Party Animal to Disciple

A compelling story of the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol and divine intervention.

Testimony of Dan Masa

“I learned much later that this combination was not a good mix. Coupled with my occasional bouts of epilepsy, I was flirting with death” – Dan Masa

 One might think that after attending Catholic school from first to eighth grade I’d have come away with some religious experience of reverential fear toward God. But, I didn’t. No spiritual impact had been imparted whatsoever. Perhaps, my family background played a role as to why. My parents were the epitome of party animals. I was thrust repeatedly into the mist of what they considered weekend fun. Yes, wild parties and drinking was the family staple. “Carouser” could have well been our last name, and we wore it proudly.

Well, as the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Like my parent’s, I became a party animal in my adulthood. For me, drinking and all-night bashes were just a part of life, and of course, I didn’t see anything wrong with it. I grew into a heavy boozer, which led to a life of drugs. I learned much later that this combination was not a good mix. Coupled with my occasional bouts of epilepsy, I was flirting with death. However, even that didn’t stop me from my pursuit of drugs and alcohol. I was ignorant…totally oblivious as to the damage I was inflicting on my body. Only by the mercy of God was I spared during those times.

LIFE WITH DRUGS

I used cocaine in my high school years, and from then on, my life became a search for the next high. I had no idea how deep in I was – my moral compass was shot, and I had no one to give me the advice I needed to make better choices. Ironically, I was the go-toguy for counsel and support for others. Hmm, how funny, I never took my own advice.

 As a young man, I landed my first job at a convenience store. It was the perfect setup. Working as a clerk, I quickly found a convenient way to steal from the store shelves to support my habit. Each night, for the duration of my employment, I packed away bottles of alcohol and magazines and never got caught. Somehow, I ventured on to my chosen profession, which was plumbing –  an honest craft, but a lot of hard work at times.

Along the way, I met a guy named Scott, who was no novice to the drug and alcohol world. We soon became “best buds” drawn together like magnets. It was the worst hookup I could have made. And with neither of us the wiser, we went even further down the wrong road together. However, in spite of my addiction, I was able to function normally. You know, holding down a job and that sort of thing. Today it’s known as being a “functioning addict.” As for the seizuresI’d been having – well, I couldn’t have cared less.

Plumbing allotted me the means to support my habit. I reported for work daily and on time, performing my duties very well. I received promotions that lead to a bigger salary, and Ieven bought my first house. Things were going well, or so I thought.

THE ACCIDENT

The body can only take so much before things begin to malfunction. Little did I know, my life was about to take a turn for the worse. It was a typical work day, and I was driving a company pick–up truck. I was heading down a four-lane road in a residential area. The night before, I’d been out indulging in my usual carousing, and I hadn’t had much sleep. I often functioned on four hours or less. This time, I’d only had two hours—and my body was still filled with drugs and alcohol. Half asleep with a good hangover, I blacked out.

I don’t remember anything after that, but here’s the story I was told: After blacking out, my truck went across all four traffic lanes. It missed two utility poles by a slim margin, went down an embankment, then into a retention pond where it flipped. I was submergedunder the waterof that pond, for forty-five minutes. During that time a passerby spotted my truck and called 911. The nearest hospital was two miles away, but the injuries I sustained were so severe that I had to be airlifted to a hospital fifteen miles away.

According to the medical staff,I was barely hanging on when I arrived. While the doctors worked frantically to save my life, I died multiple times and was brought back to life. It was no coincidence that the accident happened during the winter. I’ll never forget it. The date was December 16, 1988, in a suburb of Chicago. The doctors explained that the weatherwas in my favor because the cold temperature slowed down the process and miraculously preserved my brain. The next thing I remember is sitting in a wheelchair. I have absolutely no recollection of the trauma that my body went through.

ADJUSTING TO MY NEW LIFE

Recovery was a slow process. I was eventually assigned to rehab to learn how to function all over again. I would have years of painstaking exercises ahead. However, through all of this, I hadn’t given a single thought about God. I had no idea that it was He who’d spared my life – thanking Him for saving my life was out of the question. I was clueless. But over time, things slowly began to change.  

Once back on my feet, I depended on a cane for stability. I’d come a long way. Shortly after this a friend invited me to a Wednesday night meeting at his church. By then, I’d decided I needed some religion, so I started attending a Catholic Bible study. Again, I’m sorry to say that I didn’t get much out of it. But unbeknownst to me, God was working out the particulars on my behalf.

SALVATION

 I happened to run across a long-time friend named Randy who had attended plumbing schoolwith me. I was surprised to learn that he was a born-again believer. He spoke to me about his church which was Christian and I was intrigued. After sitting in a few of the studies I was touched as the Word came alive. For the first time I heard the gospel taught on a regular basis. It was there I repented of my sins, accepted Christ, and was baptized.

The Bible study not only gave me more spiritual insight, but I was also blessed to meet my present wife Doris to boot. She was the next best thing that could have happened to me, after Christ.

When I look back, I’m so thankful for the great mercy of my heavenly Father. Just the thought that I was hell bound, and God miraculously stepped in and spared my life. In all of that, He was saying to me, “Death can’t have you because I love you too much, Dan – I’m not done with you yet.” For this reason, I will tell my story of God’s mercy wherever I go, for His glory.

Pastor Anita Joe: As I read Dan’s story, it clearly reveals the heavenly Father’s great mercy toward mankind. Daily, God commends His loving-kindness to us in spite of ourselves. There’s no sinner that is to far-gone that He will not reach down and save. As the prophet declares;

Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear… – Isaiah 59:1.

Beloved, God’s hand is ever reaching. His ultimate plan is salvation, to save you and reveal his plan and purpose for your life that He may be glorified.

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Thank you for visiting Anita Joe Ministries

Blessings!

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD

Welcome!  I hope something will be said to encourage your soul, lift your spirit, make you laugh, as well as make you think. God loves you with an everlasting love.

Welcome!

Welcome my friend, You are at the right place, at the right time.

Welcome one and all. It is my desire to lift your spirit, give you words of encouragement while imparting some insight on certain topics you might not be familiar with. Note that my blog is spiritually based concerning the body and soul.

