I Saw The Movie "True Grit," The New Release. This Is My Insight On The Movie.

I saw the movie, “True Grit” the other day and I thought to myself, why am I going to see this movie (other than the fact that it was a family outing, which is very good.) This is not the typical type of movie I go to see. I love romance, happy ending movies, and funny movies, none of which was this movie. I told the family member after the movie that suggested we go see it that they did well, I enjoyed the movie.
Sometimes you have to step out of your routine and comfort zone to be able to experience something more in life than what you have experienced so far in your life. Let me clarify that statement, which is not inclusive of doing things like smoking, drinking, drugs, illicit sex and anything else that goes against the 10 commandments. Is that perfectly clear to you!!!
In the very beginning of the movie, they played an old time Christian song and I just loved the tenacity of the young girl’s character in the movie. She was fourteen years old but let me tell you the character she played was smart, knew the laws, a great negotiator, and was not afraid to confront the very killer of her father. She was determined to get the job done and she did. She also held people accountable too.
Sometimes when you go to see a movie (if you are open to it) there tends to be a story within the story you are viewing. Maybe I need to become more tenacious in my life than I already am. Maybe I need to not hold others so accountable like I do and me, myself, should become more accountable for my life than I am right now. I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. I do not recall if she ever married when she became an adult. If she did not, do you think it could possibly be because she was intelligent and spoke out what she thought rather than holding back her words of truth? I suppose that could be intimidating in one respect to a guy. Especially back in the western day era, when women were subservient to the men. Sort of, do your chores and be quiet when it comes to thinking on your own. You are to do cooking, cleaning, darn laundry, garden, etc.
In some respects, things really haven’t changed that much throughout the years, except for the fact that there are women now that are the main “bread winner” in the family. They are now removed from having to do those chores because they have the means to hire someone to perform those duties.
It is biblical that the man’s role in a home is to be the head of the household. How many homes in America truly practice that? I can only imagine how a man would feel being subservient to his wife. A man is created and built already inside of him to be the head and when that doesn’t happen in his life does he then feel little or not fulfilled since it has been controlled by a woman? I do not know the answer to this since I am not a man. I am most thankful that I am a woman and I truly enjoy my femininity and allowing a man to come into my life and take care of me. I know my limits and the structure of a man created to lead would be most welcome in my life. I like dressing up and making myself look pretty, I enjoy it. I really enjoy being whom God created me to be. I know the right fragrance and how to wear it enough so that a good looking man in an elevator will compliment me on the choice of fragrance I wear. Yet, I am shy enough that if I sense a good looking man is looking in my direction I will turn my eyes downward, so as to not look back for I think that is too forward in a woman. A woman is created to be feminine and there is something built inside of me that just loves when a man comes to my rescue and to take care of me. I know this may not be a popular message to the feminist women out there but a woman was created to look beautiful and take good care of herself for her husband’s enjoyment. I love knowing that when I look good it will turn his head towards me. I do not have a concern that other men may turn their heads towards me it is just my husband that I want to turn his head towards me and he alone. Some women are created with a natural gift inside of them to please their husbands with the right look, gentle touch, and that certain smile that causes her husband’s head to not just turn in her direction but remain there. Other men will be jealous because he gets the true prize of all prizes a woman that loves him. She does not tear him down with cruel words but elevates him with uplifting/encouraging words. Even when a woman flows in ministry and she speaks words of encouragement to many people, only the most choice and tender words are saved for her beloved. The one that has captured her heart, words spoken from her heart touch his very heart.
Words can bring life or speak death into a person’s existence. Speak words of life often to those around you and save the most choice and tender words to speak to his heart. Women awaken from within and just try being a little less aggressive and let your husband lead as he was created to do and watch the wonder before your very eyes. Let him lead and sit back and enjoy the ride. All I ask is to try it at least once and see if there is not a big improvement on how it use to be.
Doesn’t this amaze/intrigue you how I think? I go see a western movie and here I am speaking about the femininity of a woman.
Proverbs 16:20 states “He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.”

