Greetings!
I cannot believe it has been three months since my last post. But it just goes to show how quickly time can get away from you. I have been in this place of transition and it has not been easy. I feel like I'm in a place where I can't go back and I don't feel ready to move forward. The crazy thing is...my spirit is yearning to move into that new place...my flesh just hasn't caught up with it yet.
Transitions can be hard because there is no one that can really talk you through it. Everybody's experience is different, and what worked for them may not work for you. So, how do we get through this period in our lives? We hold on to God's unchanging hand. We believe the word of God, we keep moving forward and we just trust the process.
The plan God has for our lives is simple, yet so complex at times. Simple because we have the plan laid out for us in God's word...we just have to follow it, and complex, because we have free will and our will, is always in conflict with God's will. We spend a crazy amount of time trying to get to the place God is calling us to and yet the word says, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand (Prov. 19:21 NIV). This word is saying that all we have to do is wait. We can plan whatever we want, but there is no plan we can come up with that is going to be better for us than the one God put into place before we were even born.
So, today trust the process and know that God is faithful to His promise. If He said it, He will surely bring it to pass.
Until next time...
Be blessed
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Baby Steps
Greetings!
I listened to a young preacher do her initial sermon today, and it made me think about the first time I spoke in public. I was a member of Toastmasters, and I was so nervous that you could see my legs shake through my pants. I had a written speech, but I couldn't even see the words. It was a mess, but thankfully I made it through without passing out.
Back then I dreamed of speaking all over the world one day and I still hold onto that dream. I believe through God anything is possible. During those meetings, at times, my spirit would feel so huge, but my flesh still felt so small. I learned to be patient with myself and I learned that it was going to take baby steps...
Speaking in public didn't come easy for me, because I was a background kind of girl. But I believe that God doesn't give you a vision for something without also giving you provision. The problem is the enemy knows who you are too, and he knows what God sees in you because he sees it too and his job is to keep you from it. God gave me a heart that loves to help others and I don't take that lightly, but I also know that He has called me to do more.
Taking baby steps means that progress may be slow, but you are making progress. It means that one day, you will walk boldly into that thing God is calling you to. Never give up. He is faithful to His promises. We serve a powerful, and amazing God. Keep pressing. Keep going. Keep believing. Trust that what He has created you to do...you will do.
Until next time...
Be blessed
I listened to a young preacher do her initial sermon today, and it made me think about the first time I spoke in public. I was a member of Toastmasters, and I was so nervous that you could see my legs shake through my pants. I had a written speech, but I couldn't even see the words. It was a mess, but thankfully I made it through without passing out.
Back then I dreamed of speaking all over the world one day and I still hold onto that dream. I believe through God anything is possible. During those meetings, at times, my spirit would feel so huge, but my flesh still felt so small. I learned to be patient with myself and I learned that it was going to take baby steps...
Speaking in public didn't come easy for me, because I was a background kind of girl. But I believe that God doesn't give you a vision for something without also giving you provision. The problem is the enemy knows who you are too, and he knows what God sees in you because he sees it too and his job is to keep you from it. God gave me a heart that loves to help others and I don't take that lightly, but I also know that He has called me to do more.
Taking baby steps means that progress may be slow, but you are making progress. It means that one day, you will walk boldly into that thing God is calling you to. Never give up. He is faithful to His promises. We serve a powerful, and amazing God. Keep pressing. Keep going. Keep believing. Trust that what He has created you to do...you will do.
Until next time...
Be blessed
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Family
Greetings!
We had an awesome time at the park yesterday. God blessed us with the perfect day for a cookout. It was great seeing all of the family together again. My parents were big on family traditions and my mother prayed that we would all remain close. It made me realize how blessed we are to have family that cares enough to want to keep our family traditions.
When my father was living, he had Alzheimer's, so we started having cookouts so that he would remember who we were. I'm not sure he knew who we were, but he understood that we were family. And when both my parents passed away, we made a promise to do what we could to stay together and for the most part...we have done that. Do we always get along? No. Do we always agree? No. Do we have differences and still find a way to love one another. Yes. And that's the most important thing...
When God made all of us, He built us so that our gifts and talents would all work together, but He also made us unique. Everyone has a path to follow and my path may be different from yours. God designed it that way for a reason. And sometimes that means we have to agree to disagree so that in whatever we choose to do, God will get all the glory.
