As the seasonal time of the year approaches yet again it causes me to reflect on this past year. What a journey. Often times when we reflect on our time put in on this earth; our depraved humanity tends to look at the negatives we have experienced. As if some higher power did us wrong and owes us an explanation or compensation. When we walk in the light we have the ability to receive blessings from situations we consider to be negative. Yet, if we recognize a blessing, was that experience really negative? We learn, grow and develop and understanding from these trials and tribulations that we endure. This year I consider one of the most difficult times in my life, nothing specifically happened physically, yet emotionally and spiritually I feel I have been through a war. Though I do know why I feel this way, because I prayed for strength and Truth, and that is just what I received. Strength doesn’t come without work, and Truth often doesn’t come without distress. I am very happy to be traveling back home to New York for a couple days to visit with my family. It is such a blessing to live in a country where we can go anywhere and do anything when we please. It is such a blessing to be able to freely choose a religion, or for some of us….. become chosen. Is this something we take for granted? Sometimes I need to remember why I am even here in this country. Our ancestors came here on boats and ships seeking a new land, a land of such freedom. They, much like you and I were free too, free to choose their religion, and free to make their way across the content. Sometimes I forget why I am able to study the religon of Christianity which I did not choose, but that which was given to me (Ephesians 2:8-9), that which was chosen for people like ME before the foundations of the Earth. So this year, I am not going to reflect on the woes of the world. But all the things that are a blessing, Like GOD, My family, friends, home and car. I could really go on and on. Honestly, No matter how bad I feel sometimes, when I am really able to separate myself from the flesh, I realize how blessed I am as a whole. To even have been given a chance! After all, when Eve ate the apple, God could have easily wiped the slate clean. Instead, he gave us a savior. So really ask yourself, “What am I thank full for?”. If you can’t at least come up with one HUGE thing, then I would love to have some time to sit and talk with You. The Bible says “every good gift is from above”. So always remember to give thanks for all things good. Remember that we are here for a reason, to love God and each other, and always give him the Glory for the things which we are thank full for.