Guide To A Healthy And Spiritual Life

When we get older its easy to forget the things that kept us, youthful, vibrate or alive. We forget to eat right, to exercise regularly and many of us loose our ambition or confidence. What I have discovered in my own life is that every since I left home, over time or the years I developed or picked up some very bad habits. Many of them that were not only unhealthy for me physically but also mentally. What I didn't realize until very recently that what effects a person physically and mentally also affects them spiritually. I also didn't realize that over time many of us store things inside our heads, hearts or minds that hinder or keep us from moving on with our lives. The difference between a child and an older person is not their age , but their ability to quickly forget the things in the present or the past, then move into the future. Younger people are more youthful and only see a new world to conquer. What happens around them only affect them temporary, because they feel invincible or that they have plenty of time on their hands. They know if they take care of their bodies, eat right, enjoy life, remain confident and are eager to learn then the best is yet to come. In most young people eyes the future is always bright and many of them are extremely ambitious.(Some of us older people would say because they know no better. smile)When people become older, they become set in their ways, become comfortable, stop exercising, loose their ambition, drive or will to live. Why? Because over time many adults have to endure many things, such as divorce, death in their family, lose of a job or material possession and some of them have health issues. The difference between someone that's old or young is that younger people recover faster, are more forgiving and get over things more quickly. They don't look at life the same way as some older folks and that is where some of us my age make our biggest mistakes. Our mistake as older people, is that we forget that we are still here and that God still has a purpose or plan for our lives. Just because we have grown older is no reason to stop living, in fact now its time to really start enjoy life to the fullest, with the blessing of God. That is why I am sharing with those who are willing to learn and improved their lifestyles ,way into the twilight of their lives. The Guide To A Healthy And Spiritual Life.

(1)Prayer. A daily dose of God is more important than a dose of daily vitamins and it will in fact improves ones life. A spiritual connection with God will help fix what's wrong and will also give a person valuable knowledge on how to improve ones life. My late grandmother would also say, "A person that thinks clearly and one that has a strong relationship with God is more likely to live better, make better life changing decisions'. As she would put it, "There is nothing a person can do or achieve without God". Once a person gives themselves totally to God then they will begin to realize that he will open doors that wasn't open or available to them before. God will not only heal a person physically, but also mentally and in the process give valuable knowledge to the believer. So pray everyday, without fail and watch your life improve right in front of your eyes.

(2) A daily glance into the mirror. Its always been my belief when it comes to criticism that we all should be our biggest critic. Its a known fact that besides God no one know us better than ourselves. No one knows our deepest secrets thoughts, insecurities or flaws than us and we are the only one besides God capable of turning our life around. My mother would always say, "When a man or woman gives up on themselves there is no one in the world that can help them". A question, that each of us should ask ourselves is, Are we truly happy with ourselves, mentally, physically and spiritually? I think if anyone would answer this question honestly then they would say no. Because no one is perfect and despite being great or good in one area all of us can get better or improve in others.

(3)Exercising and eating right. One of my biggest flaws is not eating right and the reason for that is very simple, I like to eat! Okay, I lied, I love to eat! When you get older there are just somethings that a person my age shouldn't eat or drink, but now I am exposing my other flaw, I am kind of stubborn when it comes to that. Even though I have done a great job maintaining my figure or health, there is always room for improvement, besides that its always good to eat healthy. Everyone should exercise at least three times a week and if people would look at themselves in the mirror then they probably should exercise five times a week. Its a known fact that if people took care of their bodies, that they would lead healthy lives and the people that do so are very productive people. Even the Bible supports a healthy lifestyle.( Corinthians 6:19 You know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God, don't you? You do not belong to yourselves,) In other words, "Yes its your body, but its also a gift from God". Take care of it because if you don't, you are in fact not pleasing God. My late grandmother would always say, God our Father in Heaven has blessed you with a good body and its our jobs to take care of it, after all you are only blessed with one. Love yourself more than you would love any material possession and if you do then you will have embraced a healthy lifestyle that's pleasing to God. These are three simple steps or Guide To A Healthy And Spiritual Life.