God is at the heart of my family...right in that place where my parents used to be. He blesses us individually and collectively. He keeps our family grounded and focused on the whole...not on the part. That is what has kept us together all of these years and with the Lord's help...will keep us together for the generations to come.
Until next time...
Be blessed
We had an awesome time at the park yesterday. God blessed us with the perfect day for a cookout. It was great seeing all of the family together again. My parents were big on family traditions and my mother prayed that we would all remain close. It made me realize how blessed we are to have family that cares enough to want to keep our family traditions.
When my father was living, he had Alzheimer's, so we started having cookouts so that he would remember who we were. I'm not sure he knew who we were, but he understood that we were family. And when both my parents passed away, we made a promise to do what we could to stay together and for the most part...we have done that. Do we always get along? No. Do we always agree? No. Do we have differences and still find a way to love one another. Yes. And that's the most important thing...
When God made all of us, He built us so that our gifts and talents would all work together, but He also made us unique. Everyone has a path to follow and my path may be different from yours. God designed it that way for a reason. And sometimes that means we have to agree to disagree so that in whatever we choose to do, God will get all the glory.
God is at the heart of my family...right in that place where my parents used to be. He blesses us individually and collectively. He keeps our family grounded and focused on the whole...not on the part. That is what has kept us together all of these years and with the Lord's help...will keep us together for the generations to come.
Until next time...
Be blessed
Sunday, July 1, 2018
It is not about our comfort...it's about His glory
Greetings!
Summertime is finally here and things are heating up everywhere...
People are cooking out and partying all night...whether the neighbors like it or not. Folks are coming out in all manner of dress...or undress. It's summer...it's to be expected. I don't know...I think that I am getting a little older and things that used to irritate me, no longer do and the things that didn't irritate me are really irritating me now.
I was pondering these thoughts when I realized that we all fall short. None of us are perfect. I know I'm not and I don't try to be anymore. I did for a long time, but that just made me miserable. Our path is set for us. The Bible says that God knew us before we were even born and He has a plan and purpose for all of us, but sometimes we need someone to point the way. We are not supposed to try to figure it alone. In Ephesians 4, it says the gifts God has given us work together to help build up the body of Christ, but we have to work those gifts. We can't be afraid to speak about God to those who do not know Him.
I watched this video recently of a young preacher who was standing on the street corner preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and all these people began taunting him and getting in his face, shouting obscenities at him and telling him that Jesus loved everybody. This preacher never stopped. It was that important to him. He knew that many in that crowd were lost, and his job that day was to point the way to Jesus Christ ... whether they wanted to hear it or not. I could feel myself getting angry just watching it so I know I could not have done that. That's why God wouldn't use me in that way. He knows what our gifts are and He knows how to get the best out of us.
We have to.remember that we represent God and when others see us...they should really see Him. If God needs to use us to show His love to our neighbor, then we need to step up to the plate. God gets the glory every time we turn the other cheek, give someone some grace, or bless someone unexpectedly. It really is not about our comfort...it's all about His glory.
Until next time...
Be blessed
Summertime is finally here and things are heating up everywhere...
People are cooking out and partying all night...whether the neighbors like it or not. Folks are coming out in all manner of dress...or undress. It's summer...it's to be expected. I don't know...I think that I am getting a little older and things that used to irritate me, no longer do and the things that didn't irritate me are really irritating me now.
I was pondering these thoughts when I realized that we all fall short. None of us are perfect. I know I'm not and I don't try to be anymore. I did for a long time, but that just made me miserable. Our path is set for us. The Bible says that God knew us before we were even born and He has a plan and purpose for all of us, but sometimes we need someone to point the way. We are not supposed to try to figure it alone. In Ephesians 4, it says the gifts God has given us work together to help build up the body of Christ, but we have to work those gifts. We can't be afraid to speak about God to those who do not know Him.
I watched this video recently of a young preacher who was standing on the street corner preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and all these people began taunting him and getting in his face, shouting obscenities at him and telling him that Jesus loved everybody. This preacher never stopped. It was that important to him. He knew that many in that crowd were lost, and his job that day was to point the way to Jesus Christ ... whether they wanted to hear it or not. I could feel myself getting angry just watching it so I know I could not have done that. That's why God wouldn't use me in that way. He knows what our gifts are and He knows how to get the best out of us.
