We're All Ducks

 I’m gonna get straight to the point today! What does the word prejudice mean to you? Do you think of someone of a different race or social status? I have to admit this happens to me more often than none. I see a lot of homeless people in Baton Rouge everyday & I automatically have the ugliest
thoughts, “Poor thing, is addicted to drugs & now has nothing.” Whether this person is or not is not my place to cast judgments. I am shamed by these thoughts b/c I have no clue what they’ve been though in life or their current situation. But my prejudice eyes sometimes overpower the truth & what I know as right. Below is a common saying we’ve all heard that I looked up in Wikipedia (online encyclopedia) along with an explanation of the phrase. <><><><><><><>

“

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.

”

*The test implies that a person can identify an unknown subject by observing that subject's habitual
characteristics. It is sometimes used to counter abstruse arguments that something is not what it
appears to be.
           I’ve attached a verse below that is very straight forward & to the point. To me it’s saying some people’s sins are obvious while others aren’t, seen or not they’re still sin.      ²³For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; also comes to mind. I want to leave you with this challenge. When you see someone that intimidates you or looks different, STOP, & put yourself in their shoes; imagine what they’re thinking when they see you. Do you look like you just sucked a lemon? Remember, God loves everyone equally & wants us to be like Him. I hope this humbles you & opens your eyes as to how we see others. I hope you have a great weekend! I love you & remember to Praise God Always! 
 1 Timothy 5:24-25 (NIV)²⁴The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of
judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. ²⁵In the same way, good deeds are
obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.

Fleeting Beauty

How long did it take you to get ready this morning for work or school? Like fully dressed, hair & makeup, shoes & accessories, purses or whatever else you need? (Not including those who have kids b/c that alone is another hour) Why does it take so long to primp & get all “prettied” up? Most of the time when I get where I’m going I wished I had worn something else or different shoes. Let me ask you this….Have you ever been somewhere that you’ve felt out of place? Maybe you didn’t have the “right” clothes or shoes, or your makeup wasn’t just so…This is something I struggle with. After a while your self-worth & confidence are obsolete b/c “We’re our worst critic”. The thing is in God’s eyes we’re always beautiful, loved & most importantly accepted with open arms.

The following verse gets straight to the point…Don’t take it lightly; I want you to
think about this verse when you’re stressing over your clothes or makeup, etc.
or when you feel out of place.  

1 Peter 3-4Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. ⁴Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which
is of great worth in God's sight. 

I read this yesterday & found a lot of inspiration in it!  “Don’t apologize or cower away from your authentic self. “ EMBRACE IT!  I hope this brought some encouragement to you today! Remember to Praise God Always!!! In conclusion, I’m leaving this final verse with you today! 

Proverbs 31:30 ³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Week to Weak

So I’ve struggled all week about this Friday’s encouragement. I couldn’t figure out what I should talk about….The thing is it’s not my word its God’s word & I’ve been slacking on study & prayer w/ Him. Have you ever been there, where you’re physically & emotionally tired?

 Jeremy just got back from his “GUY TURKEY TRIP”. They were gone for 5 ½ days so you can
imagine my physical exhaustion thus leading little to no time w/ God. (We’ve all tried using this excuse) The thing is when we stray for any amount of time we become sluggish. I love the saying “7 days w/out Christ makes one weak” How true this is! In Luke 5, the Bible talks about Jesus calling
the first disciples & Him healing the leprosy man. As the good news spread, more & more people came for healing. Just imagine how loud & chaotic that probably was. I’d feel like I was being pulled from all directions & needed some peace & quiet. Well read Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. When I leave church, bible study, or finish praying I always feel “lighter” (unfortunately not lighter in pounds *S*), refreshed, & overall happier knowing that I’ve
just been recharged in Christ. This in turn makes me a more pleasant person to be around. I have more patience w/ my husband & children & I feel like I an roll w/ life’s struggles easier.  So I pray today for you some quiet time w/ our Lord. Take 5 minutes & pray or read a Bible study, be
still & let God’s love embrace & comfort you.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend & Happy Mother’s Day. Remember to Praise God always!  I love ya!!!

James 5:13, 16b ¹³Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise…. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and
effective.