You catch more flies with honey... Have you ever noticed that the people or things that initially get and hold your attention best use an approach that is tailored to saying or showing good stuff about you? It’s human nature to like to see and hear things positive about ourselves. Life lessons school teaches us to make a sandwich with our words when dealing with others. Start with a slice of positive bread, layer the meat of correction or opportunity in the middle, and then finish with the final slice of encouragement bread on top. This is a biblically based principle that works far better than intimidating others with negativity and harsh words… Check you experience… "A new life has been given us or, if you prefer, a design for living that really works" Big Book pg 28 Lord, let us use the eyes of our heart to look for and see the good in all people, places, and things today, AMEN. "So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault." Romans 14: 19-21 Have a blessed day y'all! Hey AMAZON shoppers!! Please help us help others! A portion of the proceeds from your Amazon.com purchase will go toward helping the Furniture Bank help others! https://smile.amazon.com/ch/46-2771809

But I just wanna be judged by my INTENTIONS while I judge you by your ACTIONS. ...Well that’s just dandy isn’t it?!? Maybe it’s just me, and perhaps you cannot relate, but the “committee” in my head that tries to run my life, otherwise known as my selfish self-will, tries to make this a policy for me all the time. Thank goodness I have tools to veto their vote and the key to lock them back up deep in my mind. Why is it that I have this fear fueled, pride based notion that I have the right to judge others only by how I view their actions and at the same time expect them to overlook my actions and judge me by my intentions? Over the years and through many painful lessons I have learned that I must first walk in another person’s shoes before I even attempt to understand them. I have no right to judge another person. That is for God to do. My job is to try to love, tolerate, and accept others as best I can and allow them to have their own opinions of me. How is your relationship with the committee in your head?.. Check your experience… . “Love and tolerance of others is our code.” Big Book pg 84. Lord, let us set aside our preconceived notions and give our best efforts to love and tolerate others, AMEN. "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2. H Have a blessed day y’all. Please check out my new daily devotional!! A daily dose of inspiration and good news! Paperback and Kindle versions! All proceeds go to Furniture Bank!! https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pastor+mark+farley&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apastor+mark+farley

Becoming teachable. ... Remember the last time you were able to lay aside your preconceived notions, expectations, assumptions, and self-made opinions in order to truly learn something new? Yeah, it's been a while for me too! Part of having free will and becoming an adult is this magic magnifying mind that we have that likes to unconsciously grow and feed from our perceptions and experiences. It tries to predict situations for us as well as attempts to harden our hearts through our own self-made assessments and judgements. Until we stop this process and set aside the ability and power it has over us, we cease to truly grow spiritually. Kids don't have this. They look to us with wide eyes and open minds thirsty to learn. It's only when we can open our minds willingly in this manner can God truly teach us and fill our hearts with His Spirit and wisdom. ...Check your experience… "But after a while we had to face the fact that we must find a spiritual basis of life-or else." Big Book pg 44 Lord let us set aside our own thoughts and become teachable like a child for Your Word, AMEN. "He said: I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3 Have a blessed day y'all! THERE IS STILL TIME to get your 2017 AZ Tax Credit! YES for 2017! Come on now….MAKE A DIFFERENCE! $400 provides furniture to make a house into a home for our clients and families escaping homelessness and hopelessness. Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! Visit our website www.FurnitureBank.us and click on the PayPal button for a secure transaction and tax receipt that will follow within 48 hours. Please help us help others! We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Please help us help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

The difference between a leader and a boss. ... At various points in our lives we find that we have different authority figures who we either report to or hold us accountable. In my walk I have had some great ones and some... well... "interesting " ones! The interesting ones have been bosses. They dictate, bully, and spout negativity. They attempt to rule by fear and intimidation. These "bosses" seem to never get much good done and those under them tend to move on to other jobs, tasks, or assignments under others to escape this toxic environment. I learned to NEVER attempt to lead that way. .... I have tried to model my own servant leadership style from the great ones I have served under. I have found a common trait that is biblical in nature. The greatest leaders I have had have taught me by example to do what they do. They SERVE the ones they are responsible for and LEAD BY EXAMPLE. They gain loyal followers and happy, productive workers with positive results and create healthy long term relationships. ....What is your style AND...what is your experience? .... "Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us." Big Book pg 77. Lord please continue to guide my heart and show me how to lead through serving others, AMEN. "The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:11 Have a blessed day y'all! Please check out my new daily devotional!! A daily dose of inspiration and good news! Paperback and Kindle versions! All proceeds go to Furniture Bank!! https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pastor+mark+farley&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apastor+mark+farley

