Greetings!

Christmas is over, and a new year is about to begin. This has been a difficult year for my family with the loss of my sister, and niece. As this year ends, I know as a family we are all looking forward to a wonderful new beginning. We have always been a close family, but going through this experience has made us even closer. God used everything we went through as a family to bind us even closer together. And, even though it has been tough, and our faith has been tested in ways we never expected I know that God’s plan is still perfect.

My friend’s pastor recently gave me a word from the Lord that has continued to resonate in my spirit. He said that I did not have to stick with tradition. I don't know why, but it’s like that word freed my spirit. I felt a weight being lifted. I know that God is leading me to step out in faith…to trust Him like never before, and I am excited about the things God has in store for me.

I usually make a list of things I would like to accomplish in the upcoming year, but this year I am determined that I am not going to do it. I am not going to make any New Year resolutions. It feels crazy to me. I usually have at least one, and then half-way through the year I realize that my resolution has fallen by the wayside. So, this year I am not going to put that pressure on myself.  

The next time we meet we will be in a whole new year. I pray that God continues to bless you and keep you. That He shows you a deeper level of faith in Him, and that in this new year every dream, every vision, and every desire will come to pass. 

Wishing you and your family a Happy and Safe Prosperous New Year!

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!
 
This procrastination thing has gone to a whole new level. It is showing up everywhere…at work, at home, even at church. I am not sure when it started, but instead of it going away—it seems to be picking up speed. Not only am I not writing like I should be, I am not eating right, and I haven’t been to the gym since July. I am waiting until the week of an event to get prepared, I am not studying for my classes, and even reading the Word is taking a back seat. I obviously have been taking this issue too lightly, and, that is exactly what the enemy wants me to do. Satan is our enemy, and he wants to destroy us. That may be his goal, but the Bible says, “Greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (KJV)

I thought that the reason I had been procrastinating was because of laziness, but, I have learned that it is more than that. I have been fighting against a spirit that does not want to give up easily. That just let me know that God is about to do something great in my life, and the enemy does not want that thing to happen. That probably sounds crazy to most people, but as children of God, we war in the spirit…meaning we can’t fight the enemy on his turf—we have to fight him on ours. In Mark 9:29 it says, “Some things only come out by prayer and fasting.” One of my best friends just recently told me that I needed to fast, but I wasn’t ready. I still felt like I needed to be more disciplined…that maybe if I just worked harder, I could get back on track. That is definitely a trick of the enemy. This battle is not mine…it’s the Lord’s, and I need to get out of His way.

I know that there are many people out there going through the same thing that I am, and feeling defeated, but God is telling me to let you know that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. He has called us to a specific purpose, and nothing can stop it. It may take a while for us to catch up to it, but it is still there. Don’t give up…God is still in control. He hasn’t moved…we have. Now, we just have to get back into position.

Stay tuned…there is more to come.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

This time of year always makes me think about how thankful I am for everything. I know that sounds cliché, but I really am. I am thankful for my family, and friends...for my home and my work, and I am thankful most of all that God loved me so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to the cross for me. When I remember that...it always makes me want to do my best.

We are at the edge of a whole new year, and although I feel like I have been in hibernation… I can feel my dreams being awakened again. In order to get there though, I know I am going to have to be more disciplined. The issue with that for me is going to be keeping it simple. I have a tendency of going all the way to the left or all the way to the right…I am very rarely in the middle. So, the first thing I need to do is learn to take one step at a time and not think too far in advance. I know that when I do that I get overwhelmed, and then I end up doing nothing.

I am learning (the hard way) that God’s plan is always perfect. I don’t understand it most of the time, but I know He loves me and wants good things for me so that keeps me encouraged. I have to keep reminding myself of that when I feel like giving up. He has made me to be an overcomer, so whatever I am going through…I know He goes with me.

I find myself sometimes running ahead of God, so He is teaching me how to listen to him closely. I am learning to listen with my heart and not my head…that is going to be the difference between being good, and being great.

I am so excited to see where God is leading me, and I am so thankful that you are coming along with me on this journey.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings!

If you have been following me, you know that I have been battling with procrastination. So, this week, I’m back on my mission. I know that God is leading me, because He is putting me in situations where I have to face it. At Bible Study this week my pastor taught on fear. It wasn’t so much that he was teaching anything new as it just seemed to come at the perfect time. I know that fear plays a huge part in why I feel the way I do.

Fear is our enemy’s greatest weapon. He knows that every time we don’t step out, reach back, or get up…he wins. Well, I am sick of it…and I’m sick of him. I’m sick of watching people letting their dreams die…including me. I refuse to get to the end of my life, and regret not taking a chance...to not know if I could have made it. I want to achieve everything that God has for me, and I want to see others achieve theirs too. The only way for that to happen is if we keep reminding ourselves that we belong to God. He has a plan for us, and it doesn’t include being afraid.

The Bible says that God did not give us a spirit of fear, so if we have it in any form…it didn’t come from Him, so it doesn’t belong to us. We don’t have to accept it, and I no longer want it to be a part of my life. We have to be willing to take a stand…to trust God in all things. Learning how to do that is what will help us get back to that place where we can believe in our dreams again.

One of the ways I am finding is to claim God’s promises. We have to find those scriptures that speak to us and then say them out loud. Put them on our mirrors. Write them on sticky notes and put them in places where we can see them. That’s how we fight—and that’s how we win.