Word Of The Lord Given To Me Today

As you sit and wonder, ponder and question know that I am God and no other gods shall be placed before Me or elevated above Me. I am a jealous God and I will see My children elevated far higher and above their thoughts, desires and dreams to a place of safety with Me. Do not look to the east, west, south or north, look unto Me. The giver and sustainer of life. Not poverty and sickness life but abundant life in Me. You shall see all and know all and hear all that you are suppose to operate in.
Do not cower back and retreat backward when the enemy confronts. Strengthen up and stand up and let not your heart be troubled or burdened with worry and strife for I speak peace and life and accept nothing less than that.
I am the master and you are the clay in the palm of My hand I create, you were created with purpose and destiny of your heart's desires. Settle for only that and not false garbage. When garbage sits out in the hot sun for hours, days or even months a foul odor develops and rotting takes place. Maggots appear and feast on the rotten. Get rid of the garbage in your life so as to not be thrown in on the garbage pile with everyone else's garbage too.
Stand up and fight the good fight of faith and do not cower back you are triumphant in Christ and He is your defender. Rest knowing that. The enemy has had had too much time and wrestling with things that you allowed to this point because you cowered back and said to yourself, "I'm not going to rock the boat." Stop that coward thinking and advance for you are victorious in Christ, the hope of glory. Remember this, Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world and just advance."
Ezekiel 3: 9 "I will make you as hard as a diamond, harder than stone. Don't be afraid of them. Don't be terrified in their presence, even though they are rebellious people."

How Many Christian's Pointed The Finger In Judgement When Amy Grant Married Vince Gill? I Was One Of Them & I Repented & Asked Forgiveness, What About You?

I was blessed with a most generous gift, a ticket to the 12 Days of Christmas concert with Amy Grant & Vince Gill. In the beginning of the concert I sat there with that spirit of judgement that crept back up and I just couldn't understand how the two blended together. One a country singer and the other a Christian singer.
Then something just clicked, their love for each other. I felt this incredible love emanate from them onto us, the audience. He even cracked a joke about the people he sings to and then she comes along and sings in her performances and saves them. I wanted to judge/criticize at that comment and as the concert progressed I was able to see "real" love between them and their family too.
It brought hope to me that if God could bring these two together with the different types of audiences they sing to then surely it is possible in my life. As the concert continued it was such an experience to hear her sing "Broken Hallelujah" and "Breath of Heaven" amongst other songs too. Then, it was so evident of their love for each other when he sang a beautiful love song he wrote to her and then dedicated it to a pastor and his wife that were in the audience that they knew. The words were ever so tender and dear and they made mention of the Red Letters spoken in the bible by Jesus that he sees in Amy and her life.
Blended families do work, it takes some work but you know what? They work. Just seeing the tenderness of Vince's grown daughter singing a song with her father and then Vince and Amy's daughter playing her little role in this performance and seeing the siblings share love, just amazing. Do not tell me that there is not hope and life after divorce for I surely see it.
Hang in there and one day the love of your life just might write something for you and about how special and what a wonder you are. How you touched their very life or them being in your life just may inspire you to write. For, when lives are destined to come together as one there will most likely be work involved in it. Keep trusting for God will surely bring it into existence in His time in your life to bring celebration for all around you to share in.
I, a romantic at heart, am signing off for tonight. As I do may your day be filled with prosperity and peace mixed in with hope too.

You Prepare A Table Before Me In The Presence Of My Enemies

The title today is actually a scripture verse Psalm 23: 5. Oddly enough, last night that very scripture was made reference to during the preaching at church. I am going to share with you what the daily devotional will be for tomorrow. I must admit that I read it in advance so I will share it with you and may it be a blessing in your life.

In Spite Of The Odds, And Opposition

If you are going through a difficult time right now, read these words: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" Underscore the word "surely." It's God's guarantee! When does God cause your cup to overflow with blessing? When does He empower you to overcome? When does He demonstrate His goodness and mercy? In the presence of your enemies! The odds and the opposition can't stop God from blessing you!  "But I'm really struggling," you say. Struggle is proof that you haven't been conquered, that you refuse to surrender, that victory is still possible, and that you're growing. As long as you keep walking with God and trusting Him, He will work on your behalf. He will send His spirit to guide you, His word to illuminate your mind, and friends to strengthen you in your time of struggle. If you're teachable, you're reachable. Keep your heart open, keep listening to God, keep obeying Him and you will: (1) See that your problem is just a platform for Him to "show himself strong on your behalf." (2) Discover that His strength comes when you're at your weakest point. (3) Be able to thank God for your enemies, because He's promised to bless you right there in front of them. People and circumstances don't decide your future, God does, so look to Him!

