A True Matriarch

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, “The Elephant Family” is a story of the life of elephants as they endure a 40 year drought in Kenya. Elephants appear big and strong but I have learned that it is the bond of the herd (the family) that makes them powerful. It is the duty of the matriarch to lead the family through the grueling desert. They are dependent on her 50 years of life experience to guide them to places of safety and pockets of water and food. Each oasis is an opportunity to refuel and move on to the next spot. Elephants consume hundreds of pounds of food each, each day, so staying in any one location for an extended period of time is fruitless. So, in order to survive, the elephants follow the Matriarch. She is respected above reproach. Although not proven scientifically, it appears that other than humans, elephants also have a complex understanding of life and death. They grieve and have emotion and display it in their actions.

Today, I grieve and celebrate the life of Mrs. Esther Askew. She was a member of my church for over 50 years. She passed away this week at the age of 92. She was an educator by profession, but even after she retired after 34 years, she continued to teach in every aspect of her life. She was a woman with a lifting spirit that touched the lives of whoever came in her path. Even the director of the Assisted Living facility where she stayed, remarked that they had NEVER come across a soul such as hers. She made it a point to visit the residents each day and her light shone brightly throughout the facility. Up until she passed away, she was continually teaching and touching the lives of others.

There are matriarchs all around us, no matter our ages. I am reminded that as we move about in such a hurry to get to where we “think” we have to be.. (smile), we must take the time to listen to our matriarchs. Listen to their wisdom and learn from their experiences. Just as the elephants were led to safety and security, we too will get much farther, faster through their urging and their guidance and their love.

Rest in Peace Mrs. Askew! Gone but NEVER to be forgotten!

Poisonous Roots

I went to the see the movie For Colored Girls. It is not a movie for BLACK people. It is a movie for ALL people in that it is a story that goes on behind the doors of many. The women wore different colors with different issues. Issues that we have all heard about and some live daily, but often are not discussed. These are deep rooted issues. It reminds me that people go about their lives showing only their surface sides; the sides of our lives that we only want the world to see. Just as a tree stands strong in the wind, deep below the surface are its roots that we don’t see.

Roots have many functions, all of which are to sustain the life that they support. They serve as anchors, sources of nourishment and storage of nutrients. We are anchored by what we have endured. The storms that we have survived make us stronger and able to sustain new winds that may blow. We are nurtured and fed by the knowledge that we have survived and that we are still standing strong.

Then there is the poison. As we are going about our lives thriving and effectively resisting the negative influences that we are faced with, we are sometimes attacked with poison meant to kill us. Poison such as heartache from cheating, slander, abuse and betrayal to name a few. The saying goes, “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.” We have to recognize the poison for what it is and stop it before it gets to our roots, to the core of our being. We cannot allow the will of another to tear us down. If it gets below the surface, it spreads. It begins to kill us slowly, by eating away at our sustenance until we are left withered. This is unacceptable. We must dig it up these poisoned roots so that we can live on.

That’s where the potter comes in. The potter not only molds the clay, but re-pots us. He sets us on course to restoration. He surrounds us with HIS word, His fertile ground. He nurtures us and provides us with HIS SON. He protects us as we grow tall and form new roots once again. We go on pushing forward, sturdier than ever before.

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8


[All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus. Romans 3: 24 ( Amplified)

NOTHING!!!!!

“I am me! Perfect in my entirety! All as God created me to be! Yes, I am free to be me! #gigism”

If only we could remind ourselves of this daily. EVERY morning, after we thank the Lord for another day, before we open our eyes, if we could just remember to say, “I am me! Perfect in my entirety! All as God created me to be! Yes, I am free to be me!” These are powerful words. This affirmation cancels any plot of the enemy, even the enemies that can sometimes be ourselves for we sometimes get in God’s way.

You see, once the enemy has you brain washed, he thinks his work is done. If you believe the lies that you are nothing, can’t be nothing, won’t be nothing, he moves on. I used the word “nothing” on purpose. You see “nothing” means “not a thing”! Once you water (cry) and feed (believe) that nasty seed that he planted, it takes over. It creeps into every crevice of the mind and saturates the heart until there is NOTHING left but the lies.

Hold on a minute! What he has forgotten is that although we can be our worse enemy, we have within us the ability to turn the darkness into light. Even when we are at our lowest, we still have more power than the enemy. In Luke 10:19 (New King James Version), the word says, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and NOTHING shall by any means hurt you.” There is that word again……. “Nothing”!

The enemy, believing he is clever, once again created a situation that has already been defeated. He may have convinced you that you were NOTHING but our Father God had already spoken against it. It is impossible to defeat you unless you defeat yourself. You have the power within you to win and to be free. Just speak the word over your issue, your darkness, your nothing and watch it manifest into your blessing!

“I am me! Perfect in my entirety! All as God created me to be! Yes, I am free to be me!

I Looked in the Mirror Today! (Put an end to Domestic Violence)

I looked in the mirror today! I saw a woman. A brown woman with brown eyes and keen features. A woman mixed with the heritage of her ancestors. A woman black, white and red.

I looked in the mirror today! I saw a woman. A woman who has weathered storms, trials and tribulations. At first I saw flaws and imperfections. I saw things I’d like to change. Things that I could make better. God said, “You are my child. I made you perfectly. You are beautiful. You are an amazing combination of my best. You are strong, you are amazing and you are mine!”

I looked in the mirror today! I then saw bold tough woman. A determined woman. A woman that loves hard and loves strong. A woman devoted to her God, her family, her children and herself.

I looked in the mirror today! I saw a woman inside out. A saved woman. A woman with a soul on fire for God. A woman with a spirit that sings. A woman with battle scars and bruises; symbols of her tenacity and drive to never give up despite the circumstances. A woman that is compassionate and caring. A woman that isn’t afraid to say what is on her heart as directed by God.

I looked in the mirror today! Have you? Do you see what man sees or what God sees? Look again. You are phenomenal. Look in the mirror and tell yourself. “ I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST! I AM INCREDIBLE! NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE ELSE SAYS, GOD LOVES ME NO MATTER WHAT! I AM A CONQUEROR; I AM VICTORIOUS…IN JESUS NAME! AMEN!”

Jeremiah 1:5 I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations

To all of the women and men who have been abused mentally, physically or verbally! I salute you! I pray for you! Remember, you are beautiful/fine/handsome and victorious! Keep Pushing Forward

It Ain't Over Until God Says It's Over

My girls wore pink today. They said the kids were wearing pink to bring awareness to Breast Cancer. They have been asking questions about cancer lately so we have been having good dialogue, but for them, at their fashion conscious age, to want to make sure they wore pink, stopped me in my tracks. In their own special way, these young people are taking the time to honor women and men who have been affected by this disease.


I can safely say that we have all been affected in some way or another for its roots are far reaching. My life was forever changed when a girlfriend of mine, in her 30’s passed away in 2002. She found out that the cancer was back after preparing to run in the Susan Komen Global Race for the Cure. She fought hard but it came back with a vengeance and attacked her liver. A week before her wedding, she knew that she didn’t have long, but she stood there on her wedding day, eyes yellowed with jaundice with the brightest most brilliant smile imaginable. Her faith was unwavering and her spirit strong. She passed away a few months later, praising God everyday for the life that He allowed her to live. The VICTORY IS WON!

