOST OF THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT THAT I HAVE ENJOYED STUDYING SO FAR, WHY? BECAUSE I AM EXPERIENCING IT IN MY OWN LIFE PRESENTLY.
* HOPE IN GOD ANCHORS THE SOUL. WE NEED TO BE REMINDED THAT GOD  WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO.
*HOW DO WE NOT GIVE UP OR GIVE IN?? BY LONG-SUFFERING!. HE WANTS US ALL TO EXPERIENCE IT.

Hebrews 11:27 King James Version (KJV)

²⁷ By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
*LONG-SUFFERING IS KIND OF LIKE PRUNING A FRUIT TREE. THE PROCESS INVOLVES PATIENCE AND TIME BUT THE FRUIT THAT FOLLOWS IS SO VERY SWEET.
 

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 King James Version (KJV)

⁸ We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Romans 5:3-5 King James Version (KJV)

³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
⁵ And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

⁹ Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

WE HAVE TO REMEMBER WE ARE GOING THROUGH LONG-SUFFERING FOR  A REASON.GOD IS TEACHING YOU TO DEPEND ON HIM LIKE NEVER BEFORE. HE IS MOLDING YOU AND MAKING YOU FOR HIM. * REMEMBER THE POTTER KNOWS THE CLAY AND HOW MUCH PRESSURE IT CAN TAKE.

Hebrews 6:12 King James Version (KJV)

¹² That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

 I THINK LONG-SUFFERING IS A FRUIT THAT IS ESSENTIAL, BECAUSE IF IS NOT ,THEN HOW WOULD WE LEARN ALL OF GOD'S PROMISES? 
* LONG-SUFFERING MAKES YOU HOLD BACK OR RESTRAINING WHAT WE REALLY FEEL , AND WHAT GOD WANTS US TO DO. YIELD IT TO HIM, AND TRUST HIM TO HANDLE IT.  ROMANS 5 :3-5 IS OUR REWARD.

Romans 5:3-5 King James Version (KJV)

³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
⁵ And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

⁹ Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

* TIME IS A BEST BUD OF LONG-SUFFERING. IT GIVES MORE TIME FOR PROBLEMS TO SOLVE THEMSELVES. THINK OF JOB.. HE IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF THIS. HE WAS SICK, LOST THINGS, EVEN HIS OWN WIFE TOLD HIM TO CURSE GOD AND DIE, BUT YET HE MADE A DECISION TO FOLLOW GOD, AND TOUGH IT OUT,HE ENDURED AND IN THE END , HE WAS BLESSED TWOFOLD!
*DURING THIS TIME OF LONG-SUFFERING, WE CAN NEVER LOSE FAITH! GOD IS CARING FOR US, AND HE IS WORKING FOR OUR GOOD, AND FOR HIS GLORY.THIS IS THE DIFFERENCE IN HIS TIMING VS. OUR TIMING!  BE STEADFAST AND ENDURE!
* FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE OF LONG-SUFFERING. HE REMAINED TRUE, EVEN UNDER THE MOST DIFFICULT , AND WORST TREATMENT, WHEN HE WAS ON THE CROSS.
*SHOW THE WORLD AND YOUR LOVED ONES THAT EVEN DURING LONG-SUFFERING, YOU CAN COME THROUGH  SHINING LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

Isaiah 40:31 King James Version (KJV)

³¹ But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

*IN CLOSING, WE CAN BE GOING THROUGH LONG-SUFFERING, BUT IN THE END, WE CAN TRUST GOD, TO MOUNT US UP AND ENDURE. ENDURE- I LOVE THAT WORD AND STUDIED ON IT A BIT. IT MEANS TO LIVE THROUGH, EXPERIENCE, HOLD ON, ABIDE,AND GO ON.  
LET'S ENDURE AND GO ON, EVEN THROUGH LONG-SUFFERING. JESUS IS WITH US EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.  REMEMBER, WHEN WE CAN'T, HE CAN!
HAPPY FRUITS FRIDAY, AND IN THE MEANTIME, BE KIND.THIS CAN BE HARD, CAUSE SOMETIMES, WE DON'T WANT TO BE KIND... KINDNESS IS OUR NEXT FRUIT! BE KIND, IT GOES A LONG WAY!