I Trudged Through Country Roads That Are Hills And The Potential Threat Of Black Ice To Deliver This Message To You Tonight

First of  all, all of the glory goes to God for taking me and sending me home safely. I went to church this evening and as I was heading there and even in the morning the forecast kept speaking of the possibility of rain and then sleet and freezing rain too. I went to church and while at church I asked an elder gentleman what route would be best to travel home on. He told me and all through the service I did not feel a check in my spirit to travel that route and to take the normal route home. It was confirmed as I was waiting for the shuttle bus to take me to my car while speaking with a lady that said it would be a better chance of encountering black ice heading northward as opposed to going my route and heading in the opposite direction. I trusted the Lord's direction and homeward bound I was. Let me tell you that those country roads and hills can get dark and at times the only light may be the traffic light that you see ahead of you. I used caution and tested the roads frequently to see that there was no black ice that I was driving on in the event I had to stop. God is ever so faithful to me when He sends me on a mission. He always preserves my going and coming home. I must admit that I seemed to even have favor in the amount of green lights I encountered tonight too.
Just as we were leaving church they did announce to be careful that there was black ice in the parking lot or anywhere where they did not throw down salt and that a few roads were closed also. Even with that announcement I still had to stay and worship the Lord with the closing worship song. God is so good to me and greatly He is to be praised. He knew all along the path I would be taking home to be able to share with you the notes I took this evening. Be blessed and know that these notes were freely given to me so I freely share them with you and may peace and hope and joy fill your heart this very evening.
1Kings 19: 11-13 "God said, Go out and stand in front of the Lord on the mountain. As the Lord was passing by, a fierce wind tore mountains and shattered rocks ahead of the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake, but the Lord wasn't in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was a fire. But the Lord wasn't in the fire. And after the fire there was a quiet, whispering voice. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his coat, went out, and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then the voice said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Here are my notes on this scripture that was preached this evening. The Lord is about to pass by. Stepping out in faith to that calling or position didn't look exactly like the way you thought it was or should be. You need to keep the presence of worship in your life. Worship is a part of the process. God positions you in a place where you are able to hear the Lord. The wind comes to remove all the obstacles that are in the way. Then came the earthquake. Sometimes the wind is not enough. Everything has to be shaken to shake away the impurities in your life to be shaken out. It is used to take away what you may have added to the vision. Did you add to the vision God spoke to your heart? Possibly changing or telling Him how He is to bring it forth or adding words to the words He spoke to your heart about the vision for your life? He'll take away the vision for a season. When you are at a place of maturity He will then bring back the vision and bring you back to that place of what He said to you. Notice what I said, He said to you not what you added to what He said to begin with. Then the fire, sometimes there are more things in your life that have to be consumed by the fire, addictions or things in your family bloodline. They are things that you cannot take with you where you are going with the vision for your life to be fulfilled. Then the gentle whisper, that is when God positions you in a place where you can hear what the Lord is saying. The Lord is about to pass by your place. You are on God's radar John 4: 23-24 states "Indeed, the time is coming, and it is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. The Father is looking for people like that to worship him. God is a spirit. Those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." He is looking for a true worshiper. God will always deliver a worshiper."
How is your worship? Do you worship the Lord with one eye open in church to look around and see who may be watching you or do you abandon your thoughts and worship the King of Kings for the life HE has given you and the breathe of life inside of you? Only you can answer that question with honesty. Not every worshiper is demonstrative in their worship did you know that? Sometimes the showy worshiper is only worshiping to get noticed by others and their heart may not be right with he Lord. Then there is the more demure worshiper that may not be so outward but their heart is ever so right with the Lord and their life and lifestyle is a result of their love for the Lord and their life reflects worhsip unto the Lord. Then again, there is a worshiper that abandons their thoughts and it does not matter if one is or is not looking at them in worship for they only see Jesus and want to lay their worship at His feet. He has been a constant friend and comforter and confidant in their life and it is their moments together. Not just in church but at home in their car wherever they feel the presence of the Lord. Not goofy worship but sincere worship that flows from the heart. How can one explain that kind of worship? In your mind's eye envision an open field of wheat gently blowing in the breeze. The wind causes it to blow in the direction that it goes in. It may be blowing northward then the wind changes direction and it may be blowing westward. Does the wheat pick up its roots to go in the direction of the wind, no it does not it is the wind that orchestrates the direction it will go. When you are in tune with Holy Spirit His wind will take you starting out in one direction and if you continue to stay in contact with Him and the flow of His spirit you will find yourself heading in another direction because there is someone that needs what you have to share with them. A worshiper that worships in spirit and in truth is able to better sense the change in the wind direction to carry them to where they are best needed. Never let another direct your path away form what is in your heart. Holy Spirit placed that vision and purpose for your life there and let not another steal away from you the opportunity to miss it. You will be held accountable for your life one day and there will be no answer that you will be able to give to God in which you can blame it on another. It was your vision/destiny given to you and you are held responsible for walking it out in your life. No last minute excuses will be accepted it will be you having to account for your very life. That person that you may have allowed you to stray from the vision will not even be a part of the equation when you are before God giving an account for your life. Just as you will not be the scape goat for another because you swayed them away from their vision in their life. If you may have been guilty of this in your own life or the life of another take the moment while there still is time to repent and get back on track again. The vision was placed in your heart because you are an intricate part of destiny not only in your life but your destiny will allow another to fulfill their destiny all because God saw it way in advance of your birth. Your destiny will produce destiny in others only if you fulfill what you are called to do. Let no one dissuade you from destiny. God placed destiny inside of you so settle for nothing less. OK.
The preaching notes ended at the point of God will deliver a worshiper. From that point onward that was Holy Spirit flowing through me to bless you.

