8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Today’s Scripture Message:
I thought about all of the things that I’d been through and how each major experience that was hurtful or caused pain of any kind always occurred on a day when there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. So for many years, I hated hearing about “clear skys” now that I have grown as a Christian woman, I welcome all days as I understand any doubt is a hindrance. The blessings of the day is facing each one not from the visual aspect but from a spiritual one. The Word of God is our continence, but in order to stand firm on His word, you have to know it. Knowledge of his word is victory over any circumstance you face. Faith provides that internal eye that focuses steadfastly on the promises of God. “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”- Hebrews 11:1 While we experience life and things occur, faith provides the certainty that all is for our good, knowing so is the difference.
Thought for the Day:
A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul. - Unknown
Goal for the Day:
Be encouraged. His grace is all you need.
Happy 119th Day of the New Year!!!
Where Your Feet Tread is Holy Ground!!!
Many Blessings!!!
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Inspirations
By
Lindsey Ragans
Daily strengths for daily needs…when can we become a novel and not just a short story...day in & day out... these types of questions brings interactions with others...and some people say “ I Who Have Nothing”, you have captured the hearts of others with prayer...so reevaluate and reflect where you are in this world...my thoughts are plain and simple today.
24 "The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Today’s Scripture Message:
I have to share with you my early morning and the lesson… My alarm fell behind my night stand so when it sounded at its regular time, the sound was muffled between the wall and the stand and I woke up an hour later than normal. Because of this, no one was dressed and I was running late so the rush began. In my haste, I’d forgotten my daughter had a morning practice and she looked at me and said: “I’m ready” which would not have been abnormal except it was 45 minutes before the kids would normally have to be at school… she softly reminded me as I headed for the shower, she had practice. So I escalated the rush a little more. Ran in the bathroom washed my face, brushed my teeth and threw on the first sweat suit I put my hands on and hurried my son along. By the time we made it out, there was only 15 minutes of practice left and my daughter looked at me and said “Mommy, you did your best, I’m not angry I see it was important to you too.” She hugged me and smiled & I took them on to school…As if this was not enough…I went into the corner coffee house with a coupon I had happy to get a complimentary cup, I smiled and greeted the gentleman at the counter and had a wonderful conversation…ending with a compliment of my hair…That would not have been strange except…I’d only brushed it, minimally…so I smiled, thanked him for his courtesy and proceeded to the door where there was an older gentleman who was looking at me oddly…so I smiled and said hello to him and he stood and replied with a hearty “Great Morning” my response was “Exactly, if for no other reason than we are here to see it”. He smiled bigger and introduced himself as Barry. I properly introduced myself and shook his hand then he said “I normally do not like “bangs” in a ladies “hairdo”, but yours are perfect…it was the smile that accompanied it that made it a complete package…a blind man could see that smile”. You see on a day that everything started off wrong and my attitude could reflect the negatives of the start and been carried through my day, but the beauty of the witnesses from my daughter to Barry kept me in perspective of the simplicity of a blessing. A simple smile, a kind word and a big hug minimized the pressure of a simple moment in time with a memory I will soon not forget. While I was still behind in time…I was way ahead in spirit and am thankful for the subtle blessings I was shown this morning that made a HUGE impact on me today. To God be the glory, in Jesus’ name. Do not shun the smile, you just may miss the message. Have a GREAT day, if for no other reason than you are here to see it!!!
Thought for the Day:
The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little. – John Zabat-Zinn
Goal for the Day:
Let the light within you shine beyond the surface that it that it lays as a red carpet before you, reaching out to others welcoming you along your path.
22 For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.
Today’s Scripture Message:
You are not made to run from a problem and allow it to hover uncompleted. You are to face what confronts you and handle it in representation of his kingdom. It is in those times you move from professor to witness.
Your limitations are only the thoughts YOU allow to limit you. “Do you know who you are? Do you understand what you really have? Do you have any idea of what you can really do? Stop living your life with limits” - Bill Winston
We are made in the image of God and of his likeness. His truth resides within us according to His word. The strength of the Lord is our strength, the victory of the Lord is our victory, the peace of the Lord is our peace, the blessing of the Lord is our blessing!!! Know who you are & Who’s you are and live every moment from this one on in assurance of your proper place. Your sight is not worldly, it is kingdomly. Look not on the exterior, but ever on the heart.
Thought for the Day:
Who's the judge? The judge is God! Why is he God? Because he decides who wins or loses, not my opponent! Who's your opponent? He doesn't exist! Why does he not exist? Because he is merely a dissenting voice to the truth I speak!
– Melvin Tolson
–Speak the Truth
– – The Great Debaters (2007)
Goal for the Day:
Handle your business, stop letting it loom, face it, handle it, eliminate it.
Happy 116th Day of the New Year!!!
Step Up to the Challenge, Anointed You are Victorious!!!