BEAUTIFUL PEARS ON OUR PEAR TREE LAST YEAR

fruits of the Spirit--- PEACE

Romans 12:18 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁸ If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

WE ALL WANT PEACE IN OUR LIFE, PEACE WITH OTHERS, PEACE WITH OUR SPOUSE, FRIENDS, KIN FOLK.. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT IS PEACE WITH GOD, INNER PEACE. PEACE THAT PASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING!  PEACE , WHEN YOU LAY YOUR HEAD DOWN AT NIGHT, THAT EVERYTHING IS OK, CAUSE YOU TRUST THE LORD.
**IF YOU HAVE THE INNER PEACE WITH GOD, YOU WILL BE SURE TO PRODUCE THE OUTER PEACE WITH OTHERS. REACHING OTHERS COMES FROM A MATURE AND PEACEFUL DISPOSITION. IT IS FOUND IN THE GOOD , MATURED PERSON THAT PURSUES THE IDEAS AND PRINCIPLES THAT PRODUCE IT.

**GOING THE EXTRA MILE WILL ALWAYS GIVE YOU PEACE.

Matthew 5:41 King James Version (KJV)

⁴¹ And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

SELFISHNESS WILL NOT PRODUCE PEACE. IT WILL PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING. THIS INCLUDES SELF PRIDE, LUST, AND VANITY. THINKING OF OTHERS WILL ALWAYS HELP TO PRODUCE PEACE. TALKING TO ALOVED ONE ABOUT THEIR FUTURE, BAKING THEM COOKIES, HELPING SOMEONE WITH THEIR EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES, ALL THESE THINGS BRING YOU SELF PEACE, KNOWING YOU DID EVERYTHING YOU COULD OR CAN TO MAKE THIS PERSON HAPPIER. GO THAT SECOND MILE, IT'S WORTH IT... EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO GO ALONE! 
**THE DISTANCE TO WHERE YOU ARE TO PEACE IS MORE THAN A STEP. WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET THERE, IT IS WORTH THE JOURNEY!
 

Mark 11:25 King James Version (KJV)

²⁵ And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

**MAKING PEACE WITH OTHERS CAN BRING YOU REAL PEACE. THIS IS SOMETHING I HAVE EXPERIENCED PERSONALLY. IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE HAS OUGHT WITH YOU, YOU ARE TO GO THAT PERSON, ASK THEM WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, MAKE THINGS RIGHT WITH THEM, IF THEY DO NOT FORGIVE YOU, THAT IS BETWEEN THEM AND THE LORD.. THIS IS OUT OF YOUR HANDS, YOU ARE CLEAN IN THE EYES OF THE LORD.YOU MUST DO THIS WITH THE RIGHT HEART AND ATTITUDE. ASK THE LORD TO FORGIVE YOU OF ANY WRONG DOING. THIS WAS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS I HAVE EVER DEALT WITH AS A YOUNG MARRIED ADULT, BUT IT ALSO OPENED MY EYES TO SOME THINGS I HAD DONE WRONG TOO... IT WAS AN EYE OPENER FOR SURE. YOU CAN NOT BE AT FULL PEACE WITH GOD OR YOURSELF IF YOU HAVE OUGHT IN YOUR HEART. IT WILL MAKE YOU A VERY BITTER PERSON. REMEMBER, YOU GOT TO BE THE BETTER PERSON, NOT THE BITTER ONE!

