Even Me?

Sunshine’s Reflections

Happy Tuesday to you all!  I am sending out extra prayers for everyone who is experiencing these winter storms.  I pray for your safety.  And to everyone who is experiencing a personal storm, whether its emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, or mental my prayers are with you as well.

Thought for the Day: Even Me

2 Corinthians 5:21 (New King James Version)

²¹ For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Have you ever sat back and just marveled at how good God is?  Have you ever stopped to think, “Gosh, Lord you did this for me?”  Have you ever processed all the testimonies of others and asked God, “EVEN ME LORD?”  Sometimes I find myself asking “EVEN ME?”

Often times we will remove ourselves from the promises and blessings of the Lord because we feel unworthy of His grace and mercy.  We’ll hear the preacher tell us that God loved the world so much that He Sent His only son to die for us. (John 3:16)  Sometimes we think the preacher is talking to everyone else, but us.  This is one of those moments where you might find yourself asking “EVEN ME, Lord?”  You sent your Son to die for me? 

Lord I’ve sinned against You time and time again and yet you will continue to forgive “EVEN ME?”

Lord I’ve hurt people and offended others and yet you’ve extended your mercy to “EVEN ME?”

Lord I’m not qualified for this job or have enough money for this house and yet you covered me with your grace, “EVEN ME, LORD?”

Lord I don’t always follow You yet you always welcome me back with open arms, “EVEN ME?”

Lord I feel so unworthy yet you sent your Son who knew no sin to be clothed in my sins and die for “EVEN ME, Lord?”

Lord I don’t understand you, but I am thankful that you chose “EVEN ME!”

It’s natural to feel like you do not deserve the goodness of the Lord, but I am here to encourage someone today that GOD CHOSE YOU…YES EVEN YOU!  Do not allow guilt or unworthiness to keep you from experiencing the fullness of God.  Instead of justifying your sin by saying that you are unworthy try resisting temptation and sin because even though you are unworthy GOD STILL CHOSE YOU!

I pray that you have a blessed day marveling at how awesome God is.  Lord I thank you for choosing “EVEN ME!”

Have a blessed day.     

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis     

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

 

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Black History Fact #4

Black History Fact #4

DID YOU KNOW:

Jack Johnson (1878 – 1946), the first African–American heavyweight champion, patented a wrench in 1922.

Buffalo Soldiers is the name given to the all-black regiments of the U.S. Army started in 1866. More than 20 Buffalo Soldiers received the highest Medal of Honor for their service –the highest number of any U.S. military unit. The oldest living Buffalo Soldier, Mark Matthews, died at the age of 111 in 2005.

I must tell Jesus

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good morning!  Happy Monday to you all!  I pray that everyone had a safe and blessed weekend.  Give God some praise for getting you through another storm.     

Thought for the day:  I must tell Jesus   

Lyrics to: I must tell Jesus all of my trails   

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.

    I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
    I cannot bear my burdens alone;
    I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
      Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;
He is a kind, compassionate Friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
And in my griefs with me He will blend.

Tempted and tried I need a great Savior,
One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;
He all my cares and sorrows will share,

O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus; He will enable
Over the world the vic’try to win.

As believers, we often run to any and everybody who will lend a listening ear.  Sometimes we may even find ourselves running from godly advice and into the arms of someone who will validate our sin.  This is a problem!  Why do we run to people first instead of running to Jesus? 

 Like the songwriter says, “I must tell Jesus all of my trials; I cannot bear these burdens alone;” God knew that you would not be able to bear all of your burdens and that is why He sent His Son for you.  Jesus died and bore all of our sins and became the intercessor for us to commune with God the Father.  So if there is anything that you want the Father to do for you, you must first go to the Son.  It’s time to get an “I MUST TELL JESUS” attitude.     