I got my tongue in front of my eye tooth and couldn't see what I was saying. ... Ever experienced delayed remorse as the words based on the emotion of the moment go flying out of your mouth, only to be immediately be followed by the heart driven words of "I didn't mean that!" ??... Emotions fuel our words and actions and when left unchecked by our heart and Spirit can cause pain and hurt to others as well as amends work for us. I have spent the past few years in my walk with Christ learning to RESPOND with grace and kindness rather than my old way of REACTING with the emotion of the moment. Now most of y'all know how much I despise numbers, but counting to 10 during an emotional moment has become a tool that I use to disconnect from the emotion of the moment and reconnect with my heart and the Holy Spirit. I find when I do this I am no longer held hostage by my emotions and my words do not cause harm…. Check your experience. ... Patience, tolerance, understanding and love are the watchwords." Big Book pg 118. Lord let us guard our words by responding in grace instead of reacting with emotions, AMEN. " So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!" James 3:5 Have a blessed day y’all THERE IS STILL TIME to get your 2017 AZ Tax Credit! YES for 2017! Come on now….MAKE A DIFFERENCE! $400 provides furniture to make a house into a home for our clients and families escaping homelessness and hopelessness. Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! Visit our website www.FurnitureBank.us and click on the PayPal button for a secure transaction and tax receipt that will follow within 48 hours. Please help us help others! We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Please help us help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

What is your energy source?... Every day, about mid-afternoon, I get that rundown and tired feeling. It’s usually during the middle of whatever I am working at or trying to focus on. I generally stop my work and grab a legal source of liquid amphetamines like coffee or the healthiest version of energy drink I can find. This refreshes me and gets me through the rest of my day as my alertness returns. What about those times when our soul is weary? Do you experience times when it seems like you are all alone and feels like you are facing a Goliath of a challenge? I have found the solution that works for me and it is not in a can. I remember that I am not alone and that I have the Holy Spirit of our almighty God living inside of me! I remind myself that HE will never give me anything that He does not think I can handle and with that assurance, I face the challenge and keep walking through it… Check your experience… . “Our ideas did not work. But the God idea did” Big Book pg. 52 Lord, remind our hearts during those trying times when doubt tries to enter our minds that you are in us and with us and that we can overcome whatever obstacle seems to be in our path, AMEN. “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 Have a blessed day y’all! Please check out my new daily devotional!! A daily dose of inspiration and good news! Paperback and Kindle versions! All proceeds go to Furniture Bank!! https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pastor+mark+farley&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apastor+mark+farley

Worry makes things seem bigger than they are. I am curious to learn if anyone ever gained from worrying? I don’t’ have any record of this. Why do we allow our fears and expectations to grow inside of us and gain strength over our minds and hearts? Our human nature is prone to this and free will allows this to happen, robbing us of our peace and stealing our energy and focus. Did you know that you can trade those worries, fears, and expectations for grace? Try this for the next few days. Every time you catch yourself building a case for a good worry, write it down on a piece of paper and put it in a drawer that can serve as your God box. Tell God the worry is now His and move on with your day! You can do this. It works! Try it and as always then…. Check your experience… “There you will find release from care, boredom and worry.” Big Book pg. 152 Lord let us fill our God box with our fears, worries, and troubles and leave them with You, allowing us to move forward and see how we can turn our focus to helping others, AMEN. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 Have a blessed day y’all! THERE IS STILL TIME to get your 2017 AZ Tax Credit! YES for 2017! Come on now….MAKE A DIFFERENCE! $400 provides furniture to make a house into a home for our clients and families escaping homelessness and hopelessness. Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! Visit our website www.FurnitureBank.us and click on the PayPal button for a secure transaction and tax receipt that will follow within 48 hours. Please help us help others! We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Please help us help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

