“Annihilate Anxiety!”

“Do not be anxious about anything…” (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

The word “Annihilate” means to “Destroy Completely!” It’s Latin Origin “Annihilare” literally means to “Reduce to Nothing!” And that’s exactly what we’re going to do today to Anxiety: “Reduce it to Nothing!” 

           

Edith Armstrong shares with us one of her best habits: “I keep the telephone of my mind open to peace, harmony, health, love and abundance. Then, whenever doubt, anxiety or fear try to call me, they keep getting a busy signal—and soon they’ll forget my number.”

           

“Anxiety” is “an anxious feeling or state.” You see, when you’re “Anxious” it means you are “experiencing worry or unease; or very eager and concerned to do something.” Its Latin Origin comes from “Angere” which literally means “To Choke.”

           

“To Choke” is to “prevent (someone) from breathing by constricting or obstructing the throat or depriving of air; to have trouble breathing; and to hinder movement.”

           

People of God, it is the desire of the enemy to utilize the weapon of “Anxiety”, “To Choke” you by preventing you from using what’s in you (Breath) that sustains your very life! He desires to deprive you of what God gave you so that you will be hindered in moving forward! That’s why it’s so vital that we Annihilate Anxiety which is one of Satan’s strongest weapons in attempting to annihilate us and the destiny we carry within!

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10 NLT).

           

Therefore, guard your mind and stop allowing the devil to use anxiety against you, stealing your joy; killing your dreams and destroying your destiny! Instead keep your mind on 1 Peter 5:8-11, “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are! - will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.” (MSG).

           

Understand that anxiety starts as a trickle then creates a channel in our mind through which all our thoughts begin to flow. Arthur Somers Roche said: “Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.”       

           

With that said, most of our anxieties fall into three categories:

1) Anxiety About Things We All Face: like aging, disability, retirement, loneliness, financial uncertainty, accidents, illness, losing a loved one, and death.

2) Anxiety About Things We All Must Do: like making decisions, starting and ending relationships, losing weight, changing careers, making a mistake.

3) Anxiety Reflecting Our Inner State of Mind: These anxieties reveal how we feel about our ability to handle things. For example, fear of rejection can affect every relationship in your life. In order to avoid being hurt you shut others out, your world grows smaller and your opportunities for personal growth are more limited.

If you think about it, many of our anxieties can be reduced to one question, "What if I can't handle it?" Your mind is always the battlefield where victory is won or lost! So ask yourself, "Would I still be anxious if I knew for certain I could handle anything that came up?" The answer is No! Because anxiety can't immobilize you and steal your joy when you know you can handle whatever happens! You say, "That sounds too simple." But not when you bring God and His Word into the picture!

Here are three great Anxiety Eliminating Scriptures you can stand on when times are tough:

1) "I can do All things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).

2) "Do Not be anxious about Anything, but in Everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the Peace of God, which transcends All understanding, will Guard your Hearts and your Minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).

3) “You will keep him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on You, Because he Trusts In You.” (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV).

           

“Fear is a habit; so is self-pity, defeat, anxiety, despair, hopelessness and resignation. You can eliminate all of these negative habits with two simple resolves: I can! And, I will!”

“Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.” (Henry Ward Beecher).

           

And my personal favorite: “Anxiety is the mark of spiritual insecurity.” (Thomas Merton).

           

The next time anxiety arises, lift John 10:28 over it, “And I give them eternal life, and they shall Never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To All eternity they shall Never By Any Means be destroyed.] And No One is able to snatch them out of My Hand.” (AMP).           

“Do not be anxious about anything…” (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

We all face times when we must choose between Faith and Anxiety. A woman trapped in an abusive relationship must choose between getting help, getting out or staying stuck. A young person being pressured to do drugs can choose to give in, or say, 'no' and walk away. A person anxious about death can read God's Word, talk to a friend or counselor, or continue to be anxious.

David Russell said: “The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn.” Yet, a choice has to be made nevertheless. Likewise, living an anxiety-filled life is a Choice as well!