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (NLT)

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

 

Today, I went to a tea at a friend of a friend’s church. Actually, I feel like she’s my friend too. I have been to two retreats that she has hosted, and this is my second tea at her church, so I think it’s safe to say that she is at least a very good associate.

 

We were determined to make it on time…especially since last year, we were a little late and they were well into their third or fourth cup of tea by the time we got there. Let me tell you…using a GPS, although useful when you don’t know where you’re going, is not the easiest method of finding a destination. It’s hard to keep following the GPS when you know that you are going in the opposite direction of where you want to go, but not knowing enough to go against what the little voice in the box is telling you. I think we probably went about 15 minutes out of the way before finally arriving pretty close to being on time…at least we got there before our friend.

The woman who spoke was…refreshing. She didn’t give a sermon per se, but she definitely used scripture, and the things she said encouraged me to keep letting God’s light shine through me. We ate scones, sandwiches, cookies, and all kinds of tea. It was nice having tea, meeting new people, and just enjoying a really beautiful afternoon. I left there feeling really glad I went…just thankful to God for allowing me to spend time with Him.

I even received confirmation of a message I have been working on…awesome.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

 

                                                                

Greetings!

This week, I am back on my mission to find out why I have been procrastinating. I am determined to find out why I am living a life that vacillates between being motionless and pressing forward in God. In my study time, God led me to read the book of Romans...especially Chapter 12.

At first, I couldn’t understand how this could tie into my issue with procrastination. Then, I went to noon day prayer at my church and one of the associate ministers spoke on how we have to watch the words we speak, and how we claim things that really don’t belong to us. For instance, she spoke about how we will say things like, “my diabetes,” or “my high blood pressure.” She said we claim these things as if we have to have them…like we have no choice in the matter. That started me to thinking about how I have been claiming “my procrastination.” I say it as if it is a part of me…like I don’t have a choice. That was a huge breakthrough for me. I have been speaking that over myself, and wondering why I have been stuck not only in my ministry, but in my life. If I want to live a life that is prosperous and fruitful, then I have to first be renewed in my thinking…and that’s where the book of Romans comes in.

In Romans 12:1-2 it says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (KJV).

What a revelation! This feels like the beginning of the end of something. Maybe for the first time, I am really ready to let go of that thing that has been holding me hostage, because I have read this scripture   many times, and never looked at it this way before. In this moment, I feel God’s spirit speaking to me, and He is saying that I can choose to live a life of defeat, believing that I am at the mercy of my circumstance, or I could be empowered through the spirit of God that lives inside me. I love how God’s word reaches out to us. How it speaks to us and gives us exactly what we need at the exact moment we need it.

Our God is bigger than any situation or circumstance…and even though I know that. Every now and then, I need to be reminded.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

This week, I am going to veer off from my quest to find out why I am stuck in neutral to talk about my first ever rainbow tea. What an awesome time…it was so much fun!

The whole event was a new one for me. This was also the first tea I have ever been to that included men…actually, it included the whole family! It was really nice to be able to share that experience with several generations—it was more like a family rainbow tea!

Typically, when you think of a “tea” you think of women sitting around with white gloves, fancy hats and delicate tea cups—not anymore… I love not following the norm, and doing what thus saith the Lord. I know that the vision God gave fit that church…and, I’m glad they did it His way. We have to be able to trust where God leads us, and just step outside the box. It made me think about how we sometimes limit God. We think of Him the way we think of us. On our own, there may be certain things we can’t do because we have this flesh to deal with. That is not our God. He can do anything…and thanks to Him so can we.

You could feel the spirit of the Lord throughout the day. Everything was good…especially the food. But, the best part was the creative way the ladies decorated each table.  Each table had a  centerpiece made from things like flowers, bows, ribbon…and even marshmallows. It was all gorgeous…and so creative. And, we got to eat all the goodies at the end of the day!

Part of our job as people of God is to give of our time, our gifts, and our treasure…and these ladies were able to do just that. I pray that God continues to bless each of them, and that they always follow His lead.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

 

Greetings!

Today, I have been thinking about how dedicated I really am to the work God has called me to. I know what I love to do, but I find myself almost sabotaging my own success. I find myself holding back when I should be pushing forward. Watching television when I should be working my craft…and I am on a quest to find out why.

I think that last night was a good start to discovering where I have been going off track. I went to our Women’s Ministry meeting where we have been studying the women of the Bible…starting with the Book of Esther.

I love looking deeper into God’s word, and finding new revelation. When we do that God reveals to us what He expects from us. The book of Esther in particular is so enlightening, because it shows how we can overcome any obstacle when we take our minds off our own comfort and do what God is calling us to do. Here was a woman who had it all. She was young, beautiful, and she had the favor of the king—and she gave it all up to save her people. She could have kept quiet. The king didn’t even know she was a Jew. She could have, but she didn’t. Why? Why would she jeopardize her own life for the life of others?

She did it—because it was her destiny. She was the one. She was chosen.

What that helped me see, was that every time I don’t do what God is calling me to…I short-circuit my destiny. That revelation is huge. I don’t want to get to the end of my life and look back on what could have been.

