"Age Changes One's Interpretation on Events in Life"

As a youngster, you believe whatever your parents, close relatives, teachers, and significant others tell you. And most of the time - you do not question what you've been told - you just accept the information that has been shared with you. Now, as a seasoned adult, I now question many of the things that I had been taught to accept and believe. BUT- as I look at the world changing around me- I am forced to look at life and issues such as Education, Health, Immigration Reform, Religion and the current political atmosphere and other things with a deeper/different perspective.

Many trusted men and women of the cloth have failed to live up to the standards that they have taught about and that in itself, causes me to step back and reevaluate what has been accepted as the norm. (Not excluding the fact that I, like so many others have also fallen short at times). At any rate -we are reminded that people are human beings and are sometimes weak, sometimes strong and sometimes are agents of disappointment. So, the bottom line is - reassessing and determining what is "truth"( to me, and what it is to you) and then acting upon that "truth".

What has been reinforced within me is to continue standing on my principles and never bending because someone else has a different philosophy. Life is what we make it and what we become is what we have purposed to become.

Have a Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year filled with the sincere desires of your heart.

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen

God's Blessings Continue Even During a Recession!

Just a Word of Encouragement

Can you recall the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, and this same young boy was thrown into prison and later released because he had the ability to interpret dreams? Well, Joseph was able to share this God given ability to interpret dreams with the Pharoah, who would release him from prison and give him a leadership position in Egypt, making him second in command. If I am not mistaken - making him Governor. Astounding huh? Anyway, I hope you already know the story. If not, you can read Chapters 37 through 44 of Genesis.

He went from the pit to the prison to the palace. The Lord knows how to take care of his people and has provided ways for us to experience abundance during lean times. He has already prepared the path that believers should take and has made daily provisions for us. "Great is thy Faithfulness". I have seen his mercies new each morning and all that I have needed his hand has provided. I would like to believe that many of you have also experienced his hand of provision and can relate to his mercy, faithfulness, and love?

God is a good God!!!

Attitude of Gratefulness

Monday November 10, 2008

It has been a year since I have taken the time to blog and it has been 17 months since I have retired. My retirement has been full and enjoyable, as I have been doing what I love to do- train teachers.

Recently one of my dear friends went home to be with the Lord; it was a wake up call to remind me how important it is to appreciate each day and to live it to the fullest. I was reminded to not take anything for granted and to always be grateful for the many blessings (large and small) that has been and is continuously available to me (Living with an attitude of gratefulness). Sometimes, it takes death to
make us truly realize how fortunate we are.

Meanwhile- too me, it’s so important to walk in love and to reach out with respect and love to others- sharing the love of Christ that resides within us while giving of our time and resources. As tomorrow is promised to no one, so let’s take advantage of each opportunity to minister and provide a service to our fellow man. In the end, HE will say well done thy good and faithful servant – well-done.

: mem-patience is a virtue

Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith.
(I Timothy 6:11-12). As a reminder-your attitude determines your altitude. Also, when God speaks to us, HE does so from where we are going not from where we are. Let’s praise God for who HE is and experience HIS infinite and unchanging care, provision, and protection. God has given us diligence, and has added to our faith, virtue and knowledge. (II Peter 2:5)