Have a blessed day,

Charles

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

The Next Level

One day a woman came up to me and then said these words," I love your smile. You seem to be at peace, so happy and confident, what is that glow that you have upon you? Then I smiled then said, Its God our Father in Heaven, he has taken my life to the next level.Then she asked me this question, How do I receive peace and take my life to the next level? My answer to her and to anyone who is blessed enough to read this, before you ask or request something from God, you first have to want more for yourself before you can get what you want from God. That means after you pray, look into the mirror, fix what you know is broken and make an effort to improve your life. Life is like seeds and what you plant will grow. If you harbor bad thoughts, then bad thing will come out of it, but if you have good thoughts, then good things will begin to grow. Not so long ago my life was in turmoil and my life was going into many directions. I didn't have control of it and everything I touched failed. So the next day I got on my knees then prayed, I asked God to take control of it and too grant me peace. Not long after that a strange, but wonderful feeling came over me. It was like God was saying to me, Charles because of your prayer, your life is now in my hands and in it you shall be free.
 If you are blessed enough to read this, never forget this , sometimes when we pray we should ask God for what we need and not for what we want. If you do this with an sincere heart then God will grant you peace and along with that everything your heart desires. In his time God will give those who believes what the may want or need. The reasons why God sometimes takes his time granting our wishes is because he knows our hearts, our present, our futures and everything there is to know about us. He knows when its the right time or the right place to blessed those who are in need of a blessing. So be patient, trust God, never loose faith, because in time those who believe will take their life to the next level. Question is are you ready for a blessing or to be blessed? If the answer is yes, then pray without fail, then begin your own personal relationship with God. Then you to will have the joy and peace in your life then taken too the next level. Praise God!
May God bless you,
Charles
Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

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Job 37:23 The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress.

Issues Or Problems

One of the great things about being around someone older is that you can always learn something new. The reasons for this is because they have lived their life and experienced almost everything a younger person could ever imagine. Now when I see or notice some that may happen to be in their fifties, sixties, seventies or even eighties, I know for a fact that they didn't make it through all those years without their share of issues or problems. I know that each of them have stood through the test of time, experiencing somethings that will be forever written in our history books. Many of them had to survive wars, the Great depression, storms and death. For those of them to be blessed enough to survive all those years and make it to a ripe old age, have years of useful experience or knowledge that can help many of us young people find our way. I found this to be true because my late grandmother seemed to always have a answer or a solution for every issue or problem that I may have. She used to always tell me that issues or problems were like a dirty room. If you don't clean it up she would explain, it was just get dirtier until I took the time to clean it up again. Then she would say , Baby take care of your issues or problems today, because no matter how hard you try you can't run away from them and they will always be there until, you take the time to fix them or too make it right. She went on to say, if God ever blesses you enough to reach my age then you will know that without fixing your issues or problems ,now or today they will only get worse and never go away. Then she would say, You can't always count on your mother, father or anyone else when it comes to your own personal issues or problems, after all it was you that made them. Sometimes a man will have to be a man and fix them on his own.

As I grew older I tried to take my grandmothers advice when ever I had a issue or a problem that I had to deal with. If I got behind on my bills, I then made arrangements to pay them as quick as possible. If I had a issues or problem with my children or even in a relationship, I did my best to resolve them as quickly as possible. For those that I couldn't deal with myself, well I left them in the hands of Jesus, because I know if I can't solve them I know that he can. God can make a new way out of nothing and if I give my issues or problems to, him I am confident that he will fix them or make them go away. As a believer I know that God is able to find a solution to any issue or problem that may come my way. But just because he can solve our problems doesn't mean we can stop there. Why? Because first we have to admit that we have an issue or a problem  and many of us have a hard time admitting that fact. Sometimes some of us put on an act, not only fooling others, but also ourselves and many just simply give up or just hope that their issues or problems will go away. As my late grandmother would say issues or problems are like a room that has become dirty, if one doesn't make the effort to clean it up, then it will simply get dirtier and will be harder to clean tomorrow. My advice to anyone who is blessed enough to read this, never put off today what you can solve tomorrow. In other words deal with your issues today, so that they won't become problems tomorrow.

