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Parenting - Challenges and Uncertainty "Our Children Belong"

Before our young people can begin to realize or understand who they aspire to be or even envision themselves as they will most likely mimic others. This intrinsic behavior is common in our society. As parents, we want to mold, shape, or guide them in ways that seem right to us. We want to steer them away from the mistakes we've made. However, they see us for who we are in real time. Unfortunately, they sometimes see us behaving in ways we advise against. We also make the mistake of not listening to them. "We are not your friends" they are told, "we are your parents". We don't have to agree with what you say. You just need to listen to us. Until we listen attentively to what they are in fact saying, we'll never understand what went wrong. We must hear exactly what they're saying in order to guide them. Not hearing is the same as not knowing the water is way too deep and then proceeding to jump in anyway. Right guidance and, right instructions can only be given with the right knowledge. I hear you say, the water is too deep. I totally ignore that fact and proceed to tell you about how safe shallow water is. Listening to our young people's struggles is half the battle. When we listen, we know what they are thinking, their opinions, and more importantly, how to redirect their train of thought. Our children belong. They, like most people in our society, are faced with constant change. The space that they are in, is theirs. Their voices matter. We must not make them feel judged. Good directions come from a place of love, recognizing that we, too, belong.

When our young people's voices cannot be heard only judged, they tend to move towards those who do hear them. And when they do, they hear the good or bad influences imposed by those who listen. Their intent is to steer them away from the truth. Dear parents let your child know their voice is important, to you. They will be more apt to talk freely and openly as a direct result. More importantly, they will listen to your advice.

I know how to step back and allow my adult children to be adults regardless of their choices and the results. It is sometimes necessary for us as parents to find our own way and stop trying to forge the path for our children. They will follow our lead, or perhaps they will embrace paths we feared to. It's their choice. They are no longer tethered to our side. Each journey we take in life leads to new possibilities and new discoveries. Just think, how would 15-year-old you see you today? Would you be willing to follow your lead? Would see yourself as never achieving your goals in life? Do you feel you have achieved your true purpose for being? Would you be elated and overjoyed about every choice you made during the course of your life? Would there be regret? Longing? Did you end up where the 15-year-old you were headed? It may feel like you are abandoning your baby in the stroller by giving them space and time to grow. You won't be. There are risks. However, finding the ways and means of guiding them while simultaneously allowing them the freedom to explore life's unique pathways - the path created by God for them can be very challenging. Growth comes as a result of experiencing difficulties and diversity. The risks are real, challenges will come and go, and life holds uncertainty. Don't give up on them. Don't quit. Do your best. With the help of God, you will find the end results offer so much more than you could have ever conceived.

Written by Adrienne Vanterpool in support of Hanifah Talks and https://peninsulainterfaithcc.com/

What You Should Know Before You Say

I do. Marriage is a commitment. It is not a one-sided commitment. This is a mutual commitment that both parties make in the knowledge that this is potentially a lifetime commitment. This concept ensures you a successful marriage. Not perfect, successful. Your forever person comes with flaws. We each have our own set of bandages that are unpacked over the years. As we let down our guard and remove our masks, we reveal our true selves. We become vulnerable. However, we should not use our partners' vulnerability as a weapon against them. But rather as an opportunity to let down our guard as well. When we marry someone, we are engaging in a relationship with a whole person. A complete person. One that experiences joy, sadness, pain, disappointment, elation, gratitude, and pride. All expressed in their own weird, quirky, and often surprising ways. These traits are accompanied by entire families. In-laws who will often welcome us or completely turn their back on us. Let's not forget we too have families who will either love or hate the person we have chosen to marry. These all present just a fraction of the issues newlyweds face.

Before you put a "ring on it". Before you say, "I do". How well do you really know your partner? Dating can be frightening. We want to put our best foot forward. We dreg letting someone really get to know who we really are for fear they may or may not stick around. So, up pops our representative saying all the right words and behaving their best to win you over. Have you ever heard a newlywed say, "I never knew or saw this behavior before we got married"? Often shortly after the honeymoon feeling bewildered and ready to call it off. 

Every relationship takes time, valuable time. Spend it well. Get to know the person you are in a relationship with thoroughly. Don't make assumptions, ask questions and listen for the answers. The most important thing is to hear what another person is saying. Not what you think they are saying. There can be a huge disparity in what you think they said as opposed to what is really being said. Don't be afraid to ask again for the sake of clarity. Be deliberate and intentional during your discussions. Better now than finding out later you have real compatibility issues that cannot be resolved through marriage counseling.