When the going gets tough….. Have you ever been at that point where your mind leads you to wonder about what you are doing? Have you ever held thoughts of why you should keep giving the effort if nothing seems to be coming from it? Have you? Good, then, I am not crazy and you are not alone! Part of our walk while we are here is to build up our faith muscles and strengthen our spiritual endurance. Maybe it’s God testing us or perhaps it’s the worldly clamors the Enemy uses to distract us, but these trying times do occur. The great news is that we have an out! When we became born again as believers and followers of Christ, the Holy Spirit entered each of us and now covers and protects us even when we cannot seem to see or feel it. Keep on Keeping on! It will get better. ..Check your experience…. “This we did because we honestly wanted to, and were willing to make the effort.” Big Book pg 26 Lord, please remind our hearts in those lonely time where we want to question our efforts that You are here with us and will see us through the challenges, AMEN. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 Have a blessed day y’all! Please check out my new daily devotional!! A daily dose of inspiration and good news! Paperback and Kindle versions! All proceeds go to Furniture Bank!! https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pastor+mark+farley&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apastor+mark+farley

Actions speak louder than words. ...Maybe it's just me, but every now and then, I find some good messages in the ad jingles that constantly assault us on TV and other media. Nike wants us to "Just do it" The carpet folks want us to "Call Empire Today", and some weight loss outfit promises us we can '"Lose weight now, just if we just ask them how". These jingles share a common key ingredient. They call for us to take action! The spiritual principle underneath these claims are that we will see the benefit if we participate with our own actions and not just wishes, intentions, or words. I see this in my life. I don't change or improve until I apply action fueled by willingness. How's that working out for you?.. Check your own experience.... . "Faith without works is dead. ” Big Book pg 76. Lord, let our actions show You love through the things we do. Let our words match our deeds, AMEN. "Your love for one other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 Have a blessed day y'all! THERE IS STILL TIME to get your 2017 AZ Tax Credit! YES for 2017! Come on now….MAKE A DIFFERENCE! $400 provides furniture to make a house into a home for our clients and families escaping homelessness and hopelessness. Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! Visit our website www.FurnitureBank.us and click on the PayPal button for a secure transaction and tax receipt that will follow within 48 hours. Please help us help others! We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Please help us help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Just a daily dose… We have pills to fix our headaches, ointments to relieve sore muscles, and all kinds of over the counter instant fixes for most of our other aches and pains. There is even a pill to help our liver! Didn’t know my liver even needed a pill!.. NO my AA and 12 Step friends, there IS NOT a pill to replace the Steps and meetings! What about our spiritual weaknesses and flaws? Anyone know of a pill for that? What I have learned from those who showed me is that I have a relationship with a living God that I need to maintain and grow through my daily pursuit of His will and Word for me. This way of living has brought me a life even better than my dreams. Even though I am not perfect and I screw up daily, as long as I seek His will over mine, it always works out… Check your experience… "What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition." Big Book pg. 83. Lord let us fix our frailties and heal our spiritual wounds through our daily relationship with You, AMEN. "Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed." Hebrews 12: 12-13 Have a blessed day y’all! Please check out my new daily devotional!! A daily dose of inspiration and good news! Paperback and Kindle versions! All proceeds go to Furniture Bank!! https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pastor+mark+farley&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apastor+mark+farley

The change has to come from within… Have you ever noticed that the folks around you who take steps to improve their lives are changing things within themselves first? Think about it in order for any change to be effective and long lasting it has to come first from within us. It’s a spiritual principle that when we first change our thinking and support it with a change in our actions that our behaviors and habits follow. Wishing, wanting, and talking about change doesn’t work unless we supply our own thoughts, efforts, and actions…Check your experience… “…there has been a revolutionary change in their way of living and thinking.” Big Book pg 50 Lord, let us provide the willingness needed to bring about changes in our thoughts and actions, AMEN. “So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!” Hebrews 12: 12-13 Have a blessed day y’all! Please check out my new daily devotional!! A daily dose of inspiration and good news! Paperback and Kindle versions! All proceeds go to Furniture Bank!! https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pastor+mark+farley&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apastor+mark+farley

