He's got the whole world in His hands, He's got the whole world in His hands....
As I write this, I can hear children singing that song and I can't help but smile. How comforting it is to know, "in his hand Is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:10
Everyone was headed out to the car. It had been a long day of unpacking, organizing, placing furniture and hanging pictures. God blessed us with a place to live in this new city and we were trying to turn it into a home. I still however had not uncovered the boxes with dishes, cooking utensils, pans. We were all terribly hungry. So we headed out to find sustenance in our new town.
Todd, the boys and baby girl all headed out to the car. I locked the door to our new abode and brought up the rear. Coming down the front steps, watching my new family gathered beside the car, I lost sight of the last step. I stumbled. My big toe catching all my weight, crumpled beneath me.
As I sat on the stairs, trying to think beyond the throb in my toe, I wondered how I managed to slip. I only took my eyes off the steps for one short moment. Unfortunately, that was all it took.
Our spiritual life often mirrors the physical. At least I know mine does. Sometimes we stumble. It's usually when we choose to go it alone and don't use the mighty arm of God to lean on. When we take or eyes off of the One and focus on a myriad of things around us, sometimes we fall.
My toe was sprained. It was sore and swollen over the next few days. Todd was right by my side. He could see when I was hurting and whispered to me, "Hang on baby, I've got you." His strong arms held me and helped steady me.
Beyond his gentle voice in my ear, I could hear the Holy Spirit whisper to my heart, "Hang on Sheilia, I've got you."
This move to a new city has been a test of faith...and it's not over. But thank God for His faithfulness! Through all that we face, God is always there for us to lean on and depend on. When we doubt or fear, His word speaks to us, "do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I Will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
That, my friend, is all the reassurance I need. I can go on in faith because He's got me!
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Write the Vision...
"And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come..." Haubakkuk 2:2-3
I attended an empowerment workshop a little over a year ago. While there, we attendees participated in several exercises to help us reconnect with our dreams, identify our talents, clarify our purpose and seek God's will as to how to move forward, without fear.
The exercise I enjoyed most and which still has great impact on me, was the construction of a vision board. We were given a stack of assorted magazines, markers, colored paper, glue sticks, and scissors. The assignment was to use these items to construct a "visual account of our best life."
Fantastic! Not only did this exercise tap into my fondest memories of grade school (I still love to cut and paste!) it also provided us a chance to see life as it could be. Pouring through the glossy pages of those magazines freed us up to dream BIG!
However, I found that the limited space of the 8 1/2 x 11 construction paper, also made me focus in on what things were most important. There was no room on my small canvas for frivolous desires. I found myself searching those magazines for representations of the things that matter to my heart, things that moved my spirit.
At the end of the exercise I was pleased and proud of my work. My vision board does indeed represent my best life, including family, worship, writing, music, fellowship and celebration of all that God has provided. This simple 8 1/2 x 11 sheet represents those things most important to me now and maps a path for me to follow my dreams and live out my purpose. It hangs on the mirror opposite my bed.
Each morning when I wake, I see my vision board and it reminds me that God had a vision for my life when He created me. Everything He's blessed me with works to fulfill His purpose in me. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm 139:13-14
Sister, brother, friend...can you see your vision? Have you written it out, is it plain to you? If you have not taken the time, I suggest you do. Spend some time before God, searching out those things that matter most, reconnecting with those dreams you may have pushed aside, seeking out the talents God blessed you with. Seek Him in prayer and God will reveal to you His vision for your life. When you can see the vision, write it down so that you will have a reminder of where your life is going. Or better still, get some magazines, markers, scissors and glue and have some fun...Cut and Paste!
Special thanks to my friend Christy Demetrakis, "The Empowered Speaker". Your book, "Faith to Conquer Fear" as well as the "2013 Faith to Conquer Fear" workshop continue to have positive impact on my life. Keep sharing your gift!
http://www.empoweredspeaker.com/
I attended an empowerment workshop a little over a year ago. While there, we attendees participated in several exercises to help us reconnect with our dreams, identify our talents, clarify our purpose and seek God's will as to how to move forward, without fear.
The exercise I enjoyed most and which still has great impact on me, was the construction of a vision board. We were given a stack of assorted magazines, markers, colored paper, glue sticks, and scissors. The assignment was to use these items to construct a "visual account of our best life."
Fantastic! Not only did this exercise tap into my fondest memories of grade school (I still love to cut and paste!) it also provided us a chance to see life as it could be. Pouring through the glossy pages of those magazines freed us up to dream BIG!
However, I found that the limited space of the 8 1/2 x 11 construction paper, also made me focus in on what things were most important. There was no room on my small canvas for frivolous desires. I found myself searching those magazines for representations of the things that matter to my heart, things that moved my spirit.
At the end of the exercise I was pleased and proud of my work. My vision board does indeed represent my best life, including family, worship, writing, music, fellowship and celebration of all that God has provided. This simple 8 1/2 x 11 sheet represents those things most important to me now and maps a path for me to follow my dreams and live out my purpose. It hangs on the mirror opposite my bed.
Each morning when I wake, I see my vision board and it reminds me that God had a vision for my life when He created me. Everything He's blessed me with works to fulfill His purpose in me. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm 139:13-14
Sister, brother, friend...can you see your vision? Have you written it out, is it plain to you? If you have not taken the time, I suggest you do. Spend some time before God, searching out those things that matter most, reconnecting with those dreams you may have pushed aside, seeking out the talents God blessed you with. Seek Him in prayer and God will reveal to you His vision for your life. When you can see the vision, write it down so that you will have a reminder of where your life is going. Or better still, get some magazines, markers, scissors and glue and have some fun...Cut and Paste!
Special thanks to my friend Christy Demetrakis, "The Empowered Speaker". Your book, "Faith to Conquer Fear" as well as the "2013 Faith to Conquer Fear" workshop continue to have positive impact on my life. Keep sharing your gift!
http://www.empoweredspeaker.com/
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Finding My Way Back to Love...
We had the kind of relationship that was on again, off again. It started when I was a teenager and has continued this way for years.
There's no doubt in my mind that we love one another. There's no questioning the fact that life is better when we are together, working as one. Together we are unstoppable, a force to be reckoned with. Together we have scaled mountains, torn down walls, won battles. Yes this love is truly a good thing.
But still the cycle continues, on, off, on, off.
When we're on, everything in life is FANTASTIC! The days seem to flow with their own smooth rhythm, work is easy, play time is fun.
Funny thing is, when we're on, all my other relationships are right as well. I get along better with my kids, family, my friends, co-workers, and when there is a rift somewhere, it is easily straightened out.
Love makes life easier all the way around.
And you know I must admit, when we are off, it's through no fault of His. It's always me.
I'm the one who pulls away, too busy to spend quality time. I'm the one who puts my desires ahead of our joint purpose. It's me who grows impatient and wanders off on my own, searching for a short cut, when there truly is only ONE WAY. I'm the one who wants what I want when I want it, gets angry when I don't get my way and holds grudges.
I'm the one who looses sight of what IS, while focusing on what I WANT to be.
Luckily for me, Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy and is not proud. Love is not self-seeking, nor easily angered. Most of all, Love keeps no record of my wrongs. Where other lovers would doubt my commitment to this relationship, Love rejoices in the truth He knows in my heart. Another lover may fight with me, but Love protects me from harm, even the harm I would do to myself. Where other's may seek to put me away, thinking I have found another, Love trusts in the power of what we have, hopes for my renewed commitment and perseveres in the pursuit of my soul. Though I may stumble and fall, get side tracked and distracted, loose the keys to the car, forget the directions or simply run out of gas during this journey...I am blessed to know that LOVE NEVER FAILS. (1 Corinthians:4-8)
There's no doubt in my mind that we love one another. There's no questioning the fact that life is better when we are together, working as one. Together we are unstoppable, a force to be reckoned with. Together we have scaled mountains, torn down walls, won battles. Yes this love is truly a good thing.
But still the cycle continues, on, off, on, off.
When we're on, everything in life is FANTASTIC! The days seem to flow with their own smooth rhythm, work is easy, play time is fun.