1 Thessalonians 4:11 King James Version (KJV)

1 Timothy 2:2 King James Version (KJV)

² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

¹¹ And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
BE QUIET FOR A MOMENT....HEAR THAT?? HOW PEACEFUL!! PEACE AND QUIET GO HAND IN HAND.  IT IS GREAT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL, THE TV, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND JUST MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD AND HIS UNFAILING PROMISES. THIS IS WHERE I HAVE BEEN HELPED SO MUCH RECENTLY. THE WORLD IS GETTING WORSE BY THE SECOND.. TEMPORARY THINGS CAN GIVE YOU A SHORT KIND OF PEACE, BUT GOD'S PEACE IS AN EVERLASTING PEACE. REST IN HIS PEACE. 
PEACE TAKES WORK, BUT IT IS SO WORTH IT. WORK GIVES PEACE. IF YOU ARE BUSY, YOU HAVE NO TIME FOR ANYTHING ELSE BUT PEACE. IF YOU ARE LAZY, THIS IS WHERE THINGS CREEP IN YOUR LIFE, YOU HAVE MORE TIME FOR STRIFE, FUSSES WITH YOUR SPOUSE, DISAGREEMENTS WITH FAMILY, AND DOUBT.. 

 

Psalm 34:14 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁴ Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

 ** PURSUE PEACE, IT REALLY IS THERE. PEACE SHOULD REALLY NOT DEPEND ON THE RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE OTHERS. THIS SHOULD DEPEND ON THE RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE WITH THE LORD. IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER, ALL OTHER RELATIONSHIPS WILL FOLLOW. THE LORD WILL PUT THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE THAT GIVES YOU PEACE!
** PEACE IS AN INWARD PART AND SERENITY OF THE SOUL. PERFECT PEACE WITH GOD IS ALL THAT MATTERS.
** TRUE PEACE= KNOWING THAT GOD IS WITH US AND IN FULL CONTROL
** TRUST GOD AND YOU CAN ENJOY TRUE PEACE IN YOUR LIFE!
JOBS, FRIENDS, YOUR HOBBIES, HEALTH ISSUES, EVEN WORK IN THE CHURCH CAN LEAD TO PRESSURE THAT EVENTUALLY SUCK THE PEACE OF THE LORD OUT OF YOU, IF WE ARE NOT CAREFUL. PEACE IS SOMETHING WE CAN ALL HAVE AND WE ALL NEED ! PRAYING YOU HAVE THAT PERFECT PEACE IN YOUR PEACE IN YOUR HEART TODAY! SHUT THE DOOR OF YOUR LIFE THAT DOES NOT OPEN UP TO PEACE, AND TURN THE KNOB OF A NEW DOOR TO PERFECT PEACE IN THE LORD!

'' WHAT A TREASURE I HAVE IN THIS WONDERFUL PEACE, BURIED DEEP IN THIS HEART OF MY SOUL,SO SECURE THAT NO POWER CAN MINE IT AWAY, WHILE THE YEARS OF ETERNITY ROLL. PEACE, PEACE, WONDERFUL PEACE, COMING DOWN FROM THE FATHER ABOVE, SWEEP OVER MY SPIRIT FOREVER I PRAY, IN FATHOMLESS BILLOWS OF LOVE!''

Fruits of the Spirit- JOY

WELCOME BACK TO FRUITS FRIDAY! TODAY, WE WILL FOCUS ON A REAL IMPORTANT FRUIT. JOY!!! OH WHAT JOY  YOU CAN HAVE AS A CHILD OF GOD!

THE REASON FOR JOY IS THE SPIRIT! HIS DIRECTION, BLESSINGS, AND PROMISES ALL BRING FORTH JOY! SOME FROWN AND HAVE A SAD FACE ALL THE TIME, THIS REALLY MAKES YOU WONDER WHAT KIND OF JOY THEY HAVE. A PERSON THAT HAS REAL JOY IS VISIBLE. YOU CAN SEE IT ALL OVER THEM!
* JOY IS POSITIVE, SADNESS IS NEGATIVE! HOW CAN ONE BE JOYFUL AND BE NEGATIVE ALL THE TIME. IT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT FULL OF TRUE JOY! ONE CAN STILL BE JOYFUL EVEN THOUGH TRIALS COME IN THEIR LIFE. EXAMPLES WOULD BE LOSS OF LOVED ONES, SICKNESS, BETRAYAL OF FRIENDS, ALL OF THESE ARE TRUE EXAMPLES OF ONE, PEOPLE I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEEING JOY IN THEIR LIVES. WHEN MY SISTER HAD OVARIAN CANCER, SHE WAS THE MOST JOYFUL I HAD EVER SEEN.. WHY?? BECAUSE SHE HAD THE JOY OF THE LORD, HE WAS HER STRENGTH!