           

David said, "Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart...” (Psalm 27:14 NKJV). Courage doesn't eliminate anxiety, it simply determines to rise above it! Therefore, you must learn to face the things you fear!  Which can mean anything from standing up for what you believe in, to making a phone call you've been putting off, to expressing your opinion, or even acknowledging some character flaw and asking God to help you change. Whatever “it” is, you’ve got to make a deliberate decision to face it head on! Remember: “Using the power of decision gives you the capacity to get past any excuse to change any and every part of your life in an instant.” (Anthony Robbins).

           

Understand that Doing always comes before the Feeling of increased confidence! In other words, each time you confront your anxieties you take a step forward! But when you allow anxiety to control you, you retreat into your 'safe zone' and start seeing yourself as somebody who can't handle life.

Here's some great advice for living: Analyze the situation fearlessly, figure out the worst that can happen. Once you've accepted that, you’ll experience a release and you can begin doing something about it, even if all you can do is - leave it in the capable and loving hands of God! “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” (1 Peter 5:7 AMP).

           

John then writes: "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 2 NASB). Why would he say that? Because your Physical Body thrives in relationship to how well you're doing Spiritually! Wallace D. Wattles said it best: “You can never become a great man or woman until you have overcome anxiety, worry, and fear. It is impossible for an anxious person, a worried one, or a fearful one to perceive truth; all things are distorted and thrown out of their proper relations by such mental states, and those who are in them cannot read the thoughts of God.”

           

Then doctors further it by stating that anxiety suppresses your immune system, elevates your blood pressure and increases the risk of cholesterol blockages in your arteries. For those who are anxious about failing health, anxiety creates the very condition you dread—failing health!

Did you know that a percentage of all first year medical students assume the very symptoms of whatever disease they're studying? Then some even faint when first exposed to them!  Listen: If you keep building up anxiety, sooner or later it’s going to knock you down! Job said, 'For the thing which I greatly fear comes upon me, and that of which I am afraid befalls me' (3:25 AMP). Anxiety is one of Satan's most effective weapons! Your ignorance of his anxiety-inducing schemes is what enables him to gain a foothold in your thinking and rob you of the blessings that are rightfully yours, including your health!

Therefore, if you’re anxious about your health, write these Scriptures down on a card and carry it with you. If you want to take it a step further, memorize them:

1) "Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span" (Exodus 23:25-26 NIV).

2) "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the LORD…” (Jeremiah 30:17 NIV).

3) "My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body" (Proverbs 4:20-22 NIV).

           

Are you feeling over-all anxious today? Then program your mind to recall these promises regularly:

1) "Be strong and courageous. Be not afraid or dismayed… for there is Another with us greater...the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles…” (2 Chronicles 32:7-8 AMP).

2) "But I will rescue you…declares the LORD; you will not be handed over to those you fear" (Jeremiah 39:17 NIV).

3) "...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” (Isaiah 43:1-2 NKJV).

4) "...The Lord says this to you: Be not afraid or dismayed…for the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15 AMP).

5) "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you]" (John 16:33 AMP).

6) "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.” (Psalm 4:8 AMP).

7) "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles" (Psalm 34:17 NIV).

8) "You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety" (Job 11:18 NIV).

9) "And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; And they will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you; For I am with you to save you And deliver you, says the LORD." (Jeremiah 15:20 NKJV).

10) "So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us! - is in the presence of God at his very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us." (Romans 8:31-39 MSG).

11) "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You" (Psalm 9:10 NIV).

12) "The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." (Psalm 121:5-8 NIV).

13) “However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves. We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9 AMP).

14) “The LORD’s people may suffer a lot, but He will always bring them safely through.” (Psalm 34:19 CEV).

15) “And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 AMP).

           

People of God, this day make a Deliberate Decision to Annihilate Anxiety Using the Ammunition found in the Word of God! Today is a good day to be free in faith!

 Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)
"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

“Sit With Them, Before Their Seat Is Empty”

“Then Jonathan said to David…You will be missed because your seat will be empty.” (1 Samuel 20:18 NLV)

When you lose a loved one, you realize that Relationships are much more important than Possessions. But we often forget that in our scramble to the top of the heap of what this world considers Success. In fact, we’ve become so busy with climbing the ladder of success, that many of us haven’t even noticed that our families have fallen down, while we were climbing up.