Funny thing is, when we're on, all my other relationships are right as well. I get along better with my kids, family, my friends, co-workers, and when there is a rift somewhere, it is easily straightened out.
Love makes life easier all the way around.
And you know I must admit, when we are off, it's through no fault of His. It's always me.
I'm the one who pulls away, too busy to spend quality time. I'm the one who puts my desires ahead of our joint purpose. It's me who grows impatient and wanders off on my own, searching for a short cut, when there truly is only ONE WAY. I'm the one who wants what I want when I want it, gets angry when I don't get my way and holds grudges.
I'm the one who looses sight of what IS, while focusing on what I WANT to be.
Luckily for me, Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy and is not proud. Love is not self-seeking, nor easily angered. Most of all, Love keeps no record of my wrongs. Where other lovers would doubt my commitment to this relationship, Love rejoices in the truth He knows in my heart. Another lover may fight with me, but Love protects me from harm, even the harm I would do to myself. Where other's may seek to put me away, thinking I have found another, Love trusts in the power of what we have, hopes for my renewed commitment and perseveres in the pursuit of my soul. Though I may stumble and fall, get side tracked and distracted, loose the keys to the car, forget the directions or simply run out of gas during this journey...I am blessed to know that LOVE NEVER FAILS. (1 Corinthians:4-8)
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Grace
As a young Christian, the word grace was a puzzle for me. I had heard the word used many times and in many situations. My mother would make me say grace before eating meals. I had heard dukes and duchesses called “your grace.” When I was late for history class Ms. Hotel thanked me for “gracing the class with my presence.”My ballet teacher, Mrs. Benomini constantly admonished us girls for our lack of grace, insisting that we “find your grace ladies, pull it from inside!” It seemed my grandmother would not have been able to do anything were it not “by the grace of God.”Even the pastor seemed sold on the idea of grace and intent on selling us young believers on the idea as well.
So I wondered, what exactly is grace? I set out to find the meaning of this much-used word. The first place I looked was the dictionary. According to Merriam-Webster, grace is a noun meaning “a way of moving that is smooth and attractive; a controlled, polite, and pleasant way of behaving.” In its verb form, grace means “to decorate or add beauty to, to confer dignity or honor on.” Well, that certainly explained Mrs. Benomini’s tirades. Of course she was assuming we girls had something smooth, attractive, and controlled inside of us. I am not so sure that was true at the time. I actually wanted to go back and thank Ms. Hotel because now I knew she considered me a beautiful addition to her class and thought it an honor to have me there.
Still, I felt there had to be more to this word, a deeper meaning which connected it to our faith. My pastor is a stickler for Bible study. When approached with a question from a young believer he tends to give directions to resources instead of an answer. I’d experienced this before and this time was no exception. Pastor often says that to grow your faith you must grow your understanding and to grow your understanding you must do some digging. My favorite digging tools are my Holman Bible dictionary and the Word of God itself. So I gathered my tools and set out to grow some understanding. My work has been greatly rewarded.
According to Holman Bible dictionary, grace is basically undeserved acceptance and love given from one person to another. This in turn translates to the gift of unmerited favor, the salvation we Christians receive through Jesus Christ. Grace as used here is derived from the Greek word charis used in the New Testament to convey the idea of a favor or kindness done. It could also be a gift that brought pleasure to the recipient. When used from the viewpoint of the recipient charis refers to the thankfulness felt for the gift or favor. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word chanan was often translated as charis by the Greeks. The word chanan refers to one person turning to another in an act of kind assistance, such as aid to the poor.
Looking at this definition of grace, my heart flooded with love for our Heavenly Father. How gracious of Him, how kind, to save us from the sickness of sin. I am sure I speak for every Christian when I say that no greater gift or kindness has been bestowed upon us. Grace, the undeserved acceptance and love of God, shown to us by the sacrifice of His son, is the basis of our faith.
Even though we don’t deserve it, God saw fit to send his son to dwell among us. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, NIV). God the Father, full of grace, accepts us and loves us so much that he sent his son to die so that we may live. The word of God tells us that we cannot earn such a great gift. No amount of good deeds or following the rules will make us worthy. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24, NIV).
Although salvation is the most divine example we Christians have of grace, it is by no means the only example. God has blessed us with many gifts. His creation is full of beauty and natural wonders which we get to live among and enjoy. From the sun which rises and shines overhead each day, to the beauty of it setting each evening, God’s grace is there. From the many colorful birds which soar through the air, to the countless creatures which swim in the sea, God’s grace is there. God’s grace is there in the crashing waters of Niagara Falls, in the beautiful expanse of the Grand Canyon, and in the tangles of roots of the Moreton Bay fig trees. God’s grace is there in the melody of our favorite song and in the smile on a loved one’s face.God’s gifts surround us, waiting to be acknowledged, accepted and enjoyed. Similarly, the gift of grace awaits each of us who will turn from sin and accept salvation through the One God sent.
The abundance of God’s grace manifests not only in the sacrifice of Christ and in His many creations. God’s grace is also at work in us, supplying us with the power to do His will, giving the least of us the ability to do great works to His glory. “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ,” (Eph. 3:7-8).
The word grace appears in the New Testament well over 100 times. The Apostle Paul begins and ends each of his letters wishing grace for those he writes to. Theologian Frederick Buechner states in The Longing for Home, “Grace is the best he can wish them as grace is the best he himself ever received.”
I am no longer puzzled by grace. I now know that grace, God’s unmerited favor, is the best I have ever received. There is no greater kindness than to be loved and accepted by my Father in Heaven. There is no greater gift than to receive salvation through Jesus Christ. God’s creation is full of grace and is to be cared for and protected by those of us who receive it and take part in enjoying it. I am humbled by grace and I am grateful for it. As a Christian I pledge my life to becoming more like Christ, to mirror his grace. It is my mission to show love and acceptance to all those I meet. I will pass on to others the favor and kindness shown to me. I will work to adorn this world we live in with the beauty of God’s grace.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Just Say Yes!
As many of you know, I serve and worship at The New Jerusalem Baptist Church of Cincinnati. Coming up at the end of August is our annual Women of Worship Weekend. This is a weekend where we as women come together to share, encourage, praise and worship. There are activities for the ladies both Friday evening and Saturday and the weekend is capped off by Sunday services run completely by the women of the church. These services feature an all women's choir, women's usher board, women greeters and the Word of God delivered by our very own First Lady, Sis. Barbara J. Lynch.
We members of the choir are currently in rehearsals for this wonderful event. The first song we learned is very short and simple, but so extremely powerful!!! The song has ministered to me each and every day since our first rehearsal and I just have to share it with you.
The song simply says:
I'll say yes Lord, I'll say yes
To your will Lord, I'll say yes
Where you lead me, I will go
I'll say yes Lord, I'll say yes
Simple, right? Yet these four lines encompass all that our Lord God wants from us.
The Lord wants us to believe in Him and acknowledge Him as the One True God. Isaiah 43:12, "I have revealed and saved and proclaimed...you are my witnesses" declares the Lord, "that I am God."
He wants us to trust in His love enough to know that His will is what's best for us. Matthew 6:10, "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
And once we believe and trust in God, oh the places He will lead us!!!
Psalm 5:8 "Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness...make your way straight before me"
Psalm 23:2 "...He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul."
Psalm 43:3 "Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain."
Psalm 61:2 "...lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
Psalm 139:24 "...lead me in the way of the everlasting."
Psalm 143:10 "...may your good spirit lead me on level ground."
And finally from Song of Songs 2:4, the letters between two lovers, as God is the lover of my soul: "Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love."
My brothers and sisters, God has big plans for each of us, plans to prosper and not to harm. He wants to take us places beyond what we can ask or imagine.
And all we have to do is SAY YES!!!
We members of the choir are currently in rehearsals for this wonderful event. The first song we learned is very short and simple, but so extremely powerful!!! The song has ministered to me each and every day since our first rehearsal and I just have to share it with you.