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Today’s Scripture Message:
This is a passage that many people know, not because they have studied it, but because it is a passage that is read at many funerals during a time of berevement. Many times it is observed as a prayer of entry for the soul that has passed on to be with God in heaven. But it’s meaning is not of death but of LIFE, confession, courage and strength!!!
This passage is saying, Lord, YOU are all I need. YOU comfort me and keep me in peace rejuvenating my soul. YOU guide my life that it bears witness to YOU. Even when I am afraid, hurt or lonely, fear will not overtake me because YOU are here with me, YOU protect me. I do not run from my enemies as I sit in comfort though they surround me, YOU have placed me above any of their poor intentions and YOUR anointing over runs my heart & soul. I know I am blessed and loved by YOU all the days of my life and I am a purposed part of YOUR kingdom forever.
His word is never to be hidden, always to be witnessed. Never to be a point of sorrow always an enlightened rejuvenation of your spirit that you are moved to excitement, ready to share your experience. Share the blessing, touch the world.
Thought for the Day:
The question is not whether we will die, but how we will live.– Joan Borysenko
Goal for the Day:
Live in vision of the completed task exactly the way you want it.
Happy 113th Day of the New Year!!!
You Get Exactly What You Expect To!!!
Many Blessings!!!
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Inspiration
by
Lindsey Ragans
Saying so long is not always an easy task when a bond has been established...from day one & introductions... we have formed an special alliance which has put a special smile in my life...I must state that this friendship is truly cherished internally...now that fantasy has become the reality...kudos, own your next endeavor…keep in mind we all are a text away..
11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Today’s Scripture Message:
What are you welcoming into your life? Nothing can take a stronghold of you without allowance. As you were given free will to choose, our Father will not enter without your acceptance of Christ as your saving Lord. Same is with Satan and his worldly powers. He can not penetrate your existence without your invitation. So I ask again, what are you inviting or allowing in your life that should not be there? What are you not allowing that should be there? By not forgiving a person who has done you harm is not seeing the force behind the action of that person, forgive the person as the force behind the act is already defeated. If you are aware that alcoholism is a stronghold for you, and you receive a gift from a friend that includes alcohol, understand the force behind the temptation and refuse to allow it in, the habit is already defeated. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Thought for the Day:
Self-disciplined begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward. - Napoleon Hill
Goal for the Day:
See past the mask of deception, know where it derives from & hold responsible the entity, not the messenger.
Happy 110th Day of the New Year!!!
Invite God In, Have Faith Knowing You Are Covered!!!
Many Blessings!!!
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Inspiration
by
Lindsey Ragans
Once in a great while you will see something that will bypass your mind and go straight to the heart…Today...I have been ignited with a flame within the soul...Why...the passion to learn from the simplest things are tremendous...we all can humiliate, humor, hurt, or heal any situation when the time is right...truthfully it’s our response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated…remember patience is always on-going.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Today’s Scripture Message:
Can you see it? Are you recognizing the blessings shown you daily? Not just the obvious…that you are here to witness another day, but really see all that is granted you daily? I am humbled by the grace of God. In the growth of my children. In the change in the hearts of many I know. In the recognition of the Glory of God by many who just a little while ago denied He existed. In the budding of the seeds planted, in the little eyes that looked up today and said “I love you”. Hearing someone who did not believe education was for them say “I registered for school”. Being contacted by someone who pride would not allow them to ask for help say “I’m ready, I can’t do it on my own”. The answer to prayers from sources you did not know existed, but showed up on your behalf. My God, my God what an awesome presence you are!!! GOD BLESS and KEEP ON BLESSING. All glory and honor, all praise and worship, all amazement and awe…hallelujah, Glory to God!, in Jesus’ name, Amen!!!
Thought for the Day:
“May you always have work for your hands to do. May your pockets hold always a coin or two. May the sun shine bright on your windowpane. May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you. And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.”- Irish Blessing
Goal for the Day:
Acknowledge your blessing, humble yourself to thanks, share your experience.
Happy 106th Day of the New Year!!!
Take What You’ve Been Given & Pay It Forward!!!
Many Blessings!!!
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Inspiration
by
Lindsey Ragans
What a brand new day to life with some interesting thoughts inside...what I write is what I see...it’s really amazing at times when you think it’s best to look forward at things head strong...I must imply this...please keep a conscious eye in the rear view mirror also...every day is a learning experience that has some sort...of observation involved...don’t you let society get you involved in the twisted events of he said she said drama today.
44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Today’s Scripture Message:
Years ago I was hurt considerably by a family member. I forgave that person and did not let what was done to me, even though I never received an apology for it, keep its power over me. What I gained from that situation was a better awareness of the possibility of what could happen, not in expectation of it, but in lesson by way of not placing myself or anyone in a place or position promoting this potential behavior. I am more aware as a parent because of it and have raised my children in a manner ensuring my oversight will not present the opportunity to experience what I did. Knowing I can not change what I experienced, I can move forward affecting the future and lessening the opportunity for reoccurrence in the lives of others.
