Good day to you. It is very rare that I read a book and really rave about it to others. I received this book as a gift from one of my children and I could not put it down when I was reading it. It is a most encouraging, uplifting book that I highly recommend that you read. Thank you Sweetie for sending it to Mom. This is a book that you will be able to relate to for it is the experience of a child and the story is told to you, as the reader, of the Father sharing what his son experienced. It touched my heart, I think because it was seen through the eyes of a child and their experience. You know, children have a way of sharing their experience with such simplicity but in the simple explanation is raw truth that touches your heart. Jesus never told the children to get away from Him He actually encouraged them to come to Him and you will feel this in this child's story. It is so like God to use children to confound the most wise of all the wise do you not find that to be so?
You may have silent questions that you always thought to yourself about heaven, you may find an answer or two in this book. Go ahead and bless this child by getting this book and in the end you will be the one that is blessed.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Daily Devotional For 12/27
Taken from Jentezen Franklin's book, 365 Days of Spiritual Growth & Empowerment Volume II
TAKE YOUR TIME
Let the foundations thereof be strongly laid.
Ezra 6:3
God is a builder of people, and when He builds He emphasizes foundations. He knows the weight-load you'll be called to carry and the kinds of storms you'll have to face, so He lays your foundation accordingly. The Bible says Jesus, "Increased in favor with God and with man" (Lk 2:52), so allow yourself time to grow too!
Look at Moses, the messiah of the Old Testament. Who'd have thought looking at his church of "goat-deacons" and "gnats-for-choir-members" that he'd one-day lead the greatest movement in the history of the Old Testament? And what about Abraham? One moment he's sitting on the edge of the bed with an embarrassed look and the next he's fathering nations! You can't tell just by looking at somebody what's inside them!
God establishes patience, character, and focus while we're in the school of "nothing-seems-to-be-happening." Take the class. Get the credits. Let it work for your good! (See Ro 8:28).
No matter what you're trying to build-a business, a ministry, a relationship-give it time to grow! Some of the best friendships start out small. Some of the strongest Christians were once desperately in need of prayer themselves.
The word for you today is this-take the time to let God work in you!
TAKE YOUR TIME
Let the foundations thereof be strongly laid.
Ezra 6:3
God is a builder of people, and when He builds He emphasizes foundations. He knows the weight-load you'll be called to carry and the kinds of storms you'll have to face, so He lays your foundation accordingly. The Bible says Jesus, "Increased in favor with God and with man" (Lk 2:52), so allow yourself time to grow too!
Look at Moses, the messiah of the Old Testament. Who'd have thought looking at his church of "goat-deacons" and "gnats-for-choir-members" that he'd one-day lead the greatest movement in the history of the Old Testament? And what about Abraham? One moment he's sitting on the edge of the bed with an embarrassed look and the next he's fathering nations! You can't tell just by looking at somebody what's inside them!
God establishes patience, character, and focus while we're in the school of "nothing-seems-to-be-happening." Take the class. Get the credits. Let it work for your good! (See Ro 8:28).
No matter what you're trying to build-a business, a ministry, a relationship-give it time to grow! Some of the best friendships start out small. Some of the strongest Christians were once desperately in need of prayer themselves.
The word for you today is this-take the time to let God work in you!
Monday, December 26, 2011
I Ran Across This Thought Today, May You Be Blessed With It & May It Cause You To Think
"'Fortune favors the bold' and just about every regret you will have in your life will be over the things that you did not do, rather than things that you did."
Part II is I will share with you my daily devotion from Jentezen Franklin's book, "365 Days of Spiritual Growth and Empowerment"
THE DANGER OF PAST VICTORIES
If you think you're standing firm, be careful that you don't fall.
1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV
"The time to be most careful is when you've reached a goal! There are three distinct phases in every battle. The easiest one is usually the battle itself. The most difficult phase is the period of indecision just after it begins-deciding whether to fight or run away. But by far the most dangerous phase is the aftermath. It's then, when all your resources are spent and your guard's down, that you have to watch out for discouragement, overconfidence, dulled reactions, and faulty judgments.
Remember David? He chose to "sleep in" rather that go to battle. Maybe his impressive record to successes made him soft, or careless, or arrogant-who knows. But while his affair with Bathsheba was brief, it changed everything. His peace vanished, his character was blasted, and his family life was destroyed.
Don't fall prey to the peril of past victories! Remember your "H.A.L.T." sign. When you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired you become vulnerable, so do something about it!
Resting on your laurels can be just another way of flirting with disaster. Danger awaits the man or woman who stays too long in the comfortable land of accomplished dreams, so stay on guard today."
Part II is I will share with you my daily devotion from Jentezen Franklin's book, "365 Days of Spiritual Growth and Empowerment"
THE DANGER OF PAST VICTORIES
If you think you're standing firm, be careful that you don't fall.
1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV
"The time to be most careful is when you've reached a goal! There are three distinct phases in every battle. The easiest one is usually the battle itself. The most difficult phase is the period of indecision just after it begins-deciding whether to fight or run away. But by far the most dangerous phase is the aftermath. It's then, when all your resources are spent and your guard's down, that you have to watch out for discouragement, overconfidence, dulled reactions, and faulty judgments.
Remember David? He chose to "sleep in" rather that go to battle. Maybe his impressive record to successes made him soft, or careless, or arrogant-who knows. But while his affair with Bathsheba was brief, it changed everything. His peace vanished, his character was blasted, and his family life was destroyed.
Don't fall prey to the peril of past victories! Remember your "H.A.L.T." sign. When you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired you become vulnerable, so do something about it!
Resting on your laurels can be just another way of flirting with disaster. Danger awaits the man or woman who stays too long in the comfortable land of accomplished dreams, so stay on guard today."
Thought The Men Reader's Might Enjoy This Tidbit...Top 10 Chivalrous Acts Of A Gentleman
I came across this and thought you may like to read this. I you already incorporate these acts into your life I salute you; if you do a few then I encourage you to add a few more to your life; if you never heard of these acts or were never trained as a child and brought up with this then try it. Chivalry is never out of style it goes on throughout the ages past and ages to come forth.
Top 10: Chivalrous Acts
Women are always quite pleased to meet a real gentleman. Following these simple tips will allow the ladies to perceive you as a man of good breeding and taste, so begin elevating yourself by displaying chivalry and the following 10 mannerisms of a true gentleman.
1. Always open doors
This is perhaps the most basic rule of male etiquette out there. It is also one of the easiest to follow so you have no reason to forget it. Whether she is about to enter your car, restaurant, club, or anyplace with a door, you should always hold it open. If there are many doors, then hold them open one after the other.
2. Put her coat on for her
Always help a lady put on her coat. This is a simple but powerful action.
3. Help with her seat
If a lady arrives at the table and there are no available seats, you should stand up and offer yours to her. If an unaccompanied lady is sitting next to you, it is important that you help her be seated by pulling her chair out for her and gently pushing it back into place, with the lady seated of course.
4. Stand at attention
Always stand when a lady enters or exits the room. This rule has been somewhat relaxed, so you can stand upon entrance but remain seated upon exit. Nonetheless, if you can do both, you should. Furthermore, when escorting a lady (that you know) to and from social events, you should offer her your arm. This is a little more intimate, but serves well when walking on uneven ground -- especially if she's wearing high heels.
5. Ask if she needs anything
This is one that most guys already do, but helps complete the gentlemen in all of us nevertheless. When at social events, make sure to ask the lady if you can get her something to drink or eat. Show her that you care about her comfort and needs.
6. Always be polite
Even if you don't like someone, there is no need to lower yourself to their level. Be polite and courteous; show that you're the better man. Swearing is also a big no-no. It shows that you don't have the vocabulary to express your thoughts appropriately. Furthermore, it is always very crude and impolite to be vulgar. When you speak loudly, it raises the stress level among company. It always implies that you can't reason with people and that you have to rely on force to get your point across. It also draws negative attention.
7. Do not lose your temper
When you lose your temper, you are showing everyone that you can't control your emotions. If you can't even control yourself, then how can you possibly control anything else? It is not easy, but keep your cool at all times. It is worth the effort and people will take positive note of your levelheadedness. Let people finish what they are saying before adding your comments. Interrupting others is a sign of poor etiquette and a lack of social skills. If you want to come across as egotistical, you can do so by constantly interrupting.
8. Do not stare
Ogling someone is the equivalent of psychological aggression. You don't want to intimidate people for no reason.
9. Do not spit
Although lots of men do this almost subconsciously, don't spit in public. Spitting is very crude and not too pretty to look at. Do not spit in public unless you want to look like you were raised in a sewer.
10. Respect your elders
In fact, you should respect others as you would like them to respect you. I am specifying elders because it seems that today, young men think they know it all. Well, they don't. Just think of yourself five years ago... you're much smarter and experienced today, aren't you?
Top 10: Chivalrous Acts
Women are always quite pleased to meet a real gentleman. Following these simple tips will allow the ladies to perceive you as a man of good breeding and taste, so begin elevating yourself by displaying chivalry and the following 10 mannerisms of a true gentleman.
1. Always open doors
This is perhaps the most basic rule of male etiquette out there. It is also one of the easiest to follow so you have no reason to forget it. Whether she is about to enter your car, restaurant, club, or anyplace with a door, you should always hold it open. If there are many doors, then hold them open one after the other.
2. Put her coat on for her
Always help a lady put on her coat. This is a simple but powerful action.
3. Help with her seat
If a lady arrives at the table and there are no available seats, you should stand up and offer yours to her. If an unaccompanied lady is sitting next to you, it is important that you help her be seated by pulling her chair out for her and gently pushing it back into place, with the lady seated of course.
4. Stand at attention
Always stand when a lady enters or exits the room. This rule has been somewhat relaxed, so you can stand upon entrance but remain seated upon exit. Nonetheless, if you can do both, you should. Furthermore, when escorting a lady (that you know) to and from social events, you should offer her your arm. This is a little more intimate, but serves well when walking on uneven ground -- especially if she's wearing high heels.
5. Ask if she needs anything
This is one that most guys already do, but helps complete the gentlemen in all of us nevertheless. When at social events, make sure to ask the lady if you can get her something to drink or eat. Show her that you care about her comfort and needs.
6. Always be polite
Even if you don't like someone, there is no need to lower yourself to their level. Be polite and courteous; show that you're the better man. Swearing is also a big no-no. It shows that you don't have the vocabulary to express your thoughts appropriately. Furthermore, it is always very crude and impolite to be vulgar. When you speak loudly, it raises the stress level among company. It always implies that you can't reason with people and that you have to rely on force to get your point across. It also draws negative attention.
7. Do not lose your temper
When you lose your temper, you are showing everyone that you can't control your emotions. If you can't even control yourself, then how can you possibly control anything else? It is not easy, but keep your cool at all times. It is worth the effort and people will take positive note of your levelheadedness. Let people finish what they are saying before adding your comments. Interrupting others is a sign of poor etiquette and a lack of social skills. If you want to come across as egotistical, you can do so by constantly interrupting.
8. Do not stare
Ogling someone is the equivalent of psychological aggression. You don't want to intimidate people for no reason.
9. Do not spit
Although lots of men do this almost subconsciously, don't spit in public. Spitting is very crude and not too pretty to look at. Do not spit in public unless you want to look like you were raised in a sewer.
10. Respect your elders
In fact, you should respect others as you would like them to respect you. I am specifying elders because it seems that today, young men think they know it all. Well, they don't. Just think of yourself five years ago... you're much smarter and experienced today, aren't you?
Thursday, December 22, 2011
I Have To Share With You A Great, Winning Combination That Makes A Stunning Look For Your Nails; Cupcakes I Made; A Ring I Fixed
You have to try this nail color combination to have a stunning look for the holiday's. I tested this out today and it is so sharp it really is. First of all you really must put a clear basecoat on your nails because the one color of the nail polish has a blue base to it. If you do not do this initial step you will find that when you go to remove the polish it will look like blue food coloring stain on your nails.
Get Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Extreme Wear nail color is this color "Blue Me Away!" I have found that it gives great coverage and you can get away with one coat over the base coat. Let them dry and then the color that really adds the pop to this combination is a new shade from Revlon named "Radiant." It is simply fun and rich looking in the bottle but I would not recommend placing it on your nails without a base color underneath it. Now, with this color it looks good with one coat but have fun and go ahead and place a second coat on your nails too and it will enhance your nails even more.
Have fun that is what nail polish is for, to make the hands and feet look attractive.
Weeks ago I discovered another great nail polish combo too. This time the base color is Wet N Wild Megalast nail color named "Through The Grapevine." Then you cover that with Wet N Wild nail color named "Glitz." Have fun with this stuff, really, have fun.
I saw this concept on television and I then adapted it to my style. The look that is in style now is wearing one color on your ring finger and the rest of your nails in a complimentary color. That was fun when I wore that last week. This was my combo choice that worked well for me. Again, You want to make sure you have a clear basecoat first since the ring finger color is blue based. The color I selected for the ring finger Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in "Jumpin Jade" with Sinful Colors Professional nail color in "Sugar Sugar."
Have fun and step out of the box when it comes to making your hands and feet festive for the holiday's. What a great job it would be to be on the team that creates the names for the nail polish and even more so on the team that creates the great color combinations to really add "stunning" to your look. Now, my all time favorite look for a bride is the French pedicure. Sometimes tradition is a good thing and that is the look you will get when you have a French pedicure. I guess I was in a creative mood tonight that I write of such things.
What is your favorite color combination or better yet, why not create your favorite color combination to express your personality.
One more final thought on the subject. You must use a quick dry over the nail color to help the drying process speed up. Two of my favorite's are Revlon No Smudge Dry Oil and Sinful Colors Professional Quick Dry.
One more thought, you are blessed with natural gifts and talents inside of you. When you couple that with Holy Spirit creativity the sky then becomes the limit or should I say it like this...there is no limit.