Is your partner a team player? Does he or she have a poor credit history? Are they honest and transparent? What are their views - politically, economically, religiously, and so on? This all matter. Couples that marry become families. Your forever person's opinions and ideologies play an important role in raising children. Do you want children? Do they? These questions all seem like pushing the envelope off the table during the dating stage. However, when your relationship grows beyond the casual dating point, they all need to be addressed. We are talking about your future and the type of lifestyle in intend to live.

Written by Adrienne Vanterpool in support of Hanifah Talks and https://peninsulainterfaithcc.com/

MAKE HAJJ AND REACH SALVATION

Jerusalem: Three religions, three families | Faith Matters

Freedom from Anxiety, Depression, and Negative Thoughts by Dunia Shuaib ...

International Travel: Here's Some Things You Should Know

International Travel Issues for Americans  Find helpful resources for Americans before traveling outside of the U.S., including how to exchange money, get visas for certain countries, and sign-up for government travel programs and safety alerts. Also, learn how to apply for an international driver's permit.

On This Page

• Trusted Traveler Programs
• Infographic: Traveling? Spend Less Time in Line
• Americans Driving Outside the United States
• Currency Exchange
• Emergency Help for Americans Abroad
• Stay Safe When Traveling Abroad
• Travel to U.S. Territories or Freely Associated States
• Visas for U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad

Hanifah Talks: Hajj Journey 2014

Thinking Your Way Into Health | Kamilah Stevenson | TEDxWillowCreek

Gratitude and Willingness

Are You Grateful?

I woke this morning, prepared to pray and ready myself for work.  All too often I move through the day thinking of God's goodness and mercy in my life and in those I love.  Today I felt a calm assurance that God is and has been blessing me all my life.  Every moment of my life has and is being guided by a governing force much greater than I.  It may seem difficult to understand or even articulate, however, I know without a doubt God is with me.  In times of trouble when I feel alone, He is there.  Ever present, God nurtures and care for us in so many ways.  His love for us will never perish.

Some may think of God as awful and punishing, and rightfully so.  To those who have given their lives in service to Him, there is a blessed reward.  To those who have disobeyed Him theirs is a just reward.   Just?  What do I mean by just reward?  First, let us examine what God himself has told us and instructed us to do.  We are given clear guidance by the prophets and all those sent before us to worship in spirit and in truth.  We are urged to love one another, to feed the sick, visit the poor, to honor our mothers and fathers, to be grateful and to love our neighbor as life our selves.  We are instructed not to kill, steal and be warmongering towards one another.  Do we have reason to fear God?  Yes, of course, we do.  He is a just God, His word is sure and everlasting.  He is not a lier and nor is He the son of a lier.  When we are told of the judgment we forget the clear signs, instructions, and guidance we have been given.  We often forget God's plea and His admonishments to us.  We forget all the wrong we have done to ourselves as well as others and somehow expect that God will grant us entry into the pearly gates when we have paved our own way into the gates of hell.  

This we must remember, God loves us and give us many opportunities to love and care for ourselves and others.  If we love as God loves us we will be grateful in spite of ourselves.  Sinful people earn the reward of hell by the deeds they have committed in the flesh.  Grateful people earn the rewards of heaven by the deeds they have committed in the flesh.  Odd but true, we earn our rewards through our deeds.  God in His mercy wants to reward us with the best things of this life and the hereafter.  But have we earned it?  Often times we are forgiven for our sins without even asking and granted God's favor of mercy under many circumstances.  However, taken for grant God's mercy has boundaries we dare not cross.  I know some will differ on this, however, set boundaries have been established.  When God told Pharaoh "let my people go" there was a clear boundary set up in the Red Sea when the warning was not heeded Pharaoh and his followers drowned.  Did Pharaoh and those who followed him earn their punishment, indeed.  Did they cross clear boundaries, most definitely We have many examples to read, listen and learn from.  God provides everything we need to escape the fires of hell, yet there are many that will end up there.

Why are we so prom to an error in our ways and feel that in spite of our behavior we will in some miraculous way be granted peace and entrance in the hereafter?  Our fears are healthy and strong for we know all too well the deeds we have done in our flesh and continue to do.  We may lie to the world about our upstanding conduct and impeccable behaviors, but we know all too well the truth of the matter.  We can not hide from ourselves and in no way are we capable of hiding from the presence of God.  His angels are writing down our every deed.  I call it divine surveillance for a clear record is being kept of all we do.  On the day of judgment, and there will be a day of judgment, we will be given our books and judged by our deeds.  Although merciful God wants nothing more than to bless us, we have in our own way denied His blessings and asked for just and due to punishment, "if you do the crime, you will do the time."

