Freedom of Speech!

As an American citizen, I have the right (well on paper), to free speech. It is the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and was adopted on December 15, 1791 as one of the ten amendments that constitute our Bill of Rights.

Over the years the courts have struggled with what exactly did our fore fathers have in mind when they came up with this? Does it give us the right to call people degrading names, such as nigger and faggots? Does freedom of speech allow us to burn the US flag without consequences? Does it give the KKK (Klu Klux Klan), the right to hold a rally outside a Christian church or Jewish Synagogue and spew words of hate? Here’s a link telling you what the courts have to say about what we can and cannot do today. (What Freedom of Speech means?)

Truth is, the government cannot really govern everything people say publicly and do without loopholes popping up consistently—but God has!

In the Western world women can speak up for themselves, speak out against injustice and throw our opinions out there anytime we feel like it. But God has a different set of rules for us. And it is my opinion that the more social media grows and we partake of it, the more we are forgetting what the Bible has to say concerning our speech.

Let me give you an example, namely Facebook. I have FB friends who I never hear from until they decide they want to correct me or someone who has made a comment on one of my post. They have the freedom to do this because I have allowed them to post comments, but are they right according to God’s way of doing things?

No, they are not.

There are a few reasons why not. For one, their motivation isn’t pure or of good intent. Second, they don’t know the people they are addressing (at all), and therefore more than likely are offensive to them. Plus one must question why is it they never post on the good news, but only show up with an opposing opinion or correction?

And social media isn’t the only place we are out of order. We often have a misplaced use of our free speech with our family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, spouses and church members. We exercise voicing our opinions daily. We love telling it like it is, gossiping and being critical under the guise of our right to free speech.

But God has a set of rules governed by love, as to how we are to exercise our right to free speech. And it looks nothing like the First Amendment.

Lately, I’ve been keenly aware (even when there is no intent to harm), of how words are stealers, hurtful and discouraging. And especially when it stems from an opinion, which to me—is the queen mother of freedom of speech!

James tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Well, that definitely puts a restriction on loosely voicing our opinions. And since we are to speak the truth in love and in due season (right timing), and encourage one another—this only backs up the slow to speak rule.
  

As a mother I have a lot of opinions when it comes to my children and my grandchildren, but I’m learning it’s better to keep them to myself. It’s easier with my older daughter versus than with my 23 year old. But the Lord is helping me to see there needs to be some change on my part.

Does it annoy you when folks do nothing but talk about themselves and their family, hogging the conversation? What about when you’re really excited about something new in your life and they over talk you and start telling what you need to do? (This used to make me doubt if I heard from God or question, why is it that this person can’t seem to give me credit for having a mind of my own?) I think we all have people in our lives that are focused on themselves and those who in many ways have very strong opinions—right or wrong.

Well, I have a news flash—we are all guilty! LOL! Yup! 

The Holy Spirit is showing me, I do the same thing I really don’t like, to my youngest daughter. I’m not necessarily being quick to listen and let her finish and slow in voicing my opinion. She has even said to me, “I just wanted to bounce this off you, not you tell me what to do?” Ouch!

Proverbs 18:13, says….

•          What a shame—yes, how stupid!—to decide before knowing the facts! (TLB)
•          Answering before listening is both stupid and rude. (MSG)
•          He who answers before he hears [the facts]—it is folly and shame to him. (AMP)
•          To answer someone before hearing him out is both stupid and embarrassing. (CJB)

Our freedoms in the Kingdom of God are governed by rules, regulations, restrictions and commands. God’s freedom of speech, does not allow us to use our words according to our will and pleasure—but to glorify Him.

As a wife, do you nag your husband? Do you nag your kids? Are you one who always hogs the conversation without time or concern for the other person? Have you ever cut someone off to throw your two cents in before hearing all they had to say? Does your freedom of speech stick a pin in the bubbles of others? Do your words steal the joy or hope from people? Do you feel that because you know a person, you have the right to say anything you want—when you want? Do you use your speech to lift up or tear down?

Sisters, what man says is freedom of speech has nothing to do with how God says, we are to use our speech.

There is one more important thing I want to say about all this, and that is—we need to do more talking to God about things and not other people. 