Get Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Extreme Wear nail color is this color "Blue Me Away!" I have found that it gives great coverage and you can get away with one coat over the base coat. Let them dry and then the color that really adds the pop to this combination is a new shade from Revlon named "Radiant." It is simply fun and rich looking in the bottle but I would not recommend placing it on your nails without a base color underneath it. Now, with this color it looks good with one coat but have fun and go ahead and place a second coat on your nails too and it will enhance your nails even more.
Have fun that is what nail polish is for, to make the hands and feet look attractive.
Weeks ago I discovered another great nail polish combo too. This time the base color is Wet N Wild Megalast nail color named "Through The Grapevine." Then you cover that with Wet N Wild nail color named "Glitz." Have fun with this stuff, really, have fun.
I saw this concept on television and I then adapted it to my style. The look that is in style now is wearing one color on your ring finger and the rest of your nails in a complimentary color. That was fun when I wore that last week. This was my combo choice that worked well for me. Again, You want to make sure you have a clear basecoat first since the ring finger color is blue based. The color I selected for the ring finger Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in "Jumpin Jade" with Sinful Colors Professional nail color in "Sugar Sugar."
 |
| Nail Color Combinations My Favorite, The Blue Combination To The left |
What is your favorite color combination or better yet, why not create your favorite color combination to express your personality.
One more final thought on the subject. You must use a quick dry over the nail color to help the drying process speed up. Two of my favorite's are Revlon No Smudge Dry Oil and Sinful Colors Professional Quick Dry.
 |
| Cupcakes |
I have been busy creating lately. Let me share some of it with you. Made cupcakes for my niece's birthday celebration, deep dark chocolate with butter cream frosting with blue decorating sugar and with cocoa butter cream frosting enhanced with my homemade bark chocolate candy. I had a ring in which the stones came out and it then looked awkward. That happened many years ago I pulled out the other stones to make the ring look more balanced. It was just this week that creativity was flowing and I had some crafting gems in which I took a complimentary color and used jewelry stone glue and glued in a few and now the ring has a different look to it. I think it would be fun to design jewelry and use quality gems and not just crafting gems. Imagine how much more stunning the ring would look with precious gems. You probably guessed what the other picture is, the nail polish color combo's I wrote about.
 |
| Re-designed Ring |
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
I Wrote This 3/14/11 And Came Across It Today
People are so concerned about giving money here, there and everywhere around the world. What about in your own hometown or family? It is great to stretch out your hands and heart to those that are hurting and in need. When you have things in your life that pull and tug at you to reach towards others in need that is a good thing. People in general feel that they do so much more when they send this money to other nations to feed the hungry and clothe the poor/needy. That is truth but how much more is it needed in your own country or town that you live in. When children suffer due to lack of finance in their homes how much more you should turn your heart towards them.
I recently experienced something along this line. A family that had devastating news come to them, they are probably still in a state of shock and coping from day-to-day. Beautiful children, children are created to enjoy life and not be burdened down with the cares of life. What good is it to sit and say you will pray with them when they have serious needs? Sometimes you need to share and give to them for their hearts to be ready to receive your prayers. Children that need love need it magnified if their family is in crisis.
Do not close your heart but this is an opportunity to extend your hands to them via help. Children just want to be children and not think about crisis in their family. God will look at you one day and He may question why you gave so much of your finance and time to third world countries when there were needs amongst your own family? Change your thinking and do not think that the only way ministry can happen is if it is sent outside of your own neighborhood. Look and seek the Lord He may cause your heart to reach out to those in your family circle. I always heard these words while growing up, "Charity begins at home."
It is great to fund another that may be raising money to go on a mission trip. How much more if you took those very funds and planted it into the lives near to you.
Think back in your life, if you ever went through a period of time where you had genuine needs and a family friend or relative graciously gave to you in that time did it not bless you immensely? It may have been financial, words of encouragement or time they invested in your life.
I recently experienced something along this line. A family that had devastating news come to them, they are probably still in a state of shock and coping from day-to-day. Beautiful children, children are created to enjoy life and not be burdened down with the cares of life. What good is it to sit and say you will pray with them when they have serious needs? Sometimes you need to share and give to them for their hearts to be ready to receive your prayers. Children that need love need it magnified if their family is in crisis.
Do not close your heart but this is an opportunity to extend your hands to them via help. Children just want to be children and not think about crisis in their family. God will look at you one day and He may question why you gave so much of your finance and time to third world countries when there were needs amongst your own family? Change your thinking and do not think that the only way ministry can happen is if it is sent outside of your own neighborhood. Look and seek the Lord He may cause your heart to reach out to those in your family circle. I always heard these words while growing up, "Charity begins at home."
It is great to fund another that may be raising money to go on a mission trip. How much more if you took those very funds and planted it into the lives near to you.
Think back in your life, if you ever went through a period of time where you had genuine needs and a family friend or relative graciously gave to you in that time did it not bless you immensely? It may have been financial, words of encouragement or time they invested in your life.
Let Me Share This With You, I Received This The Other Day & Asked Permission To Publish This For All Of You To Read. The Author Is Unknown
TEACH THE CHILDREN THE REASON FOR THE SEASON....
"One December night, many years ago, I had just finished decorating for Christmas when I heard a noise at the front of the house. I turned on the porch light and opened the door. To my surprise just as I stepped outside, I saw Santa Claus climbing out of his sleigh. He placed his fingers over his lips, silencing me before I cried out.
What are you doing... I started to ask...but the words choked up in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner, the eager, boisterous soul we all know, was gone. He composed himself by clearing his throat, then answered me in a whisper. Help teach the children.
I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the sleigh. As I stood there bewildered, Santa started again but more firmly, Teach the children. Teach them the true meaning of Christmas. The meaning that has long been forgotten.
I invited him in to warm by the fire as I tried to tell him that I wasn't sure if I knew what he meant...when Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant shiny star.
Teach the children that the star is the heavenly sign of promise, he said. God sent a Savior to the world and the star was the sign of that promise being fulfilled. The countless shining stars in the heavens, one star for each person on earth represents the hope of all mankind.
Santa gently laid the star on the fireplace mantle and brought from the bag a bright red Christmas tree ornament.
Teach the children that red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood that was shed for all the people by the Savior. Christ gave his life and shed His blood that every man might have God's gift of Eternal Life. Red is deep, intense, and vivid--the richest color of all, and it is a symbol of the greatest gift from God.
Teach the children, he said as he pulled a small Christmas tree from the bottom of the toy bag. He placed it near the fireplace and gently hung the red decoration on it.
The deep green branches of this tree is a perfect background for this ornament. This is the second color of Christmas, he continued. The pure green color of this evergreen tree remains this color all year round. This represents the everlasting plan for mankind. Green is youthful, hopeful, and the abundant color of nature. The needles on the tree point heavenward--symbols of man's prayers as they go toward heaven. Trees have been man's best friends. They have sheltered him, warmed him, and made beauty for him.
Again, he pulled something from his bag; I heard a soft tinkling sound of a bell.
Teach the children, he said, that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for every person too, that they might find their way back--it means guidance and return. It further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.
As the soft sound of the bell faded, Santa lit a candle and placed it on the mantel. The soft glow from its tiny flame cast a glow about the darkened room. Odd shadowy shapes slowly danced and wove pictures upon the walls.
Teach the children, whispered Santa, that at one time candles were placed on Christmas trees. They glowed brightly against the dark green branches showing man's appreciation for the star of Bethlehem of long ago. Now, strings of colored lights have taken their place in remembrance of Christ's birth.
Santa turned the small Christmas tree lights on and placed a gift under the tree.
He pointed to the bow and said, A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as all of us should be tied together, with bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow and the gift, a gift of love.
Santa reached for a candy cane, and held it out towards me.
Teach the children that the cane represents the Shepherd's staff. The crook on the staff helps bring back sheep that have strayed away from the fold. The candy cane represents the sweetness of giving not only at Christmas time, but also throughout the entire year. The spiritual design is a symbol that we are, our brother's keepers.
Santa looked about the room, then again at the tree. His love and great feeling of satisfaction shone from his eyes. He could not help but sense the wonderment and admiration that I felt for him in my heart.
One last time, he reached into his bag and brought forth a large beautiful wreath. As he placed it on the door he spoke gently with love, Please teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love: it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous circle that only grows greater and greater when expressed. The wreath, the circle of love, plays a double role. It is made of many things and has many colors. It reminds us of God's unconditional love and the true reason for Christmas. Please teach the children."
Author Unknown
"One December night, many years ago, I had just finished decorating for Christmas when I heard a noise at the front of the house. I turned on the porch light and opened the door. To my surprise just as I stepped outside, I saw Santa Claus climbing out of his sleigh. He placed his fingers over his lips, silencing me before I cried out.
What are you doing... I started to ask...but the words choked up in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner, the eager, boisterous soul we all know, was gone. He composed himself by clearing his throat, then answered me in a whisper. Help teach the children.
I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the sleigh. As I stood there bewildered, Santa started again but more firmly, Teach the children. Teach them the true meaning of Christmas. The meaning that has long been forgotten.
I invited him in to warm by the fire as I tried to tell him that I wasn't sure if I knew what he meant...when Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant shiny star.
Teach the children that the star is the heavenly sign of promise, he said. God sent a Savior to the world and the star was the sign of that promise being fulfilled. The countless shining stars in the heavens, one star for each person on earth represents the hope of all mankind.
Santa gently laid the star on the fireplace mantle and brought from the bag a bright red Christmas tree ornament.
Teach the children that red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood that was shed for all the people by the Savior. Christ gave his life and shed His blood that every man might have God's gift of Eternal Life. Red is deep, intense, and vivid--the richest color of all, and it is a symbol of the greatest gift from God.
Teach the children, he said as he pulled a small Christmas tree from the bottom of the toy bag. He placed it near the fireplace and gently hung the red decoration on it.
The deep green branches of this tree is a perfect background for this ornament. This is the second color of Christmas, he continued. The pure green color of this evergreen tree remains this color all year round. This represents the everlasting plan for mankind. Green is youthful, hopeful, and the abundant color of nature. The needles on the tree point heavenward--symbols of man's prayers as they go toward heaven. Trees have been man's best friends. They have sheltered him, warmed him, and made beauty for him.
Again, he pulled something from his bag; I heard a soft tinkling sound of a bell.
Teach the children, he said, that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for every person too, that they might find their way back--it means guidance and return. It further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.
As the soft sound of the bell faded, Santa lit a candle and placed it on the mantel. The soft glow from its tiny flame cast a glow about the darkened room. Odd shadowy shapes slowly danced and wove pictures upon the walls.
Teach the children, whispered Santa, that at one time candles were placed on Christmas trees. They glowed brightly against the dark green branches showing man's appreciation for the star of Bethlehem of long ago. Now, strings of colored lights have taken their place in remembrance of Christ's birth.
Santa turned the small Christmas tree lights on and placed a gift under the tree.
He pointed to the bow and said, A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as all of us should be tied together, with bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow and the gift, a gift of love.
Santa reached for a candy cane, and held it out towards me.
Teach the children that the cane represents the Shepherd's staff. The crook on the staff helps bring back sheep that have strayed away from the fold. The candy cane represents the sweetness of giving not only at Christmas time, but also throughout the entire year. The spiritual design is a symbol that we are, our brother's keepers.
Santa looked about the room, then again at the tree. His love and great feeling of satisfaction shone from his eyes. He could not help but sense the wonderment and admiration that I felt for him in my heart.
One last time, he reached into his bag and brought forth a large beautiful wreath. As he placed it on the door he spoke gently with love, Please teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love: it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous circle that only grows greater and greater when expressed. The wreath, the circle of love, plays a double role. It is made of many things and has many colors. It reminds us of God's unconditional love and the true reason for Christmas. Please teach the children."
Author Unknown
Monday, December 19, 2011
Guess What Holy Spirit Revealed To Me The Other Day
As I was at work He dropped a golden nugget into my spirit. You may say to yourself or wonder how this can be when you are in the midst of your day. Simple, if you have continual communion with Him He will be alive in your life and in the midst of even performing a chore or task He'll drop the nugget right before you.
I was in the process of making a telephone call and it was in the waiting for the phone connection to occur that He gave me the revelation. He challenged me in that very moment "Who are you in contact with eight hours a day in the position you hold at work?" I responded in my spirit to him, "Upper echelon/high power executives. I interact with them most frequent more than anyone else throughout the day." That's when He revealed the golden nugget to me. In life to advance you want to be around those that you interact with-those that you aspire to be in line with-advancement. It was in that Holy Spirit moment that He shared with me I am right in line to advance for I see these people I interact with as people. No hesitation speaking with them, using proper diction and telephone etiquette. If you schedule a time to call back to fit into their schedule the follow through in doing so.
I once learned from a very wise business person a great ending to a greeting message or a message ending that you leave for someone. "I trust that you are having a great day." I had to leave several voicemail messages the other day and in each ending of the message I stated either that or I stated I trust you are having a great morning so far. One thing I truly enjoy sharing with these executives at the close of our telelphone coversation is I always state to them after thanking them for their time "Now you have a great day and week OK." do you know what? They thank me and wish the same to me.
God places people in your life to be a blessing to them are you blessing others in your daily walk? It costs you nothing other than your time to take a simple moment out of your day to speak words of life to another try it. Once you start incorporating this into your life it will just flow natural from you.
I was in the process of making a telephone call and it was in the waiting for the phone connection to occur that He gave me the revelation. He challenged me in that very moment "Who are you in contact with eight hours a day in the position you hold at work?" I responded in my spirit to him, "Upper echelon/high power executives. I interact with them most frequent more than anyone else throughout the day." That's when He revealed the golden nugget to me. In life to advance you want to be around those that you interact with-those that you aspire to be in line with-advancement. It was in that Holy Spirit moment that He shared with me I am right in line to advance for I see these people I interact with as people. No hesitation speaking with them, using proper diction and telephone etiquette. If you schedule a time to call back to fit into their schedule the follow through in doing so.