Am I grateful?  Yes, I woke this morning in my right mind, willing to be obedient, willing to worship and willing to praise and give thanks for another opportunity to get it right.  I must admit I haven't always been willing to do what is in my best interest.  Thank God for His many opportunities and blessings.  I am grateful that I still have time today to muster up enough courage and moral fiber to do what God has called on me to do.  "Adrienne Vanterpool"

The Many Faces of Addiction

How do you define addiction?

Addiction is generally characterized as substance abuse. It is often assumed or associated with the addict sticking a needle in their arm or worse. However, it goes much deeper than that.  Most people in our society do not realize that they are just as addicted as the person using drugs.  Addiction expresses itself in a number of ways.  I recently read an article that defines other types of addiction.  One definition that stands out is the one given for behavioral addiction, “an overwhelming desire to engage in a particular behavior or action, having a total lack of control over one's behavior.   Addiction was also defined as having a compulsive or obsessive nature; meaning that an individual will continue behaving in a negative manner despite impending doom or dire consequences.  Regardless of whether the activities we participate in are considered acceptable by many standards and not really harmful, it becomes easy to overlook the damage caused.  Sure, lots of people overeat, but are they addicted to food; in most cases, yes.   We have all heard the saying, “eat to live and live to eat,” right?  How does that play out in addition?  Well, eating is something we all must do to survive. Food is the essential nourishment of the body.  However, when we gorge ourselves eating way past the point of satiation not knowing when to quit or being unable to stop, is an addiction.  

The feelings are relatively the same whether its food, drugs, shopping for clothes and shoes, smoking, watching TV, or working.  There is a definite line of demarcation that falls between addictive and “normal” patterns of behavior.  Being obsessed or acting compulsively if often seen or described as being passionate or spontaneous, which are healthy traits. However, when obsession and compulsion begin to negatively affect parts of your life that would otherwise be productive, you have moved into the realm of addiction.  

Watching too much TV can plague your life and as a result your home, family, and friends or left feeling neglected.  Working long hours without taking a much-needed break throughout the course of your day will cause health issues and more.  Losing track of time while engaged in some obsessive or compulsive behavior can cause miss appointments, bills to go unpaid or that pot of food to burn, and so much more.  It is sometimes very difficult to bring the focus back to what you’re actually supposed to be doing.  Addicts spent enormous amounts of time being caught up in whatever they're doing while everything suffers around them.  

When this happens you know it’s an addiction and it has nothing to do with drugs. Individuals who suffer from obsessive or compulsive behavioral traits are more likely to fall under the influence of drug addiction; however, it is not the norm.  Going through life unaware of addictive behavior patterns or character defects that lead to emotional, mental, and spiritual deprivation over time will result in an even greater loss if not recognized.  I have linked an article to the title above which talks more extensively about this subject.  I found it to be very interesting and helpful. “Adrienne Vanterpool”

Planning Your Next Vacation

Where Would You Like To Go?

Even the most expensive vacation plans can be accomplished with a well thought out detailed planning practice.  Money is always an issue.  Having enough or not enough to successfully achieve your vacation goals do not need to come into question when planning or does it.  Think of where you'd like to go, what it will take to get you there and how practical is your desire.   Both rich and poor vacationers travel extensively enjoying their journeys in a variety of ways.   It's all in the planning.  Choose your accommodations wisely don’t overspend.  Travel plans made according to your budget generally work best.  If you do not have a six-figure job, it would be wise to choose more reasonable accommodations.  Look for economic means of transportation.   Try locating the nearest buffet and other restaurants that are suitable for your budget.  Hotels are meant to provide your lodging place does not need to be the most expensive place in town.  

Explore commercial means of transportation consider car rental versus taking a cab.  Find out if there is public transportation available and depending on the distance you may contemplate walking as an option which is always a great sightseeing opportunity. Take pictures along the way, discover things that you would have otherwise not known or had the option to see had you driven or taking the bus.  It's also great exercise, therefore, have fun while doing so.  Biking is another option you may consider as well.  Make your next vacation plans with these suggestions in mind, I guarantee it will be a lot less stressful.  "Adrienne Vanterpool"

Weight Loss: You Can Be Successful

Does everyone really want to lose weight?