We need to get His approval and then move forward. It’s sad to say, but everyone is not going to be happy for you or agree with you—even if they love you. This is the lesson, I am still working on. Getting my marching orders and moving forward, without discussing it with others. 

And I’m also working on praying before I call people or even answer the phone. Why? For one, I want to be that listening ear and the encourager I’ve been called to be. So, even if I call them to maybe talk but they consume the conversation—I don’t want to become frustrated. I want to be able to listen. And when I really need an ear, I pray God shows me who.

True freedom of speech knows when to be quiet. It will not point out the flaws of others and is not critical. It does not have to defend itself for speaking out of turn and causing confusion and hurt feelings.

Taking time to hear others out, and letting our words marinate before disbursing them, can save us from much heartache. In other words, to be slow to speak is wonderful godly advice!

Quick bible study for you gals…read one chapter a day in the book of Proverbs, using The Living bible (TLB) translation.  Highlight everything that jumps out at you concerning, your tongue, speech, talking, words, conversations…etc! And at the end of the 31 days when you have completed the book, go back over the verses you have marked. You will be greatly surprised at what you see, and what you need to work on. Amen!

Until next week...

Blessings and Hugs,

Ponnie

Thy Will

Saturday, I started a 6 week Bible Study using the book “Good or God” by John Bevere. Part of the instructions for the first week, are to pray and ask the Holy Spirit if you are holding on to any memory or mindset that might cause you to distrust or disobey God. It was a prayer I didn’t have to pray because I could immediately identify the thing in my life that causes me to doubt God.

I don’t live a daily life of doubt, but when certain circumstances arise, it triggers doubt about His goodness toward me. Anyone else out there feel this way? I am sure there were some “Yeses!” Because I know for a fact I am never alone in whatever it is I struggle with (That’s a lie our enemy has used one too many times.), since we are part of a Body, we are never alone.

Today is Tuesday, and I will start the discussion questions, but I’ve spent the past couple of days looking at why I can’t seem to move forward consistently (no matter what may arise), without entertaining thoughts of God’s lack of goodness towards me?

I love when I ask God about something spiritually that will change my life and the answer comes quickly? Well, actually I love that He answers quickly, but not necessarily the answer He gives.

During a phone conversation with my mentor yesterday, she talked about working on the discipline to have the mindset (especially when things don’t work out as planned or hoped for), that no matter what comes up—God’s will is being done in her life.

Then this morning, my youngest daughter sent me a YouTube video of the song, “Thy Will” by Hillary Scott and the Scott family. (She’s the female vocalist from Lady Antebellum.) And the chorus is…“Thy will be done!”

This was God's way of letting me know this is my problem…I am not so accepting of His will for my life, when it messes with my plans, hopes and dreams.

Let’s take a look at Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, (Matthew 26:36-39 NIV), as you see, though He did not hesitate to ask God to change things around so he wouldn’t have to endure the night of torture, abuse and crucifixion. But, He ended with, "Your will be done, not mine"—and accepted God’s decision.

When was the last time you prayed, “Thy will be done Lord,” and meant it?

There are things in my life lately, which have not turned out the way I’d hoped. And I found myself struggling to dream again or have hope for change. It seemed too many obstacles lie before me and nothing was working out. Well, this type of thinking leads to only one thing…hopelessness. And hopelessness, leads to discouragement, and discouragement leads to self-pity and depression.

I had to go back to Romans 8:28 (NKJ), “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

If I truly believe God is working the things in my life all together for His good, then I must accept the hard times and disappointments as Him knowing what is best. And that He's getting me to where He desires me to be.

But you know sisters—it's much more easily said than done.

If you are new to reading my blog, the one thing I am adamant about and will never change, is my concern that you read and study the bible. And the reason being, it is written to instruct us, teach us, encourage and correct us. It is impossible to obey Jesus when He says, “Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength,” if you do not know the God to which He is referring. I’m not talking about knowing of Him, but know who the bible shows us He is. Also, Jesus says, “If you love me you will obey my commands.” How can we obey Him, if we don’t know what it is He wants us to do? Impossible!

It's not enough to listen to others without reading for yourself. And the reason being, there is a huge difference between “revealed” or “communicated” knowledge. Revealed knowledge comes directly from God, via the Holy Spirit, prayer, reading of the Word…and you know in your knower it’s real. Communicated knowledge is what our pastor, Sunday school teacher, radio or TV evangelist tells us—even our friends. They could be a little off or we only hear a portion of what they said? Either way—we miss it.