So, for the next couple of weeks I will share with you what God shares with me. That together we learn how to avoid doing those things that tend to keep us from the place God needs us to be. He wants to be able to depend on us…to know that we are more concerned with pleasing Him than we are in our own comfort. My hope is that in learning that--we all begin to walk into our destinies.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

This week, I was privileged to be at the initial sermon of one of my co-laborers in Christ. I watched as she spoke her first words as a minister. Watching her stand there speaking from her heart reminded me of what it was like when I stood in that same spot. I remember being so nervous that all I could think of was getting through it. I don’t ever remember praying so much. It was one of the longest and one of the best days of my life.

God uses us just as we are…even with all of our baggage. We are each unique creatures in Christ. God takes all of our experiences and teaches us how to use them to be a blessing to others—and to ourselves. If we let Him, God will use everything that we have been through to lead us to a place of wholeness. Our lives mean something. We are not defeated…even though sometimes it feels like it.  Those times are opportunities for God to show us who we are in Him. God has a purpose for our lives, and we need to believe that even when we don’t see it.

God connects our heart to His in a way that allows us to step out of who we used to be so that we can be who He has called us to be. Our lives are not our own. We are slowly transformed into the image of Christ.

When we follow God, our lives are never the same…and, that’s a good thing.

Until next time...

Be blessed.

Greetings!

Today, I was a co-presenter with my mentor. I shouldn’t say mentor, because she is so much more than that. I know that God has placed us together for a reason. She has helped me in ways she may never know. At the same time, I also know that God has used me to be a blessing to her. This was the first time that I have ever presented with her, but it won’t be the last. I know that God has a purpose for putting us together, and I am so excited to see where He is taking us.

God had to show me that I needed to believe in the gifts He had given me before I could walk in my calling. I couldn’t be so focused on helping someone else that I neglected the work He had put in my hands. Now, I am more confident in the “me” God has made me to be, and I don’t feel like I have to prove myself to anyone. That is reason to shout! God has brought me a mighty long way. I still have those moments when I feel unsure about the direction my life is heading, but I trust God’s plan for my life.

I love how God uses us…and, He uses us as we are. Even though the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior we are changed in ways we never imagined, we are still the same people…just better. God connects us to people who help support us and grow us into the people He has called us to be.

 Nothing is ever wasted with God. He uses every opportunity to show us who we are. He doesn’t do it for Him—He does it for us. Once we know who we are in Him, He can take us to the next level or to our next assignment.

Until next time...

Be blessed!

Greetings!

I praise God for His loving presence, and for the care He takes with us. I love how He watches over our hearts. He understands our pain and our struggles. He also knows just what we need and when we need it.

Losing my sister and niece earlier this year was a devastating blow for my family, but with the grace of God each day is getting better and better. The thing that helps to make it a little easier is that they both loved the Lord…and when you think about it, we are all just passing through. They both lived their lives in service to others. They enjoyed working with children, and giving back to the community. Their love for others have sewn seeds into the lives of our family that will prayerfully pass on from generation to generation.

Yesterday, my family participated in a musical fundraiser for a local inner-city school. The event was in honor of my sister and niece who both loved children, and music. The atmosphere was filled with people who loved them. It was really a blessing to be among folks who could see the vision. Everyone there understood that it takes a village to help raise our children, and they didn’t mind dedicating their time, their talents, and their funds in helping to make this organization successful. The organization is called Positive Youth Expressions, Incorporated, and their mission is to help children reach their full potential musically and academically.

We were all blessed by the performers who donated their time and talents to this event, and I pray that everyone who participated will reap a harvest of God’s blessings. I am already looking forward to doing this again next year!

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

Last weekend I went on a spiritual retreat with about 40 other women. The retreat was in St. Michaels, Maryland. It was a great time to relax and get refreshed. The theme for the weekend was TEA (Time to Empower and Act), and it was all about women being motivated to do those things God has called them to do.  The funny thing is the most empowering part for me wasn’t at the retreat…it was getting to the retreat.

See, the thing is I have never driven across the Bay Bridge, and I was a little nervous to say the least. Satan used my nervousness against me, and I was starting to feel those old feelings of fear again. I know that God has delivered me from fear, but every now and then that old way of thinking takes over. It’s hard to put into words, but it is almost like fear was familiar for me. Even though I had worked hard to rid myself of it…here I was being comfortable with it again.

The awesome thing about God is that He never gives up on us. He knew that I needed help even though I was too stubborn to ask for it. He used a friend to remind me that I needed to trust what I knew about Him. I had to have faith that no matter what happened; God would never take His hand off me.  I know that God has a plan for my life, and that plan has not been accomplished yet so nothing could happen to me. I didn’t need to fear anything or anyone…God was still in control. God had to remind me that He had made me a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), and once I remembered that, fear lost some of it's sting.

The ride across was a little tricky, but with God’s help I was able to face my fear. On the way back I was half way across the bridge before I even realized I was on it!

What an awesome God we serve!

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

Lately, I have been meditating on how we hear God’s voice. I have heard people say that they sometimes struggle with whether they are hearing from God or just hearing their own voices. God’s way of speaking to us is unique to us. We don’t ever have to doubt who we are hearing from, because when God wants to get a word to us, He will speak to us in a way that we will understand…in a way that leaves no room for doubt. Stay close to God’s word. That’s the only way we are going to know His voice. God’s word says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” I think many times we doubt what we hear because the Holy Spirit is trying to lead us out of our comfort zones, and that because it’s a new experience…we doubt.

