I’m going to let you in on a little secret! I love a good murder mystery/who done it (Books and Movies).

Other than watching the Chicago Cubs while growing up in Chicago, you would also find me sitting front & center watching such shows as, “Murder She Wrote,” and “Matlock,” or just cozying up in a corner reading, a Nancy Drew or Agatha Christie book. My ultimate goal, was to figure out the mystery before the end of the book and/or show. I really do enjoy a good mystery! I am a thinker, as my grandfather used to say.

The Lord began to birth this series in my spirit after a series of “happenings” in my own life. Recently, my hubby and I received some devastating news about one of our sons, and my mother. F.E.A.R knocked at the door, but Faith answered! I had a decision to make! And, that decision was not to buy into the devil’s lies! #NotTodayDevil That way, it was easier for me to maintain my Joy (instead of giving in to those very real emotions). I am not denying the existence of either situation, but I have given both to my Heavenly Father, in accordance to His Word! The Bible says to “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peters 5:7  That is exactly what I did! #GodsGotThis I don’t have to figure it all out.

My pastor recently stated that, “Free People, Free People” and that resonated in my spirit. I am a writer & social media has been a fun vehicle to express my creativity (through pictures and words). #writerslife I enjoy reading encouraging/inspiring quotes, seeing “highlights” from the lives of my friends and family, and agreeing in prayer with those in need. Some people go way too far in it, but I refuse to acribe any motive/or read too much into it. I just simply enjoy the pictures and catching up with my friends and family.

It has also been a vehicle for me to share my faith, & encourage others who may be going through. This blog, “A Journal Of Love” began years and years ago, through the writing of letters to friends and family. Then God graduated me to one site, and then to this site. I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity! My prayer is that every week, God uses it “To be a Blessing” to others, and also back unto myself/family. #BlessedToBeABlessing #LifeLongLearner #StillUnderconstruction #FindingMyVoiceInHim

Now onto the “Meat of this Message:” 

Your Thoughts can either “Make or Break” you! When we align our thoughts with God’s, His peace which passes all understanding, will keep our hearts & mind through Christ Jesus!

Scripture Reference:

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 #BeIntentional #GuardYourHeart #ThinkOnTheseThings 

I follow Christine Caine (Propel Women) on Instagram & Twitter, and recently she posted a tweet that seems to sum up this entire blog series to me #APowerfulInsight #GoldenNuggets

“It was their own murmuring, grumbling, complaining, fear, doubt & negativity that kept the children of Israel out of the Promised Land. Their enemies couldn’t stop them. The devil couldn’t stop them. They stopped themselves. Guard YOUR heart, Guard YOUR mouth, Guard YOUR eyes.” Christine Caine

“In order to step into the promises of God for your life, you will have to take personal responsibility for your life. Constantly. You cannot change the past, but your history does not have to define your legacy. I’m living proof of that. Make what Jesus did for you, bigger than what “they”:-

  • Did to you
  • Said about you
  • Said to you
  • Didn’t say to you
  • Didn’t do for you

If you want to possess the promises of God for your life, then choose to:-

  1. Let go of offenses
  2. Forgive people completely
  3. Guard your heart/eyes/ears/mouth
  4. Don’t let a toxic heart destroy you
  5. Let God be your vindicator
  6. Adjust some expectations of people
  7. Take your disappointments to God
  8. Grieve losses thoroughly
  9. Accept the end of a season/relationship/partnership/dream
  10. Move on but don’t harden your heart
  11. Stay open to new possibilities
  12. Step into new opportunities
  13. Anticipate new experiences
  14. Welcome new adventures
  15. Trust God wholeheartedly
  16. Make sure you:- Don’t get stuck
  17. Don’t get bitter
  18. Don’t get angry
  19. Don’t get isolated
  20. Don’t get offended
  21. Don’t get fearful
  22. Don’t get anxious
  23. Don’t get proud
  24. Don’t get vengeful
  25. Don’t get arrogant
  26. Don’t get rude

You will only hurt your own future and cause many others unnecessary pain. “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live (Deut 30:19)” #GoodStuff Thanks Christine Caine for Sharing!

I know that I am not the only one that may tend to overthink a situation. I am sure that I am not the only one that may try and “Figure Everything Out,” or “Solve all of the mysteries of the day!” But one thing for sure, I am done trying (smile). #FreePeopleFreePeople God is the Alpha & An Omega… He is The Beginning and The End! I am the Daughter of a King, and there is no need for me to handle or be concern about things that our way out of my control. #HeIsMySource And I am going to another level of my trust in Him! Things may not have always been easy for me but God has Always been Faithful. #ILoveHimSo

Stay Tuned! This is the first blog in a series that the Lord has placed on my heart to share. My prayer is that it will be a blessing to all who reads it! I will not say that I have arrived but that I am a “Beautiful Work in Process!” #FearfullyAndWonderfullyMade (Prayerfully a video blog is coming your way very soon).

Also, Thank you so much for All of the Birthday Tweets, Texts & Messages. I am truly blessed and thankful for these 48 (not 47 lol) years on this earth. I love this life and all of its imperfections, and/or crazy adventures. I am thankful for the people that He has placed in my life and their impact. #GodIsFaithful I may not understand everything, but I trust “The One” who do! #MyEverything #MyAllInAll #MyHeavenlyFather I believe, my Best Days Are Ahead (not behind me).

If you look closely, there is a special treat (placed strategically) within this blog. Enjoy!