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Met Marvin, a homeless man from Tallahassee, Florida that was down on his luck in Tampa.  Although we told him right off the bat that we didn’t have any money to give, he shared his story of faith and life with us.  We talked for a bit and we prayed for strenght for him in the New Year.  I hope that all of us, including Marvin have significant positive life changes in 2015.  You will be in our thoughts Mr. Marvin.  Keep God first in all you do.

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Are you open to listening to what the Holy Spirit has to say? It's difficult to know when it is the Holy Spirit leading you, but there are several discernible ways. First, you are open to guidance. Second, you are ready to obey what the Holy Spirit guides you to do even if it is outside of your comfort zone. Third, you know the difference between your feelings and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. So, let the Holy Spirit guide your life.

I feel healthier than I have in a very longtime, I have read my bible more, I have prayed more, and my faith is stronger. Still I know that my flesh is very weak, and that I must keep that in front of me each day. That's why I have continued. Most of my life I didn't realize how selfish I was choosing to live. I do now; and I had been working very hard to change me. I failed so many times over and over. I simply could not change me... but Jesus did.

John 1:1-14

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Happy Birthday Daddy!!! 

The kindest, most patient, and loving person I have ever known!

Great day at work, got a little extra cheese (but didn't even have one bite). At lunch I laid in a grassy field and read my bible and prayed (until a guy came to check on me cause he thought I was dead). Great veggie dinner with my sweet Tobi (although my mouth did water a bit while she enjoyed red velvet cake). Fun shopping and just spending time with my sweet girl (even without a list we rocked it). Thank you Lord Jesus for this day.

It was a good day… 

Feeling good now, but had to get over myself big time earlier today. I made a dentist appointment for tomorrow morning. That's not a big deal most of the time, I have been a hundred times, but this one was weird for me. I recently broke a tooth and had a crown come off another tooth, and didn't immediately go to the dentist. Sadly, the longer I put it off the more difficult it was for me to make that appointment. It got to the point where I was so embarrassed and afraid of expenses that I simply didn't want on my plate, that I just ignored the issue.

It may sound trivial to some to read this post, but the bottom line is I was not taking care of myself like I should. This fasting period has been helping me to focus, and I hope it continues to be enlightening and strengthening to my body, mind and soul.

Thank you Jesus for being with me. I need You.

Updated:  12/11 - 

Just two hours later and my teeth are completely fixed.  I go back in June for a routine cleaning.  Feeling thankful! 

Got me! It's all good... needed a moment to pray.

Yes, this is just the beginning of day five of this Daniel fast, and I am feeling spiritually uplifted, mentally confident and physically renewed. I would normally be on my 2nd cup of coffee by this time in the morning, and be planning what I would have breakfast. Today, I have only taken in His word and a little bit of water, and my body & mind is more than satisfied. I am very thankful for my friends that continue to encourage my faith walk, and especially thankful for those that are walking with me.

"let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" ~ from Hebrews 10:19-25

Please know that you can make a difference today. Encourage someone with the things you do, the words you use, and the love you show them.

Canned food drive and earliest movie ever with my trio! — watching The Boxtrolls at Carmike 6.