There will be personal stories and testaments of loved ones, as well as myself, regarding health and spiritual experiences. We learn from each other and you are encouraged to share your experiences with us as you please, for we are your friend, and we are your family in Christ beloved.

We encourage you to speak your truth, to encourage others to be better than ever in this life, and never allow pride to keep you from forgiving or seeking forgiveness. Truth and transparency are key elements in becoming a better you.

There will be discussions of many different religions but I believe there is only one true and living God. Know that diversity is necessary. We are melting pot of various beautiful people which will allow us to learn about others and their beliefs, lifestyle, and culture. But we must respect one another if we call ourselves Christians, or call ourselves mature adults.

We are here to encourage you and your friends and family, never to hurt or demonize anyone. We all have a voice to be heard on this platform. In the big scheme of things, we are one in the spirit, and we are one in His love.

Feel free to impart wisdom, leave comments and ask questions, we are willing to be transparent, and are willing to stand in agreement with you in prayer. I am excited you are here! I hope we meet again. Be well, my friend, for you are welcome. To the only wise God our Savior, both power and dominion. Welcome, Anita & Courtney

Positive Benefits Of Eating Organic

Benefits Of Eating Organic Foods

This article highlights the importance of organic foods, it encourages people to sort after organically made, for people wishing to live a healthy lifestyle.

The importance of healthy foods cannot be overstated especially in this era where people care more about making profits than catering for the needs of their consumer. For those who have little idea about organic foods, here is a brief definition. Organic foods are food products that are produced, prepared and processed without using any chemicals. When you see the inscription organic, NO CHEMICAL should come to mind. That is to say, organic food productions prohibit the use of any form of chemicals, such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides or preservatives.

Eating organic foods is a healthy practice and because of its benefits, organic foods are increasingly gaining popularity. Organic foods are in great demand because many people are now buying the idea that organic food is way healthier than the conventional ones.

If you are a parent or guardian, it is essential to teach your young ones how to make healthy choices, especially in the kitchen. Whenever, you go grocery shopping with your kids, ensure you let them know why you are purchasing a particular product. Popular isn’t always better; genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods are everywhere. They are accessible to anyone and everyone for a fair price. However, these foods have been connected to allergies, cancer, intestinal damage, infertility, Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

The sad fact is, many people do not know the gory effects of GMO foods and may not know until it is too late. Opting for organic foods is a great step closer to removing GMO food from your system.

Contrary to some belief, organic food is not just a trend that will probably fade away with time. However, organic food is more expensive and sometimes not easily available to consumers. Nonetheless, before you write it off, it is vital you know the accurate facts about organic foods.

Pesticide-free

Before you put that food in your mouth, hear this; studies show that GMO vegetables and fruits are treated with pesticides that in turn produce pesticides within them. In other words, you are indirectly eating pesticides when you buy GMO foods, which may cause complications and threats to your body. Yes, they are cheaper, but at what cost? Your health?

It improves your heart condition

Meat and milk products of animals that have been pastured in the free range have higher quantities of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which is a healthy fatty acid and has the potential of bolstering cardiovascular protection. In addition, the sun’s energy is absorbed in by the natural grass through photosynthesis and then converted into organic CLA by animals that feed on these grasses. Moreover, the positive impacts of antioxidants obtained from organic foods include prevention of weak vision, cognitive malfunction, cancer, premature aging, and of course heart disease.

Organic foods are tasty

This benefit is one of my favorites; the taste of organic foods and GMO products are different. The former is tasty because it is not covered with pesticides, neither is it genetically modified. It gives you a richer and better overall taste than the popular GMO products. Furthermore, organic foods do not only taste richer, but they also have more nutrients. Studies show that organic vegetables and fruits are high in antioxidants, calcium, chromium, magnesium, and vitamin C, which makes it a healthy choice for everyone.

New research purpose that eating organic food can add to more intakes of nutritionally advantageous antioxidants. Also, they have limited exposure to heavy metals.

Protects the environment

When we practice healthy living, we are not the only ones benefiting from this choice; the environment too. For instance, the pesticides used in GMO production run off with water and pollute our water, and negatively affecting water life for anyone who uses it on the crops or who drink the water.

Furthermore, organic is the right way that food was meant to be produced. The foods that we eat should not be full of pesticides or antibiotics and hormones, and they should not be genetically modified.

Encourage Yourself In the Lord through Body & Soul

In conclusion, look around you today, new diseases are springing up every day. People are suffering and dying every day because of our food choices. You can retrace your steps back to healthy living; you need to start eating healthy. Ask questions about food products if you do not know them yet. It is God’s will for us to be in good health, even as the soul prospers.

Six Disciplinary Tactics for your Children

Six Positive Disciplines Tactics For Children

Parenting is awesome, but sometimes it feels it is the hardest job of all time. Well, to some extent it is. Because you are dealing with another human being, every inaction or action you take will impact the lives of your loved ones. So every decision or act needs to be carefully planned out. No matter how cute your babies are, there will come a time when they go off course, this does not take away their sweet cutie self. It just means they are humans not robot, and as humans, we get to think for ourselves, try out some things, taste some things.

Now, it is your duty as a good parent to caution and direct them into making positive decisions; this is where it gets tricky. You need to know how to discipline your kids in order not to put a strain on your relationship. It is the reason all parents and guardians need to understand the concept of positive disciplines.

Not all types of disciplines are appropriate; you need to mind the way you solve your children “oopsies” so that you won’t ruin a beautiful relationship while trying to fix some tasteless habits. After all, you are enabling your kids to build the belief that they are capable and empower them with the skills that help them do the right thing.

Fix the cause not the outcome

It is common to quickly treat the outcome or the symptoms than fixing the cause. When you identify the cause, you can prevent the need for your kid to act the way he did. For instance, when your child bullies another kid, it might be a low self-esteem issue, or what he sees at home. When you fix his self-esteem problem, you have successfully eliminated the need to bully some other children. Another example is when your elder son or daughter is hitting his sibling; this may be the cause of jealousy- it may be a way of getting attention from you. Although, it is an unhealthy way to attract your attention; the point is zoom in to see the bigger picture and fix the cause.