The song simply says:
I'll say yes Lord, I'll say yes
To your will Lord, I'll say yes
Where you lead me, I will go
I'll say yes Lord, I'll say yes
Simple, right? Yet these four lines encompass all that our Lord God wants from us.
The Lord wants us to believe in Him and acknowledge Him as the One True God. Isaiah 43:12, "I have revealed and saved and proclaimed...you are my witnesses" declares the Lord, "that I am God."
He wants us to trust in His love enough to know that His will is what's best for us. Matthew 6:10, "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
And once we believe and trust in God, oh the places He will lead us!!!
Psalm 5:8 "Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness...make your way straight before me"
Psalm 23:2 "...He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul."
Psalm 43:3 "Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain."
Psalm 61:2 "...lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
Psalm 139:24 "...lead me in the way of the everlasting."
Psalm 143:10 "...may your good spirit lead me on level ground."
And finally from Song of Songs 2:4, the letters between two lovers, as God is the lover of my soul: "Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love."
My brothers and sisters, God has big plans for each of us, plans to prosper and not to harm. He wants to take us places beyond what we can ask or imagine.
And all we have to do is SAY YES!!!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
RSNJ - COMING SPRING 2014!!!
Hello Family! I have some AWESOME news. Rythmic Sounds of New J will soon be recording our first project for NATIONAL RELEASE!
As most of you know, I have been singing since I could walk. As a child it was my dream to become the next Diana Ross, complete with fame, fortune and movies co-starring the next generation Billy Dee Williams as my love interest. Can you say Idris Elba? LOL!
Well that dream was for me and reality has a way of kicking our selfish dreams to the curb. But GOD, has a way of taking those selfish dreams and transforming them into something wonderful for His glory!
This project is a chance to take our God-given gifts, and use them to touch people all over. A chance to minister to God's people about his love and grace. What a blessing!!!
NOW, HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP!!!
Contact me (513-324-0319) to purchase your advance copy of our upcoming recording. Pre-Sale cost of the CD is $10, due at time of order, and will help us cover studio and production cost. Be one of the first to receive a copy as soon as the CD drops!
Thank you for supporting our ministry and please keep us in your prayers as we move forward with our service of God's Kingdom!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Happy Birthday...Every Day!
Hi all. Today a dear friend and co-worker of mine is celebrating her birthday. There have been many questions about her age and jokes about aging in general. It brings to mind something I've thought about often over the years:
Why is it that so many people have a problem with birthdays and aging???
Many people gripe about getting older, avoid celebrating their birthdays and even lie about their age. For some reason, women are especially guilty. I, on the contrary, have always looked forward to my birthday and claim my age proudly. But for those who are pained at the thought of another birthday rolling around, here is food for thought; 3 reasons why we should look forward to each birthday we see...
1. Birthdays (as a matter of fact, all days) are a gift from God! "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 Therefore, we should greet each new year with excitement and joy, while looking forward to what our God has in store.
2. Birthdays are a chance to be reborn! Each year added to our lives is proof that God has not given up on us. Contrary to popular belief, not one of us is here on this earth by accident. GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE - even if you are not currently living out that plan. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord... plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 We do not always obey the Father or make Him proud with the things we do. However, with each birthday God allows us to see, we get another chance to seek Him, study His Word, live right, love others, be reborn in His image.
3. Birthdays are not just about aging! People are like wine; for the most part, we get better with age. This should be especially true for those of us who profess to know Christ. We are not just getting older, we are getting better, sweeter, kinder, more knowledgeable, more graceful, more forgiving, more beautiful (deep down on the inside, where it counts). We are simply becoming more like Christ.
How wonderful is that!?
Happy Birthday again Mother Rhonda. Thank you for being a Christ like example in my life!
2. Birthdays are a chance to be reborn! Each year added to our lives is proof that God has not given up on us. Contrary to popular belief, not one of us is here on this earth by accident. GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE - even if you are not currently living out that plan. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord... plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 We do not always obey the Father or make Him proud with the things we do. However, with each birthday God allows us to see, we get another chance to seek Him, study His Word, live right, love others, be reborn in His image.
3. Birthdays are not just about aging! People are like wine; for the most part, we get better with age. This should be especially true for those of us who profess to know Christ. We are not just getting older, we are getting better, sweeter, kinder, more knowledgeable, more graceful, more forgiving, more beautiful (deep down on the inside, where it counts). We are simply becoming more like Christ.
How wonderful is that!?
Happy Birthday again Mother Rhonda. Thank you for being a Christ like example in my life!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Walking in the Light of His Amazing Love
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another..." 1 John 1:5-7
Sounds like a hefty task doesn't it? Certainly it is, one that we as humans would never be able to accomplish on our own. That is why, especially at this time of the year, we must be grateful to God for the salvation he afforded each of us through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus. "...and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (v.7)
When I was a child, Easter meant a new dress, pretty new shoes and a basket filled with chocolate eggs, jelly beans and other treats. It was the one day of the year I knew for sure were going to church and that all my family would be there as well. After church service we would all gather at my grandmother or great aunt's house for Ham, mac & cheese, greens and homemade corn bread, baked in grandma's cast iron skillet.
Those are wonderful memories, but they do not begin to touch on the real wonder of why we celebrate Resurrection Sunday. To think that God thought so much of us that he would send his son to die in our place, for our sins, blows me away. That is truly an amazing love. I don't know about you, but I feel so unworthy. Yet, God made us worthy, just by creating us and loving us that much. "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour." Psalm 8:4-6 Wow!!!!
If you wonder what you have done to deserve such love, the answer is nothing! If you are wondering what you can do to repay such love, the answer again is nothing!
However we do have a small part to play in this drama. 1 John 1:9 tells us "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Also, in the book of Acts when Paul and Silas were asked "what must I do to be saved?" they answered, "...believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." Acts 16:30-31
Now that I am a mother, I want to be sure that my children have wonderful memories of Easter to carry with them into the future. But before we go shopping for the Easter outfits and baskets of candy, we sit and review the story of Good Friday, when Christ bled and died for our sins. And we rejoice in the story of Resurrection Sunday, when God conquered death and rose from the grave, so that we too could have everlasting life.
Before you get all dressed up and go to the party, it's important to know the who and why of what your celebrating. Confess your sins to God. Believe in the resurrecting power of Jesus Christ. Then you can get dressed up, go out and let your light SHINE!!!
When I was a child, Easter meant a new dress, pretty new shoes and a basket filled with chocolate eggs, jelly beans and other treats. It was the one day of the year I knew for sure were going to church and that all my family would be there as well. After church service we would all gather at my grandmother or great aunt's house for Ham, mac & cheese, greens and homemade corn bread, baked in grandma's cast iron skillet.
Those are wonderful memories, but they do not begin to touch on the real wonder of why we celebrate Resurrection Sunday. To think that God thought so much of us that he would send his son to die in our place, for our sins, blows me away. That is truly an amazing love. I don't know about you, but I feel so unworthy. Yet, God made us worthy, just by creating us and loving us that much. "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour." Psalm 8:4-6 Wow!!!!
If you wonder what you have done to deserve such love, the answer is nothing! If you are wondering what you can do to repay such love, the answer again is nothing!
However we do have a small part to play in this drama. 1 John 1:9 tells us "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Also, in the book of Acts when Paul and Silas were asked "what must I do to be saved?" they answered, "...believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." Acts 16:30-31
Now that I am a mother, I want to be sure that my children have wonderful memories of Easter to carry with them into the future. But before we go shopping for the Easter outfits and baskets of candy, we sit and review the story of Good Friday, when Christ bled and died for our sins. And we rejoice in the story of Resurrection Sunday, when God conquered death and rose from the grave, so that we too could have everlasting life.
Before you get all dressed up and go to the party, it's important to know the who and why of what your celebrating. Confess your sins to God. Believe in the resurrecting power of Jesus Christ. Then you can get dressed up, go out and let your light SHINE!!!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Building Blocks
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins." (2 Peter 1:5-9)
Remember the building blocks we had as kids? Mine were solid wood, painted in bright primary colors and stored in a round container with a plastic lid and tin bottom. I LOVED those blocks.
