BlessedAssurance

                                                             (art color by: C. Moore) S ometimes we tend to get stuck. Literally, stuck on where we are in life, relationships, with our studies, our drive for God, finances. Whatever the case may be, sometimes we get stuck. Well, the Lord revealed to me just five minutes ago, to pick that dream back up again. Yes, start where you are. Don't worry about the time lost or opportunities lost. Pick that dream back up, that book you started writing, make some relationships right, go back to school, teach the Word. As long as you are graced with "today", you can pick it back up again. You are still here for a reason. A reason to glorify God and live as a light onto this World.  Pick up the pieces and GO out and make a difference! Picking it up by God's grace, ~LaKenya

While life can throw some curve balls sometimes, I'm reminded of the scripture John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." As I ref lect over this scripture, I'm so engulfed with Jesus' instructions that peace lies within Him. Oftentimes, we tend to want to obtain peace in any and everything such as shopping, entertainment, pleasing people or so forth. But Jesus clearly instructs that if we want to acquire peace, it simply is in Him.   Also, with peace there comes a period or periods of tribulation. None of us really want to deal with trials and strife, but Jesus assures us in this passage that they are sure to come. My reaction would be to avoid the trials and run as fast from them as I can, but what I've learned that as I encounter them and go through them, it strengthens us, molds us and transforms us into a better person. Af

Depression can hinder a person from fulfilling his/her full potential. It can bring detriment to family members who watch their loved ones fall into this pit of a depressed state. When one loses hope, it can easily be a doorway to depression-a mental decline, a loss of interest, withdrawal.  I know there is power in prayer and I want to pray against this spirit that not only has plagued people who are close to me, but I've had to cast it down, as well. I know that God sent his only Son so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. He wants us to be filled with love, joy, peace, faith, hope, and desire. So, let's stretch our hands to the screen today and pray against the spirit of depression and where two or three are gathered, He will be in the midst. Let's Pray... Dear Father God, We thank you for who You are. We adore You for being an all powerful and loving God. We praise you in the morning, noon, and evening. Wherever our foot thread, we ask that you be wit