Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Selena Day: The Storm

Written by Staff on May 9, 2020 – 9:35 am -

The Storm by Selena Day

James 3: 4 & 5 

 4, And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5, So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

 

I

have been hearing a lot about storms, ships, or boats during this season of uncertainty. This post recently came across my social media feed:

“We are not in the same boat…..It is being said that we are all in the same boat, but it’s not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat.”

A very insightful quote from an anonymous source got me to pay more attention to the narrative flowing in the world right now. We have gone from the fear of sickness to the worry of economic catastrophe. Our political leaders are making decisions, whether good or bad, and because we have a platform on social media, we feel the need to voice our opinion concerning those decisions. 

I want to caution us to remember James’ advice concerning our tongues. We are in this storm together, but are you commanding your ship with the help of your creator? Where have you placed the authority of your ship? You should be the one in command of your vessel, hopefully leaning into the wisdom and revelation of Jesus Christ and what it means to have a personal relationship with God.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Another translation reads this way; “What you say can preserve life or destroy it, so you must accept the consequences of your words.” 

What we say collectively during this season is so powerful, because, for the first time in history, we have the ability to speak as one. The world is so connected, not just by observation through television, but by communication via our many social media platforms. We can see and hear what a friend halfway around the world is encountering due to the corona pandemic. 

Strong’s gives this definition for the word tongue: i. e. the language used by a particular people in distinction from that of other nations. 

Let us remember what kingdom we belong to, a heavenly realm where our language and speech come from a place of victory. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are ambassadors of God’s Kingdom, and as such, we need to speak with the tongue of that kingdom.  That kingdom is rich in everything we will ever need. Healing, provision, strength of character, peace, joy, and so much more.  

I believe our words and our thoughts are so powerful. What we think in our mind usually comes out of our mouths. So, let us place our thoughts on what is above, that which is eternal, and not what is temporal.

In this storm we are experiencing, may we find comfort and solace in our unified experiences of each ship’s navigation through the storm. Let us learn from one another and uplift each other. Let us not use this time to destroy with words, but to encourage and uplift those around us. Let us press into our heavenly identity and speak the language of God.

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them, so do not let fear be your driving force. Let love be the strength from which you operate. Love from our heavenly Father and love from him towards those around us. 

Let victory be our battle-cry! This pandemic will not be the end of us, but let it be the launching pad that will bring revival to our lands.  Let it be the launching pad that will usher in creative and new ventures in our world.  

Here in Atlanta, where I am from, we have a top-rated popsicle company. This company was birthed by two guys who were laid-off during the 2008 economic crash. When that happened, they could have very quickly given up hope, and to be honest, may have had that moment. Still, they decided to get creative and started mixing flavors you would not usually think of, like Pineapple, Jalapeno flavor popsicle, and Maple, Bacon flavor popsicle, to name a few. This company is very successful and has even splintered off into other endeavors in our community.  

Let this be a testimony for you, that whatever comes your way, victory is your end-game. God’s DNA lies within us as humans, and if you believe that God cannot fail and that no darkness lies within him, then you must believe that you are designed for success. Failure is a learning experience, not an ultimate end.  

Do not let your rudder drive yourself or others away from the creator, but use your words to bring healing, hope, and peace to a time in which the world is searching for answers. Let us all remember that Jesus Christ is the answer. He is the author and perfector of our faith.

By Selena Day

www.journey4women.com

www.queenliving.org

Selena Day is a motivational speaker and is available to speak at your conference or event.  You may contact her at selenaday@me.com http://www.queenliving.org  http://facebook.com/queenismsbyselenaday. Photographs courtesy of Selena Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: Chuck Day, COVID-19, Creator, God, Jesus, Selena Day, Storm
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Selena Day: Faith in Uncertainty

Written by Staff on April 6, 2020 – 9:01 am -

I sit on my back porch, listening to the birds, chatting and going about their daily lives. I can hear my neighbors working in their yards, taking advantage of this beautiful day. On the surface, nothing seems to be out of the ordinary. I can hear cars driving by and lawnmowers running. If you didn’t know that we were suffering from a pandemic at this moment, you couldn’t tell that the world was confined to their homes.  

I almost feel like a bear that has been in hibernation. The last time we were out and things felt somewhat normal, it was cold, and today I step outside, and the warmth of spring is enveloping me, giving me hope as I sit and converse with my savior about what my future holds.  

I am reminded of the scripture in Philippians 4, one of my favs, vs. 8 “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (NLT)

I learned many years ago while going through a challenging time to put this scripture into action. 

I have been accused of not being practical in certain circumstances and that there is a fine line between faith and foolishness. When I married my husband over 30+ years ago, I was a new Christian and was utterly and totally committed to living my life for Jesus. I had no idea what it meant to be in the ministry. I had no idea what it meant to be musical, but because of my covenant relationship with Chuck, we began a journey of living by faith.

It has been a crazy roller-coaster of a ride, but it has taken us places that I never dreamed I would go. I have served and met people that were so different than me, and I have learned that God’s love is more significant than the four walls of my church. 

