Good morning!  This is a beautiful Thursday that the Lord has made and we are rejoicing and being glad in it. Today's power scripture comes from Psalm 150:4 – “Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.” (KJV)

      The other day I was watching a favorite movie and during the opening and closing scenes one particular song of the sound track really struck my fancy and I had to jump to my feet and get my groove on.  I loved the heart-pounding rhythm, the driving bass line beat and the lyrics were spontaneously jubilant as well as catchy.  Needless to say I was caught up in the moment and for a period of time, I forgot about the movie, my environment or anything else that might have been on my mind.  I had engrossed my entire being into allowing the music to fill my spirit with gladness and I responded by clapping my hands, kicking up my heels and throwing a shoulder roll into a Bankhead Bounce move that could shame any Soul Train dancer.  Don’t let the gray hair fool you, Dr. J still knows how to ‘cut a rug’; but don’t get it twisted, I don’t twerk.

     With the same excitement that we display when earthly things inspire us, we should even more express our exuberance for and toward our God.  He lovingly presents us with new mercies every morning and is sure to forgive us of transgressions we have yet to even commit.  Why would we not want to give him the highest praise at all times.  As I was getting my groove on I noticed that my breathing was increasing and I actually worked up a little bead or two of perspiration on my forehead.  As I enjoyed the moment listening to a secular song; I digress to think about the breath of life that God breathed into us to make us a living soul and the living water that is Jesus which allows us to never thirst again. With the same exuberance that we muster when cheering for our favorite team; or receiving our tax return or watching Olivia Pope cover up yet another scandal; we should explode with just that much or more joy when we electric slide our way to church to praise God for his ever-present love that gets us so cranked that we have to walk it out to avoid that stanky leg.

    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Dr. JoAnn

Good morning! Thankful Thursday.   Today's power scripture comes from Psalm 61:3 (AMP: “ For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, a strong tower against the adversary.”

         Earlier this week I told of how I was so thankful for my ‘stuff’ and that even through the displacement and downsizing how grateful I am to have had, and still have some stuff to call my own.  Well today my focus is on the fact that I have a place to put some of my stuff.  Having shelter is no joke.  One of the first things that settlers in any new area try to acquire is some form of shelter which provides protection from the elements; a comfortable place to rest the body and emotional safety and security. When the certainty of leaving my previous adobe became a reality, I asked God where was I to go. Utilizing his usual method of communicating with me when I attempt to panic, he was silent.  As I calmed my spirit, his voice became more clear and distinct and in essence he told me to ‘wait’.  And I did.  I packed but I waited.  I packed the essentials and I waited to find out where they would go.  I packed things to store and I waited for further instructions.  I packed things to give away and I waited for news of my next move.  I worked while I waited.

          I considered a myriad of relocation scenarios; even contemplated foreign missionary service; but in it all, God told me to wait.  Shelter came from an unlikely but providential source.  And although I know this is quite temporary, I am at home and I know all parties are being blessed by this union.  Daily I give God praise for a roof over my head; a door to lock out danger; ample food and enough ‘stuff’ to make it all comfortable. I praise God for the shelter of his everlasting arms; the shelter of his abiding Word; the shelter of knowing that I am saved and safe.  I thank God for shelter.  Whether you live in a 10 bedroom mansion, a rental double-wide trailer or found peace on a friend’s pull-out sofa, give God praise and thanksgiving for shelter.  

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Dr. JoAnn

 Good morning! Terrific Tuesday.  This week, as the Holy Spirit directs, my blogs will center on THANKS.  Today's power scripture comes from 1 Timothy 1:12 (GNV):  “Therefore I thank him which hath made me strong, that is, Christ Jesus our Lord: for he counted me faithful, and put me in his service”

               Today is an especially thankful day for a few reasons. Today is a good friend’s birthday (Jackie Spinks of Birmingham, AL) and also the eve of my own birthday, along with my oldest son Steven; but more importantly later on this afternoon I am privileged to share in a special time in the life for another believer.  God found me faithful and someone thought me worthy to serve on her dissertation committee as she defends her academic development in the awarding of a doctoral degree.  Having gone through the grueling process myself many years ago, I understand fully the ups, downs, triumphs and heart strains associated with completing this hallmark. It is a privilege to stand with her as she shows the evidence of her long trials, multiple studies, numerous sessions and final declarations.

               I am thankful that God allowed me to be in the position to assist this young woman move on to another level in her academic development and I do not take it lightly.  Today is a special day and I give God praise and thanks for how he has kept her through all of the rigors and provided for her as she dealt with unanswered questions, sleepless nights and endless revisions. I am thankful for all who have ever ‘vouched’ for me; promoted me; stood up for me; nominated me; pushed and supported me. And I am always responsive and thankful when I can be of service to help others along their journey.  Today, remember those who helped you and give God praise!  Remember those upon whose shoulders you stand and give THANKS!

Every day is a good day, it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Dr. JoAnn

Good morning! Happy Monday.  This week , as the Holy Spirit directs, my blogs will center on THANKS.  Today's power scripture comes from Ephesians 5:20:  “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (KJV)  

           In one of my prayer times on Sunday afternoon I focused on how thankful I am to have ‘stuff’. To have things that I can call my own and that I have free liberty to use and do with as I please.  It might seem strange for me to give special recognition to the tangibility of ‘stuff’ but I am grateful for all that God provides– life, health and yes…’stuff’.  As I have alluded to in previous blogs, I recently relocated and REALLY downsized.  At first mention of the need to relocate, I was traumatized; not because I had to move, but because I had to pack.  If you never really took inventory of what you have – it will amaze you when you have to pack it up.    I am not a bone fide pack rat, but I do like having the convenience of ‘stuff’. I have a gadget for most chores and a tool for most jobs. Why borrow when I can have my own?.   I believe in waste not, want not; so therefore I do recycle and reuse and save for a rainy day. And if anyone knows about Georgia…there is ALWAYS a rainy day.  My saving grace is that I have a touch of OCD so therefore I am extremely organized and very neat (Praise God); so chances are if you need something not only do I have it (in assorted, shapes, sizes and colors), but I can usually put my hands right on it.

            Although it was a pain in the neck (and back) to pack up some of my things; and difficult to part with many of my things; in the long run I was able to realize how blessed I am to be afforded the luxury of ‘stuff’. To give away dozens of pairs of shoes makes one realize that there are many who do not have a change of footwear. To dispense of furniture and furnishings makes one think about those whose whole existence can be crammed into a backpack or pushed along the street in a shopping cart. Who has time to worry about matching china when you eat most of your meals out of ‘to-go’ containers from soup lines?  One of the things that we forget when we complain about our ‘stuff’ is that there are many who wish they had stuff.  Don’t let foreclosure or eviction or a house fire be the cause to shake you up to think about how thankful you are for your ‘stuff’.  Look around at the stuff you have accumulated and give praise. Don’t’ complain about it…if it is too much, then give it to someone and share your blessing.  If you are junky and your stuff is in your own way, then clean up, but don’t complain for there are millions out there who wish they had ‘stuff’ and a place to put it.  I am thankful to have both; a bit downsized, but still gifts from God.  

Every day is a good day, it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Dr. JoAnn