 

Psalm 28:7 King James Version (KJV)

⁷ The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
 THIS IS THROUGH ADJUSTMENT.WE CAN CHOOSE  TO ADJUST TO CHANGES LIKE THIS AND BE JOYFUL.. BE BETTER , NOT BITTER!
WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES ARE TRYING TO KILL YOUR JOY, WE CAN STILL FIND JOY. THERE IS JOY IN KNOWING THAT GOD IS WORKING FOR HIS GLORY THROUGH YOUR PROBLEM!
* LIFE IS STILL WHAT YOU MAKE IT.. FULL OF JOY OR FULL OF SADNESS.SELF WILL DOES NOT EQUAL JOY, IT CAN BRING TRUE DISSAPOINTMENT, THAT IS WHY WE HAVE TO FULLY RELY ON GOD. LOOSING YOURSELF EQUALS JOY! REMEMBER JOY= JESUS, OTHERS, AND YOU!
*YOU DO NOT CHASE AFTER HAPPINESS. JUST DO THE RIGHT THING AT THE RIGHT TIME, AND THE RIGHT KIND OF JOY WILL FOLLOW.. * TRUE BLUE RIGHT HERE 
EXAMPLES OF THIS WOULD BE, ROBBING A BANK, LYING ABOUT SOMEONE, RUINING SOMEONE'S CHARACTER, JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE JEALOUS OF THEM OR JUST DON'T WANT THEM TO BE HAPPY, STEALING ANOTHER  MAN'S WIFE OR AND/ OR ANOTHER WOMAN'S HUSBAND.. BTW, * THIS ONE WILL NEVER BRING FULL JOY!
WHY? CAUSE IT IS NOT OF GOD!

Psalm 30:5 King James Version (KJV)

⁵ For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

*JOY ENHANCES HEALTH AND ADDS DAYS TO YOUR LIFE! I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I WANNA LIVE AS LONG AS I CAN!! CHOOSE JOY!
*JOY IS IMPORTANT TO JESUS. JOY WHICH IS ROOTED IN CHRIST IS AN EXAMPLE OF GODLINESS!
OUR JOY IS LASTING BECAUSE WE AS A BELIEVER, IS JOYFUL ALWAYS, BECAUSE WE ARE LIKE CHRIST.
* IN CLOSING, OUR FUTURE EQUALS JOY! THINK ABOUT HOW HEAVEN IS RIGHT NOW.. RIGHT NOW, WE CAN BE JOYFUL BECAUSE HEAVEN IS SO VERY NEAR. OUR LOVED ONES THAT HAVE GONE ON, IS A REASON TO BE JOYFUL. IN CHRIST, THEY ARE REJOICING WITH JESUS!
* I WANT TO LEAVE YOU WITH THIS THOUGHT.. WHAT IS KEEPING YOU FROM TRUE JOY?? WHAT IS ROBBING YOU FROM JOY YOU CAN HAVE ALL THE TIME? IS IT FAMILY OUT OF THE WILL OF GOD? IS IT SICKNESS THAT YOU CAN NOT GET HEALED FROM? IS IT A WAYWARD CHILD? IS IT A FINANCIAL REASON? JESUS CAN GIVE YOU VICTORY OVER ALL OF THESE THINGS AND EVEN EXAMPLES THAT I DID NOT TALK ABOUT. TRUSTING THE LORD IN ALL YOU DO AND YIELDING YOUR LIFE TO HIM IS THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE TRUE JOY!
REMEMBER JESUS LOVES YOU.. THIS CAN BRING JOY TO YOU LIKE NO OTHER.