So many memories flood my mind, even writing this, too many to share. But, I have learned how critical listening to God is, when the world is so full of loud voices telling a particular narrative. Your safety resides in Him and not in this world. Your provision comes from Him and not in your job. Your joy lies in Him and not in your circumstances. 

Honestly, so far, through this crazy time in our history, I have had more peace than I have known in a long time. I’m not saying that I haven’t gotten stir crazy or felt depressed. I told a friend just the other day that I had felt as if I had been in training for this for a long time.  

I believe that verse 6 in Philippians 4 gives us a great key. “Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life.” (TPT)

Tell him every detail of your life! If you are afraid, tell him; if you hate someone, tell him; if you are angry with him for letting you down, tell him. And then allow yourself to listen. It may not be immediate, but He will give you answers or strategies to make it through.  

God cares about you and your life. He designed each one of us in a specific unique way, and we are designed to operate in that unique way. When we follow him and learn to become the person he has created us to be, we will see great victories and miracles in our lives. 

I can only share the stories of my journey to help others understand this, but I would challenge you to sit alone with God and think about your own journey. Where has He shown up? When has he broke through the dark clouds of your storms and shined His light of love?

Let me give you some practical tips on how to do this. First, find a quiet place, and still your mind. Secondly, see God smiling at you. Whatever your image of God, that image is smiling at you. Then just sit as he smiles and know that He loves you so much. Now just listen….

During this time of uncertainty, remember to fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.  There have been so many of them. People coming together like never before. Prayers being lifted for not only our county but our world. Revival is breaking out! 

Seeing these things happen, I am reminded of the prayers we as the church prayed many years ago. We are seeing them unfold right before our eyes.  

Your focus can be on the sickness, and the fear that comes with it or your focus can be on our great big God and how He is moving during these crazy chaotic days.

By Selena Day

www.journey4women.com

www.queenliving.org

Selena Day is a motivational speaker and is available to speak at your conference or event.  You may contact her at selenaday@me.com http://www.queenliving.org  http://facebook.com/queenismsbyselenaday. Photographs courtesy of Selena Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: Chuck Day, Faith, God, Selena Day, Uncertainty
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Selena Day: Christmas Love

Written by Staff on December 10, 2019 – 10:27 am -

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I pretty much begin decorating right after Halloween. Because of our traveling schedule, Christmas is usually the only holiday I decorate for. During this time, it looks like Christmas regurgitated all over my house. I have the 1960’s Christmas cartoon philosophy to decorating.  

 

Romans 12:2 NLT “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

 

With the Christmas season upon us, the same old discussions of what is excess versus what is not enough, tend to begin to war in our minds as well as in the Christian community. Asking ourselves, are we missing the ‘real’ reason for the season by our rushing around in a fury of activity? Like Paul, I say, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, not the media nor your church peers.  

 

 

I really hate how we tend to judge others, by what is either going on in our own lives or what is going on culturally in our society. The other night Chuck and I, after a very long day of work, went out to eat at a restaurant. Both of us had our cell phones out, checking our social media, e-mails, and just basically decompressing from our day. We were chatting about what we had seen on our Facebook pages, and I thought of how many times we judge others doing this very same thing. We are seeing them as not connecting, instead of what it was for us, our time to relax and reconnect with what was going on in our family’s lives.  

 

Gal. 5:1 MSG. “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.” 

 

Gal. 5:14 NLT. “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

 

I love what verse 14 says; for the ‘whole law’ can be summed up in this one command, love. Isn’t this what the season of Christmas is all about; God so loved us that he sent his son. And that son was sent not to condemn us but to save us. Isn’t this the very foundation for Christmas? We celebrate the birth of God’s Son into this world and how it changed the very fabric of time.

 

I have been meditating on Romans 12:2 lately. In that scripture, it tells us not to copy the behavior and customs of this world. What are the behavior and customs of this world? Jesus said to us that the world would know we are different because of our love for one another. What does that look like, practically, in your life? He also tells us that even the tax collectors, the dregs of society, love those who love them. 

 

Our country is the most divided than I can ever remember it being. Now is our time as believers to stand up and love. Chuck and I have been married for 31 years. During that time, we both had had to choose to love the other, even when we were unlovable. Any parent will tell you that sometimes it is hard to love the child that may resent you or blame you for the pain and hurt they have experienced. You may love them, but being “in love” with them is a whole different experience.

  

Go on a search for love this Christmas season. Learn to love yourself again and allow God to help you to love others. So many people are in pain. Longing for someone to come along and make a difference in their lives. That difference just might be you. 

 

Someone, somewhere just might be asking God to reach out to them, and God may be asking you to be his hand extended. Think of the one person right now that brings up the most difficult emotions…do you have their face in your mind? Now maybe you need to reach out to them? Or perhaps they need your prayers right now? This is how we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. By changing the way you think about a person or a circumstance changes the brain cells in your brain, it releases healing to you.

  

This is how our world will change. I love the scene in the movie Elf. They are trying to get Santa’s sleigh to fly, and they remember what Buddy the Elf said about singing Christmas carols and spreading cheer for all to hear. Christians have the power to spread Christmas cheer all year long because our Christmas cheer is about Christ and how he came to save us, and our world. 