Show them productive ways to seek attention

One of the examples listed above is caused by the feeling of neglects by the ones they love and respect. If you do not teach them positive ways to seek attention, they will come up with theirs and trust me on this, you will not like their ways of seeking attention. According to Dr Nelsen, young kids will feel significant when they contribute. She further stated that young kids feel involved in the family when they are given a task to complete. It does not matter how inconsequential it is, whether they are getting themselves dressed or clearing the dishes- they feel capable. It will make them channel their energy towards doing constructive or productive things, as opposed to acting out.

Redirect your child instead of saying NO

Do not be quick to tell your little kid who frequently do something wrong, like biting. Saying NO outrightly is a command, and commands do not give them anything to feel more capable. Instead of telling them what they cannot do, tell them what they can do. The idea is to focus on solutions and not punishments.

Take out the shame around making mistakes

This goes for adults too; a lot of us are scared of making mistakes that we do not bother to try new things. The truth is when we do not try things, we will not know how strong, and smart we are. As a parent, you need to teach these things to your children at a very tender age. Let them know mistakes are opportunities to learn. It is not the time to receive spiteful remarks from you. Besides, it will make a kid feel encouraged and respected that will generally create a positive shift in their thinking and behavior.

Set loving boundaries

Kids, if not careful can overrule the house, and this is when parenting gets overwhelming and chaotic for most adults. If you miss this at an early stage, it will be difficult to shape the iron when it is cold. When your kids turn three and above, they tend to test the limits of your love; it is to find out if we love them enough to make them safe. Whenever, your kid attempts to argue, maybe by stomping his foot and saying “but it is not fair!” instead of yielding to their desire to argue with them, you can respond with “I know” or an emphatic sign and then walk away. You are setting a limit by refusing to argue.

Also, let them know there are consequences to their action or inaction. If you kids misbehave let’s say your 4 years old girl has been throwing a tantrum, wait until he calms down and then say “ what you did cause an energy drain. I don’t think I will be taking you to your friend’s birthday party this afternoon.”

Give them a voice

Children need to be heard; it is healthy for them. So setting aside twenty minutes a week for your little kids so that they can “present their case(s)” while you listen without arguing or stopping them halfway will give the family an opportunity to air their concerns and work out solutions that will be best for everybody.

Mosquito Infestation

7 Signs of mosquito infestation This Summer

Summer is one of my favorite seasons, you get to have fun in the sun, where beautiful floral print dresses, take the kids out, walk your dog, etc. However, this is a season when pests, including mosquitoes are active. When having your summer fun, remember to take care of your loved ones, and yourself as well.

If you want to know that small shouldn’t be overlooked, try sleeping in a room with a single mosquito and the next morning you will know how valuable you are. As far as you reside anywhere on earth, the name mosquito won’t be a strange name to you. Mosquitoes are famous for caring the pathogen of the infamous malaria parasite among others. Unlike most other pest mosquitoes are better solved by hygiene when it comes to long term solution rather than extermination. Mosquito reproduces quite fast and what better way is there to eradicate a species that reproduce quite fast than to stop them from reproducing.

Mosquitoes are generally attracted to carbon (iv) oxide also called (CO2).

That’s how mosquito locate their victims. Below are the most common signs of mosquito infestation
• Malaria
• Irritating bite with inflammation and swelling.
• Annoying buzzing sound
• You will find larvae in standing water
• You will find yourself scratching yourself in the middle of the night.
• You spot them lingering in a dim shady area
• You find them hovering over sweet things in the kitchen

How To Eradicate Mosquitoes

Ensure there is no standing water near your house

Truth be told wherever you find mosquitoes, their breeding place shouldn’t be that far away. Once you rid yourself of standing water and your problem is half solved.

Applying Bacterial to water body water

A bacterial called (Bacillus thuringiensis) is another very powerful method to get rid of mosquito larvae. this bacterial is nontoxic to humans, wildlife and pest only to the larvae. Just a simple drop of it and you are good to go. If you live close to drainage or a large water body, then this is your best bet to get rid of mosquito larvae. But if for some reason you can’t get it to buy where you stay then you could just apply oil. The oil basically makes a thin layer above the water.

Every living thing must breathe. And if they can’t they die. Applying oil will stop the exchange of gasses between the air and the water causing all the larvae to die. You could also apply soap, or bleach.

Net your window

The goal of this is to stop a mosquito from entering into your house especially when you stay at an area where mosquitoes are quite common. You should be considering paying a furniture man to net your windows.

Insecticide

Insecticide comes in handy when it comes to getting rid of mosquitoes quick. There is a high chance that you will kill the mosquito and yourself. Insecticides are poisonous so caution should be used when applying. If possible, exit the house for a while.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a non-toxic substance that can be used to rid homes of pest. Peppermint does not exactly kill pests. It just irritates them. Peppermint also known as (menthe balsamea wild ) is a hybrid mint. It is a cross between water mint and spearmint. It was originally found in the middle east and Europe. But it is now cultivated in most part of the world.

Lemon

Just like every other pest, mosquitoes are irritated by the scent of lemon. So using a lemon scented product such as fragrance will do the trick.

Call a professional pest control exterminator

Getting rid of mosquito can be a bit challenging if handled by a person without experience and time to do a little research. Over the years, the pest has evolved and have grown immune to a lot of things that formally worked in exterminating them. If you don’t have knowledge of what works and what doesn’t you will keep chasing the setting sun.

Why you need a professional pest control exterminator?

Despite all the DIY (do it yourself) technique, you will find on the internet, when it comes to handling pest they are often one little mistake away from not being effective. It is just like learning to drive a car from YouTube. There is a high chance that you will bash your car against something over a couple of trials. The same thing happens with most do it yourself techniques. If you don’t get a proper explanation and guide through it, you may be chasing setting sun rather than getting rid of the infestation.
Below are some reasons why it is often better to get the help of a professional pest control exterminator.

• Specific plan
• Safety
• Time

Technology; Over the years, pests have evolved and have grown immune to a lot of things that formally worked in exterminating them. If you don’t have in-depth knowledge of what works and what doesn’t you will spend a lot of money without seeing any decent result.