As children of God, He needs us to be His representatives in the earth. We have to be able to speak for Him, and to carry His message of salvation to the lost, but if our enemy (Satan) can keep us focused on whether we are hearing God or not, then he has won. He wants to shut down our witness, so he definitely wants to keep us doubting what we hear…and who we are hearing. The only way to combat that is to make sure that we have more of the word in us than the world in us.

One of the things I have learned in this walk with God is that we can expect the unexpected. As soon as we get to a place we feel is comfortable, we can expect to be moved. God doesn’t do that to hurt us, but rather to help us. He wants us to depend on Him…not only in the things we can’t handle, but in e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.  

Trust God…He knows when you are struggling, and He knows when you need to hear from Him. Don’t let the enemy steal your joy and peace. God is still in control.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

We have been having this crazy weather lately. One day, it’s sunny and bright, and 90 degrees. The next day it is raining and cold, and 65 degrees! Some areas, there is snow up to the tops of the houses, and in other areas it’s so hot that the brush is catching on fire. Thinking about the changes in the weather caused me to think how the changes in the weather mirror the changes in our lives. Just like the weather, we go through seasons. Some seasons teach us how to dress, and others teach us how to hold on.

Life can be unpredictable, but if you know how to read the seasons, you can weather any storm. God’s word says that He will never leave us. That means that He is right there with you in whatever you go through. The thing with God is this…because He created you; He knows exactly how much you can take. The Bible says that He will never give you more than you can bear. So, then the question is…do you trust Him? Do you know that no matter what, you can trust Him to be right in the midst of your situation? Do you believe that He has already worked it out, and that this too shall pass? Do you? We say a lot of things…but, when the rubber meets the road, what do we believe?

Here are three things that I believe:

·         I believe that God can do the impossible (Matt. 19:26)

·         I believe that He has made me more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37)

·         I believe that there is nothing that is too hard for God (Luke 18:27)

There are many things that cause me to have doubts, but not with God. I have learned that He is a man of His word. Every promise He has made is true. You can trust Him, because He is faithful. He loves you, and every situation, every pain; and every sorrow…has a purpose. You were made to weather the storm. Don’t look at your storm…look at the one who calms the storm.

Until next time…

Be blessed.

Greetings!

I cannot believe it…we are nearing the end of the summer already. I know that we all have the same amount of time, but it’s like time is moving at warp speed lately. It's as if Christmas was just here and it’s almost Christmas time again…which, really isn’t bad since I love that time of year.  But, thinking about how fast time is going made me think about how I’m spending my time. I wonder sometimes if I am doing enough of the right things and less of the wrong things. I try to be a good steward of everything God has given me…including my time, but I’m feeling like I might not be doing as well as I should. When I get on that track and I begin to think about things that are best left to God, He has a way of showing me myself that always get me back on track. I thank Him for the way He watches over us.

Last week, God helped me see how all my “works” meant nothing if my heart was not in the right place. He also had to show me that as much as I would like to believe it—I was not in control. That actually took the pressure off. I didn’t have to feel like I needed to have all the answers. I could let go of those things that made me feel insecure and inadequate and put them in His hands. He showed me that if I was really going to seek holiness I was going to have to listen to Him and pay attention to what He was speaking to me. I’m so glad that He continues to teach us in the way we should go.  

This week, He is showing me Psalm 139, and I am seeing it in a way that I have never seen it before. Seeking to live a life that is rooted and grounded in Him means that we have to be on one accord. He has to know that He can count on me to do the things He is calling me to without having to prove Himself to me. I am realizing just how awesome it is to be in love with Him. He knows everything about me because He created me and I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Knowing that He watches over me is comforting. I love knowing that nothing about me is hidden from Him, and with Him I can be myself.

I know that His works are wonderful, and I know that full well…

Until next time…

Be blessed!

 

Greetings!

Recently, I had been praying about where God was taking me, and what He expected of me. I have been having this powerful urge to go deeper than I have ever gone, and it has been making me feel uncomfortable…irritable. It was almost like I was fighting with myself. Last week, I realized that seeking holiness is causing me to go to a place in God that I have never been. A place where I have to open up completely to Him, and even though I know it is God…I still feel vulnerable…and I don’t like that feeling. I like believing that I have control…even though I know I don’t. So, what did God do? He took me to the sixth chapter of the Book of Judges.

I started out this week meditating on fasting and praying. I am just completing my second 21-day fast, and wondering if I had gotten everything I was supposed to get from this fast. The first time I did an extended fast was in 2008 with two other friends. God moved in my life so powerfully that I tried to keep going for a full 40 days! The problem with that was that God had not called me to do that, so I was out there on my own…drowning. I allowed the enemy to pollute my mind into thinking that I hadn’t done enough. I remember losing so much weight that people thought I was ill…even my doctor told me I didn’t look good.

Let me tell you how much our God loves us. As I was nearing the end of this fast, I started thinking again about extending the fast through the end of the month…which of course would be 40 days. That’s when God introduced me to Gideon in the Book of Judges. I thank God for the Holy Spirit because He spoke to my heart, and let me see that just like Gideon even though I may sometimes have doubts—God does not. Gideon doubted his abilities, and when God appeared to Gideon as an angel and said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12, NIV), Gideon didn’t believe him. He even doubted that he was hearing from God…so he put God to the test—not once, but three times, and each time, God answered his request. Although I didn’t know that’s what I was doing…I wanted God to prove Himself by giving me the same experience I had five years ago during that first fast. God had to show me that I couldn’t have the same experience because I am no longer the same person. Praise God!