 

This Christmas season, you can change the very atmosphere around you by bringing the love of God to those around you. Not the judgment you believe God has for the world, but his love. Scripture tells us that love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. Let us become different, showing love for others, and being the change you want to see around you.

 

The world is waiting for you.

By Selena Day

www.journey4women.com

www.queenliving.org

Selena Day is a motivational speaker and is available to speak at your conference or event.  You may contact her at selenaday@me.com http://www.queenliving.org  http://facebook.com/queenismsbyselenaday. Photographs courtesy of Selena Day.

Read more Gospel Music News in the latest SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE.

 

 

 

Tags: christmas, Chuck Day, Gospel, Love, music, Selena Day
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Selena Day: Are you living in the trenches?

Written by Staff on October 17, 2019 – 8:49 am -

A Woman’s Journey By Selena Day

I just returned from Ireland, where I led a group of women in an encounter with our Savior. There is something majestic about being in God’s creation that moves us to experience him in ways that we usually do not in our regular routines.

During this trip, I recalled our time in Ireland during 2001. Just one month after the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, we traveled to Northern Ireland for Chuck to sing.  While there, our troops invaded Afghanistan, and I remember how homesick I was for my country. I will also never forget the love and compassion the Irish people had for us, coming up to us with tears in their eyes, telling us that they were praying for our country.  It was during that trip I first realized the power that kindness has on humanity. 

Even though that kindness made a mark on my heart forever, we were hearing stories of the crowds at sporting events chanting, “USA! USA!”  We saw pictures of our flag flying high, and the words “unity” and “patriotism” were used when describing the feelings coming from America.  There were moments during that tour when all I wanted was to just be in my home country standing under Old Glory while it flew overhead, giving me comfort that victory would be ours. 

I love our national anthem, but there is one phrase that always brings tears to my eyes; “and the rockets red glare the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.” These few lines paint such a vivid picture. I often think about our faith as well and am reminded of the verse that says, “his banner over me is love.”

When your life seems filled with storms and war, you feel hunkered down in the trenches just trying to survive. Just remember that sometimes you need to look up and see his flag is still flying over you. His love is still waving as a beacon of hope for your life. 

As we enter into another election year, we can already see some of the vitriol that was spewed out during our last election, beginning to erupt out on social media. Let us look up at his flag flying over us and remember that his banner is LOVE. 

Love covers a multitude of sins. In the greek, the word “sin” is translated from the word, hamartia, which means to miss the mark. 1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, continuously echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins.” (missing the mark).

Let us raise God’s flag over our nation, over those that are different than us in views and lifestyles. Let his canopy of love fly over us, keeping the enemy from destroying us from within. John 13:34-35, ”A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”

I want to hear from saints like Smith Wigglesworth; “I start out in the flesh, but end up in the spirit.” 

 

When I find myself hunkered down in the trench that God has for me, and I hear the bombs going off; when it is dark all around me, and I don’t know if I really am in the right place of his perfect will, I can look up, and through the smoke and haze, I see his flag waving, and I know that I am not alone.  

It may not look like much right now, but his flag is still waving, and that is all I need to bring me through.   I may be stumbling around in my flesh, but I trust his word “Christ in ME the hope of glory,” and victory will prevail.

My prayer is that the love of the Father will be so strong in you that it will overflow to those around you.  I pray that if life seems to be a warzone for you right now, that you will remember to look up and know that our flag is not down, it is flying high, and God’s love will break down the walls, God’s love will move mountains, and God’s love will make a way where there seems to be no way.  

Let us be that love, let us show his love and let us rise above the rhetoric and become a beacon for others to follow to bring healing and restoration.

By Selena Day

www.journey4women.com

www.queenliving.org

Selena Day is a motivational speaker and is available to speak at your conference or event.  You may contact her at selenaday@me.com http://www.queenliving.org  http://facebook.com/queenismsbyselenaday. Photographs courtesy of Selena Day.

For more Gospel music features, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

Tags: Christian living, Christian love, Christian Music, Chuck Day, God, Jesus, Selena Day
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Gospel Music Artists celebrate July 4th

Written by Staff on July 4, 2019 – 9:30 am -

Gospel music artists across America are celebrating July 4th in many different ways. How are they celebrating independence day? Many are having a great time with family and friends enjoying this 4th of July. Others will be hard at work making sure there are great family-friendly events for listeners to enjoy.

Debbie Bennett says she will be with family. Vonda Armstrong says she will be swimming, cooking out, and watching a fireworks show with family.

Jonathan Wilburn: Wilburn and Wilburn are headed to Somerset, Kentucky, for the big King Of Kings Radio 4th of July celebration with our friend Kevin Spencer! Free singing and fireworks!

Yvonne Dodrill of the Dodrill Family: Our church stakes out a large area on a hill at our local park. We all eat together and then watch the fireworks, which go off right above our heads! It’s awesome! Our family looks forward to it every year.