Delayed Prayer Could Be Detrimental To A Child That Someone Asked You To Pray For, All Because Constraints Have Been Placed Upon You To Not Pray Right Then And There For That Child. As A Mother That Would Cause Me To Feel Hopeless.

The other day a person shared with me a story about a child that had to go to the hospital. This child was suppose to join them for their birthday celebration but was not able to attend due to having to go to the hospital. There are illness issues that have developed in this child's life. I was asked if I was a Christian and I replied yes, that I was. The next question that was presented to me was a request for me to pray for this child. I was even given their first name and some more details, like the mother is a single parent with other children also. I have always found it to be that when one requests prayer of me I like to pray right then and there with the person so as to not delay the prayer and a time lapse of prayer being lifted up to the Lord.When constraints are placed upon you you have to really trust the Lord that that prayer request will be safe until you get around to that prayer you said you would pray for them. This happened to me the other day and everything inside of me cringed because it was not until 17 hours later that I then remembered to pray for that child. As it came to my remembrance I began to ask the Lord to please forgive me for the delayed prayers for this child in the hospital and were my prayers too late. I then began to pray for the child as I was able to do so with authority. Remember, one of my children had two tumor surgeries and thank God both tumors were benign and most recently, this child's thyroid condition was healed by Jesus. I am a mother that knew the power of prayers being lifted up for me and my child when they were needed. There is power in prayer. I can pray with faith that a person will be healed because I have seen it in my own life so the faith is already there for others for me to believe that it is already done.
Let me try to explain how I would have felt when my child really needed prayer and someone said they would pray for them and it was critical right then and there and to find out later that that very powerful belief prayer was delayed for 17 hours. I would feel hopeless and kept asking the Lord why is no one praying for my child? Did you ever feel like that? You are seeking the Lord and asking and crying out to Him why is no one praying for me? I have asked this question and even added on to it Can you not place me upon the heart of a total stranger somewhere around the world to pray for me? In those times or moments of your life when you truly need prayer there is no greater feeling of peace that floods you when you can just sense that there is someone praying for you.
I have to trust that the prayer prayed by me on behalf of that child was not too late. Why should a child have to have waited 17 hours to find medical relief or a Dr. coming into the room with just the right wisdom to help this child (due to a prayer that should have been prayed earlier with the possible answers from that prayer being honored?) It makes no sense to me. If you are ever in a situation like that learn to step out of your comfort zone and offer to pray right then and there. It does not have to be some sort of loud or showy prayer it can be done in discreet and I always would ask the person if we could pray right then and there so as to not let me delay or forget to lift that prayer intention up in prayer. They will let you know if it is OK or not. If they choose to say no then you can pray as you are prompted to pray at a later time but if they truly need prayer right then and there never fear and trust the Lord and Holy Spirit will give you the words to pray for that very need/situation. If you have never had a situation in your life when a child of yours was ill or facing something very serious it may be a bit hard for you to comprehend this concept of the urgency of prayer at times. Be thankful that you have not been placed in a situation in which you were at the mercy of another's faith prayer to see you through something.
Remember when I shared with you that when my child needed a second operation because a portion of the tumor grew back a year or so later after the first operation, I questioned God as to why this child had to go through it all over again? I have asked this child on a couple of occasions if it bothered them to have to go through the same operation twice and each time I get the same response, No. On the other hand, it would bother me because a mother's heart and even a father's heart is to not see their children have to go through pain or suffering. I remember Holy Spirit showed me that my child was in great hands, the hands of Jesus and when I was at that children's hospital while he was recovering after surgery I brought my bible and sat at the end of a hallway away from the people and began to pray for the sick children in that very hospital that had no one to pray for them. Did you ever think that there are parents or grandparents or aunts and uncles that just do not know how to pray. So a child becomes ill and who is there to pray for them. That was my purpose the second surgery, to pray for the children that had no one to pray for them. The difference being, I was able to pour out my prayer on other's in need since there were people praying timely prayers for my child. Would I have been able to pray for them so freely if my heart was tugged at by Holy Spirit back then to keep praying for my child since someone was constrained to pray for them and they received delayed prayer. Pretty serious thought to think about today huh?

