1 Peter 3:15 NIV, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
Photo by: Keira Burton
“Always be prepared.” We know people are always watching our actions, and the way we live our lives. The way we conduct ourselves, is a testimony of our reverence to the Lord. We never know when we will have the opportunity to verbally share with someone, who Christ is to us. The love and light of Jesus, shining through us, is a sweet fragrance to those around us. The hope we have in Jesus, is meant to be shared with others, in a gentle and respectful way. As we go about our daily routines, may God prepare our hearts and give us an awareness of those around us, and grant us opportunities to share the reason for the hope we have in Jesus.
Thanks sister Gail@ Gaillovesgodand big brother Matt@ Jesusluvsallfor thinking of me and tagging me. May God bless you both! ❤️
1. What are your nicknames? What do you prefer to be called?
My family calls me by my middle name, Keesha. But Everyone else calls me Dawn. I’m fine with things as they are.
2. How often do you doodle? What do your doodles look like?
Pretty regularly when I’m at work. It depends on what I’m thinking about at the moment.
3. What do you do if you can’t sleep at night? Do you count sheep? Toss and Turn?
Listen to the Bible app or soft music.
4. Do people consider you as talkative or quiet?
Quiet
5. What makes you cry?
I will sometimes cry if I see others crying and also during emotional movies.
6. What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who try to tear others down to build themselves up.
7. How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror?
Every time I go in the bathroom.
8. What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?
That a man named Santa Claus could actually deliver gifts to every child in the world overnight.
9. What is one guilty pleasure you enjoy too much to give up?
Candy especially gummy candy.
10. Who performs the most random acts of kindness out of everyone you know?
The Holy Spirit
11. How often do you read the newspaper? Which sections?
I don’t read the newspaper. I look at the news online, mainly the CNN app.
12. Which animal scares you the most?
Snakes are scary, I never want to see one.
13. Are you more likely to avoid conflict or engage it head-on?
Avoid it unless it’s necessary then I’ll engage.
14. What was the most recent compliment you’ve received?
Last week a coworker told me I should do grief counseling because I am a calm person. It was nice to hear because I have actually volunteered at a grief support group for kids and teenagers as a group facilitator in the past and I enjoyed doing so.
15. What question are you tired of hearing?
I can’t think of one.
16. What is the strangest thing you have eaten?
Chitterlings
17. Do you have a whole lot of acquaintances or just a few very close friends?
I have some of both.
18. Do you have a catchphrase?
No I don’t.
19. What’s your all-time favorite town or city? Why?
Where I was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. I always have a warm feeling when I’m there.
20. If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?
I’m not sure.
21. When was the last time you lied?
I really don’t remember so I think that’s a good thing because it must mean it was a really long time ago.
22. What’s something that amazes you?
The universe.
23. Would you rather be the first person to explore a planet or be the inventor of a drug that cures a deadly disease?
The first to explore a new planet. Hopefully while I’m there I may find a cure for a deadly disease like cancer since they apparently have not found one here on Earth yet.
24. What is your favorite amateur activity?
Blogging
25. What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?
Thank you Father for another day (I always say this in the morning when I wake up).
26. What is your favorite song (at least at the moment)?
1 John 5:14 NIV, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
It was a busy weekend for me, as I continue packing for my upcoming move. It always amazes me how much stuff can accumulate over time. I still have a few Little Golden books from when I was little. Going through all this stuff, reminds me of the many stages of life I have been through. When I see items from years gone by, I can see how fast time has flown.
Photo by: Binti Malu
The love and care that God shows us does not change. Circumstances may change. People may change, or we may even change. But God, He remains the same. His faithfulness is constant. During times where my needs were lacking, I knew God would somehow provide for me. Because He always has, and I know He always will. That’s the confidence we have in knowing Christ. In Him, we have a firm foundation. We can be sure. Sometimes we hesitate to believe, but when it comes to Him, we don’t have to hesitate. We can freely trust and believe.
As we start this new week, His presence is with us and living in us through the Holy Spirit. We can ask Him for what we need. Every need we have, rather big, small or somewhere in between, He has promised to lovingly supply. When your heart feels anxious and life tries to overwhelm you, remember that God is still greater than whatever or whoever.
May you be blessed, as you walk in the confidence that comes from knowing who you are in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 4:12 NLT, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
We have our way of thinking and God has His. As we grow in the knowledge of His Word, we should desire to abandon our own agenda, and our own way of thinking and follow His. His Word transforms us. It causes us to see things through His eyes and understand His perspective. His Word is alive and powerful. It exposes deception and speaks everlasting truth.
Photo By: Rawpixel.com
The Holy Spirit is always working to bring us into truth. As He refines our hearts, we must be willing to obey His instructions and make the necessary changes. Growing in Christ, means we will outgrow sinful ways and relationships that are not of Him. In order to accomplish what He wants us to accomplish, we must let go of what is not pleasing to Him, no matter how uncomfortable letting go may be.
Sometimes the things we are doing may not be sinful. They may be good things, but they are still not God’s plan for us. The ”good” things and people that seem harmless, can end up being the biggest hindrances in our walk with God. So we must let them go and move on. Otherwise we will not walk in our God given purpose.
God is always trying to take us to higher places in Him. But when He calls us, we must be willing to trust Him, take action and go.
John 8:36 NLT, “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
I awaken this morning reminded of what a privilege it is that we can lay our burdens at the foot of the cross. There is rest in Jesus. He takes care of us and will provide all we need. Thinking about His goodness makes me smile. His love brings hope, even in the situations that seem the most hopeless.
There is freedom in Jesus. Freedom from the grasp of sin and shame. Freedom from hurt and pain. Freedom from the lies of the enemy. In Jesus we have freedom to be all that we were created to be. We are free to walk in His truth and light. We are free to say no to the wicked ways of the world.
We are free to be confident in who He is and who we are in Him. The cross where He suffered and died represents freedom. In Him we have abundant life that far surpasses anything the world could ever offer us.
Photo by: Aaron Burden
My favorite hymn is called, “At The Cross” by Isaac Watts.
A few of the words are….“At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away. It was there by faith, I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day.”
Be blessed and have a wonderful Sunday. In Jesus Christ you are free!
Proverbs 11:13 NIV, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
God knows all there is to know about us, but He doesn’t go around revealing everything to everyone. We can trust Him. Loyal, trustworthy people are a reflection of God’s love. People who can be trusted to keep information confidential, without giving in to the temptation to gossip and spread rumors are people of integrity.
Photo by: Kristina Flour
People of integrity understand that time spent gossiping about others is time that can be spent praying for them instead. They use wisdom when it comes to speaking about others because they know what and what not to say. They also know who and who not to say it to.
Being a trustworthy, gossip-free person is a true sign of maturity in Christ. He will strengthen us to stay away from pointless, destructive conversations about others. Love seeks to build people up and not tear them down.
James 1:26 NLT, “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”
John 6:35, “Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
I hadn’t heard this song Breathe by Michael Smith in years, but I woke up this morning with it on my mind. Truly Jesus is the air that we breathe. As Christians, His Holy Presence living inside of us is everything. He is the bread of life. In Him we are filled completely. He is the One who can take away our emptiness and replace it with joy. His words give us life and hope.
Drawing Closer to Christ 