My Story - Daily Inspiration

Editor's Note: Sorry I didn't post yesterday. Our internet was out here all day.

We all have a story. My Sunday School teacher is having us relate our story to the rest of our class as just a way to introduce everyone to the new students. I didn't have much of anything to talk about today so...

Let me introduce you to me.

My name is Toni Walker. I am the oldest daughter of two great parents. I have a younger sister, Andi, and a younger brother, Aaron. My mom used to work for a bank when I was little, but since my brother was born she became a stay at home mom. My dad is a sheet metal worker. He's really good at his job (although, retired now). I mean, great! Dad is old school. He knows how to make any fitting he needs, does blueprints and what not. He is very excellent at what he does. And that is probably where I get my drive to be the best me I can be.

My dad got me interested in singing. He used to sing with us on this old tape recorder with a small microphone. He would sing his do-wap music into it and my sister and I would copy him. We have many cassettes of us just singing together. I think people are surprised when I know complete songs by the Platters. That's dad's favorite group. (Don't call it a band, he hates that.) 

My mom bought me a small juke box when I was a kid. I wore out the button for the song "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head." It was, according to my mom, my favorite song back then. I also loved "Delta Dawn". 

My grandfather (really, my step-grandfather, but who's counting) had at one time been the Postmaster of the Centralia post office. But his passion was singing in gospel quartets. He was a bass singer. Funny thing about grandpa. He couldn't comprehend anything he read. Just wouldn't stick. But he could read the bible. He did prison ministry when he was living in Texas. And spoke about the bible. Somehow he could comprehend the bible. Neat, huh?

Grandpa was an ordained minister and could play the piano by ear. And we sang with him all the time. He even had us sing at the churches he went to. Although my sister and brother weren't too keen on the experience, I liked it. He always told me I had a voice for God.

I lived with him and grandma when I went to college. And it was there I discovered contemporary christian music (CCM). Grandpa hated CCM music. He was a southern gospel lover. He loved hymns. CCM music was just too out there for him. But not for me. I didn't let him dissuade me from listening to it.

When I worked in St. Louis, I would take the bus and listen to CCM music and imagine myself singing these songs. I didn't exactly know where I would sing them, but I still liked to do it. 

In 1993 I decided to try church again. The thought had been mulling around in my mind. And I hadn't been a church goer since I was a kid in Sunday School.

I tried to go back to the church where I went when I was a child. I asked if I might be able to sing solos. They told me no. Only the pastor and his wife provided music. I took that as a sign I shouldn't go there. And when I related this story to my sister she told me to go to her boyfriend (now husband's) church. And that is where I went. It's where I still go.

Later, I sang a solo at my sister's wedding. And the pastor of my old church wanted to know if I'd be interested in being the worship director. Of course, after my experience with them, I told them no.

I started singing in the choir of my new church the second Sunday I attended. And I did eventually sing solos. I have to admit, I'm not too bad at it. And I like to do it. I don't get to sing solos as much as I'd like, but I'll take what I can get these days.

When I was in sixth grade, I was diagnosed with asthma and allergies. In fact, I was allergic to so many things they couldn't list them all. Surprisingly, I'm not allergic to food. I had the opportunity to sing in a choir when I was in sixth grade. I thought I was good. Grandpa told me I was. But the choir director had other ideas. He told me no. My voice wasn't strong enough to sing. But I didn't want to take no for an answer. It was one of the first times I stood up for something I deemed important in my life.

The choir director let me take voice lessons at his house for six months. After that time, I was then allowed to sing in the choir. And I don't think there has been a time when I wasn't in one.

Music is important to me. It's been important to me all my life. That's because of Dad and Grandpa.

Funny how I don't think of my life as my job. Many people do. As a job, I am a graphic artist at a newspaper. For thirteen years I worked for the Riverfront Times in St. Louis as a Layout Editor slash Graphic Designer. There I spent half my time laying out editorial and half my time working on designing ads.

I now work at my hometown newspaper. I'm still a Graphic Artist. But that label doesn't define me.

In my personal life, I write web serials. I like to write fiction. It's fun. I get a kick out of it. But writing can be scary, especially if you're not very good at it. So, I started out writing fiction about Days of Our Lives. This was back when the internet was a new phenomena and was mostly posted on bulletin boards. 

I started writing what they call "fan fiction". There wasn't a name for it at the time. Writing that got me to believe in myself and my writing and it got me interested in writing my own original series. 

I spun off the four original characters I had created in Volume 2 of my fan fiction. And from them I created a new series. I called the series, The Legacy. It's all about spies and the spy agency, The Legacy.

I've written on many other series over the years, all of my own creation. I love creating. I love ideas. (I love pens and paper.) I just love coming up with scenes. I know I can do it better. And I know I need more bad guys, suspense or whatever. But I just enjoy the process.

And in fact, working on TV Guide like posters for my web series, actually made me a better designer. Playing around in photoshop on my graphics sure helped me a lot.

So, sorry to ramble on so long, but what about you? What is your story? Mine could go on forever. My prayer for you today is to remember who you are. Remember your story. Don't dismiss yourself. Stand up for you today. Show everyone why it's so great to be you.

Blessings to all today.

P.S. If you want to check out my web series. Click on my Blogger profile. I've made most of them into blogs now.

Mission from God - Daily Inspiration

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. — 1 John 2:7-8

Speak your truth. How many times have we heard that over the years? Do what you do and do it well, is another way to put it, I think.

We all have a truth that is for us and us alone. God gave us a mission on this planet. And I think one of our missions is to find out what that mission is.

The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; — Psalm 15:2

Just like James Bond getting a mission intel briefing from M, we must get our intel straight from God. Only he knows what the truth of our hearts truly is.

Meditate on that today. Try to ascertain exactly the mission God wants you to be a part of. That is my prayer for you. Find your true calling in life. I mean, you don't have to do it all today, this minute. But make a mental decision to start your quest. It will be the best quest of your life.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. — Psalm 25:5

Go With The Flow - Daily Inspiration

Today is a day to be flexible. Bend like the willow tree. We can learn a lot from a willow. When the high winds come they bend over taking the onslaught yet not breaking. Learn to bend with the challenges you have today. You could come across many choices and if you do, listen to your heart. You always want to do what is for your highest good and the highest good of all concerned.

What is your intuition, your gut, telling you about these new choices today? Which one feels better? It's usually the better feeling choice that is the correct path. But it is all up to you. This is your journey. 

God gives us free will. So if you choose a path that might seem a bit shaky, that's okay. Eventually all paths will lead you back on track. God has a way of steering us in the right direction. Even if we choose incorrectly, he will use that rocky path to teach us something we needed to learn along our life's journey.

So, please be flexible today. Listen to your intuition about the many choices that may assail you. Deep inside, you always know what to do. And if you don't trust yourself, mediate on it and see what God reveals to you.

Many blessings on your path today. I pray it's not a rocky one.

Happy Father's Day - Daily Inspiration

My pastor says that Father's Day doesn't get the respect as other holidays like Mother's Day and Grandparent's Day. He says even Flag Day gets more respect.

"I get no respect," lamented Rodney Dangerfield in his often mimicked comedy routine.

I guess, in a way, that can seem true. But how many times have I heard, that guy or girl needs a male role model in their lives? So, it seems to me that the role of Daddy still holds as much weight as the role of the much beloved Mommy.

We've seen it over and over. Some dad in Podunk, USA treats his kids like a punching bag and another dad just doesn't bother to show up.

Those guys only seem to give dad's a bad name. But for every loser dad is two or three fantastic dads who are always there for their kids. They are the good role models, the ones to look up to. But they don't show these dads on tv because the stable, faithful, loving dad is just not news.

Well, today honor those dad's who always get it right, who are there no matter what. Because their efforts are not in vein. Those dads help to create the honest, good-hearted citizens of tomorrow.