Rise And Shine And Give God The Glory Glory

This is the children's song that I woke to singing in my spirit today. Not sure if the words are rise and shine and give God your glory glory or if they are give God the glory glory. The point in the lyrics of the song is to rise each day and shine for Jesus if He is truly in your heart and to give the glory to God when the glory is due to Him. There have been many occasions in which when I am flowing under the anointing people will compliment me. Biggest example that I come across in my life is that when I am around true Christians and I have the liberty to shine for Jesus it comes forth through me in the form of my smile I share with others and the love of Christ flows through me onto the people around me. It is so important to be where you can shine for Jesus and it truly is life sustaining. Without having that liberty to be who you were created to be for His glory you will find yourself struggling even though you are on the path/journey you are suppose to be on. When people would and do tell me I have a beautiful smile or that I have joy I have learned to give the glory to God, my response to them is that it is Jesus inside of me and I thank them for their kind and sincere words. I then go about my day, completing the mission I am on for Jesus. There is no greater feeling than the feeling of being uplifted when you are walking in the anointing on your life and then being even more ignited when mixed in the equation is that you are around fellow believers that receive the joy of Jesus into their lives.
Each day when I wake up I let Holy Spirit even direct what I will wear that day. He knows me better than myself and I yield in this area also. My make up colors, jewelry, whatever  He guides me to wear that very day. People will tell me that they like this, this, or that and if I am in the proper environment I can give the glory to God by simply stating that Holy Spirit guides me in what to select that very day. If you are not in an environment to have liberty to flow with who you are called to be in Christ, if limits have been placed upon you, if you have been directed to not do something by an authority in your life then I suppose you have to listen and let the consequences, whatever they may be, in that person(s) life be handled by the Lord Himself. I can tell the plain truth and that is that the person being kept under bondage by the words of others will stop the glory going to God. If you are one that has learned to take direction of Holy Spirit and it just is a part of your lifestyle it then becomes a struggle for you to not bring glory to God when the reigns have been pulled back by others in your life. Pray for these people that freedom and insight comes to their lives. If they could just get past their desires and cut loose to the freedom of God in their lives then they would see the greater picture. The greater picture is that they would reap far greater benefits to flow in their lives by letting people flow in who they are created to be to bring glory to God. Bringing glory to God in your life or lifestyle then overflows into all areas of your life and the lives of others that are in your life. Does that make sense.?
Spirit check today...are you flowing with freedom in what God has called you to do in your life? Even a bigger question, are you allowing those that are around you to flow in what God has called for their lives? I cannot answer these questions for you only you can be the one to answer them with honesty. If you should find that you have been controlling others then repent and ask forgiveness of the Lord and let Him shine through your life and even more bright than He is right now when you set the others free from the bondage you have either directly or indirectly placed upon their lives. Remember, the key in all of this is to give glory to God not to man but to GOD.
Psalm 37:35-40: " I have seen a wicked person acting like a tyrant, spreading himself out like a large cedar tree. But he moved on, and now there is no trace of him. I searched for him, but could not be found. Notice the innocent person, and look at the decent person, because the peacemaker has a future. But rebels will be completely destroyed. The future of wicked people  will be cut off. The victory for righteous people comes from the Lord. He is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them and rescues them. He rescues them from wicked people. He saves them because they have taken refuge in him."