Weight Loss Made Easy

 We All Want to Lose Weight – Right?

No, not everyone is willing to do what it takes to lose a substantial amount of weight.  Weight Loss Made Easy will help you slowly over a period of time lose unwanted fat; rid your body of excess water weight while rejuvenating your energy levels.  That’s right, all this is possible and much more once you become willing to take the necessary steps to weight loss. 

Plain or Fruit Infused Water
Way to GO!!

Start your process by drinking plenty of water at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily.  To accomplish this goal I suggest downloading the Water Log app to your cell phone.  This will allow you to keep an accurate account of how much water you drink per day.  Once you have downloaded the app, go to the setup section, and set a goal for yourself based on your current weight.  You can also register your app by creating a password and include your email address which allows you access over the internet.  However, this step is optional it’s your choice.  While you may drink other beverages during the course of the day, please do not include their intake on your waterlog.  This will only defeat the purpose.  Drinking more water is your main goal.  I also suggest cutting back on your intake sugar-laden drinks that add extra calories and fat to the equation.  You’re off to a great start.

Let’s examine our sugar intake.  

The Sugar Addict
would fall off the wagon here.

Choose Fruit

The goal here is to reduce or completely eliminate sugar consumption.  Removing sugar in all its forms will greatly improve your weight loss efforts and maximize fat burning.  One of the worst food substances we can consume is high fructose corn syrup; this should be avoided at all costs.  Reading the labels of each product you plan to purchase is widely recommended.  By the time you get your purchases home reading the label will do very little in terms of preventing you from eating an unhealthy food choice. And if you do read the label it’s almost certain that you’re going to eat it anyway.  Getting to know your food will provide a better understanding; help you make an informed decision which ultimately may change your mind about its consumption.  As dangerous as high fructose corn syrup is, it is not the only sugar trap we face.  Bread, pasta, wheat, rice, and numerous other food-like substances contain that sticky little sweet treat – sugar.  Because so many are addicted to sugar-laden processed foods and by-products, I would suggest backing off slowly.  Take note of the reaction your body has to certain foods.  How does it feel to eat or not eat them?   You know when food affects you adversely.  What are the effects: weight gain, gassiness, swollen feet, ingestion, and heartburn?  See how you feel after cutting back.  Do those reactions still plague you? 

Treat yourself
to a night out.

What else are you eating that may be causing the same or similar conditions?  Also note whether or not you feel satiated not full, but rather satisfied with your meal.  If not, your body is missing some much need nutrients you haven’t acquired from your recent meals or food choices.  If you’re feeling full but not satisfied you will soon be reaching for something else.  This is the major cause of weight gain – not getting proper nourishment from our food sources which leads to overeating.  Your body is starving and instead of feeding it nourishing and healthy foods, we gorge on unhealthy food-like substances that provide very little nutrition.  The worst part is that most of it are jam-packed with sugar. 

How about those mystery meats?  

Ever wonder what ingredients are
in sausage? 

When it comes right down to it we should avoid processed meats. Processed meats are full of salt and preservatives, waste by-products, and other unwanted leftovers that would be otherwise be trashed, are combined to make a tasty hot dog, lunch meat, and so on.  Buyers beware these food-like substances, although they taste delicious all packed in a bun, they are deadly.   It is crucial that our consumption of foods jam-packed with salt be limited to much smaller amounts than we consider safe.  All those crunchy, salty treats are somewhat difficult to cut out of our diet.  However, they lead to mindless eating where we consume far more than we intended to eat.  I have personally experienced this while watching TV.  After several attempts to put that bag of chips down during the commercial break, I realized the bag was almost empty.  Needless to say, it didn’t feel good. 

Did you read the label?

I recognize that chips are not the problem.  There are enough salty, crunchy foods and I can play the blame game for years.  That would be a tragedy.  What needs to happen is to make better choices when shopping for food.  That is where it starts, in the market before bringing it home.  As stated previously taking much need time to read the labels will prevent poor food choices from ended up in the cart.  This can be a difficult and painstaking process.  We have developed a lifetime of poor eating habits over the years that we have become accustomed too. 