Blessings to all the dads today.

Focus - Daily Inspiration

Where is your focus today?

It's important that we keep our focus truly aimed at all that we desire. Don't let pooh-pooh thinking sabotage your dreams.

As you focus on your dreams watch for doors of opportunity that spontaneously open for you. And even if a door in your life closes it can only be for your highest good. God has greater things for you.

And when you think about your dreams don't limit yourself. Add the phrase "this or something better." god may want to give you gold and you settle for bronze. Don't do that. Go for the gold.

Now is the time for revisiting all those things you used to love. I've been doing a little of that myself. I've been focusing on one of my old series and letting that experience wash a great feeling of comfort and familiarity all around me. It feels good to go back to old projects we love that time has caused us to push by the wayside.

If you have old dreams left unexplored, my prayer for you today is to revisit them. Let God and his celestial team burn a fire inside you to accomplish those dreams again. God doesn't give us desires he doesn't want us to truly go for with all our heart.

Blessings to you today.

Weary - Daily Inspiration

You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. — Psalm 68:9

I worked the night shift last night and staying up until 1:30am makes a soul very weary, not to mention my knees were like jelly when I got home. That's what I call pure exhaustion. And when I get exhausted I tend to ramble on about silly things. I guess it's because I'm subconsciously trying to keep myself awake, so I ramble. I'm sure my co-worker that night probably thought I was mighty weird.

Do you ever get weary? Do you ever get drained, burned out or just so tired all you want to do is sleep? I think we all do at one time or another. It's nothing to worry about. We go through seasons just like the earth does. Except our seasons are emotional in nature. But those emotions can sure cause a lot of physical symptoms - like my jelly legs last night.

My prayer for you today is that if you get weary, find a time to rest. My brother works the night shift at the U of I and he tends to catch cat naps wherever he can get them. If that's what you have to do to survive, do that. Just get some down time. You deserve it. God didn't mean for us to work 24/7. Even God got Sunday off.

Blesssings to you today.

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. — Psalm 119:28

Eye for an Eye - Daily Inspiration

Matthew 5:38-40

[ Eye for Eye ] “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 


I understand the concept of an eye for an eye, but in truth, I don't think this is an easy concept. If someone took my shirt, I totally doubt I'd give them my coat, because first I need my shirt and if it's cold. I need that coat too. But in a sense, I can see how it applies. Don't hold grudges because the only person it ends up hurting is yourself. 


I've seen instances of people who lamented about how they were tortured in high school by the mean girls who made it a point to make their life a living heck. And then when they met them again later in life, those mean girls had no idea who she was and what she and her friends had done to her.


So, holding grudges, focusing on the negative of any situation, it only hurts you, dear ones. And you don't deserve to be tormented by all those negative thoughts. So, release those thoughts to God and his angel army. Let them deal with what is to come.


My prayer for you today is to give it all to God. Negativity? It's all on Him. He will deal with it for you. Grudges? He knows how to work it for your good. Don't hold onto the things that will only make your life worse. God wants the best for you.


Blessings to you today.

Thank You - Daily Inspiration

I think it's important to say thank you to people you appreciate. And I've had a lot of people visit my blogs from places all over the world. That is a kind of mind-blowing concept to me. People on the other side of the world can read the words I prattle on about. Hopefully, the words help you or at the least make you smile.

Yesterday, I was creating two new blogs for my series, Legacy of Spies and Ambrose. I'd posted episode one on each blog and thought I might post an episode a week until all the current episodes are on there. (I've also done this with The Hollow, but it already had a working blog.)

Anyway, the reason I bring this is up is that I haven't actually advertised these new blogs and where to find them. But I believe they show up on my Blogger profile page. 

Yesterday, not long after I created the Legacy of Spies blog, someone from Germany had found it and taken a gander at it. That is just crazy to me. How did someone from Germany find it so quickly? This morning I had a total of 4 hits on Legacy of Spies and 3 hits on Ambrose. Is that cool or what?

So, that is why I wanted to say THANK YOU! I have awesome readers. I know I don't get a lot of comments and that is okay. I can see that people are reading what I've posted. And that in itself is GREAT! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for taking the time to come and visit my pages.

I've written web serials for many years now, since 1998, and even in that sort of venue I don't tend to get a lot of comments. That's why when you're a writer, you have to be doing this sort of thing just because you love it. You love the medium and you love sharing your ideas. And that is totally who I am. I may not be able to do it verbally a lot of the times, I know I can do it through the written word.

So, my prayer for you today is to be truly thankful to the people in your life who may not always give you the encouragement you seek but do listen when you put yourself out there.

Have a wonderful day. Blessings.

The Unexpected - Daily Inspiration

Last night we had a strange thing happen in our neighborhood. There was this strange gas-like smell that hovered over the entire block for a short time. It came into our house and was quite smelly. We became so concerned about wherever this smell was originating that me and my dad went outside and checked the area just making sure it wasn't a fire or something similar.

My mom was convinced that it was a bunch of kids setting off firecrackers or fireworks. And it is possible since the smell went away after about an hour. After our recent gas leak experience, we weren't taking any chances. You never know when bad things might happen.

Then, not long later, after we closed all the doors and windows at the front of the house, I heard, through a window facing the back yard a huge **CRACK**! It's the sort of crack where you hear the scream "Timber!" not long after. Luckily, the tree that fell in the back yard wasn't a big one. It was a smaller one and it's much shorter today.

Funny how the unexpected element can fly into your life with such swiftness. But that's how change works, isn't it? It comes quickly like a thief in the night. But we shouldn't fear change. Change is a part of life, even though we might not like it. It busts us out of our comfort zones and into action. Sometimes that's exactly what we need. Like a good swift kick in the butt, change can be a double edged sword. We can embrace it or fight against it.

Hopefully, your change isn't a bad change. Hopefully, it's something you need in your life that pushes you along the path to your best life. My prayer for you today is that you embrace the changes that come your way, even if they are a little hard to deal with. Because even the seemingly bad stuff can work toward our greater good.

God knows our hearts and he wants the best for us.

Blessings.

God Can Make A Way - Daily Inspiration

After my Week of Color, I'm at a loss as to what to speak about today. But I was reminded by my pastor's blog today that coming in July is the VBS or Vacation Bible School for the kids in our church, in our community, and for any kid who wants to come.

VBS and Sunday School are important in a child's development in the church if you ask me. This is where you learn the important lessons. John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

I also learned the Twenty-Third Psalm in Sunday School. I'm not sure if my church back then had a VBS ministry. So, I wasn't blessed with the fun activities they have in VBS. I think I must have gotten that much later when I was in the Girl Scouts.

I guess no matter what path you take, you do get there eventually. God makes a way for us no matter what road we choose to take.

So, today I just want you to think about that. God makes a way for us when there seems to be no way. Road blocks could be blessings in disguise. Doors of opportunity could be right around the corner. Hold on to that today.

And if you have a child that is the age for VBS. Send them. And it doesn't have to be to my church, there are so many of them around these days. It could make all the difference.

Blessings to all today.

White - Daily Inspiration

Today is the last color in our Week of Color series. And that color is white. White is the absence of color. It is the color of ultimate purity. Yogi and guru masters tell you to imagine the pure white light of God shining down around you.

It is the all around color of protection bringing peace and comfort. It alleviates emotional shock and despair and cleanses emotions, thoughts and spirit.

White can give you a feeling of freedom and uncluttered openness, but too much white can be cold and isolating. This is probably why isolation chambers and police interrogation rooms are usually white. White has the tendency to separate us from people.

White creates space so you can think with more clarity. It is the color of the moon, and surprisingly it's the color of death. White also signifies virginity and pureness.