Donnie Williamson: 50th anniversary of this great event (in Lorne Grove) Honored to be a part! (See poster) (Free)

Scott Whitener of the Carolina Boys: Me and the boys are singing at the Fourth of July town festival in White Pine, Tennessee.

Jessica Horton: Cookout lunch with my family. To make it simple, we are doing “bring your own meat” for the grill and potluck sides to share.

David Greshem: I am singing in the annual 4th of July parade in Douglasville, Georgia. I will be riding a float right through the middle of town It will be exciting! God bless our country!

Tanya Goodman Sykes: Spending the afternoon with our dear friends Ken and Lisa and a passel of other folks.

Lottie Squires, of WCKB :I’ll work until 5pm, because a radio station never closes…and then I’ll go see the Down East Boys!

Chuck Day: Flying to Houston, Texas, to do a 4th of July show in Spring, Texas.

Wayne Shuford: Singing at a Peach Festival with Pine Ridge Boys…

Karen Connell of the Connells: Hannah & Heather are leading worship at church camp this week. Chris and I are headed there tomorrow (4th) for the holiday to visit old friends a bit and Chris will be preaching the evening sermon.

Faron Lewis: Enjoying a wonderful weekend in the great mountains and town of Pagosa Springs,Colorado;c , hiking, roastup some s’mores, enjoy some family fellowship and watch the firework show the town hosts. Has always been a family tradition!

Tammy Dunaway of the Dunaways: On the road ..

Bink Mooney: Promised Land Quartet is in concert. We are singing in the 53rd Annual Celebration of Freedom in Stanley, Virginia.

Paula McDougle: Purpose will be singing at our local “Jam on Sloss Lake.” This is an all-day free event sponsored by our local officials.

Adam Dungey of Bros. 4: Hanging with family. Cooking, 4 wheeler riding.

Bonita Eileen: Celebrating this beautiful country and my freedom to worship Jesus Christ with my family and friends not just on the 4th of July but everyday I live. Recovering from surgery and eating watermelon and grilled burgers with my kiddos.

Tim Griffin: Having a private sing along with The Griffins and The Bledsoes and a fish fry with about 30 guests at Myrtle Beach.

Rusty Rowan of Pardoned: Nashville with the wife and kids!

Debra Wilson of Eagle’s Wings: Family. Probably some music. Eating.

Eric Baker: The Bakers will be singing an old fashioned tent revival in Cortland, N.Y. Starts tonight and goes thru Sunday.

Danny Daniels of Matchless Grace: We always try to go and see the fireworks. Our daughter Amanda was born on July 5th. When she was little, we could see the fireworks displays from 3 different cities right from our front lawn. We would tell Amanda “Everyone in the world was celebrating her Birthday.” lol. Well she’s still a Princess to us!

Dianne Wilkinson: I will be attending a family reunion in my hometown, Blytheville, Arkansas, of my mother’s side of my family…the Hardins. This reunion has been continuous since my Great Grandparents’ era. We are smaller in number, but still love to be together. Thankful for our Christian heritage.

Greg Sullivan: Fishing for the first time at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Brookeland Texas with my wife Lisa and her older brother Foster.

Jim Visser: Spending some quality time camping with my family…. a much needed break!

Steve Dover of ClearVision Quartet: Smoking several racks of ribs and going to the Sand Mountain Potato Festival.

Todd Seaborg: Big Blessin is singing for the town of McLean, Miss.. We do a couple of hours of Gospel music before the fireworks show. This is our fifth year in a row.

Shelia Heil: Working at home.

Stephen Sigmon of Sounds of Jericho: Family time for sure…cooking…eating….fireworks in our neighborhood. Celebrating America….and how good God has been to her.

Jason Dyess: We always go to a friend’s property and cookout all day, ride four wheelers, the kids slide down a redneck water slide. We close the day with a big fireworks show.

Tammy Norris: I’m sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ at a July 4th singing in Williamsburg, Kentucky! Declaring my freedom through the blood of Jesus! What better way to celebrate? Hot dogs, sweet fellowship and praising our Lord!

Charlie Griffin: Singing and ministering in an annual Tennessee campmeeting.

Mark Mathes: BBQ, yard games and fireworks with family and friends.

Sara Lewis: Singing at the local Potato Festival and going to watch fireworks over the lake in Guntersville.

Vernon and Susan Gibbs of the Gibbs Family: Island Lake God and Country Day BBQ, July 4th day..Fireworks Extravaganza from barge in middle of island lake..The Gibbs Family along with other singers and also Murf the Surf..

Christie Hemphill: Watching fireworks!

Earl King: Singing at Foothills Gospel Music Park 2303 Prospect Road Carnesville, Georgia, 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Tom Walker of the Walkers: Staying at home, nursing my wife back to health after surgery.

Greg Inman: I’m in Washington, D.C. and I plan to attend the President’s Speech at the Lincoln Memorial, as well as enjoy the flyovers of each branch of the military and then the D.C.fireworks. I not bragging but……wait, I am bragging. It’s okay to be jealous.

Elaine Harcourt: Staying in where it’s cool and watching some of my DVDs.

Edna Wright: Family outing and picnic at the Atlanta Zoo!