I once learned from a very wise business person a great ending to a greeting message or a message ending that you leave for someone. "I trust that you are having a great day." I had to leave several voicemail messages the other day and in each ending of the message I stated either that or I stated I trust you are having a great morning so far. One thing I truly enjoy sharing with these executives at the close of our telelphone coversation is I always state to them after thanking them for their time "Now you have a great day and week OK." do you know what? They thank me and wish the same to me.
God places people in your life to be a blessing to them are you blessing others in your daily walk? It costs you nothing other than your time to take a simple moment out of your day to speak words of life to another try it. Once you start incorporating this into your life it will just flow natural from you.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
A Portion Of What I Wrote About Yesterday Happened To Me Tonight. The Prophetic Flowed Through Me To All Of You Yesterday From The Lord. Praise God!!!
I just read what I posted yesterday, the word of the Lord He gave to me yesterday. There was a portion that mentioned about the people we are not to pick and choose who will receive salvation. I spoke of the different people that you are suppose to share the gospel with, the people that may be around you. One category the Lord had me refer to was the person that sits next to you in church.
Tonight was a unique church service. After praise and worship Pastor mentioned the scripture he was going to share from tonight and then he asked for the Key of F from someone in the band. He began to sing an old timey song (I am guessing it is that for I never heard it before and then the anointing really kicked in as you heard the words he was singing and then they were placed on the screens for us to sing with him.) The reason I say it was a unique service is because most church services have an altar call at the end of the service. The anointing was flowing and he sensed it was time even before the preaching of the word of God to extend the prayer of salvation to those that wanted to not be lost anymore and to be found by Jesus. It was not the usual raise your hands, come to the altar and pray the prayer this was a bit different. The call for salvation was presented to the church and people that responded did raise their hands but we all prayed the prayer in our seats. Not the typical request when pastors ask you to bow your heads and close your eyes and then raise your hand it was just raise your hand. I happened to look to my right and the man sitting two seats over raised his hand. I silently thanked the Lord a million thanks for all those that gave their heart to Jesus that night.
Pastor preached the message and I jotted down a few notes in my bible tonight. Let me share them with you...don't despise the day of small beginnings or things. If you don't humble yourself you won't get anything from me (meaning God.) If the season you are in right now you feel it is insignificance but it is not insignificant. He wrote down to share with us to EXPECT SOME MIRACLES and you need to set a dream so high it will require God to achieve it.
The point being that Hat you seem to think where you are at right now or what you are doing or where God has you placed right now seems like insignificance it is not. Where He places you is the best place to be and continue to worship Him in your humble state or humble place of residence or humble place where you work. It is He and He alone that will take this season of your life and make it rich with His presence and hand turning it around to bring forth glory to Him.
At the close of the service Pastor asked us to pray for the person next to us. Before he ever mentioned those words Holy Spirit already began speaking to me to share with the man next to me about what happened when he raised his hand and prayed the prayer of salvation. I was simply to share with him that at that moment all the angels in heaven rejoiced over him saying that prayer and that his name was entered into the Lambs Book of Life and we will worship in heaven for eternity and it will go on and on and on forever. So Holy Spirit is already working on me and then Pastor asks us to pray for the person next to us...there is the open door to go forth with what Holy Spirit already shared with me. To God be the glory Amen. You see, my writing to some may be insignificant but to God it has significance.
This is how it works for me and how Holy Spirit flows through me. He gives me opportunities that happen in my life maybe a dream tossed in there somewhere and prophetic word that comes forth, etc. When the timing is just so right that is when He beckons me to write and it is Him at the helm of the ship directing it through me. I sit down at the computer or in my car or wherever when He prompts me to write. He then refreshes my memory of the experiences etc and as I sit down and begin to write He orchestrates the thoughts coming into my mind to bring it all together and He creates the most beautiful words through me. There are too many times that I cannot even count them anymore that I just sit back in amazement after the last word is written and I just tell Him how creative He is to produce such amazing writings. I could never come up with the timing of words, the timing of events to happen in my life to create what is created. God truly gets all the glory when He produces through me.
Sometimes I am just in awe when I sit back and read what is penned. At time it brings tears to my eyes as I think of His glory and grace and how creative He is. After all I say to Him you are the creator why does it amaze me what you create. I think that is the human side of me that had the opportunity to touch the heaven side of Him in all His glory and wonder and it never ceases to amaze me. Can you tell by my words that I love the Lord and I am most touched and thankful for Him allowing me to be open to Him flowing through me. I am most humble when I have these moments with Him and my heart turns to peace and beauty when His beauty touches earth through a vessel to bring forth His heart to His people. That is a very humbling place to be. I cherish these moments and each time I look back on one of "OUR" writings created it allows me to remember those intimate moments of fellowship with Him.
One that is coming to my mind right now is when I created a banner. It was one that I shared with you all once before. It had a navy blue background material with a crushed velvet brown cross with letters that stated "I shed my blood for you." There were crushed velevet burgundy droplets of blood on it also. It was in the assembling of this particular banner that Holy Spirit was teaching me to be sensitive to His direction. I drew the banner first on paper and then began to create/assemble it. I drew so many droplets of blood on the sketch and cut out that many to be placed on the banner. There were a few that each time I would press them on with the adhesive backing that they would just fall off. I attempted several times to iron them back on the banner and once again they fell off. After doing this several times I got the hint and then did not pursue ironing them back on. He only wanted a certain number of them on the banner and as I look back on that time it was as if the hand of God was touching earth and peeling them right off no sooner did I iron them on. The banner was complete once I realized that yes, there was a plan drawn but the real plan was the one tha Holy Spirit saw as the finished work of art. I may have shared this with you before, that very banner ended up playing a significant role in the home going of my father. I brought that very banner to the hospice house where he was for just a very few short days and then he went to be with the Lord. That same banner hung in the church for the funeral mass, it hung on the podium where the grace of God allowed me to offer Jesus to the people with sharing my fathers story of faith with them.
Holy Spirit had a plan all along I just had to get in tow with it. Who knows, my father was a man that was fascinated with numbers and maybe when I made this banner Holy Spirit already knew what my father needed to see in his final days here on earth. His home now will be his home for all eternity HEAVEN. God really is good all the time and all the time He really is good.
Share your faith with someone today for your "today faith" may be the very catapult to fulfilling the dream in your heart (given to you from God) for your life. Never despise your humble and simple beginnings when God is in it.
Tonight was a unique church service. After praise and worship Pastor mentioned the scripture he was going to share from tonight and then he asked for the Key of F from someone in the band. He began to sing an old timey song (I am guessing it is that for I never heard it before and then the anointing really kicked in as you heard the words he was singing and then they were placed on the screens for us to sing with him.) The reason I say it was a unique service is because most church services have an altar call at the end of the service. The anointing was flowing and he sensed it was time even before the preaching of the word of God to extend the prayer of salvation to those that wanted to not be lost anymore and to be found by Jesus. It was not the usual raise your hands, come to the altar and pray the prayer this was a bit different. The call for salvation was presented to the church and people that responded did raise their hands but we all prayed the prayer in our seats. Not the typical request when pastors ask you to bow your heads and close your eyes and then raise your hand it was just raise your hand. I happened to look to my right and the man sitting two seats over raised his hand. I silently thanked the Lord a million thanks for all those that gave their heart to Jesus that night.
Pastor preached the message and I jotted down a few notes in my bible tonight. Let me share them with you...don't despise the day of small beginnings or things. If you don't humble yourself you won't get anything from me (meaning God.) If the season you are in right now you feel it is insignificance but it is not insignificant. He wrote down to share with us to EXPECT SOME MIRACLES and you need to set a dream so high it will require God to achieve it.
The point being that Hat you seem to think where you are at right now or what you are doing or where God has you placed right now seems like insignificance it is not. Where He places you is the best place to be and continue to worship Him in your humble state or humble place of residence or humble place where you work. It is He and He alone that will take this season of your life and make it rich with His presence and hand turning it around to bring forth glory to Him.
At the close of the service Pastor asked us to pray for the person next to us. Before he ever mentioned those words Holy Spirit already began speaking to me to share with the man next to me about what happened when he raised his hand and prayed the prayer of salvation. I was simply to share with him that at that moment all the angels in heaven rejoiced over him saying that prayer and that his name was entered into the Lambs Book of Life and we will worship in heaven for eternity and it will go on and on and on forever. So Holy Spirit is already working on me and then Pastor asks us to pray for the person next to us...there is the open door to go forth with what Holy Spirit already shared with me. To God be the glory Amen. You see, my writing to some may be insignificant but to God it has significance.
This is how it works for me and how Holy Spirit flows through me. He gives me opportunities that happen in my life maybe a dream tossed in there somewhere and prophetic word that comes forth, etc. When the timing is just so right that is when He beckons me to write and it is Him at the helm of the ship directing it through me. I sit down at the computer or in my car or wherever when He prompts me to write. He then refreshes my memory of the experiences etc and as I sit down and begin to write He orchestrates the thoughts coming into my mind to bring it all together and He creates the most beautiful words through me. There are too many times that I cannot even count them anymore that I just sit back in amazement after the last word is written and I just tell Him how creative He is to produce such amazing writings. I could never come up with the timing of words, the timing of events to happen in my life to create what is created. God truly gets all the glory when He produces through me.
Sometimes I am just in awe when I sit back and read what is penned. At time it brings tears to my eyes as I think of His glory and grace and how creative He is. After all I say to Him you are the creator why does it amaze me what you create. I think that is the human side of me that had the opportunity to touch the heaven side of Him in all His glory and wonder and it never ceases to amaze me. Can you tell by my words that I love the Lord and I am most touched and thankful for Him allowing me to be open to Him flowing through me. I am most humble when I have these moments with Him and my heart turns to peace and beauty when His beauty touches earth through a vessel to bring forth His heart to His people. That is a very humbling place to be. I cherish these moments and each time I look back on one of "OUR" writings created it allows me to remember those intimate moments of fellowship with Him.
One that is coming to my mind right now is when I created a banner. It was one that I shared with you all once before. It had a navy blue background material with a crushed velvet brown cross with letters that stated "I shed my blood for you." There were crushed velevet burgundy droplets of blood on it also. It was in the assembling of this particular banner that Holy Spirit was teaching me to be sensitive to His direction. I drew the banner first on paper and then began to create/assemble it. I drew so many droplets of blood on the sketch and cut out that many to be placed on the banner. There were a few that each time I would press them on with the adhesive backing that they would just fall off. I attempted several times to iron them back on the banner and once again they fell off. After doing this several times I got the hint and then did not pursue ironing them back on. He only wanted a certain number of them on the banner and as I look back on that time it was as if the hand of God was touching earth and peeling them right off no sooner did I iron them on. The banner was complete once I realized that yes, there was a plan drawn but the real plan was the one tha Holy Spirit saw as the finished work of art. I may have shared this with you before, that very banner ended up playing a significant role in the home going of my father. I brought that very banner to the hospice house where he was for just a very few short days and then he went to be with the Lord. That same banner hung in the church for the funeral mass, it hung on the podium where the grace of God allowed me to offer Jesus to the people with sharing my fathers story of faith with them.
Holy Spirit had a plan all along I just had to get in tow with it. Who knows, my father was a man that was fascinated with numbers and maybe when I made this banner Holy Spirit already knew what my father needed to see in his final days here on earth. His home now will be his home for all eternity HEAVEN. God really is good all the time and all the time He really is good.
Share your faith with someone today for your "today faith" may be the very catapult to fulfilling the dream in your heart (given to you from God) for your life. Never despise your humble and simple beginnings when God is in it.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
This Is What The Lord Gave To Me Today @ 12:20PM
Do not fret or fear when the enemy is near. I am much closer to the brethren that ole satan the accuser of the brethren. When temptation comes your way turn deaf ear to it for it is the catalyst to get you to turn your head and heart in another direction in which I am calling you. Be wise and take control and stammer not but speak ever so clear, "This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it. Jesus Christ has come in the flesh to come and claim His people." That stirs the embers of flames in hell and irks satan very much so. If you love me you will follow Me and stretch out your arms/heart to the lost and dying. They may be your next door neighbors, co-workers, even the person you are sitting next to in church this Sunday. He died for all and you cannot pick and choose who you think is worthy of sharing the gospel message being relayed through you as the spokesman. Reach out with kindness and love and see the renouncing of the very devourer of your stuff. It will remain preserved as long as you preserve Me in your heart and dwell on good and lovely thoughts. You're not created for conflict but for peace. Let the peace of God that passeth all understanding remain in your heart saith the Lord-TRUST-RECEIVE-GIVE-RECEIVE.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
I Mentioned A Witnessing Track In My Last Writing, Do You Know What One Is?
Sometimes I write and forget while I am writing that not everyone may know what I am talking about when I make reference to something. After I wrote my most recent blog entry I realized I may need to explain a little bit more about a track. They look like miniature comic books on the initial appearance when you look at one. There is a story of some sort in the inside with always the plan of salvation at the end and a prayer to pray if you want to accept Jesus into your heart. They come in all types of styles and a variety of subjects to allow the one passing them out to reach a wide variety of people from many different walks of life.
In order to see what one looks like all you have to do is scroll down to the very bottom of my blog page and there is one for you to view. It is really neat you can flip the pages and I think you can even change the subject and view another one too. A long time ago Holy Spirit prompted me to place this on my blog page for others to see and it is a tool that can be used at the very moment in a person,s life when they are searching for answers and the answer is Jesus. Something as simple as this can be the most powerful tool in the hands of one that is just about to accept Jesus into their heart. Praise God for people that are creative enough to come up with witnessing tools like this, to God be the glory!
In order to see what one looks like all you have to do is scroll down to the very bottom of my blog page and there is one for you to view. It is really neat you can flip the pages and I think you can even change the subject and view another one too. A long time ago Holy Spirit prompted me to place this on my blog page for others to see and it is a tool that can be used at the very moment in a person,s life when they are searching for answers and the answer is Jesus. Something as simple as this can be the most powerful tool in the hands of one that is just about to accept Jesus into their heart. Praise God for people that are creative enough to come up with witnessing tools like this, to God be the glory!