If you wear white you have a positive, well-balanced personality. You are highly individual, a loner and maybe also lonely.

White is the traditional color of wedding dresses. You wear white when you get christened as a child in the Catholic church. And a person wears a white robe when baptized at my own church.

White is the color of gardenias and calililys. With white holds the possibilities of all things.

I hope you've enjoyed my adventure into this Week of Color. It was all stuff I had learned in graphic design school but was fun revisiting it.

So, my prayer for you today is to think about color, what you wear and why you wear it. Why do you choose the colors you do? You'll find if you delve a little deeper, color truly expresses the real you.

Blessings.

Black - Daily Inspiration

Black is the color of night, darkness, shadows and fear. It is comforting, protective and mysterious. Silence is black. It is infinite. It is associated with the feminine life force - passive, uncharted and mysterious.

Black can prevent us from growing or changing. Black can be depressing and allows us to hide from the world.

In Ancient Egypt black was the color of Isis. Black cats were considered sacred in Ancient Egypt, but during Halloween having one cross your path is a bad omen.

If you wear black you are strong willed and opinionated. But you may be too inflexible and too independent. You may be cloaking yourself in black while you discover exactly who you are.

Those who wear black like to renounce everything out of some stubborn protest. Don't fall into that trap.

We wear black to funerals to show respect to the dead and black is the color that greets us when we close our eyes at night.

Black can be a double-edged sword, can't it? I've stared at a black ocean at night and seen its vastness, felt the calm as the the white crests fell onto the beach in some earthly surrender.

Black isn't all bad. Just like we humans aren't just black or white. We are filled with a million colors, shades and tints. Black is all colors, that's why it seems such a fickle color.

You know the saying "choose your battles?" Be careful not to let the black things of the world overshadow you. Be strong today. Blessings.

Purple - Daily Inspiration

Purple is the color of royalty and spiritual authority. Kings, emperors and priests are clothed in purple. This is mostly true because the color purple was expensive and only the rich or well off could afford it.

Violet affects the brain and nervous system and it has a purifying effect. It cools the system and alleviates hot conditions such as sunburn. It also suppresses hunger and balances the body's metabolism.

Purple, indigo and violet have all been used in psychiatric care to calm and pacify patients from a number of mental disorders. Those colors balance the mind and help transform obsessions and fears. Purple is connected with musical impulses, mystery and spiritually. And a person attracted to it has to guard against living in a fantasy world.

Indigo stimulates the imagination and an indigo light has been used in surgeries in Texas instead of anesthesia for minor operations.

It is a traditional custom to wrap a newborn baby in a purple cloth to encourage prosperity and success. Purple is also a strong sedative and a powerfully psychic color. It is the color of transformation at the deepest levels. And purple brings peace and combats fear or shock.

If you like purple you have high ideals, with abundant creativity and strong psychic abilities.

If you wear violet:

• you have a sensitive, compassionate nature
• you're easily imposed upon
• you must pick friends who are as sensitive as you are.

If you love violet and you want to be happy, you must work where you feel needed.

If you wear purple:

• you are a very intuitive person, with deep feelings and high aspirations
• you want the best in everything including friends.
• you must be aware you are sensitive to both personal and spiritual needs.

If you don't wear purple at all, you may have lost a connection with your inner being.

WOW! Look at all that sensitivity in the various shades of purple. Mysterious and psychic, creative and strong, and high ideals. Maybe some of us need to be wearing this one a bit more often.

So, my prayer for you today is to be sensitive to what you feel. Don't react strongly to others harsh words but choose how to feel. You are in control of your reactions no matter what they may be. So, choose wisely today.

Blessings to all.

Blue - Daily Inspiration

Blue is the color of the sky, the color of the ocean, sleep and the hazy mist of twilight. The color of cornflower blue is the color of the Virgin Mary.

Pure blue is the color of inspiration, spirituality, and sincerity. Conservative people often choose blue as a favorite color. It is also the color of the Arc Angel Michael.

Blue is calming and because of this fact, it makes a wonderful color for the walls of your home, especially for babies. Male babies that are born are often given items that are blue. Blue is a cool, soothing color that is a good choice for pajamas. But dark blue is the color of truth and moderation. A blue iris has the meaning of a friendship that is important and lasting.

Turquoise is the symbol of youth and it has a soothing affect on them. Turquoise is the color of communication, growth and has long been used in amulets to provide protection, health, confidence and strength. Aqua is the color of high ideals.

Blue gives us a feeling of distance, and in art it's used to show perspective. Blue allows us to look beyond and increase our perspective outward. It contains a cool vibration that is helpful to communication. Using blue to relax will encourage feelings of communication and peace.

Put some blue in your life when you want:

• calm and relaxation to counteract chaos or agitation
• to open the flow of communication
• to broaden your perspective in learning new information
• solitude and peace
• stable, calm conservative feeling

All shades of blue will help to make communication easier, whether it is with yourself or others. Use blue paper for notes when you want help in remembering a speech or other information.

Blue sure has a lot of different meanings but I like to think of it as calming and peaceful. I tend to wear a lot of blue and green and they seem to have a lot in common, maybe that's because they're right beside each other on the color wheel. :)

Breathe in that wonderful sense of blue today. Zone out and come to a calm centered place where you can feel safe.

Blessings to you today.

Green - Daily Inspiration

Green is a restful, calming color. It represents nature, life and fertility. It speaks of self-respect and well being and is the color of balance. You also learn better when stimulated by green. Green is a safe color and brings about growth and harmony.

Green is the favorite color of well-balanced people and symbolizes master healing and the overall life force. In the past, it was believed that green was healing for the eyes. And we eat green food for good health.

Green symbolizes money. Friday, the last day of the work week, is a green day. Maybe that's because we're so relieved when it's here. Green says growth - balance - harmony. It is a color of healthy relationships.

Green contains the energies of nature and the want to expand or increase. Balance, a sense of order, change and transformation are found in the color green. Green is necessary for growth, and so this ability to sustain changes is also a part of the energy of green
.
Put some green into your life when you want:

• a new state of balance
• feel a need for change or growth
• freedom to pursue new ideas
• protection from fears and anxieties connected with the demands of others
• to overcome a sense of thwarted ambition

Green is a very restful color, isn't it? So my prayer for you today is to rest up. Take a break from whatever has been bringing you down. Wear green and breathe. You deserve it.

Blessings to all.

Yellow - Daily Inspiration

Yellow is a happy, uplifting and bright color. It reminds us of sunny summer days and is associated with the intellectual side of the mind and the expression of thoughts. Because of this, it aids in the powers of discernment, memory and clear thinking, decision-making and good judgement.

If you love yellow, you're good at organization and assimilation of new ideas. You also have the ability to see both sides of a situation. Yellow builds confidence and encourages an optimistic attitude. But dull yellow can be the color of our fearful expectations.

To the Hindus and the Christians alike, the color yellow signifies Life and Truth.

If you wear yellow, you have an interesting and stimulating personality. You like to be active and involved in whatever is going on. Lively and vital, you can cope well with life's challenges.

If someone tells you that you have a sunny disposition, you may be a yellow person. So, my prayer for you today is to emulate those yellow characteristics. Bring out your sunny, happy, uplifted side and shine it out to the world

Have a blessed day.

Orange - Daily Inspiration

Orange is another one of those power colors. While red is associated with fiery heat, orange contains the gentle warmth of the sun. You will experience thoughtful control under the influence of orange. Curiosity will be at its peak too, and along with that you'll feel more compelled to explore new things.

Orange is also a healing color. But it will increase your craving for food, so don't wear it if you're on a strict diet. It could pull that diet into oblivion. Orange means vitality and endurance. People who like orange are thoughtful and sincere. Lady luck is the color of orange.