Brenda Ann Denney: I will be celebrating the 4th with my kids and grandkids in Los Angeles, California.

Don Paff: Getting together with friends to eat and play Canasta! Boys beat girls.

Donna Journey of the Journeys: Relaxing, cooking out at our fire pit and going to see fireworks in our hometown.

Kevin Lane and Bobby Hunter: Our group, Isaiah 61, will be singing in Irwinton, Georgia, under the fireworks display.

Harvey Madden: Cooking and out and going to enjoy my Independence Day celebration with my family and friends.

Jan Harbuck: Traveling to Branson, Missouri, to sing at Jammin’ for Jesus! Celebrating Jesus and helping our veterans.

Brian Davis: Sleeping in ’til 5 a.m. or so….having a family picnic at my sister’s house (less to clean up that way)… Relatives coming in from California, N.Y.C. and Texas.

Bruce Yates: Singing with Crystal Valley Trio at the Linton Freedom Festival in Linton, Indiana.

Angela Parker of Mercy Rain : My son will be playing trumpet with the Gilbert Marching Indians in the Gilbert Peach Festival Parade. After that we will spend time hanging out at the Gilbert Peach Festival, then we will spend the evening watching the fireworks that end the Gilbert Peach Festival. Can I type Gilbert Peach Festival enough?

Terry Kanipe of the Singing Epps Family: Hanging with family. Then going to church. And then find some fireworks to admire. Wanda Epps Kanipe loves fireworks!

Thank you to all those who let us know how they are planning on celebrating Independence Day. May all of our readers enjoy the 4th of July!

 

Tags: Chuck Day, Dodrill Family, Dunaways, Eagle’s Wings, Goodman Revival, Gospel music artists, Jonathan Wilburn, Pardoned, Southern Gospel Music, Williamsons
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Selena Day: Finding Life Within

Written by Staff on June 20, 2019 – 12:57 pm -

I married Chuck when I was 22 years old and thus began my journey traveling. I have spent most of my adult life living out of a suitcase. We have raised two daughters from diapers to homeschooling and into young adulthood, while still maintaining a home and staying on the road three to four days out of the week. We had a bus when the girls were very young; they actually learned to walk on a tour bus.

I have been to 34 states, and I think 40 (give or take one or two) countries. I tell you all this only to make a point.

Over the past 10 years, the words, ‘Adventure, Explore, and Journey’ have all been percolating through our society. A study recently showed that millennials would rather use their money to travel than to purchase large investment items such as homes, land, stocks. They believe that experience will bring greater happiness to them than material things.

This article is not meant to dispute this logic because I have had so many amazing experiences while traveling, but I also love coming home. My home, not my parent’s house, but mine. If I come back off the road and feel really tired and don’t want to unpack and wash my clothes for a day or two, I can. No one can tell me that I can’t, because it is my house. There have been weeks in our life that I never unpacked. I came in, took the dirty clothes, washed them and repacked them in our suitcases, and loaded back up. There were clothes strewn all over the house, and the house actually looked cleaner after we left than when we were there.

I say all this because one thing I have discovered from all this traveling, is that happiness is not found in anything but that which resides within. I honestly believe that it is Christ within me that brings hope, happiness, and joy; absolutely anything we will ever need in this life. It is through him, in him and with him only that we can live and thrive in this life.  

I have learned that happiness is not found just beyond the horizon and happiness is not found in what you own or what you do. Happiness is living the life you were created to live, and our journey is about discovering what this life is meant to be.  

I am not trying to imply that travel is not suitable for your soul, because I absolutely believe this to be true; but I also think that living a fulfilling life is about so many different things. It is about the people you surround yourself with, it is about the purpose you have in your life.

Don’t judge someone because they choose the life they are living.

Scripture says that love covers a multitude of sins. And the simple definition for sin is; missing the mark. We get the word sin from the Greek word hamartia.  This word was used during the first century church times in Greek literature when telling a Greek tragedy. It was commonly understood to refer to an error or tragic flaw that lead to a chain of plot actions culminating in a reversal from bliss to disaster. It qualified as the failure or deficiency resulting from ignorance, a mistake of judgment, a flaw in character or wrongdoing.

I think this is important to understand when loving others and living our life. Realizing that, Peter believed significantly in the sacrificial love of Christ to change our lives so drastically from every negative influence that we obtain in life, from lousy parenting to the negative effect of friends or colleagues. When we love, we literally change the course of a person’s life for the better.

Living a wholehearted, full, and happy life can only come with knowing who you are inside. It’s in finding absolute truth as your foundation for all that you do, whether it be in finding the adventure in life when traveling, or being the strong influence of stability by staying in one place, or in my case, doing a little of both.

For me, my truth comes from God. I believe that man cannot save himself. I have a redeemer and he not only saved me once for eternity, but he continually rescues me from adversity. Either by showing me that I am strong and smarter than I once believed, and I can work through my battle, or by miraculously delivering me.