I spent hours coming up with architectural creations. The taller and more elaborate the better. One Christmas I even requested a second set so I could expand my vision and create an entire town, all centered around one "skyscraper" at the center.
The verse I came across in my reading today, reminded me of those blocks.
Our growth in Christ is just like building with those blocks. It's a gradual process which takes time and patience. As we study our Lord and His word and become more familiar with His will for our lives, we stack one building block upon the other, moving higher and higher, closer and closer to God.
So I remember once when I got my little town built, with my skyscraper at the center, I was so proud! But before I could drag my mom in to see my masterpiece, my cousin Embry, who had been hiding behind the door, walked through and knock it all down!!! He destroyed everything I worked so hard to build, in just a matter of seconds. I was devastated!
That is exactly what sin does to us. We can be moving along through life, doing all the right things, then WHAM!!! Sin creeps in when we least expect it and destroys all our hard work, leaving us devastated. We are left in the midst of a mess wondering why this happened and how can we ever start all over again.
But as Christians we have hope. Sin is a sickness we all suffer from. But as with Lazarus upon his deathbed, Jesus says "This sickness is not unto death, but to the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." (John 11:4)
That is why when sin knocks us down, we must get up. With Gods help we can right ourselves, dust ourselves off and begin again. We stand on faith, add goodness, knowledge, self control. We persevere, striving in godliness, mutual affection and love and through it all To God Be The Glory!!!
Remember the building blocks we had as kids? Mine were solid wood, painted in bright primary colors and stored in a round container with a plastic lid and tin bottom. I LOVED those blocks.
I spent hours coming up with architectural creations. The taller and more elaborate the better. One Christmas I even requested a second set so I could expand my vision and create an entire town, all centered around one "skyscraper" at the center.
The verse I came across in my reading today, reminded me of those blocks.
Our growth in Christ is just like building with those blocks. It's a gradual process which takes time and patience. As we study our Lord and His word and become more familiar with His will for our lives, we stack one building block upon the other, moving higher and higher, closer and closer to God.
So I remember once when I got my little town built, with my skyscraper at the center, I was so proud! But before I could drag my mom in to see my masterpiece, my cousin Embry, who had been hiding behind the door, walked through and knock it all down!!! He destroyed everything I worked so hard to build, in just a matter of seconds. I was devastated!
That is exactly what sin does to us. We can be moving along through life, doing all the right things, then WHAM!!! Sin creeps in when we least expect it and destroys all our hard work, leaving us devastated. We are left in the midst of a mess wondering why this happened and how can we ever start all over again.
But as Christians we have hope. Sin is a sickness we all suffer from. But as with Lazarus upon his deathbed, Jesus says "This sickness is not unto death, but to the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." (John 11:4)
That is why when sin knocks us down, we must get up. With Gods help we can right ourselves, dust ourselves off and begin again. We stand on faith, add goodness, knowledge, self control. We persevere, striving in godliness, mutual affection and love and through it all To God Be The Glory!!!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Dance Like David Did
Hey gang, I'll need you all to respond to me on this one.
I was speaking with a beloved cousin recently. She was telling me about a blessing which she received. She shared the story with me she said, because she knew I would "get it".
There was an issue she had been dealing with and had been in prayer over for a period of a couple years. Now that may seem like a long time to some of us, to be going through, but we must remember, God exists outside of time. My cousin is a soldier and she knows that God is faithful, so she never lost heart. She is familiar with Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles..."
Well, in His time, God answered my cousins prayers and resolved her issue, better than she could have ever imagined! She received a call with the good news while at work in her office one day. She told me she had to place her call on hold, close her office door and do a praise dance, right then and there!!!
I had to smile and praise God with her as she shared her story, remembering the many times I have had to give it all up to God, right where I was.
Unlike my cousin, I work in a cubicle - no full walls and no door. Over the years, most of my co-workers have become accustomed to my occasional outbursts of praise and worship. Sometimes the goodness of the Lord is overwhelming and you just have to let it out. Or at least I do.
Now I know some of you may be thinking, "tsk, tsk, how unprofessional." And you are correct, but in my world professionalism takes a backseat to praise!
I have always been intrigued by the picture painted in 2 Samuel 6. The israelites, led by David, were returning to the City of David with The Ark of God. (v.2, 12) David's excitement is described in 2 Samuel 6:14, "Then David danced before the Lord with all his might and David was wearing a linen ephod." An ephod was a priestly garment. Being made of linen it would have been thin and generally worn along with other garments, but this was all David wore as he jumped and twirled before God (and everyone else). Thus leading to the common saying that David "danced right out of his clothes." Now that is praising God!
But just as some people would frown on my public display of worship, Michal frowned upon her husband David as well. "Now as the ark of the Lord came into the City of David, Michal, Saul's daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart." (2 Samuel 6:16)
The best part of this passage though is David's response, "...It was before the Lord who chose me instead of your father and all his house...Therefore, I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even more undignified than this..." (2 Samuel 6:21 & 22)
My sentiments exactly!!!
So my friends, tell me, have you ever indulged in PDW - public displays of worship. Have you ever had to close your office door, pull over your car, place a call on hold, rush to the restroom, empty conference room or office supply closet, and give God a "right now praise"? Or maybe you just do what I do and get your dance on right at your desk for all to see? If so, good for you! Take a moment to comment on this post and let me know of a time you danced like David did.
And for those of you who have been stifling your urge to praise publicly, consider this... What if you are the only Jesus they have a chance to see?
Blessings!!!
Now I know some of you may be thinking, "tsk, tsk, how unprofessional." And you are correct, but in my world professionalism takes a backseat to praise!
I have always been intrigued by the picture painted in 2 Samuel 6. The israelites, led by David, were returning to the City of David with The Ark of God. (v.2, 12) David's excitement is described in 2 Samuel 6:14, "Then David danced before the Lord with all his might and David was wearing a linen ephod." An ephod was a priestly garment. Being made of linen it would have been thin and generally worn along with other garments, but this was all David wore as he jumped and twirled before God (and everyone else). Thus leading to the common saying that David "danced right out of his clothes." Now that is praising God!
But just as some people would frown on my public display of worship, Michal frowned upon her husband David as well. "Now as the ark of the Lord came into the City of David, Michal, Saul's daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart." (2 Samuel 6:16)
The best part of this passage though is David's response, "...It was before the Lord who chose me instead of your father and all his house...Therefore, I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even more undignified than this..." (2 Samuel 6:21 & 22)
My sentiments exactly!!!
So my friends, tell me, have you ever indulged in PDW - public displays of worship. Have you ever had to close your office door, pull over your car, place a call on hold, rush to the restroom, empty conference room or office supply closet, and give God a "right now praise"? Or maybe you just do what I do and get your dance on right at your desk for all to see? If so, good for you! Take a moment to comment on this post and let me know of a time you danced like David did.
And for those of you who have been stifling your urge to praise publicly, consider this... What if you are the only Jesus they have a chance to see?
Blessings!!!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Obedience...A Show of Faith
God woke me up before waking the sun last Sunday. I had a horrible dream, which was out of the norm. I usually don't dream. When I do, it's almost always the Holy Spirit moving on me. That or the devil haunting me. I know that may sound strange to some of you, but I have found that the closer I draw to God and He to me, the more interest the devil has in me as well. I take it to mean he (the devil) sees me as a threat. I'm cool with that.
Anyway, I awoke from my dream and asked God "what the hell was that?" I'm not always at my best when awakened unpleasantly, I pray my Father forgives me. After a quick trip to the restroom, I settled to my knees at the side of the bed. I prayed for clarity, some sort of explanation for the disturbing dream and then I sat and waited. After a few moments of quietly going over the dream in my mind I was in tears. Then the Holy Spirit whispered to me "I know the plans I have for you."
I understood immediately. It was the Sunday after my birthday and I had signed up to do the scripture reading at morning service. It was first Sunday and I had chosen a scripture from a devotional I read earlier in the week. I figured it would tie in well with a communion message. Now the Holy Spirit was urging me to scrap that plan and follow Gods plan. Humph!