However, I’ve come to discover that True Valuables are not found in cars, houses, land, businesses, money, vacations or success. But True Valuables are driving in that car with your family to a restaurant for dinner and laughing the whole way there; walking into the rooms of your home to see your family has a roof over their head, food in the fridge, clothes in the closets, shoes for their feet, running hot and cold water, air in a hot season; and heat in a cold season; going out into your backyard to see children running around, happy, healthy and at play; being about your Father’s business and not your own personal, selfish agenda; having enough money to give away especially to those in their time of need; sending your parents away on vacation; and ultimately having the real success of knowing how to Treasure all these True Valuables! 

Which reminds me of when the Apostle Paul said, “But we have this TREASURE in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7). When I think of that Scripture I learned to also personalize it, meaning my life may not be all I desire it to be, I may not have a fancy car, big house, prominent career and all the money in the world, which is equivalent to an unattractive “earthen vessel” that’s misshaped and cracked. However, I still have Treasure! And my Treasure is not found in Things, but it’s found in the People in my life that make me Wealthy! In other words, my Wealth is not in my wallet, purse, stocks, bonds, paycheck, 401K, checking or savings accounts. But my Wealth is found in my husband, children, family and friends; my peace, joy, contentment, happiness, wholeness and health. That is what I consider my Greatest of Assets! And what is an “asset”? It’s defined as “a useful or valuable thing or person”. And I for one can indeed admit that my Loved Ones are both Useful and Valuable! 

Do you make sure that your loved ones feel the same way…Treasured…Valuable?

Look at it like this: Being told you’ve only a short time to live puts you into shock, and then re-orders your priorities. All of a sudden you realize that what mattered yesterday, should’ve never mattered at all. Anger seems useless, bitterness no longer dwells in your thoughts, and unforgiveness no longer has room to hide in your heart. Revenge becomes of no interest, and malicious words no longer proceed from your lips. And all because you realize you have no time to waste! Which brings to mind Moses’ words, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12). The Contemporary English Version states it like this, “Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.” (CEV). And why should we do this? Because you have no idea how much time you have! That’s why you make the most of it, with those who matter most!

Knowing you only have an allotted amount of time left, of which you do not know how much, should make you want to fill each precious moment with the words you’ve left unsaid and the things you’ve neglected to do. Think about it, how many more times can you possibly say that you’re going back to school, that you’re going to spend more time with your family, that you’re going to eat right and exercise, that you’re going to lose weight, that you’re going to forgive and forget? Saying it and doing it are two very different things. And when you don’t have a concrete timetable of how much time you have remaining, it ought to motivate you to stop saying and start doing before there’s no more time left to procrastinate with.

Also, make sure you don’t allow self-centeredness, masquerading as ambition (or religious zeal), to keep you from showing love to those who need it. Nobody is that deep, spiritual, gifted, anointed or BUSY to do and say what matters most, to those who matter most! In other words, stop making excuses and go ahead and make that phone call. Send that email. Buy those flowers. Take that trip. Visit more often. Say, “I love you.” In other words, “be there” while you’re “still there”. Do and say what you can, while you can, because the moment will come when you have no breath or time left to do or say either!

And if you are a leader, you’re particularly at risk for neglect! Meaning, don’t you dare sacrifice your family on the altar of your career, ministry, church, schedules, assignments and appointments, because if you do, you’ll end up with regrets you can’t resolve. This is a good portion of the reason why we have so many people in counseling. Because so much that should’ve been said and done, was not, and the moment was missed, and now the person is gone, and there’s no way to reconcile. Or on the flip side of that coin, words were said, and actions made that should not have been, but once said or done, can’t be reversed or forgotten and so we spend a lifetime of regrets and anger. But remember what the Bible admonishes: you are to “… use wisely all the time [you] have.” The key word is “wisely”. Can you imagine how many mistakes and bad choices would never be made if only we used Wisdom?! Well, while you still have time, why not use Wisdom today? And what’s a Wise thing to do? Start taking advantage of the time you have and stop taking it for granted! 