This Is Awesome! No Sooner Did I Just Share With You How My Life Has Been Stripped. I Just Read This, It Addresses That; The Elijah List

The Elijah List - Prophetic Words and Prophecies

Thank You Eileen Fisher, I Needed To Read This Very Word This Very Day For My Very Life; The Elijah List - Prophetic Words and Prophecies

The Elijah List - Prophetic Words and Prophecies

Trust the Lord and when you cry out to Him for HELP He will direct your path. It may not be a huge or very loud response to your cry. It is in the stillness of your spirit that Holy Spirit can direct you to where or what you need to do to achieve the answer for HELP that you are crying out for. This was one of those days. It started out with not the best news and I was not going to let that destroy my day. I did not know exactly how but I had no problem telling satan on my drive in the car that he should have just left me alone today if he was smart because I would turn the day around to bring God glory and it surely did happen just like that. I have so much going on in my life and things are mounding big and I will not give up hope or let go for I know the promises that God has spoken to my very heart and every single one of them and then some will be fulfilled. These are things of grand manner that I speak of. If I can go through what I have already been through and still willing to go through the final end to the promised land surely you can also. Time is speeding up and I am seeing in this accelerated time that God is moving and shaking and quaking everything to see what and who stands firm. Do not let go and stand strong on the word of God and whatever else seems to come in your life do not cave in to circumstances. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.
Before I followed the prompting of Holy Spirit to go to Elijah List and read what I just read I felt everything inside of me wanting to write tonight and my caption prior to reading this was going to be "HELP Will You Come And Rescue Me!" I truly can use rescuing in my life. I wrote earlier about how I was ready to get married. I truly am but I do not know if a man would want to marry a woman that due to circumstances in the last several months has let my credit go to the wind. I had very good credit less than a year ago and then circumstances changed in my life. Getting laid off caused me to live on a few credit cards just to survive. Not buying frivolous things of that nature just meeting bills that needed to be paid. I, on my own, closed the credit cards for I knew I could not keep living like that and now there is one that went into charge off and another is just about to go there shortly. Someone said to me that I should ask the very banks that I had the card with where is the bail out for the American people, that they surely did benefit from our government when they were bailed out by their plan. Why is not the same bail out available for people that just got down on their life circumstances and life circumstances overwhelmed them?
I have learned a very hard lesson that I would like to warn you about. Years ago, when my father was alive he was an enabler to a degree. While I was married I would rack up the credit cards and spend on clothes, make up etc. and every now and then he would gift my husband and myself with a nice check to pay down the credit cards and we did. Back then I was very foolish because in my mind I would think to myself, oh great, I now have this amount of money that I could spend on that charge. Bad thinking, very bad thinking. Then we would be in the same boat again and he would come to the rescue. Don't get me wrong, I was most grateful for the generous gifts. I am trying to say that maybe he should not have bailed us out and just maybe we would have bailed ourselves out on our own. My dad had a few concerns in my life as he was about to die and just prior to him dying I signed up with Consumer Credit Counseling Service and got on a plan to help me pay off any credit card that I had to assume in the divorce. I sat next to him and told him that he would not have to worry about me because I was taking care of my credit cards and that God would also send to me a good man, a very good man in my life so I would not have to be alone, someone to take care of me. I also assured him that God takes care of me too. I believe when I said those words that put him at peace. I did follow through and paid off my credit cards and had excellent credit. I was actually proud of myself for achieving this with discipline and it became a great challenge for me to see how I could pay them off quicker than scheduled. Let me tell you this, it was the greatest feeling in the world when I was able to accomplish this.
So, a few years later I am where I never ever walked before and I do not like it either. This past Spring I contacted Consumer Credit Counseling Service and met with them to see if I could get back on a program to pay them off. At that time I did not even qualify to sign with them for my income was so low, I did not bring in enough income to be placed on a program. I was so disappointed when I left that appointment. If I did not remember who I am in Jesus I would have let it overcome me at the time and want me to label myself a failure. I am not a failure I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. Do not give up hope and keep on trucking and forge ahead. All I can do at this point in my life is work at paying back what I can pay back.