Ms. Bobbie Currie is another strong woman of faith that touched my life. When she worked in my office, she used to read her bible everyday and pray. At that time, I didn’t know her story and didn’t understand her faith. I couldn’t understand why she was so diligent, strong and why she talked about the Lord and how much she loved Him. I didn’t know that she’d been cancer free for YEARS and was praising Him for her life. You see I wasn’t “born again” at the time and didn’t have a relationship with God. I attended church every now and then but I didn’t know how important it is to have a true relationship with HIM. Bobbie was a lady of grace, poise and love. The last time I saw her, she’d just come from a treatment. Although weak, she was still smiling and giving God the Glory! She too passed away with unwavering faith. The VICTORY IS WON!

I know some of you may say, “How can the VICTORY be won if they passed away?” Healing doesn’t always come in the way that we want it. WE would rather keep our loved ones here with us in this cruel world, even after they have served GOD’s purpose. We forget that we are only here temporarily and we are GOD’s children. We are to return HOME to be with Him. These ladies were shining examples of God’s love. His love radiated from them in their smiles, their demeanor and in the lives that they led. They returned to Him in His time to live out eternal life.

I pay homage to those of you who have won the victory on this side of the Jordan, not just over breast cancer but any type of cancer. I pay homage to you who have loved ones who have fought and are fighting. I pay homage to the friends, family and caregivers who provide love and support. I send a special “I love you to my mom who is five years healed! Hallelujah!”

Maurette Brown Clark sings a song entitled It Ain’t over until God Says It’s Over. The lyric that stands out in my mind is “It ain’t over until God says it’s done. It’ ain’t over until God says it’s over, keep fighting until your victory is won!”

Link to song.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQer9GkTMSw


Keeping Fighting! Keep Praying! Keep Praising!

The Makings of a Masterpiece

Envision a canvas!

A BIG BLANK CANVAS without a spot or wrinkle! That is how we are born.

As we take that first breath, the visual painting begins. Only the beginnings of the picture are seen and all are excited and anxious to see what is yet to come.

As we go about our lives, God is constantly working on us and developing us into the work of art that HE knows we will be. We can’t see the end, for we are the canvas. We only know that we are being worked on because we can feel it. We can sense it.

Change is constant. It never ceases. We are evolving moment by moment. It is when we resist the work that God is doing or the direction that He would have us to go, that the picture changes. Keep in mind, before we took our first breath, God foresaw the work of art that He was going to make.

He makes no mistakes, so let Him do His will with you. Even though you may have made some errors in judgement  or have some regrets, it’s NEVER too late. He has the brush and is in control.

Just imagine the end when HE finally puts the brush down, steps back and smiles at YOU, the one that HE created for HIS purpose. The end result is going to be phenomenal. You are incredible! His chosen one! His masterpiece….well done! Well done!



 "God's work is evident in the things HE has made"



Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.



Art By Sue Hoya Sellars



The Life You Save May Be Your Own

The saying goes, “If you keep kicking a dog, it will eventually bite back.” First of all you don’t EXPECT anyone to kick you but you really don’t expect it from someone that says that they love you. They kick you, hurt you and then hold out their hand and say, “I do love you. I wasn’t thinking. I was angry!” Well if that is your definition of love then I would rather pass.

How about the people that cheat and say, “I’m sorry for (you caught me) cheating honey. I don’t know what came over me BUT I love you. I love you so you are supposed to stay with me no matter what I do. Yes, my love hurts you but you are still supposed to stay with me because I love you.” What kind of love is that? Can we say “MENTAL ABUSE!” Think of the damage done to all involved. Some people think that cheating is okay because they saw their dads do it or their moms do it and they stayed together, so it’s okay if I do it! They say, “At least I’m not hitting her. I‘m not abusing her, I’m just cheating.” So the cheat sin is less than the physical abuse sin, so it’s okay??? I think not!

Abuse in any form or fashion is abuse. Be it verbal, mental or physical it all hurts. Ask the person being wounded and see what they say. From personal experience I can say that although the verbal and mental bruises are not visible, the internal scars are still there and take a long time to heal. That’s just like people with invisible disabilities. People say things like, “You don’t look disabled!” How crass. It doesn’t matter what it looks like on the outside, it’s the damage being done on the inside. No human being should have to live in an abusive situation. You are to remove yourself immediately.

Every situation is different. I am not here to say that a marriage or a relationship cannot be healed. I am not saying that there is no room for forgiveness. Every situation is different and none should be compared with another. There are many relationships that have been rectified through time, healing and counseling. In some instances it takes time apart and in some instances it doesn’t. I am here to say, if you are being abused seek help IMMEDIATELY. IF you fear for your safety, come up with an immediate plan and LEAVE! There are shelters that can help you. It CAN NOT get better without help. Nowhere in the BIBLE does Jesus condone abuse. People say stay and work on your marriage or relationship while you are being battered. RUN I say! Seek man made shelter and shelter in HIM ……the life, the soul; the mind you save may be your own.



Luke 4: 18-19

God's Spirit is on me;

he's chosen me to preach the Message of good news to

the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and

recovery of sight to the blind,

To set the burdened and battered free

Clinging to the Cross

I cherish the cross. When things get rough, when things get tough, I think of the cross. When I feel like my burdens are too heavy and I’d rather sit down than keep going, I think of the cross. When things are going well and I have no worries or complaints, I think of the cross.


The cross is a symbolic reminder of what our GOD endured for us. HE willingly allowed them (the world) to put HIM on that cross so that HE could bear our sins. HE carried that heavy cross to Calvary for you and me. So how can my burdens be heavier than his? How can my life be any more difficult than HIS? Even at my lowest point, it is nothing compared to what HE endured.

I have a cross tattooed on my foot. It took approximately 15 minutes (which felt like an hour) of excruciating pain to get it, but it was worth it. There are many arguments as to whether a tattoo is defaming your body, but it was a very personal decision. My tattoo is a constant reminder of my savior, Jesus. It is a symbol of the sacrifice and the victory! If HE could handle the pain and sins of the world for me, surely I could survive 15 minutes to have a constant reminder of HIM. I think of how even in the midst of all the good HE was doing, there were still those that chose to pick Him apart. They chose to try and tear HIM down, criticize HIM and persecute HIM. Surely He could have chosen not to bear the cross but HE did it! HE did it for you and me!



My Tattoo



The next time you are sad or weary, think of the cross. Think of HIS victory! Remember that HE rose with all power in HIS hands. Although the world thought that HE was defeated, HE was triumphant. No matter what you are going through, cling to the cross! Jesus will see you through!

Singing.....


On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

the emblem of suffering and shame;

and I love that old cross where the dearest and best

for a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,



till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

and exchange it someday for a crown.



Disappointment!

When people disappoint you and make you want to cry, you shake your head and ponder and ask the questions why. Then God gently reminds us to put our faith in Him for HE's really the ONLY one in whom we always can depend. HE is there to listen and HE won't ignore our cry and when others have forsaken us, HE's always standing by! #gigism

I don't care what the SIGN says!!

Several years ago, I was travelling with some friends in Pennsylania and we got lost. After a few miles of wandering aimlessly, we finally convinced the MALE driver to pull over and ask for directions. After he’d gotten the directions, we proceeded up the road. As we approached the highway that clearly stated which way we should go, the driver refused to go that way. He said, ‘I don’t care what the SIGN says, the man said bear left!!!!” Well, you guessed it. We were lost again. Years later, whenever I see this gentleman it is a joke that we still laugh about. He still utters, “I don’t care what the SIGN says, the man said……well you know!! LOL


Isn’t that how we do GOD!! We get lost, and FINALLY figure out that we need to ask for directions. Once He puts us on the right road, we get over confident and begin on our merry way! Then HE gives us a SIGN! A CLEAR, OBVIOUS SIGN so that we will know which way to go! What do we do???? We ignore HIM and choose what man says. We chose what the world says and low behold we are lost again and calling on God for new directions. I sure am glad that HE knows just where to find us and HE doesn’t mind helping us when we call. Just like the hymn says, “Ask the Savior to help you, comfort, strengthen, and keep you; He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through!”

