A Simple Life of Contentment

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. - Ecclesiastes 4:6

In Eccl. 4:5 the delicate balance between work and rest is alluded to. It says that he who lacks ambition and a work ethic "ruins himself". On the other hand, the problem with "two handfuls" is that it leads to "chasing after the wind". The person who is motivated by envy will never have enough.

A happy balance is achieved when one holds "one handful with tranquaility". If we live with a spirit of contentment and gratitude, we have an empty hand to lift in praise, to extend to a needy neighbor, or to help lift up a friend. (4:10)

Reverand Dr. Delores Carpenter

Mother's Day Thank You

To all "mother's" in our team for the abundance of love and fortune that you share with your families and the greatness that each one of you bring into this region!

Whether a mother yourself, the leader of a group, a pet owner or simply a daughter/son, today is a day to give thanks for those that brought us to this world!

I hope everyone takes the time to celebrate "the moments"- together with your families.

You may be only ONE PERSON in the world, but you may also be the WORLD to one PERSON!!!

Continue to Be the first in all that you do

Be the first to smile. When there is no reason to smile is when a smile is needed the most.

Be the first to forgive. And forever leave the negativity of the past where it belongs, in the past.

Be the first to take action. The sooner you act, the more you will accomplish.

Be the first to say thank you. A grateful attitude will bring more richness into your life.

Be the first to adapt to new and different situations. When you embrace change, you get it working in your favor.

Don't wait any longer for the best that life can be.

Be the first to move forward, and be the one to make it happen (r.marson).

Pitiful or Powerful?

There was a certain man there who had suffered with a deep-seated and lingering disorder for thirty-eight years. When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, Do you want to become well? - John 5:5-6

Jesus could ask each of us that question. Do we want to become well? So much happens to us in our lives that can stumble us or hinder us from moving forward. You know what these things are in your life, just as I know what they are in mine.

Self-pity is our enemy, yet it is so easy to become consumed by it. Jesus knew that self-pity would not cure this man, nor will it heal us. Are we trapped in an emotional prison? If so, "Do we want to become well?"

Gaining freedom from all the hurt and emotional bondage locked up inside us is not an easy task. However, we can be freed. Jesus promises, but first we must want this freedom.

Do we want to be a powerful woman? We cannot be powerful and be pitiful at the same time. We must give up one. We must give up self-pity to truly be free.

Being a True Friend

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. - Proverbs 18:24

True friends are hard to find and loyalty is at the heart of every good friendship. Some people take pride in having a large number of friends. There was a time when I felt my personal value was seen in how many friends I had. However, when I hit hard times I learned a hard lesson. It is not the quanity of friends you have, rather it is the quality. A few true loyal friends are worth more than a thousand friends in name only. Invest in a few good strong friendships. Select your friends carefully and then stick with them. Be loyal to them and your true friends will be loyal to you.

Friendships are like flowers that grow with nurture and love. Take the time to stop and apprecitate the fragrance of true friendships and appreciate their development. Give them the chance to grow into warm, lifelong relationships. And, as always, remember that true friendships have their foundations laid in Christ.