Listen to this: The son of a well-known missionary stood at his dad’s grave without shedding a tear. He told someone, “You never miss what you never had. My dad loved people on the other side of the world, but I’m not sure he loved me.” I wonder how many people in your life feel like that about you? Aren’t you curious yourself? How many people do you “assume” know how you feel; know that you love them; know that you care; know that they’re important to you? And how do they know it? Because you’ve taken out the time to say so and do so and not “assume” they know so! You do not, under any circumstances, want people to feel as the son above did, that at the end of your life they’re wondering if they were ever really a part of your life at all!

I had a dear friend to recently pass away and to hear everyone speak of her with such wonderful words made me smile, but didn’t make me happy. And the reason why is because I knew she battled depression really bad for many years. We had extensive talks about her feeling unloved, unwanted, and not noticed. And this was a married woman of 25 years with 3 adult children and a pastor’s wife and overseer of the women’s ministry. And yet, she always felt lonely, disregarded, and even shunned. But her home-going celebration was marvelous. However, it makes me wonder if those who said I love you, at the grave said I love you while she still had breath…I cannot force this point hard enough, make sure the people you love, KNOW you love them!

I had another friend recently pass away from cancer. He was not a believer, did not go to church, and therefore, even after being put into hospice, still did not want a funeral. The family tried their hardest to persuade him about a funeral so people could say their goodbye’s and share their tears, stories and memories. However, I’ll never forget his words in our last conversation, they summarize in part like this, “Sis, I’m almost 50 years old. Meaning I’ve been on this planet for almost 5 decades. I’ve met a lot of people, and loved a lot of people. And for some reason I simply feel that those who have known me, and especially those who have loved me, would have already told me and shown me by now. After all, if they love me, wouldn’t they want me to hear them say I love you or for me to see their love for me in their actions? Why would they want to wait until I can’t hear, see or know what they’re saying or doing on my behalf? Why not now while I’m still here? That’s why I don’t want a funeral, anyone who loves me, has already told me or shown me. Nothing else need be done once I’m no longer here.” Some may consider that depressing, but as for me it made me think…am I wasting time waiting to say or do things that can and should be said and done now? Will I still have the opportunity to do so tomorrow? Will others have the opportunity to do so for me on tomorrow? I reiterate, make sure the people you love, KNOW you love them…and might I add…do so TODAY for Tomorrow is NOT promised!

Listen: The truth of the matter is simple: The clock’s ticking and the days have taken up their wings and they’re flying by rather quickly. Before you know it they’ll be out of diapers, or off to their first day of school, first day of high school, first day of college. Before you know it your wedding will have passed and you’ll be wondering how in the world did we get to 20 years so fast? Before you know it, you’ll be wondering where did mom and dad get all that grey from, when did they start walking so slow, are they really retiring already, am I already looking for their nursing home? Before you know it, they’ll go from a play date to a marriage proposal, wedding and kids and you’ll be wondering how did I become a grandparent so soon?

 

In other words, life is moving by more rapid than you remember from when you were a kid. So, slow down, prioritize what and who is really important then pour your all into them. Give them your all and your best. Not just your wallet, but YOU and your time! 

And might I add, sometimes life hits you below the belt! Some parents are heart-broken now because they buried their child, and surely this is not how this is supposed to go. Someone’s 4 year old has leukemia, someone’s 21 year old sister had to have a full hysterectomy and she has no children. Someone’s dad was killed in the line of duty. Someone’s mom was hit by a drunken driver. Someone’s brother never returned home from school. Someone’s marriage ended in divorce after just 3 years. Someone’s house foreclosed. Someone’s business burned down. Life comes with many unexpected, and therefore unprepared for moments. We assume that we have all the time in the world, and that my friend is a far cry from the truth. “How do you know what is going to happen tomorrow? For the length of your lives is as uncertain as the morning fog – now you see it; soon it is gone.” (James 4:14 TLB). Even the Bible calls your life but a morning fog, appears out of nowhere, disappears in the same manner. So, enjoy your life and your loved ones, before the fog lifts…

Now, I am not telling you to neglect work or ministry for you must fulfill your God-given assignment in life because in the end you still have to give God an account. However, this should not be attained at the cost of losing the people who matter most in your life. 