 When you are tempted, say “I MUST TELL JESUS”.  Your friends cannot keep you from sinning, but Jesus can and will provide a way of escape.  When you feel burdened with financial trouble, emotional heartache, physical breakdowns, and more say “I MUST TELL JESUS”.  Jesus can help you bear your burdens. 

Note: that He may not remove your burdens, but He can help you to bear the heavy load.  

 We have to make going to Jesus first, a priority in our life.  I don’t know about you, but I MUST TELL JESUS because I know that my help comes from Him.    

 Food for thought: When we are looking for answers doesn’t it make sense to go to the One who knows ALL?  Why do we waste time going to everyone first and Jesus last?   

 Is there something that you MUST TELL JESUS?  I encourage you to tell Him today and make telling Him a priority.      

Have a blessed day.     

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis     

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.     

  

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Black History Fact-Influential Women

Black History Fact #3 Influential Women!

 

Maya Angelou’s autobiographical, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” is the first non-fiction work by an African-American woman to make the best-seller list. (1928 – )

Madame C.J. Walker (born Sarah Breedlove) invented specialized hair products for African-American hair and became the first American woman to become a millionaire. (1876 – 1919)

I’ve got a Praise

Sunshine’s Reflections

  

It’s FRIDAY!  I want to send prayers out to everyone who will be experiencing another winter storm.  I pray for everyone’s traveling mercy and safety.  God is a protector!

Thought for the Day: I’ve got a Praise

Excuse me while I continue this theme of praise.  There is something about the name Jesus that makes me want to shout.  There is something about Him that makes me want to praise His holy name.  I’ve got a praise and I just have to get it out.  Join me while I praise the Lord!

I’ve got a Praise

by: Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Woke up this morning clothed and in my right mind

I have movement of my limbs and the ability to see daylight and tell time

I’ve got a Praise on my lips

and I refuse to keep quiet

I have so much to be grateful for why should I sit and remain silent

I have a roof over my head that was designed just for me

A job, healthy kids, and a wonderful spouse, look at the endless possibilities

Possibilities that show His endless love for Me

He paid the Ultimate price way back on Calvary

I’ve got a praise that I can not keep to myself

I will praise God for all that He has left

He left His grace that extends way down to me

He left His mercy for a wretch like thee

He left peace that surpassing all understanding

He left hope for a better tomorrow

He left a desire that resides within my heart

He left a chance for me to have a new start

I’ve got a praise that I wanted to share with all of you

If God has been this good to me then I know that you have a praise too!

Food for thought: You do not have to wait until Sunday to praise the Lord with an audience you can begin praising Him in your home, on your job, in your car, in the break room, in the bathroom, in the kitchen, outside on the corner, any and everywhere.  Your praise is contagious so start praising HIM every chance you get!  When you tap into the essence of God you have no choice but to PRAISE HIM for WHO HE IS!!!

Have a blessed and safe weekend in the Lord.

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Black History Tour-in Washington, D.C.

Chocolate City Tours

Are you interested in finding out more about Black history?  

 

We’ll take a TOUR with Chocolate City tour.  This young entrepreneur is a man of God and offers excellent service. 

Visit http://chocolatecitytour.com/  to find out more information and book a tour today!!!

Pass the word on to everyone that you know!!!!  Chocolate City Tours is the BEST Tour on Earth!

I will bless the Lord

Sunshine’s Reflection

Good morning to you all!  Happy Thursday!  Give God thanks for He is worthy of all the Praise.  He did not have to wake you up, but He did.

Thought for the Day: I will bless the Lord

Psalm 34:1 (New King James Version)

 ¹ I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

 

I want everyone to take a moment to take inventory over their “PRAISE relationship” with the Lord.  How often do you bless the LORD?  Have you made blessing His name a priority or does complaining take front seat in your life?

I’ve noticed that some Christians base their praise on what God has done for them recently.  But the scripture says “I WILL BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES”  It doesn’t say I will bless the Lord only when He blesses me, or I will bless the Lord when things are going well in my life, or I will bless the Lord every other day, but AT ALL TIMES!  It boggles my mind that people still search for reasons to bless the Lord and give Him praise!  If the Lord did not do another thing for you HE GAVE YOU LIFE!  That’s enough to praise Him.  Because someone did not wake up this morning. 

