ONE MORE LAP

I have finally made up in my mind that it is time for me to start back doing my daily morning walks.  I recalled an incident that happened to me last year:

My goal for my morning walks was to do at least 2 miles, which equals 4 laps around my apartment complex. This time, I was so tired, by the time I did 3 laps; I literally argued with myself whether I should stop or not. I mean come on; I was only one lap away from my daily goal. It made me wonder, how many times have I/WE gave up and were only "one lap" away from that prayer being answered? How many times have we got tired right before the end? AND QUIT?

Do you ever wonder what would have happened if you continued on and took those final steps? Would your marriage have been saved? Would you have that job? Would you have finished school, or that a particular project you had committed yourself to?  What would the results be if you kept going? Well, it's time to tell ourselves what I had to tell myself that particular morning, I AM NOT A QUITTER!

So come on; you are right there, almost to the finish line. I know you might be tired, but come on; it's only "one more lap"!

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

RULES ARE RULES

Yesterday, my daughter went to a particular store and purchased a pair of jeans.  After leaving the store, she decided to peruse another store where she found a pair of jeans on clearance for the “low low”.  After purchasing the clearance jeans, she attempted to take the first pair of jeans she bought back to the store and ask for a refund.  Unfortunately, the store does not do refunds and to be honest, she knew this before she went back to the store demanding one. 

After going back and forth with the cashier, my daughter left with a serious attitude and was very upset.  When she called me with her “dilemma”, I simply told her that rules are rules.  I advised her that it was totally uncalled for her to get mad about the rules someone has set in their establishment, especially when you know what the rules are.  You either follow and abide by their rules, or don’t shop there. 

As elementary as this may seem, it is a lesson that needs to be revisited often.  Not just for kids, but for adults as well.  Although we may not always like them or agree with them, rules are rules.  Some rules can be avoided by not associating yourself with a certain place, such as refusing to patron a certain establishment, but there are other rules or laws that we are bound by regardless, such as, not drinking and driving, not speeding, etc. 

One of my most favorite shows to watch on TV is Parking Wars.  I just love it when the people come outside to find that their cars have been ticketed, booted, towed or impounded because they have parked in a restricted area.   It doesn’t matter that they are in the wrong, they still carry on something ridiculous because they don’t want to deal with the consequences of them parking in the wrong place. 

The scripture that comes to mind is, Genesis 4:7 (NIV):  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”  Meaning, how can you expect good things to come out of wrong choices?  Naturally or spiritually? 

As with all things, we have a choice whether to abide by rules that are set, however, if ignored or not followed, it opens the door for aggravation, unnecessary attitudes and arguments, fines, loss of jobs, possible jail time, or even serious major DISASTERS, which could have all been avoided if we just simply follow the rules.  One thing we have to learn in life that there are consequences to every choice we make.  While we are 100% in control of our choices, we have no say about the consequences of our choices.   

Rules are set with a purpose, and for the most part when followed, there is less chaos.  Following other people rules or rules period, can definitely be challenging at times, especially when they don’t seem to fit our life or agenda.  As a mother, I love to establish them, but I don’t always like to follow them, however, at the end of the day, I’m just as much bound by them and whether I like them or not, rules are rules! 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

THE BLOOD WILL NEVER LOSE IT'S POWER

Recently, I had the opportunity to donate blood.  Although I don't like needles, the thought of possibly helping someone in need makes me feel really really good.  So, I try to donate as often as I can because, for all I know, I could be helping save someone's life. 

After thinking about the many benefits of me donating blood, I thought about the "Ultimate Blood Donor"!  His shedded blood, does so much more and last so much longer than mine could ever do.  The blood redeems us, the blood cleanses us,  the blood sets us free and most of all, the blood saves us.  There are so many benefits in the blood of the Lamb and I want you to know that no matter what you do or have done; no matter how bad you think it is; no matter how disgusting or trifling; I mean, there is nothing you can do or have done that the blood can't clean/erase/cure! The blood really does reaches to the highest mountain and flows to the lowest valley.

When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, the devil really didn't know the impact his death would really have on the world.....FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE, JOHN 3:16....BUT the blood is so wonderful/powerful/awesome and there is nothing noone can do so bad that the blood can't redeem them from. BUT here is where I get excited! The sam power the blood had the day it was shed, is the same power it has today~ THE BLOOD WILL NEVER EVER LOSE IT'S POWER!!!

The enemy thinks that once you accept Christ as your Savior and if you mess up, that's it, but baby, know this, the blood is still just as effective today as it was yesterday.  It is an ever cleansing blood! So perhaps you have fallen, perhaps you have backslidden, and perhaps you have really messed up; THE BLOOD IS STILL EFFECTIVE...confess and repent, the blood will cleanse you AGAIN! Don't let the devil keep you bound in fear...I love Psalm 51....

Lastly, because of this GREAT sacrifice, I never take communion the same. I take it with a humble heart b/c I am so grateful for the blood that was shed. When I take communion, it is totally personal to me, b/c when I think of my past, my dirt, all of my junk, I am GRATEFUL. Then when I think of the times I messed up/ fell/ flaws and how the blood is still evident in my life today, I am even more GRATEFUL...May you embrace the power of the blood of Jesus and May communion never be the same for you again. May each time you partake in a communion, it will be such an experience for you.

In closing, I sing:  The blood, that Jesus shed for me.  Way back on calvary.  The blood that gives me strength from day to day. It will never lose it's power.  It reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley. (oh yeah)  The blood that gives me strength, from day to day.  It will never lose it's power!

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa ♥
www.mygc.com/lightofhope

A NEW DAY

As I awaken this morning to a new day, I began to really think about what a “new day” means for me. It is a “new” opportunity to walk in the presence of God. It is a “new” opportunity to walk in purpose. It is a “new” opportunity to love, to laugh, to live, to play, to correct wrongs, to make change, to pursue, to forgive, to ask forgiveness, to help someone, to speak life, to start a business, to apply for jobs, to offer Christ to someone but more so, for you to accept Christ! I could go on and on, but I think you get my point.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (King James Version) (22)- It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (23)- They are “new every morning”: great is thy faithfulness. What will you do with it? What does a “new day” means for you? I would love to hear from you!

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa <3

www.mygc.com/lightofhope

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

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

FORWARD PROGRESS

Today as I got on the elevator at work to get up to the 3^rd floor, I realized after about 2 minutes that I hadn’t even left the 1^st 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