A Quick Post: Umbrellas

Umbrellas

As I was watching Batman Begins, there was a scene early in the movie where there's a funeral service for Bruce Wayne's parents who were murdered. As I saw an umbrella being held, the below words came to me like LIGHTNING!

Family Hug!

(F. Lugo’s  “Family Hug”) 

Oh, how sweet it is to receive a loving hug.
Filled with warmth, the touch means the most.
Bodies colliding in impact, saying I love you.
Oh, how sweet it is.

My Book Report (Chapter 6): Every Day A Friday

Chapter Six
“An Attitude of Gratitude is not a catchy slogan. It's an untapped resource.” – F. Lugo

I am amazed! I repeat I am amazed! How amazing it is to receive such wonderful blessings from words in a book. Words on a screen. Words delivered through a social networking site. Words from someone who cares. When these words are filled with goodness. When these words are uplifting, and never aimed to bring you down, I write to you all, be amazed! And thank God!


Chapter six from those words above you can probably put together in your amazing mind that it's a chapter that will have you thankful and amazed. By the way did you know one of my favorite words in the English dictionary is Awesome! Why do I let you know that? Because the word amazing is AWESOME!


"The Right Perspective" would be an awesome way to describe chapter six. In fact, that's the title of chapter 6: "The Right Perspective." Throughout this chapter there is one underlining truth that is amazingly awesome. We are so blessed, the mere fact that all of us at some point or another think we aren't blessed is staggering. Therefore, let me take the initiative and let you in on a little secret. I have often thought I wasn't as blessed as I should have. Are you in shock? I hope you are, because chances are high, you too, have thought, felt and expressed in your life more than once that you were not blessed. Maybe you didn't use those exact words, but maybe these sound more familiar,"Nothing good ever happens to me," or better yet, "Why me?"


Here's a little snippet of something Joel mentioned, shedding light on The Right Perspective to have in his book Every Day A Friday. "I read recently that more than a million people die every single week. Think about it. You made it another week! You're better off than a million people. You can thank God you're alive."  (Here) is where you can find some sobering statistics.  


Joel goes on to share this as well, "The article also said that if you have a roof over your head, you are better off than 75 percent of the world's population. And if you have fifteen dollars to your name, you are in the top 8 percent of the world's wealthiest people- fifteen dollars!"


How's that for the right perspective? There is so much to be thankful for, and as Joel shared a great exercise to gain the right perspective, I share it all with you. Make a list of everything God has blessed you with, and by the end of it, you'll have gained The Right Perspective.


Here's a bit of direction for you when writing your list. Joel mentions a man who complained he had 'no good shoes,' then he met a man without feet. In that very moment and from then on, that man had The Right Perspective.



My Takeaway:

The Right Perspective comes from the heart that praises and thanks God. The more I praise God the less I see room to complain. If I develop a spirit of continual thanks and praise to God while meditating on His goodness, I wont have time to focus on what's wrong or to complain about what I don't have or what I can't do, because I'll be to grateful to God for what I DO have and what I CAN do. Just as King David wrote, and knew the secret to The Right Perspective, I share this secret with you. "I WILL bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1 AMP) and apparently the apostle Paul knew this secret as well, as he wrote, 'give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.' (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)




Beloved, I leave you with these words. They are my words to God as soon as I finished reading chapter six and reflecting on His goodness in my life.

Father, I want to apologize for not appreciating everything I have been blessed with as if it were the first time I received it. Thank you for your friendly reminders. Thank you for personalities like Joel Osteen. Thank you that the smiling saints belonging to your kingdom have been here on earth gracing us with their demeanor and amazing perspective. Help me to always have The Right Perspective. Amazed by You, my God!

Emergency Post: Hope Filled Words

Reflecting Me

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11 NKV)


For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)


For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)


For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (Jeremiah 29:11 Amplified)




Today as I was talking with God, the verse above came to mind and it was shown to me in a whole new way. I have always heard this verse used in the context of the Good things God has in store for those who believe in Him. Today, as I shared some things that were scaring me with my Father in heaven, yet saying to God, "I will continue to place my hope in you," God shared this with me. 'Hope comes from what my Son Jesus did on the Cross for you, and for all others that would place their faith and lives in His hands, and my ability to always keep my Word.'