Here are a couple of examples I grew up hearing, “Godliness is next to cleanliness!” Wow, what a shock to find out the bible says no such thing. What about, “God helps those who help themselves.” Another, untruth! But let’s take a familiar scripture that I’ve heard repeated incorrectly so many times, I can’t count. And I’m talking pastors too.

“Money is the root to all evil,” but the bible says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” I Timothy 6:10a (NIV) This is why we must study and show ourselves approved unto God. Money itself is not evil, it is a love for it that leads to folks doing all kinds of evil to obtain it.

For anyone who is struggling with the way things have turned out, or becoming weary as you wait on God to move and make change. I would like you to take a fresh approach and start praying at the end of your prayer requests, “Not my will, but your Will be done Lord!”

No, you may not be feeling it, and that’s okay. We are to live by faith, not emotions and our feelings. And yes, this is another one that is much more easily said than done—but not impossible to achieve.

I’m glad the Lord has “revealed” to me what I need to work on, because now I can begin the process of studying it out and applying it to my daily life expecting change.

Though we receive a revelation, it still takes time to walk it through and change to come. But already I’m back to dreaming again…but sealing it with, “Thy will be done!” Which (once in my heart), should take a lot of the sting out of disappointment when things don’t go my way. It should give me the grace to accept—it just wasn’t God’s will for me, versus feeling He doesn’t love me as much as someone else.

My dear sisters, whatever your struggle or problem might be—the solution is in the Bible!

If you are one who struggles to sit down and focus when it comes to reading, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus for 15 minutes a day. No more, no less. Cut off your phone, tablet and television. Set a timer if you must. Just make the 15 minutes available—daily.

We often want change, but we are not willing to put in the time and stand fast until it comes.

I have found over the years, that if we would just do what the bible tells us to do in all situations, we wouldn’t have half the problems or drama in our lives we encounter. But it takes work to get to that place.

What memory or mindset are you holding on to that might cause you to distrust or disobey God? Because if we don’t trust God, it’s really hard to obey Him and allow, “His will be done.”

Until next week...

Blessings and Hugs,

Ponnie

Sometimes You Just Have to Walk It Through

Encore blog from December 6, 2013

There are times in life when we just have to go through the process—there are no shortcuts to be had. And for some, this is a hard pill to swallow, but nonetheless it is a part of living.

Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. Psalm 23:4 (TLB)

The 23^rd Psalm is probably one of the most quoted scriptures from the Bible. People who know hardly anything about the Bible can recite the 23^rd Psalm. In some ways this is good, but in other ways it may not be. And I say that because to recite or memorize something doesn’t mean we have really thought about what we are saying—often it is just making the brain retain words so we can recite them. Which is what I believe has happened with the use of the 23^rd Psalm.

The New King James translation says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” which is little more familiar to us.

David experienced God and understood the responsibility of a shepherd at a young age. He understood their main focus was to protect and direct the sheep to safety, no matter what the circumstances the shepherd was always there guarding and guiding them. He himself shepherded his father’s sheep. He had fought a lion and bear to keep them safe and from harm, putting his own life on the line for the safety of the flock. So, he really did understand how it worked and had a deep confidence in God and what He could and would do. And the truth is—so should many of us. No, we have never shepherded a flock of sheep before, but, we have experienced God’s greatness in our lives—yet we struggle when we must “walk through”!

It is very easy to say, “Yes though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid,” but it is a totally different story to believe it and act on it. There lies the problem for us.

There are trials and tribulations we must experience—just because. That’s right—just because. It could be just because we need to mature in our spiritual life, or maybe we need to be a good witness to someone else. Look at all that Joseph went through so the 12 tribes of Israel would survive. What about Job? And then there are the situations we have created for ourselves—the poor choices and decisions which have altered our lives. We can also go through hard times because of the actions and choices of others, such as our children, spouses, friends and family. Jesus never promised a life of roses to any of us, in fact He assured us there would be trials and tribulations, but we are to be of a good cheer (or keep our joy) for He has overcome the world.