I don’t know about you, but I would rather listen to GOD, follow HIS signs and stay on the road heading right! His road is smoother with fewer detours and NO DEAD ENDS!

How about you?

Getting EXACTLY what you want!

We are living in an instant society. We have high speed Internet and we want it at blazing speeds. We have fast food, fast cars, and phones. We want it NOW!

What happens when God says WAIT?! We go into a panic. What if waiting meant getting EXACTLY what you wanted. Would you be willing to sit back and patiently wait on the LORD? Even if it took years? Sometimes it takes GOD a LONG time in our concept of time to give us what we asked for. When we look back and see how we got where we wanted to be, we can see God's handiwork. We can see how He was precisely moving things around to prepare us for our blessings.

God's time is not our time though. The word says, "They that wait upon the LORD shall RENEW their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint! Isaiah 40:31 (King James Version)".  Re-new means to make new again. It means that you always have your strength. HE not only keeps you strong while you are waiting but your strength and endurance are increased. Just as lifting weights build strength and endurance so does waiting. Once the wait is over, you are able handle the NEW things that HE has prepared for you. 

You can RUN and not be weary! You can WALK and not faint! Wait in obedience on the LORD!

Walk on by?

When you see someone is hurting do you stop or walk on by? Do you ask if you can help them out or do you ignore their cry? Do you really want to know if there is something you can say that will help that saddened soul realize they can make it another day? Sometimes all it takes is listening to lift a spirit high so remember these words I say to you the next time you walk on by.#Gigism !

Love of a Lifetime

As my grandmother and I walked arm in arm down the hall of the assisted living facility, she pressed her cheek to mine and said, “I’ve been this way before, but I wanted to share it with you.” “What did she mean?” I thought. “It’s time for me to go. I’m tired.” she said. I looked at the nurse and beckoned for her to help me get her to her room for she was getting weaker by the moment. She sat down on the bed and in one fluid motion, began to fall back and took her last breath. In that instant, I saw my grandfather. He appeared in time to catch her in his arms before her head hit the pillow. As soon as she passed, in a split second, she sensed him and flashed the biggest smile as she turned toward him and their eyes met. He said, “Hello beautiful!” The moment was so intimate that I felt as if I was intruding. There was so much love that flowed between them that it seemed to radiate throughout the room. Agape love!


I awoke from my dream with with tears in my eyes, praising God for allowing me to witness such pure, genuine love. Then HE reminded me that we All must pass this way. Just as a baby must leave the mother’s womb, we must leave this earth. Such joy to return to HE who created us and experience that pure agape love.

What is AGAPE? It is - unconditional love that is always giving and impossible to take or be a taker. It devotes total commitment to seek your highest best no matter how anyone may respond. This form of love is totally selfless and does not change whether the love given is returned or not. There are different types of love such as Eros and Phileo but agape is the true form of love.

I pray that you experience this agape love, the love of our FATHER for HE is love (1 John 4:7-12). May your heart be filled with happiness and your soul with unspeakable joy, in Jesus name, Amen!

*** My grandparents were married for over 70 years and passed within 6 months of each other. He passed away first. They were in love for a lifetime***

Completing Installation!! FILE DONE!

While reinstalling windows on my computer, a message kept flashing. “Completing Installation! Completing Installation!” It seemed like the installation was taking forever. It required much patience.


“Do you have the patience to allow GOD to complete the work that HE has begun in you or are you going to try and do it on your own? “ God’s way may take longer than you thought. It may take re-booting your system several times. You may not see instant results but the lights are still flashing and HE is still at work. He is still completing the installation that HE started. Remember, while you are waiting patiently, God is continually working in you, on you and through you until the installation is complete. ~ (note to self)

Imagine that GREAT getting up morning when HE says, “WELL DONE my good and faithful servant!” FILE DONE!

Philippians 1:1-6 ..”being confident of this, that HE who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Take Cover - A Storm is Coming!

As Hurricane season for 2010 comes to an end, Hurricane Earl has surfaced and is making his way toward the Eastern coast of the United States. The meteorologists are frantically trying to determine where and if he  will make landfall. It is a category 4 right now with winds at 135 mph. Forecasters are saying that he may not hit the coast but take precautions just in case he turns. Take cover! 
A hurricane is one of natures most destructive forces. It causes flooding, rip currents, choppy waves. Add in high winds, lightning and sometimes hail and you have a soup of distaster.  As destructive as it's outer bands are, it's eye is calm. The eye ( the center) of the storm is quiet and  no wind is blowing at all. It would lead you to believe that all is well, then the other side of the storm comes in full force. 

Isn't that life? The winds are blowing hard, hitting us from every direction and we take cover. We cover ourselves in the word. We hunker down and focus on protecting ourselves until the storm is over. Then comes the calm. The quiet! We let our defenses down and start picking up the pieces.  We put down our covering for we think we are safe. Safe for now it seems. Then it hits. We are blindsided by the rest of the storm. The wind hits us square in the face and we fall back to our knees seeking refuge once more.

Some of us try and stay ready at all times. We stay prayed up and read up. We praise, we worship and still we find ourselves in the storm. Don't feel like it's something you did or didn't do!! Just as Hurricane Earl is no respecter of person, neither is God. Acts 10:34 (The Message) - Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites!"  HE is sovereign and gives to whom He chooses.When He provides the sunlight, HE doesn't say to the sinner, "This sunlight isn't for you!" So, as the storms rage, He doesn't say, "Saved man, you will bear no storms!" What HE does say, is that HE will have mercy & protect us.  Seek Him and He will cover you even in the storm. Romans 9:15 (New American Standard Bible) says "For He says to Moses, "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION."  That is God's gift to us.  1 Peter 1:5 (New Living Translation)  says, "And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see."

Even in the midst of a raging storm, when all seems dark and lost our MOST MERCIFUL GOD is protecting us and covering us. All WE have to do is have FAITH! Easier said than done? Which would you rather have, God's mercy, love and protection or .......I think you already know!

Have a safe weekend!





 

Nobody Loves You?

"You ain’t gone be nuthin! You so bad! You just like yo daddy and he ain’t nuthin. You stupid. You dumb! "

NOBODY LOVES ME!

How many times have you heard someone speaking these nasty negative statements over their children. Hurtful stinging words that I’m sure at first cut to the core of a child. Eventually these rants and abuses can become common once heard over and over again. It’s sad. If negative statements are spoken over and over again and they are not countered with positives, that child, that woman, that person will eventually believe what they hear. Then they will become what they are told they are. They may never become the person that God destined them to be because using their own free will; they chose to believe what has been ingrained in them. “nobody loves me.. I am nothing!”

THE POWER!

I have believed in the power of the tongue for as long as I can remember. My grandparents and parents spoke positively over us and learned never to speak negatively over my children. I didn’t call them “BAD” even when they were. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t spare the rod, but I refused to speak words that could be deemed harmful over them. People mindlessly say things over our children without even realizing what they are doing. How many times was a “little Johnny” told that he was going to be nothing and he believed it. We have to build our children up at home to counter those negatives that they may hear otherwise. I always tell my children that they are smart, beautiful, gifted, anointed. They believe it and will quickly tell me if someone tries to imply otherwise. They have the POWER instilled in them. The POWER of God and HIS Word! The Power to do all things!

