Monday, March 28, 2011

YOU ARE A TREASURE

This past weekend, my family was blessed with a new living room suit.  Because my nature is that of a giver, I didn’t just want to throw the old set away, but yet, give it to someone who was in need.  I sent out a few emails, and someone responded saying that they needed it.  When the person came and picked up the furniture, they expressed how much they really needed it and how this was such a blessing to his family.  I guess the saying, “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” is definitely true!
When I think about this situation, I think about how God views us.  He sees the best in you and me!  Even when we think that we are worthless, not pretty, no good, or just a hot mess, God sees differently!  When our past constantly reminds us of our failures and wrong choices, God sees differently!   When others count you out and their feelings about you amounts to nothing, God sees differently!  When we feel like no one wants us, guess what?  God does!  He sees the value in you! 
I remember using an illustration in one of my sermons of a hundred dollar bill being balled up, thrown on the floor and trampled on.  When you pick it up, it is still a hundred dollars!  He might be wrinkled, dirty, battered, mistreated and misused, but it didn’t lose its worth! 
So, regardless what you’ve been told and been through, no matter what others seem to think about you or what you seem to think about yourself, you are precious to God.  He sees you beautiful.  And when it feels like no one wants you or you are not worth anything, God sees differently!  You are a treasure!

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa
www.mygc.com/lightofhope

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

I BELIEVE I CAN FLY

I was just sitting here at work and I thought about the song, “I believe I can fly”.  As I thought about the words of the song, it really began to speak volumes of confidence into my spirit that I can do anything I want to do! 
Often times we have goals, dreams and desires that for whatever reason, we never reach!  I’m understanding now, that it’s really up to ME!  Everybody is not going to always be on our team, so we are going to have to learn to be our own biggest cheerleader!   There’s nothing you can’t do!
Today!  Think about something that you really would like to do; then think about what’s keeping you from pursuing it.  After that, recite the words to this song (notice I added a little twist to the end) :
I believe I can fly! I believe I can touch the sky! I think about it every night and day! Spread my wings and fly away! I believe I can soar! I see me running through that open door! I believe I can fly! I believe I can fly! I believe I can fly! See; As long as I believe it, it really doesn't matter what anybody else thinks!
Do you believe it?

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa
www.mygc.com/lightofhope

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

FORWARD PROGRESS

Today as I got on the elevator at work to get up to the 3rd floor, I realized after about 2 minutes that I hadn’t even left the 1st floor.  ***Slapping myself upside the head*** I realized I never pressed the button to take me to where I was trying to get to.   Funny thing about elevators, once the doors are closed, if you don’t press any buttons, you just sit there idle and never move. 
Too many times this is what happens to people who are trying to progress in life.  We jump on the elevator but never do what we need to do to progress forward or upward in this case.  Always starting something but never finishing what you started for whatever reason.   This can be with school, a relationship, a career, weight loss, and especially with our walk with God. 
My husband uses a term very often which is, “forward progress” when dealing with me.  In other words, “let’s keep it moving!”  It actually keeps me on my toes!   It keeps me from moving backwards or sitting in an idle state when I should be moving forward.  I must admit, I started a book several years ago and just stopped, but at the same time, I know this is something that God purposed within me to do, and the assignment is not going anywhere, but at the same time, it’s not going complete itself.  I have to do the work. 

The term "forward progress" is about progressing in whatever you have committed yourself to do.  It's about finishing what you started.  The only person who really has the power to completely stop you is you.  Sure you might face some obstacles along the way, but you have to keep persevering through whatever comes your way. 

So today, sit down and make a list of all the unfinished projects and unaccomplished assignments in your life.  The good news is, although we might be idle, all we have to do is press the button to move forward or upward.  It does us no good to get on the elevator and never move.  We will never get to our final destination in this idle state.   May I ask you, what are you waiting on?  You’ve hopped on the elevator, so don’t just sit here.  Press that button and let’s keep it moving!  FORWARD PROGRESS! 
Stay Hopeful,
Clarissa