I love God...He is so patient with us. I have to believe and know that God heard my prayers, and answered each and every one of them.

On that I have no doubt.

Until next time…

Be blessed

 

 

Greetings!

Yesterday, I heard this song on the radio and in part it said that the person singing was thanking God for changing her whole life. That song sparked something in me, and I have been singing it for two days. Every time I think about how God has “transformed” my life, He didn’t just change it…He made it brand new….but, every time I meditate on what He has done for me, I want to fall on my face in worship to Him.

He took me…raggedy, tore up from the floor up, selfish, spoiled, and angry me, and changed me so that I no longer even recognize myself. I don’t act the way I used to act. I don’t feel the way I used to feel. I don’t even speak the way I used to speak. He has changed my whole life, and I will never ever be able to thank Him enough.

For the past couple of weeks, I had been seeking something that I couldn’t really put into words. It was as if my soul was thirsty. Our church theme this year is “Living Holy,” and I believe I finally know what it means to seek holiness. I want to live like Him, to walk like Him, to give like Him, and to love like Him. I want to be an empty vessel for Him…to allow Him to take complete control of me.

I heard someone say one time that they were feeling some kind of way. Lately, I think that’s how I’ve been feeling…like I have been showing up and checking out. Worrying about who says what, and who’s doing what and I am tired from the inside out. I have come to the end of myself.  You know that place where you are sick of doing what has always been done.  Hallelujah!

God is calling us higher and we can’t waste time on playing church. That means that we will have to want what God wants, and move when God says move.  To do what He is calling us to do—even when it feels uncomfortable. And know this… sometimes that won’t be popular. Everyone is not going to like the new you. The you that God has made you to be. The you that you have been too afraid to walk in you—the God-centered you. But, there are a lot of hurting people out there who need leaders that are focused and determined to do what thus saith the Lord, and I want to be in that number.

So, if you see me shouting…you know it’s because I have received my breakthrough!

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”  –Hebrews 11:8 (NIV)

The scripture above says, “By faith” Abraham believed.  He didn’t know where God was sending him, but He went. That is what faith is all about. It believes without seeing.  How awesome is that? How many of us would do the same? I believe that I am heading in the right direction…but, I am definitely not there yet. My prayer is that my faith is growing to the place where I no longer question the things God is leading me to do. Of course, I usually only question Him when what He is calling me to do is something I don’t want to do, or something I have never done.

I believe that my faith is strong…much stronger than it used to be, and I believe that my prayers are effective. I didn’t always believe that though. God has given me strength to do things, and to believe Him for things that I never thought possible. I know that there have been times when my faith was tested…times when I wasn’t sure He heard me or even knew who I was, but I know now that that was a trick of the enemy. God had to show me…sometimes over and over again that I was valuable to the Kingdom, and that he made me on purpose for His purpose. He let me know that my presence in the earth was not only relevant—but necessary. I have learned that only I can do the work He has called me to.

I can never thank God enough for sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for me…for all of us. The least we can do is allow God to use the life He’s given us to glorify Him.  Sometimes we may have to do it on shaky knees, but He will continue to help us stand. He will never call us to do something and then not give us everything we need to get it done. I have learned that it is not in my own power that I do what I do—but in His. That takes the pressure off.  

And even though I don’t feel worthy of His trust in me…I am so grateful that He does.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson is the perfect quote, because it says nothing is impossible—especially for those who believe…

It confirms my belief that mistakes of the past or even those in the future only serve to grow us into the people God has made us to be. The Bible says that “greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.” I believe that…and if He (God) is in us…what lies within us is powerful.

Today, I celebrate my sister receiving her Master’s Degree. As I pondered her struggles through long nights and even longer papers, I realized how far God had brought us both. See, she is not my birth sister, but she couldn’t be more my sister than if we were born from the same parents. Our births into this world may have come at totally different times, under totally different circumstances, but God had a plan for our lives, and our paths were destined to cross.

It has been an honor to serve in ministry with her, and I look forward to the things God is leading us to. He has used our individual strengths to bless one another, which in turn has allowed us to be able to bless others. That’s how God works. He knows what we need, and at the appointed time…he provides.

We find ourselves many times heading in the same direction, on the same road, but heading down our own paths. I think God does that so that we will have someone to encourage us when we feel like the road may be getting a little too narrow…and it has been rough sometimes, but whenever I wanted to give up she would come alongside me to let me know that it would all be alright if I just kept my focus on the Master.

So, I would like to publicly thank her for always being a friend. I pray that no matter where our paths may lead us that we will always be “sisters” in and out of ministry. I pray that God blesses her in ways she hasn’t even thought of yet, and that He opens doors for her that no man can shut…

Until next time…

Be blessed

 

Greetings!

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”  –2 Corinthians 5:1

This week, I want to dedicate this blog post to my niece, Sandi.

Recently, I read the scripture above at my niece’s funeral. Actually, I read 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1, but when I got to the last line, I felt like I was about to take off. I could feel my spirit about to take flight. When my nephew asked me to read the New Testament scripture, I wanted to do a good job. He had never asked me to do anything before, so I wanted to make sure I didn’t let him down. I wanted to find something that really fit my niece…something that spoke to the person she was.  When I came across this scripture, it wouldn’t let me go. This scripture says that no matter what is going on with our physical bodies; it is only temporary…because where I’m going that old body won’t be needed. Praise God!