SOMEBODY!

I believe that there is POWER in what we say. I believe there is POWER in what we pray. As a new school year begins think about the little Susie’s and Johnny’s in your life. Even if you don’t have children, I’m sure you come in contact with some. Lift them up. Say a kind word. Encourage them. Your positive voice may be the ONLY positive word that they may ever hear. Don’t take it for granted. Your POWER may be what FREES them to live out their destiny. Turn a life around. A Nobody into SOMEBODY! The POWER is in the tongue.


Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue

Father forgive them; for they know not what they do!

Father forgive them: for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34)


Jesus said it. “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” I believe it. Yes, I believe that people say and do things and do not realize that they are hurting others. I think people say things without thinking most of the time. I won’t say people, I will say “WE”. Yes we say and do things out of emotion or just mindlessly. How many times has someone come up to you and made an off handed comment and you thought to yourself “I know they just didn’t say that!” (smile) Comments such as “Have you put on weight?, You’ve lost weight..are you sick?”, Girl who did your hair?, Man why’d you grow that mustache?, Is that your car, why’d you buy that one?, etc. etc. etc. I am sure you can think of your own.

What about the rumors? When we hear the words, “I heard and THEY said” we should run! Who is they and heard is hearsay. Social classes teach us that there is always someone that someone else confides in. So if you tell your confidant, “don’t tell anybody” and they tell their confidant, “don’t tell anybody”, how many people eventually will know? Just like the game we used to play as kids, when one person would whisper a word in your ear and it would be passed around. How many times, did the word end up as something else by the end of the line? I’m not saying ALL people can’t be trusted, because that isn’t true. I can speak from personal experience, that fortunately, I have people that I can confide in and KNOW that it won’t go anywhere. That is a true blessing. I ask you this though. How about confiding in Jesus? He knows the answers and HE won’t tell anybody unless HE is sending a message to you through another. In that instance you KNOW it is God because HE is the only one that you have told. (I digress)

Back to forgiveness. Forgive doesn’t mean you have to forget but if God can forgive and forget who am I to think that I am better than HE. He gives us so many chances. Is there someone that you need to forgive today? Forgive them in your heart! Let it go and have a fantabulous Friday!

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19


For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Heb 8:12

Faith for the Weary

Just Believe

We are human. We are flesh.


Without HIM, we are weak. Weak to the ways of the world & all that it throws at us.
We want to be strong. We really do. We’ve been taught to be strong. To shake it off! We want to appear to be able to handle it all. We put on our strong face masks and go out and tackle the world. We go to work and school and church and pretend. Pretend that EVERYTHING is fine. People say, as a courtesy..”How are you?” and we say, “FINE!” When we learn foreign languages, some of the first greetings that are taught are, “Hello, My name is___, and How are you? Fine!”

What do we do when it gets to be too much? When the mask begins to slide? When the fact that we are human and frail becomes apparent? When are no longer able to pretend to be super human. Do we call on our friends, family, and church family? Of course we do, but they are human too. What happens when they too are tired and life gets in their way and they can’t be there for us? They want to, but simply can’t be there 24/7.

What do we do? We call on our FAITH! Today my daughter posted “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Yes, it is our FAITH that pulls us through. It is our faith in our God and knowing that although we cannot see Him, He is there. We SHOULD call on HIM first, but our humanness/weakness sometimes clouds our judgment and we try and handle it all on our own. Praise GOD, that HE understands us. That HE knows that His children will come to HIM for help. He is our father, waiting with open arms, a shoulder to cry on, and a lap to sit in. He says, “Come to me all ye who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

I say to you today. Remember, you are human; you are flesh. It’s okay. Really it is. You don’t have to hide behind the slipping mask. Remove it, breathe easier, fall on your knees and depend on your faith then lift up your eyes to the hills whence cometh your help. HE’s there for you with all the strength you need. When you can’t walk He carries you. My God, Your God, Our God! All that we need!



Isaiah 40:28

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary


and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

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.

A Breath Away

My dearest friends lost loved ones this week. Both suddenly. One had been sick and one had not but it was sudden nonetheless for death is sudden. No matter how long a person has lingered or how quickly someone has not, it is still sudden. Sudden because death is but a breath away. The last breath in a series of daily breaths. Breath that we don’t think about but breathes that we can’t live without.

Please continue to lift each other up. Someone is going through something right now. Yours might be the only prayer lifted on their behalf. You never know.

God gave me this poem entitled:

Daily Breaths by Gigi

It doesn’t matter how we start

The end result’s the same

Whether we linger or pass away quick

We leave when HE calls us by name.



Our lives are filled with daily breaths

Of moments that turn into years

Of victories, troubles & happiness

Triumphs, celebrations & tears



HE calls us home when it’s our time to go

Though loved ones would rather us near

Our MASTER, our GOD has the final say

For you, and I and those we hold dear



So remember my child as you miss your loved one

That the MASTER was there from the start

HE is with us each second, every day of our lives

And your loved one lives on in your heart.


Daily Breathes by Gigi Monique 2010

In the Valley-You are Not alone

I woke up this morning with the words, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for though art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4


I asked why these words? Answer: First and foremost, God is our Shepherd. We live in the valley of the shadow of death. Life and death are inseparable and inevitable. It’s not something that we continually think about or that we should fear. God reminds us in HIS word that we are to have no fear for HE is with us. HE is protecting and restoring us. We do not have to WANT for HIM for HE is with us eternally and internally.

As we go THROUGH life & its situations, GOD is comforting and guiding us. He anoints us and our cups runneth over with His Goodness and Mercy. We will dwell in HIS house forever! Now that’s GOOD NEWS.

Word for today: No matter what you're going through, THE comforter is with you! You are never alone.

Naysayers-Watch Your Mouth

I am of the opinion that some people just don’t’ know what to say. I’ve always been told that if you don’t have anything good to say, then don’t say anything at all. Why do people do that though? Just start speaking without thinking. The word says, “Set a watch O Lord before my mouth; keep the door of my lips, Psalm 141:3. In other words, Lord please watch over what I say. In the book  Spiritual Growth by Don Clowers, it states that sometimes we open our mouths and speak according to what we see thus giving the enemy resultant authority. What we don’t realize is that a great deal of what we see with our natural eye is not what the Lord would intend for us to see. We tend to see things with our own agendas. I won’t call it selfish but sometimes our vision is clouded by what we want versus what the Lord has in store. What about looking at the inner person or the inner beauty. Whatever happened to looking for the God in people versus the enemy . Seek the good versus the bad.


There are some people that don’t want to see others succeed. It may be due to reasons unbeknownst to them. They may not realize that they are tearing others down with their words. The enemy will slip in and steal your dreams if you let him and he will do it through the words of others. Be careful who you listen to. Are they speaking out of love for you or love for themselves? Do they really have your best interest at heart? Some people will always say negative things. They will fill your head with “You CAN’T do it!” or “You CAN’T win!” How will you ever know whether or not you can win if you don’t ever get in the race! I say go for it. Don’t allow others to hold you to a standard that even God doesn’t hold you to. Don’t allow it. God is in you! He is LOVE and HE is pushing you and rooting for you in all that you do. HE doesn’t want you to fail. When you hear some negativity spewing venomously from someone’s mouth, rebuke the enemy and keep pushing forward! You CAN DO IT! I know you can and GOD DOES TOO!