I know that I am loved. No matter what I do or what I say, I am loved by a greater force than I could ever begin to comprehend. And that love gives me the courage to pursue my dreams, to fail and to get up and try again. I am grateful that I have a Savior that loves me and has made way for me to live my best life.  

I pray that if you do not know him, you will stop right now and just talk to him. Just begin to ask questions in your own words and allow him to answer them. He will.

Life is worth living. But real life is in Jesus Christ. Scripture says to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  Zoe, Zao living means to live abundantly, vigorously, fully. So today I pray that if you are struggling wherever you may be; traveling on the road or sitting at home on the couch, you will know that there is a God that loves you and he has a plan for your life.  

Your best days are yet to come.  

By Selena Day

Selena Day is a regular writer for SGNScoops Magazine. She and her husband, Chuck Day, are tireless ministers of God. Chuck is a Christian Country artist.

Selena Day is a motivational speaker and is available to speak at your conference or event.  You may contact her at selenaday@me.com http://www.queenliving.org  http://facebook.com/queenismsbyselenaday. Photographs courtesy of Selena Day.

Read the May SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Tags: Chuck Day, Devotional, Jesus Christ, Life in Jesus, Selena Day
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Selena Day: It’s Fashion Week!

Written by Staff on June 4, 2019 – 8:17 am -

It is fashion week here in the south, and my social media feed has been awash with all the latest fashion trends coming out for the next season.

I love fashion, especially shoes! I must confess I have a bit of a shoe addiction which I am happy to NOT overcome.

I love art…I love clothes, shoes, and purses…I hate coffee…I am totally and passionately devoted to Jesus…I could eat chocolate with every meal…I drink hot tea like most people drink coffee and I love my family.

I am so grateful for my husband. I think he is the most charming and funniest man I have ever met. I am forever thankful that God has allowed me to live this crazy life that I have been given. Even though some days are harder to walk through than others, I believe that when I look through the filter of Christ in me the hope of glory, I can see a beautiful tapestry God has woven for my life.

I believe what the scriptures say, “We fearfully and wonderfully made.” God created us for a purpose. Our job is to discover who we are in Him so that our destiny can come forth in vibrant reflections of His nature, allowing our most authentic self to be seen.

Last summer while Chuck was singing at a venue in Louisiana, I saw a plaque on the wall in the back of the theater with the quote: “Art is something you do for yourself. A craft is something you do for everyone else.”

This resonated with me, and I wrote it down in my journal to ponder on.

Over 30 years ago at the age of 22, I married into a family full of talent. Everyone could sing and play an instrument. I was the oddball, and during that season God took me on a journey of self-discovery to uncover the artist heart within myself.

I have always been an observer of people. Chuck will fuss at me when we travel because he says that I stare too much at people. I guess I do, but I love watching people interact. I love watching how people in different cultures express their unique creativity. In Texas, Wrangler jeans and cowboy hats are the fashion, while in Thailand, people wear specific colors during the week to honor the King.

I am amazed at the artistry in the temples of Asia. The precision of the arrangement for the flowers and the sculpting of the fruit that is daily made to pay homage to their golden and marble gods.

I listen in awe as beautiful African ladies stand up to begin singing their praise songs to our God. The vocal ability of these women would put most of the entertainers on our radio to shame. In South and Central America, the embroidery the women sew into the everyday clothing would rival anything found walking the runways and fashion houses around the world. There are so many talented people all across this world that we live in.

We are in the ministry, but we are also in the entertainment arena. We have decided to use the arts for our Savior and to share the talent and abilities he has given us with those around us. We have chosen to use our craft to bring the kingdom of God to the places He opens for us.

When you decide to make your art into a craft, it is like Peter stepping out of the boat. Fear can paralyze you, but you must focus on the one who calls you. Who is beckoning you out of the familiar boat into the unknown open seas?

As I have discovered, your craft becomes more than just an artistic expression, it is about becoming vulnerable and inviting humanity to be a part of your process.

People say that artists are temperamental with much vanity; heck, I have even made the statement that artists can be narcissistic. And without any wisdom, this could be the condition of an artist soul. Most people do not daily open themselves up to allow the masses to critically dissect the divine within them. So, without looking at wisdom to guide them, it is easy to become self-absorbed with your reflection.

Proverbs says “Trust in the Lord completely and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make.”

You may not think you are talented, but I believe that everyone has creativity and talent within them. You just have to choose to practice what you are being called to and be willing to step out of the boat of security to do the impossible.

Remember that Peter did not walk on water, because we know that it is scientifically impossible to walk on liquid. Peter stepped out and walked on the very word of God. He did the unthinkable because his focus was not on his ability to perform, his focus was on the person he had a relationship with: The Water-Walker, the Multiplier of Provision, the Man who talked to the storms. Peter took the focus off of himself and his ability to do something that only one other person could do and placed it in command of the Savior.

What is God calling you to do? Is it time for you to take your first step out of the boat?

Let me encourage you today to look upward at the one who is the Master artisan of all and let him guide you into the realm of the impossible. He trusts you with all that he has placed inside of you.

By Selena Day

Selena Day is a regular writer for SGNScoops Magazine. She and her husband, Chuck Day, are tireless ministers of God. Chuck is a Christian Country artist.