Encourage Yourself In the Lord

Education; The whole point of getting rid of pests is; do not have an issue of such again. This is where professional pest control exterminators come into play. Most times after they exterminate your house they often give a brief lecture on how to avoid this problem again.

Teaching Your Kids The Power Of Prayer

How To Teach Your Kids To Pray

It is wonderful to watch your kids grow stronger physically and mentally. But our joy doubles when we see our kids have personal relationships with our Lord Jesus Christ. Nonetheless, we have a role to play in the spiritual growth of our children. Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”.

As parents, it is our responsibility to train our young ones around us; we should not dump these responsibilities on the pastors, teachers, doctors, etc. Furthermore, teaching your kids how to pray may seem like an uphill task, but it is not. There are many ways to teach them how, when and why to pray. Here is the truth; the earlier you get started, the better and faster they grow in Christ. Below are some tips to teach your children to pray.

Cultivate a prayerful life

Children are great observers and mimickers; they learn faster by what they see adults do around them. So, if you want your kids to pray, then you have to cultivate a prayer life. They need to see you pray. Besides, being an example is one of the quickest ways you can get your kids interested in prayer. At first, they may ask you what you are doing, it is okay. It is the opportunity for you to explain why you pray and the importance of prayers. You do not have to hide all the time when praying; let your kid watch and learn.

Pray with your kids

Another best way to teach your kids how to pray is by praying with them. To some parents, this may slow them down, but it is totally fine. Jesus Christ is never in a hurry; He wants to spend time with us, most especially the young ones around us.

Matthew 19:14 (TPT) “I want little children to come to me, so never interfere with them when they want to come, for heaven’s Kingdom realm is composed of beloved ones like these! Listen to the truth: no one will enter the kingdom realm of heaven unless he becomes like one of these”

You can start by telling your kid to prayer before the family eats dinner, throw in some words if he ever gets stuck. Letting your kids say prayers while you assist will boost their confidence and as they grow older physically and spiritually, they will not need your help.

Pray a general prayer in the morning, before meals and before bed

The more you create time for prayers, the faster your kids are going to learn. When you wake up in the morning, go to their room (if they sleep in the same room) or pick one room each day, and then say the morning prayers. In addition, as stated above, bless the food before you eat, and end the day with family prayers. As you do all these, your children are watching, and with time, they will be able to pray on their own.

Buy Christian books for kids

While shopping for your kids, remember to add a bible based storybooks in the shopping cart, especially the ones that encourage prayers. Some parents made the mistake of getting toys, favorite cartoon movies, and games for their kids, without attending to the spiritual wellbeing of their kids. You have to balance it too; spiritual growth is as important as their physical growth.

Talk about prayer

It is essential to tell your kids what you pray for, why your prayers are vital so that they won’t see prayer time like something they just have to do, without meaning. When your prayers get answered, share the testimony with them, let them know God hears and answers prayers. This will build their faith in God, and teach them to count on God all the time.

Encourage Yourself In the Lord, with body & soul

In conclusion, prayer is vital to the spiritual growth of the family; the earlier you teach your kids how to pray, the easier it will be to lead them to Christ. Besides, when they learn at a tender age, it will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Don’t forget; a family that prays together, stay together. Let Jesus Christ be the anchor of your family.

I love when my grandsons are told to pray for someone, because they jump right in and go for it. Immediately they start praying, that’s the joy of having children pray. They are pure and sincere, and eager to say the least.

The Power of Prayer

Bed Bugs, and what you need to know

Summer is fast approaching and it is the period where a lot of people prefer to take a break and have fun. However, things can go south quickly if pests such as bedbugs invade the hotel room or wherever they are staying all through the vacation. This article provides some of the tips to avoid bedbugs infestation during such vacation.

How To Avoid Bedbugs Infestation During Vacation

Imagine taking the family to a special state or city for a family vacation, only for pesky pests to dampen your joy. It is definitely not a good thought. If you are preparing for a family vacay, or you simply just want to travel alone to have “me-time” especially in the warm season there are some things you should or should not do.

“Bed bugs” they could be living in the most beautiful and clean hotel room. What more awful, they could be getting back home with you. Bed bug infestations can happen whenever, however, it is very important to be additional careful about the critters during travel times like summer, for example. Hiding up in crevices and cracks, they are very good in hitchhikers and could lock onto luggage and different assets.

During the research in 2015 by the NPMA and the University of Kentucky, 74 per cent of reviewed bug control experts said they’d experienced bed bugs in motels and hotels within the past year. Despite the fact that this number is second to apartments, apartment suites and single-family homes, 90 per cent of the professionals said they had discovered bed bugs in these places.

Examine your motel or hotel room properly: Before you settle into your rooms, it is advisable to check the bed and any couches or armchair. Make sure you check the folds and creases of the sleeping pad, Fredericks suggested, as small dim stains could be an indication of an infestation. Off chance that it’s a quite terrible case, you may even have the option to see the bugs’ castaway shells or pearly white eggs.

Place your luggage in a good spot: When getting to your lodging room, place your gear on non-upholstered furniture far from the bed, for example, on a work desk. If you use a luggage rack, examine it for bed bugs before plopping the suitcase down. The adult bed bugs can be seen by the human eye and around 1/4-inch-long by 1/8-inch-wide and are normally dark colored or reddish brown in color. Just imagine them to be the size of an apple seed. Be that as it may, bed bugs eggs are difficult to spot with the naked eye as they can be so tiny.

Make sure you store your belongings safely: when you are sure that your room is bed bugs free, cut the chance of bringing home stray by keeping your suitcases on the bag rack and as far from the bed as possible. Make sure you don’t leave your purse, clothes, and computer gears on upholstered furniture.

Keep begs closed when not in use. if you don’t want to take any chance of bringing to your home, then put all belongings in sealed plastic pouches and their suitcase in a zippered tote.

When you return from your trip, be sure to treat your suitcases as if you already have bed bugs infestation. This is because if the high number of hiding places for bed bugs in a suitcase, take precautions as if they have hitched a ride home with you from your trip. Once you get home, do not put your suitcase on your bed, couch or other furniture to unpack. If you can swing it, remove contents from the suitcases in an area like the laundry room, garage, kitchen, or foyer.