I wish I could say that I responded with immediate compliance, but that was not the case. The more the Holy Spirit revealed to me what God had planned, the more my urge to resist grew. Not only did God have a different scripture in mind, He wanted me to speak to the congregation. There was a message in the dream I'd had. Something that touched deep inside me to the heart of who I am as a woman, as a mother. God was showing me that it was from my mothers heart that I was to speak to the sisters, mothers and daughters of New J that morning. I had only one problem...public speaking is not my thing. I imagined what Moses must have felt when God told him to go before Pharaoh. I did not feel up to the task.
I crawled into bed and tried to go back to sleep. I shut my eyes but couldn't close out the memory of the dream I'd had. I wanted to hide under the covers and sleep away the assignment I'd been given. The Holy Spirit was having none of that. It's impossible to run from God when he lives in you.
So I climbed out of bed, grabbed my notebook and wrote down what God had for me to say.
All morning I wavered back and forth. I prayed for God to give me the courage to do what He intended. Then the Holy Spirit whispered to me, "have faith."
Soon the time came and I took the podium. I breathed deep and hoped that my New J family was prepared to receive what I had come to say. I hoped they would believe not only in me, but my father who sent me. I gave them what I came to give, just as it was given to me. Then I took my seat, feeling full and knowing that my Father was smiling down at me.
Not only was my obedience rewarded with the warmth of the Spirit in my heart. God gave me confirmation that it was His plan all along. I was sure of it when a later announcement as well as Pastor's sermon tied in perfectly with the scripture I read and the message I was given to deliver. I smiled and thought, "Ok God, now you're just showing off."
Anyway, I awoke from my dream and asked God "what the hell was that?" I'm not always at my best when awakened unpleasantly, I pray my Father forgives me. After a quick trip to the restroom, I settled to my knees at the side of the bed. I prayed for clarity, some sort of explanation for the disturbing dream and then I sat and waited. After a few moments of quietly going over the dream in my mind I was in tears. Then the Holy Spirit whispered to me "I know the plans I have for you."
I understood immediately. It was the Sunday after my birthday and I had signed up to do the scripture reading at morning service. It was first Sunday and I had chosen a scripture from a devotional I read earlier in the week. I figured it would tie in well with a communion message. Now the Holy Spirit was urging me to scrap that plan and follow Gods plan. Humph!
I wish I could say that I responded with immediate compliance, but that was not the case. The more the Holy Spirit revealed to me what God had planned, the more my urge to resist grew. Not only did God have a different scripture in mind, He wanted me to speak to the congregation. There was a message in the dream I'd had. Something that touched deep inside me to the heart of who I am as a woman, as a mother. God was showing me that it was from my mothers heart that I was to speak to the sisters, mothers and daughters of New J that morning. I had only one problem...public speaking is not my thing. I imagined what Moses must have felt when God told him to go before Pharaoh. I did not feel up to the task.
I crawled into bed and tried to go back to sleep. I shut my eyes but couldn't close out the memory of the dream I'd had. I wanted to hide under the covers and sleep away the assignment I'd been given. The Holy Spirit was having none of that. It's impossible to run from God when he lives in you.
So I climbed out of bed, grabbed my notebook and wrote down what God had for me to say.
All morning I wavered back and forth. I prayed for God to give me the courage to do what He intended. Then the Holy Spirit whispered to me, "have faith."
Soon the time came and I took the podium. I breathed deep and hoped that my New J family was prepared to receive what I had come to say. I hoped they would believe not only in me, but my father who sent me. I gave them what I came to give, just as it was given to me. Then I took my seat, feeling full and knowing that my Father was smiling down at me.
Not only was my obedience rewarded with the warmth of the Spirit in my heart. God gave me confirmation that it was His plan all along. I was sure of it when a later announcement as well as Pastor's sermon tied in perfectly with the scripture I read and the message I was given to deliver. I smiled and thought, "Ok God, now you're just showing off."
Monday, January 28, 2013
We Say / God Say's
We Say...
I miss you my love.
I have been away for quite some time now,
Living life on the edge,
Going my own way,
Making a mess of things really.
I know you must be tired
Of the way I come and go,
Taking your love for granted,
Treating our relationship as if
It's as seasonal as the Holy days.
Even when I am here,
I am not always focused on you,
Putting other things ahead
Of the time we spend together.
I have a problem with priorities.
But you know my heart
And though I may not always show it,
You are important to me,
I know I need you in my life
And I love you more... than most things.
It's cold and lonely out here
In this world I have created for myself.
My friendships are faulty,
Love relationships shallow,
Happiness is fleeting at best.
So I make my way back to you,
Discouraged and dejected
Feeling a failure, for all my efforts are folly
Head down, heart broken,
Will you have me?
God Says...
My love, I have missed you,
Though I have been nearby all along.
Remember my promise
Never to leave, nor forsake you
Though you often turn your heart from me.
Yes, I grow weary
Of your propensity to wander
However, there's nowhere you roam
That I cannot see you
You are my sheep and I your shepherd
But my child be careful
Not to provoke my wrath, for I am jealous
Before me you shall have no other
Your heart, soul and mind
Belong to me
It is my will to spend each day
With you in the Garden.
I wait for you under shade trees
With flowers and sunshine
With which to adorn your hair.
You were not meant
To traverse the darkness of this world alone.
Death nor Life, Angels nor Principalities,
Height nor Depth, nor any creature
Shall separate you from my love.
Come home child.
Hide here in the shelter of my wings.
In the secret of my tabernacle, come rest.
I shall set you upon a high rock.
No condemnation child, but everlasting life!
I miss you my love.
I have been away for quite some time now,
Living life on the edge,
Going my own way,
Making a mess of things really.
I know you must be tired
Of the way I come and go,
Taking your love for granted,
Treating our relationship as if
It's as seasonal as the Holy days.
Even when I am here,
I am not always focused on you,
Putting other things ahead
Of the time we spend together.
I have a problem with priorities.
But you know my heart
And though I may not always show it,
You are important to me,
I know I need you in my life
And I love you more... than most things.
It's cold and lonely out here
In this world I have created for myself.
My friendships are faulty,
Love relationships shallow,
Happiness is fleeting at best.
So I make my way back to you,
Discouraged and dejected
Feeling a failure, for all my efforts are folly
Head down, heart broken,
Will you have me?
God Says...
My love, I have missed you,
Though I have been nearby all along.
Remember my promise
Never to leave, nor forsake you
Though you often turn your heart from me.
Yes, I grow weary
Of your propensity to wander
However, there's nowhere you roam
That I cannot see you
You are my sheep and I your shepherd
But my child be careful
Not to provoke my wrath, for I am jealous
Before me you shall have no other
Your heart, soul and mind
Belong to me
It is my will to spend each day
With you in the Garden.
I wait for you under shade trees
With flowers and sunshine
With which to adorn your hair.
You were not meant
To traverse the darkness of this world alone.
Death nor Life, Angels nor Principalities,
Height nor Depth, nor any creature
Shall separate you from my love.
Come home child.
Hide here in the shelter of my wings.
In the secret of my tabernacle, come rest.
I shall set you upon a high rock.
No condemnation child, but everlasting life!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Take Me to the Water
Acts 2:38, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (NIV)
December 4, 2012 I received confirmation that God still answers prayer and that He still inclines his ear to the desires of my heart. On that rainy, cool, Sunday morning, my middle son, Ean, committed his life to Christ and was baptized. Talk about a proud mama, I am still riding that emotional high! As a christian parent, the moment your child accepts Christ is a wonderful victory. It is a great feeling of accomplishment to, as Prov. 22:6 says, "train up a child in the way he should go..." (KJV). Ean was the third of my four children to embark on Gods path. I was filled with joy and great peace watching my child begin a journey to his own personal relationship with The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
This day was made all the sweeter because I prayed 5 long years for it! Ean was always my Prodigal Son. From a very young age he would wander off on his own, preferring to scout out the mysteries of the world solo. From age three on, Ean was the child I had to search for in the grocery store, the one who would be missing when I turned around from the deli counter. When he got a little older, Ean would leave the house and be gone for hours. Upon his return, my worried questioning was met with a nonchalant "just went for a walk". Ean always had a knack for disappearing, which drove the protective mother in me nuts.