Create new healthy eating habits that will allow longer, healthier, happier, leaner lives over time.  Moving away from predictable old bad habits that routinely show up can be done through effort and determination. What are the options?  We can start by eating healthy fats like extra cold-pressed olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and real butter.  Stop eating unhealthy fats like corn oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, and the list goes on.   Often we are inundated with bad advice about eating low-fat foods. Did you know your body actually needs the healthy fat source to survive and without good healthy fats you will gain weight?  Read “Eat Fat Get Thin by Dr. Hyman” you will be surprised what you find out.  Words of warring eat nuts and seeds in moderation because of their high caloric count. Let’s not down an entire bag of nuts without considering that.  Also avoid bagged nuts that contain added salt, sugar, honey, and other substances to make them taste “BETTER?”  Nuts are fine in their natural state. Try a handful of raw nuts, plain dry roasted or pop them right out of the shell.  It’s just that simple.

Home cooking is not a guessing game.

God created Adam and Eve, they were hunter-gathers.  They did not have microwaves, stoves, dishwashers, or any of the comforts of home as we experience today.  They have to work hard for every bite.  Things have become just too easy in today’s society.  Everything has to be done in a hurry and sometimes that’s not fast enough.  Imagine living in the time of the hunter-gathers where if you couldn’t catch it, dig it up or knot it out of the air you just didn’t eat.  Oh but wait, let’s not forget about those tasty little grub worms and other bugs used as food.  Would you be able to survive?  Maybe not, however, you wouldn’t be struggling with a weight problem either.  The point I am making here is that modern technology has afforded a life of ease, which in some ways is a curse.  Comfort and ease will lead to unhealthy circumstances if you are not health conscious.  Mindless eating, lack of exercise, poor food selections, and stationary lifestyles has created most of our health complications. 

What can be done?  

• Begin by preparing most meals at home, that way you know exactly what ingredients are in the food. 
• Walk more; movement is a key element of obtaining and staying healthy.  Start off by walking a little more each day, you don’t need a gym membership.  
• Don’t overdo it, you can hurt yourself, moreover, walking for long distances can be boring to someone who’s not used to doing it.  To prevent stopping your program before you have a set routine in place, start slowly, and be deliberate in all your attempts.  
• Examine your sleep patterns; sleep has an awful lot to do with weight gain.  If you are not getting proper rest your body will retain fat, water, toxic, and eventual become sick. 
• Manage your stress level, stress causes a host of problems and weight gain is just one of the symptoms of a stressful lifestyle.  
• Practice meditation; meditation is good for your overall health.  Once you have established a regimen of meditation practices you will most certainly notice the difference.  Do everything in moderation; developing healthy habits take time, therefore, take a balanced approach.  
• Don’t beat yourself up if you fall back into old habits, just start over right then and there.  Reassess your goals, examine how you are feeling, and move forward.  “Adrienne Vanterpool”

The Strength to be Honest

Developing the strength you need to be honest with yourself will change your life.

Be open to Honesty

When is the last time you lied to yourself?  Think hard and long before answering this question.  Most people when asked responded that they very seldom lie to themselves.  But is that true?  What does lying to one’s self really involve?  These among other very perplexing and difficult to answer questions come up often.  I recall smiling through a discussion that I would have rather not had, yet I sat there with this imitation smile pretending to be interested even concerned.  When the truth of the matter was I had something more pressing on my mind and didn’t have to heart to tell the person that I really didn’t want to hear what they were talking about.  Is that a method of lying?  Of course, it is.  Did it cause harm to the individual?  No, people have a right to change their minds and it has absolutely nothing to do with anything or anyone outside of ourselves.   However, we must develop the courage to get honest about what’s actually taking place with us.  You may have promised a friend a listening ear.  However, when your circumstances change and you’re no longer able or willing, get honest.  People and their needs change.  There's absolutely nothing wrong with having the ability to change and be honest with you first, especially if the need arises. 

Strength Journal 

That is just one scenario, there are countless others that may require an amazing amount of courage, strength, and determination, however, there’s no turning back if we want to get better.  Surprisingly our family and friends will develop the strength to get honest as time goes on.  It is beneficial for all involved to strengthen our capacity of being honest.  Someone said, “If you don’t develop the strength to get honest, you will become brutally honest when circumstances get out of control.”  Honesty isn’t easy and takes an enormous amount of courage, however, once you start practicing honesty it will become our standard for living, the difficulty will be a thing of the past.   “Adrienne Vanterpool”

Maurice Montgomery: Rising Star

Hydration

There are many reasons for reaching and sustaining healthy hydration.