I have been pretty stripped down people let me tell you I truly have been. I sold what I could sell that I didn't already sell of my possessions just to keep me afloat and I will one day have to start fresh again with building up things that so many take for granted in their life. Things like a stove, refrigerator, washer & dryer, furniture, a home, a beautiful flower garden and above all else, a place where my children use to be able to come and stay with their mother. My home was always welcome to them always. They could always come home to a clean home filled with love and a great homemade meal or two made by me. One of my children still chides me because when they would be at home even though they are 21 now I still gave them a curfew of being home at 1:30AM. I will get all of this back again for I am not a quitter I am a warrior and I will achieve success again. Yes I will.
As I am writing this I am crying for I know that if this has been a burden on me how much more has it been a burden on my children in one respect. They have a very good father that takes very good care of them so I do not worry about them in that respect. My heart cries that I had to give up our home, their home with me. I am most thankful that this did not occur when they were still in grade/high school. God did take care of us. He still takes care of us.
Back to my warning do not let your credit go down the drain for you will find in the simple things in your life that with bad credit you will now have to pay exorbitant fees for things you paid at a great premium/rate. For example, I just transferred my car insurance policy and they pulled a credit check on me and because of that rating, my insurance rates have gone up incredibly high. I will have to pay over $700.00 every 6 months as opposed to a little over $350.00 that I was paying every 6 months all because I moved from one state to another state and a new policy had to be written up. It did not matter that I was in very good standing with them as a good paying customer for over 7 years and that I paid on time. I actually had a discount that was given to me because of "good payer" status. Figure that one out. I sure cannot. I am not through with this though I will continue to fight this one for it is a matter of principle with me. When I was given a quote on what I would be paying it was not fully disclosed to me what I would actually be paying I was told I would be paying $411 every six months as opposed to what I was paying every 6 months prior. I thought to myself that is not so bad of an increase. I was due to make a payment so I went into a local office to make the payment and I was thoroughly shocked at what I found out. The originating agent failed to disclose to me that $411 was just pro-rated for Nov. Dec. Jan and that figure was just a portion of my new policy amount of over $700 every six months. I complained that that agent failed to disclose very important info to me and never told me I would have a credit report pulled in determining my premium amount. I was told to just contact an agent when I moved and my policy will transfer. This is deception to a very high degree in my eyes. I do not understand why when a person is a very good customer and there was no reason at all to increase their policy that it happened. Very good driving record also. Since I was hood winked to a very big degree I did not want that agent to get any commission on my policy whatsoever. A customer service team member contacted them to see if they would release their right to any commission and I was told in advance that they had the prerogative to refuse to let go of the commission on the policy if they chose to do so. Thank God that I received a call later today letting me know that they signed off on the commission and it will now go to the agent that took the time with me to tell me actually what my policy was all about.
Final warning again People, do not let your credit go under for you will reap far greater turmoil in your life. Why did not the banks that got bailed out by us, the American people, have to go under a bit and feel the heat of turmoil in their lives? Just a thought. The same mercy that was shown to them should be extended to the people of the USA that are trying to get themselves out of the hole that was dug so they can get their lives back on track. You know, there really are people out there that want to make good and find a way to take care of their bills. Not all bills being racked up are due to frivolous spending, there are people that have hit hardship or illness or divorce or even deaths in their lives that have swung them around in another direction in which they were going.
Final thought, read this prophetic word by Eileen Fisher and be blessed with it and hope and help is on the way. Jesus never ever has let me down and I am sure He has been the same for you too. God's peace and love I speak into your life.