This Is What I Learned Today
Recently I was challenged about something. Just last night I sat at the computer and composed a blog to share with you. Everything I was feeling I put into words and as I finished the blog Holy Spirit told me to erase it all and not to publish it. I did erase it and found out that that exercise was more for me than it was for all of you. You see, sometimes it is good to vent things that happened and it is therapy just expressing it. Not everything we go through is a lesson for someone else, it has purpose in your life and it is your experience for you to experience.
I do believe that a choice was placed before me and I had the opportunity to yield to myself or yield to Holy Spirit. I yielded to Him and I am glad that I did. I was with Holy Spirit as we wrote together last night just as He is with me right now as I write and any other time I write. Did you ever experience something in your life and after it happened you wanted to share it with someone but when the time came and you were with that person it just did not feel right to share it with them? That is what it was like for me last night. I did not stress out about erasing it I just did it. Holy Spirit knows when something is just for you and you alone as opposed to when it is for you to share with others right.
The same Holy Spirit prompted me this morning to stop on the way home from work this evening at a local vendor that was selling Christmas trees to get a little bit of pine roping for our dining room chandelier to jazz it up for the holiday. I obeyed and guess what? I pulled in the parking lot and for some reason I was prompted to pull into one parking spot and I began to pull in the one next to it and then I had to back up and pull into the right spot He was prompting me to park in. When I got out of my car there was a $20.00 bill sitting on the ground and there was no one around that I could see if it was theirs so I picked it up. Now, of coarse I know enough that before I pick anything up I silently cover it with the blood of Jesus. It was there to be a blessing to me and not a curse. They did not have the type of pine roping I was looking for so that was the end of that. When I got home I had boughs from Christmas tree trimmings outside and I trimmed them and they are now on the chandelier along with other garland and a few other festive items to jazz it up. How long will it last? Just need it to last for a dinner we are having tomorrow night and then I will remove the fresh greens and keep the other up. There is nothing worse than eating and a piece of pine needle drops on your plate.
You forgot to ask me if I tithed off of the blessing, I did.
Let me stretch your faith a bit tonight. Why not leave a little money behind somewhere this holiday season for someone else to find and you will be a blessing to them and the fun part of it all is that you will not even know who that person was but guess what God will know exactly who that person was that you blessed. Better yet, if you have any gospel tracks that you use for witnessing to others why not tuck one in your purse or pocket and then when you are in a store leave it on a shelf for someone to find and pick up and just by doing that simple act of faith they may give their heart/life to the Lord. I remember when I first did that in a store I was so worried that someone in the store was going to stop me from doing that and they did not. Anytime you do something new for the first time it seems awkward or it may be a challenge for you to do it. If you put all your worry aside and let Holy Spirit flow through you it does not then become a challenge. Just a few tips from me to you to bless someone. Have fun doing it just because you are a Christian does not mean you cannot have fun doing things like this. Better yet, why not tuck a $10, $20, $50, or $100 bill inside one of those tracks for the person that finds it to be doubly blessed. Oh one more thing...don't forget to smile. Let Jesus that lives inside of you shine forth through your smile onto others. You are unique and the way you smile is different than another's smile so go ahead and share that beautiful smile with the world. Well, maybe your neighborhood today and the world tomorrow.
I do believe that a choice was placed before me and I had the opportunity to yield to myself or yield to Holy Spirit. I yielded to Him and I am glad that I did. I was with Holy Spirit as we wrote together last night just as He is with me right now as I write and any other time I write. Did you ever experience something in your life and after it happened you wanted to share it with someone but when the time came and you were with that person it just did not feel right to share it with them? That is what it was like for me last night. I did not stress out about erasing it I just did it. Holy Spirit knows when something is just for you and you alone as opposed to when it is for you to share with others right.
The same Holy Spirit prompted me this morning to stop on the way home from work this evening at a local vendor that was selling Christmas trees to get a little bit of pine roping for our dining room chandelier to jazz it up for the holiday. I obeyed and guess what? I pulled in the parking lot and for some reason I was prompted to pull into one parking spot and I began to pull in the one next to it and then I had to back up and pull into the right spot He was prompting me to park in. When I got out of my car there was a $20.00 bill sitting on the ground and there was no one around that I could see if it was theirs so I picked it up. Now, of coarse I know enough that before I pick anything up I silently cover it with the blood of Jesus. It was there to be a blessing to me and not a curse. They did not have the type of pine roping I was looking for so that was the end of that. When I got home I had boughs from Christmas tree trimmings outside and I trimmed them and they are now on the chandelier along with other garland and a few other festive items to jazz it up. How long will it last? Just need it to last for a dinner we are having tomorrow night and then I will remove the fresh greens and keep the other up. There is nothing worse than eating and a piece of pine needle drops on your plate.
You forgot to ask me if I tithed off of the blessing, I did.
Let me stretch your faith a bit tonight. Why not leave a little money behind somewhere this holiday season for someone else to find and you will be a blessing to them and the fun part of it all is that you will not even know who that person was but guess what God will know exactly who that person was that you blessed. Better yet, if you have any gospel tracks that you use for witnessing to others why not tuck one in your purse or pocket and then when you are in a store leave it on a shelf for someone to find and pick up and just by doing that simple act of faith they may give their heart/life to the Lord. I remember when I first did that in a store I was so worried that someone in the store was going to stop me from doing that and they did not. Anytime you do something new for the first time it seems awkward or it may be a challenge for you to do it. If you put all your worry aside and let Holy Spirit flow through you it does not then become a challenge. Just a few tips from me to you to bless someone. Have fun doing it just because you are a Christian does not mean you cannot have fun doing things like this. Better yet, why not tuck a $10, $20, $50, or $100 bill inside one of those tracks for the person that finds it to be doubly blessed. Oh one more thing...don't forget to smile. Let Jesus that lives inside of you shine forth through your smile onto others. You are unique and the way you smile is different than another's smile so go ahead and share that beautiful smile with the world. Well, maybe your neighborhood today and the world tomorrow.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Will You Stop What You Are Doing To Pray If Your Child Needs Prayer? Even If You Are In A Store And You Get A Call From Them To Pray?
Good question isn't it? I can write about this because it recently happened to me. I was in a store yesterday and I received a phone call from one of my children and they asked for prayer. Here I am down the holiday candy aisle and I talked a bit with my child to get some of the details. You know, mother's and father's are good at probing to see what really is the problem. We just know how to listen and then ask the right questions to get the info needed. I sensed a little bit of intrepidation and I reminded this child that they are where they are at right now because it was God that opened the door for them to be there.
I asked them if they wanted me to pray right then and there, they responded "yes" so that is what I did. To a stranger shopping down that aisle they probably just thought I was talking on the phone with someone. I let Holy Spirit take over and pray through me to comfort my child and to give them clarity and to see that they are where they are suppose to be and they can do all things through Christ who strenthens them. Before we began to pray I asked them if there were any special cookies they wanted me to bake for them for the holiday. They shared the type they wanted and I then prayed and as I was done I picked up a bag of candy that I need to make these cookies and lo and behold on the back of the package was the recipe for that very cookie. I shared that with them and that it was God that I was there to pray and then pick up that candy to confirm that is the type of cookie I will make.
See, God knows what is going to happen and where you will be when your child needs prayer. Do not be ashamed to pause in your day and pray for them for they wouldn't call you for prayer if they did not need it. Would you not want someone that is "in tune" in prayer to pray with you if you truly needed prayer? Sure you would.
The Lord will use you if you are open to His nudging and not ashamed to share your faith with others. This happened to me before a few years ago. It was on a particular day when that evening Holy Spirit gave me a very pronounced prophetic dream. It was earlier that very day that I found Holy Spirit leading me to go to a certain store after work and while I was there I struck up a conversation with a Christian woman and she needed prayer and we prayed right there right down the candy aisle. Her child even joined in on the prayer. No matter where you are or what you do God will set up situations and pull on your heart to nudge you to help another. Are you willing to respond and reach out beyond your comfort zone to touch the heart of another. What if it was your child that needed prayer and God placed someone into their life to help them would you not want to be used to help another? It really can be fun and an adventure to step out and let Holy Spirit reach out to another through you. If you have never done it before just try it once. If you do it all the time then I encourage you to continue to follow Holy Spirit leading for there really are hurting people out there that need the love of Christ and a word to encourage them. When you do it really is nothing more than the Lord using you as a vessel and at that point you step aside and let Him flow through you.
My question for you today...why do you think I get these nudge opportunities down the candy aisle. Do you think it could be a symbol that candy is known to be sweet and the prayers of the saints are sweet aroma in the nostrils of God? They rise up and then He flows through you and that is a sweet sweet thing, the presence of God right there in the Walmart store the other day and Big Lots a few years ago. Let the presence of God flow through you to others and experience the joy of the Lord. I am most thankful for all the ministries that contributed to my blossoming Christian walk with the Lord. Knowledge is good and valuable and when was the last time you thanked all your pastors, leaders, teachers and Christian friends (throughout the years) that have shared with you to let you advance in your Christian walk. I take this time now to extend my thanks to all of you that have and continue to contribute to my Christian walk. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe and continue to give you divine knowledge and revelation and insight and continue to keep growing the family of God with what Holy Spirit and your bible teach you. God is faithful isn't He.
I asked them if they wanted me to pray right then and there, they responded "yes" so that is what I did. To a stranger shopping down that aisle they probably just thought I was talking on the phone with someone. I let Holy Spirit take over and pray through me to comfort my child and to give them clarity and to see that they are where they are suppose to be and they can do all things through Christ who strenthens them. Before we began to pray I asked them if there were any special cookies they wanted me to bake for them for the holiday. They shared the type they wanted and I then prayed and as I was done I picked up a bag of candy that I need to make these cookies and lo and behold on the back of the package was the recipe for that very cookie. I shared that with them and that it was God that I was there to pray and then pick up that candy to confirm that is the type of cookie I will make.
See, God knows what is going to happen and where you will be when your child needs prayer. Do not be ashamed to pause in your day and pray for them for they wouldn't call you for prayer if they did not need it. Would you not want someone that is "in tune" in prayer to pray with you if you truly needed prayer? Sure you would.
The Lord will use you if you are open to His nudging and not ashamed to share your faith with others. This happened to me before a few years ago. It was on a particular day when that evening Holy Spirit gave me a very pronounced prophetic dream. It was earlier that very day that I found Holy Spirit leading me to go to a certain store after work and while I was there I struck up a conversation with a Christian woman and she needed prayer and we prayed right there right down the candy aisle. Her child even joined in on the prayer. No matter where you are or what you do God will set up situations and pull on your heart to nudge you to help another. Are you willing to respond and reach out beyond your comfort zone to touch the heart of another. What if it was your child that needed prayer and God placed someone into their life to help them would you not want to be used to help another? It really can be fun and an adventure to step out and let Holy Spirit reach out to another through you. If you have never done it before just try it once. If you do it all the time then I encourage you to continue to follow Holy Spirit leading for there really are hurting people out there that need the love of Christ and a word to encourage them. When you do it really is nothing more than the Lord using you as a vessel and at that point you step aside and let Him flow through you.
My question for you today...why do you think I get these nudge opportunities down the candy aisle. Do you think it could be a symbol that candy is known to be sweet and the prayers of the saints are sweet aroma in the nostrils of God? They rise up and then He flows through you and that is a sweet sweet thing, the presence of God right there in the Walmart store the other day and Big Lots a few years ago. Let the presence of God flow through you to others and experience the joy of the Lord. I am most thankful for all the ministries that contributed to my blossoming Christian walk with the Lord. Knowledge is good and valuable and when was the last time you thanked all your pastors, leaders, teachers and Christian friends (throughout the years) that have shared with you to let you advance in your Christian walk. I take this time now to extend my thanks to all of you that have and continue to contribute to my Christian walk. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe and continue to give you divine knowledge and revelation and insight and continue to keep growing the family of God with what Holy Spirit and your bible teach you. God is faithful isn't He.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Do You Want To Hear A Funny Story, It Is True...
Hello I have something funny to share with you. It is a blunder that really did happen recently. I am a pretty good baker and not only do I specialize in baking a variety of gourmet quality cheesecakes, I am also good at baking Russian Teacake cookies. I know this recipe and I trust the recipe I use and they always turn out good (except for the occasional distraction here or there and you are not within earshot of the timer that goes off when they are through baking. Do you know what I am talking about, can you relate? Then I may have a batch in which I have to scrape off the slightly overdone bottoms of the cookies before I roll them in powdered sugar. A few weeks ago I purchase some flour at the grocery store and I usually use unbleached flour so I bought a bag of unbleached flour and thought nothing of it. I used some when I made breaded chicken and it was fine. When I make breaded chicken or pork chops I like to season the flour and dredge the meat in it then I dip it in milk and then into the bread crumbs (in which I like to also add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if I have it available when I plant it in a patio pot or herb garden.) I like the curly parsley as opposed to flat leaf parsley ( that was a little tidbit about me.)
My mother is an excellent baker and she makes excellent pies and her pie crust is very good. For the Thanksgiving holiday she baked a pumpkin pie and a cherry pie too. I tasted her pumpkin pie and I could not figure out why her crust was not flaky and yum yum. It tasted good it just did not look like her normal pie crust looks. She said she used the unbleached flour I had and not the regular, all purpose flour. I said it cannot be that for I have also made pies using unbleached flour in the past and they turned out just fine. She wanted to make 2 cherry pie's this weekend, one for my brother-in-law (sweet cherry) and one for her (sour cherry). I still remember her commenting how long it took for these 2 pies to bake in the oven. I thought nothing of it. She asked me to try a small piece of the sour cherry pie this evening and when I cut into the pie I kindly asked her if she used a rolling pin to roll out the pie crust because it was not flaky but was much higher than her pie crusts usually are. I showed it to her and then again she said she thinks it was the flour, the unbleached flour. Earlier this week I made a batch of Russian Teacake cookie dough to bake a few for my daughter. I tried the dough and it was so salty that I kept thinking to myself I know I followed the recipe and it called for very little salt in it. Why did it taste so salty???