Drawn to Greatness

I just finished reading Bleachers by John Grisham. It's the story of a group of football players, the Spartans, coming home to pay their respects to their football coach. He was a legend in his own right.


A great deal of the book was about the men re-telling the football stories of their time. Each of them could re-live their plays and movements down to the minute. As I read the book, I am often reminded of hearing my brother re-tell football stories or my step-dad re-tell war stories. I am amazed at the detail that they are able to give after all of these years. I notice now how when my brother is watching football, it is as if he is on the field running with the players. When he watches football he is on the field once again.

Why is that? It's because we enjoy successful times. We get pleasure from remembering times where we are motivated and moving forward. Times when we are doing things that we couldn’t conceivably do on our own. Times when someone or something motivated us to stretch beyond ourselves into greatness. It is at these times that we see GOD doing HIS work.

GOD works wondrously when we allow HIM to be God. When we get out of HIS way and allow HIM to move in us. Most of us recognize greatness when we see it but how many people realize that it is God at work. Whenever we see these gifts in motion, we are drawn to them. We are drawn to the gift that God has placed in them. Drawn to HIS greatness.

The next time you see someone with a magnificent gift, look a little closer. Do you see God’s handiwork? How about you? Look within yourself. He’s placed HIS gifts in all of us. HIS greatness! HE is GOD!!

These aren’t my fries!!!

An Expectation is a mental belief of the future. We make decisions based on what we expect the outcome to be. My grandmother always said that she and my grandfather were married for so many years because her mantra was “You should always start out like you are going to finish.”She had a reasonable mental belief of what marriage should be and that is what she expected. She told my grandfather, that before she would marry him, he had to be able to provide for her, have a place for her to live and have groceries in the cupboard. She expected him to take care of her; to be her covering and that is exactly what he did. They were married for over 70 years and NEVER spent an anniversary apart.




Marriage isn’t the only relationship that expectations are important. It is my opinion that this same outlook is applied in most situations. When we accept a position, we have expectations of what the job will entail as the employer has expectations of our performance. We even have expectations at certain restaurants. McDonald’s prides itself giving its customers the same quality of food in all of its restaurants. Think about it. No matter where you are, you expect the McDonald’s fries to taste the same. That is a preconceived notion or expectation.



So, what happens when the relationship changes? When what you started with turns out to be or turns into something dissimilar. What changed it? Is it you or the other factors involved in the relationship? No matter the cause, the effect is often the same. There is discontent. Think about it. You march yourself happily into McDonald’s to get your fries, reach your hand in the bag and they taste differently. No announcement was made that they were changing the seasoning and you are taken aback at the new garlic flavored fries!! Would you be happy about it? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that change isn’t good; in fact it is necessary in most instances. Some of you may even like the garlic fries. I am talking about expectations and how changing from what is expected to something totally different causes discord and can lead to the severing of the relationship.



There was the expectation that Adam and Eve would dwell in the presence of God forever. God also gave them freewill. They didn’t finish as they started and the dynamics of their relationship with God were changed immediately. He didn’t stop loving them, for they were still HIS, but their bond was no longer the same. The only way God could repair this connection was to send the Master POTTER!! HE who was and is and is to come; HE who cannot change; HE who is the same yesterday, today and will be forevermore; HE who cannot lie! HE sent His son Jesus to save us from ourselves. IF it is HIS WILL, and we are willing to accept HIS WILL, HE can mend those broken relationships, marriages, friendships and even change the seasoning on those fries. He can do all things. Some say, why aren’t all things mended then? It’s freewill that gets in the way or all parties involved are not amenable to HIS will. Some may not realize that there is anything to be repaired or the relationship may not be ordained or in HIS will.



NOW, if you THOUGHT you liked McDonald’s fries because of preconceived expectations and found out after eating them that you just don’t like them, that is a totally different scenario. It’s not that the expectations changed, it’s that what you THOUGHT you wanted turned out to be the complete OPPOSITE. That’s a different blog for a different day. That will be part TWO… called, “Getting what you wanted and finding out that it’s not!”



Until then, remember these things:



1. Most people don’t look for something different if they are satisfied with what they have.



2. Know what YOU really want and expect ….and by all means,



3. Start out like you’re going to finish….. Don’t change horses in midstream. The outcome can be….well you know!



Ephesians 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.



**McDonald's is a registered trademark and no attempt has been made to infringe on those rights. **

Fortifed from the Storm

A STORM is defined as an atmospheric disturbance manifested in strong winds accompanied by rain, snow, or other precipitation and often by thunder and lightning. What is most interesting to me is that it is defined as a heavy shower of objects, a violent disturbance or upheaval and a violent, sudden attack on a fortified place. The key word to me in this definition is a FORTIFIED place.


We all have had our storms. Storms come in difference velocities just as they do in the atmosphere. There are thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis and typhoons. They are all comprised of different patterns and strengths, yet they are all considered storms. These storms take place in the atmosphere and attack a fortified place.

You see, the word says “This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world” Ephesians6:12 (GOD'S WORD® Translation. The heavenly world is the atmosphere. Just as in Daniel 10:12-13, an angel brings the answer to Daniel’s prayer, although it is delayed. The word says, “Daniel, don't be afraid! God has listened to your prayers since the FIRST DAY you humbly asked for understanding, and he has sent me here. But the prince of Persia ( the adversary, the enemy) opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, who is one of the strongest guardian angels, came to rescue me from the kings of Persia.” The good news is although the answer may be delayed, the rescue is coming. The battle is being fought for us even when we can’t see it. We are fortified, protected, built up and covered by the blood of the lamb that was slaughtered so many years ago for US. Isn’t that good news today? Just knowing that even in the midst of the storm, when it is dark and we are being tossed to and fro, that it will not last always. That is just temporary. All you have to do is anchor yourself in the word and ride it out.

How? Search the word. Write down the scriptures that apply to your situation. Keep the word with you at all times. Pull that word out and read it and pray it. When you don’t know what else to do-read it. When you can’t reach anyone on the phone, read it. Learn it. Let it saturate your soul. The word is God and the healing is in HIM. The bible says, John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The act of anchoring in the word has helped me ride out many a storm. I pray that it blesses someone today. Remember, don’t let these temporary storms stop or block what God has in store for you. Don’t be discouraged or dissuaded for HE will RESCUE you!.

Will you say YES?

I lead a song called YES by Shekinah Glory. Every time I am asked to sing that song, my heart quickens, because I know that God is going to take over and I have absolutely no idea what I am going to say or sing.. Sometimes, I am conflicted because of the unknown, yet realizing that I have to be obedient. As I pondered on this, God gave me this revelation:


God said, “Look at the children. They are told to be obedient, yet it is a struggle. They are pulled by peer pressure.” The revelation was, as HIS children, we are asked to be obedient and we struggle. We are pulled by peer pressure and life. As long as we are on earth, there will be conflicts as we are under continuous pressure. Just as we punish our children when they are disobedient, we face consequences when we knowingly disobey HIS will.

God is saying “If I told you what I really need from thee…. Would your heart and soul say yes?

There is more that I require of thee! Will your spirit still say yes? What is your answer today? If the world says you can’t and God says you can, which will you choose? Even if the yes looks difficult, even if the yes looks or seems impossible, will you say yes?



Be watchful and obey all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 12: 28

Why am I Unworthy???