Lately, I see so many unhappy, sad, joyless and complaining women in the Body of Christ, and this leads me to believe that though we can recite the 23rd Psalm, do we really believe what it says?

I am personally going “through” a difficult time in my own life. There are days I just want to give up! There are days, I sit down and cry about things. But, I can’t give up and I don’t spend but so much time crying because I have purposed to spend most of my energy, trusting God through it all. It is a battle of the mind, will, and flesh to trust God in the valley of the shadow of death. It is not an easy fate at all, so don’t think I have the 8 steps to make it easy, because I don’t! But I do know we can get to the point in our spiritual lives where we are not so afraid of what’s to come. We can have peace and joy in the midst of the darkness as we walk through whatever our shadow of darkness is, if we fight the good fight of the faith (complete Jewish Bible) to trust God in the process.

To whine and complain all the time shows a lack of maturity, because that is what babies and toddlers do. But! There is a time to put away childish things. Problem is, some of us have stunted growth and seem to be stuck. We are so overcome with disappointment we are unable to move through to the other side. We are having a hard time taking our eyes off our circumstances, and feel hopeless and lost most days. We struggle to appreciate anything in life because we are consumed with our own grief and sadness.

Yesterday while walking to work, I found myself thinking about my job in the negative (there was a mess of a battle going on in my mind) and I had to force myself to start thanking God! I thought about the people who would gladly switch places with me, if only to have two good legs to walk. I have friends who are blind, and surely they would love to see with the two eyes I have. I remembered a couple of years ago how I had lost my sense of smell and taste for 8 days and I thanked Him for being able to enjoy certain aromas and taste my food. There is always something to be grateful for no matter what we are experiencing at the time.

Sisters, no matter what your “valley of darkness” is today, if you work on “trusting” God, you will not be so fearful. You will not be sad and feel so helpless. But you must work at it. You must read your bible, and spend time with God. 

Until next week….be blessed!!

Love and Hugs
Ponnie

An Insecure and Needy Woman is as Attractive as a Flabby Underarm

With my new weight loss, I’ve recently noticed a flabby, saggy dangle under my left arm. I have it on both, but for some reason it’s more pronounced on the left arm. My initial reaction was, “Yikes!” But then I started swinging it back and forth and showing my youngest daughter, while laughing. All she did was shake her head and roll her eyes. LOL!

Once I realized things are going to start sagging with my weight loss, I sort of looked at my options. First I had to question, “Do I like it? And if not, is there something I can do to change it?” The answers were—no, and yes! No, I don’t like it, and yes, there is something I can do to change it! But for now—do I cover up my arms or do I embrace them?

I made the decision to embrace them. And it was an easy decision because I am no longer an insecure woman. I no longer give into the opinions of the world or people. I am FREE!

Thing is, I wasn’t always so free in spirit and in heart. No, I was about as needy and insecure as they come.

“Emotional insecurity or simply insecurity is a feeling of general unease or nervousness that may be triggered by perceiving of oneself to be vulnerable or inferior in some way, or a sense of vulnerability or instability which threatens one’s self-image or ego.” (As defined by Wikipedia)

Personally, I think insecurity and low self-esteem are BFF’s! And when they throw a party, their posse of buddies, envy, competition and jealousy always show up! But there is one friend who is more dangerous than any of them and that is the alpha of the pack…manipulation!

Manipulation causes one to be unscrupulous! We often lie or stretch the truth to get our way and be in control. We become clever in our dealings and very skilled with time. There are quite a few bible scriptures that refer to manipulative practices and how they are sinful, take Romans 16:17-18 for example. More often than none, we use words to manipulate, but things and money are clearly a close second.

How to manipulate others was a skill passed down like good cooking was. Mostly by an aunt I spent a lot of time with growing up. She was a master at it. But my mother not so much—she just demanded what she wanted. So, there was a balance of sorts which helped me not to go all the way to the left with my aunt because of the way my mother handled things. For instance, my aunt feigned being sick to get attention and her way. There were times she even encouraged me to do it. But my mother was a LPN and she didn’t go for the foolishness of pretending to be sick when you weren’t. As strange as it may seem, that was my balance.

As I look back, not only was I taught how to be a manipulator, but was also manipulated to the point of rebellion as a young woman. My family was so used to making me do what they wanted, that when I started to say, “No!” they declared war on me.