EVOLVING AROUND JOY INVOLVES  ELIMINATING THINGS THAT DO NOT BRING YOU JOY! 

HOPE YOU HAVE A WEEK FULL OF JOY! CHOOSE JOY, JESUS, OTHERS, AND YOU!

Fruits of the Spirit- LOVE

I KNOW IT HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE POSTING ON THE BLOG, BUT I AM GOING TO DO BETTER ..

SINCE NOVEMBER, I  HAVE BEEN DOING A STUDY ON THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. THIS HAS BEEN A REAL BLESSING TO ME. IT HAS HELPED ME IN MANY WAYS, I WANTED TO SHARE, SO IT MAY HELP YOU ALSO. I HAVE BEEN READING A BOOK BY MY FAVORITE CHRISTIAN AUTHOR, ELIZABETH GEORGE, ON THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT.  I HAVE COMPILED SOME THOUGHTS AND NOTES DURING MY STUDY, I PLAN ON SHARING THEM ON FRIDAYS. I AM GOING TO SHARE MY THOUGHTS  AND NOTES.
WELCOME TO FRUITS FRIDAY!

Galatians 5:22-26 King James Version (KJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
²⁴ And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
²⁶ Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

King James Version (KJV)

Ephesians 5 King James Version (KJV)

5 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

² And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
*LOVE- WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT LOVE? THINK ABOUT IT, YOU WERE BORN TO LOVE, BORN OUT OF LOVE, BORN INTO LOVE... WE GIVE LOVE ONE TO ANOTHER. AND THEN THERE IS CHRIST ' LOVE FOR US. THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL.. I WILL GO ON RECORD HERE AND SAY YOU CAN NOT FULLY LOVE SOMEONE IF YOU HAVE BITTERNESS AND WRATH IN YOUR HEART TOWARD THEM. NO MATTER WHAT THEY HAVE DONE OR YOU HAVE DONE.  WE ARE TO LOVE WITH A CHRIST LIKE LOVE,.EVEN WHAT YOU DO '' IN CHRISTIAN LOVE''.HE WANTS HIS LOVE REFLECTED. THIS INCLUDES LOVING ONE ANOTHER, WHETHER IT BE A CHILD, PARENT, HUSBAND, WIFE, AUNT , UNCLE. YOU GET IT. RIGHT? HE WANTS HIS LOVE REFLECTED IN THE HEARTS OF FAMILIES ONE TO ANOTHER. ''LOVING ONE ANOTHER LIKE CHRIST LOVES US, EVEN WHEN WE ARE'' BAD'' STILL JESUS LOVES US..HIS LOVE IS UNFAILING AND THANK GOD. UNENDING LOVE, AND A REDEEMING LOVE!!
 Ephesians 5 King James Version (KJV)

5 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

² And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
*WALK IN LOVE
EVERY FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT REQUIRES DECISION, AND LOVE IS NO DIFFERENT. YOU CHOOSE WHO YOU WANT TO LOVE, BUT GOD COMMANDS US TO LOVE.ARE YOU GLAD GOD CHOOSE TO  LOVE YOU ENOUGH TO DIE FOR YOU? WHAT A THOUGHT! LOVE IS WORK, LOVE IS TIME, LOVE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING, IT REQUIRES ACTION, NOT JUST WORDS! ON IN VERSE 2 OF THIS SAME CHAPTER, IT DOES SPEAK OF UNCLEANLINESS, FORNICATORS, COVETOUS,HAVE ANY INHERIITANCE TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD.. WITHOUT FORGIVENESS. BE NOT PARTAKERS WITH THEM. 