The benefits of being properly hydrated are far-reaching.  Many people are unaware of being dehydrated on most days.   Selecting to drink sugary soft drinks as a form of hydration is one of the worse things we can do for our health.  There are no real benefits in drinking Gatorade, Vitamin Water or any of the other so-called boosts your hydration products.   It’s actually detrimental for your health and much more harmful than you can imagine.  

Proper hydration does wonders for the body when done in the right manner particularly the effects water has on supporting weight loss.  Yes, you got it water is the most favorable drink on the market for appropriate hydration.  There are no side effects and the benefits are astronomical.  First recognize that our bodies are 70 percent water, which means the other 30 percent are organs, tissues, and bones.  The food we consume is converted into nutrients that nourish our total body.  What we do not use is stored or removed from the body as waste.  

Water aids in our ability to wash/cleanse the waste products left behind after foods have been digested.   Not all fluids are the same nor do they have the same cleansing effect as water in the body.  Because we are 70 percent water that percentage must be constantly replenished regularly.  Drinking soft drinks and other sugary substances are not treated as water and do not have the same hydrating effect.  You become dehydrated even though your body is retaining fluid.  This build of unwanted liquid in the body is toxic and harmful to every organ.  Our body begins to struggle to try desperately to absorb water from everything we ingest.  Is it any wonder that you’re putting on weight?  

It is suggested that we drink at least half our body’s weight in ounces of water daily.  This does not include other drinks.   Help yourself to other drinks as long as you have accomplished the desired goal of drinking half your body weight in water.  Truthfully once you have done so you will not be thirsty or hungry for that matter.  Often times we are consuming food unaware that what our body really needs and wants is water.  I found a very interesting article that will help you better understand the process our bodies go through in relation to water and its many benefits.  “Adrienne Vanterpool”

Click to read the article:

The Shocking Reality of Death

Unpleasant as it feels death is a reality

While it generally comes as a surprise to us, it shouldn’t.  We are all going to die.  Some of us will die sooner than later, it’s just a fact of life, what counts is how we are living our day to day lives.   We each have a specific purpose in God’s great creation.  Our life is a celebration of God’s greatness.  Just waking up this morning is positive proof that God is in control.  No amount of wealth can ensure you’ll see another day.  It’s only through His grace and mercy that we live a celebratory life. Each time our eyes open, each time our lungs consume another breath, each time we feel pain, joy, happiness, sorrow, love, peace – you got it.  There is cause to celebrate; the person that does not have died.  We often forget or simply do not understand that when this life is over we will give an account to our creator.  What we have done with our gifts, time and talent each deed will be accounted for.  I was shocked to hear of the passing of someone many of us know, love and respect.  RIP brother, you will be missed especially by those who knew you best.  Grief One Day at a Time: Meditation

Life is an incredible gift.  What we do with this gift is up to us.  Let us not take it for granted, we may not see tomorrow.  A songwriter once wrote a song, “Live like you’re dying”.  True fact – you are.  When does the fact that life is a gift become a reality – after death?  Don’t let this gift slip away without acknowledging the beauty and pleasure that has unfolded in your life.  Recognize God’s bountiful mercy and unlimited grace.  Strive to understand your God-given purpose, walk in your celebratory truth giving praise to God each day you live.  Share your heart, mind, and love of life in some meaningful way with everyone you encounter – start today.  “Adrienne Vanterpool” 

Morning Meditation

Begin Your Day with Prayer, Praise and Worship  

Prayer is talking to God.  Bring all your trouble to God, tell Him all about it.  Phrases I've frequently heard over the years.  Talking to God is often used as a means of complaining about our situation.  Let's try something a little different this morning.  Begin your conversation by acknowledging His many gifts, each strong and present in your life right now.  This is where praise comes in, you can't help but praise God after realizing you woke up this morning not on your own accord but by His grace and mercy.  Your eyes opened to behold another day.  You took a deep breath, eased out of bed, walked to the kitchen, sat in your favorite chair.  What wonders to behold.  You are alive, seeing this new day in the comfort of your home, filled with your stuff or somebody else's stuff, it really doesn't matter you are here experiencing each and every moment by His grace and mercy.  Allow your tears to flow as you worship the Creator in spirit and in truth.  You are the recipient of gifts only He could provide.  He alone is the bestower of life don't take it for granted.  Allow your gratitude to blossom you'll be amazed at what God does in your life.  It can't get any better than another day with new possibilities for growth in every dimensions.  Be blessed. "Adrienne Vanterpool"