The mystery was solved this evening. I looked at the flour we both used and there was a little important line that was printed right under the "unbleached" part on the label it stated "self-rising" and a recipe on the back of the flour was for strawberry shortcake. Mystery solved we both used self-rising flour and that is why it caused the pie crust to have a unique texture. It was not the baker it was the type of flour that was used. I then decided to bake the cookies to see what they would turn out like. Oh my gosh, I think baking soda is in the flour and they were so salty tasting even after they baked and they were rolled in powder sugar right out of the oven and then again once they were cool. I cannot send these cookies to my daughter I just cannot do that. This is now a funny story we will be able to share around the dinner table when we have family gatherings. It is so good to laugh and especially when you can laugh about something as silly as this in your life when you discover what you did.
Needless to say, the self-rising flour will be moved to the back of the cupboard and the regular unbleached and all-purpose flours will move to the forefront. Guess what I will be doing this week? Baking another batch of cookies for my daughter.
Have I told you lately that I just love where I live. Away from city lights so I can see stars in the sky at night ( on a clear night), saw the Big Dipper the other evening. Went on a little adventure with my mother this afternoon, someone suggested to us to go a little north and we would find an apple/fresh produce farm. Loved it, purchased fresh beets and I boiled them this evening. Fresh beets when you have a good batch are wonderful (meaning they are fresh and have not been sitting out for a while.) Just need to boil, peel, chill and slice them and enjoy eating them just like that. The drive there and the farm itself so reminded me of where I use to live, for a moment I felt like I was home again. As we were driving back home the sunset was just beautiful some sections of the sky had the orange look to it and another section had the pinkish look to it.
I talked to one of my very dear friends today before my "flour" discovery. I can guarantee you this much, the next time I talk to her we will laugh about this when I tell her the story about the pies, cookies. She'll read about it in the blog but when we have the opportunity to talk again I will tell it to her with my laugh added to the conversation and we will laugh. Laughter is so good for you it really is. As I was typing this up I was laughing out loud just thinking about it again.
My mother is an excellent baker and she makes excellent pies and her pie crust is very good. For the Thanksgiving holiday she baked a pumpkin pie and a cherry pie too. I tasted her pumpkin pie and I could not figure out why her crust was not flaky and yum yum. It tasted good it just did not look like her normal pie crust looks. She said she used the unbleached flour I had and not the regular, all purpose flour. I said it cannot be that for I have also made pies using unbleached flour in the past and they turned out just fine. She wanted to make 2 cherry pie's this weekend, one for my brother-in-law (sweet cherry) and one for her (sour cherry). I still remember her commenting how long it took for these 2 pies to bake in the oven. I thought nothing of it. She asked me to try a small piece of the sour cherry pie this evening and when I cut into the pie I kindly asked her if she used a rolling pin to roll out the pie crust because it was not flaky but was much higher than her pie crusts usually are. I showed it to her and then again she said she thinks it was the flour, the unbleached flour. Earlier this week I made a batch of Russian Teacake cookie dough to bake a few for my daughter. I tried the dough and it was so salty that I kept thinking to myself I know I followed the recipe and it called for very little salt in it. Why did it taste so salty???
The mystery was solved this evening. I looked at the flour we both used and there was a little important line that was printed right under the "unbleached" part on the label it stated "self-rising" and a recipe on the back of the flour was for strawberry shortcake. Mystery solved we both used self-rising flour and that is why it caused the pie crust to have a unique texture. It was not the baker it was the type of flour that was used. I then decided to bake the cookies to see what they would turn out like. Oh my gosh, I think baking soda is in the flour and they were so salty tasting even after they baked and they were rolled in powder sugar right out of the oven and then again once they were cool. I cannot send these cookies to my daughter I just cannot do that. This is now a funny story we will be able to share around the dinner table when we have family gatherings. It is so good to laugh and especially when you can laugh about something as silly as this in your life when you discover what you did.
Needless to say, the self-rising flour will be moved to the back of the cupboard and the regular unbleached and all-purpose flours will move to the forefront. Guess what I will be doing this week? Baking another batch of cookies for my daughter.
Have I told you lately that I just love where I live. Away from city lights so I can see stars in the sky at night ( on a clear night), saw the Big Dipper the other evening. Went on a little adventure with my mother this afternoon, someone suggested to us to go a little north and we would find an apple/fresh produce farm. Loved it, purchased fresh beets and I boiled them this evening. Fresh beets when you have a good batch are wonderful (meaning they are fresh and have not been sitting out for a while.) Just need to boil, peel, chill and slice them and enjoy eating them just like that. The drive there and the farm itself so reminded me of where I use to live, for a moment I felt like I was home again. As we were driving back home the sunset was just beautiful some sections of the sky had the orange look to it and another section had the pinkish look to it.
I talked to one of my very dear friends today before my "flour" discovery. I can guarantee you this much, the next time I talk to her we will laugh about this when I tell her the story about the pies, cookies. She'll read about it in the blog but when we have the opportunity to talk again I will tell it to her with my laugh added to the conversation and we will laugh. Laughter is so good for you it really is. As I was typing this up I was laughing out loud just thinking about it again.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Bound Within, From Connect with God Volume II by Jentezen Franklin
I jumped ahead on reading my daily devotional, what I am sharing today is actually dated 11/26 and I sense it is appropriate for someone out there that needs to hear these words of encouragement. I was blessed when I read it and may you also be blessed.
"BOUND WITHIN"
If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ
Galatians 1:10 NIV
"Until you quit agreeing with those who've mistreated you, or the events that have crippled you emotionally, you'll remain locked in a prison of your own making. Too many of us have made it our life's work to change somebody else's opinion of us. We're determined to prove to them that we're valuable.
Never allow someone else's approval to become your goal. The truth is some folks may never like you. They may never see your good qualities.
Any time you agree with somebody who rejects or abuses you, you put yourself into bondage to them. By saying either in word or deed, "You were right to hit me, or leave me, or hurt me," you're tying yourself up with their opinion, rather than God's. Furthermore, when their opinion of you becomes your opinion, you've built a prison inside your soul with only one prisoner - you!
Are you prepared to accept that the person you've spent your life trying to impress may never be impressed? And are you prepared to accept that from God's perspective it doesn't matter? To deal effectively with others, you must be able to work along side of them without allowing yourself to be controlled by their moods, or governed by their opinion of you.
In all probability you don't need to be delivered from Satan or anybody else; you just need to change the wrong beliefs you have about yourself. When you can acknowledge that, you've taken the first step toward freedom."
Do not let others bind you up for in Christ Jesus there is freedom and liberty. Why would you settle for an old shoe when there is a brand new one that waits for you if you would only look up and look beyond your standing place to just a few inches away ahead of you, all wrapped up and presented as a most beautiful package. Waiting to be opened up for you to enjoy. Do you know how to attain this gift? It is simple...put your desires aside and assist others. Reach out to others and in the reaching out to help others you will find that someone out there thinks you are very valuable and full of wisdom, talent, creativity, kindness and the list could go on and on and on. Choose today to not listen to the negativity that may seem to surround you but step away from that garbage talk and words that you may have heard all of your life. Choose to extend your gifts to one in need and watch the wonder that God will do in your life for taking your eyes off of you and reaching out to others. It works it really does. Just today there were 3 separate opportunities to bless others. My mother and myself chose to bless them and God took care of our needs today in the blessing of others. First opportunity we we at a store, an elderly couple inquired of an object we had in our cart. We directed them to the location of where they would be able to find that item. Then they were in line behind us and my mother struck up a conversation with them. We discovered that they needed 10 of the same item and they were only able to get 9 out of the 10. We then offered to them the one we had so they would be able to have the 10 they needed. You see, 9 were to be for them and the 10th one was going to a neighbor of theirs. As we walked away my mother commented that God will take care of us today with our needs. 2nd opportunity at another store I struck up a conversation with an elderly woman as she was looking at the same item I was looking at. I mentioned to her that if she lived close in proximity to the store that the same item would be on sale for an ever greater discount the next day. I wanted to verify that for her so I inquired of management and they agreed that the info was correct. She was going to get this particular item for her grandchild and take with her to TX. 3rd opportunity leaving the grocery store I saw someone drop a large package of paper towels from their shopping cart and then a car pulled out of their parking space and with their bumper sort of pushed the package into the main aisle. I stopped my car and said to my mother "I think the person that may have dropped these was loading their groceries into their car one aisle over. An elderly gentleman assisted by picking up the package and I told him I think they were this woman's and we walked over to her and sure enough she did not even realize that she dropped them as she was loading her groceries in her car and thanked us. Hey, the cost of paper towels could be expensive and that could have been a hassle for her to have to drive back to the store and let them know she did not get her paper towels.
God did take care of us today. We got the items we needed and a much nicer value than what I let go of earlier in the day. You see, if I wanted to be greedy and not help out an elderly couple I would have missed what God had in store for me right down the road this very day. I chose to not keep my focus on the old shoe that was right there but to open my eyes to the brand new one that was down the road waiting for me to discover.
Try it tomorrow, do not listen to the negative words that have been instilled in you since being a child and extend your hand to one that may need what you have. Give it up to see the greater, much grand picture God has in store for you.
"BOUND WITHIN"
If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ
Galatians 1:10 NIV
"Until you quit agreeing with those who've mistreated you, or the events that have crippled you emotionally, you'll remain locked in a prison of your own making. Too many of us have made it our life's work to change somebody else's opinion of us. We're determined to prove to them that we're valuable.
Never allow someone else's approval to become your goal. The truth is some folks may never like you. They may never see your good qualities.
Any time you agree with somebody who rejects or abuses you, you put yourself into bondage to them. By saying either in word or deed, "You were right to hit me, or leave me, or hurt me," you're tying yourself up with their opinion, rather than God's. Furthermore, when their opinion of you becomes your opinion, you've built a prison inside your soul with only one prisoner - you!
Are you prepared to accept that the person you've spent your life trying to impress may never be impressed? And are you prepared to accept that from God's perspective it doesn't matter? To deal effectively with others, you must be able to work along side of them without allowing yourself to be controlled by their moods, or governed by their opinion of you.
In all probability you don't need to be delivered from Satan or anybody else; you just need to change the wrong beliefs you have about yourself. When you can acknowledge that, you've taken the first step toward freedom."
Do not let others bind you up for in Christ Jesus there is freedom and liberty. Why would you settle for an old shoe when there is a brand new one that waits for you if you would only look up and look beyond your standing place to just a few inches away ahead of you, all wrapped up and presented as a most beautiful package. Waiting to be opened up for you to enjoy. Do you know how to attain this gift? It is simple...put your desires aside and assist others. Reach out to others and in the reaching out to help others you will find that someone out there thinks you are very valuable and full of wisdom, talent, creativity, kindness and the list could go on and on and on. Choose today to not listen to the negativity that may seem to surround you but step away from that garbage talk and words that you may have heard all of your life. Choose to extend your gifts to one in need and watch the wonder that God will do in your life for taking your eyes off of you and reaching out to others. It works it really does. Just today there were 3 separate opportunities to bless others. My mother and myself chose to bless them and God took care of our needs today in the blessing of others. First opportunity we we at a store, an elderly couple inquired of an object we had in our cart. We directed them to the location of where they would be able to find that item. Then they were in line behind us and my mother struck up a conversation with them. We discovered that they needed 10 of the same item and they were only able to get 9 out of the 10. We then offered to them the one we had so they would be able to have the 10 they needed. You see, 9 were to be for them and the 10th one was going to a neighbor of theirs. As we walked away my mother commented that God will take care of us today with our needs. 2nd opportunity at another store I struck up a conversation with an elderly woman as she was looking at the same item I was looking at. I mentioned to her that if she lived close in proximity to the store that the same item would be on sale for an ever greater discount the next day. I wanted to verify that for her so I inquired of management and they agreed that the info was correct. She was going to get this particular item for her grandchild and take with her to TX. 3rd opportunity leaving the grocery store I saw someone drop a large package of paper towels from their shopping cart and then a car pulled out of their parking space and with their bumper sort of pushed the package into the main aisle. I stopped my car and said to my mother "I think the person that may have dropped these was loading their groceries into their car one aisle over. An elderly gentleman assisted by picking up the package and I told him I think they were this woman's and we walked over to her and sure enough she did not even realize that she dropped them as she was loading her groceries in her car and thanked us. Hey, the cost of paper towels could be expensive and that could have been a hassle for her to have to drive back to the store and let them know she did not get her paper towels.
God did take care of us today. We got the items we needed and a much nicer value than what I let go of earlier in the day. You see, if I wanted to be greedy and not help out an elderly couple I would have missed what God had in store for me right down the road this very day. I chose to not keep my focus on the old shoe that was right there but to open my eyes to the brand new one that was down the road waiting for me to discover.
Try it tomorrow, do not listen to the negative words that have been instilled in you since being a child and extend your hand to one that may need what you have. Give it up to see the greater, much grand picture God has in store for you.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Back To Writing, That's What I Am Called To Do (until I am prompted to go in another direction)
Last night I was reminded while watching TBN to not get so involved in "busy work" that it distracts you and keeps you from doing what you are called to do in your life. I am called to write and forgive me that I have allowed "busy" things to hold me back from writing.
The other day I was driving and Holy Spirit just gently nudged my spirit and spoke to my heart that what He loves about me is that I share my heart when I write because I have a love for His people and how I share so you all may not have to go down a certain path and get off track in your life because I warn and encourage you to not go there.
I love writing for it is Holy Spirit flowing through me, there is such freedom in that. As I had a bit of time this morning I read Acts 1. I discovered that I must have taken good notes when I was listening to a preacher preach. Let me share with you the notes I put in my bible right between the printed lines of the scriptures. While on that subject let me share with you that it really is OK to take notes and write in your bible. Some of the best insights Holy Spirit gave to me throughout the years are the notes in my bible. So go ahead if a preacher, teacher & Holy Spirit inspire in you while you are reading your bible. Go ahead and write them down, one day someone may read your bible when we are raptured and in heaven and your very thoughts may save their life or soul for all eternity.
