Giving Thanks Is Not Just For Thanksgiving Day

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

PSALM 138

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart;

I sing praise to you before the gods.

I face your holy Temple,

bow down, and praise your name

because of your constant love and faithfulness,

because you have shown that your name

and your commands are supreme.

You answered me when I called to you;

with your strength you strengthened me.

All the kings in the world will praise you, Lord,

because they have heard your promises.

They will sing about what you have done

and about your great glory.

Even though you are so high above,

you care for the lowly,

and the proud cannot hide from you.

When I am surrounded by troubles,

you keep me safe.

You oppose my angry enemies

and save me by your power.

You will do everything you have promised;

Lord, your love is eternal.

Complete the work that you have begun.

thanks

Developing an attitude of gratitude is a daily practice.

Choose joy by being thankful every day.

Much Love To You All,

L.A. Knowles

Does He Know Your Name?

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

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One does NOT inherit Christianity, and one cannot get into Heaven riding on someone else’s coattails. There’s a choice that must be made. The book of John tells us TO ALL WHO BELIEVED AND ACCEPTED HIM, to them, He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12).

As children of God, we are called to live righteous and holy lives, not to live as the world does. We’re in this world, but we’re NOT of this world because this world is a temporary home, a place we’re only traveling through; and we’re chosen to bear fruit, walking the walk, not just making claims but actually living the life. We must keep in mind our faith needs to be backed up by actions, walking in obedience to God who has chosen us to be His own. It is not enough to make claims. If we love God, we’ll obey Him. We’re called to bear good fruit such as helping our fellow man/woman, encouraging one another, following the examples Christ has given us.  May we always be His hand extended.

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” -Matthew 7:21-23

Much Love To You All,

 

L.A. Knowles

The Toxic Friend

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

THE TOXIC FRIEND

Written By Linda A. Knowles

toxic-1

She brought up past sins,

from those long ago days,

a time from the past;

and I saw her ways.

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A friendship so toxic,

and it finally fell apart;

But it felt for me,

a yoke,

that broke;

and no more dart-like words,

to smack me in the face,

for towards the very end,

the friendship was covered with oleander,

concealed by pretty lace.

Toxic 4.jpeg

It took its toll,

discouraging words,

background trolls,

broken promises,

so many no’s.

toxic-3

The spouting of a familiar phrase,

One I would often hear her say,

“I didn’t do anything wrong,”

and fault fell to me,

even when it was hers,

constantly-

always-

apologizing,

endlessly.

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Continually,

I was saying,

“I’m sorry for…”

seemingly all the time;

but she claimed no part.

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How she got all innocent;

to this day,

I still don’t know;

But,

more and more,

I understand,

as time goes on and on.

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Peaceful Protest

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

FLAGLet me start by saying this:  I love the USA.  I live in the USA, and I’m a citizen.  I do NOT agree with anyone who protests by sitting during the National Anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance;  I’m also a firm believer if one does not like our laws, customs, and culture, that one or few should just pack up and leave.

With that being said…

PEOPLE

We’ve seen protests that have involved looting, rioting, blocking highways or main roads which caused problems for emergency vehicles and rescue workers, violent acts of murder, fighting, and the like.

We keep calling out and saying, “PEACEFUL PROTESTS!”  However, when Colin Kaepernick sits down during the national anthem we are outraged, and yet Colin did not riot, burn anything down, loot, or commit any act of violence. So he chose and did a peaceful protest, and then some of us even got more outraged when another athlete followed his example.

“Stand up for what you believe” as long as what? They do it our way? As long as they believe our way? We’re still not satisfied with their peaceful protest…  And by which list of standards are we measuring these “peaceful” protests? The athletes brought no physical harm to anyone by sitting down. Sure, they may have embarrassed their fellow teammates by sitting out, but the key phrase here is THEY PROTESTED PEACEFULLY.

What would we rather the athletes have done? Would we rather them steal, harm someone, burn something down in the name of whatever it is they believe? We wanted peaceful protests. We expected people do peaceful protests and not the kind of protest that breaks out violence, injuring others, and destroying community businesses and homes.

It may not have been ideal for any of you, including myself, but they chose what was best for them as individuals.  In this country, there’s the right to protest, and that is their freedom to do so.  They chose a peaceful demonstrative protest, and no one got hurt.

And we’re still not satisfied.

Attiq Yomin

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

Ancient of DaysLet me fall before Your throne at Your feet,

My Attiq Yomin,

Where  I can worship You,

And worship You alone,

And bands of angels all about,

Singing praises to Your name.

Ancient of Days,

You’re without End;

You are Everlasting to Everlasting,

Never changing;

You always remain the same.

Where Horses Run Free

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

WHERE HORSES RUN FREE

Written By Linda A. Knowles

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Lush green meadows

as far as the eye can see.

*

Wild flowers springing up all about;

Fragrance filling the air,

after the wind-driven rain of the night,

where horses run free,

where they gather to graze.

*

That I should run so so free,

With no fear of what is ahead,

Or what lies beyond the tomorrow.

*

Wildly free,

Like the way horses run,

And then to rest;

*

And enjoy places such as flower-filled meadows,

where horses run wild and free.

Road Less Traveled By Robert Frost

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

***

I’ve always loved this poem;

and for some reason, this poem has stayed with me.

***

Robert Frost - Road Less Traveled By 2.jpg

***

There are so many times I wanted to do things my way, but in the end, I ended up doing what is right.  I have this thing with sleep; I like it, and it likes me.  So when I do the right thing, I sleep well.  I can lay my head down at night and sleep away.

 

I believe in absolute truth, and taking a road that not many take (that road less traveled by) and my conscience is clear.  God is my final authority, and therefore, to me, the opinions of others and their approval of me is not needed.  God will hold me accountable for the things I do and the things I say.  He is my Judge, and when I do self-examinations and search my soul, I’m my own worst critic.  God is more merciful to me than I am to myself.

 

My faith is important to me, and I enjoy being able to live my faith and meditate on verses from the bible.  When I meditate on bible verses, I find it helpful, and it keeps me focused on what’s important – Doing the right thing, loving God, and helping my neighbors.

 

Yes, the road less traveled isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it in the end.

 

🙂  May your dreams be tranquil and may they be sweet.

 

Much love to all….

Diamond In The Rough