You should wear orange if you're stressed or shocked or you want to balance your emotions. You will more likely embrace new ideas swiftly wearing an orange color. It also brings out your sense of exploration and creative play.

Put some orange into your wardrobe if you want:

• To spice up when you feel time is dragging
• To become more involved in something
• To increase creativity
• Relief from things becoming too serious

Sounds pretty cool to be an orange lover, doesn't it? My prayer for you today is to bring out that great creativity you have inside of you and why not throw on your favorite orange shirt just to stimulate those creative juices.

Have a wonderful day. Blessings.

Red - Daily Inspiration

Today is Sunday and I wanted to start a new series of inspirations called The Week of Color. Every day I'm going to speak about a different color and the different effects it has on our minds and our body.

The first color in the series is RED.

Red is a powerful color. And sometimes too much of it can change our mood quickly. Red is the color of anger and irritability. And if this color effects you strongly, you might want to limit how much you use it. So, no red walls for the color sensitive among us.

But red isn't always negative. In fact, it can help us overcome negative thoughts. Cool, huh?

Pink, a tint of red (a tint is a color you add white to) is emotionally soothing and calming, think gentle warmth and soothing. It surrounds us with a sense of love and protection. It also alleviates loneliness, despondency, over sensitivity and vulnerability.

While red is strongly associated to sexuality, pink speaks of unselfish love.

According to Hebrew tradition, the name of Adam, the first man, means "red" or "alive" and even today in some Slavic languages, red denotes "living" or "beautiful."

To the Ancient Egyptians, red was the color of Ra, the sun god, and later in Roman times it was linked to Mars, the god of war. To this day red is still the color of war.

If you prefer to wear red you are impulsive, excitable and energetic. You are ambitious and like things to happen quickly. You like to be the best in everything you do. Plus, being the center of attention, it's certainly in your wheelhouse. If you wear red, you might want to practice patience. Red stimulates us in many ways.

Hard to believe we are so impacted by a single color, isn't it? My prayer for you today is to be sensitive to your color choices this week, choose them wisely. Because they may make all the difference in your mood.

Blessings to all.

In the Zone - Daily Inspiration

Just wanted to start by apologizing for this inspiration being so late. My Sunday School class (Tiebinders) had an event today at the park. It was titled Karaoke and Art in the Park.

Set up took a little longer than normal because of the complex shenanigans of making the karaoke machine and the speakers talk to one another.

After a couple of ear piercing squeals, we were off to the races. I sang a couple of songs to help them set the levels and then people started showing up. I was happy to see people. We've had one movie night where we just entertained ourselves.

Everyone had a grand time. And when there came a lull in the action it became the responsibility of the few choir members in the class to get the music playing again.

While we were in the karaoke zone, a few of the other members were over at the art wall. Our Sunday School teacher set up four huge walls made of wood paneling and 2x4s. I supplied an end roll from the newspaper and we stapled a huge canvas onto the wood.

All in all it turned out pretty great. Nearly everyone got up to sing, even the shy ones. And the art wall was completely covered, all four of them. They even recovered two of the walls a second time.

I didn't go into this thinking it would be a successful event. But look at how it turned out. God made that happen. How cool is that?

I hope you did something great this Saturday. And if you didn't, my prayer for you is to break out into song. Make a joyful noise. It will make you feel better and put a smile on the face of others.

Have a great day! Blessings.

What The Bleep - Daily Inspiration

Check out these images of water under an electron microscope.
The words taped on the side of the bottle are at bottom.

Words have power.

I think we all know that. We've all been stung by their harshness and filled with their love. Words are a double-edged sword.

The important thing is: you get the choice. You get to choose how to use your words. That's pretty great, isn't it? The power is yours. But we think from time to time that our words don't hurt, harm, or crush someone else.

There's a movie that came out a few years ago called "What The Bleep Do We Know?". There was a section of the movie about water. People took bottles of plain tap water and taped words to the side. The two that really stood out to me was LOVE & HATE.

When the scientists looked at the water after a few days, down on the molecular level the water had changed. They showed us images of the water blown up by an electron microscope. Water labeled with LOVE had arranged the molecules in beautiful ways. The water labeled with HATE seemed troubled, boiling, disturbing ( almost like a smoky evil haze).

Since we human beings are 70% water what power do you think these words have on our body and mind?

So, my prayer for you today is to keep you words lovely and sweet. Make the choice to keep your words positive, because harsh words not only hurt others, but they hurt us as well.

Blessings to all.

Fortunate Signs - Daily Inspiration

Today at lunch we were having a going away luncheon for one of my co-workers. We ordered in Chinese food from Hunan House. It's always tasty and very filling. I can't eat another bite, but somehow I'm going to make room for her going away cake later.

I reached for my fortune, eager to see what the universe had in store for me. As I ripped off the outer plastic and cracked the cookie in half I discovered that ****gasp**** THERE WAS NO FORTUNE!

What does that mean exactly? Is that a bad sign from the universe? Have the Gods frowned upon me?

Nah!

I take it as a sign that today is "Make Your Own Fortune" Day. So, what would you wish for if the universe (God) could give you anything you wanted? Remember to wish big. No sissy wishing.

God wants to give you everything he can. He gave you new life through his son, Jesus, didn't he? That was pretty big. Or as my choir director says, "AWESOME!"

My prayer for you is to think awesome thoughts today. Show kindness to people just because it's so great to be you. Do some big dreaming, some big wishing and some awesome fellowshipping.

Blessings to all.

Tent Villages - Hurt or Harm? - Daily Inspiration

I've been watching on the news in St. Louis about how Larry Rice of New Life Evangelistic Center has bought land in order to put a tent village for the many homeless people in St. Louis. The people surrounding this land keep complaining about all the things that "might" happen with these homeless people being in their neighborhood. They say that it would be unsafe to have people live there.

Larry Rice is the advocate for the homeless in St. Louis. He really cares about them. He has a place for them to eat. And he even shows them how to run the television station he has in his building downtown. He wants to make a difference.

These homeless people in St. Louis are currently living in cardboard boxes, under overpasses, in their cars and anywhere they can find shelter. All that seems very dangerous to me. And they're not just the normal homeless depicted on television. There are many people out of work these days that used to have big houses, big jobs and big dreams. Why are the people in St. Louis snuffing all that out?  I just don't understand. I don't get it. We're supposed to look after the least of these, right, not shove them farther into the gutter.

After Larry Rice bought this land, the moment he opened the tent village, he was arrested. I understand that the residents around this village think neighborhood might become a little shady because of the influx of these homeless people. But why couldn't it be the other way around. Why couldn't all those people in that neighborhood befriend the homeless in the tent village, become their advocates, their cheering section. So then maybe everyone else would do the same and take the stigma of homelessness off people who just can't help it that they can't find a job in this harsh economy.

So, my prayer for you today is to think on this, contemplate what we can do to help the homeless situation. Pray for them because I know they desperately need it.

Blessings to all.

Go For Your Dreams - Daily Inspiration

Have you had dreams that you wish would be fulfilled? Do you think about them often but never do anything to push them forward? Well then, I want you to think about putting those dreams into motion. Give them a little oomph, a great big amount of attention and focus. Because if you don't go for your dreams, all you're doing is just wishing all over the place.

DREAM BIG!

My sister and brother are constantly telling me to get my stories published. And seriously, I don't even know if either of them have ever read any of them. They both are just a great big support system that always have my back. I'm sure you all have similar people in your life. Your cheering section.

My prayer for you today is to pay attention to your cheering section and GO FOR THE GOLD! Grab that brass ring and don't let go. Believe in yourself and your dreams because YOU DESERVE IT!

Why you ask?

Because you have a GREAT GOD who created you from his divine spark and he wants you to succeed even more than you do. So pay attention and go for it today.

Blessings to all.