Faith it till ya make it…. Have you heard the term “blind faith” or maybe even the expression of “taking something on faith”? It seems this faith thing has some powerful pull to it. Most of us take many things daily by faith without even thinking about it. When we put the key into the car ignition, we assume it will start, or when flip a light switch or use the remote to our TV, we naturally expect it to turn on. Why is it then that we seem to demand proof of other things before they happen. Now maybe it’s different for you, but I seldom get into a debate over my car starting, or feel the need to have an engineer come to our home to tell me that our light switch will work before I try. So why is it then do we at times, myself included, DEMAND that God show us proof of success before we attempt something new or uncomfortable. Just look at the sun, the sky and feel the air we breathe! We use faith daily, isn’t it time we give God more credit with our faith in Him?... Check your experience… . “In one form or another we had been living by faith and little else.” Big Book pg 54 Lord, let us have the same faith in You as we have in our car keys and light switches because You never fail us, AMEN. “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 Have a blessed day y’all! Please check out my new daily devotional!! A daily dose of inspiration and good news! Paperback and Kindle versions! All proceeds go to Furniture Bank!! https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pastor+mark+farley&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apastor+mark+farley

Have you ever thought about whether or not the light would come on before you turned the light switch on? Because I have the familiar experience of having successfully done it countless times before, I don’t even think about it, I just know it will work. Even when that 1 in a thousand time happens when the bulb is burnt out, I replace the bulb without thinking and the light comes on. That is faith. When I am staying in a new or unfamiliar place like a hotel or a friend’s home, I instinctively know that if I just find that light switch, the light will come on. That is faith. I cannot see the mechanics involved and I certainly have no electrical training or background in engineering, but because I have experience with the process, I trust it works and neither debate it, nor give it a second thought. That is faith. OK, so this next part may not apply to you Spiritual giants… Now why then do I want to debate with God over trivial things? Why do I expect the answer before I even begin the task that is new or unfamiliar? Where is my trust being placed? Where oh where is my faith? Has He not brought me this far in life successfully through things I have had no control over? Why do I even think I need to discuss the new thing with Him? Where is my faith? Check your experience…… “The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God's universe.” Big Book pg 25 Lord, like the light switch, let us place our trust in You based on our experience with You, AMEN. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 Have a blessed day ‘all! Please order my new daily devotional!! Paperback and Kindle versions! All proceeds go to Furniture Bank!! https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pastor+mark+farley&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apastor+mark+farley

Love is in the air!... Lots of love in the air today! Cards, candy, and flowers helping to seal the deal so to speak! Remember folks, we each have a personal Valentine that loves unconditionally JUST AS WE ARE! Deep in our heart exists the Holy Spirit that not only looks out for us and protects us when we allow it to, but also loves us unconditionally! Don’t believe me, just check your experience!... “He stood in the Presence of Infinite Power and Love.” Big Book pg 56 Lord, as we share this day with our loved ones today, let us remember Your ultimate unconditional love for us, AMEN. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Happy Valentine’s Day y’all! www.FaithThroughWorksFellowship.org

Perception is a funny thing. Maybe it’s different for you but my mind likes to try to lead me to believe things that are not actually true or as they appear. I have learned the hard way that most things advertised as “free” generally have a cost associated somewhere. Also, experience has taught me that most “easy” and “simple” things are either low in quality or not worth really having. The good news is that I have learned over the years to trust my heart and not what my mind likes for me to believe. The verse I am sharing today reminds me of this truth. Check your experience. …“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all “your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 Lord, let us look in our hearts and seek Your will when we are confused or uncertain, AMEN. “We trust infinite God rather than our finite selves.” Big Book pg. 68. Have a blessed day y'all! THERE IS STILL TIME to get your 2017 AZ Tax Credit! YES for 2017! Come on now….MAKE A DIFFERENCE! $400 provides furniture to make a house into a home for our clients and families escaping homelessness and hopelessness. Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! Visit our website www.FurnitureBank.us and click on the PayPal button for a secure transaction and tax receipt that will follow within 48 hours. Please help us help others! We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Please help us help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