Are You Willing To Give Up Your Will To Do God's Will For Your Life, Even Interrupt Your Day To Do His Will?

I had a very full and interesting day today. I completed my day's work a little after 4PM and I was heading home. I wanted to stop and get something to eat. I thought I was going to go to a certain place at one location. I just felt nudged by Holy Spirit to go to another location. I actually passed this location and wouldn't you know it, my GPS redirected me to almost a circle to get back to where I was earlier. I pulled into the parking lot of the establishment and asked the hostess to please seat me somewhere where it was a bit quiet and away from the crowd so I could relax and unwind from work today. I was seated and I placed my order. I received my salad and it was while I was enjoying my salad that Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart. I felt that little and gentle tug to ask the waitress a question when she came back. I do follow Holy Spirit's lead the majority of the time so I followed it today. As I sat there He showed me what to ask her. I asked the waitress if she has been asking God for anything and she replied to me that she asks that her children always have their needs met. I asked her if that was happening now and she told me yes, that she works two jobs to have this happen. It was in that moment that I felt led to encourage her and to let her know that she should dream bigger and step out and ask God to do bigger things for her. I said no more and I received my bill. He prompted me to leave her a good tip, I just knew the dollar amount spoken to my heart and I left it. I just figured it out now with my calculator and it was equal to just under 70% .
You see, I was blessed this very day and that was the source in which I used to bless her. What good is our witness if Holy Spirit prompts you to share with another and they share with you what their concern is and all you leave them is your words of encouragement? Words of encouragement and hope connected with a financial blessing speaks greatly to a person about the love of Jesus.
If I would have had a witnessing tract (like you can see at the bottom of my blog) I would have left that for her along with the tip. I did share with you another great idea that was shared with me from a very wise minister at church years ago. When you travel and stay in a hotel keep a witnessing tract with you and then at the end of your stay at that hotel tuck a nice monetary tip in the tract, enough for the cleaning person to see the money sticking out and bless them for taking care of you for you journey at that location. I have done this before and if you have the opportunity to actually speak to them as you are leaving it opens up the door for you to share your testimony with them and never be afraid to follow Holy Spirit leading to pray with them if that is what He is prompting you to do. He knows their heart's cry and what they spoke in their heart to Him so trust and just flow with it. Did you ever need prayer in your life and then you got a phone call or email or text message stating that so and so was praying for you? Does it not amaze you how that person knew to pray for you, and even at times that they just knew what to pray for you? It sure does amaze me. I am most thankful that there truly are people out there that are in tune with Holy Spirit and do not slack off in the follow through for the prayer for you. What does make me a bit discouraged at times though, is the lack of others responding to the prompt of Holy Spirit out there nudging them and they are or become too busy to follow through. You would think with all the people in the world that profess to be a Christian that there would be more follow-through in this area but sadly enough I have found that not to be so. They may make a comment to you that they thought about you or I should have called you or I should have sent a card but you know what ? All the should-a would-a could-a's mean absolutely nothing if you did not take it one step further and actually follow through. Think about this the next time you want someone to pray for you or extend their kindness to you, you truly do reap what you sow into the lives of others. If you sow sin and hatred then do not expect to be loved by many. If you sow self greed and you hoard your possessions and do not share with others in need then in your time of need it sure will be dry for you and not quite fruitful.
Now, I am by no means saying you should do good to others for the sake of the return in your life. You do good for others because you love Jesus and He has been so good to you and He gave His life so you will live with Him forever. There is something about asking Him into your heart to live and be your savior forever, you know what it is? You heart becomes changed and gratitude floods your soul and that should naturally cause you to turn your heart towards those that are hurting and need the love of Jesus through your life. Who have you reached out to lately or better yet, who did you allow to reach out to you lately? More than likely, if they reached out to you they themselves probably are connected with Holy Spirit and they chose to interrupt their day to interrupt your day with hope and encouragement. Do not let this day go to pass without reaching out to them with a prayer or two or even words spoken or written to them letting them know that you are thinking of them.
I have told you this before, doing ministry can be a lonely walk at times. Far fewer than you think are those that will share with you that you did hear from Holy Spirit when you reached out to them. If this person doing the reaching is a strong person in the Lord they do not need a confirmation every time they operate in faith for they just flow at that point in their life. On occasion it is fine to send a confirmation to them because you know it blesses them far more greater than you think when you get a confirmation. How much less rich would your life be without them in your life? Do you take them for granted like they will always be there for you? Don't , because God can use them in your life for a season and if He sees that that person is being taken for granted He then can release them from your life and seek out another in their life to fill the void. I think what I am trying to express today is that do not take people for granted for they have destiny to be fulfilled in their lives and if you wait too long they will be gone from your life and all you will have left is a memory or two of the things they shared with you. Why would you let them knowingly walk out of your life without telling them that you love and appreciate them and their love for you? Only you can answer that.
Do you remember when your babies were still babies and then they began to grow a bit more each day? Did you ever have that bonding time with them? I hope that you did. One of my favorite things I would do this time of the year is pull out a favorite book and read it to them. I think it was at one time my one children's favorite story, The Littlest Angel, not the one with the cartoon looking characters this was a beautifully illustrated book about a child that dies and goes to heaven. Trying to be an angel and he just seems to get into all kinds of mischief and then he turns into the angel he was destined to become. If I am not mistaken he is an angel that is chosen to give a gift to Jesus when He was born. I do not know why but I am yearning to read this book now. I keep asking my children if they have the book and I get a negative on that. I have to find this book for it is such a tender story for children that no matter how old my children are or how old I am there is always one portion tha still brings tears to my eyes. I have to find this book to read it again.
My point in all of that sharing was this, a memory was created and what if I never purchased that book or took the time to read it to my children, there would be no memory for them or even for myself. Do not let this day go by without sharing with others how much they really mean to you and your life. Remember, life is but a fleeting vapor and you are hear one day and gone the next. Make time today to let today not fleet by you without reaching out to another.