Clean language and themes book club

If you like to read books that are clean with good themes, you might want to check out the Astraea Press Book Club on Facebook.

Here is the link via my mobile connection:

http://m.facebook.com/groups/319805601428268#!/groups/319805601428268?view=group&__user=678806922

If this link doesn't work search Facebook for: Astraea Press Book Club.

See you there!

Be Grateful - Daily Inspiration

Today is a day to be grateful for those men and women who have served in any branch of the military. And I am grateful for their sacrifice.

Sometimes I wonder why our men and women recruits must go through such things. Some seem to pay an awful price: post-traumatic stress, lost arms, legs and some even dignity. And even knowing all the possible side-effects they still choose to serve.

Maybe that's a lesson for all of us. Serve where you're called. They were called to the military. What are you called to do?

Meditate on that today as you give thanks for all their great service. And remember to be grateful. :)

Blessings to all.

Tangles - Daily Inspiration

Lately I've been getting my inspirations straight out of my life experiences. Today is no different.

Yesterday, I went and got my hair cut (after much prompting from my dad). My hair has a mind of its own and it grows bushy relatively quickly.

You'd think with having this much hair I'd be a seasoned expert at the hair salon, but I'm not. I have what feels like a hair cutting phobia. I'm not sure exactly why. I can only break it down to one thing... it disrupts my Saturday routine.

I like routine. Routine feels safe to me. Change feels like a big fiery knife being plunged into my chest. So, needless to say, I go with the better feeling. :)

I'm always happy when my hair is shorter and more manageable. I should have at least a good month before the tangles reappear. Tangles are like hair monsters that you have to fight daily to deal with.

Tangles kind of remind me of life. The longer you go without washing or dealing with it, the worse it gets. See the parallel? Maybe it's just me.

If you don't deal with life, the fiery dagger of change swoops in and reeks havoc on your plans. If you aren't washed clean every Sunday (at least) your life is just a mess if obstacles (tangles) during your week.

I know it's not a perfect analogy, but it works for me today.

So, keep the tangles out of your life and go to church today. Let the pastor's message uplift you and wash you clean. Oh, and if you haven't been in awhile, it may be time for a haircut of your own. :)

Many blessings to you.

Brainwaves - Daily Inspiration

Have you ever noticed that sometimes you discover a way of doing things that is perfect for you and then somehow you get knocked off that path and you forget. That happened with me.

When I worked in St. Louis the stress was overwhelming. The only way I found to deal with it was via subliminal cassettes by Kelly Howell and Alpha, Beta, Theta and Delta Brainwave CDs by a man named Dr. Jeffrey Thompson.

Now, don't go thinking this is all too woo-woo. Department stores have used many types of subliminal tactics for years.

The CDs and cassettes only consisted of music with no lyrics. Mostly ambient sounds with binaural beats. These brainwave musical CDs saved my sanity, no joke.

My favorite and most used Kelly Howell CD is called Positive Thinking. Since I'm a writer of fiction I'm constantly in "what if" mode. What if this happened, what if that happened. Now, that's great for brainstorming stories but not for constantly second-guessing yourself.

I bring this all up to say that yesterday I found an app called Brainwave -30 Programs. It has all sorts of alpha, theta, beta and delta programs. Some will put you to sleep, some will help your creativity, and some will help with stress reduction.

I'm already in love with this app. And using it will definitely help me when I slip into overwhelm.

What about you? Did you rediscover something you've loved recently? Remember our motto from the other day: Keep Moving Forward. Remember those things that helped you in the past and start them up again today.

Blessings!

Don't Let Overwhelm Overwhelm You - Daily Inspiration

Because of the email problem we'd had over the last few days, yesterday was a bit of a tiger. Many of the emails we'd failed to receive were now coming in, people were a little crazier and a lot louder. I had to re-layout the template set-up three times because of all the commotion going on around me. Needless to say, the words of the day yesterday were DISTRACTION and OVERWHELM.

Only you are in control of you. I, myself, allowed overwhelm to overwhelm me. So, only I could figure out a way out of my troubles.

And, of course, that feeling of stress followed me from work that day into my evening hours. I was stressed from the day, sneezing like crazy from my inflamed allergies and just downright exhausted and empty.

Empty.

Have you ever felt that way? I let myself get distracted from my path of keep moving forward and I guess I took a left turn at Albuquerque (Bugs Bunny reference of the day.). :)

So as you go on with your day today, don't let overwhelm and distraction overwhelm and distract you from having a blessed day. This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the verse that comes to mind today.

Knock out overwhelm and distraction with joyous rejoicing and gladness that you have a wonderful Savior who is always there to comfort you when you need him. Call on Him when the overwhelm sets in and lay it at His feet. He knows what to do in all situations.

Have a blessed day!

Keep Moving Forward - Daily Inspiration

Walt Disney is famous for a quote he said that includes the phrase "Keep Moving Forward." I first discovered this phrase on the movie "Meet The Robinson's". Here is the quote:

“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long.
We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things…
and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
- Walt Disney

I really like this quote. It always reminds me to keep looking for new options, new ways to do things, and to just keep a positive attitude in all I do.

I had to do that a lot this week with all of our email troubles and whatnot. Despite all the chaos concerning that, I've remained relatively straight-headed, not getting upset. I'm proud of me.

What about you? Do you think keeping the motto "keep moving forward" will help you along your path today? Why not try it. Keep moving forward toward your goal. Make steady progress. You'll get there, even if you have to take baby steps to accomplish it.

My prayer for you today is to do that... KEEP MOVING FORWARD. Blessings to all today along your forward moving path. :)

Yesterday - Daily Inspiration

Yesterday we lost access to our email and FTP site due to something that fell through the cracks. (And if you're trying to get a hold of us, we're still having some issues.) That happens sometimes, doesn't it? We look back and wonder how we missed it, why we weren't looking for it.

It all stemmed back to payment of a domain name that was purchased many years ago. I thought it was quite interesting that the provider could turn off the domain name in an instant with one click, but it will take nearly three days to get it fully back online again.

We've had intermittent service. Some of us could get email and not send it. Some could send and not get email. And others, like our Mt. Vernon office, was completely cut off from everything.

Like I said yesterday, life happens. No one was really at fault. Do you think you would remember to renew something that you originally paid for 3 to 5 years earlier? I can't even remember what I was doing five years ago.

So, my prayer for you today is to be understanding when things you can't control happen. Don't look at it as if someone did something to you on purpose. They didn't. There was no intention of evil or to make your day more stressful than normal. Things in life just happen.

Try to see things from the perspective of the one who was ultimately responsible. Their intention wasn't to screw up anyone's day, right? You wouldn't want anyone to feel that way if *you* were the responsible one. Pray for them instead. Send good thoughts their way. Make them feel better by knowing you don't have bad feelings toward their unintentional actions. Doing so will make you feel better too.

Blessings to you today.

Life Happens - Daily Inspiration

I was going to write about how we need to remain positive in all areas of our life. But life seemed to happen this morning. All the email accounts at work are not working, and this is "Super Tuesday," as we've dubbed the hardest day of the week. Ahhh!

I'm still going to try and remain positive. Because life seems to happen all the time. Unexpected things happen in an instant and try to throw us off our positive spinning wheel of life. I'm not going to allow that today. I'm going to remain focused on the positive. Things will work out. They always do. Thanks to God. The same will happen today. Something will occur to spin things back in the right direction, I know it.

How about your life? Do things just seem to happen to you? Well, maybe it's all in your thinking. I understand that if you remain focused on the things you want in your life, success, abundance, etc. More of that will flow forth toward you. But if you constantly worry about things, all you get in return are things to worry about.

So I advise you today to send up rockets of glory! Think about our Savior and all he had done for us. Think about all the great things in your life that you are completely grateful for. Think about the little things that only matter to you and be grateful still.