Sandi had suffered a lot over the last few years, but she never complained, and she never quit. Her physical body may have been under attack, but her spiritual body was getting stronger and stronger every day. She knew who she was in the Lord, and she was ready. I think she knew her time was close, and she began speaking things to her loved ones…giving them directions, advice, and counsel. In recent years, her life had become dedicated to serving and helping others. I think she was always that type of person, but I came to know her through her marriage to my nephew. She was a special person, with an extraordinary ability to adapt. She seemed to be able to fit in wherever she went. That is a gift.

The funny thing is…I never really got to know her. I mean I had conversations with her…some very deep conversations about God, and faith, and it was evident that she loved the Lord, but I never knew her like some of the other people who spoke at the funeral did. They talked about her ability to write songs, design jewelry, and make art…I never knew about that part of her or maybe I did and just didn’t pay attention—and that was an eye-opener. I thank her for that, because even in her passing she was able to bless others. I won’t let life just happen to me anymore.

My goal is to ask my loved ones about their dreams, and visions, and desires. I want to know if there is a way I can help promote, encourage, or support them in whatever it is that God is calling them to do. I want to talk to them about God and how His desire is to bless them. To let them know that He loves them and that He stands waiting with His arms wide open. My prayer is that God will show me when, where, and how to do that and since I believe every word in His word…I know He will.

Rest well, my sister…well done.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

 

Greetings!

I sometimes forget that God does not look at us the way we look at ourselves. What I see in the mirror is totally different from what God sees. When He looks at me He sees His Son, Jesus Christ. I am covered by the blood of Jesus, so God no longer sees the me I used to be…He sees the me I will be. I thank Jesus for covering me and protecting me. For giving me a brand new start. I love knowing that I have another chance to get it right.

Tonight, I was given an award for basically being nice. I mean, my prayer is that God will allow me to be a blessing to someone every day and that He would send someone my way that needs a witness of Him. I pray that I honor Him well and that He smiles when my feet hit the floor in the morning. But, I don’t do the things I do expecting anything. At first, I wanted to turn the award down. Then, I realized that it was an honor to be selected and that it was not about what I thought, it was their way of giving thanks to the people who they felt believed in their vision…and I do. They help give hope to our children, and that’s a good work. I am proud of them for seeing the vision God had given them, and then doing what He had called them to do.

The organization is called, “It Takes a Village,” and the founders are Reverend Sean and Minister Larinda Fields. It is a faith based non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through a holistic approach of learning and teaching. We need more people to be dedicated to uplifting and empowering the next generation. There is so much work to be done, and God is calling all of us to do it. Your purpose may not be in running an organization; your part may be to encourage someone else to do it through the giving of your time, your talents or your funds. None of it can be done without the support of all of us. There is so much to do and it is all needed.

Believe in your own dream…if it is in your heart, God put it there. Don’t wait for a consensus…you many never get it. If you know you have been chosen to do a work for the Kingdom, pray and ask God to bless it and then trust Him to make that thing happen. He will guide you to resources that you did not even see. I love how He does that, and then know that when you take your first steps in faith—God will go with you…

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  –Psalm 118:24(KJV)

 Today, no matter what is going on in your life—know that God is in control.

This day has been an emotional roller-coaster. When I started out for work this morning, the radio kept breaking in with a weather warning telling us that the area was under an extreme weather watch with hail storms expected in much of the state. Everything in me wanted to turn around, but I felt in my spirit that everything would be alright…so I kept going. I didn’t know that what was happening in the physical world would be manifested spiritually…

When I got to work, I received a text telling me that one of my nieces had passed away. At first, I felt this overwhelming sadness. We just recently buried my sister and I wasn’t ready to go through that whole process again. Actually, this niece was my sister’s daughter-in-law.  I was all ready to start feeling sorry for myself when God gave me a picture of my nephew. He not only lost his mother…he now had to bury his wife. I felt so selfish. Here I was thinking about myself when he had to try to figure out how to move from one devastating blow through the next one. Then, right in the middle of trying to sort out those emotions I received a text from my little cousin saying she had passed a certification test that she had been concerned about, and she was just praising God for His awesomeness.

I wasn’t sure how to feel. There is nothing that happens that is out of His reach. His plan is perfect, and if I have learned anything from my walk with God it’s that He is a keeper, and that everything He does has a purpose. He is in the details. When you put your life in God’s hands, you have to believe that He knows what’s best. When the word says that He won’t give you more than you can bear…you can believe that. I know in the depth of my soul that God would never let us experience unbearable pain without giving us something or someone to encourage us or comfort us through it. It may not seem like it, it may not look like it, you may not feel like it, but God is a way maker and He will make a way for you even in that desert place. Trust Him. Yes, it absolutely hurts. Anyone that says anything different is not dealing with the truth. I know for a fact that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all you can even think or imagine.

One day when you least expect it you will find yourself smiling…then laughing…and then you realize that you are still here and that God is still good. Life is a series of ups and downs, ins and outs. Don’t try to figure it out…just live the best life you can. Give much, love hard, forgive often, and keep your hand in God’s unchanging hand.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

                                                                                                                                                                    

Greetings!

Today, I was blessed to be present at the 95^th birthday party of one of the patriarchs of our neighborhood. It was awesome to see old friends. It allowed me to reminisce about growing up in the neighborhood. Many of our parents, siblings, and friends have passed away...some young, some old...and it was just good to get together to celebrate for a change.