No pain...no gain....Maybe it's different for you, but I can honestly say that I do not enjoy pain of any kind in any form. I don't intentionally go looking for it but I have learned that when I do find myself in pain, there is either a lesson to be learned or an experience to grow from if I look with a willing heart and open mind. Staying spiritually fit is hard work but the benefits are immense. Sobriety is not easy but the pains from gaining and maintaining it have brought me blessings far beyond what I deserve. The same can be said for my journey to attain physical health and fitness. God gives us the pain inside of every challenge to encourage us to find the benefit He has for us. Check your experience... "If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through." Big Book pg 83. Lord when we are in pain, please remind our hearts to seek the goodness we can gain from seeking Your will, AMEN. "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5: 2-4 Have a blessed day y'all! We continue collecting new socks and underwear and gently used men, women and children’s clothing, shoes, purses, and belts. Every piece helps! We will also can use hygiene products (Shampoo, Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Deodorant, Lotion, etc) If you would like to donate, please contact us at Backpacks 4 Kids Az, Inc. - bp4kidsaz@gmail.com Furniture Bank, Inc. Mark@FurnitureBank.us Who I am Foundation - halona.pineda@outlook.com Zuri's Circle - zuriscircle.mbc@gmail.com Drop Off Location is Arizona Storage Inn Address: 6750 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043 Monday- Friday 9am- 6pm https://www.backpacks4kidsaz.com

The “inner-net’ connection… Plugged in, wired, and networked are terms we associate with our communications these days. I am just glad I no longer need to figure out how to “interface” with folks! Wi-Fi and internet are the connections we seem to chase the most these days as we rely more and more on social media to get our “message” out there to “build our brand”. It sure feels like we need to constantly be networking ourselves to others in order to stay connected in today’s world. How do we stay plugged in to the things that keep us grounded, stable, and secure? What about our internal connection to God and the Holy Spirit? I am grateful that I have been shown and taught to seek quiet time daily, and even hourly at times, to connect with God to stabilize my heart and quiet my mind. When I do this, I become grounded and connected in the right way that makes my day go in the direction it needs to instead of more out of control. How are you keeping your inner connection solid?.. Check your experience… “In nearly all cases, their ideals must be grounded in a power greater than themselves,” Big Book pg xxviii Lord, let us seek Your grace and guidance daily to be grounded securely in your will and not fall victim to the illusions of worldly clamors, AMEN. “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 Have a blessed day y’all! THERE IS STILL TIME to get your 2017 AZ Tax Credit! YES for 2017! Come on now….MAKE A DIFFERENCE! $400 provides furniture to make a house into a home for our clients and families escaping homelessness and hopelessness. Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! Visit our website www.FurnitureBank.us and click on the PayPal button for a secure transaction and tax receipt that will follow within 48 hours. Please help us help others! We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Please help us help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Measuring our motives. .. Way back when I was in grade school, every time we went to visit my father's Aunt Mabel, she would send me to visit her friend Mrs. Wheatley. Now this was not fun for a 10 year old boy, but when the visit was over I would walk away with a big candy bar! So I was always willing to pay a visit to Mrs. Wheatley. Sadly today, that is the only thing I remember about Mrs. Wheatley. Now y'all can say it's because I am old and my boyhood memories have faded, but the sad truth is my only motive in going was for the candy bar. Ever participated in something purely for a self-serving gain? Heck, I am guilty of that at times still to this very day! My point is that when others are counting on us to be there, we should check ourselves and our motives to make sure we are there for the right reasons. Check your experience. ... . "Our thought-life will be placed on a much higher plane when our thinking is cleared of wrong motives." Big Book pg 86. Lord please help me clear my mind of self-serving thoughts so that my heart can participate 100% for the right reasons based on Your will and not mine, AMEN "All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord." Proverbs 16:2 Have a blessed day y'all! THERE IS STILL TIME to get your 2017 AZ Tax Credit! YES for 2017! Come on now….MAKE A DIFFERENCE! $400 provides furniture to make a house into a home for our clients and families escaping homelessness and hopelessness. Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! Visit our website www.FurnitureBank.us and click on the PayPal button for a secure transaction and tax receipt that will follow within 48 hours. Please help us help others! We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Please help us help others!http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