I’ve discovered that when you bless the Lord in spite of your situation and circumstances your attitude changes.  You become saturated with positivity.  If you woke up in a good mood and begin giving God praise your day seems to go even better.  If you woke up in a bad mood or stressed out and begin giving God praise your bad mood will change.  Think about it if someone walks past you and says “Have a blessed day”, doesn’t that do something good to your soul?  If not, maybe you should check your praise relationship with the Lord.

Fix your face, stop walking around as if God never did anything for you, open your mouth and PRAISE HIM!  We have to stop allowing complaints, bickering, and murmuring to rob God of the praise that He is due.  You are robbing God when you refuse to praise Him.  I’m sorry, but God has been too good…Scratch that…he has been TOO AWESOME for me to keep my mouth closed.  Matter of fact, God is bigger and better than whatever you are going through. 

Food for thought:  Why do we give so much attention to things that don’t matter (like problems or insignificant people) when we have an opportunity to give our attention to the ONE that truly matters (God)?

I pray that you have a blessed day praising the Lord for He is good.  Spend time searching your praise relationship and if you ran out of reasons to bless the Lord then I urge you to work on developing a closer and intimate relationship with Him.

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

 

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Black History Fact #2

Black History Fact #2

U of Alabama First Black Student

February 3, 1956

Autherine J. Lucy becomes the first black student to attend the University of Alabama. She was expelled three days later “for her own safety” in response to threats from a mob. In 1992 Autherine Lucy Foster graduated from the University with a master’s degree in education. The same day, her daughter, Grazia Foster, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance.

Sacrifice

Sunshine’s Word of the Day !

Good morning!  Happy Wednesday to you all!

John 3:16-17 (New King James Version)

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. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Today’s Word is: Sacrifice

 

The word sacrifice when used as a verb means to give up, to surrender, and to permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something or someone else.

We live in a society that doesn’t know the true meaning of sacrifice.  We want everything to be comfortable and convenient to us.  We will help our brother and sister in need, but it cannot cause us any inconvenience.  We will give an offering unto the Lord as long as it does not put us in a financial restraint.  We will go to church as long as it does not interrupt our personal desires, like watching games, hanging out with friends, getting our hair done, etc.  Why sacrifice when we can be accommodated?

Like the song writer Joan Osbourne sang “What if God was one of us Just a slob like one of us?” I am thankful that God is not like us.  Sometimes no Correction many times we can act messy.  We put so many conditions on when and how and why we will do things.  When God made the Ultimate sacrifice by permitting injury to His Only begotten Son for the sake of you and I!  Yes!  He gave HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON to come into a world full of sin and bear all of our sins and nail them to the cross!  That is sacrifice.  Jesus didn’t say Lord let’s wait until Monday so that I could enjoy the weekend.  Jesus didn’t say Lord I want to hang out with my friends so I will not be able to make it to the cross.  He went for you and me!

I know you may be tired and I know you may be “tapped” out emotionally, physically, financially and more, but sometimes you have to push and make a sacrifice for others to show the love of Christ. 

How can your sacrifice help someone in need today?  Stay up that extra ten minutes tonight and pray with that brother or sister who has gone through.  Press your way to that service at church, I know you are tired but someone may need to see your face.  Trust in the Lord and tithe 10% this month do not limit God by what your check book says.  What activity or habit can you sacrifice to grow closer to God?  Spend time thinking about what you can sacrifice for others. 

Have a blessed day in the Lord.  Remember your sacrifice will never compare to His sacrifice, but you can follow His example!

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Black History Facts

Happy Black History Month!!!

Black History Fact #1

Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator, and publisher. It became a month-long celebration in 1976. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.