There are many ways we can alter the reality around us. It may be through virtual reality or the use of some kind of mood altering, perception changing, emotional processing medication (drug). However, what if we ultimately altered our reality - the reality of what we are thinking, feeling, or experiencing by bringing it to God and thereby living in an altared reality?

We sing songs without necessarily considering - or beleiving - the words we are singing. This can be true with any kind or style (genre) of music, but is particularly concerning when it involves contemporary "worship" songs. It is much like the saying: "God said it; I believe it; that settles it." Does it really? Or is it just easy to simply sing along with today's music that is so well written and performed? What impact does our singing actually have on our lives?

Life is a journey we all make and along the way we all encounter some difficult and often unexpected situations. One source of encouragement during those times can come from listening to - and perhaps even singing along with - encouraging music. And one source for this is found in "God's Music" (aka Worship Music), especially songs that are truly scripturally based.

"Life is a journey - enjoy the ride" is a phrase that was made popular via a 1996 commercial series by Nissan. Wouldn't it be great if our journey in /of life was one great adventure after another. Yet we know that isn't reality, is it? So during those difficult, uncertain, and even unsettling times we need a source of true encouragement (and not just a new car!). God - who is never changing - and His Word - that is everlasting - offer just such encouragement for us, no matter the circumstance or situation.

You are probably familiar with the phrase,"Life is a journey, not a destination." Reality is that all of us will and do need some encouragement along the way. A good place to find and build a strong foundation for ongoing encouragement is the Bible. Since God never changes and His word endures forever, you can rely on it today, tomorrow, and "forever".

The naming of a child (as well as the spelling) is not just a big deal today. The naming of people in the Bible often reflects their character or their purpose/mission. This is especially true when it comes to the birth of Jesus concerning His purpose/mission - then and now.

The time of the Winter Solstice - in the Northern Hemisphere - represents some of the darkest days of the year. Yet once it has passed each day brings with it a bit more time of sunlight. At about the same time comes the celebration of Christmas which involved the appearance of two incredible lights - Jesus, who is described as the light of the world, and the Star of Bethlehem - which led seekers (Wisemen) to Jesus. The world needs these lights as much today as it did then.

Using GPS can help us arrive at our desired destination with a minimum of problems. Likewise, in order to minimize distractions or deceptions in our lives, we need to set our hearts and minds on the desired destination - on things above, not on earthly things - as well as fix our eyes on the author (initiator) and perfector (completer) of our faith - Jesus, who is full of grace and truth,

While it is wonderful to take time to express Thanksgiving each year in late November (in America at least), shouldn't we be doing it from a grateful heart each and every day of the year? We need to count our blessings - emotional and spiritual as well as physical - one be one and see what God has done (been doing) in our lives - specifically as well as generally.

Everyday thousands of thoughts pass through our heads: random, helpful, or perhaps destructive. Thoughts form beliefs, beliefs shape behavior, and behavior becomes a habit (lifestyle). As a well known pastor has declared: "Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts." This expresses the necessity of a Renewed Mind.