Jesus died for our sins that we are forgiven. How can you expect forgiveness and be unwilling to forgive? You can not keep looking backwards expecting to move forward. While lessons of the past inspire wisdom for the present and future it is the lesson that is to be remembered, not the pain of the circumstance. You have been delivered; expect to use what you’ve received in the new life you were given as your spring board to the growth and change you are seeking to see in your life. Forgiveness is as much for you as it is for the person(s) you are forgiving. Letting go and forgiving others is always a two sided street.
Thought for the Day:
You are responsible for your life. You can't keep blaming somebody else for your dysfunction. Life is really about moving on.
- Oprah Winfrey
Goal for the Day:
Release what is holding on to you. Remember the lesson and effect every moment presented you, positively.
Happy 104th Day of the New Year!!!
Forgive and Forget the Feelings of Pain Remember the Lesson of Your Living & Greatly Affect the Future!!!
9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully.
Today’s Scripture Message:
I had a wonderful experience this Sunday which forced me to place a new perspective on how I focus. What I hear, how I absorb that which I’ve heard. Missing important facts because of general distraction when the blessing was truly in the heart of the message and not the various detail. Our focus as Christians is love, not condition. When we act in love we act humbly respectful of the hearts around us, reaching out to assist and not to receive. Your attention hears not the word but the heart of the message and places your eyes on things not external, but internal that otherwise would be missed. If we are beings reflective of the God within us as with our Heavenly Father, our intent is unconditionally loving allowing us to continue to move forward victoriously growing in the knowledge of God and sharing it through our witness and example.
Thought for the Day:
“Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. When we really listen to people there is an alternating current, and this recharges us so that we never get tired of each other. We are constantly being re-created.”
- Brenda Ueland
Goal for the Day:
Listen, really hear what is being spoken to you. No matter what form it is presented, hear the heart behind the message.
Happy 102nd Day of the New Year!!!
Your Focus Is Always On How You Will Win, Not How to Keep from Losing – There is a Difference – FOCUSON THE WIN!!!
9 Why do you now cry aloud— have you no king? Has your counselor perished,
that pain seizes you like that of a woman in labor?
10 Writhe in agony, O Daughter of Zion, like a woman in labor, for now you must leave the city to camp in the open field. You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued.
There the LORD will redeem you out of the hand of your enemies.
.
Today’s Scripture Message:
When you are born again you are repositioned in the world to stand out as an ambassador of His kingdom. There will be many times you have to tread in unfamiliar, unkind waters, but have no fear where you stand is holy ground as our Lord Jesus Christ and our father through Jesus stands there with you. Failure is only that when you accept it as such. Know you live in lessons of improvement and endurance to strengthen you for what God has for you next. Move in joy, accomplishment and fulfillment as these are the promises of God. Praise, Glory and Honor be to God in all that you do.
Thought for the Day:
“A belief in God helps provide a foundation to arbitrate our decisions. Without this foundation, we are condemned to live essentially formless lives.”
- Armstrong Williams
Goal for the Day:
Understand your foundation is solid, stand tall in full awareness of your favor.
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Just a Thought
Posted by:
KenyaAnderson
Father God, thank You for being a restorer and a rewarder of the people who seek You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes in my life, ready to bring Your restoration. In Jesus' Name. Amen.-JO
20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Today’s Scripture Message:
I heard a wonderful message and wanted to share a point made “Jesus is the head and we are the body of Christ, in his word “God placed all things under his feet” as the body and Christ the head, all things are placed under our feet” – Joyce Meyer. What a powerful visual!!! Know who you are as the body of Christ and know your position in his kingdom. There is nothing that can not be handled, there is nothing that can not be accomplished, there is nothing that you are going through that God our Father through Jesus our Savior is not there with us every step of the way. All things are possible in Christ, all things are possible through Christ that is in you, all it takes is faith enough for you to understand and believe in the intention God has for your life. All glory and honor to God for his unconditional love and grace. We have all in one way or the other fallen short of the glory of God, but we were redeemed by the blood of Christ and repositioned in his kingdom to resume our rightful place, not as we were but reborn to be who we are at this moment. Thinking differently or recalling that which is behind you is not God’s lack of forgiveness for you, it is YOUR lack of forgiveness for yourself. Leave that old life, prior to your rebirth, behind you and continue to move forward in the blessings granted you.
Thought for the Day:
“A stair not worn hollow by footsteps is, regarded from its own point of view, only a boring something made of wood.” - Franz Kafka
Goal for the Day:
Seek to make glorious footprints wherever you are present today.
Happy 97th Day of the New Year!!!