What's in your heart?... We all have this autopilot inside of us that handles our daily routine functions. Breathing and walking are the obvious ones but what about those expected and meaningless interactions? You know, like the store clerk or that same person you see daily in the hall or gym? You have no emotional connection to them. They say "How you doing? " and you say "fine" with no thought or effort. Now what about when you need to either forgive someone or let go of something locked inside your heart by emotions of pride, anger, or other hurt feelings? Do you find yourself mouthing the words of the correct or expected response yet keeping your imagined control of it in your heart? Perhaps that's why we stay needlessly hurt or angry. We lock that thing in our heart yet act like it's gone. God can fix that but we have to open our hearts and let go for real. Check your experience... . "he should understand that he must undergo a change of heart." Big Book pg 143. Lord let us open our hearts to be filled with your Spirit and healed by your grace, AMEN "I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts." Isaiah 57:15 Have a blessed day y’all! We will be collecting new socks and underwear and gently used men, women and children’s clothing, shoes, purses, and belts. Every piece helps! We will also be collecting hygiene products (Shampoo, Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Deodorant, Lotion, etc) If you would like to donate, please contact us at Backpacks 4 Kids Az, Inc. - bp4kidsaz@gmail.com Furniture Bank, In. Mark@FurnitureBank.us Who I am Foundation -halona.pineda@outlook.com Zuri's Circle - zuriscircle.mbc@gmail.com Drop Off Location is Arizona Storage Inn Address: 6750 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043 Monday- Friday 9am- 6pm https://www.backpacks4kidsaz.com/

Our tricky minds…..Sometimes when I let my mind wander, it tries to take me down the path of doubt. If I permit this “stinkin’ thinkin’” to continue then the path widens to include worry, fear, and ultimately negativity all fueled from my own self-will. What helps me during these times is to remember that the answers are not in my head and that I am no longer in charge of me. When I made the life changing decision to turn my will and my life over to God, HE became not only my “Employer” but also my mentor, guide, and rock. I have learned to stay out of my own head and not go there by myself because it is filled with fear based illusions fueled by the worldly clamors around us. God has us covered. He not only has us here for a purpose, but also HE has a plan for us that we can easily understand if we seek His will daily. Check your experience… . “We had a new Employer. Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well. Established on such a footing we became less and less interested in ourselves, our little plans and designs.” Big Book pg 63. Lord, let us know in our hearts that You have a purpose and a plan for us that will keep us secure, successful, serene, and covered by Your grace, AMEN. “God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.” Ephesians 2:10 Have a blessed day y’all! THERE IS STILL TIME to get your 2017 AZ Tax Credit! YES for 2017! Come on now….MAKE A DIFFERENCE!! You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! Visit our website www.FurnitureBank.us and click on the PayPal button for a secure transaction and tax receipt that will follow within 48 hours. Please help us help others! We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Please help us help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Keep walking toward the light… Have you ever stayed overnight in a hotel or even a friend’s home for the first time and had to find the light switch in the middle of the night? Strange room and unfamiliar surroundings bring us confusion and we find ourselves moving slowly with caution. We know there is light switch there somewhere, so we proceed forward, but ever so slowly because we don’t quite trust our new surroundings and environment. Now think about this with me. Isn’t our reaction the same when we encounter new or unforeseen pressures and circumstances in our lives? How do we handle the new, uncomfortable, and unforeseen? Now maybe it’s different for you, but over time I have learned to seek and trust God’s will in these unfamiliar situations, mainly because, even though I may be uncomfortable and lack experience with handling the situation, I trust in my faith and that God has me covered and will guide me through. How about you?... Check your experience… “I must turn in all things to the Father of Light who presides over us all.” Big Book pg 14 Lord, let us put our faith and trust in You and Your will for us when times get hard and we find ourselves in new or unfamiliar circumstances, AMEN. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing.” 2 Corinthians 4:8 Have a blessed day y’all! We will be collecting new socks and underwear and gently used men, women and children’s clothing, shoes, purses, and belts. Every piece helps! We will also be collecting hygiene products (Shampoo, Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Deodorant, Lotion, etc) If you would like to donate, please contact us at Backpacks 4 Kids Az, Inc. - bp4kidsaz@gmail.com Furniture Bank, In. Mark@FurnitureBank.us Who I am Foundation -halona.pineda@outlook.com Zuri's Circle - zuriscircle.mbc@gmail.com Drop Off Location is Arizona Storage Inn Address: 6750 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043 Monday- Friday 9am- 6pm https://www.backpacks4kidsaz.com/