Have a blessed day,

Charles
Matthew 11:28-30

28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Just Believe

One of the most wonderful things about attending church, is that most of the times the speaker or preacher always has a very inspirational message to listen too. As usual, I always go to my favorite spot in the church, which happens to be the back . I love being in the back of the church, that way I can clearly see the pastor, hear the choir singing and also gage everyone else's reaction to the sermon. Today's sermon comes from, (Mark 5:22-24  (22)Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet 23and pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” (24)So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him.) Just from reading these verses in the Bible one can assume that the message was about faith or belief and if you believe this to be true then you are correct. What I love about the sermon that it explained that if one believes and then has faith in Jesus, all things are truly possible through God. But the main point to the message is that while you are waiting for your blessing never loose focus and always remain patient. Because while you are waiting for your blessing, your dreams or your prayers to be answered there will always be a test or trail to go through. The reason for that is because the devil knows that what ever the believer has asked for in prayer,will be answered by God. The devil doesn't want the believer to believe that they will receive their blessing and will do anything to keep them from being blessed. That is why one must be encouraged, because all one has to do is ask, then believe and God shall in his time answer will their prayers.

Just like the synagogue ruler, he believed that if Jesus came to his house, then put his hands on his daughter, that she would be healed and would live. Just his belief or faith in Jesus was enough to heal his daughter. He didn't let anyone or anything distract him or keep him from receiving his blessing, even when someone tired to discourage him, he remained focused and never lost faith in God. (Mark 5:35-36  (35)While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” (36)Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”)That is what we as believers should do when people doubt us or attempt to get in our way. Remain focused, never loose faith, never to be afraid or discouraged and to just believe in God. Why?Because ,God is able, if you just wait on him then you will know,why God our Father in Heaven, is so worthy to be praised.
Have a blessed day,
Charles

Mark 5:40-43 40But they laughed at him.

After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Hang In There

With so much bad news out there today, its very nice and refreshing to report some good news for a change. One of my readers read one of my blogs ,(Brenda) took some of my advice and has given her marriage another chance. Now after two months the marriage is doing well, she is happy, her children happy and she is glad that she has given her marriage of over 10 years another chance. I am very proud of her, because she could have taken the easy route, by doing what so many Americans do today, which is give up or get a divorce. She is a very brave woman and truly what the bible speaks of when it says, When a man finds a wife, he has found a good thing. I have found in life its very easy to give up when times get hard or when the people we are involved with fail or do something that may hurt us. The question many of us should ask ourselves is, What if God was like us and given up on us when we sinned or have done something wrong? Would we like that or how would we deal with an unforgiving God? Thank God known of us have to answer that question, because he is loving, kind, forgiving and he is able to turn a dark day into something brighter. Praise Jesus!

 The question that has been asked of me many times is, "How do I stay on track, when the rest of the world, is getting harder to live in, has given up or bought in to all the bad news they hear everyday?" My answer to that is to never loose your determination and to always remain focused. When I say being focused or determined, I mean being that way with every aspect of your life. Which means one should never forget about their physical or mental health, their personal life , to always keep an open mind and to have their own personal relationship with God. As I have grown older, I have found that its easy to stay focused on one thing, but harder to stay focused on many things. In life to be successful one has to be focus on many things to be a success or happy. Not only does one have to be a good father, mother, worker or owner of a business, but also a good person. Being a good person in today's world is hard and a hugh challenge. Why? Because there are people in the world that thrive on tearing others down, criticizing the weak and relishing when others fail. Your children will test your patience, your spouse will do something wrong or something that may hurt you, there are people in the world that will always be evil and try to invade your privacy or tear down your world. That is why its so important to hang in there, stay determined or focused , to never give up on your dreams and go after all of your desires. Why? Because if you can survive the storm, there is sunshine awaiting you tomorrow, so hang in there.Remember this you can't be on mans side to day and on Gods side tomorrow. One must always remain focused God first, themselves second and then family or friends.With strong  prayer God will always have your back and will always be there to protect you, in your time of need. "Hang In There" and in time everything you want or ask for will be given to you with the grace of God. "Hang In There", God Our Father in Heaven is always by your side!!!
May God bless you,
Charles

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

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Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

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Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

The Devil Is A Lair!

