What is the true meaning for the season?

We all know that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. However, we tend to get caught up in all the hype surrounding gift giving as well as receiving. Trust me, I know.... I'm guilty of it as well. It's time that we really reflect on what the true meaning of Christmas is. I received a few presents for Christmas. They were all nice, however they were not what I really wanted (particularly from my husband). But quickly I was convicted and the Lord had to reveal to me that being surrounded by family is a blessing within itself. When you find yourself frustrated behind gifts, these few steps will allow your attention to convert back to what's important.

#1 God gave us Jesus.... Which we know is the greatest gift of all.

#2 We have our families around us, food to eat, and clothes on our backs.

#3 God is the only one that can give us the true desires of our hearts, don't lose faith.


My Christmas was one of the best that I had ever experienced. It wasn't because of the gifts, but it was because of the family, love, and peace. It was a wonderfully peaceful day which allowed me to reflect not on my gifts, but on the many blessings God has brought into my life.

Even when we think he's not there, he's never left our side.

God bless,

Miss T

Gifts from God

There are many blessings and gifts that we receive from God. Notably one must consider our spouses, parents, children, siblings, cousins, friends and so on. One must also consider the necessities like a roof over our heads, the food and drink we receive, and the clothing on our backs. One must be grateful for the air that we breathe and the friendships that we've made. But today I would like to talk about different types of gifts. GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT!!
There are nine gifts of the spirit. God has blessed some of us with one gift and others with multiple gifts. The key to discovering your gift and how to operate in it, is simply building a relationship with God! You need a personal intimate relationship with our heavenly Father.

Gifts of the Spirit

1. A word of wisdom

2. Word of knowledge

3.Discerning of Spirits

4.Gifts of Healing

5.Different Kinds of Tongues

6.Interpretation of Tongues

7.Prophecy

8.Working of Miracles

9. Faith

You can read about the gifts of the spirits in 1Corinthians 12-15

Just know that you are blessed and you are important to God. The gifts are real, but in many of us they lay dormant due to unbelief or the lack of a relationship with God. He wants to use each one of us for his will.

God bless,

Miss T

Stress Buster

There are many different exercises that can not only make you physically fit, but relieve stress as well:

#1 You don't have to spend tons of money at a gym:

Walking up and down the stairs in your home is excellent exercise. (My father stays in great shape by walking up and down the stairs, a couple times a week. :)

#2 The Wii fit

This is an excellent way to stay in shape.

You can customize your exercises for your target areas with the various games available.

#3 Weights

Little hand weights cost anywhere from $2.00- $10.00.

This is an excellent way to build muscles in your arms.

#4 Walking

Taking a stroll around the neighborhood can help build muscles in your legs and burn calories.

Exercising can assist with stress as well as physical fitness.

However, before attempting any exercise please consult your physician.

God bless,

Miss T

HOW TO OVERCOME STRESS

We face many different levels of stress on a daily basis. Perhaps its your job, bills, children, friends, or family. Everyone has experienced some level of stress at one point in our lives. There are many solutions for concurring the stress that we face:

#1 Take a moment to reflect

We should all take a moment to reflect on the blessings in our lives rather than the disappointments.

#2 Do not hold on to negative thoughts

Negative thoughts are always going to enter our minds from one time or another. But moving on and not being consumed by thoughts are important. There is a counseling approach called cognitive behavior therapy. This form of therapy states that your behavior is based on your thoughts or cognition's. So, if one changes their thoughts about a situation their behavior will change. If you remove negative thoughts, you won't experience the level of stress or mood swings that many have on a daily basis.

#3 Do not have malice towards others

Holding on to anger and hatred only causes more stress. Let's also remember that the bible says that in order to be forgiven one must forgive. I know this is a hard area to work on. In a future blog, I will share a prayer that can assist with forgiving.

#4 Avoid negative people

We can control who we allow to come into our space. If there is a person whom is always negative, rude, or ugly towards you. They obviously will not bring out the best in you. Limit the amount of time that you spend with them, in addition to the conversations shared.

#5 Read the bible

Often times when I am stressed I will read the bible. This manages to ease my mind and bring a level of peace in my life. Solomon was one of the wisest men that ever lived. The book of Proverbs offers great advice on many different issues that we face today.

"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad"

Proverbs 12:25

Be blessed and not stressed,

Miss T

Words of Knowledge

God is not a God of confusion but a God of peace.....

1 Corinthians 14:33

Appreciation

Today I've tried to reflect on all that I am grateful for. Often times the enemy tries to take a small situation and turn it into something large. Often times we must learn to not allow others to dictate our level of happiness. I've allowed people's ideas and emotions about me, to determine what type of day I would have( or week for that matter). God has given us peace within ourselves to learn how to ignore the things of this world and find happiness and peace within him. I went through a season where the Lord would often whisper to me, " Who do I say that you are?" In the beginning it didn't mean much to me. But as years past and this replayed in my mind I had to seriously ask myself that question. Listen, God does not define us in the manner in which we define ourselves. When we see darkness, dirt, and filth, he sees beauty, potential, and strength. On the days that the enemy is using people to keep you down, just ask yourself that one vital question. In your heart God will tell you exactly who you are! You are kings and queens who will inherit the kingdom of God, now let's live like royalty and proudly wear our crowns!


God bless,

Miss T

Look towards the heavens

I would like to share a poem entitled BEYOND THE CLOUDS:


What is beyond the clouds as they slowly graze the sky,
Opening up just long enough for a ray of sunshine?
The clouds scatter to let the sun through
To provide daylight for me and for you-
But what is beyond the clouds as they slowly graze the sky?
We may not know until the day we die,
But we won't stop trying to look beyond the clouds to see;
Perhaps one day I may see an angel staring down at me.
Curiosity will keep us guessing, wanting to know the answer,
While the clouds engage in play like graceful, heavenly dancers.


T.H Land
"A Life of Shrimp and Grits"