Different yet the same... Observing people is a hobby of mine. I enjoy learning from others and behavior is usually indicative of a person's habits. Over the years I have seen a blessed pattern emerge when I learn from observing a fellow believer. No matter what the action or activity is, the believer is doing it selflessly to help another without expectation of attention or recognition. This has taught me to remain humble and to keep my focus on others as I continue to grow my relationship with Christ and build my ministry. I constantly remind myself that this (whatever the "this" is) is not about me. ....Check your experience. .... "Helping others is the foundation stone" Big Book pg 97 Lord let our helping actions and activities be focused on helping others and not ourselves, AMEN. "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all." 1 Corinthians 4:12-14. Have a blessed day y'all! There is still time to get your 2016 AZ Tax Credit! YES for 2017! Come on….MAKE A DIFFERENCE! $400 provides furniture to make a house into a home for our clients and families escaping homelessness and hopelessness. Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! Visit our website www.FurnitureBank.us and click on the PayPal button for a secure transaction and tax receipt that will follow within 48 hours. Please help us help others! We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Please help us help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

What goes around COMES around. .. Have you ever played with a bouncing ball? Did you notice that it always comes back to you with the same force you give it? Now I am not trying to teach physics, but the ball example contains today's spiritual thought. I have learned over the years that my relationships with people, places, and things have the same effect. We GET what we GIVE. It's a spiritual principle. When I treat others with grace, I get grace and when I throw out grief and negativity I get it right back. Check your experience. ... "Just to the extent that we do as we think He would have us, and humbly rely on Him, does He enable us to match calamity with serenity." Big Book pg 68. Lord, let us give others the same grace and joy that you freely give us, AMEN. "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you," Matthew 7:12 Have a blessed day y’all! We will be collecting new socks and underwear and gently used men, women and children’s clothing, shoes, purses, and belts. Every piece helps! We will also be collecting hygiene products (Shampoo, Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Deodorant, Lotion, etc) If you would like to donate, please contact us at Backpacks 4 Kids Az, Inc. - bp4kidsaz@gmail.com Furniture Bank, In. Mark@FurnitureBank.us Who I am Foundation -halona.pineda@outlook.com Zuri's Circle - zuriscircle.mbc@gmail.com Drop Off Location is Arizona Storage Inn Address: 6750 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043 Monday- Friday 9am- 6pm https://www.backpacks4kidsaz.com/