MY NOTES:
"He left behind a prayer meeting when He left, there's no visitation without preparation, along with prayer. True Prayer releases the anointing. Before every major miracle there is prayer. Prayer must be a lifestyle. Become mighty in prayer in tearing down major principalities. The Holy Spirit moving in us and through us, prayer the heart felt heart of God. It's God's heart that the people walk in the Spirit. Hear from heaven how to speak the truth now. It doesn't pay to walk in rebellion, it takes you out of the 'walk in the Spirit.' " These notes were written between the lines in Acts 1: 14-18.
Part II
Last week I wrote about getting a phone call that was not what I wanted to hear but I did not let it affect me and I moved forward. At the end of last week I received a text message that was the complete opposite-Great news-sweet news- wonderful news to a mother's ears. I will not go into details but know this much, it was the answer to a prayer of mine that I have prayed for a few years now. God is faithful and He really does take care of your children and hears your heart cry in their lives. Recently, this very prayer concern began to bother me I just know that I know that I know it was the prayers of another that broke through for me to get the victory.
As I was driving in my car after I spoke with my child it was then that Holy Spirit revealed to me who it was that prayed on my behalf for my child's situation. I remember that I began to get tears in my eyes. I was so touched by what Holy Spirit shared with me that I then silently responded to Holy Spirit "They just won 10,000 points in my eyes."
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
The other day I was driving and Holy Spirit just gently nudged my spirit and spoke to my heart that what He loves about me is that I share my heart when I write because I have a love for His people and how I share so you all may not have to go down a certain path and get off track in your life because I warn and encourage you to not go there.
I love writing for it is Holy Spirit flowing through me, there is such freedom in that. As I had a bit of time this morning I read Acts 1. I discovered that I must have taken good notes when I was listening to a preacher preach. Let me share with you the notes I put in my bible right between the printed lines of the scriptures. While on that subject let me share with you that it really is OK to take notes and write in your bible. Some of the best insights Holy Spirit gave to me throughout the years are the notes in my bible. So go ahead if a preacher, teacher & Holy Spirit inspire in you while you are reading your bible. Go ahead and write them down, one day someone may read your bible when we are raptured and in heaven and your very thoughts may save their life or soul for all eternity.
MY NOTES:
"He left behind a prayer meeting when He left, there's no visitation without preparation, along with prayer. True Prayer releases the anointing. Before every major miracle there is prayer. Prayer must be a lifestyle. Become mighty in prayer in tearing down major principalities. The Holy Spirit moving in us and through us, prayer the heart felt heart of God. It's God's heart that the people walk in the Spirit. Hear from heaven how to speak the truth now. It doesn't pay to walk in rebellion, it takes you out of the 'walk in the Spirit.' " These notes were written between the lines in Acts 1: 14-18.
Part II
Last week I wrote about getting a phone call that was not what I wanted to hear but I did not let it affect me and I moved forward. At the end of last week I received a text message that was the complete opposite-Great news-sweet news- wonderful news to a mother's ears. I will not go into details but know this much, it was the answer to a prayer of mine that I have prayed for a few years now. God is faithful and He really does take care of your children and hears your heart cry in their lives. Recently, this very prayer concern began to bother me I just know that I know that I know it was the prayers of another that broke through for me to get the victory.
As I was driving in my car after I spoke with my child it was then that Holy Spirit revealed to me who it was that prayed on my behalf for my child's situation. I remember that I began to get tears in my eyes. I was so touched by what Holy Spirit shared with me that I then silently responded to Holy Spirit "They just won 10,000 points in my eyes."
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
What Do You Do When You Do Not Receive The News That You Wanted To Hear But Receive The Opposite News?
Did you ever have a day when it went so smooth and you just seemed to be flowing the way God intended you to flow. You know praying silently on the way to work, then silently praying in the spirit on your lunch hour as you were resting. At work it just did not seem to be a challenge but it flowed almost easy if that makes sense. You do the same routine daily at work but for some reason today it just flowed with ease. Well, that is the kind of day that I had today. I guess I had expectation inside of me to hear the news I wanted to hear in the back of my mind. Waiting with expectancy for the phone call that could change your life. The phone rings and destiny is waiting on the other side of the phone just for you. The moment you were waiting for is now here and you are ready for it. Unless you hear the words you did not expect to hear. In a moment that feeling of "I can do anything" seems to melt away (not totally) just not in the forefront anymore. You take the news with a smile on your face and pleasantry in your voice and you graciously thank the person, then the disconnect. In that moment following the end of the conversation you seem to be perplexed...I did everything right; I said the right things; I know that God was with me when we met and I was led by Holy Spirit. I think it then hits you that reality sets in ever so quick and you begin to question yourself and the hearing from God when He spoke something ever so clear to you just weeks prior.
You even have a brief conversation with Holy Spirit in which you question hearing what you heard and what about God's will for my life; what about sending the angels out to go after what is suppose to be, to get me to where I am suppose to be in destiny. If you want to be really honest like I am sharing with you you then say to God, "I do not want to converse or talk about this right now" I just do not want to when you hear the words that He speaks to me to TRUST HIM. I know about trust for that is how I walk my daily life with the Lord and have done so for many years now. When the only word I hear at times is TRUST that is all I can do because that is all I only know how to do. There comes a time in your life when I believe it is OK to say to your heavenly Father "I just do not want to talk about it now it is too raw to deal with." He never forces Himself on you and He waits for the time when you will say to Him, OK it is time now to discuss.
In the meantime you do not begrudge anyone, family/friends that it seems they are getting all the great breaks and doors opening up for them, prayers that you may have prayed for them on their behalf and happening in their very life. Then the truth comes out and you cry out to God "When is it my turn" I do not have anger just disbelief in that moment. You see this one and that one and their breakthroughs and you begin to doubt if maybe you are not suppose to be where you are right now and how do you back track and get out of it when there have been commitments made. You then say to yourself why am I here right now why am I at the very address you have me living at.
When is it my time to shine for Jesus and let the whole world see what He has done in my life? There just comes a time when you have fasted, prayed, yielded, sacrificed, anointed yourself with anointing oil, done ministry, wrote the blog you were called to write, made the "in faith" phone calls, sent letters of encouragement, gave words of encouragement, set the captives free in ministry, ushered in the presence of God not just at church but even in your own home or while driving in your car. The list could go on and on forever and I suppose there is only one answer. TRUST and that is the very word one must hang onto for God knows the tomorrow's, the future and when the exact timing is just right so He truly will get ALL OF THE GLORY. In the meantime you just learn to deal with hurt and disappointment and continue to know that God has a plan for your life and He knows the ins and outs of this plan for He created it and when the time is just right it will happen so sudden that there will not be room enough to catch your breath for it will swiftly come upon you and one moment you are here doing this and then the next moment destiny opens the door and all you have to do is walk through and step into it.
Do not lose hope or find yourself full of despair for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son to us and then had to let go in the moments that were His death on earth but then there was the glorious day of resurrection when He rose from the dead and death will no longer hold back those that believe in Jesus and call upon His name for salvation. Where would you rather live forever, heaven or hell? I choose heaven and to live with My Father in heaven and all the saints that have gone before me for all eternity. So, what do I have to do now to remain in this? I have to ask God to forgive my stubbornness and tell Him I am willing to discuss this day with Him. Did He ever leave me NO. Did He ever turn His love away from me NO. Did He stop telling me that He loved me NO so why am I acting like a spoiled child that wants to pout when I do not get my way in my timing? Pretty foolish when you really think about it huh.
You may say to yourself why is she sharing all this stuff with me? It is to show you that I am human and I do feel and find disappointment in my life but I am also sharing with you to hopefully keep you off the wrong path. To not allow a day like mine to bring anger into your heart when all you have to do is share your hurt and disappointment with God. He created you and He already knew what you would be experiencing far in advance of it actually happening. Do not base your life on feelings for they will lead you down a path of destruction, lead your life on FAITH and watch in wonder what God will do and continue to do in your life.
I would not be pleased without ending this writing with something beautiful to share with you. From what I understand the beautiful colored leaves on the trees in the region where I use to live
have already fallen off the trees from the rain that they had. Well, where I live I am still experiencing the beautiful display of God's creativity wherever I drive or walk for the leaves are still on the trees. This is one of my favorite trees that I get blessed to see daily when I arrive at work. May you enjoy it also. Hang in there and keep trusting in the Lord and He will keep directing your path. Don't forget to enjoy the journey on the way too.
You even have a brief conversation with Holy Spirit in which you question hearing what you heard and what about God's will for my life; what about sending the angels out to go after what is suppose to be, to get me to where I am suppose to be in destiny. If you want to be really honest like I am sharing with you you then say to God, "I do not want to converse or talk about this right now" I just do not want to when you hear the words that He speaks to me to TRUST HIM. I know about trust for that is how I walk my daily life with the Lord and have done so for many years now. When the only word I hear at times is TRUST that is all I can do because that is all I only know how to do. There comes a time in your life when I believe it is OK to say to your heavenly Father "I just do not want to talk about it now it is too raw to deal with." He never forces Himself on you and He waits for the time when you will say to Him, OK it is time now to discuss.
In the meantime you do not begrudge anyone, family/friends that it seems they are getting all the great breaks and doors opening up for them, prayers that you may have prayed for them on their behalf and happening in their very life. Then the truth comes out and you cry out to God "When is it my turn" I do not have anger just disbelief in that moment. You see this one and that one and their breakthroughs and you begin to doubt if maybe you are not suppose to be where you are right now and how do you back track and get out of it when there have been commitments made. You then say to yourself why am I here right now why am I at the very address you have me living at.
When is it my time to shine for Jesus and let the whole world see what He has done in my life? There just comes a time when you have fasted, prayed, yielded, sacrificed, anointed yourself with anointing oil, done ministry, wrote the blog you were called to write, made the "in faith" phone calls, sent letters of encouragement, gave words of encouragement, set the captives free in ministry, ushered in the presence of God not just at church but even in your own home or while driving in your car. The list could go on and on forever and I suppose there is only one answer. TRUST and that is the very word one must hang onto for God knows the tomorrow's, the future and when the exact timing is just right so He truly will get ALL OF THE GLORY. In the meantime you just learn to deal with hurt and disappointment and continue to know that God has a plan for your life and He knows the ins and outs of this plan for He created it and when the time is just right it will happen so sudden that there will not be room enough to catch your breath for it will swiftly come upon you and one moment you are here doing this and then the next moment destiny opens the door and all you have to do is walk through and step into it.
Do not lose hope or find yourself full of despair for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son to us and then had to let go in the moments that were His death on earth but then there was the glorious day of resurrection when He rose from the dead and death will no longer hold back those that believe in Jesus and call upon His name for salvation. Where would you rather live forever, heaven or hell? I choose heaven and to live with My Father in heaven and all the saints that have gone before me for all eternity. So, what do I have to do now to remain in this? I have to ask God to forgive my stubbornness and tell Him I am willing to discuss this day with Him. Did He ever leave me NO. Did He ever turn His love away from me NO. Did He stop telling me that He loved me NO so why am I acting like a spoiled child that wants to pout when I do not get my way in my timing? Pretty foolish when you really think about it huh.
You may say to yourself why is she sharing all this stuff with me? It is to show you that I am human and I do feel and find disappointment in my life but I am also sharing with you to hopefully keep you off the wrong path. To not allow a day like mine to bring anger into your heart when all you have to do is share your hurt and disappointment with God. He created you and He already knew what you would be experiencing far in advance of it actually happening. Do not base your life on feelings for they will lead you down a path of destruction, lead your life on FAITH and watch in wonder what God will do and continue to do in your life.
have already fallen off the trees from the rain that they had. Well, where I live I am still experiencing the beautiful display of God's creativity wherever I drive or walk for the leaves are still on the trees. This is one of my favorite trees that I get blessed to see daily when I arrive at work. May you enjoy it also. Hang in there and keep trusting in the Lord and He will keep directing your path. Don't forget to enjoy the journey on the way too.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
I Have Been Extremely Busy For Several Weeks Now. Do You Know What Holy Spirit Has been Dealing With Me About? The Importance Of Not Meddling And To Not Take Offense.
Hello, I did not forget about you I have been extremely busy for several weeks now. Transition can take up a lot of time in your life. One thing that Holy Spirit has been teaching me for several weeks now is to not meddle and concern myself with things and areas that I have no need to have concern about and take on that burden. You may say to yourself I think she needs to explain further. This is it...I am learning to not concern myself and step over boundaries that are not to be my concern. Example I am one that is all about doing things with order and following directions to the T. When I see others slacking or not abiding by this I want to say something to them so we are all on the same page. If I am not a supervisor it is to be of no concern of mine and I have to trust that management will take care of it. It is so my nature to want to say something to bring order to the situation. Holy Spirit is teaching me to not step into arenas that are not my concern and He will take care of them. The enemy will try to distract you with circumstances around you that will cause you to think about wanting to step in and handle things but I am learning in those very moments I silently say to myself 'No I will not meddle or take offense at that either." I will also silently say to the enemy that Jesus told me you would be coming and that I have the peace of God and the joy of the Lord is my strength.
I am finding out that it works it truly does. When you are operating in your arena or territory God has given to you you have the authority to step out and make corrections to make things flow. When you try to take things into your own control in areas that you are not assigned it really causes you to be waylaid and to step out of destiny's timetable does that make sense? You see, when you are out on your own trying to fix things that are not to be of your concern that is just a tactic of the enemy to throw you off guard and spend all of your energy/effort in correcting something that you have no business correcting to begin with. Wasted time, thoughts, and plans you are spinning in your mind that will cause you to miss true direction. When you finally learn this lesson you will realize when the enemy is planting situations in your life to cause you to side track. Be sensitive and do not fall for this trap. It is so much easier to say I Don't Think So and go forth with destiny and not be pulled back with deception.