Once you unpacked, store your suitcase in a non-living space, if possible, places like the attic, basement or garage.

Encourage Yourself In the Lord

Furthermore, put the suitcase on bedroom closet or under a bed, then place it in a large trash bag first and tie the bag shut to prevent the bugs from crawling out. Next time when you pack for your family vacation, bring the items you need to put in the suitcase rather than bringing the suitcase into the bedroom or on top of your bed.

The easy way to do this is to put your toiletries, clothes, and other items into a laundry basket and carry them to your suitcase. Be sure to keep the suitcase stored in the garbage bag if you use it once a year or more often than that because bed bugs can live for several months or more without feeding. So, why having a wonderful holiday, ensure your belongings are pest-free.

Hypocrisy at it’s best!

What is hypocrisy?

Hypocrisy is the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. Psalm 107:7

Isaiah 5:14 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁴ Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. Take note of this scripture because it is vital for many reasons. So we go back to our discussion on hypocrisy.

What is hypocrisy? you and me. You or me when we confess the name of Christ, and don’t live according to the scriptures. Unfortunately the church is full of people who are hypocritical, those who gossip, liars, idolaters, whoremongers, thieves, and these are just a few. What’s your sin, your fault, or your indiscretions? And what are you doing to better your life in Christ? Below are a few…..

Whoremongers a person who has dealings with prostitutes, especially a sexually promiscuous man.

Gossip casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.

Liar is one who speaks untruths one who tells lies.

Idolaters are people who choose to worship idols, and a idol is an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship.

According to Matthew 25:44 in the Christian Standard Bible; “Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help you? ’

Below is one of the best videos I seen in a long time. I posted it with hopes you will receive the message it is trying to convey. I thought it was quite powerful, and it seems that many times we sit in judgment of others, but our lives are like filthy rags.

Pious is when someone is deeply religious and visibly follows all the moral and ethical codes of his religion, are you pious? Don’t become a Priest, Pastor, Missionary, Bishop, Evangelist, Reverend, or a mere saint, if you’re not prepared to live a pious life. ( The word Pious comes from the Latin pius, which means dutiful.) A Christ-like relationship is necessary even when no one is looking, or how we treat someone who appears different from ourselves.

I know after watching this video, it left you wondering if your behavior resembles the Christian spoken about in this video. If so, you and I have much transforming to do. In a nut shell, we are living below what God expects from our Christian walk.

Many heads were bowed in shame during the outcome of this video, but will you have to bow your head because you failed to do what was Christ-like concerning your fellow brethren? God is all knowing and sees our every deed. He hears our idol conversations, and I am sure He is not pleased. The word of God says we will have to give in account for every word we speak and every deed we do.

Thought for the day….

Elevate your thoughts and deeds, read the word of God in order to know what thus saith the Lord. “Study to shew yourself approved, a workman rightly dividing the word of God.”

2 Timothy 2:15

What does it mean to study to show yourself approved? Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (2 Timothy 2:15)

The apostle Paul wrote to the evangelist Timothy, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

This verse well-illustrates the need for understanding that word meanings may change, and we must be ever on guard against misapplying or twisting scripture, even when we try to teach the truth. The rendering, study to show thyself approved unto God is found only in the King James Version, translated in the year 1611. In 1611 the word study meant strive, or be diligent.

Thus the New American Standard Bible tells us the, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. The New International Version renders the verse, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Encourage Yourself In the Lord

Hello Mornings! Said it best, please read below

Through the sacrifice of Christ, and by His righteous life, we have been given a great gift of acceptance with the Father of all. This gift of salvation is available to all, and is all because of Grace.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

All you have to do is have faith. Believe that Jesus did live this perfect life — the one that you and I could never live. Know that you are a desperate sinner — one who needs His righteousness so desperately. Then walk forward in obedient living. Obedience is not what saves us, it is the proof of your salvation. If you have made this declaration of need for Jesus, and have walked forward in faith — today or twenty years ago — there is no condemnation.

Rejoice! Our Father in heaven is looking now at you and me — right now — and He is smiling.   Do you have a hard time grasping this truth? How does knowing that God is already pleased with your change, feel?

Did You Pray Today?

Prayer encourages others, its intercession for you as well as others, and lifts up your spirit if for some reason you are not feeling quite like yourself. Know that praying every day is vital for your very soul. Have you prayed today?

Life isn’t always happiness and joy, there are times when you need a prayer for healing and change. Prayer is more than just the words you read off of a page or that you utter during a time of need. Establishing a well-balanced relationship with your Lord and Savior means you are taking time and communicating. Prayer is one of the most powerful ways you can establish a meaningful relationship with the Lord.

When you’re experiencing difficulty, the one person you know will always be on your side, no matter what, is the Lord. It’s important to feel comfortable with Him and ask for the comfort you need with a prayer for healing. It’s important to remember that you’re not burdening the Lord with your request. He appreciates your willingness to come before Him and is ready and willing to provide you with guidance. While the path may not be what you anticipated or perhaps the answer is not in plain sight, always remember that He has a plan.

A Prayer For You

Heavenly Father I beseech you in the name of Jesus Christ, to have your way in my life, take away anything that isn’t of you. Create in me a clean spirit, and renew my mind.

Gracious Father I love you and cannot do anything without you, all that I am, and all that I accomplish throughout the course of the day is only because of who You are. You are all that I am not, and for that I am grateful. Thank you Heavenly Father!

Father I magnify Your Precious and Holy Name, I glorify You and I praise You. Thank you God because You alone are God and beside there is no other. The righteous One, the supreme One, the One who holds me in the hallow of His hand. I thank you for guidance, thank you for Your love. Your love has kept me in the times of darkness, even when I think I am all alone, You are there. Thank you God!

I am most grateful that you call me friend, and loved me so much that you laid down your life for your friend, ME.

Father please touch those who are sick and shut in, for the person who has just been told they have Cancer or any and all other illnesses/disease, those who are lonely or depressed, the bereaved throughout this world. Intervene for those who are need of a special blessing, remember our elderly, our children, and God even our enemies. You said in Your Word, vengeance is Yours and You will repay.