So why is it that sometimes we think we are walking in faith yet we still have that feeling of doom, failure, and or fear in our heads? Change brings this on more than anything for me. Now maybe it’s different for you, but I have this crazy head and it sometimes doesn’t like to connect with my heart. What I have learned, and mostly the hard way over the years, is that my self-will lives in my head and it loves to tell my heart what a loser and failure it thinks I am. Thanks to God, AA, and a picket fence of friends, I have learned to tune that noise in my head out and focus on my heart where the Holy Spirit resides and directs me if I let Him. So when I get that feeling that perhaps I am going to fail or things are not going to go right, I politely thank my head and then shut the door on those thoughts and focus on what my faith and my heart are saying to me. How do you quiet your head so your heart can lead you?.. Check your experience… “Here was something at work in a human heart which had done the impossible.” Big Book pg 11 Lord, let us turn out will and our lives over to Your care and direction daily, AMEN. “And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?” Luke 24:38 Have a blessed day y’all! There is still time to get your 2017 AZ Tax Credit! YES for 2017! Come on….MAKE A DIFFERENCE! $400 provides furniture to make a house into a home for our clients and families escaping homelessness and hopelessness. Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! Visit our website www.FurnitureBank.us and click on the PayPal button for a secure transaction and tax receipt that will follow within 48 hours. Please help us help others! We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Please help us help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Don’t turn a bad moment into a bad day….Have you ever noticed that what you focus on influences how you feel and act? For instance playing with children can make some older folks feel young and more alive. How about the feeling of accomplishment after completing a work out at the gym? What about the uncomfortable and unpleasant parts of our day that we all have? Have you ever noticed what happens when we focus on that? It tends to drag us into the negative mindset and brings us down. Now maybe it’s different for you, but I have found that when I enter into the unpleasant moments of my day, instead of focusing on the anticipation of the impending doom or negativity, I remind myself of all the good in my life and that this is just a moment in my day that will eventually pass. I find that when I greet negative times with cheerfulness, the negativity has a hard time taking me hostage. How’s that working out for you?.. Check your experience… “We were prepared to look at it from an entirely different angle.” Big Book pg 66 Lord, let us walk through the negative times knowing this is but a moment but You are in our heart forever and that we have blessings awaiting us, AMEN. “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” Philippians 2:14-15 Have a blessed day y’all! Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Please help us help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Drop the doubt… Facing the Giants is a movie close to my heart. One of the scenes in the movie involves a young man that basically has been crippled by doubt in his abilities and it has spread to his faith. Luckily he has a few men in his life that see this and help him to work through his doubts and embrace faith not only in his abilities but also grow his faith in God. This reminds me look at myself and examine the areas in my life where doubt has invaded to limit my belief in myself and the power of Jesus. My experience has taught me that when I drop the doubt and replace it with faith in myself and the Lord, amazing things happen. What areas of your life are controlled by doubt and holding you back?... Check your experience… “Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more… You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” Matthew 21-21:22 Lord, let us drop our doubts and replace them with faith in ourselves and You, AMEN. “I was to sit quietly when in doubt, asking only for direction and strength to meet my problems as He would have me.” Big Book pg 13 Have a blessed day y’all! Furniture Bank is partnering with Backpacks 4 Kids AZ and these amazing organizations; Who I Am Foundation and Zuri's Circle to collect clothes and hygiene products for families in need. We will be collecting new socks and underwear and gently used men, women and children’s clothing, shoes, purses, and belts. Every piece helps! We will also be collecting hygiene products (Shampoo, Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Deodorant, Lotion, etc) If you would like to donate, please contact us at Backpacks 4 Kids Az, Inc - bp4kidsaz@gmail.com Furniture Bank, Inc Mark@FurnitureBank.us Who I am Foundation - halona.pineda@outlook.com Zuri's Circle - zuriscircle.mbc@gmail.com Drop Off Location is Arizona Storage Inn Address: 6750 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043 Monday- Friday 9am- 6pmhttps://www.backpacks4kidsaz.com/

I want what I want WHEN I want it….Perhaps it’s different for you, but I can’t tell you how many times this thought has sparked reactions that led to actions with bad outcomes from my hurried and poorly thought out decisions. I get it, the self-willed human in me wants to override my spiritual nature and get that perceived TEMPORARY GAIN. It’s in those moments my self-will blocks me from seeing the long term outcomes and the effects on my hasty wants and desires. When I quiet those urges through prayer, counsel with others wiser than me, and in trusting my faith, that I wait and let God provide me with the natural choice. More often than not, I am amazed because it turns out way better than I ever expected! Check your experience…. “Patience, tolerance, understanding and love are the watchwords.” Big Book pg. 118. Lord, please let me learn to pray to want what I get instead of getting what I want, AMEN. “Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage;” Psalm 27:14 Have a blessed day y’all! Furniture Bank serves folks who are not as blessed as we are right now. You can still donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your 2017 tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! Visit our website www.FurnitureBank.us and click on the PayPal button for a secure transaction and tax receipt that will follow within 48 hours. Please help us help others! Every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Please help us help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html