As the years went on and he became a teenager, Ean became more and more isolated from the family, preferring the company of his friends or his own brooding solitude. One Saturday evening when Ean was 15, I was fussing for he and Juan to get their clothes ready for church the next morning. They both began pleading their case for staying home. I figured they just wanted to lounge around and play video games, which I felt they did too much, so I insisted they get their butts in gear and do what I said. At that point, Ean turned to me and literally sneered "I don't believe in your God and I am sick of you forcing me to go to church with you every weekend!"
Well!!! You could have stuck a fork in me at that moment...I was done! He had completely knocked the wind out me, as if he'd kicked me in the stomach with his size 15 shoe. I spent the next week, wrestling with that shocking declaration. Did he really mean it? Where had I failed as a parent? Was my son doomed to hell? Where had I gone so terribly wrong? Was there anything I could do to save him? Finally the Holy Spirit moved on me and said simply -PRAY.
And that is what I did. I had prayed for all my children consistently throughout their lives. I prayed for health and recovery when they were sick or hurt, safety when they were active at play and in sports, protection when they were away from my watchful care. I prayed for their futures, that they would have love, joy, peace and success at whatever they set their hearts and minds to do.
BUT NOW I began to pray for the salvation of their souls. I pleaded with God to show himself strong in my children's lives. I prayed that they would have a thirst for Gods word, a hunger for His promises. I prayed that the Holy Spirit would take up residence in them and that they would develop faith as large as the mustard tree, not just the seed. I prayed that one day my children would see the face of God. Since I began praying in this way, three of the four have come to Jesus. Hallelujah, He answers prayer!
Never give up on those you love. Never be afraid to witness for Christ. You may be all the God they see!
(To the one who still doubts, there is no time like the present, I know your heart. God has kept you through many trials, there are more to come. Walk with Him, study His word. Accept Him and He will answer your questions. He will put an end to your doubts. I love you and I will never give up. I am always in prayer for you. God knows your name!)
Thursday, January 10, 2013
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Hi all! I know I have been missing in action through out the holiday season, but I am back. There was soooo much going on in the last month of 2012 that I could not find time to get it all down. I am a firm believer that nothing beats writing about life except LIVING it. So I will sometimes put the former on hold for the later. But don't worry, I have stored up all the smiles, laughter, tears (happy ones) and news to share with you all!
So, it's a New Year and I am just grateful that God has allowed us all to move forward. I love saying Happy New Year, because it reminds me of that wonderful tingle you get when you receive or purchase something new. There is always an element of excitement when wearing a new outfit, carrying a new purse, driving a new car. Nothing beats the thrill of a new relationship, the optimisism of a new job or the sweetness of a new baby. Well, I want to pose to you that we should be as excited about each new day as we are about all the above mentioned events in our lives.
I pray that we all remember the reason for the season during the holidays (pronouncing it Holy-days helps me). But let's face the truth, we all like getting those gifts on Christmas morning! Well I'm here to tell you that God gives us a gift each and every day we wake. Rising with the sun each day is a blessing in itself, but add to that the gift of being able to see the sun, being able to hear the alarm clock, being able to stretch arms and legs, having feet to place on the cold floor and the ability to STAND! Whoohoo!!! It's like Christmas all over again!
Now I will admit I am not the brightest ray of sun when the alarm clock goes off in the morning. I wish I was one of those women who are up before dawn, spending time with God and His word, preparing breakfast for my family and singing songs of zion as I usher each family member out to their day. NOT! But I do manage to roll over after the alarm sounds and whisper a heartfelt thank you to the Father each day. Once I get going (usually after brushing my teeth) I may hum or sing through the rest of my morning preparations. And once I get a steaming cup of coffee in my hand...Watch out now! I'm a true soldier on the Lords battlefield then, with the Lords praises continually in my mouth.
I say all this friends to say, this New Year is a gift. Do something NEW with it. Step out on faith and do something you've always wanted to do. I am. I have decided that 2013 is my year to take my writing to the next level. I will promote my blog. I will attend a christian writing seminar. I will pray that God continues to bless my heart with His word and my mind with understanding, that I may share it with you all. I pray that you will all walk along side me in developing this ministry. Your prayers and comments are truly appreciated. Let me know how I'm doing!!! Please feel free to share what God lays on your heart when you read my articles. Also, let me know if I can stand in the gap for you as you decide what NEW thing you are going to do this year. Trust Gods promise that we "can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13, KJV) Don't let fear or doubt hold you back from being great for God! Take the daily gift of life that God so freely gives and do something FABULOUS with it, "...that God in all things may be glorified..." (1 Peter 4:11, KJV).
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
So, it's a New Year and I am just grateful that God has allowed us all to move forward. I love saying Happy New Year, because it reminds me of that wonderful tingle you get when you receive or purchase something new. There is always an element of excitement when wearing a new outfit, carrying a new purse, driving a new car. Nothing beats the thrill of a new relationship, the optimisism of a new job or the sweetness of a new baby. Well, I want to pose to you that we should be as excited about each new day as we are about all the above mentioned events in our lives.
I pray that we all remember the reason for the season during the holidays (pronouncing it Holy-days helps me). But let's face the truth, we all like getting those gifts on Christmas morning! Well I'm here to tell you that God gives us a gift each and every day we wake. Rising with the sun each day is a blessing in itself, but add to that the gift of being able to see the sun, being able to hear the alarm clock, being able to stretch arms and legs, having feet to place on the cold floor and the ability to STAND! Whoohoo!!! It's like Christmas all over again!
Now I will admit I am not the brightest ray of sun when the alarm clock goes off in the morning. I wish I was one of those women who are up before dawn, spending time with God and His word, preparing breakfast for my family and singing songs of zion as I usher each family member out to their day. NOT! But I do manage to roll over after the alarm sounds and whisper a heartfelt thank you to the Father each day. Once I get going (usually after brushing my teeth) I may hum or sing through the rest of my morning preparations. And once I get a steaming cup of coffee in my hand...Watch out now! I'm a true soldier on the Lords battlefield then, with the Lords praises continually in my mouth.
I say all this friends to say, this New Year is a gift. Do something NEW with it. Step out on faith and do something you've always wanted to do. I am. I have decided that 2013 is my year to take my writing to the next level. I will promote my blog. I will attend a christian writing seminar. I will pray that God continues to bless my heart with His word and my mind with understanding, that I may share it with you all. I pray that you will all walk along side me in developing this ministry. Your prayers and comments are truly appreciated. Let me know how I'm doing!!! Please feel free to share what God lays on your heart when you read my articles. Also, let me know if I can stand in the gap for you as you decide what NEW thing you are going to do this year. Trust Gods promise that we "can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13, KJV) Don't let fear or doubt hold you back from being great for God! Take the daily gift of life that God so freely gives and do something FABULOUS with it, "...that God in all things may be glorified..." (1 Peter 4:11, KJV).
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Mary, Did You Know?
Well Thanksgiving has come and gone, much too quickly as usual. I pray everyone enjoyed the holiday with family, friends and lots of good food. We attended a big gathering with my husbands family which reminded me of the gatherings my family had when I was young. I miss those times and wish our family got together like that more often.
As we approach the Christmas holiday, I have to address something which has been haunting the recesses of my mind for months now. Ever since my eldest son joined the marines last January I have been struggling with thoughts of his mortality. I know, morbid right? But I can't keep my realist, logical brain from going there. We all cope differently and my way of coping is to mentally prepare for all possible scenarios. That being said, let's face it, we are a country at war, in a violent and turbulent time.
I am happy to say that for now, my son is safe in school, on a naval base in Florida. He's spending his free time fishing and playing video games...for now. Unfortunately, there are many mothers who do not have that comfort and my heart and prayers go out daily to each one of them. Let me also say that I am as proud and grateful to my son for his decision to serve as any military mother ever has been! I have already seen how the Corps has taken the man child I raised and is turning him into a polished, well rounded young man. However, I look at his pictures and still see my baby boy.
