Proverbs 10:17

"Those who heed instruction are on the way to life, but those who ignore correction lose their way"

While this world offers plenty of instruction on how we should live, it is the instruction of Our Father that provides the true way. It is the example of His Son Jesus that brings that way to practical life. for He is the truth, the way, the life. And when we reflect that way of life, we find our way and we glorify Him.

Psalm 29:11

"The Lord gives strenght to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace"

Happiness depends less upon our circumstances than upon our thoughts. When we turn our thoughts to God, to His gifts, and to His glorious creation, we experience the joy that God intends for His children.

Psalm 71:5

"You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence"

Discouragement is not God's way; He is a God of possibility not negativity. So count your blessings, not your hardships, and live courageously. God is th egiver of all things good and He watches over you today and forever.

Romans 6a:4

"When we were baptised, we were buried with Christ and shared His death. So, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the wonderful power of the Father, we also can live a new life"

On a daily basis we share in the power of Our Father. We share in His presence and are washed in His glory. Just as He renewed His Son, he renews us.

James 3:17

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy"

It is through an intimate relationship with Him that wisdom is gained. It is through seeking His counsel and an understanding of His infinite love that we are wise.

2 Peter 1:5

"Applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence"

As believers in christ, we seek to live each day in discipline, honesty, and faith. Character is formed by doing the thing we are supposed to do, when it should be done, whether we feel like it or not. When we do, integrity becomes a habit, and God smiles.

Psalm 23:5

"my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever"

Anyone who follows in in the will of Our Heavenly Father, and who follows in the footsteps of Jesus, will surely be blessed. When we live this life, when we make this choice, our cup runs over because we feel the presence of God within us and we are fulfilled because we recognize Him working through us.

John 9:1-3

"As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, "rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind!" Jesus answered, " it was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him"

It seems blaming, especially blaming others, is a favorite human pasttime. Often times we blame our situations or conditions onsomething or someone external. But truth be known the solution lies within. If we are blind to that fact, we may never see the goodness that God has in store for us. You see Our Saviour has already come, He is within us. He doesn't cast blame. He also doesn't spend much time helping those who don't help themselves.

1 Peter 1:8-9

"You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls"

When we are ready we can acknowledge our Father's presence by seeing His effects on our lives and those around us. We can feel His presence through prayer, meditation on His word, or sharing in stories of His salvation. Yes the true pinnacle of this life comes not from seeing His face, but by feeling His presence. When we calm our hearts, when we open our eyes, it is then that we can rejoice with great joy and faith.

James 4:1

"What is the source of conflict among you? What is the source of your disputes? Don't they come from your cravings that are at war in you own lives?"

Issues arise when we become misguided and crave the material things of this life more than we crave the eternal "bread of life". When we look around at what we do have, we should count our blessings and find contentment and satisfaction in "having enough". Through recognition of our Father's offerings and gratitude we can calm the cravins if we make them part of our everyday lives.