In EVERYthing?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Thanksgiving Day became an official Federal holiday 150 years ago. I believe many people publicly gave God thanks way before that time. In the brush arbors I imagined my enslaved ancestors whom some will say had nothing to thank God for while in bondage, still thanked the Creator for guiding them through the struggles of this life. For many, they thanked God for life “on this side of the dirt” as well as the eternal life awaiting them on the other side of the river.

Today, some 150 years later, I am still giving thanks for being allowed to live, breathe and having my being on this side of the dirt. Thanks to my ancestors who likely prayed for me as they asked God to bless their children and children’s children. I thank the God who heard their humble cries and responded. God still responds. While it may not always be on the schedule we desire, there is a response. Consider the times God has responded to you, even when it was an answer you did not desire. Even during and after long seasons of waiting, we are still to give thanks.

For many of us this year has not been as smooth as others, but in every circumstance we are called to give thanks. A few weeks ago I thanked God for an unexpected car repair bill of nearly $700. You see, if I had gotten on the road as requested the day before, my car might have blown up due to a major oil leak. A few hundred dollars versus a new car? THANK YA! Some days in the midst of mouthing a lament I refocus my words and say “Lord, I thank you.” Oh, and when we begin to think of the goodness…I won’t preach here, but I will give thanks and go to bed after posting. While every day is a day of thanksgiving, it is my prayer that this day will be filled with good eating, fellowship and love! Whether you are alone, with family and/or friends,eating turkey or a bologna sandwich, give God some thanks.

 Until next time, remember to look and live!

Recently during an aqua aerobics class at capacity the instructor said "I am not sure what we are going to do in January with all the new people?" For a second I wondered, "Will our churches have the same problem?" Are people more concerned with their bodies or souls? What are you more concerned about? Do you spend more time strengthening you physical muscles while your spiritual ones suffer from atrophy?

YES I CAN

It was nearly a year ago that we waited in anticipation for Nov. 4. Some doubted, some prayed, some vowed to leave the U.S. if prayers were answered. Some said it wouldn't happen, and then it did. If you are discouraged today, think back to just a year ago. Remember the chant, "Yes We Can!" ...Personalize it and prophesy over yourself, "Yes I Can! Yes...I...CAN" Believe it, receive it...and it is so!

A New Season

First, I would like to thank my friends who visit weekly to read the messages and lessons God allowed me to share with you. Seven is the number of completion, so it is fitting that in the seventh month of the year I temporarily suspend my blog in preparation for a new season in my life.

In addition to completing my doctoral dissertation, I am in transition to Durham, North Carolina, where I will begin divinity school in the fall. God is ordering my steps and has carried me when the journey has become overwhelming in recent days.

I am still writing, but God has directed me to preserve some items for a future print publication. LookNLive is on Facebook, where I share brief thoughts daily with my friends. Feel free to "friend me" to stay connected (http://www.facebook.com/LookNLive).

I pray God's blessings upon your life and may each of you continue to Look and Live as you walk in your blessings.

With Love,

Arlecia

Not What We Give, But What We Share

Some might think my granny would now collect a pension from the phone company. Why? Well, she has always served as the community operator. Before I knew 411 existed, I realized that you could call our home and “mama” could give you every phone number you needed. While she has been given address books, none of her numbers are alphabetized or in any specific order. Everything is written in pencil and no one else understands her system. When it comes to getting people connected, she is Johnny Mae-on-the-spot. If you need the cousin from the country’s phone number to let them know the cousin in the city died, call Louise. If you cannot find your drunken friend, call Louise and she can put you in touch with a neighbor who lives on the corner where they hang out. If you need a few dozen crabs from the crab shack on the street behind her house, call Louise. Trust me, she has the number.

This service was often a source of contention in our home, as her clients thought her husband and children were at their disposal. Sadly, we often refused to answer the phone and concluded: “they callin’ for mama and she ain’t home.”

These days, you cannot call another person for a number or even an email address without hearing, “well, let me see if it is okay.” Louise never gave those types of responses; she just made connections and updated her address book. She is from another generation. She remembers when people looked out for one another. If you knew something, you had to share it so everyone could survive. She came of age in a time when very few people could read proficiently, so they had to pool their skills so they could understand the messages coming into their community and homes. They could not avoid people with caller ID.

Even if she is not always the friendliest operator, she and so many others of her generation adhere to that one verse: “If I can help somebody, as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.”