God, I love that Your Word says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Heal our land God, In Jesus Name. Amen

Encourage Yourself In The Lord, In Body & Soul

This video is one of my favorite prayers I ever heard, in the video the voice you will hear is Cindy Trimm. This is a Warfare prayer, we are in a time today that the enemy is running rampant seeking who he may devour, his desire is to sift us as wheat, we must be vigilant in our walk with Christ and our prayer life.

I love it and pray you do too. It’s the word of God, and will help bless your soul. Listen carefully my friend.

What Is Gangrene?

What is gangrene, and what you should know

Gangrene is dead tissue caused by an infection or lack of blood flow. The death of tissue often occurs in the extremities or skin from loss of blood supply. The condition often affects toes, fingers, and limbs, but can affect muscles and organs.

Gangrene is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical treatment. While most people with dry gangrene recover fully with treatment, gangrene that involves an infection can be life-threatening. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of recovery. If you have ongoing and unexplained pain in any area in your body, fever, a wound that is slow to heal, or you notice a change in skin color, make an appointment to see your doctor right away or go to the emergency room.

Here’s My Story…

About a year ago from today, in Houston Texas I met this guy named David, who was there visiting his sister who had previously had surgery. David was about 52 or so, diabetic, extremely overweight, and had difficulty walking. I later learned David was on Dialysis three days a week, and for all of you who are not knowledgeable just as I was at first, what the function of dialysis entails:

The function of dialysis

When your kidneys fail, dialysis keeps your body in balance by:

• removing waste, salt and extra water to prevent them from building up in the body
• keeping a safe level of certain chemicals in your blood, such as potassium, sodium and bicarbonate
• helping to control blood pressure

So as I was cleaning out the car, this man next door was sitting in his SUV taking it easy. As he spoke to me, I could only think how friendly is he? He told he needed fresh air, so that was the reason for sitting in the car, his sister was an avid smoker.

I was preparing to go to the mall and invited him to go along with me. Oh yeah, I better say he and his sister knew my friend Karen from Oklahoma city, and just happen to be living next to each other in Houston. David and I hurried on over to the mall. We laughed and talked as if we had known each other for years. I used Karen’s electric scooter to assist David in the mall because of his walking disability.

It was an incredible day, because although I had been in Houston off and on for sometime, I didn’t have any friends per se. Man did we talk, we laughed and simply had a wonderful day.

Two days later, a few of us went out to eat at Pappadoiuxs. We ate, visit, soon we went our different ways. Karen invited David to go to church with us to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. He did and seem to truly enjoy himself in the Lord.

Only speaking to David one or two times through text messages there after. But remembering him saying that he was looking to God for his healing, which would mean awaiting a kidney transplant.

Unfortunately, David transitioned yesterday morning. After gangrene had set in, having one of his legs amputated, then having to go back and have three fingers amputated, and his hands turning black. David succumbed to his condition. Home alone, and when various ones called him, and received no response, those who loved him became concerned.

Encourage Yourself In the Lord

Remember dear ones, it matters not how you pass, but how your relationship with Christ is. It is the hope we have in in Christ, to see our Father’s face. To hear Him say, “well done, thy good and faithful servant “.

David’s end was somewhat tragic, and I was sad to hear of his demise, but David knew Christ. David will be missed!

So listen beloved, I found this article below and thought it would be most helpful for me as well as you. Please check it out, I think you’ll find it useful. God Bless you!

My best friend said to me today, “when the chicken comes home to roost, it comes home”. So the things we do to or with our bodies is crucial for the good of longevity and an excellent quality of life. Think before you put just anything into your temple. Remember body & Soul.

Encourageyourself in the Lord, through Body & Soul

10 Ways to Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Uncontrolled cases can cause blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and other serious conditions.

Before diabetes is diagnosed, there is a period where blood sugar levels are high but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. This is known as prediabetes.

It’s estimated that up to 70% of people with prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, progressing from prediabetes to diabetes isn’t inevitable.

Although there are certain factors you can’t change — such as your genes, age or past behaviors — there are many actions you can take to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Here are ways to avoid getting diabetes.

Cut Sugar and Refined Carbs From Your Diet

Eating sugary foods and refined carbs can put at-risk individuals on the fast track to developing diabetes.

Your body rapidly breaks these foods down into small sugar molecules, which are absorbed into your bloodstream.

The resulting rise in blood sugar stimulates your pancreas to produce insulin, a hormone that helps sugar get out of the bloodstream and into your body’s cells.

In people with prediabetes, the body’s cells are resistant to insulin’s action, so sugar remains high in the blood. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin, attempting to bring blood sugar down to a healthy level.

Over time, this can lead to progressively higher blood sugar and insulin levels, until the condition eventually turns into type 2 diabetes.

Many studies have shown a link between the frequent consumption of sugar or refined carbs and the risk of diabetes. What’s more, replacing them with foods that have less of an effect on blood sugar may help reduce your risk.

A detailed analysis of 37 studies found that people with the highest intakes of fast-digesting carbs were 40% more likely to develop diabetes than those with the lowest intakes.

SUMMARY:Eating foods high in refined carbs and sugar increases blood sugar and insulin levels, which may lead to diabetes over time. Avoiding these foods may help reduce your risk.

Work Out Regularly

Performing physical activity on a regular basis may help prevent diabetes.

Exercise increases the insulin sensitivity of your cells. So when you exercise, less insulin is required to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

One study in people with prediabetes found that moderate-intensity exercise increased insulin sensitivity by 51% and high-intensity exercise increased it by 85%. However, this effect only occurred on workout days.

Many types of physical activity have been shown to reduce insulin resistance and blood sugar in overweight, obese and prediabetic adults. These include aerobic exercise, high-intensity interval training and strength training.

Working out more frequently seems to lead to improvements in insulin response and function. One study in people at risk of diabetes found that burning more than 2,000 calories weekly via exercise was required to achieve these benefits.

Therefore, it’s best to choose physical activity that you enjoy, can engage in regularly and feel you can stick with long-term.

SUMMARY:Performing physical activity on a regular basis can increase insulin secretion and sensitivity, which may help prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes.

Drink Water as Your Primary Beverage

Water is by far the most natural beverage you can drink.