Truth is, I thought I was above their tactics. Turns out—I wasn’t! I just had my own brand of manipulation. We all do until we begin to see things from God’s perspective.

What I’ve learned over the years, is to let my nay, be No! And my yah, be Yes, to the manipulators.

Yes, it has taken work to get here and there are times I run into folks where I find myself being pulled back and forth with…but not for long. The Word, “Let us not become entangled again in the things we have been set free from,” speaks to my heart.

Being insecure caused me to not be truly happy for others. It kept me in a state of fear that I was not good enough for God or people. And that was the catalyst for working daily at manipulating people and my life events.  

 Stupid…right?

Yes!

But being insecure and all that goes with it, is one of the strongest lies our enemy would have us believe. And the saddest part of all—way too many of us fall for it—every time.

Sisters, I’m talking to you from years of experience and lots of work—insecurity is a state of mind, that none of us has to have or live with!

Manipulation is a practiced sin that we need to chuck right along with the rest of them. And if you truly desire to be free and live a different life in Christ—you have to put in the work to get there. In other words, you have to read and study the Bible. It's written for our instruction and correction. It is our blueprint to joy, and a peace that surpasses all understanding. And especially what salvation really is and the confidence of who we are—are all hidden in the pages for our taking.

If you have anyone in your life you see as a crafty manipulator—there are two things you should look at. One, do you see this in them because it is a reflection of your own way of doing things, or two, you personally have been set free, and see clearly to use your experience and insight in praying for their deliverance?

There are times I still run into trouble with manipulators, because I can see the setup to make me do things their way and catch the untruths they spin. And honestly, my first response is to put distance between us. But I’m glad I’ve learned to pray about it first. Yes, there are times we are to distance ourselves from others, but then there are those times we have been given the privilege to see only so we stand in prayer for them. 

We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  There is only one exception—Messiah!

I want to share a secret with you that everyone doesn't know...our security in Christ, is more than I could ever have hoped for or dreamed of!

What it has done for me is promoted me to be a cheerleader and encourager for others. I no longer compete with my sisters trying to prove something. There is nothing to prove…I now know who I am. Compassion has replaced being glad they didn’t make it. And confidence allows me to listen to others brag and pray for their deliverance versus try to up them one.

Personally, I think everyone has a know-it-all in their lives. It seems God uses them to keep us humble, and show us what we look like—allowing Him to continue His work on us. And with a closer look, the know-it-all is always one of the most insecure people you will meet—and that includes ourselves.

And when I use the term “know-it-all” I’m referring to the person who knows better than you, no matter what you say. I’m not talking about listening and learning from others (because we could definitely use more of that), but the one who brags, knows more than you and in truth and honesty—mostly knows much of nothing that's worthwhile. Yeah, that used to be me.

But today, I am a new, new, new creature in the Messiah. Yes, I’m still a work in progress and growing every day, but I’m making headway.   

I don’t feel the need to cover up my arms because I don’t fear what others might think. Sure, I’m going to start using hand weights to help the process as I continue to lose weight, because I don’t like it. But will I be trying to have arms like the woman in the photo to the right? No, not in the natural I won’t. But in the supernatural spirit realm of life—you best believe it!

I’d much rather spend time, exercising the Word of God in my life—there are far better results to be had.

Read and study your bibles sisters! It's the only way to achieve real change for the better.  

Until next week...

Blessings and Hugs,

Ponnie

The Journey

Have you ever been in a car with kids asking every 10 minutes, “Are we there yet?” especially if it’s a long car ride? When I was a young girl, we weren’t allowed to do that. There were always books to read or color. Songs to sing or just sit there with your mouth shut and enjoy the scenery. Those were your choices. It taught us to enjoy the ride and take stock of the journey.

To this day, I still love car rides and train rides with plenty of beautiful scenery. Yup, I get excited with either one. Those were the vehicles I mostly traveled in as a youngster. But there were at least five bus trips to Canada in my lifetime and somewhere in the late 1970’s, I vowed never to ride the bus to Canada or anywhere else it would take 11 plus hours to get to. I have yet to break that vow. And yes, I’ve been back to Canada—took the train and loved it!