If we remain focused on the positive, we will all get positive back in return.

Blessings to you today. And if you happen to get a moment, send up a prayer for us at work that our email situation gets resolved in a completely positive way.

Thank you! And many blessings in your day today.

Workin' on a Building - Daily Inspiration

Yesterday, I found a YouTube video of Cindy Morgan pounding out a cool rendition of an African spiritual called "Workin' on a Building." It's from a book called "Old Songs Hymnal" by Dorothy G. Bolton. I'd never heard of this song before but apparently it's very old.

When I say the saw the name of the song on Cindy Morgan's YouTube Channel, I had to say I was curious. Workin' on a Building? What does that mean exactly? Is it a song or a discussion about building something? I had to find out.

As I watched the video, I finally understood . The lyrics say:

I'm workin' on building
A Holy Ghost building
I'm workin' on a building
for my Lord, for my Lord.

That conjured a complex set of visuals for me and reminded me of two different images. One was of a broken church somewhere with few followers. And as they sang this song, they built up their strength to get better and better.

It also reminded me of my Uncle and Aunt. They were missionaries in Africa for six years (three years in service, twice). What they did there was build churches. My Uncle Mike is a carpenter, my Aunt Tracy a nurse. they seemed the perfect pair for this mission.

But "working on a building" in Africa isn't like working on a building in MidAmerica USA. There aren't any Home Depots or Lowes. The bricks had to be made out of mud and clay. And not just a couple of bricks, many, many bricks. It takes a long time to make enough bricks to even start constructing a church in Africa. Somehow my uncle did it.

It didn't have many bells and whistles, but I'm sure the people there were overjoyed to have it.

So be thankful today that you have a holy ghost building to worship within. It may not be as perfect as you'd like it. The shape may not be right. It may have too many levels for the elderly in your congregation or may not be fancy enough. But it's one hundred times better, I'm sure, than the church my uncle made for those people in Africa. And I'll bet those people in Africa are one-hundred percent more grateful for that church than we are for ours.

So, the next time you walk into your church, praise God that you have a great place to worship, no matter it's shape and size. God doesn't care where you worship, just that you do.

Check out the YouTube Video "Working on a Building" by clicking this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdLzQ7Pg8j4&feature=g-user-u

Flowing and Easy - Daily Inspiration

It's a quiet and relaxing morning. Not too hot, just right in temperature. I can hear the birds twittering outside. I swear they are singing the name, "Regina" over and over.

I feel still and contemplative this morning. If I could learn to still my mind long enough and learn to meditate, this would be the morning to do it. Just sitting in the silence, focusing on nothing and feeling the peaceful energy of creation surrounding me.

There is not a lot of stuff going in my mind this morning. It's a nice break from the usual where my thoughts twitter by as fast as those birds chirping outside.

Flowing and easy. That's the day today. Maybe it has something to do with the solar eclipse that's happening today. If you get a good view of it from your country, check out the sun today with it's cool ring of fire effect.

My prayer for you today is to have an equally still and contemplative day where nothing gets you down because of how uplifted you are by experiencing God's creation.

Blessings to you all.

Psalm 46:10 - He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth.”

Safe and Secure - Daily Inspiration

I was reading the devotional book "Jesus Calling: Engaging Peace In His Presence." The devotion for today talks about how we feel safe and secure in the presence of Jesus.

When I was very young, I got lost in JC Penneys. Now, I didn't feel lost. I was playing in the racks, jumping in and out between the clothes. Suddenly, I looked up and my mom was no where to be seen.

That's a scary feeling when you lose track of your parents. In my mind, I wasn't lost, they were.

All I had to do was ask the sales lady if she'd seen my parents. She paged them over the loud speaker. Problem solved, parents found.

The look on my mother's face when she finally saw me is the look I imagine will be on my face when I come face to face with Jesus in Heaven. It's a mix of great joy and overwhelming relief. I'm sure it's just like that but ten fold, one-hundred fold, an overwhelming amount of every emotion.

That is why we need to get ready for all that overwhelming joy we will find in Heaven. We need to daily walk with Him, experience His presence.

My prayer for you today is that you move in the direction of Jesus. Make walking with him a priority. Not just now and then, but every day.

Waiting - Daily Inspiration

Waiting.

I'm not a fan of waiting.

I had to work the night shift last night and the night shift is a lesson in waiting. It's already a tough thing to do, especially when you're a 9-5 worker and have to switch to a night shift for just one night. Doing something like this is doubly tough for me. It throws my body out of whack, my sleep out of whack and I'm am just down-right grumpy the next day.

We wait on everything in the sports section (that's the section I layout when I work) because nearly every story is timely. The games have just happened, the stories have just been written. It's the opposite of the news section where the stories are mostly done by 6pm.

Then after all the waiting comes all the rushing. Hurry, hurry, hurry, is the motto. You must meet the deadline. Hurry and write the stories, hurry and lay out the pages. You must meet the deadline. Inside pages done by 9pm, front page and jump of Mt. Vernon zone by 11:30pm, front page and jump of Centralia zone by 12:30am.

Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Then after all the hurrying, all the confusion about which story goes where, there is a peaceful calm. The sports editor has left and all I have left to do is send the plates down. This is my favorite time. I'm finished. I can relax. Tomorrow is a new day.

Tomorrow may come a little early the next day, but I'm relieved to be done with the night shift for a while.

Do you ever have days like this? A lot of waiting and then a lot of rushing. My prayer for you today is that you take it all in stride and let God refresh you at the end of the day with a peaceful, and well-earned reinvigoration.

Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD, “for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them— all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger. - Zephaniah 3:8

Stay Focused - Daily Inspiration

I always try to do what I'm supposed to and follow all the rules, but sometimes the rules seem to change unexpectedly.

Take yesterday for instance. We had been told not to do a certain page setup. Only two weeks ago we had asked a paper we print not to do such a set up. I didn't know the exact reason why we shouldn't do this but knew it was hard for the pressmen and caused a lot of wasted paper.

Suddenly, yesterday doing this setup was okay and I was scolded for not doing what the client wanted.

I'm not a big fan of change but I'm also not a fan of having things change and not being informed. I want to do things right (it's the perfectionist in me) but sometimes even our best effort is thwarted when other's intensions are thrown into the mix.

All I can do is try to stay focused and try to do better next time. (Maybe I need to work on my mind reading skills.)

I'm trying not to get upset and take things personally. I'm trying to focus on why the change happened instead and see things from the side of management. I may never know why things change but I can always do my best and stay focused on a positive outcome.

Is there something in your life you need to stay focused on? Or is there something you need to change your focus on? Take heart. Change happens to everyone, even unexpected change. Give everything your best and turn the rest over to God and Jesus. The problem may not go away but releasing the anguish will give you peace about the situation.

Blessings to everyone today. I pray you have a great and uncomplicated day.

Exodus 15:26 - He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

100% American Made - Daily Inspiration

Yesterday, I was contacted via Ancestry.com by a relative of my great grandmother, Myrtle Sisson Walker. This lady lives in Peoria, IL. She told me the Sisson line goes all the ay back to the 1600s in Rhode Island. Kinda cool.

You always hear about how people trace their genealogy within one or two generations back to England or Germany or Africa. But not my family. We're rooted in America.

My mother's Walton line traces back to some Native Americans. My dad thinks it's the Ozark Indians but we aren't sure. We haven't done any searching on that side of the family yet. We always joke that I only have a pinky's worth of Native American in me. The Indian in me must be awfully diluted by now, but it's there somewhere in my DNA. The Indians were also rooted in America too.