Sally was sad. It seemed as though no matter which way she turned, things were not working out for her. It was supposed to be a good day. Today was the day that the promotions were to be announced and she had been praying that she’d receive one. Things did not go as she had planned. First the car wouldn’t start. This is turn made her late for a big meeting that she had at work. By the time she reached her office, the meeting was over. As the day progressed, things didn’t get any better. She was yelled at by consumers calling in with complaints. She went out for lunch, only to be caught in a deluge of rain without an umbrella. Soaked and frustrated, she made her way back to her office only to find that her prayers had not been answered. She did not get the promotion.


Sally felt unappreciated. She knew she had been working hard but nothing she did seemed to matter. It just didn’t seem fair. Feelings of self doubt began to creep in. Sally felt as though she wasn’t worthy. As soon as she voiced those feeling out loud the enemy got busy. He began to remind her of other times that she had not accomplished the goals that she had set in her life. He began to tell her that she was a failure and that she would never succeed at anything. She might as well crawl in a whole and die. She wasn’t worthy.

Sally began to contemplate her future. Since she was unworthy, “What was the point!” she thought to herself. As she drove home she began to wonder if it mattered if she wasn’t here anymore. Would anyone notice? Was there a purpose to her life? Blinded by tears, Sally pulled over. She was overcome with sadness and self- pity. As she cried, she found her center. She began to cry out to the Lord. “Lord, why am I so unworthy? I do the things that you require of me and yet I do not prosper! Help me Lord!” In the midst of her turmoil she heard the answer. The Lord spoke clearly. He said, “I have other plans for you! I am not opening this door because I have greater works for you! I have not answered as you have prayed because it is not MY will! Remember, in all things, it is MY will be done, not YOUR will! Stand still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10) and allow me to do the work for you. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) You are MY child and you ARE worthy. You are royalty! You are the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13). I will make your enemies your footstool (Luke 20:43). Come here my child for you are weary and heavy laden (Matthew 11:28) and I will relieve your burdens! I am GOD!”

Sally began to praise God right there in her car! She began to exalt His name. She began to thank HIM for the work that He is doing in her life. She put aside all of her fears and anxieties. She realized that she had a brand new road in front of her. All the bad in her past was just that; passed away, dead, gone and buried! She smiled as she looked ahead at what was in store for her. She didn’t’ know exactly how or when God was going to turn things around, she just knew that HE would. He promised and HE is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19)! She knew that HE had begun a good work in her and would continue His work until completion. (Philippians 1:6) Sally wiped the tears from her face, started her car and began travelling home. She was restored back to her place of worth. The enemy was foiled again. His tricks were the ultimate failure. Sally was pushing forward once again.



Side note: Sally is fictional but there are so many Sally’s in the world. People get distracted and disappointed when prayers are not answered as they think they should be. We have to recognize it as it is… temporary. We have to believe that God will do JUST WHAT HE SAID HE WILL DO! In that we can depend & live!

Anxious?

Sometimes we get anxious and want to get ahead of God. We feel like He isn't moving fast enough. As soon as we start that destructive thinking, a bell should ring loudly in our spirit as a warning that we are about to get off track. That is the critical time that we should heed the warning, stop, be still and remember that HE is God. The great I AM created all and knows all. The plans that HE has made for you are already in place. HE knows exactly what HE has in store for us. Even when we can't see it or understand it, HE is moving on our behalf.

In the words of Whitley Gilbert from the TV show A Different World, “Relax, Relate, Release!

Have a wonderful God filled Day. May God’s peace be upon you.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” Philippians 4:6, NASB.

Love Joy!! Want Some?

We all want it. We all seek it. We can’t deny it. We are born needing it. We feel empty without it. What is it? It’s love. It’s joy! Love Joy!!

Studies have shown that babies that are not loved or held do not thrive as well as those that are. These babies develop what is called attachment disorder. They appear to have no joy. They need love.

Someone close to me became addicted to crack some years ago. I couldn’t conceive as to why they would go through rehab and then relapse. This cycle was repeated many times. It was not until I saw an investigative report on the effects of crack cocaine on the brain that I understood. When cocaine is used it interferes with the re-absorption of dopamine, which is the brain chemical that gives us pleasure. Research has shown that the 1st encounter is SO euphoric that the user keeps using to obtain that high again. Sadly, they will NEVER reach the same high as the first time, thus the addiction. One of the synonyms for euphoria is joy

It’s not just drugs. Many people feel that they are empty and are missing something but don’t know what it is. They try to fill that void with other things. It’s like an itch that can’t be scratched. Some try and fill it with food or sex or alcohol and sometimes even bad relationships. All with the ultimate goal of Love Joy!

How do you get some of this Love Joy? I thought you’d never ask!!

Originally our bodies were designed by God to live forever, but after the FALL, we were destined to die. That did not change our makeup though. We are still designed to live with HIM forever and we crave HIS presence. We want that ultimate close relationship with Him. HE is love and as HIS children, we are love. We were made to experience the joy that life can bring. We cannot be completely whole until we can experience that love joy continuously. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that we can’t experience this love and joy while on earth. We can develop a close loving relationship with our FATHER while we are right here on earth. I AM saying that the love Joy that we experience here can’t be compared to Heaven. My grandparents were married and in love for 70 plus years. Even in their happiness they were not able to maintain that continuous love joy! In the midst of bliss there was the cruel reality of life. It’s the enemy’s job to make us miserable. So as they lived a life of love, in would creep in sickness, disappointment or death of a loved one…LIFE

Don’t fret though! As the old folk would say, “This joy I have, the world didn’t give it to me and the world can’t take it away!” It’s that Jesus Joy! That is some kinda good ya’ll. Being in HIS presence is ecstasy. You want to bask in it. Now imagine being in Heaven with our Father, singing Holy! Holy! Holy! Continuously! No vicissitudes of life. No sickness, no disappointment, just continuous love and joy! Our bodies will be transformed! We will be in our final home, living in euphoria forever.

So, go ahead. Live life to the fullest! Love with your whole heart! Push forward in knowing the next time you are feeling empty or lonely or void that you call on the Holy Spirit. He understands your emptiness. He will always be right there with you, guiding you until you reach your final destination…..where the welcome sign reads, WELCOME to CONTINUOUS LOVE JOY…WELCOME HOME!



Rev: 21:3-4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Life Changers

Have you changed someone’s life today? At first thought you may think not, but in actuality we change the lives of others on a continuous basis. When you smiled at the cashier this morning that may have been what he/she needed to push on. When you let someone in front of you in traffic , that may have helped them get to work on time. What we perceive as minute may indeed be huge in the life of someone else.

I am so incredibly blessed to have life changers in my life. I have the most incredible selfless friends. I know that without a shadow of a doubt, I can call on any of them in the time of need and they will come to my rescue. For example, at a moment’s notice, I can call and say can you grab my girls for me! That might seem small, but when you are in a crunch, that is monumental. One friend in particular is a life saver and she doesn’t even know it. She works full time, is back in college, a devoted mother and wife, and a dynamic anointed vocalist. She is gifted beyond measure but very humble. My girls are very close to her and consider her their other mom. It’s nothing for her to say, I got the girls today. She will swoop in and pick them up and keep them with her. Our girls are the same ages. They have an awesome time together. She doesn’t know how much she means to me and how much I appreciate the life changing affects the little things that she does has on me. I called on her for help just this morning and I want to say Thank you!