Most of my friends have children of their own, and it was amazing to see how much they resembled their parents. We had fun trying to pick out their parents...some were just too obvious. Our families have always been close. There were probably five families in our circle…and when I think back as far as my mind will allow, they were there. Many of us grew up and left the area, so there are probably only a handful of people left in the old neighborhood.  Mr. Daniel is one of the last parents we have from that era. Our parents went through some tough times together, and when we were young, they all looked out for us.  

I never thought I would look back and be glad about all the whippings and punishments I received, but I am so grateful for parents who cared. They raised us to love the Lord, respect our elders, and help one another. Those are the same things that God wants from us today. He wants us to take our minds off ourselves and help someone else.

Our parents knew what it was like to struggle, and yet they still found time to call on a neighbor in need. I remember my mother taking a dish to a neighbor, speaking encouragement to one of my friends, and having my friend’s parents do the same thing for me. I miss that feeling of community. It’s good to look back every now and then, and remember the “good old days.” It helps us to appreciate where we came from.

Maybe it’s not too late to get some of that back.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

This past week has really been hard for me and my family. My oldest sister, Viola, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She had been struggling since an aneurism burst in her head back in January. But, today I don’t want to talk about her life, because her living has done that. She left a legacy of good works that will live on in the hearts of all the people she touched for years and years to come. What I really wanted to share with you was the strength and dignity in which my family came together…it was amazing.

When my sister first became ill it was devastating watching her lay there so helpless, but for five months there was someone at her bedside every day. My family pulled together to make sure my sister would be taken care of properly. Viola has two sons, Benjamin and Timothy. They made sure that the hospice she was moved to not only knew they would be there, but that they were not going to settle for less than the best for their mother. To say I was proud of them is an understatement. They did everything possible to give my sister a fighting chance, and I will always love them for that.

The thing that really impressed me was that my entire family worked together…and was on one accord through the whole process. It was awesome. That may not sound like much to most people, but my family has some very strong and opinionated people, and they have no problem letting you know how they feel about any and everything. But, not this time. When she took her last breath, it was like she just drifted off to sleep…it was so peaceful. We may not have been there when she took her first breath, but God allowed us all to be present for her last…and it was so sweet. I will never forget it. I think that may be why we couldn’t fight about anything. God had given us such a gift…no one wanted to ruin it.

I am overwhelmed, overjoyed, and overcome with gratitude and love for the family members who supported my nephews and their families during this time. My prayer is that my family will become even stronger; that we will be even more determined to keep our family close; that we will love each other hard, and that we will continue to be there for one another…no matter what.

Until next time…

Be blessed.

Greetings!

Today is Mother’s Day. This day is usually not so easy for me. I was never blessed to have children, and my mother passed away 33 years ago…some days it seems just like yesterday.  God healed the pain of that loss years ago, but every year I am still challenged with the response of others. It’s hard to maneuver sometimes. Either people are incredibly insensitive when they tell you how “lucky” you are not to have children or they try to “give” you theirs.

This year, I felt it a little more than usual. My oldest sister has been ill since January, and it’s hard to celebrate when she is struggling so hard to even breathe. But, I know that God is still good and that everything He does is good. He has a plan and purpose for everything He does, so I know He is working this all out for her good.

This past weekend, the Women’s Ministry of our church hosted its annual Mother’s Day luncheon. I’m not sure, but it seems like it gets better and better every year. I don’t know about anyone else, but I look forward to it. I love seeing the faces of all the women as they gather together. There is a joy in expectation, and I believe a lot of the women came expecting to be blessed…and, they were not disappointed.

Many of the women have been to the luncheon before and they knew that they were in for a joyous afternoon of good food, fellowship, and fun. Our worship leader set the tone for the afternoon, and did an awesome job of helping to usher in the presence of the Lord. Everything else just seemed to fall into place. I believe that there was a shifting in the atmosphere, and that God made His presence felt in the heart of every believer. The power of the Lord fell on that place and it was awesome. I can’t wait for next year.

I am looking forward to seeing what God does next!

Until next time…

Be blessed!

 

Greetings!

There is something in the atmosphere lately. I don’t know how to explain it, but it feels like whatever you want, whatever you have dreamed, whatever decision you need to make…now is the time. Our church began a 14-day corporate fast last week for healing and wholeness…already people have received what they have asked for.  God is able. I am learning to trust Him in ways I never thought possible. God knows what we stand in need of, and even before we ask He is already bringing that thing to pass.
Grateful can’t even begin to express how I feel about the Lord. He has been so good that words don’t seem to be enough. And even though there are things that are not ideal right now, I know He is still good. I love Him fully, wholly, completely…and because I know that He loves me…I know that if I keep my mind fixed on Him…everything will be alright.

I have learned that life is a series of twists and turns, ups and downs. I know that God has built us to handle it, and when it gets to be too much—He covers us. I have had those times when I have wanted to give up, but the Spirit of the Lord is so strong within me that I couldn’t quit even if I wanted to. I thank God for never giving up, and for continuing to bless me in ways I haven’t even thought of yet.

I am learning that with God, it’s impossible to dream too big. The word says that He can do exceedingly and abundantly above what we can even ask or think…that is HUGE. When you let your mind go and you think of the greatest thing imaginable…He can beat it….I love that!