Selena Day is a motivational speaker and is available to speak at your conference or event.  You may contact her at selenaday@me.com http://www.queenliving.org  http://facebook.com/queenismsbyselenaday. Photographs courtesy of Selena Day.

Read the May SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Tags: Chuck Day, gospel music, Selena Day
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Mother’s Day thoughts by Selena Day

Written by Staff on May 7, 2019 – 2:16 pm -

Selena Brantley Day celebrates motherhood and Mother’s Day

Being a mother has been the most enormous privilege I have had in my life. It has been a rewarding job but also a tough one; I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

I made a decision when my daughters were young that I would choose them over a career. I chose motherhood as my career. Motherhood comes in many forms. Some women work a full-time job and then come home and work another full-time job being a mother. I have always admired those women. Those are some tough cookies.

My generation had choices to make, and I decided to stay at home, but honestly, I wasn’t that “Suzie homemaker” mom. Looking back I see how many times I failed. When our girls were still in diapers, I always felt lacking. I was the mom that forgot to put wet wipes in the diaper bag or didn’t bring a toy for my baby to play with. I was that mom that when my baby was being loud, I didn’t leave the room. I know. I hate that mom now.

I just loved being with my girls and playing with them. They have always been a great joy in my life. No one on this earth can cause me the greatest happiness or the most significant pain than them. Any mother will understand that statement. Your children can be perfect, but when they hurt, you hurt.

I am so grateful for all the women that have touched my life and been a mother to me when I needed it. I pray that my girls will have those influences in their life as well. I am a flawed human, and I know that I cannot fill every need my girls will have, so I pray that God will send great women into my girls’ lives to share wisdom for them to use.

I had never felt the need to have a mother figure in my life because my own mom was present and there for me when I needed her. When describing my parents, I always say, “My sweet daddy, and my sassy mama.” Not meaning my mother isn’t sweet, but she is the type of woman that if you were to get caught in a catfight, you would want her by your side. She is the strongest woman I know.

When I stand on a stage to speak or when working with women, all the women who have poured themselves into my life come out of me. All the sage wisdom that has been grafted into my soul comes out.

Take a moment and think of all the women that have touched your life….forgive those who have hurt you, bless them and let them go. Cherish those who have nurtured you. Call them up on Mother’s Day and let them know what impact they have had on your life.

Women really are such incredible beings. In our fight to be heard let us not lose our ability to hear; in our struggle to show our strength, let us not forget our gentleness.

Today I celebrate all the women that have taught me through word and action that I can be anything I want to be, that I am more than enough, and that with Christ I CAN DO ALL THINGS!

By Selena Day

Selena Day is a regular writer for SGNScoops Magazine. She and her husband, Chuck Day, are tireless ministers of God. Chuck is a Christian Country artist.

Selena Day is a motivational speaker and is available to speak at your conference or event.  You may contact her at selenaday@me.com http://www.queenliving.org  http://facebook.com/queenismsbyselenaday. Photographs courtesy of Selena Day.

Tags: Chuck Day, family, God, Gospel, Jesus Christ, Mothers Day, Selena Day
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Selena Day: Are you battle weary and worn out

Written by Staff on April 23, 2019 – 10:38 am -

Have you ever just been tired and overwhelmed with life? When it felt as if one wave of adversity after another had been washing into your life making you just want to give up and let the waves take you under?

Around you the saints that had been through far worse than you seem to be standing firm with joy in their hearts while you’re wondering if you’re going to make it through.

As I write this, I have a loved one battling for their life in intensive care, and I find my prayers feeling inadequate and pale.

We are in Florida this week and found ourselves blessed to have a day off to enjoy the beach.  This morning I woke up and decided to take a long walk on the beach needing to have a heart to heart conversation with God.  I had music playing on my phone and the song “Way-maker” came on my list.

The words of this song were what I needed to hear.  God is our Way-maker, He’s our Miracle worker, our Promise keeper, our light in the darkness.

As I fumbled around this morning with my faith, I needed His light to come and shine into my heart once again guiding me to who He is and to whom I belong.

Life can be so shaky and uncertain, but our God is faithful and kind. It is not our job to fix those around us, but it is our job to pray and to trust that God has every situation in His hand and He will work ALL things out for our good.

While walking on the beach, I came back to our hotel and noticed a mural that was painted on the seawall beside the steps going up to the hotel. It was worn and faded from all the wind and salt water blown across it over the years. As I get older, I  have learned to appreciate the beauty that comes from a few dings and dents, and scratches and scrapes. It had some stains where water had run down the side from a drainage pipe. The stairs were cracked, and the wood had turned a deep brown.  The paint was chipping in some places.

But instead of seeing disrepair I saw a story about this hotel being there for a long time. Daytona Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world this sea wall had over time protected the inhabitants from the harsh surf during turbulent times.  How many people have walked up and down those stairs without paying attention to how to how well the stairs were made and how they made the beachgoers life more comfortable to get from point A to point B?