There are other Life Changers in the midst. When I don’t feel like pushing, Life Changers come to mind and I am revived. I think about someone that is pushing forward or has pushed forward in a situation that I couldn’t see myself pushing through. I think about my mother who pushed through to be valedictorian of her college class while raising my sister that she had during her sophomore year. Although they were married, my dad was away at A & T University. My mom speaks of studying with my sister in her lap. She is a Life Changer! I think about Dorothy Height that pushed through although after being accepted at Barnard College, they wouldn’t allow her to attend because they’d reached their quota of two African American students. Her life is a legacy. She is a Life Changer! I think of Delois Mitchell, a dear mother to many, who after surviving the removal of a 60 pound tumor, fighting cancer and illnesses, pushed through on Sunday, oxygen in tow to deliver the scripture. She pushed through, standing proud and strong. She is a Life Changer! When I’m down, I look around. If they can push forward so can I. We have the same Father! The Lord strong and mighty!

So the next time you are down, you too should look around you. There are many Life Changers in the midst. Look within yourself! You are one of them and you can make it through. As Always, Pushing Forward!

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3

"Poor in spirit" means to be humble. Humility is the realization that all your gifts and blessings come from the grace of God

On a treadmill - Trying to Catch Up

The Treadmill

I know that whoever invented the treadmill felt like it was clever. Yes, it is a device that allows people to walk or run, indoors. It can go fast or slow. It can incline. It can be set for different levels of workout. Some even come with fans installed and openings to hold bottles. Everything is conveniently packaged to achieve the ultimate goal… working out. Think about it though. No matter how fast or slow you walk or run, that treadmill is not going anywhere. It is stationary.

Stressed!

That’s how I felt yesterday. I felt like I was on a treadmill trying to keep up with life. Running at full speed and getting nowhere fast. Nothing major mind you. It was just the ordinary, mundane, day to day things that we all do that had me discombobulated. Hurry, Hurry, Rush Rush, Stress Stress!! We basically know how much we can handle at one time. It’s those times when additional things are tossed in the mix that we tend to be thrown off balance. We are on the treadmill of life and here comes “extra” to mess it all up. We are almost at the goal that we have set for ourselves and here comes a cramp to cause us to slow down, pause or get off.

Pain!

Well people, maybe it was time to get off. Time to change things up a little bit. Time to do some strength building exercises! Our Father knows when we need a change and often times we are so focused on the goal that we have set for ourselves that we aren’t paying HIM any mind. He keeps sending little hints and we keep ignoring them. First there was a twinge in the muscle meaning “OKAY!! THAT’S ENOUGH!!” What do we do? We keep going. Then God finally says, “I am going to MAKE you listen!” BINGO!! CRAMP!! Forced stop and listen! LOL!! Why does HE have to give us some pain to get our attention? HE shouldn’t have to but since we are so doggone human, HE sometimes HAS to MAKE us see it HIS way! Nothing can force us to our knees quicker than pain.

Prayer!

Pain hits and what do we do? Down on our knees, “Lord HELP me please!” What a wonderful Father He is. He comes to our aid when we call. Even when it was our free will that caused the problem, He comes to help us. But notice this, He now has our attention. We need Him. We are depending on Him to save us and we are listening to what He has to say. He can now guide us in the direction that He wants us to go in. When He says go pick up that weight, we do it. We didn’t think we could do it in our own strength, but since He is there, we try. We keep trying and we get stronger. Eventually we are strong enough in that area that He doesn’t have to spot us anymore. We have learned how to handle it!

Relief!

Then we are so proud of our accomplishments that we start to go off on our own again. Do we repeat the cycle because we know He is close by to save us? I don’t know! I only know that I am grateful that He is there to lead and guide me in the right direction. I’ve learned that pain is sometimes necessary to force us to listen and learn. Thank you Father for your gift of love. Thank you for loving me more than I love myself. Thank you for always being there for me regardless as to whether I am thinking of you; and thank you for pulling me off of the treadmill. Now it’s on to getting stronger and Always Pushing Forward!

Jude 1:24-25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

The Answer

Father I stretch my hand to thee! In thee I trust and I believe.


We don't have the answers. We are not purposed to have the answers. We are designed to trust in HIM with unwaivering faith. HE knows the end and the reasons why. We shouldn't spend another moment trying to figure it out. Ask HIM! He knows, so ask HIM. Then wait. Wait for the answer to your question. Don't rush it. Don't try go out and ask someone else. Wait. If HE wants the answer revealed to you through another, then HE will arrange for them to tell you. It will be HIM working through them to provide it. You will also get confirmation of the answer. Not your answer but HIS answer. Sometimes the answers are immediate. If you know the voice of God, then you may hear it in your spirit. Note this is not our answer, but HIS answer. Sometimes the answer comes slowly. It comes after things have taken place in such a manner that you will then recognize the answer. Nevertheless, if you ask, IN FAITH, in HIS will, in Jesus name, then you shall receive...the answer.

You say, " Well what if I don't understand the answer or wanted another answer. Take this one back and give me another one! " (smile) Once again, we are not designed to have the answers. HE has the answers. Ask HIM to make it plain. Make it clear for your understanding. Then continue to trust in HIM. Have faith in HIM. He is Our Father. Our Deliverer. Our Savior. Our Healer. Our Strength. Our Everything.

Even as you go through, HE is the answer. Even when you lose a loved one, HE is the answer. Even when you don't know what else to do, HE is the answer. Even when your eyes are filled with tears and you can't see your way, HE will see you through. Trust and depend on HIM and Always Push Forward!

1John 5:14-15 "And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE heareth us: and if we know that HE hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

Breaking the Line

A group of us were standing in a LONG line. We'd been standing there for at least 20 minutes, waiting for the doors to open. I watched as a couple strolled up and waited in the front. They were oblivious to all of us who'd been waiting. They had an air about them as if they were supposed to be in the front. As the doors opened I watched them waltz on in ahead of all of us. I started to get mad but then I realized that I was close to the front and there were plenty of seats. No need to worry or be concerned. I then had a quick thought about heaven. How great it will be when we enter the gates. We won't be angry. We won't care who is in the front. We will just be happy to be there. Then there will be a real praise party.




Then I thought about my Savior. Suppose He was to come back while I was standing outside in that line. I immediately felt my chest rise with pride. The Holy Spirit reminded me that I am entitled! Entitled to fellowship with Him now. Entitled to enjoy my relationship with Him. Entitled to bask in His presence. What an awesome feeling. If He were to crack the sky right then, the non-beleivers would be left behind standing in the line and whether or not someone else got in first wouldn't matter at all.



Sometimes we just have to stop and put things in perspective. Alot of the little things we worry about aren't worth a second thought. People around us do things that bother us, we get upset, and they go on about their lives unphased because they didn't even know they'd done anything. Let's make it a point to try and not sweat the small stuff. Yes, we are human with human emotions. We are going to get riled up every now and again but for the most part, let's focus on the BIG picture and as always push forward.



1 Thessalonians 4:15-17...and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.

Forward Focused Faith

No matter what happened before you went to sleep, the morning brings brand new mercies. Before I open my eyes in the mornings, I tell the Lord, “Thank you for another day. Another opportunity to get it right! (SMILE)
I read this is Judy Jacobs’s book today and it spoke to me. It was so powerful; I wanted to share it with you all. It said, “Don’t let regrets make you miss your moment. Let the past go and forget it. Don't get stalled in regrets. Do not allow the distraction of looking at the past cause you to miss enjoying your now.
That's powerful people. How often does the enemy bring to your remembrance something that occurred in your past just as you are enjoying your present? He is quick to remind you of something that has long passed. There is nothing that you can do about it now. It's over. It's done with. You can't go backward. My pastor always said, "If you are driving while looking in the rear view mirror you are going to hit something. The windshield is big for a reason. It's there for you to look forward."

