Saturday, March 31

Crossing New Horizons


No Training Wheels
Originally uploaded by MAPryor.
There comes a day when the training wheels are no longer appropriate, and you have to let go of that mental perception that limits you and tries to remind you that you are unable to move past the obstacle that hinders you.

For a child, learning to ride a bike without training wheels is quite a milestone to cross. Awhile back, Sheldon went to daddy and said, "I want you to take my training wheels off my bike." Of course, mom and dad were happy, but there was a part of me that simply did not want this change to occur. I wanted to shield Sheldon from the disappointment that he may experience should he lose his balance and fall. He was brave, but despite his best effort, his balance was off, his movements jerky, and his confidence a wee bit shaken. His fervent determination paid off and before the afternoon was over, he was triumphantly riding his bike! It was as if he forgot all about the training wheels, and he experienced a new landmark--the freedom of independence.

Are you standing at that precipice and wondering if you can take off the "training wheels?" Well, now is the time to cease worrying. "Do not fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praise shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." Phil. 4:4 (The Message Bible)

Let go and cross this new horizon--God is cheering you on!

Tuesday, March 27

My Dancing Partner-Happy Anniversary


388440526_7a4bfab486_o.jpg
Originally uploaded by MAPryor.
Marriage is a life-long dance with the one that you absolutely adore! You dance to a sweet, harmonious melody that only the two of you hear. It's a heart-felt secret that no one is privy to--it's your special song. Babe, I am so thankful that 13 marvelous years ago on March 26, 1994, you chose me to be your dancing partner! You are the most amazing, loving husband. My love for you just grows with each passing moment. Many times you have encouraged, motivated, and listened to me. You are forever my dancing partner. Happy Anniversary!

Thursday, March 22

Wise Words Concerning Praise


doorknob
Originally uploaded by MAPryor.
"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of a cell." C.S. Lewis

"Oh for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of grace!" Charles Wesley

Is your praise contingent upon your emotions? Are you stingy with your praise? If the right song is not being sung, do you forego offering praise unto your Heavenly Father? If your favorite song leader is not leading, do you cease to rejoice? If a negative situation comes your way do you pout and fail to offer up a sacrifice of praise? Psalm 63:4 reads, "I will PRAISE you as long as I live and in your name I will lift up my hands."

We are unable to praise and admire God enough. Praise is a simple act of gratitude; it is simply giving God the glory for everything that He has done for you. You might say, "Well He has not done anything for me lately." If you woke up this morning, He gave you breath, another day to live--that in and of itself is a miracle and worthy of praise. I'll end with this quote by Billy Graham, "The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless."

Monday, March 12

You're The One


Auroral*
Originally uploaded by imapix.
Each day is a new horizan of hope--it's a day with no blemishes, a new beginning. With each day, I want to "...bless God with every chance I get; my lungs expand with His praise." (Psalm 34:1)

Last night was just one of those wonderful moments where a praise was swelling deep within me that I just had to testify. We were singing, "You're the One who brings my heart gladness; You're the One who takes away my pain; You're the One whose fresh and new each morning; my Joy in everday!' It's as if I was reminded that regardless of what situation I may face, God is there to give me joy, happiness, and peace. I was definelty laying down my cares and running to the Almighty One, the One who is splendid. For this same chapter of Psalms goes on to state: "Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all His goodness." Each day I am learning to trust God more and more. With each situation I face, I am learning to lay it down at the Master's feet, and simply trust Him to meet the need. For regardless of the report, we are able to overcome the obstacle--we are victorious! God is good all the time!!