*LOVE REACHES OUT TO THE UNLOVABLE 
THIS IS A BIG ONE. WE ALL DO THINGS THAT MAKES US SEEM UNLOVABLE AT TIMES. IN ALL TRUTH, WE DON'T DESERVE LOVE. THINK OF WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD, AND YOU GOT IN TROUBLE, YOUR PARENTS WOULD ALWAYS SAY BEFORE YOUR WHOOPING, '' I AM DOING THIS BECAUSE I LOVE YOU'' THEY WANTED YOU TO KNOW THEY LOVED YOU, BUT THEY WANTED YOU TO KNOW YOU DID WRONG ALSO. .THINK OF THE UNLOVABLES IN YOUR LIFE... THE BITTER ONES, THE UNGRATEFUL, THE SELFISH, THE EVIL ACTS OF OTHER PEOPLE, SPITEFUL PEOPLE. THEY ALL STILL ARE LOVED..YOU CAN BE TREATED LIKE YOU ARE NOT LOVED.. ^{john 3:16} For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life     .BUT REMEMBER GOD'S LOVE IS ALWAYS THERE. HE PROVED IT WHEN HE GAVE HIS SON JESUS FOR US ON THE CROSS TO DIE FOR US.
REMEMBER HE WHO LOVES MOST , LIVES MOST!! THINK ON THAT A WHILE. 
LOVE IS THE SWEETEST THING THAT EVER GREW IN A HUMAN'S HEART. THINK ABOUT A NEW MAMA HOLDING HER FIRSTBORN RIGHT AFTER GIVING BIRTH, A NEW BEGINNING, A NEW LIFE, A FOREVER BOND BETWEEN A MOTHER AND CHILD..
IN 1ST CORINTHIANS 13:13, PAUL PUT LOVE ABOVE ALL, EVEN FAITH, AND HOPE.THEY ALL 3 GO TOGETHER.
*LOVE IS A COMMAND- IN MATTHEW 5:44, HE COMMANDS US TO LOVE THE ONES ANYWAY THAT ARE ENEMIES, BLESS THEM THAT CURSE YOU,DO GOOD TO THEM THAT HATE YOU, LOVE THEM ANYWAY.. THIS CAN BE A HARD PILL TO SWALLOW, ESPECIALLY THE ONE THAT WRONGS YOU, BUT YOU ARE TO REMEMBER TO LOVE LIKE CHRIST. FORGIVE LIKE CHRIST, BEHAVE LIKE CHRIST,CAUSE WHAT IF CHRIST DID NOT LOVE YOU?? WHERE WOULD YOU BE?? EVEN WHEN WE ARE NOT LOVABLE, HE STILL LOVES US LIKE WE WERE HIS ONLY CHILD.  WE ARE NEVER FAVORED , LIKE THE SONG SAYS, BUT WE CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL WE ARE BLESSED..JESUS AND HIS LOVE TO US IS THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL, AND BECAUSE OF THAT, WE SHOULD WANT TO LOVE OTHERS THE WAY HE DOES.
*WAYS AND ACTS OF LOVE
LOVE IS SOMETHING IN EACH PERSON'S LIFE THAT NEEDS TO BE DEMONSTRATED, IN EACH STAGE OF A PERSON'S LIFE.. LIKE WHEN YOUR PARENT LOVED YOU AND CARED FOR YOU, NOW, THEY ARE OLDER, IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO SHOW YOUR LOVE BY TAKING CARE OF THEM BECAUSE  THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO...A KIND WORD TO A FRIEND, AN ENCOURAGEMENT CARD, A SIMPLE ''PRAYING FOR YOU''. A FREE MEAL TO A FRIEND, REMEMBER THE LOVE OF CHRIST AND SHOWING THE FRUIT OF LOVE IN ALL YOU DO..  NEXT TIME, WE WILL LOOK AT JOY.. JESUS, OTHERS, YOU. EQUALS JOY !!
HAVE A CHERRY ON TOP KIND OF FRIDAY!!!!