If you happen to reading this, I have a question to ask you, isn't life funny or sometimes strange? The reason why I ask you this question is because it seems no matter what we do or how hard we try there is always some type of drama, issue,stress or problem to deal with. Even if you wake up in the morning with good intentions or if you plan on having a good day, something bad always happens or someone always does or says something to ruin your day. The question is why? Why are there so many bad things happening  in our lives when our  thoughts happen to be pure or right? I was asked one day , by a young lady who claims to be a prayer warrior," Why was there so much confusion in her life"? She explained to me that she prayed daily, once in the morning, then before every meal and before she went to sleep at night. She then said , "Charles I love God with all my heart, but I can't seem to get drama or stress out of my life".She went on to say, I am tired of this, tired of the mess and the confusion that's in my life, please tell me what am I doing wrong?

Then I looked at her then smiled, I asked her when she prayed who did she pray for or what?She answered me by saying that she, prayed for her church, family,friends , herself and for anyone she felt that may needed a prayer. Then I said to her that ,What you are doing is in order and you appear to doing it well. But you forgot to do one thing while you were praying. Then she looked up at me and said,"Please, brother Charles, please tell me what I am doing wrong". I then said to her, that  you are not necessary doing anything wrong, but don't forget that while you are on your knees praying at home or while in church that there is always someone else listening to your prayers besides God. The devil, will always be in our mist unless we rebuke him daily.  Then she said to me Charles I always ask Satan to leave my presence. Then I said to her if you could talk to the devil and if you asked him to leave, he would then ask you this question. On who authority should I leave? You have no power over me, after all I am prince of the world or the Earth. And that's when you should always say in, I command you to leave or flee my presence, in the mighty name of Jesus! I rebuke you Satan, you shall not claim my life or my world! God is my strength, my power and my provider. After you have done that then go on with your life and if someone or something comes into your world trying to change your mood, ruin your life or attempt to put a damper on your day, shout out the devil is a lair! Then rebuke the devil, in Jesus name and he shall flee.

Have a blessed day,

Charles

Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Leviticus 19:17 "'Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.

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Matthew 18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

Father's Day!

When I think about this holiday, because I happen to be a father and grandfather myself, I can only think about how big of a responsibility it is to be a father. Being a single parent I had to raise my own son for over six years and even though I did my best I couldn't compare to the best father I know. No it wasn't the man that raised me, even though he did a wonderful job raising me, teaching me how to be a man and providing me with the necessary skills to survive, but when I think about this father he happens to be  the greatest example of being a father ever was. Who is this you may ask? He has been called many names and some have called him ,The Most High, others have called him Our Father in Heaven, then there are some that call him Jehovah, then the bible describes him simply as the Alpha and The Omega ,the beginning and the end. Our God has been and even today, been called many things ,I just call him simply, my Father, my Creator or my everything. Why? Because to me there is no better example than being a father than him. Only God has the strength , the courage or the wisdom to sacrifice his only son (Jesus) for the sins of man.(John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.) When I think about how good God has been to me and others. All I can do is think about the worldly fathers and I find myself asking myself this question." Does any man, including myself measure up to God?" After thinking about this question its very easy to determine that none have or ever will come close to being as great of a Father, as our Father God. For our Fathers love is unconditional and he loves all of his children equally despite ourselves or our actions.

 For those who may question Gods love for themselves I offer you these questions as proof of Gods, unconditional love and why on this holiday created by man, that on Fathers Day he is the one we all should be honoring or praising. Who in this world has always been there for you, through thick or thin, for better or worse? Who can you turn to when the whole world has turned their backs or been against  you? Who provides for you, through the good or the bad? Who do you go to, when you need a blessing or an answer to a prayer? Who will forgive you for almost all of your sins? Who can change your bad day into a great day? Who can you always count on in your time of need? Who will never forsake you or leave you? Who will a  make a new way out of nothing or make the impossible, possible? Who is the greatest Father known to man or of all time? The only answer I can come up with is God, our Father in Heaven. Through the good or bad he has and will always be there.Only God has the love, power or wisdom to help, provide or care for those in need. There is no Earthy father or mother that can compare to him and through his grace or mercy, we all will be blessed on Father's Days or beyond. On this day and all days' Happy Fathers Day, our Father in Heaven!!!
Have a wonderful Father's Day,

Charles

2 Chronicles 14:11 And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.

Psalm 79:9 Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.
Psalm 36:7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

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Psalm 40:17 Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

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Psalm 71:15 My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.

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Psalm 71:17 Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

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Psalm 73:28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.