Offense comes in to play when someone may say something to you or about you that is not so or undeserving. The enemy would like to see you get all riled up and want to lash back at them in defense of yourself. Let go of it, walk away from it not just in body but in your mind also. Do not let it eat away at you but let it go and let God handle it and His judgement will be upon that person or group of people. Life is so valuable that there is no time to be bogged down with the cruel and cunning words that others speak to you or about you. The safest place to be is to not open the door to offense in your life and let God handle it, He is your defender. When you learn to overcome this, again you can silently say to yourself I do not receive this offense I have destiny that needs to be fulfilled and I do not have time to take offense and tie up my time that can better be utilized for the things of God that I am called to do.
Lessons learned in the past weeks, do not waste your time in areas where you are not suppose to be and try to fix them; and do not let others offend you. Fluff it off and remind yourself that your time can be better spent on important things rather than dwelling on petty, mere words that are spoken in ignorance by others. Try it it really does work and each time you say no thank you to meddling and accepting offense you get closer to destiny and a great peace you have as you choose to walk away from these distractions or better yet, traps placed before you to try and knock you off the path that God has you on. What would you rather have in your life...wasted time on trivial things or advancement in territory that you gain with God's hand upon you as He leads and directs your footsteps? The choice is really yours. Choose wisely.
I am finding out that it works it truly does. When you are operating in your arena or territory God has given to you you have the authority to step out and make corrections to make things flow. When you try to take things into your own control in areas that you are not assigned it really causes you to be waylaid and to step out of destiny's timetable does that make sense? You see, when you are out on your own trying to fix things that are not to be of your concern that is just a tactic of the enemy to throw you off guard and spend all of your energy/effort in correcting something that you have no business correcting to begin with. Wasted time, thoughts, and plans you are spinning in your mind that will cause you to miss true direction. When you finally learn this lesson you will realize when the enemy is planting situations in your life to cause you to side track. Be sensitive and do not fall for this trap. It is so much easier to say I Don't Think So and go forth with destiny and not be pulled back with deception.
Offense comes in to play when someone may say something to you or about you that is not so or undeserving. The enemy would like to see you get all riled up and want to lash back at them in defense of yourself. Let go of it, walk away from it not just in body but in your mind also. Do not let it eat away at you but let it go and let God handle it and His judgement will be upon that person or group of people. Life is so valuable that there is no time to be bogged down with the cruel and cunning words that others speak to you or about you. The safest place to be is to not open the door to offense in your life and let God handle it, He is your defender. When you learn to overcome this, again you can silently say to yourself I do not receive this offense I have destiny that needs to be fulfilled and I do not have time to take offense and tie up my time that can better be utilized for the things of God that I am called to do.
Lessons learned in the past weeks, do not waste your time in areas where you are not suppose to be and try to fix them; and do not let others offend you. Fluff it off and remind yourself that your time can be better spent on important things rather than dwelling on petty, mere words that are spoken in ignorance by others. Try it it really does work and each time you say no thank you to meddling and accepting offense you get closer to destiny and a great peace you have as you choose to walk away from these distractions or better yet, traps placed before you to try and knock you off the path that God has you on. What would you rather have in your life...wasted time on trivial things or advancement in territory that you gain with God's hand upon you as He leads and directs your footsteps? The choice is really yours. Choose wisely.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Happy 1st Day Of Fall, My Favorite Season
Well, today ushers in my favorite season. That is Fall. I would be so happy if I were able to live 24/7 in Fall. If I had to choose a second favorite season it would be Spring but my all-time favorite is Fall. What about you? What is your favorite season? Where I live the leaves area beginning to turn color and I stopped today to take a picture of their beauty to share just with you. I am blessed to live in a region that when the leaves turn in their fullness of beauty it will be a sight so appealing to the senses. To see them up close or in the distance. I just know where I will be heading in a few weeks to the mountains. There is something spectacular about the scent that wafts in the air of the aroma of Fall and then the senses become more alive as you are able to take in the beauty of the breath-taking view of the trees in full color. Oh how I love Fall. Enjoy your first day of Fall too.
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| My creative picture artwork fits in with the Fall theme what do you think |
Monday, September 19, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
ODDLY ENOUGH, THIS IS THE SONG I AWOKE TO PLAYING IN MY MIND THURSDAY MORNING 9/15/11;, Kiss the Girl - The Little Mermaid (1989)
For whatever reason, this is the song I awoke to on Thursday morning that was playing in my mind. Do you ever wake up with a song playing inside of you? They usually are praise or worship songs that this happens with. I felt led to share it with you on Thursday. I never got around to it so I woke up Friday with the same intent. Time did not permit me to do so. I was gently reminded today to share it with you. Enjoy it, you see, even in cartoon movies true love wins. You gotta love a happy ending right.
Can You Kick Up Your Prayer Power A Notch, The Wheels Are Starting To Churn. Thank You So Very Much
Good day to you all. I am most thankful that there are those that will step forward and pray for others. Prayer is a good thing and a very good thing at that too. One cannot make it on their own without enlisting others to help them when prayer is needed. It is the proud person that thinks they can make it on their own to only find out that their pride was the very thing that kept them from attaining all that God had in store for their life. As I stated in my title today, the wheels are starting to churn. God does not just have a concern for your immediate plan in life He will also reveal to you what the future plans He has for you also. When you let go and let God create He is not in the business of just creating for the here and now He creates everything. Be open to His leading not in just today but let Him speak to your heart about tomorrow, next year and so forth.
I want to share a testimony with you today...When God places you somewhere He will cause you to flourish in that very position. It is not about the pay, hourly rate or salary you are receiving, if you think it is solely in that you are mistaken. When He places you somewhere you will flourish and not only that the co. you work for will flourish also. There may be a whole organization filled with unbelievers. There may be believers amongst the employees also. There may even be believers that say they are believers but if you observe their words, manners, actions you will find that they truly believe they are a believer but only God can judge that. Do not judge them for Jesus died for all so that we do not have to suffer in hell for all eternity. Your job is to not be concerned with their actions but to go to work and produce for your employer. There may be one or many that may be relaxing in their performance of duties but you do not follow the tide you stay firm and continue to bless your employer. That is biblical and God honors and blesses that.
Ethics are very important not just in your career life but in your life. If you say you are going to do something then do it. If you commit to something and others try to add more onto you or change the original commitment then you have to also stand up with love in your words and humility in your heart and say that is not what I agreed to. Do not back down for if you are stepping into areas that God did not open for you or call you to then you jeopardize the plan in your life. Why would you keep digging the same hole when you already hit the bottom and there is nothing to dig? Just for the sake of saying you are digging a hole? That makes no sense does it? The same with getting off of God's path for your life. People will try to take you from destiny because they do not want you to attain the greatness God has in your life. You see, they may not do it with malice in their heart. Does that make sense? Don't give in when God is not saying to go that route. Your first and only allegiance is to God, your creator, your defender, the one who knows you better than even you do.
I accepted a position with a company in April. When you show yourself to be diligent at work and to give it your best and follow through with integrity God will shine upon you. He really will. Not to swell your head or anything like that His grace and favor will be with you. It is not about you it is about Him in your life getting the glory for what He is doing. They ran a productivity report from January through July, now remember I just started in April. I ranked third in productivity. From that point forward they run a productivity report more frequent, I have been ranking 2nd in productivity. The most exciting report to me was a recent one. It is not about the actual number it is all about how close I was to the top producer with the co. They have been top producer consistently. I will not disclose actual figures to you I will just give you an example and you will see how close I trailed...to God be the glory. For the sake of this writing we will use these fictitious figures, top producer 0.25 mine 0.22. Do you see how close it was? Only God can get the glory for this.
A circumstance arose and I wanted to so badly say that if we worked just a little bit harder we could have completed a project we were working on. Instead of taking my focus off of my working and transfering my efforts into speaking this to them I chose to continue to keep on being diligent and not stop. It paid off, right to the very end. Sure enough in the final moments of the day I could have taken the time to express my thoughts, I didn't and I continued on and reached someone I was not able to reach earlier that day and sure enough I was able to complete another task before the end of my day. I was then able to know that I attained my own personal goal for that day's work. I am so glad I did not meddle and kept doing what I was paid to do. Giving it my best and not quiting or giving up. The type of work I am in I have found it is best to set your own goals each day. If you do not attain it yesterday then you work harder today to get what you did not get yesterday along with what you want to achieve today does that make sense.
God is awesome. You do not have to be in a high paying job to attain this. If you cultivate this type of work ethic in your lower salary, bracket position God knows that you will follow through in the higher paying positions also. Never let go of integrity or giving your employer all that you have to give in the work day for they are paying you to produce for them. Do not take for granted your employer for I am sure (in my heart)that they just know the employees that are sincere and are thankful to have work. You are to bless your employer with diligent work, strong work ethics, and you should be a blessing to them. If you worked for them as if you were working for God would you slack off, waste the day away with mindless stuff? God knows all, at all times, and sees all at all times too. Never despise your small beginnings for if you are faithful in the small things He will get to you the large things for He sees your character and the fruit that comes forth in your life. God is good all the time isn't He!
I want to share a testimony with you today...When God places you somewhere He will cause you to flourish in that very position. It is not about the pay, hourly rate or salary you are receiving, if you think it is solely in that you are mistaken. When He places you somewhere you will flourish and not only that the co. you work for will flourish also. There may be a whole organization filled with unbelievers. There may be believers amongst the employees also. There may even be believers that say they are believers but if you observe their words, manners, actions you will find that they truly believe they are a believer but only God can judge that. Do not judge them for Jesus died for all so that we do not have to suffer in hell for all eternity. Your job is to not be concerned with their actions but to go to work and produce for your employer. There may be one or many that may be relaxing in their performance of duties but you do not follow the tide you stay firm and continue to bless your employer. That is biblical and God honors and blesses that.
Ethics are very important not just in your career life but in your life. If you say you are going to do something then do it. If you commit to something and others try to add more onto you or change the original commitment then you have to also stand up with love in your words and humility in your heart and say that is not what I agreed to. Do not back down for if you are stepping into areas that God did not open for you or call you to then you jeopardize the plan in your life. Why would you keep digging the same hole when you already hit the bottom and there is nothing to dig? Just for the sake of saying you are digging a hole? That makes no sense does it? The same with getting off of God's path for your life. People will try to take you from destiny because they do not want you to attain the greatness God has in your life. You see, they may not do it with malice in their heart. Does that make sense? Don't give in when God is not saying to go that route. Your first and only allegiance is to God, your creator, your defender, the one who knows you better than even you do.
I accepted a position with a company in April. When you show yourself to be diligent at work and to give it your best and follow through with integrity God will shine upon you. He really will. Not to swell your head or anything like that His grace and favor will be with you. It is not about you it is about Him in your life getting the glory for what He is doing. They ran a productivity report from January through July, now remember I just started in April. I ranked third in productivity. From that point forward they run a productivity report more frequent, I have been ranking 2nd in productivity. The most exciting report to me was a recent one. It is not about the actual number it is all about how close I was to the top producer with the co. They have been top producer consistently. I will not disclose actual figures to you I will just give you an example and you will see how close I trailed...to God be the glory. For the sake of this writing we will use these fictitious figures, top producer 0.25 mine 0.22. Do you see how close it was? Only God can get the glory for this.
A circumstance arose and I wanted to so badly say that if we worked just a little bit harder we could have completed a project we were working on. Instead of taking my focus off of my working and transfering my efforts into speaking this to them I chose to continue to keep on being diligent and not stop. It paid off, right to the very end. Sure enough in the final moments of the day I could have taken the time to express my thoughts, I didn't and I continued on and reached someone I was not able to reach earlier that day and sure enough I was able to complete another task before the end of my day. I was then able to know that I attained my own personal goal for that day's work. I am so glad I did not meddle and kept doing what I was paid to do. Giving it my best and not quiting or giving up. The type of work I am in I have found it is best to set your own goals each day. If you do not attain it yesterday then you work harder today to get what you did not get yesterday along with what you want to achieve today does that make sense.
God is awesome. You do not have to be in a high paying job to attain this. If you cultivate this type of work ethic in your lower salary, bracket position God knows that you will follow through in the higher paying positions also. Never let go of integrity or giving your employer all that you have to give in the work day for they are paying you to produce for them. Do not take for granted your employer for I am sure (in my heart)that they just know the employees that are sincere and are thankful to have work. You are to bless your employer with diligent work, strong work ethics, and you should be a blessing to them. If you worked for them as if you were working for God would you slack off, waste the day away with mindless stuff? God knows all, at all times, and sees all at all times too. Never despise your small beginnings for if you are faithful in the small things He will get to you the large things for He sees your character and the fruit that comes forth in your life. God is good all the time isn't He!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
I Need Prayer Can You Help Me Please?
I am at a strategic crossroad in my life right now and I could use your prayer PLEASE. As you have seen throughout the days, months, and even years of viewing my blog, I do have talent and a heart to serve. I need to now place all that God has gifted me with in the arena of transferring it to employment. How will this happen? I have no idea but I do know that God creates opportunities and opens doors just created for that person to walk through. He connects people with other people to make it happen with the guidance of His hand. Do you believe that God does this? He does and has done this numerous times in my life, He really has. For some reason He likes to wait for just the right moment in my life to bring the glory right to Him. He is the one that connects hearts and people and situations to walk right into. I could go on and on and on listing these very events in my life He really does concern Himself with His people.
This is what I am up against...I have a matter of a few weeks to seek/secure a position which would allow me a higher income bracket to be in. You see, my mother is moving to this area and it is my responsibility to find housing for us. Her heart's desire is to be in the same region as both of her remaining children that are alive. I had two brothers that I have mentioned in previous writings that are no longer alive. God honors the prayers of mother's. He is really opening the doors for this move to take place on her end. I know He is a miracle creator and if He is opening the doors on her end He will surely open them on my end as well. For whatever reason He likes to bring me right to the edge when He is about to create in my life, He really does. I guess I have cultivated faith in my life enough so that He knows I will reflect back upon the numerous times He has come through in my life in a mighty way that there is never any doubt that it was Him orchestrating it all along. Let me tell you this, "standing on the edge" faith can be exhilarating and testing all at the same time. You see, it starts out as little faith in something you are believing in at first, then it happens. Then the next step in faith increases and continues to increase each time you are about to step into a closer portion of the plan of God for you very life.