So, it looks like I'm 100% American made. :)

My dad's grandfather, named Perry L. Walker, was a fireman on the Railroad with Casey Jones. Yes, *that* Casey Jones. And yes, he was a real person. You can't believe how many people think he's just a story character. Due to misspellings in the census records, it was a challenge to track down Perry's roots. When he was born his name was Osborn, but the census says Orsban (a common misspelling of the name Osborn or Osborne) But when he married my great grandmother, Myrtle Sisson, his last name was Walker.

So truly, the Walker line ends with my great grandfather. I had always wondered why we were never related to other Walkers in this area. Now I know. (And knowing is half the battle.)

My theory is that Perry's mother, Hannah Stanford Osborn remarried after Andrew Jackson Osborn died. She was married to a man named Enos Walker. (And Enos' father's name was also Enos.) So, Enos Walker became my great grandfather Perry's (and his sister, Etta's) step dad.

Isn't it great how people you're not even related to can influence your life? I thank God for Enos Walker, even though I'm not truly related to him.

No matter where I look in my family tree, it all comes back to being  born and bred in America. I'm proud to live in our country where our motto is "One Nation Under God."

I'm sure eventually my tree will reach across the ocean to some place else way down the line. Someday I'll discover where. What about you? Do you know where you came from?

My prayer for you is that you learn about your family history, who you really are. Be proud of that, no matter what you find.

Learn more about genealogy at Ancestry.com. And watch "Finding Your Roots" on your local PBS station or "Who Do You Think You Are?" on NBC.

Hello Neighbor - Daily Inspiration

"Hello, Neighbor!"

When I was young we lived in a trailer in Marion, IL a stones throw away from a local market. Every time we went into the market my father would greet the owner with a happy, boisterous, "Hello, Neighbor!"

For years I truly thought that man's name was Neighbor. I didn't know any better. I was a kid. I only discovered that the man's real name was Pruitt when he passed away when I was in high school. He was a happy man that I have fond memories of.

Another person I have fond memories of is a set of brothers from Tamaroa, IL. We used to drive through this town on Rt. 51 every time we went to see my grandparents who at the time lived in Cambria, IL. These two men who owned a junk yard used to sit in lawn chairs at the curve in the road and wave at every car that drove by. My sister and I always made sure we were watching and waved back. We named them the Waverly Brothers. I even saw a story about them in Reader's Digest once.

Their smiles and happy waves made everyone that drove by smile a little brighter.

We have our own Waverly Brother right  here in Centralia. His name is T. Jones and he is a crossing guard for the 4th Grade Center and coincidentally helps children cross the same street the original Wavery Brothers lived on.

As I wave at him every morning I think of Neighbor and the Waverly Brothers and wave back with a big smile on my face. I appreciate T. Jones. He gives a great service to the world. He makes me smile every morning. And not just me, but many other commuters on their way to work.

Thank you to T. Jones, Neighbor and the Waverly Brothers. I salute you.

My prayer for you today is that you remember those people from your past that you have fond memories of, celebrate them today, be thankful for their great influence on your life.

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. — 1 Chronicles 29:13

Sight Reading - Daily Inspiration

On Saturday, members from my FBC choir in Centralia and 12 other churches in Salem came together and sang in a mass community choir. We got involved because of a man named Mike Speck. He's a famous arranger of choral music. Him and his wife and daughter make up the Mike Speck Trio.

When we started the day, the choir was a bit timid, and frankly, not that good. Mike said that he was a bit worried about us. Not many in the choir knew how to read music, but they had a heart for being in a church choir.

I've been in a choir since I was in sixth grade. In high school I was one of only two second sopranos. My least favorite part of competing in awards was doing something called "sight reading".

Sight reading is where they give you a piece of music and you basically have to sing it without hearing the notes.

I suck at sight reading. I do know how to read music, but I need to hear the notes to get them into my head. So, sight reading was always hard for me, especially being only one of two people in an entire section.

Mike's original sight reading of us was wary concern. But as he got to know us, and as we practiced on the four songs we were about to sing, his wariness moved to happiness. Then when time came for the performance, we blew everyone away. I'll bet Mike didn't think that was possible at his first "sight reading" of us.

My prayer for you today is that you don't let your first impression of someone become all you ever think of them. Get to know people more deeply, like Mike Speck did with us. You'll be the better person for it.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. — Jeremiah 29:11

Our True North - Daily Inspiration

Today is Mother's Day. It's the day we celebrate Moms. Moms are the first people we connect with. They are our true north.

I really appreciate my own mother. She's always been there for me. But that's not to mean we haven't had our challenges over the years.

When I was in high school there was a tension between us that I can't rightly remember the cause of. But that happens to everyone, doesn't it? We all have struggles with the people we love.

My relationship my mother was no different, but it's great now. I put our earlier struggles to growing pains, something we all go through in one form or another. Don't let growing pains ruin your relationship with your mother. Don't let another day pass before you work things out and find common ground. Believe me, it's worth the trouble.

My prayer today is for all the mothers out there who taking loving us to a whole new level. Love on your mother today.

God Hears Us - Daily Inspiration

1 Kings 3:9 - So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

Can you imagine how scary it would be for someone to tell you, "you're king. You're in charge now." Solomon must have been seriously freaking out. I know I would have. But he knew that he didn't have the wisdom and discernment to lead. So, he turned to the one who knows all things. And because of Solomon's faithful request, God gave him great wisdom.

Do you ever have big decisions to make and don't know where to turn? Well, there is a mighty God in heaven just waiting for you to call on him. No problem is too large for God.

My prayer for you is to pray for those big decisions. Ask God what to do. He hears our prayers.

Proverbs 15:29 - The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Don't Be Fooled — Daily Inspiration

And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. — 2 Corinthians 11:14

I received a strange message today in my email account. It was a phishing scam. A phishing scam is an email that masquerades as something else to fool us and get our personal information, passwords, etc. Today I wasn't fooled. But some days things fool us that we don't even notice.

Things in this world can masquerade as other things. Take Satan for example. Satan can be a smooth talker. I mean, he talked God into letting him torture Job just for the fun of it, didn't he? That's really mean. Satan is not a nice guy. But he can pretend to be flowers and light when he's really darkness and doom. Don't be fooled by him. He will be your undoing.

My local NBC station has been doing a weekly series this week about bullying. Bullies can be Satan-like. They prey on the weaker to make themselves feel strong. And surprisingly, the one that is being bullied is always the stronger, better, nicer person.

Bullies see this trait. They know that they can never live up to such an example as a good and faithful person. So, what do they do? They try to squash us, steal our lunch money, try to make us feel less than we are.

But we are not less. We are mighty because we have a mighty God who loves us.

My prayer for you today is to pray for the bullies in the world. Pray that they turn to the one who can forever change them into better people. God loves even the bullies among us.


It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. — 2 Corinthians 11:15

Accentuate the Positive — Daily Inspiration

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. — Matthew 6:34

I shouldn't worry about things I can't change. But we all do, don't we? We get stuck in our head mulling over the events of the day like some bad rerun on television. We can't help ourselves. Why do we relive such muck when we could be envisioning a bright and wonderful future where everything we ever wanted existed?

I don't know if I completely buy into The Secret but the basic principles seem to be sound. Everything that's coming into your life is there because you're attracting it to you like a big human-shaped magnet. If you think worrisome thoughts, you'll attract things to yourself that you can worry about. And conversely, if you think blissful, happy, loving thoughts a majority of the time, you'll attract like things to yourself.

It's all about how you think and where you put your focus and intention.

So, let's go back to the beginning of this inspiration. If you worry about things you can't change, you'll bring things you can't change into your life. ACK! I don't want that. I have enough of that.

Instead, why don't you focus on things you enjoy doing and maybe you'll attract that into your life instead.

It's funny how just writing this stuff down makes me feet better, more optimistic, like the burden has been lifted. This focusing on the good stuff really does work.