Lastly, take a moment and think about these words from our opening text: “So Jonathan again made a pledge to David because he loved David as much as himself. “Tomorrow is the festival of the new moon,” Jonathan told David. “You will be missed because your seat will be empty.” (1 Samuel 20:17-18 CEB). As for David, this was not about his death, just about his presence being noticeably missed when he’s not at the festival, leaving his seat empty. But I love the way the text reads because of who David was, what he did and what he meant to the people, if he were not present for dinner, his empty chair would be noticed by all. Another translation reads, “…your absence will be noticed if you aren’t at the meal” (GNT). Do those you love know for certain that if they are not around, their absence is noticed by you? With that said, might I also add this little tidbit…the Church is supposed to be a family. And personally, neither of my siblings can be out of communication with me for a day or two and I not know where they are or how they’re doing. In other words, when you haven’t seen someone from your church in a while, reach out! Let them know that their absence is noticeable. Let them know that you miss them, you love them, you care about them and their well-being. Many of people have left the church and not returned only because we treated them as a number in a census instead of the siblings that they are. Don’t let weeks, months and even years pass by. Life is short and precious. Let your spiritual siblings know as well that their absence leaves a void that they need to refill.

And a funny thing is Saul was David’s enemy and yet the Bible says, “Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon festival. Your seat will be empty, SO MY FATHER WILL MISS YOU.” (NCV). Can you imagine that even David’s enemies would notice his absence? Now if David’s enemies noticed his absence, don’t you think I’ll loved ones should KNOW that we notice theirs? Just a little something to think about…

I shared a testimony on yesterday on my social media sites about my mom. You see, yesterday (March 15^th), was a full year to the day of the very last time I would hear my mom’s voice. She would then spend March 16^th – April 1^st in a coma. And April 1^st at 1:46pm she would leave all the machines and pain behind and go off to Glory. She is now Pain-Free and Peace-Full, but it’s still hard to know she’s gone. I’ve spent the last 5 years as her caregiver and not a single day would go by that we wouldn’t chat about something. At her home going celebration, I thought I would cry, fall apart, fall out, lose it and everything else. However, surprisingly, I smiled and laughed a lot, even making jokes with my mom’s only living sister, my Aunt Gerry. We had so many stories to share even at the celebration of life, and we would sit in the pews and giggle and laugh. And truthfully, that was only possible because when I looked back over the last 5 years, the good outweighed the bad and I spent the good and the bad WITH mom. I didn’t feel remorse or regret. A little lonely that I lost my best friend, but we have had so much fun in these last few years. And that’s even with her battling hypertension; diabetes; losing sight in one eye; an amputated toe; poor circulation in her legs; breast cancer; chemo; breathing difficulty; oxygen tanks; loss of hair; heart failure; kidney failure; dialysis; and the millions of pills and doctor appointments. And still none of that could compete with our good times in the midst of those bad times. In fact, it’s hard to even find a picture anywhere of my mom NOT smiling and laughing. Even all the pictures I’ve taken of her over the years in and out of hospitals, she’s smiling, IN ALL OF THEM! She had the most wonderful personality; kind hearted; generous to a fault; understanding; helpful; loving; forgiving and her smile could brighten the darkest day and bring life to dead places. Just an all-around beautiful woman. She took every lump, bump, bruise, pain, stick, poke, prod, diagnosis with a smile. I share this today, because today, one year ago, it all changed. I would never hear her voice again. I would never see her smile again. I would never hear her laugh again. And still I smile and laugh today just at the thought of all the memories I have of her.

What I’m saying to you brothers and sisters is this, you only have this day and this moment, and not even those are promised. There are no guarantees for tomorrow. So today, while you have life, health, breath, strength and soundness of mind, reach out to those you love so that when the last night is the LAST night, you’ll weep, but then you’ll wake up in the morning with joy, no regrets and no remorse. Take it from someone who personally knows, it will bless your entire life!