This week, think big...dream big…and believe God.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

Today, God is leading me to discuss one of my passions…music. I absolutely love how God speaks to me through song. God will use whatever means necessary to reach his children. Gospel music will often help usher in the Holy Spirit…not that He needs any help, but it helps till the soil so to speak. Lately, God has been speaking to my heart through a particular song, and I’ve been singing it over and over.

In part, the lyrics say, “…there’s a pressing in the spirit…” I love that song. Every time I hear it I’m reminded of how much God loves me. I woke up singing that song the other day, and sang it all the way to work. I know that whenever that happens God has taught my spirit something as I slept. The funny thing is that a lot of times He doesn’t reveal it to me right away. I have grown to trust Him so much that I no longer try to figure it out.

I know that part of it is because I was asked to do something that He didn’t want me to do….yet. I have a tendency to get caught up in someone else’s excitement. God has given them a vision and, our spirits will connect and the next thing you know, I’m knee-deep in a place I shouldn’t be. This time, God was saying that I have something for you and it’s not that, and this time I listened.

My brothers and sisters…know that when God has something for you not even your procrastination can stop it. We will oftentimes prolong our journey by taking turns we shouldn’t take. God is so patient with us. He loves us and wants to bless us…so, He waits for us to realize our place and then He moves us into it.  For me, that means that He waits until I sleep, because that is when my heart is open to Him. His way of letting me know everything is going to be alright is He will wake me with a song. That lets me know that He heard...He knows...and He is still in control. I love when He does that....

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

I was blessed recently to be part of a training seminar conducted by employees of Good Soil Evangelism & Discipleship. I had seen information about this organization at other events, but never took time to find out more about them. When one of the associate ministers at my church went to a training session, he came back on fire to carry the gospel to unbelievers. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself looking forward to the seminar. My pastor thought it was so important that the church paid for all of the associate ministers to take the training—so I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.

Our church theme last year was evangelism, so this was perfect for reinforcing the messages we received during the previous year.  Even though we have a different theme this year, the work of evangelism doesn’t stop. We are all called to carry the message of Jesus Christ…especially to those who may not know Him.

Good Soil gets its name from the parable of the seeds. The seed is the message of the gospel. The goal of this organization is to make sure that the gospel is presented in a way that it can be understood, embraced, and retained.

 One of the breakout sessions involved pairing up with another person to “evangelize.” My assignment was to explain “The Rapture.”  Ok, I don’t know if you have ever tried to explain that to an unbeliever, but I found out how totally inadequate my words were. The more I tried to explain, the more confused my unbeliever became. I realized that even though I understood the concept, explaining it to someone else was no easy feat. The exercise let me know that I still had a lot of work to do. My personal mission is to learn how to communicate the "good news" in a way that will help others seek a closer relationship with the Lord. I am so grateful to my brother for bringing this organization to our church and for his passion for reaching the unsaved.

I pray that God will use each of us to help reach others with the message of Jesus Christ, and that we will be able to “plant seeds” that will reap a harvest for the Kingdom of God.

For information on this evangelism and discipleship program, go to www.goodsoil.com.  

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Greetings!

On Thursday, I was invited as an Alumni Author at my alma mater. I was so nervous, I almost didn’t go, but the Holy Spirit reminded me that God gave me a gift to share with others, and that someone was waiting for me. God does that for me often. My prayer is that God will allow me to be a blessing to someone every day, and He never disappoints me.

I was one of the first to arrive. I set up my books on the table reserved for the authors, and began speaking to some of the others there. As people began to come in they were directed to speak to anyone with a blue name badge. So, students and faculty began to approach us and ask questions about our writing experience. It was so awesome. It actually made me want to take classes again, and I realize that may have been the point.

I have been struggling with going back to school…if it was really necessary, and I think God wanted me to experience what it was like to be in an atmosphere of learning. I am so glad that I went. I saw someone I had been in class with and met some up-and-coming writers who actually encouraged me to pursue the thing that was pursuing me. I have always loved learning…and writing is my passion.

I don’t know what God has planned for me in this season, but I do know that I only want to be where He leads me. So, right now…I’m praying and waiting for direction. I know that if that is what God wants for me, He will clear the way.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

 

 

 

Greetings!

“…just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” --Romans 6:4

This week, we honor the walk Jesus made to the cross.  This time of year always makes me think of the sacrifice our Lord made.

God loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to the cross—for us. He didn’t have to do that, but He loved us so much that He couldn’t bear being separated from us, and because He couldn’t look on our sin, He had to remove it by providing the perfect sacrifice. How awesome is our God? It is so amazing to me that the Creator who created it all…thought enough of us to do that. The word says, "The Lord called me before my birth. From within the womb he called me by my name...He said to me, `You are my servant'..." (Isaiah 49:1, 3 TLB). I thank God that He called me by name...that He called us by name. What He did gave us another chance to get it right. 

God called us into being because He has a plan for each one of us, and He has given us all unique gifts that only we can do. God has anointed us and called us into service. He is calling us to represent Him in the earth. In Psalm 139:13 it says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.” We were always on His mind…even before we were born. If He could do that for us…what is it that we can’t do for Him?

I challenge you today to live the best life you have ever lived…for the God who lives in you. Whatever God is calling you to…don’t stop until you do it. Know that if you stay open to God, He will accomplish great things in and through you.

Until next time…

Be blessed.