Instead of focusing on what happened or could have or should have happened, focus on what is going to happen. Follow God’s example and speak those things into existence. In Romans 4, It states “…God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were…..” Focus on the power within you and follow through on the plans that are ahead. In the book the Power of Focus by Jack Canfield, it states, "Everything you want is on the other side of fear!" Picture a wall that you need to get over and what you want is on the other side. That wall is called FEAR. If you are afraid to even approach the wall then how are you going to get to the other side? Fear is one of the enemy's weapons. If he can prevent you from trying he doesn't have to worry about your accomplishments. Then he throws in some doubt plus worry and what do you have nothing. That's right. You are stalled. Stuck and unable to move forward!

There is a solution. You can get over that wall by talking a leap of FAITH! Faith in GOD! Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (New Living Translation)” In the book, “Putting your Faith into Action Today” there is a poem which states,”Faith is leaping across the gaps between the known and the unknown! The actual and the possible-the grasp and the reach! There is always a chasm between where you are and where you are going-by faith make the leap forward.

When you find yourself stalled out, repeat this phrase. “FORWARD, FOCUSED, FAITH”. Pushing forward, focusing on my future, with faith in my GOD! That’s cause for a praise break!

Father God,

Thank you for another day. Thank you for allowing me another opportunity to be your willing vessel and praise your name. Thank you for keeping my mind focused on you. I pray right now that all that are reading this are blessed beyond measure. Bless their coming and going. Cover them in every aspect of their lives. You are all powerful and able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we may ask or think. You know the desires of our hearts Lord. Grant us that Forward Focused Faith. In Jesus most precious, magnificent, matchless name. Amen!

I WILL GO

Would you do it? Would you volunteer? You know…...to lay down your life! To die for someone else! You know for folks that have done wrong. Sinners! You know those people. The ones that lie, cheat, steal, gossip. People that are mean spirited, evil and malicious. The ones that smile in your face and talk about you behind your back. Would you do it? Could you do it? Would you even consider it?


HE did! He died so that we might live. Live an eternal life with our FATHER. Galatians 4:4-5 says: “But when the appropriate time had come, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we may be adopted as sons with full rights.” Did you hear that? So that we, you and me could become HIS children, joint heirs with full rights! All for us!

That’s so powerful. He was born, lived, preached, healed, saved , tortured, beaten, bruised, crucified and raised from the dead with ALL POWER so that we can have ETERNAL life. So that we can call GOD our FATHER! So that we can say “Father, I’m sorry! Please forgive me for I have sinned.” And because we are imperfect humans, we do it again and we say, “Father, I am such a wretch Lord, I have sinned again. I continue to sin Lord, please forgive me and He does!” Isn’t that awesome! He loves us just that much. Unconditional love. Agape love. There is rest in HIM. Peace in HIM. Hope in HIM. LIFE in HIM!

As we celebrate Maundy Thursday…. The commemoration of the Last Supper, take a moment and think of all that HE continues to do for you. How HE blesses you. Thank him for your right mind, your sight, your ……… (take it from here..fill in the blanks)! The blessings become too numerous to count. I am thankful for Jesus, for you, my friends and family. I love you and continue to Push Forward!

Why is Life so Hard?

Okay people. I’m going to put it out there. “Why is life hard?” There, I said it! Come on! Don’t act like you’ve never said that before or thought it. I’ve heard people go so far to say, “Why are we here if this is all there is to it. There has to be a better way!”


Of course there is a better way. In Matthew 11:30, Jesus says “For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." (NIV). In that HE is saying that HE knows that sin makes life hard. We are shaped in sin. Sin is a part of our everyday life therefore life is not going to always be easy. Yes, some days are better than others, but while we are in this flesh, we are sinners. Yes, we repent, but we are still shaped in sin. Romans 7:20 (amplified) explains “Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the SIN [principle] which dwells WITHIN me [[c]fixed and operating in my soul]. The good news is that when we are in Christ, HE bears the sin thus making our burdens easier. HE alone is the one that can save us. HE doesn’t say that we won’t have burdens and that as Christians, we are exempt. He is saying that our burdens are lighter and we can rest in HIM.

Have you ever seen a yoke? A yoke is a shaped wooden CROSSpiece bound to the necks of a pair of oxen or horses. It is held on the animals' necks. It transmits force between the animals' shoulders making it easier to carry a load. Imagine that you are going through a tough trial and you are all alone. You are trying to carry this heavy burden on your shoulders and the more you try to walk the heavier it gets until you are almost crawling on the ground. THEN you call on JESUS and you become yoked with HIM. He is strong and equipped. He picks up the burden you are carrying and walks beside you. Did you just feel that relief!! The awe in knowing that HE cares enough about you to carry you! The burden just got easier. Once again, it didn’t go away but now you can rest in HIM. That’s incredible news.

I leave you with this. One of my favorite songs is “Stand” by Donnie McClurkin. In it he says, after you’ve prayed and cried and have done all that you can, you just STAND. I know that I can Stand up and strong when I am yoked to Jesus. HE is there to dust my knees off, STAND me up and allow me to push forward. That is my prayer for you today, STAND, in Jesus’ name… Amen!

Warning! Self Esteem killer on the loose!

“My self esteem is shot!” Wow! How painful! The very core of someone’s being has been damaged. It has been torn apart by the enemy as he roams to and fro, seeking to destroy anything that is good. It’s time to fight!

SHOT!

To hear that someone has been shot brings to mind a painful scene. The first thing we ask is if they are okay? We wonder if they are severely injured or near death. SHOT! It’s a scary thought, a scary thing to hear about. Yes, we hear about someone getting shot on the news all of the time. It’s become a standard part of life. Crimes are reported every day. We can become de-sensitized to it until we hear about someone that we know. Then it becomes personal.

CALL 911

We should feel the same way, when we hear that someone’s self esteem has been tattered, torn or possibly destroyed. It’s serious. Immediate aid is needed. The same special care should be taken. We should ask, if they are okay. We should ask how badly they are injured and pray with them to assist them in healing. They may not be dead physically, but what about spiritually or mentally. We should care. We have to care and we have to act quickly to as in any 911 situation. We have to minimize the damage as soon as possible.

FIGHTING FOR VICTORY!

How do we react you may ask. We have to fight. We have to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) Gird ourselves up! Pull out our swords (the word) and fight! Don’t cower. That’s what the enemy wants us to do. He wants us to be fearful, hide and slink into a corner defeated. Once he senses that we are weak, he will send out all kinds of attacks because he senses a victory. Once again, he is a confused. We are God’s chosen children. We have to face him head on and call him out for the liar that he is. Speak it out loud! “I am God’s child! I am chosen! God carefully put me together and personally planned my life and my purpose! I will carry it out! HE has promises for my life! The war is already won and I am a winner, a winner in HIM, in Jesus name.. Amen!!

HEALED

Don’t you feel better??? Whew, I do! Just speaking the word back to HIM makes HIM smile. HE is ready and willing to come to our defense. The WORD causes the enemy to flee!

A friend of mine shared a word with us at practice tonight. He said that he’d heard someone say, that “God honors HIS word over HIS name!” HIS WORD! All of HIS promises are YES and I believe it and receive it! IN HIM we ARE healed! Confidence is restored! Worth intact! HEALED!