We have to.remember that we represent God and when others see us...they should really see Him. If God needs to use us to show His love to our neighbor, then we need to step up to the plate. God gets the glory every time we turn the other cheek, give someone some grace, or bless someone unexpectedly. It really is not about our comfort...it's all about His glory.
Until next time...
Be blessed
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Balance...
Greetings!
I had the pleasure of serving at the nursing home with two of my church sisters today. I love that ministry because the focus is not on what we are doing as much as it is for who we are doing it. I love the residents there. They love the Lord and they come expecting God to show up and He never disappoints...
Although we have an order of service, we leave room for the Holy Spirit to do whatever He wants to do. That service doesn't belong to us and because we know that...God always leans in our direction when we are there. He has anointed us for this ministry and it's obvious in the way the residents respond. They know all the hymns, and they are serious about "church." It doesn't matter that they are in a nursing home...for that moment, it is transformed into God's sanctuary.
Today, my sister reminded us of the importance of balance. She spoke about how we sometimes forget that those things that are good to us are not necessarily good for us and that too much of anything can turn a blessing into a curse. Not taking care of our bodies will eventually cause problems with our health and that's what the enemy wants. He wants us to be so distracted that we don't eat the right things, or get enough rest or spend enough time with the Lord. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8, that the enemy is always roaming around to see who he can devour. Our job is to make his plan null an void. Stay focused on God. He will always cause us to triumph.
Until next time...
Be blessed
I had the pleasure of serving at the nursing home with two of my church sisters today. I love that ministry because the focus is not on what we are doing as much as it is for who we are doing it. I love the residents there. They love the Lord and they come expecting God to show up and He never disappoints...
Although we have an order of service, we leave room for the Holy Spirit to do whatever He wants to do. That service doesn't belong to us and because we know that...God always leans in our direction when we are there. He has anointed us for this ministry and it's obvious in the way the residents respond. They know all the hymns, and they are serious about "church." It doesn't matter that they are in a nursing home...for that moment, it is transformed into God's sanctuary.
Today, my sister reminded us of the importance of balance. She spoke about how we sometimes forget that those things that are good to us are not necessarily good for us and that too much of anything can turn a blessing into a curse. Not taking care of our bodies will eventually cause problems with our health and that's what the enemy wants. He wants us to be so distracted that we don't eat the right things, or get enough rest or spend enough time with the Lord. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8, that the enemy is always roaming around to see who he can devour. Our job is to make his plan null an void. Stay focused on God. He will always cause us to triumph.
Until next time...
Be blessed
Monday, May 21, 2018
Not just Pentecost
Greetings!
This past week, we celebrated Pentecost Sunday. I came to church expecting a great move of God and I was not disappointed. For the first time in a long time, everyone seemed to be on one accord. The word says that God inhabits the praises of His people and wherever there are two or more gathered in His name He is in the midst. I believe He was in the midst. Actually, I know that He was present in that place, because I didn't think about what I was going to eat for dinner not one time.
Ok...don't judge me. Most of us have a wandering mind during church every now and then, right? But I digress...
What I love most about Sundays like that is how God allowed my pastor to move in the prophetic. It was more than words on paper. He felt what he was preaching and he spoke exactly what God moved him to speak. Not that he doesn't always do that, because he does. But, this Sunday felt different. He spoke healing over that congregation and he gave the Holy Spirit all the room he needed. There is a work that God does on His people when we get out of the way.
No...this was not just another Sunday. It wasn't about Pentecost. It was about making sure that the people of God knew that they had access to their healing, to power and to authority. We don't have to wait for anyone to give us what God has already given us. We can't keep doing church as usual. The world is not waiting for us to get it together. People are dying and we have to be sure to capture as many moments as possible for God. What I mean by that is that we can't let an opportunity to minister pass us by. We need to share Him with our family...with our friends and with the world, because their lives may be depending on it.
Until next time...
Be blessed
This past week, we celebrated Pentecost Sunday. I came to church expecting a great move of God and I was not disappointed. For the first time in a long time, everyone seemed to be on one accord. The word says that God inhabits the praises of His people and wherever there are two or more gathered in His name He is in the midst. I believe He was in the midst. Actually, I know that He was present in that place, because I didn't think about what I was going to eat for dinner not one time.
Ok...don't judge me. Most of us have a wandering mind during church every now and then, right? But I digress...