What’s more, sticking with water most of the time helps you avoid beverages that are high in sugar, preservatives and other questionable ingredients.

Sugary beverages like soda and punch have been linked to an increased risk of both type 2 diabetes and latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA).

LADA is a form of type 1 diabetes that occurs in people over 18 years of age. Unlike the acute symptoms seen with type 1 diabetes in childhood, LADA develops slowly, requiring more treatment as the disease progresses.

One large observational study looked at the diabetes risk of 2,800 people.

Those who consumed more than two servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per day had a 99% increased risk of developing LADA and a 20% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Researchers of one study on the effects of sweet drinks on diabetes stated that neither artificially sweetened beverages nor fruit juice were good beverages for diabetes prevention.

By contrast, consuming water may provide benefits. Some studies have found that increased water consumption may lead to better blood sugar control and insulin response.

One 24-week study showed that overweight adults who replaced diet sodas with water while following a weight loss program experienced a decrease in insulin resistance and lower fasting blood sugar and insulin levels.

SUMMARY:Drinking water instead of other beverages may help control blood sugar and insulin levels, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes.

Lose Weight If You’re Overweight or Obese

Although not everyone who develops type 2 diabetes is overweight or obese, the majority are.

What’s more, those with prediabetes tend to carry excess weight in their midsection and around abdominal organs like the liver. This is known as visceral fat.

Excess visceral fat promotes inflammation and insulin resistance, which significantly increase the risk of diabetes.

Although losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce this risk, studies show that the more you lose, the more benefits you’ll experience.

One study of more than 1,000 people with prediabetes found that for every kilogram (2.2 lbs) of weight participants lost, their risk of diabetes reduced by 16%, up to a maximum reduction of 96%.

There are many healthy options for losing weight, including low-carb, Mediterranean, paleo and vegetarian diets. However, choosing a way of eating you can stick with long-term is key to helping you maintain the weight loss.

One study found that obese people whose blood sugar and insulin levels decreased after losing weight experienced elevations in these values after gaining back all or a portion of the weight they lost.

SUMMARY:Carrying excess weight, particularly in the abdominal area, increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. Losing weight may significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.

Quit Smoking

Smoking has been shown to cause or contribute to many serious health conditions, including heart disease, emphysema and cancers of the lung, breast, prostate and digestive tract.

There’s also research linking smoking and second-hand smoke exposure to type 2 diabetes.

In an analysis of several studies totaling over one million people, smoking was found to increase the risk of diabetes by 44% in average smokers and 61% in people who smoked more than 20 cigarettes daily (30Trusted Source).

One study followed the risk of diabetes in middle-aged male smokers after they quit. After five years their risk had reduced by 13%, and after 20 years they had the same risk as people who had never smoked.

Researchers stated that even though many of the men gained weight after quitting, after several smoke-free years, their risk of diabetes was lower than if they’d continued smoking.

SUMMARY:Smoking is strongly linked to the risk of diabetes, especially in heavy smokers. Quitting has been shown to reduce this risk over time.

Follow a Very-Low-Carb Diet

Following a ketogenic or very-low-carb diet can help you avoid diabetes.

Although there are a number of ways of eating that promote weight loss, very-low-carb diets have strong evidence behind them.

They have consistently been shown to lower blood sugar and insulin levels, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce other diabetes risk factors.

In a 12-week study, prediabetic individuals consumed either a low-fat or low-carb diet. Blood sugar dropped by 12% and insulin dropped by 50% in the low-carb group.

In the low-fat group, meanwhile, blood sugar dropped by only 1% and insulin dropped by 19%. Thus, the low-carb diet had better results on both counts.

If you minimize your carb intake, your blood sugar levels won’t rise very much after you eat. Therefore, your body needs less insulin to maintain your blood sugar within healthy levels.

What’s more, very-low-carb or ketogenic diets may also reduce fasting blood sugar.

In a study of obese men with prediabetes who followed a ketogenic diet, average fasting blood sugar decreased from 118 to 92 mg/dl, which is within the normal range. Participants also lost weight and improved several other health markers.

For more info, check out this Guide to Healthy Low-Carb Eating With Diabetes.

SUMMARY:Following a ketogenic or very-low-carb diet can help keep blood sugar and insulin levels under control, which may protect against diabetes.

Watch Portion Sizes

Whether or not you decide to follow a low-carb diet, it’s important to avoid large portions of food to reduce the risk of diabetes, especially if you are overweight.

Eating too much food at one time has been shown to cause higher blood sugar and insulin levels in people at risk of diabetes.

On the other hand, decreasing portion sizes may help prevent this type of response.

A two-year study in prediabetic men found that those who reduced food portion sizes and practiced other healthful nutrition behaviors had a 46% lower risk of developing diabetes than the men who made no lifestyle changes.

Another study looking at weight loss methods in people with prediabetes reported that the group practicing portion control lowered their blood sugar and insulin levels significantly after 12 weeks.

SUMMARY:Avoiding large portion sizes can help reduce insulin and blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of diabetes.

Avoid Sedentary Behaviors

It’s important to avoid being sedentary if you want to prevent diabetes.

If you get no or very little physical activity, and you sit during most of your day, then you lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Observational studies have shown a consistent link between sedentary behavior and the risk of diabetes.

A large analysis of 47 studies found that people who spent the highest amount of time per day engaged in sedentary behavior had a 91% increased risk of developing diabetes.

Changing sedentary behavior can be as simple as standing up from your desk and walking around for a few minutes every hour.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to reverse firmly entrenched habits.

One study gave young adults at risk of diabetes a 12-month program designed to change sedentary behavior. Sadly, after the program ended, the researchers found that participants hadn’t reduced how much time they sat.

Set realistic and achievable goals, such as standing while talking on the phone or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Committing to these easy, concrete actions may be the best way to reverse sedentary tendencies.

Studies in obese, elderly and prediabetic individuals have shown that it helps keep blood sugar and insulin levels low.

Fiber can be divided into two broad categories: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber absorbs water, whereas insoluble fiber does not.

In the digestive tract, soluble fiber and water form a gel that slows down the rate at which food is absorbed. This leads to a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels.