Therefore, today, it is my prayer that this devotional has charged, challenged and encouraged you to love your loved ones, better and more! Be verbal, be expressive! For at the end of your journey, you don’t want to have anything left in you that was supposed to be given to someone else. Say your I love you’s; give your gifts; go out to eat; take the trip; watch the movie; make the phone call; send the email; mail the letter; show up and surprise them. Restore, reconcile, fix, repair, whatever has been ruined. Get that friendship and relationship back on track. Don’t hesitate, don’t procrastinate, don’t wait for them to make the first move. Enjoy your spouses, your children, your parents, grandparents, god-parents, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, in-laws, friends, church family, community, coworkers, etc. You’re still alive, so act like it and LIVE! And not just live, but do so as Jesus said you should: John 10:10, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I CAME THAT THEY MAY HAVE AND ENJOY LIFE, AND HAVE IT IN ABUNDANCE [TO THE FULL, TILL IT OVERFLOWS].” (AMP)

That’s how you are to LIVE! Enjoying Life Abundantly, to the Full, Until it Overflows, With Those You Love!

Friends and Family, whatever you do, just make sure that TODAY you do and say something meaningful to those who mean the most to you.  

In a Nutshell: Sit With Them, Before Their Seat Is Empty…

“Sometimes you will never know the true value of a Moment until it becomes a Memory.”

“The most important gifts you can give are your love, time and attention. Slow down, take time to smile and enjoy loved ones…life goes by way too fast.” (Carla White)

“We waste so many days waiting for the weekend. So many nights wanting morning. Our lust for future comfort is the biggest thief of life.” (Joshua Glenn Clark)

“That breath that you just took…that’s a Gift.” (Rob Bell)

“Tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone. Live Today.” (Mark Black)

“I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.” (Dr. Maya Angelou)

“Love your parents and treat them with loving care. For you will only know their value when you see their empty chair.”

“We’re not promised tomorrow, so don’t waste a moment living in the past.” (Joel Osteen)

“Say it before you run out of time. Say it before it’s too late. Say what you’re feeling. Waiting is a mistake.”

“Don’t take your health for granted. Don’t take your body for granted. Do something today that communicates to your body that you desire to care for it. Tomorrow is not promised.” (Jada Pinkett Smith)

“We aren’t promised tomorrow. We aren’t even really promised today, or that next second, or minute that ticks by. We’re gifted with moments, each one precious, each one different. So take those moments, and use them. Don’t let them pass by in anger. Don’t let those moments build up into silence between the two of you, because you never know if they’ll be taken, and we never know the final number of we’ve been awarded. Let no moment go unused. Let no moments escape where you could have expressed love for one another.” (Rachel Van Dyken)

“The greatest weakness of most humans is their hesitancy to tell others how much they love them while they’re still alive.”

“Today, why don’t you love a little deeper, laugh a little louder, hold the ones you love a little tighter. Because tomorrow is never promised.”

“Tomorrow has not be promised, so Today, I want all my family and friends to know how Thankful I am for Each and Every one of you and how Blessed I feel that you are All a part of My Life.” (Truth Follower)

“Life can change so fast, so unexpectedly. Love when you can, while you can, as much as you can.” (Mandy Hale)

“Life is a train ride, and at the many stations along the route, people important to us debark, never to get aboard again, until by the end of the journey, we sit in a passenger car where most of the seats are empty.” (Dean Koontz)

“I enjoy nothing more than spending time with my loved ones, young and old, and at least once a year we get together for a formal family photograph.” (Elliott Erwitt)

“Enjoy the time you have with your loved ones. Too many people wish they had spent more time with their loved ones before they passed away.”

“We don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring and the only thing we really have is right now. So, don’t stay angry for too long and learn to forgive. Love your friends and family with all your heart. Have fun and live your life the way you want to live it. Most of all, don’t worry about people that don’t like you and enjoy the ones who do.” (Informative Quotes)

“Cherish every moment and every person in your life, because you never know when it will be the last time you see someone.”

“If we remembered every day that we could lose someone at any moment, we would love them more fiercely and freely, and without fear – not because there is nothing to lose, but because everything can always be lost.”

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #EnjoyTheReaad #BeEncouraged #LoveYourLovedOnes #LoveInAction #AppreciateLife

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)