James Brown may have coined this phrase meaning something totally different than the way I have also heard it used, to mean simply, get up, stop feeling sorry for yourself, you're breathing so even if things seem hard, they can change. When stuff goes wrong or at least doesn't go as we had thought or planned, the best thing we can do is recognize it maybe a blessing in disguise. It appears sometimes we are programmed to think we failed or not worthy of success or blessing or happiness, to which I say, "BULL"! If our behavior were criteria, I'm sure at some point none of us are "Worthy", but then again why not? Did God make a mistake? Is His gift of grace not valid or powerful enough to overcome your or my weakness or humanity? I think not. Remember, God treats all of us the same. If you see someone blessed don't envy them, be thankful that He is no respecter of one person over another, if He blessed them, He can bless you also.

Blessing comes when we least expect it, when we let go of the past and forgive; when we are kind, humble and thankful. If you're struggling today, do a little soul-searching, then, GET ON UP!

Opportunity comes in many forms and at unusual and most times unexpected times. One of the synonyms of opportunity is the word fortuitous which is where the ideas of fortune or chance and even destiny come from. Also, the word fortune contains the same root as the word fortitude, meaning strength or patience. It's no coincidence that destiny can find us many times when fortune has taken a turn to something that may resemble misfortune but may actually be opportunity in disguise.

Thomas Edison, one of the greatest inventors of all time, made approximately 300 attempts before he came up with a incandescent bulb that worked efficiently. When asked about all his efforts before coming up with the one that lead to today's light bulb, he said something like he'd found 299 ways not to do it.

The thing to learn here, at least for me, that opportunity may just be around the corner. We need to persevere on our journey, because the next attempt at something could be the answer to something we hoped to accomplish over there where we were before, but couldn't. Or maybe that door was closed so we could get over here where we'd try one more time and win. Be patient, you can do it, opportunity may be at the next exit.

Happy 4th of July!!!

I am a seeker of Truth, a student of Life, a learner of Love.

Not unlike Mary of Bethany who would sit for hours listening to her Lord.

But, there is that point where we need to take what we have gleaned

And take it to the streets.

When considering where my journey has brought me from and to,

And the freedom in my heart, mind and spirit

I have today that I did not have 5, 10 or definitely not 20 years ago.

Even what I thought was freedom in those days was not. 

I was living someone else's borrowed theology of what they thought I should be and do,

Not knowing or thinking for myself what path was right for me.

Call me the one who marches to the beat of a different drum 

I'm fine with that, because it is a drum of freedom, true freedom.

To think, to feel, to love, to give and forgive and no longer walk in fear 

Of a man, a devil, or a hell. 

If your belief or "ism" isn't sustaining you or making you better, making you free,

and if it cannot be imparted to someone else

Perhaps you need to re-examine what you believe and who or what you are really following.

The Truth will make you Free Indeed!

http://www.fireworkspop.com/liberty.htm 

"Who is my Mother and Brother?" Christ asked and answered, "Whoever does the will of God, they are my Mother and Brother." (Matthew 12:48-50; Mark 3:33-35) We are told repeatedly through Scripture to walk humbly and remember the poor, the widow and the orphan. If we study history we see that a huge part of the reasoning behind the judgement that came on the children of Israel throughout the Old Testament was their failing to do this. It is so important to God He included them to sit down and eat with and partake from the tithe with the Levites. (Deuteronomy 14:22-29; 26:12-13) OMG!!! He really cares about those in need. I have found out in my own times of need who my brothers and sisters were. Sadly, sometimes our own blood family doesn't get who we are or chooses to remember old junk that is not a part of who we are or what we personally are called to do with our lives.

I thought too about Joshua and Caleb who were sent with others to spy out the land God promised them. The children of Israel were already told there were some obstacles to overcome, but all the other spies saw nothing but bad, while Joshua and Caleb saw all the possibilities. They knew there were giants in the land and things that in their finite minds seemed impossible, but they knew with God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Today I urge you to remember that Mercy is the Message and Love is the Language! Remember those in need, and walk and keep company with Joshua and Caleb type people who focus on possibilities and good stuff not negatives. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14) Of course not.