Today is the official holiday of giving thanks.  People of all faiths will sit down at the dinner table to break bread and fellowship.  Many of us will reflect on what we are thankful and grateful for.  I challenge you to let this official Thanksgiving Day serve as a reminder that “everyday is a day of thanksgiving.”

We have so much to be thankful for; our health, food on the table, shelter, as well as the love of family and friends, and the precious memories of the loved ones who are no longer with us to name a few.  If you reflect on what you are grateful for daily; it will lift your spirit.

So I ask what are you grateful for today?

Today is election day in the United States.  Please take yourself to the polls.  Many people suffered and died for the right to vote and recently many others’ voting rights have been challenged.  If your vote doesn’t count–why are others trying to take your voting rights away?  It must be important.

Think about it…

I challenge you to find out your purpose in life, early in life. I challenge you to find out what you were created to do, as well as what brings you joy! Most importantly to Live. Life. Out. Loud! Intentionally. When I was younger I always thought that I had a lot of time to live and I had a lot of the “one day I am going to do this and one day I am going to do that” plans. I encourage you to work on your gifts and talents and your goals and dreams. Don’t wait–just begin where you are. Now that I am older, I am thinking how fast time flies! and I am more focused that ever working on making an impact in the lives of others. My goal is to work on living, as well as leaving an legacy for those I love.  What are your life goals?

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalms 90:12).

In Michigan we are accustomed to the change of seasons (winter, summer, spring and fall).  Fall is among us,  and we can witness the leaves on the trees changing their colors and soon will be leaving the trees bare.  This reminds me of how we as human beings have season changes too.  We have seasons where we will sow our seeds, and seasons where we will reap our harvests.  There will be seasons where our seeds will lie dormant, way down deep within.  Just remember that you can’t reap and sow in the same season, and as far as the seeds lying dormant they will eventually break through the soil and flourish; so don’t be so hard on yourself.  Do your best where you are and let God do the rest.

This week Senator John McCain and Aretha Franklin (also known as the Queen of Soul) were honored.  It is amazing how much they both touched so many lives.  People from all of the country and parts of the world came together to celebrate these two individuals.  What stands out the most to me is that both used their god given talents to serve the world.  Their service to others will long be remembered, Senator McCain served our country in the military and was an prisoner of war.  He was a politician who stood up for what he believed and worked across party lines. Aretha Franklin was an actress and a songstress who used her gift to sing to people all over the United States and many places throughout the world.  She contributed to the civil rights movement and never forgot where she came from, in fact she would go back to her community to give back by providing free concerts and so much more.

The gifts that Senator McCain and Aretha Franklin shared with us will live on in our hearts and their legacy will last forever.  I am reminded of a song that I learned as a child the lyrics are,”This little light of mine, I’m gonna to let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Both John McCain and Aretha Franklin let their light shine and we have been blessed because they did, may their souls rest in peace.

The question is, what will others say about you after you are long gone? Remember, only what you do for God will last.

The world around us seems to be crazy and chaotic at times.  The news of suicides, murders, mental health issues and ruthless activities seem to rob us of our joy and peace.  But don’t let it (John 14:27)! I encourage you to give Love. Inspiration. Faith. and Encouragement to the world around you. Together we can be a light in this dark world and together we can make each day brighter for someone else.

Urban dictionary states that a tribe is a group of friends who have been together for a decade or a day, but are loyal, loving, honest and fun-loving.  I would like to add people who you can be transparent with, without judgement.  In this life, you need God and a good support system to help you navigate through its’ journey.  Both will provide directions when you are lost and will help get you back on course.  I am very grateful to have my tribe,  it’s like iron sharpening iron when we connect.  Do you have a tribe, if so how do you find it helpful?

No matter what, don’t stop following your dreams, and seeking the best version of yourself.  Continue to learn, grow and evolve as a person.  Don’t just live a life of mere existence filled with depression, sadness or fear.  When these emotions knock on your door of life, be still and allow your faith in God and the promises of His Word– answer.

But Don’t Give Up!

As we travel on life’s journey, we will make some wrong turns, u-turns and we will get lost along the way.  And that’s okay! We should count them all as lessons and experiences to make us better and to help us learn more about ourselves and life.  Everything that happens in our life is there to teach us. Are you listening and watching the signs in your life? Each of us should listen to the small, stilled voice that gives us directions, ideas and provide answers to questions that we are seeking within.  Then we should take the next best step toward our goals and our dreams. When you don’t know what to, I submit to you to consider meditating on Proverbs 3:4-6 and trust the process.

I read recently that mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the present moment (Wikipedia) and in my opinion mindfulness simply means being fully present in the moment.  Most of us are challenged living in the moment because we were taught that multi-tasking is the way to go.  I am committed to live more mindfully because I realize that I have wasted a lot of time, which is a valuable asset.  You see once the time has come and gone you can’t it back!  I have lost keys, cell phones, I have gotten distracted while conversing with friends and loved ones, and misplaced my wallet or purse more times that I would like to count! all due to not being fully present.

So the next time you are at a movie, worship service, engaged in a conversation or out to lunch or dinner with a friend, please think about putting your cell phone away and certainly no texting while driving.  Life is too short, so give each moment your full undivided attention and  I promise you that you will create beautiful, lasting memories. You will be blessed, as well as you will be a blessing to others.