Then God shared His promise and declaration to all who have placed that trust in Him, with me, in which you see in the above verse in scripture in red. Those thoughts, those plans of hope for our futures; for our expected end God said comes through only One person- His one and only Son Jesus. 


As I thought of what God spoke into my heart, I started to see that verse in a whole different way. I saw those words of Truth from God Himself as a road map. A map that not only leads to Jesus at the Cross, but beyond that, through Jesus' resurrection. I saw that my hope does lie in Jesus Himself, and not only my hope, but my dreams for today and for tomorrow. That very future that I along with countless others, always want to be bright and filled with amazing and exciting things. 


But as I included four different translations I am reminded of how intentional God is. Those four translations aren't meant to confuse us at all. Nope! They're meant to point out the obvious. What is that obvious?! We all have different perspectives, and God is willing to speak to each and every one of us personally. How amazing is that?!


So, as I wrap this amazing blessing that God gave to me, to not only enjoy and experience the treasury of my heart grow, but also, to share it with all of you. Nothing I receive from God will ever be of worth unless I share it. That's the true gift that keeps on giving...a willing heart. 


God bless you all, with a prosperous future through an expectant hope for a wonderful outcome. In Jesus name, Amen.

Love Week (Part 7): If you love God praise God

A prayer of praise to the Lord our God. 

by Flavio A. Lugo

Beautiful and wonderful God. Hear my words now for they come from my heart. 

This is my life's anthem to You. May it be so unto You forever! In my life, through my family.

I am Yours! Amen.

I caught a glimpse of Your splendor at the corner of my eye. You remember that day. I remember that day. You came like a thief in the night and stole my heart forever. 

The most beautiful thing I ever seen. 

Truly, it was like a flash of lightning reflected off the sky illuminating into my heart, my life, my everything.

 I know I'll never be the same. 

Show me Your glory my God. Send down Your presence I want to see Your face my King.

Show me Your glory!

Power, glory, dominion and majesty shines about You and I can't go on without You Lord.

Holy Father in heaven may You forever be glorified.

You are Lord over all Creation. Both water, earth and sky.

Glory to the Lord on high!

You are the God of wonders beyond our galaxy.

The universe my God declares Your majesty.

You are Holy, Holy, Holy.

I praise You for You are to be praised!

May we forever long to see You.

May we be forever reminded of Your grace.

Righteous Father, You and You alone are to be glorified.

Your grace brought the Beautiful Savior.

Your Love endured through the Righteous Servant.

Your love, Ohh Your love! persevered that we may all be saved by the precious blood of the Christ. Amen.

Your Love we have heard and seen. How precious are your thoughts of us.

May Your name be glorified above all others, above all else, above all that may be in our lives. Amen.

Glorious Father and God! May You forever have dominion over our hearts.

You are to be praised! for You are God! and there is none like You.

You have saved me from the gun.

You have saved me from the mocker.

You have saved me from the tempter.

You have saved me from the poisonous drink.

You have saved me from myself! Glory to Your name forever! Amen.

You have saved me from the lust that spoke to me from the darkness.

You and you alone have saved me from the flames that were meant to burn me up and swallow my life.

Wise Father, I praise You because Your mercies endures forever!

You know the end from the beginning.

All the worth in this world and the next to come belong to You and You alone!

You are the everlasting God!

You're the defender of the weak. You comfort those who are in need.

Everlasting Father, glorious are Your ways. Lift us up that we may soar like eagles my God!

You are peace to a weary soul. Amen! Your name be praised forever!

Beloved Father, our cries You hear. Our prayers You answer. Your timing is impeccable, and Your Word is a delight.

Our Father in heaven, holy is Your name.

Your name triumphs throughout the ages..You are God!

You! have created us, Your name be praised!

Your Word, like a light spoke out to the darkness and illuminated our hearts. Your name be praised!

You have showered Your love to those who have loved Your name for a thousand generations. Your name be praised!

You and You alone, delivered us by hand and strong arm out of our captivity that we may know that You are God our Savior! Your name be praised!

You and You alone are a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path. Your name be praised!