So often people think they have to be rich or smart to help someone else. We fail to realize that just a simple word or deed can make a difference.

Could your co-worker prosper if you just suggested that she proofread memos before sending them out? You have heard them laughing, but have you used your relationship to encourage her to make improvements?

Do you have some information about a summer program or activity that would help another parent? I know, I know, I know. If you share the info, your child may not get one of the five remaining spots. Remember, you would not know about the program if someone had not shared it with you.

Does your friend just need a word of encouragement? What is stopping you from delivering the message? Send a note, buy a book, or make a simple phone call.

Have you invited a friend or loved one to Christ? Have you shared the Good News? I refuse to believe that you have not shared salvation with them because it threatens your position as Super Saint. I refuse to believe that today!


I think I have taken after Louise, as I am always sending an email that may be of interest or use. I may not be able to use it, but it may help somebody else.

What can you share today?


Running on to see what the end is going to be,

Arlecia


The photo above was taken last week on the morning of my 35th birthday (Tuesday May 26). Lord knows it was too early, but I suggested the time. LOL! In the words of the old deacon, I was thankful that my bed wasn’t my cooling board and my sheet wasn’t my winding sheet. I started my day off by having breakfast with members of my Iowa Sister Circle. At some point or time, they have rescued me from something. They've picked me up from the airport and the hospital, and shared in so many ways. I call them friends and I don't use that title loosely.

Come to think about it, I've even been in a car accident with one of them and slid off the road in a snow storm with another one. Thank God we are women of prayer and people are always praying for us.

It's Still Spring and Not Too Late for Spring Cleaning

Tomorrow is my birthday, so I'm taking a little time off to celebrate my Earth Day!

I was cleaning my refrigerator and received a Word. Some of us need to discard a few people and things that no longer edify or nourish us physically, mentally, or spiritually. I'm using Clorox in the frig, but what kind of disinfectant do you need today?

I pray all is well with you and yours. I pray today for not only those who gave their lives for our country, but also for those family and friends who continue to grieve. I also pray that the minds and spirits of all veterans will be renewed this day!

Continue to Look and Live,
Arlecia

There’s Still Power in the Name

Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.

Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)

9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.


On Sunday, I went for a walk in a wooded area near my home. It’s a trail maintained by two cities, so it is paved, marked, and there is a sign reminding users that all pets should remain on leashes.

One thing very few people know about me, is I do not like dogs. I do not like big ones, small ones, friendly ones, seeing eye ones, none. We had two dogs at home while I was growing up. I have baby pictures with Skippy, but I do not recall liking him that much either. Then there was prince, my grandfather’s friend. He would bark when my car arrived, but he knew I belonged to his family even though I did not like him jumping up all over me. If you do not want me to come to your house, just tell me you have a dog.

As a reporter, I always got the animal assignments and that was never a good thing.

On Sunday, I was energized and excited about my walk until, that is, I saw this big black dog running through the woods. “Oh, Lord.” I could not outrun him and if I went in the woods snakes and deer would greet me. I have previously encountered them during my walks. On the way to the trail, I had picked up a tree limb off the ground, so I was packing. I slid behind a few bushes. As the dog approached, I pointed my stick and yelled at the top of my lungs, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…” There were no other bikers or joggers in site to rescue me. The dog got a few feet near me and he just stopped running. I kept screaming as the dog just looked around. I cannot say what took place, I only know that the dog just kept on running and left me alone. I hustled down the track only to find the dog’s irresponsible owners looking for him. Of course, I had to remind them that they had not followed the rules of the trail by unleashing their dog. I wished for a citizen’s arrest.

To avoid another dog encounter, I exited the trail and continued home via a main highway that added another 1.5+ miles to my walk. Now my adrenaline is rushing and my heart rate and blood pressure are up, so what was my lesson for this day? There is Power in the name of Jesus.

So often, other choice words come to mind when we are under attack or in trouble, but know today that your situation can change when you call on His name. I am not sure if the dog in the woods stopped because He saw angels, what I do know is that he did not get a chance to see or taste my thigh. If demons tremble at the name (James 2:19), I can only imagine a dog’s plan to attack could change.

I am thankful today that I can call His name and trust that He will answer!


Going From Recession to Possession and Walking in My Blessings!

Arlecia

P.S. This morning I returned to the trail for a 3.5 mile walk. I have to exercise to maintain my sanity and control the jiggle in my wiggle. I couldn't resist. LOL! No dogs today!