What I love most about Sundays like that is how God allowed my pastor to move in the prophetic. It was more than words on paper. He felt what he was preaching and he spoke exactly what God moved him to speak. Not that he doesn't always do that, because he does. But, this Sunday felt different. He spoke healing over that congregation and he gave the Holy Spirit all the room he needed. There is a work that God does on His people when we get out of the way.
No...this was not just another Sunday. It wasn't about Pentecost. It was about making sure that the people of God knew that they had access to their healing, to power and to authority. We don't have to wait for anyone to give us what God has already given us. We can't keep doing church as usual. The world is not waiting for us to get it together. People are dying and we have to be sure to capture as many moments as possible for God. What I mean by that is that we can't let an opportunity to minister pass us by. We need to share Him with our family...with our friends and with the world, because their lives may be depending on it.
Until next time...
Be blessed
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Move
Greetings!
I am telling you...our God is awesome. When God wants to really get through to me, He will do it while I sleep. I often tell people that He does that because it's the only time I stop talking long enough to hear Him (I can't help it, that's how He made me). But, here's the thing...when I wake up, I always, always have a song in my heart. The song will typically be the answer to or the confirmation of a situation I am dealing with. He takes that opportunity to search my heart for those things that I am struggling with and He helps me put them in perspective and I always wake up feeling refreshed. The thing is I have been in a holding pattern for way too long. He is constantly encouraging me through songs, other people, and even through adversity, and I am still waiting...
God led me to share that today because there is someone out there that needs to know that God is aware of everything that concerns you. You don't have to try to figure it out by yourself. He has the solution, you just have to go to Him and let Him know that you are ready to let it go.
My pastor did a sermon today, and in his message, he spoke about the man at the pool of Bethesda. He said the man had been right at the point of his breakthrough and just didn't complete the act. An angel would come and stir up the water once a year, and the first one in the pool after the water had been stirred would be healed. This man was at the edge of the water and all he had to do was roll, but for 38 years he lied there waiting for someone to help him get in. When Jesus came along, He simply said take up your bed and walk and the man did. He didn't ask any questions. He didn't gripe and complain, and he didn't consult with others around him...he just did it.
Today, I want to tell someone that your breakthrough is here. You don't have to wait for anyone else to help you move into what God is calling you to do. All you have to do is move. God will be there to help you, you just need to prepare yourself for the blessing. I am a firm believer that when God speaks, He makes it so. Your flesh won't be able to comprehend that, but your heart will. Trust the God who loves you and knew you before the beginning of time. He has a plan for your life...walk in it.
Until next time...
Be blessed
I am telling you...our God is awesome. When God wants to really get through to me, He will do it while I sleep. I often tell people that He does that because it's the only time I stop talking long enough to hear Him (I can't help it, that's how He made me). But, here's the thing...when I wake up, I always, always have a song in my heart. The song will typically be the answer to or the confirmation of a situation I am dealing with. He takes that opportunity to search my heart for those things that I am struggling with and He helps me put them in perspective and I always wake up feeling refreshed. The thing is I have been in a holding pattern for way too long. He is constantly encouraging me through songs, other people, and even through adversity, and I am still waiting...
God led me to share that today because there is someone out there that needs to know that God is aware of everything that concerns you. You don't have to try to figure it out by yourself. He has the solution, you just have to go to Him and let Him know that you are ready to let it go.
My pastor did a sermon today, and in his message, he spoke about the man at the pool of Bethesda. He said the man had been right at the point of his breakthrough and just didn't complete the act. An angel would come and stir up the water once a year, and the first one in the pool after the water had been stirred would be healed. This man was at the edge of the water and all he had to do was roll, but for 38 years he lied there waiting for someone to help him get in. When Jesus came along, He simply said take up your bed and walk and the man did. He didn't ask any questions. He didn't gripe and complain, and he didn't consult with others around him...he just did it.
Today, I want to tell someone that your breakthrough is here. You don't have to wait for anyone else to help you move into what God is calling you to do. All you have to do is move. God will be there to help you, you just need to prepare yourself for the blessing. I am a firm believer that when God speaks, He makes it so. Your flesh won't be able to comprehend that, but your heart will. Trust the God who loves you and knew you before the beginning of time. He has a plan for your life...walk in it.
Until next time...
Be blessed
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