You lead us in the darkness. You deliver us from the enemy. You keep us safe; You are a fortress. Your name be praised!

Father, what can be said of You? My God, My God if you are for us! then who dare be against us!? Amen. Your name be praised!

Merciful Father, Your Son we declare. His name saves! Your name be praised!

We look to You for guidance and You deliver.

We look to You for a Word, and it never returns void but always accomplishes its purpose. Your name be praised!

Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty...Holy...Holy is His name! Amen!

My Lord, You love us, You provide for us, You protect us.

My Lord, You console us, You counsel us, You help us.

My Lord, You direct us, You lead us, You never forget or abandon us.

Your mercies Oh Lord, endures forever! Your name be praised! Amen.

My Lord; My God, You are the love of my existence! Into my heart You came. 

Your merciful, compassionate hand reached out to me and out of the ashes I am.

As I stumbled in the darkness You were mighty to save me! Your mercies endures forever!

You framed me in the darkness of the womb. 

You breathed life into me and knew me before anyone else.

In Your image I am. Out of Your love I was begotten.

I am purpose! I am power! I am a prayer answered! I am Yours!

How well You know me. How complete You Love me. You are my God!

Your love is so beautiful. Your embrace gives me life! I am Yours and You are mine!

I have a jealous love for You, and You have a jealous love for Me! You are my wonderful God! and I will follow You all the days of my life!

Oh Father, You are love, You are life, You are hope, and all my sins are forgotten. Amen!

You my Father, are a father to me. You have taught me. You have raised me. You are with me. 

You encourage me. You spur me on to continue, and I see You. I know You. I feel You. I hear You. 

You move me to climb, to achieve, to be what others say I wont be, can't be, shouldn't be. 

Nothing compares to You. No one compares to You.

 Your love, Your embrace. When I am low You pick me up. When I fall, You pick me up. 

When I am lost, You reach out and call my name, and I hear You!

My heart sings Your name my Lord. My heart rejoices in You my God!

My heart will sing a song to You and only You. You are my God!

I will sing to no other. My heart dances in Your presence. How can it not!? You are the melody; the anthem of my heart, of my existence. 

May You forever reign in my heart; in my life! I praise You my God!

You are love. You are life. You are truth. You are power.

You're the air that I breathe. You are the voice that speaks to me. Out to me!

You my God, You taught me to love. To be kind. To be compassionate. You are my day and my night!

How can I not follow You forever. You call out to me. You lead and I'll faithfully follow. 

I can't live without You my God and My Savior!

Apart from You I am nothing, but in You and with You I am all things onto all men. Amen.

Holy Spirit You are a comfort to me. Without You I would have no words of life to speak. 

I praise You Lord Jesus for Your obedience. By You my Lord, precious Father sent us the Helper.

You are to be praised! You are to be glorified! Let it be cemented both here on earth and in heaven forever! Amen.

My God. My God You and You alone gave me faith to believe. To stand. To walk. To talk. To love unconditionally and sacrificially. You are my God! and My Savior! I am Yours!

How can I ever leave You!? Where would I go!? You are life. Your words are life. 

Without You I am nothing. Apart from You I can do nothing. In You. In You! all things are possible.

Father, I thank You for my day. For this day, I will rejoice in You because of You. In this day, I will love. In this day I will declare. In this day I will praise You. Amen! amen.

You my God, You are my King. You are Lord! You are my Savior. You are my hope. You are my dream. You are my desire. You are my beginning and my end! You are my bread; my portion. You are my water; my source of life!

You are my everything! Your faithful name be praised! Forever and ever. Amen! and amen.

Hallelujah to Lord of heaven and earth.

Precious Lord reveal Your heart to us. Oh how we need You Lord! 

Lord God Almighty! You are holy. 

Lord You are holy. Jesus is holy! 

Praise His precious name, our faithful Savior; our Lord...YOU ARE KING! Amen!

You are a friend and a brother to all who receive You, and the Father in Your holy precious name. Amen. 

Thank You for that Lord Jesus!

As for me and my family, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD! AMEN!

All you children of God. All you angels in heaven. All of Creation...Give our great God praise forever! 

For His mercies endures forever. Amen!