There is a Reason Your Feet are at the End of Your Body, They Balance You, Enabling You to Plant Yourself Firmly and Keep You Moving Forward One Step at a Time!!!
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”
Today’s Scripture Message:
You are not to spend your time in worry, being anxious, or frustrated. A carnal mind focuses on what is happening; a spiritual mind praises the victory over the circumstance. There is always an opportunity to be presented, worrying will direct your mind away from the opportunity and keep you focused on the problem. Worry is not your center of attention. Know there is a plan for your life and remain stayed on the guidance toward solution, not fixed within the problem. We serve a creative, caring and capable God and when you ask faithfully for guidance, you will receive a response…it’s knowing so that makes the difference. An eagle faces a storm head on spreading it’s wings and flying over the storm…You are eagles…take flight.
Thought for the Day:
“In each age men of genius undertake the ascent. From below, the world follows them with their eyes. These men go up the mountain, enter the clouds, disappear, reappear, People watch them, mark them. They walk by the side of precipices. They daringly pursue their road. See them aloft, see them in the distance; they are but black specks. On they go. The road is uneven, its difficulties constant. At each step a wall, at each step a trap. As they rise the cold increases. They must make their ladder, cut the ice and walk on it., hewing the steps in haste. A storm is raging. Nevertheless they go forward in their madness. The air becomes difficult to breath. The abyss yawns below them. Some fall. Others stop and retrace their steps; there is a sad weariness. The bold ones continue. They are eyed by the eagles; the lightning plays about them: the hurricane is furious. No matter, they persevere.” - Victor Hugo
Goal for the Day:
Find the eagle in you and get rid of your fear of flying.
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Today’s Scripture Message:
You are washed in the blood of Christ. Renew your mind. It is your responsibility to affect the world. The world should not dictate to you how you live, you should dictate by your actions and the change in you the transformation you wish to see in others; you create your circumstance and in faith it will be. Your living is of purpose, not incidental. I was told many years ago, “if you think small expect small things, but if you think big the possibilities are endless.” Nothing and no one can limit you except you and that process begins in your mind, not the mind of others, YOURS. Sure external things can pose opposition to what you are striving to accomplish, but see yourself rising higher than that external circumstance…it is ALWAYS beneath you.
Thought for the Day:
“It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believe in myself”-Muhammad Ali
Goal for the Day:
Open the doors of your thoughts until your mind’s eye see’s endless opportunity.
45From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi,[b] lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"[c] 47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah." 48Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him." 50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son[d] of God!"
55Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.
The Burial of Jesus
57As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
The Guard at the Tomb
62The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63"Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' 64So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first."
65"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." 66So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
Thought for the Day:
“We shall neither fail nor falter; we shall not weaken or tire...give us the tools and we will finish the job.” - Winston Churchill
Goal for the Day:
Finish everything you start so it is done according to its intended purpose.
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(From Pastor Gregory Dickow’s – Fast From Wrong Thinking)
As we conclude this amazing REVOLUTION, we are fasting from the thought that says, “You can’t win ‘em all!” When I was in sales, they said “if you make 2 sales/week, you’ll be lucky." So I made 10! I refused to allow the mindset of defeat for ONE SECOND. We are missing out on so much, because of the thought that we can’t always win.
Let's CHANGE IT TODAY:
You’ve already won. The victory is ours NOW. You are NOW more than a conqueror! (Romans 8:37)
IT IS FINISHED! (John 19:30)Jesus’ death on the cross SETTLED your victory. You never have to be defeated another day in your life.
Stop fighting the wrong fight. Our fight is the fight of faith. (1 Timothy 6:12) That’s ALL we need to be fighting—to believe what God says. The struggle, the battle, the wrestling IS to HOLDON to what the scripture says!
Expect to win every battle. Thanks be to God who ALWAYS leads us in His triumph! (2 Corinthians 2:14)
You can’t fail—because LOVE NEVER FAILS! (1 Corinthians 13:8) Stay hidden in God’s love; and you will not fail.
Expect a turn around in every apparent defeat. (Romans 8:28) Even if you’ve failed—you’ve won, because Jesus’ paid for your turnaround.
THINK IT & SAY IT:
I already have the victory! Jesus said, ‘it is finished’. My battle has been won over sin, sickness, Satan, lack, fear, discouragement and all other things. IT IS FINISHED! I can’t fail today, because the LOVE OF GOD IS IN ME, and love never fails. I will never be defeated another day in my life, in Jesus’ Name!
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Inspiration
by:
Lindsey Ragans
With every second of the clock ticking...time comes with the impression of urgency...if we take a moment to clear our minds on the truth about life…our actions that we have display daily are so real…sometimes our talents go un-noticed by others…but you know what…our actions speak daily in our passion for what we do.. Sometimes what we want...might take a little more time and patience’s in life...when one door closes another will open…trust...Keep your head up