Which brings me to Mary, a young mother, who lost her son in service to the entire world, for generations and generations to come. WOW! I can't imagine what it must have been like to be the mother of the Messiah. To bear that precious baby boy, to love him and raise him. To watch him grow in grace, to see the light of God shine through his eyes. WOW!
I was recently asked to sing the song "Mary Did You Know" for our church's annual Christmas play. The words of the song take you to that fateful night and make you wonder, how much did Mary know about what lay ahead for her little lamb. Did she know he would make the lame walk and cause the blind to see? Did she know that he would turn water to wine, calm storms with a wave of his hand, call the dead to rise and walk? Could she possibly have understood that the small child she had delivered, had actually come to deliver her, and me, and you? When she looked into the eyes of her baby boy, did she see a savior?
Oh Mary, did you know?
As we approach the Christmas holiday, I have to address something which has been haunting the recesses of my mind for months now. Ever since my eldest son joined the marines last January I have been struggling with thoughts of his mortality. I know, morbid right? But I can't keep my realist, logical brain from going there. We all cope differently and my way of coping is to mentally prepare for all possible scenarios. That being said, let's face it, we are a country at war, in a violent and turbulent time.
I am happy to say that for now, my son is safe in school, on a naval base in Florida. He's spending his free time fishing and playing video games...for now. Unfortunately, there are many mothers who do not have that comfort and my heart and prayers go out daily to each one of them. Let me also say that I am as proud and grateful to my son for his decision to serve as any military mother ever has been! I have already seen how the Corps has taken the man child I raised and is turning him into a polished, well rounded young man. However, I look at his pictures and still see my baby boy.
Which brings me to Mary, a young mother, who lost her son in service to the entire world, for generations and generations to come. WOW! I can't imagine what it must have been like to be the mother of the Messiah. To bear that precious baby boy, to love him and raise him. To watch him grow in grace, to see the light of God shine through his eyes. WOW!
I was recently asked to sing the song "Mary Did You Know" for our church's annual Christmas play. The words of the song take you to that fateful night and make you wonder, how much did Mary know about what lay ahead for her little lamb. Did she know he would make the lame walk and cause the blind to see? Did she know that he would turn water to wine, calm storms with a wave of his hand, call the dead to rise and walk? Could she possibly have understood that the small child she had delivered, had actually come to deliver her, and me, and you? When she looked into the eyes of her baby boy, did she see a savior?
Oh Mary, did you know?
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
More videos from RHYTHMICSOUNDSOFNEWJ (playlist)
My other ministry... Check out Rythmic Sounds of New J, our church choir, as we minister at the 2012 World Choir Games and our annual concert.
Thank God...I Have A Story
Since I have begun to share here on my blog, I have had several people ask me...why? Why start a blog, why are you writing, why put your business out there for everyone in the world to read? My answer is simple...God gave me a story, a testimony, and through His word he beseeches me to tell it.
Psalm 107:2, 42 "Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,...The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths." (NIV)
God has been good to me! I know it may sound passe, but when I look back over my life and see where God has brought me from, I want to shout his praises from the roof tops. I feel compelled to tell everyone I meet the wonderful things I have learned during my life.
As a young single mother I learned first hand that God will feed the hungry. I remember the holiday food box that was sent home with my boys from their school, even though I never signed up for the give away. I remember the sweet nun who packed me 2 bags of groceries to take home when I came to the food pantry to donate infant cereal and formula I could no longer use. Although I did not ask, God saw my need and filled it.
I know first hand that God is a healer. After giving birth to my middle son, I was told I would have to leave the hospital without him. He was born with neonatal meningitis and spent 21 days in the hospital. I went to the hospital each day to hold, feed and pray over my baby boy. The doctors and nurses gave me tons of information and tried to prepare me for the possible physical and neurological effects the illness could have. They talked of possible hearing and vision loss, speech problems, learning disabilities, paralysis, epilepsy and seizures. But my son left the hospital fat, fine and healthy. Ean grew to be a strapping young man, extremely intelligent and never suffered from even the common cold as a child. God is AWESOME!
And talk about faithful! I know full well that God is faithful and He answers every prayer. God is there for the BIG and small things in life. The Father is always just a prayer and trusting heart away. Psalm 17:6, "I call on you my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer." I have seen in my life that even the most trivial issue can be taken to God, "Lord, please don't let me miss this bus, help me find a place to park, help me find my keys!" But He is also faithful to take care of the big issues of your heart, "Lord, help me find a job, give us a safe place to live, heal my mother, please let my baby be ok."
In the 42 years I have been blessed to live thus far, I have seen so many miracles take place. Large and small miracles in my life and the lives of others. No, I have not seen the Ohio River parted to allow me to cross over, but I KNOW my God is able to do that and much more. I am so grateful to God for keeping me. I tell my story as a way to say "thank you" to God for His grace, his mercy, his peace and his joy. Thank you for protection, provision, strength. Thank you for knowledge and understanding. Thank you for love. Thank you God, for my story.
Psalm 107:2, 42 "Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,...The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths." (NIV)
God has been good to me! I know it may sound passe, but when I look back over my life and see where God has brought me from, I want to shout his praises from the roof tops. I feel compelled to tell everyone I meet the wonderful things I have learned during my life.
As a young single mother I learned first hand that God will feed the hungry. I remember the holiday food box that was sent home with my boys from their school, even though I never signed up for the give away. I remember the sweet nun who packed me 2 bags of groceries to take home when I came to the food pantry to donate infant cereal and formula I could no longer use. Although I did not ask, God saw my need and filled it.
I know first hand that God is a healer. After giving birth to my middle son, I was told I would have to leave the hospital without him. He was born with neonatal meningitis and spent 21 days in the hospital. I went to the hospital each day to hold, feed and pray over my baby boy. The doctors and nurses gave me tons of information and tried to prepare me for the possible physical and neurological effects the illness could have. They talked of possible hearing and vision loss, speech problems, learning disabilities, paralysis, epilepsy and seizures. But my son left the hospital fat, fine and healthy. Ean grew to be a strapping young man, extremely intelligent and never suffered from even the common cold as a child. God is AWESOME!
And talk about faithful! I know full well that God is faithful and He answers every prayer. God is there for the BIG and small things in life. The Father is always just a prayer and trusting heart away. Psalm 17:6, "I call on you my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer." I have seen in my life that even the most trivial issue can be taken to God, "Lord, please don't let me miss this bus, help me find a place to park, help me find my keys!" But He is also faithful to take care of the big issues of your heart, "Lord, help me find a job, give us a safe place to live, heal my mother, please let my baby be ok."
In the 42 years I have been blessed to live thus far, I have seen so many miracles take place. Large and small miracles in my life and the lives of others. No, I have not seen the Ohio River parted to allow me to cross over, but I KNOW my God is able to do that and much more. I am so grateful to God for keeping me. I tell my story as a way to say "thank you" to God for His grace, his mercy, his peace and his joy. Thank you for protection, provision, strength. Thank you for knowledge and understanding. Thank you for love. Thank you God, for my story.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
My First Love
I am a mother of four beautiful children. I love each one of them dearly and differently, but just the same. I am sure all you mothers understand what I'm saying. Each one of my children holds a special place in my heart. A mothers love is unlike any other love on this earth. As children we know this. Those of us who are lucky experience that love first hand. The origin of that love is something unique. A mothers love comes not from the heart, but is born of the soul and I believe it is a direct reflection of Gods love for us. It is a love you cannot understand until they place that sweet little one in your arms for the first time.
I was a strong willed, independent, unmarried 20 year old when I became pregnant with my first son. My relationship with his father was casual at best. When I informed him I was pregnant, he made it perfectly clear he was not ready to be a father and exited stage left. When I told my family and friends the reaction was two fold: there was joy and excitement, followed quickly by criticism and condemnaton. My mother, who divorced my father when I was a toddler and had raised me on her own, was the biggest skeptic. "How will you continue with college, work full time and take care of a baby all on your own?" she wanted to know. Honestly, at that point I had no idea. I hadn't thought that I would be "all on my own", but soon I found that to be the case. Many people who knew me, including my sons father and my mother, suggested I terminate the pregnancy. They told me to chalk it up as a mistake and move on.