As I watch television commercials for the latest car features, I see Wi-Fi is the new big thing. It has replaced kids being able to watch just one movie together. Now, everyone can stick their earplugs in and watch a movie on their own device.  What happened to conversation, reading, staring out the window and seeing how many license plates you spot from other states? Or singing songs until one of the adults tells you to hush up? What about punch buggy—punching the person next to you (gently and in fun) when you spot a Volkswagen vehicle? I heard more family stories on long car rides then I care to remember. But, some of them were really funny. It was a joy to imagine my aunt (and godmother), being young and bossing my mom around. LOL!

Life is also a journey. And we can be like spoiled kids in a car with Wi-Fi, on our own devices—missing all the beautiful things that pass us by. Asking often, “Are we there yet?” with impatience and annoyance. We are not enjoying the journey and the lessons needed. We want God to hurry us from point A to point B.  

To this day, I still prefer to ride the train over any other form of transportation—even flying. Because there is so much to see and enjoy—without being rushed.

Yes, it can be a hassle if you have to switch to another train, or they stop to change the engines and there is no power and people still keep using the bathrooms when they don’t flush and there’s no water to wash your hands. But, it’s all worth it as I’m gently rocked by the swaying of the train as it travels at 80 miles an hour. I easily forget the minor inconveniences and bumps along the way as I look out the window at all the beautiful greenery or snow covered trees (depending what season it is), soaking in the beautiful sunsets or sunrises to be had. I love reading on the train and spending time working a cryptogram or two, but basically I want to listen to music, and look out the window and daydream.  A train ride is something that brings great joy and happiness to me—especially when I reach my destination. But I do enjoy the journey. 

At this stage of life a bus ride can be no longer than 2.5 hours or I start to get antsy. Last bus ride I took was to Washington, DC, which is about 2 hours by car. I was stuck on the bus with some of the most ignorant people you could imagine. And coming back wasn’t any better and we were stuck for over an hour in airport traffic right on the outskirts of Philadelphia. This was in the late 90’s, and yes, it was my last bus ride from one state or district to another.

Long car rides can be a nuisance if the car is small and I’m cramped or uncomfortable. Also, the music thing can really be an issue. Basically I don’t like gospel music (shut your mouth), and for some reason most of my friends of color want to listen to it—and that makes me sad. I do have one girlfriend who would rather talk then put music on and she can drive me anywhere. I need a ride to Ocean City, Peggy! ~Smile~

This journey of life can be likened to a journey we might plan—missed flights and bad weather delays. Luggage that’s gone to luggage heaven without us…never to be seen again. A rental car which turned out to be a lemon and has us stranded on the roadside in the boonies. Hotel bookings that were, but aren’t once we arrive. Montezuma’s revenge holding us prisoner 4 days out of our 7 day vacation. That horrible case of poison ivy we get at the camp site, no matter how careful we were. And yes, a host of other stuff we contracted from the hotel pool that wasn’t quite up to par as far as chlorination and good working filters. Yuck!

Here’s life’s journey…divorce, death, sickness, loss, disappointments, failures, betrayal, abandonment, being misplaced and uncomfortable. Missed opportunities, being used and abused, and forgotten.

What I’m trying to say is the journey of life will hit unexpected rough patches. But, we should know that “God works all things for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” [my paraphrase] Romans 8:28 NIV In other words, "He has a plan!"

You see sisters, life at times can be very uncomfortable like riding in a small car, and you feel out of sync because the music that is playing is not your thing. Loss is painful and we want to know if we are there yet and how much longer—before we arrive on the other side of the pain. Disappointments from life unscripted are a given and without warning. Just like missing your plane and having to sleep on a cot in the airport with 600, other stranded miserable people.

But all of life is not full of disappointment, failure, loss and pain. No, there is joy and peace, love, friendships, victories, and goals reached. It is the journey that God uses to shape and mold us—preparing us for things to come in this life and the one we will spend with Christ.

So though life might be tough or even look a bit bleak—remember God’s promises to us. That’s our travel insurance, so all is not lost. But we must read the Bible to know what He promises. When we don’t, all our experiences in this journey called life will look more like economy or standby. We never get to experience business or first class. We will always be upset because of missed opportunities, envious of others, walking in unforgiveness, versus finding pleasure in even the simple things.

Until next week...

Blessings and Hugs,

Ponnie