I felt a little like that run down, faded wall. There were much prettier, newer structures all along the beach, but that wall was well maintained, and you could tell it had a history. My battles may have dimmed my luster, but the patina left behind; God has turned into a beautiful work of art. I have learned to turn towards him and allow his light to shine through my heart and soul like the fragmented pieces of a stained glass window.

I write this believing for victory for my loved one that they will fully recover and will be supernaturally healed, but to be honest, I am battle weary and worn out. Though  I have learned my strength isn’t in me fighting the fight, my power is in trusting God.

Ex. 14:13-14 (MSG) “Moses spoke to the people: ‘Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you’re never going to see them again. God will fight the battle for you.  And you? You keep your mouths shut!'”

All our battles were fought and won over two thousand years ago on Calvary. My battle cry is my shout of praise and joy as I enter into resting in Him. He has me and my circumstances in his hand. I know in whom I belong and it makes me that more dangerous to the enemies in my life. Because I tend to not step into the fray anymore with my own agenda. I stand up with God’s plan declaring: “Papa God not my will; but your will be done.”

I know that I know that God has me and I have learned that he is a tender Savior that loves me and knows how to pursue me in my life and in my battles. I am grateful.

So no matter what tomorrow holds, I know that he will be there too, in celebration for the victory or to wipes my tears in sorrow.  And, through it all, my life will be a message to the goodness and faithfulness of a loving savior.

Battle weary and worn out isn’t a place of defeat, but a celestial moment where the divine inhabits humanity and miracles begin to manifest.

By Selena Day

Selena Day is a regular writer for SGNScoops Magazine. She and her husband, Chuck Day, are tireless ministers of God. Chuck is a Christian Country artist.

Selena Day is a motivational speaker and is available to speak at your conference or event.  You may contact her at selenaday@me.com http://www.queenliving.org  http://facebook.com/queenismsbyselenaday. Photographs courtesy of Selena Day.

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Tags: Christ, Christian Country Music, Christian living, Chuck Day, God, Jesus, Selena Day
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Selena Day asks, “Who do you say Jesus is?”

Written by Staff on January 25, 2019 – 5:53 am -

Today I have been meditating on the story in Matt. 16 when Jesus asked his disciples, “What are the people saying about me? Who do they believe I am?”  

He then went on to ask them; “But you—who do you say that I am?”

I believe that these are two fundamental questions to remember during our lifelong journey in discovering our purpose and His plan for our lives.  

What are the people around you saying about Him and what is it that you say about Christ?  

Last night I had a conversation with my daughter about rebellion and her teenage years. I had taught my girls that rebellion is rebellion no matter what age you are, and not to buy into the lie that it is just normal for teens to rebel. Yes, they will question, and, yes they will not agree with us. Those years are the beginning of discovering your own voice, but in those times it is important to have conversations with us (their parents) and to remember that until they leave our home, our voice and our rules will trump theirs. It may not be fair, but life isn’t always fair. If life were fair, we wouldn’t have needed a savior.

This conversation started me looking back over my years as a believer and thinking about the ways that I have lived my truth. I have changed in my beliefs, but also (the conversation) reaffirmed how important it has been in my walk with Christ not to put my hope in my understanding, but to put my hope in my savior.  

In this ever-changing world, it is so essential to routinely ask ourselves, “Is what I believe about Christ wrapped up in my traditions and memories from my past victories, or is it in the current, daily relationship I have with him?”   

If you read the whole exchange from Matt. 16, you will see that only Peter was the one who spoke up boldly and said, “You are the anointed one, the Son of the living God!”

Jesus replied; “You are favored and privileged Simeon. For you didn’t discover this on your own, but my Father in heaven has supernaturally revealed it to you. I give you the name Peter, a stone. And this truth of who I am will be the bedrock foundation on which I will build my church — my legislative assembly..”  

We have just finished the Christmas season, and we celebrated Christ as the newborn baby coming into the world, but he isn’t a baby, nor is he a martyr in a grave, he is a living king.  

How you see him effects how you access him. If you look at your savior as a distant King in the sky handing out judgment for the wrongs you do and bestowing kindness on you when are right, you will have begging prayers pleading for him to help you. You will always see yourself as a lowly slave and bitterness will fester within you for those who may have more or who have achieved more than you.

But when you change your paradigm, you will discover that he is the kindest, most generous, most loving being in the universe, a king that has given you all the keys to the kingdom and longs for you to unlock them and access all that he has for you. Then your prayers will become powerful. You will discover you are not a victim in this life no matter what adversity comes to you, but you are more than a conqueror!  

January is a time for beginning again. We begin new diets, we begin new year fasts, we make resolutions…let me challenge you to ask yourselves these two questions as you start a new year and a new journey with God this year.  

What are those around me saying about him?

And who do I say he is?  

God created you to be His message, and His plans are for your good!

By Selena Day

Selena Day is a motivational speaker and is available to speak at your conference or event.  You may contact her at selenaday@me.com http://www.queenliving.org http://facebook.com/queenismsbyselenaday. Photographs courtesy of Selena Day.

Read the latest issue of the SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Tags: Christian life, Chuck Day, God, Jesus, Selena Day
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