My prayer for you today is to keep your focus on the positive, life-affirming things in your world instead of the negative, bad things. You'll feel much better if you do.

The secret is to just do it! :)

[ Do Not Worry ] “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life ? ... — Matthew 6:25-34

Too Busy For Life? — Daily Inspiration

“You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the LORD Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. — Haggai 1:9

Do you ever feel like you're too busy to do the things you love? I discovered this week that we fill our lives with what we want. We do whatever our hearts fancy. No one *makes* us do anything.

Without the television to take up my time, I could have been typing up episodes for my fictional stories, working on new episodes or just writing in general, but I didn't. I found myself lying on my bed just thinking. I guess my mind realized I needed a little peace in my life.

I've never had a problem with being alone. I enjoy reading and writing, both solitary activities. But I know other people need to constantly be with other people, enjoying, connecting. I never completely understood those people. It sounds tiring to me, always angling for attention from someone. But, in some way, I guess we all do it in one way or another. Either we're a gregarious friend-maker or a solemn people-pleaser. We all look for things that fulfill us.

Today, I'm filled with the sounds of silence. I need that sometimes in this hurried world we live in.

If you're too busy for life, it might be time to step back and try something new. God's all about new experiences. I mean, otherwise, why would he have created us, right? My prayer for you today is that you take time to smell the roses and put a little life back into your life.

"How can I account for this generation? The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents, 'We wanted to skip rope, and you were always too tired; we wanted to talk, but you were always too busy.' — Matthew 11:15-17 MSG

You Are Not Alone — Daily Inspiration

You're not alone for I AM here,
Let me wipe away your every fear
My love, I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life
All of your life
— You're Not Alone, Meredith Andrews

That's comforting to know, isn't it? We're not alone. We'll never be alone. God is there with us.

Sometimes in this great big world, we can get lost as a single individual among the masses. Have you ever walked into a room filled with people, knowing no one, and you felt a pang of loneliness? I've been there. That can make you think that you're ultimately alone in the world.

I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone. — Numbers 11:16-18

I've visualized what my life would be like without my family. And I can't imagine it. How do you keep on going when you have no one? No one to talk to, confide in or just be with? And with that thought, I can see why people turn to suicide or death. Being alone can be painful.

But with God, you're never alone. He's always with you. Walking beside you, carrying you if need be. And sometimes, he's the only one we can turn to.

It is you and I, You've been walking with me all this time — All This Time. Britt Nicole

If you're feeling alone and lost, turn to the one who can fill you with a great sense of happiness and feeling. You'll know that you'll never be alone again, even if you are on this plane of existence. My prayer for you is to turn to Jesus, turn to God. And you'll never be alone.

But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. — John 8:15-17

Connection — Daily Inspiration

“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” — Genesis 3:4-6 MSG

I apologize for not getting my Saturday and Sunday inspirations out there. We had a freak lightening storm in our area which knocked out not only our internet but our satellite television.

Sometimes being unplugged from the world makes you realize just how important it is to be connected to things, people, the world and God. Our Savior wanted to be connected to us. He created Adam and Eve for that connection. He saved Noah and his family for that connection. He wanted to know us and have a spiritual relationship with us.

The whole earth will be brimming with knowing God-Alive, a living knowledge of God ocean-deep, ocean-wide. — Isaiah 11:6-9 MSG

God even sent his son to us in order to keep all of us safe. He wanted to maintain that connection so much, he was willing to sacrifice his only son. Now, that's a man with a huge intention.

Connection. God's all about it.

My prayer for you today is to get connected to God, to the people in your life you've unplugged from whether intentionally or unintentionally. Show them that you have a BIG God with BIG intentions for connection.

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. — 1 John 3:1-3 NIV

Get Plugged In — Daily Inspiration

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” — Romans 12:12 NIV

Funny thing happened yesterday at work. We had a strange network problem where one of the routers didn't work which caused some cascading failures across the network. We all had to turn off our computers and in a sense "unplug".

Just a few minutes, maybe half an hour, gave us all a new perspective. We were talking to each other and laughing. Interesting how just a few minutes off line can bring us all together.

As it is written, A champion will stride down from the mountain of Zion; he'll clean house in Jacob. And this is my commitment to my people: removal of their sins. From your point of view as you hear and embrace the good news of the Message, it looks like the Jews are God's enemies. But looked at from the long-range perspective of God's overall purpose, they remain God's oldest friends. God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded.
— Romans 11:27-29 MSG

We were unplugged and then gained a new perspective. I see a sort of parallel here. We were filled with sin and then by plugging into Jesus and his teachings we gain a new life.

Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. — Colossians 3:2 MSG

That's right. Christ is where the action is. All things go through him and because of him we have a new life, we are sin free. That is, if we accept the blessings he offers us.

My prayer for you is that you plug into Jesus and accept a new life.

In Story Form — Daily Inspiration

I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old - we will tell the next generation the praise worthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. — Psalm 78: 2, 4

Parables make it easier for us lesser folks, those who are not Godly, understand the messages the Master of creation is trying to relate to us. Like the stories we tell our children to help them grow, parables teach us in a language we all can understand. We've been in similar situations. We *get* it.

The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. — Isaiah 35:7

I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab. I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. — 2 Kings 21:13

The original storyteller inspired the ancient prophets to warn his people with stories of stolen lambs, plumb lines and bubbling springs. Those stories confused some but those who truly listened with a child-like faith could easily understand and revisit the stories time and time again to hear a clear message of God's love..

The Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. — Proverbs 2:6

Teaching from God comes in many forms. God seems to know his people learn best when his messages are put into stories that have a second, more spiritual, meaning. Maybe it was because of the climate of the time two-thousand years ago making it hard to share the gospel message. To some, a story is just a story. But the stories in the Bible teach us great lessons and in away only God knows will get through to us.

God knows what's best for us and sometimes it comes in story form.

My prayer for you is to share the parables and stories in the Bible with someone. Maybe it will bring them closer to our Maker. Maybe it will bring them a closer understanding of God's teachings, just like it did for you.

He Hears Us - Daily Inspiration

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” — 1 John 5:14-15 NIV

God knows us. He hears us.

It's amazing to think that a great God like ours would take the time to listen to a little one such as me. I mean, in the vast universe of creation, we are but a grain of sand of a grain of sand in the vastness of the many galaxies. I mean, we are little, very little. So little that it is hard to believe that he can hear anything we say. Can we hear the cries of an ant? But our God hears our cries.

“Tomorrow,” Pharaoh said. Moses replied, “It will be as you say, so that you may know there is no one like the LORD our God. — Exodus 8:10

There is no one like our God. He does so many amazing things, things we don't even know we need.

He leads us to music we need for comfort, to people to cry on their shoulder, little things that we never acknowledge, he does them, he puts them forth.

He is my God. Let him be yours. Accept him.

My prayer for you is to allow God to respond to your cries for help. If you need him, he's always there. Let him be your God.

I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. — Exodus 6:7

Love is... - Daily Inspiration

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. — 1 John 4:16

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." That's the way Shakespeare spoke about love. But in his story, their love was a tragic love. But God's love for you isn't tragic. It's glorious.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. — 1 Corinthians 13:4

Sounds pretty good so far. God is patient with us even in our weakness. He knows we are not worthy of His love, but He loves us anyway. God is kind. It's hard to be kind sometimes, isn't it? After a long day of one stressful event after another, kindness is usually the last thing on our minds.

No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. — John 16:27

God doesn't love us because we're good. We can't do anything good enough to make the creator of the universe love us. He loves us because of the sacrifice of Jesus. And through Him, the love flows like rivers of gold.

God loves us because of Jesus' goodness, his kindness, his patience and his great faith.

My prayer for you today is to have patience with those you love today. Show kindness to people you meet along the way and have the great faith that a great God loves you.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:34-35