That was the first time I recognized the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Actually it was more than a prompting. Everything inside me cried out "NO!" A love and protectivness like nothing I had ever felt, rose up in me. I didn't know much, but I knew my baby was not a mistake, but a gift from God. I was not attending church regularly at that time and hadn't read much of the bible. But at age 14 I had given my life to Christ. I was not skilled in the art of prayer, but I knew who to turn to when I had no one else. I knew Gods promise never to leave, nor forsake me. (Deut. 31:6,8, Joshua 1:5, Heb 13:5)
The first few weeks of my pregnancy were hard, I felt scared and alone. I spent every minute of my free time on my knees, crying and pleading with God to help me. I had never before gone to God in this way and I wasn't sure He would answer. For the first time I searched His word for anything that might pertain to me, anything that would give me hope. And I found SO much!!! God spoke to me from the pages of my dusty King James bible. He told me "all things are possible" (Luke 18:27) and that "I can do all things through Christ..." Phil. 4:13. He assured me He would "direct my paths" (Prov 3:6) and most importantly that "he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins" (I John 1:9).
With Gods help and the Holy spirit to comfort me, I had a happy and healthy pregnancy. On December 11th of that year, I gave birth to the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. For the first time in my life I knew what real love was. I knew I would give anything, go anywhere, fight any battle for the precious baby boy they placed in my arms that day. Now, almost 22 years later, I still feel that way about Juan-Damien, my first love.
I was a strong willed, independent, unmarried 20 year old when I became pregnant with my first son. My relationship with his father was casual at best. When I informed him I was pregnant, he made it perfectly clear he was not ready to be a father and exited stage left. When I told my family and friends the reaction was two fold: there was joy and excitement, followed quickly by criticism and condemnaton. My mother, who divorced my father when I was a toddler and had raised me on her own, was the biggest skeptic. "How will you continue with college, work full time and take care of a baby all on your own?" she wanted to know. Honestly, at that point I had no idea. I hadn't thought that I would be "all on my own", but soon I found that to be the case. Many people who knew me, including my sons father and my mother, suggested I terminate the pregnancy. They told me to chalk it up as a mistake and move on.
That was the first time I recognized the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Actually it was more than a prompting. Everything inside me cried out "NO!" A love and protectivness like nothing I had ever felt, rose up in me. I didn't know much, but I knew my baby was not a mistake, but a gift from God. I was not attending church regularly at that time and hadn't read much of the bible. But at age 14 I had given my life to Christ. I was not skilled in the art of prayer, but I knew who to turn to when I had no one else. I knew Gods promise never to leave, nor forsake me. (Deut. 31:6,8, Joshua 1:5, Heb 13:5)
The first few weeks of my pregnancy were hard, I felt scared and alone. I spent every minute of my free time on my knees, crying and pleading with God to help me. I had never before gone to God in this way and I wasn't sure He would answer. For the first time I searched His word for anything that might pertain to me, anything that would give me hope. And I found SO much!!! God spoke to me from the pages of my dusty King James bible. He told me "all things are possible" (Luke 18:27) and that "I can do all things through Christ..." Phil. 4:13. He assured me He would "direct my paths" (Prov 3:6) and most importantly that "he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins" (I John 1:9).
With Gods help and the Holy spirit to comfort me, I had a happy and healthy pregnancy. On December 11th of that year, I gave birth to the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. For the first time in my life I knew what real love was. I knew I would give anything, go anywhere, fight any battle for the precious baby boy they placed in my arms that day. Now, almost 22 years later, I still feel that way about Juan-Damien, my first love.
Friday, November 9, 2012
I's Married Now!
I guess I will take the next few posts to introduce myself and tell a little about what's going on with me. Today's article came to me as I sat looking at wedding photos last night. (My new favorite past time!)
I am a newlywed! After many long years as a single mother, at the tender age of forty two, I became a blushing, first time bride. This may surprise some of you. I must admit it came as a surprise to me.In my twenties I spent much of my time searching for "the one". I persistently moved from relationship to relationship, hoping to find Mr. Right. I was diligent in my search, determined to find myself a suitable husband and a father for my two young sons.
As I moved into my thirties the search became much more serious. All around me family and friends were getting married, settling down. Some, by then, were working on marriage number two or three even. Those really got to me!You know how the saying goes, "always a bridesmaid...", blah, blah, blah.
But I told myself it was ok if it took a little longer for me. Afterall, I only planned to do the marriage thing once so it HAD to be right. Even so, the search was draining. With each failed relationship, I lost a little of myself. My once healthy self esteem began to suffer. I succumbed to thoughts that maybe I just wasn't worthy. Then came the worst lie the devil ever tells a woman, wrapped in four little words - "what's wrong with me?" Finally, too defeated to keep up the search and too proud to admit to anyone I was defeated, I just quit searching...
And it was the BEST thing I ever could have done! See, during those years, without me taking much notice, a wonderful thing happened to me. As I was raising my sons, attending school, working a full time job (sometimes two), I was also falling in love, with God. I came to know I could lean on Him when my load got heavy. I came to know the power of prayer and I discovered that when I was too tired to go on, it was the Lord who carried me. "My flesh and my heart may fail, butGod is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26 I began to put all my energy into the one relationship that mattered. I began to seek God with my whole heart and to worship and love Him with all that is within me.
Then, it happened. God in His infinite wisdom and infallible timing, sent a man who was made to love me! When I stopped searching... well, let me put it this way, WHEN I MOVED OUT OF THE WAY and let God, who is the source of all love, show me what He had for me, it happened over night. God sent me Will. A man strong in character, full of faith and rooted in the Word of God. A man I could only recognize and appreciate after I came to know my heavenly Father intimately.
Will and I dated only four months before we were engaged and we married thirteen months later, this past August. I could not be happier. Now when I look at my husband, I thank God for him. And when he shows his love for me in a million small ways each day, I smile, knowing that is just God showing off!
"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:13-14
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Access To the Throne
This is an article I wrote recently. My journey as a God Girl has taught me how important and powerful prayer can be. Hope this blesses you!
As I sit at my desk lately, I often find myself called to the throne of God. As I mature as a Christian, I find myself speaking to God many times during the day. I may ask for strength. Sometimes I ask for blessings for someone in need who comes to mind. Many times I just feel the need to tell Him thank you, as the many blessings I have received come to the forefront of my mind. It is wonderful to know that God is always near and that he hears me.
However, lately I have experienced a stronger tug at my heart. An urgency to be on my knees before the throne of God, not just speaking to Him, but beseeching him to fulfill some need, or provide some protection, or just to bless someone who is not ready or able to bow down before Him. When this happens, I am drawn into a quiet, dark corner inside myself. With closed eyes and an open heart, no matter where I am, I go to Him. All things on the outside fade away and all that is left is my soul and My Father. I lay my request at His feet, offer up my thanks and bask in the peace His presence provides. There surrounded by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, joy is found. All stress is gone and life becomes easy. When my time in the inner circle is over, I return to my daily life feeling so full. I am well rested and have not a worry in the world. I come away knowing that all my issues have been addressed. Doubts have been removed, problems have been worked out, lives have been touched by His hand. All that is left is Peace and Assurance. And all it takes is a moment or two at the throne.
For all of you who are just starting on the road to Christ, I know it can be hard. It can be scary to turn away from the sinful life you have always known, where you did what you thought you wanted and felt as if you were in control. But believe me, it is well worth it. Matthew 10:39, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (NIV)As you grow and mature in Christ, the rewards of this life become more and more clear. 2 Peter 1:3, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” (NIV) There is nothing like the peace you get, when you know your life is in His all powerful hands. As your faith grows, so does your joy. Keep drawing near to God. Seek Him with your whole heart. Immerse yourself in His Holy Word. In return you will receive the greatest gift ever. You will receive Access to The Throne.
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