However, insoluble fiber has also been linked to reductions in blood sugar levels and a decreased risk of diabetes, although exactly how it works is not clear.

Most unprocessed plant foods contain fiber, although some have more than others. Check out this list of 22 high-fiber foods for many excellent sources of fiber.

SUMMARY:Consuming a good fiber source at each meal can help prevent spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which may help reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

Optimize Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D is important for blood sugar control.

Indeed, studies have found that people who don’t get enough vitamin D, or whose blood levels are too low, have a greater risk of all types of diabetes.

Most health organizations recommend maintaining a vitamin D blood level of at least 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/l).

One study found that people with the highest blood levels of vitamin D were 43% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with the lowest blood levels.

Another observational study looked at Finnish children who received supplements containing adequate levels of vitamin D.

Children who took the vitamin D supplements had a 78% lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes than children who received less than the recommended amount of vitamin D.

Controlled studies have shown that when people who are deficient take vitamin D supplements, the function of their insulin-producing cells improves, their blood sugar levels normalize and their risk of diabetes reduces significantly.

Good food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish and cod liver oil. In addition, sun exposure can increase vitamin D levels in the blood.

However, for many people, supplementing with 2,000–4,000 IU of vitamin D daily may be necessary to achieve and maintain optimal levels.

SUMMARY:Consuming foods high in vitamin D or taking supplements can help optimize vitamin D blood levels, which can reduce your risk of diabetes.

Minimize Your Intake of Processed Foods

One clear step you can take to improve your health is to minimize your consumption of processed foods.

They’re linked to all sorts of health problems, including heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Studies suggest that cutting back on packaged foods that are high in vegetable oils, refined grains and additives may help reduce the risk of diabetes.

This may be partly due to the protective effects of whole foods like nuts, vegetables, fruits and other plant foods.

One study found that poor-quality diets that were high in processed foods increased the risk of diabetes by 30%. However, including nutritious whole foods helped reduce this risk.

SUMMARY:Minimizing processed foods and focusing on whole foods with protective effects on health may help decrease the risk of diabetes.

Drink Coffee or Tea

Although water should be your primary beverage, research suggests that including coffee or tea in your diet may help you avoid diabetes.

Studies have reported that drinking coffee on a daily basis reduced the risk of type 2 diabetesby 8–54%, with the greatest effect generally seen in people with the highest consumption.

Another review of several studies that included caffeinated tea and coffee found similar results, with the largest risk reduction in women and overweight men.

Coffee and tea have antioxidants known as polyphenols that may help protect against diabetes.

In addition, green tea contains a unique antioxidant compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that has been shown to reduce blood sugar release from the liver and increase insulin sensitivity.

SUMMARY:Drinking coffee or tea may help reduce blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetes. I can personally says everything I go out to eat with my friends, we drink hot unsweetened green tea. I have a long ways to go because I do need to lose weight, and adopt a healthier way of eating as a lifestyle .

Encourage Yourself In the Lord

You have control over many of the factors that influence diabetes.

Rather than viewing prediabetes as a stepping stone to diabetes, it may be helpful to see it as a motivator for making changes that can help reduce your risk.

Eating the right foods and adopting other lifestyle behaviors that promote healthy blood sugar and insulin levels will give you the best chance at avoiding diabetes.

Happy Father’s Day

June 16, 2019

Fatherhood calls for many challenges and hardships, which every dad bears with pride and happiness. Your dad has been your first friend who has always been with you, no matter what. He is the one person who has bestowed you with unconditional love and care, without asking for anything in return. When it comes to the relationship you share with your father, there are absolutely no strings attached. He may not show, but he is always there for you, with his unwavering support and assistance.

How often do you take out time to whisper a silent prayer to God for the health and happiness of this special person in your life? Most of you would prefer not to answer the above question. This Father’s Day, take it as an opportunity to seek blessings for your father, with a special prayer of gratitude. In the following lines, we have listed a few prayers which would rightly convey all what you wish for your dad.

My husband, my daughter’s father, my one and only natural birth child, Courtney. Has one of the best fathers a child could ever hope for. He is committed, he is mild mannered, and probably has never disciplined her when she was younger., even if she deserved it. But he does let you know when he is unhappy with a situation. He never raises his voice at his daughter, unlike I do, but when she needs it, I give it to her. Paul is a great man for many reasons. He has always respected Courtney, and could be trusted not to violate her innocence. That alone holds great weight with me. I call him honorable, I call him trustworthy, I call him loyal and I call him husband.

Special Prayers for Dad

Prayer 1
God our Father,
in your wisdom and love you made all things.
Bless those fathers, who have taken upon themselves
the responsibility of parenting.
Bless those who have lost a spouse to death … or divorce
who are parenting their children alone.
Strengthen them by your love that they may become
the loving, caring persons they are meant to be.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen!

Prayer 2
God, bless all the fathers in the world.
Guide them to be good role models
and loving to all their children.
Help them to be a father like You are.
Give them grace and patience
to handle situations in a loving way.
Amen!

Prayer 3
Fathers everywhere,
We honor you and wish to say
May God’s blessings be with you
May God’s blessings be with you
In a special way today!

Prayer 4
Lord, please take care of our dads.
Though they are brave and protective,
they must also be frightened sometimes.
When money runs low and when we need things,
Lord, when their hearts break because they can’t do it all;
Please help us to let them know how much we love them.
And how much You love them.
Amen!

Prayer 5
Lord, I Thank you for my dad
Please take care of him
He is getting older,
but he is still brave and bold
Please take care of him
Amen!

Prayer 6
Thank you, friend Jesus,
for my father who loves me,
for my grandfather who cares for me
and for God, my eternal father,
who made me and is always with me.
How Blessed I am!
Amen!

Prayer 7
God our Father
Bless these men,
that they may find strength as fathers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters,
may honor them always
with a spirit of profound respect.
Amen!

Encourage Yourself In the Lord

To all you Great fathers, Happy Father’s day! God bless you in all you do. Protecting and providing for your precious little babies, no matter how old they are. Even though the bigger children shy away from the affection as they get older. Thank you!

With much love from Joy, Courtney, & Anita