Who am I to God?!

• I am a child of God.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

(See John 1:12)

• I am a branch, attached to the True Vine, and a conduit of Christ’s life.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (See John 15:1, 5)

• I am a friend of Jesus.

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you FREINDS, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (See John 15:15).

• I have been justified and redeemed by Christ Jesus.

And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.(See Romans 3:24).

• My old self (old way of living) was crucified with Christ, and I am no longer a slave to sin.

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—( See Romans 6:6).

• I am not be condemned by God, never have been and never will be.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (See Romans 8:1).

• I have been freed from the law of sin and death.

Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (See Romans 8:2).

• I have chosen to be a child of God, therefore I am an heir with Christ.

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (See Romans 8:17).

• I am accepted by Christ. And I am accepting of others.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

(See Romans 15:7).

• I am a saint.

To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours

(See 1 Corinthians 1:2).

(See also Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, and Colossians 1:2.)

Unapologetically, joyful

You may see me joyful all the time, but let me reassure you that sorrow does arrive in my heart every now and again! I know you may not know my full story of all the trials and tribulations, the tryouts and triumphs! However, let me reassure you that with joy also comes the emotions of sorrow!

With every emotional pendulum swing you have there is always something on the opposite end, correct?

>>> SORROW >>> JOY Yes, joy is of the Lord! Scripture also mentions that Jesus was encountered with sorrow when his friend died. There are many many moments in my life when I became sorrowful over the death of something. It could have been the end of a challenge, try outs, friendships, loved ones, and many many, many more things can end in life.

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Scripture also continues to encourage us to keep moving forward. And that is something that can be just as challenging as finding joy. There was no moment of Jesus holding onto a box of tissues or gripping his hand so tight at the impossible. Even when His best friend died, He knew He had the power to raise him. There are moments that things need to end. There are things that need to be put to death! But I’ll let you in on a little joyful secret - the JOY of the Lord is forever! Therefore, joy will be some of that radiates through the sorrow!

That is why I post joyful messages of encouragement! There’s no time to sit here and post on the evilness and wickedness in the world! I would rather both of the joy of the Lord through the trials of the world! His Word is so precious and it is something thing that has continued to encourage me through the days, the months, and the years!

No, my life has not always been a joyous! And neither has yours. In fact I have had to find joy and follow it through my journey! So, as you continue your journey no matter what state you’re in for the season.

Different trials: What are you just had a loved one passed, you had to quit your job, you chose a new career path, your friend stepped away or out of your life, you started a new life in a new place, or anything from his far off as the east is from the west! There are joyous moments in every sorrowful situation!

Different perspective:

Your home is messy- you have a home.

Your clothes are dirty- you have clothes.

You have a messy vehicle - you have a vehicle.

Your job is overwhelming- you have a job.

You have a troubling marriage- you have a marriage.

You and a friends are arguing - you have a friend.

You are overwhelmed with your thoughts- you have been given the ability to think.

You are wonderful about the future - you have a desire for tomorrow.

You have obstacles at work - you have an institution that needs you.

Whatever your trial is, look for JOY and follow it!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Find the JOY. Follow the JOY.

Nutty Protein Bites

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 1/2 Cups of Rolled Oats

- 3/4 Cup Coconut Flakes

- 3/4 Nut Butter

- 1/3 cup Syrup (honey, agave, etc.)

- 1/2 cup Chia Seeds

1/4 cup dark Chocolate Chips

1/4 cup Tropeaka Lean Chocolate Protein Powder (I use chocolate, but you can use vanilla if you prefer.)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix dry ingredients in mixing bowl, add in syrup, nut butter, and chocolate chips.

Roll in small bites

Serve and Enjoy ☼