Never look back on the simple faith beginnings in your life but always look upon them with tenderness and gratitude for it was that very simple first step in faith that has now brought you to your greater step in faith that you are experiencing right now or you will one day. In the meantime I have been searching for homes to rent in various areas along with my steady search for employment. Do not think that you will just wake up one day and boom it happens...faith is an action word. Part of the faith growing process is the fun you can have in the process. Each time you apply for a position, that may be the very one that God has in store for you. Every time you search out that home that may be or it may not be the very place for you. In this action process you are then weeding out the places you know are not for you and you will even find yourself just knowing when speaking with an interviewer that that is not the position for you. In those instances you can check them off of your list and move on.
Let me share this with you on the receiving end of the faith miracle in your life. When the job is just right and it is with the hand of God upon it, it will be so right you will just feel it deep down inside you really will. The position may be a challenge in your life but everything you put towards that challenge God will bless. So much so will He bless it that even when you leave that particular position people will still try to contact you to do business even months and years later. That in hindsight was God letting you know that He placed you there in that position to begin with. The same in the search for your home. There will be such a sense of peace and joy within you that you just know that is the place. You see, there are usually others that are connected with your miracle in faith. God knows the future and neighbors that live in the very neighborhood right now and neighbors to move into the neighborhood where He will place you. The same in reference to your job. He knows the very people you will be able to touch and reach out to with the love of Jesus inside of you. Some may be with just a smile or simple word of encouragement; some with acts of kindness; some may need prayer one day and you have the very faith to pray for that person; some may need salvation in their life or the life/lives of their loved ones. Trust in Jesus and let Holy Spirit lead you and you will attain what God has in store for you. Thank you in advance for your prayer.
This is what I am up against...I have a matter of a few weeks to seek/secure a position which would allow me a higher income bracket to be in. You see, my mother is moving to this area and it is my responsibility to find housing for us. Her heart's desire is to be in the same region as both of her remaining children that are alive. I had two brothers that I have mentioned in previous writings that are no longer alive. God honors the prayers of mother's. He is really opening the doors for this move to take place on her end. I know He is a miracle creator and if He is opening the doors on her end He will surely open them on my end as well. For whatever reason He likes to bring me right to the edge when He is about to create in my life, He really does. I guess I have cultivated faith in my life enough so that He knows I will reflect back upon the numerous times He has come through in my life in a mighty way that there is never any doubt that it was Him orchestrating it all along. Let me tell you this, "standing on the edge" faith can be exhilarating and testing all at the same time. You see, it starts out as little faith in something you are believing in at first, then it happens. Then the next step in faith increases and continues to increase each time you are about to step into a closer portion of the plan of God for you very life.
Never look back on the simple faith beginnings in your life but always look upon them with tenderness and gratitude for it was that very simple first step in faith that has now brought you to your greater step in faith that you are experiencing right now or you will one day. In the meantime I have been searching for homes to rent in various areas along with my steady search for employment. Do not think that you will just wake up one day and boom it happens...faith is an action word. Part of the faith growing process is the fun you can have in the process. Each time you apply for a position, that may be the very one that God has in store for you. Every time you search out that home that may be or it may not be the very place for you. In this action process you are then weeding out the places you know are not for you and you will even find yourself just knowing when speaking with an interviewer that that is not the position for you. In those instances you can check them off of your list and move on.
Let me share this with you on the receiving end of the faith miracle in your life. When the job is just right and it is with the hand of God upon it, it will be so right you will just feel it deep down inside you really will. The position may be a challenge in your life but everything you put towards that challenge God will bless. So much so will He bless it that even when you leave that particular position people will still try to contact you to do business even months and years later. That in hindsight was God letting you know that He placed you there in that position to begin with. The same in the search for your home. There will be such a sense of peace and joy within you that you just know that is the place. You see, there are usually others that are connected with your miracle in faith. God knows the future and neighbors that live in the very neighborhood right now and neighbors to move into the neighborhood where He will place you. The same in reference to your job. He knows the very people you will be able to touch and reach out to with the love of Jesus inside of you. Some may be with just a smile or simple word of encouragement; some with acts of kindness; some may need prayer one day and you have the very faith to pray for that person; some may need salvation in their life or the life/lives of their loved ones. Trust in Jesus and let Holy Spirit lead you and you will attain what God has in store for you. Thank you in advance for your prayer.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
This Goes Along With What I Wrote Yesterday
This is what I read today from my daily devotional, "Connect With God Devotional II" by Jentezen Franklin:
THERE'S POWER IN SACRIFICE
I remember you in my prayers at all times
Romans 1:9-10 NIV
"In the Old Testament tabernacle the altar of incense (prayer) was lit from the altar of sacrifice. It takes sacrifice to pray. A lady in her nineties, when asked how she was able to recall the names of people others had difficulty remembering, replied, "Because I pray for them each day." It's hard to forget somebody you're praying for, isn't it?
Paul sacrificed his will, his safety, and his comfort to serve the Lord and His people. His great success can be tied to the degree to which he gave his life for others.
There's power in sacrifice. The cross is the ultimate sacrifice-a the ultimate power. The degree to which you lay down your life for others, is the degree to which you will experience God's power in your daily living.
Peter says we are "a royal priesthood." Think about that. The priesthood is about intercession, and intercession is not about you. It's about others!
"But I'm trying to find myself," you say. Listen to Jesus, "Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself" (Mt 16:25 TM). Has God been speaking to you about the need to intercede for others? If so do it. That could be your calling. Listen, "I have posted watchmen on your walls...they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he...makes [whoever you're praying for]...the redeemed of the Lord" (Isa 62:6-7&12NIV). Keep praying. God will answer!"
THERE'S POWER IN SACRIFICE
I remember you in my prayers at all times
Romans 1:9-10 NIV
"In the Old Testament tabernacle the altar of incense (prayer) was lit from the altar of sacrifice. It takes sacrifice to pray. A lady in her nineties, when asked how she was able to recall the names of people others had difficulty remembering, replied, "Because I pray for them each day." It's hard to forget somebody you're praying for, isn't it?
Paul sacrificed his will, his safety, and his comfort to serve the Lord and His people. His great success can be tied to the degree to which he gave his life for others.
There's power in sacrifice. The cross is the ultimate sacrifice-a the ultimate power. The degree to which you lay down your life for others, is the degree to which you will experience God's power in your daily living.
Peter says we are "a royal priesthood." Think about that. The priesthood is about intercession, and intercession is not about you. It's about others!
"But I'm trying to find myself," you say. Listen to Jesus, "Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself" (Mt 16:25 TM). Has God been speaking to you about the need to intercede for others? If so do it. That could be your calling. Listen, "I have posted watchmen on your walls...they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he...makes [whoever you're praying for]...the redeemed of the Lord" (Isa 62:6-7&12NIV). Keep praying. God will answer!"
Monday, August 22, 2011
When God Speaks To Your Heart About Something Do Not Be Scared And Run From It. I Did And I Regret It Now.
Let me share with you something I have learned by learning it the hard way. First of all I would like to thank all of you that have read; continue to read; and those that will read my blog in the future. I have mentioned this before and shared with you that it was a pastor that encouraged me to write this very blog. I have known for many years that I have a passion for writing. I started with writing in journals and then advanced to writing at a keyboard and saving the dated writings. Those were the days leading up to me writing and at times videotaping for this blog. Thank you Pastor Troy for your continual encouragement to me to keep writing the blog. He told me that I should keep writing even if it was for one person to read what was written I was in obedience to Holy Spirit. As of today there have been over 3,000 views from around the world reading what I write. Thank you for all the glory goes to God, for it is He that inspires me to write and to share with you. I have found that I will write on a subject and prior to writing about it I had experiences and seen examples. Once all that I needed to experience and see was just the right amount needed to write then Holy Spirit draws me to write and it is the neatest thing. He creates through me and compiles it with bringing remembrance to my mind and the very moment to add it to the writing. Never take your daily experiences for granted for your today experience just may be able to help someone tomorrow. I recently saw a show and the person wrote in a journal and a newspaper journalist asked this question of her, "Would you continue to write even if you knew no one would read it?" I found myself saying "yes" to that for it really is a passion of mine. He asked that question to let her know that she was a writer because she answered yes to that question.
A few years ago a great opportunity was presented to me. Things were good and I felt inside that was the place where I was to truly be. Something happened in which I got nervous and I stepped in to alter what should have been. You see, Holy Spirit spoke something to my heart and I was just not willing to deal with it then. I am not sure if it was in part that I thought maybe the enemy was trying to speak something to me to get me off the path that God laid before me or if I was not ready to receive what God had for me. How many of you out there tend to botch things up when you are so close to destiny? Not to sabotage yourself intentionally, it is a nervous reaction to guard you from failure. I knew enough after stepping back for a few weeks that it was God and I sought out counsel for it. The dilemma I created was I had to back track and save face and come up with a reason why I shunned it the first time. That little making up of an excuse that sounded good was not a good thing to do. It did not bring glory to God it just sounded good. I then began to feel conviction from Holy Spirit to share the main reason why I pulled back to begin with. It was a partial coming clean so to speak. It was not until recently when I questioned something in someones life that Holy Spirit reminded me that I was in the same boat for not sharing completely the real reason. I am not good at this at times, how do you share with someone what God spoke to your heart without them thinking this is overload with what you are saying Holy Spirit spoke to your heart.
Be cautious not to make the same mistake I made. God speaks to your heart and you then deny it, even if it is only in part does that place you then into the category of being a liar? God cannot lie and if He spoke it it is, so it must be you that is the liar for not believing it. Either He spoke it to you or not. Until I realized this recently I was in the category of those that will burn in the lake of fire for liars are in that very category. It would have been so much easier for me to just say it up front and not have to wait years to say it. I really loved what I was doing back then and because of me being cautious I prolonged me operating in what came to me naturally. I put off meeting people that God already had lined up for me to speak and share with. I missed valuable training I would have received. I missed success I would have attained. Everything was postponed and did I then cause myself to fall back on God's timeline He had set aside just for me? I would venture to say yes all for what? Some notion of fear. Why when you are in those moments you cannot start speaking to the enemy Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world?
When you share from your heart with another what Holy Spirit has spoke to your heart they will know and just know that you heard from God, they really will. Do not do like I did and run but never tire of sharing what God has put in your heart OK. I try to write and share with you so you do not have to experience these things. On the other hand I also share with you the valuable things I have learned to help you along on your journey also. Things that have been taught to me throughout the years that I have found to be true and helpful to you also. Please forgive me if I ever missed a moment to share because I was tired, hungry, missing home, or overwhelmed with life that day or thinking about what I have to do in the near future too.
Be blessed and do not hold a grudge OK. Do not let the sun go down with anger in you heart against one who maybe panicked in the moment and that moment decision caused you to possibly be thrown off of your life timeline with destiny with God. We are not totally spiritual we are human too. That is no excuse but it is true. We would all love to walk in the spirit 24/7 but at times we mess up and have to ask forgiveness of God and from others too. Be gentle with these people when they ask your forgiveness for there will always be those in your life that will be gentle with you when you ask their forgiveness of you.
How do you re-capture what was lost? I do not have the answer to that sorry. At least not for now. Maybe Holy Spirit or another person will tell me the answer to that.
A few years ago a great opportunity was presented to me. Things were good and I felt inside that was the place where I was to truly be. Something happened in which I got nervous and I stepped in to alter what should have been. You see, Holy Spirit spoke something to my heart and I was just not willing to deal with it then. I am not sure if it was in part that I thought maybe the enemy was trying to speak something to me to get me off the path that God laid before me or if I was not ready to receive what God had for me. How many of you out there tend to botch things up when you are so close to destiny? Not to sabotage yourself intentionally, it is a nervous reaction to guard you from failure. I knew enough after stepping back for a few weeks that it was God and I sought out counsel for it. The dilemma I created was I had to back track and save face and come up with a reason why I shunned it the first time. That little making up of an excuse that sounded good was not a good thing to do. It did not bring glory to God it just sounded good. I then began to feel conviction from Holy Spirit to share the main reason why I pulled back to begin with. It was a partial coming clean so to speak. It was not until recently when I questioned something in someones life that Holy Spirit reminded me that I was in the same boat for not sharing completely the real reason. I am not good at this at times, how do you share with someone what God spoke to your heart without them thinking this is overload with what you are saying Holy Spirit spoke to your heart.
Be cautious not to make the same mistake I made. God speaks to your heart and you then deny it, even if it is only in part does that place you then into the category of being a liar? God cannot lie and if He spoke it it is, so it must be you that is the liar for not believing it. Either He spoke it to you or not. Until I realized this recently I was in the category of those that will burn in the lake of fire for liars are in that very category. It would have been so much easier for me to just say it up front and not have to wait years to say it. I really loved what I was doing back then and because of me being cautious I prolonged me operating in what came to me naturally. I put off meeting people that God already had lined up for me to speak and share with. I missed valuable training I would have received. I missed success I would have attained. Everything was postponed and did I then cause myself to fall back on God's timeline He had set aside just for me? I would venture to say yes all for what? Some notion of fear. Why when you are in those moments you cannot start speaking to the enemy Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world?
When you share from your heart with another what Holy Spirit has spoke to your heart they will know and just know that you heard from God, they really will. Do not do like I did and run but never tire of sharing what God has put in your heart OK. I try to write and share with you so you do not have to experience these things. On the other hand I also share with you the valuable things I have learned to help you along on your journey also. Things that have been taught to me throughout the years that I have found to be true and helpful to you also. Please forgive me if I ever missed a moment to share because I was tired, hungry, missing home, or overwhelmed with life that day or thinking about what I have to do in the near future too.
Be blessed and do not hold a grudge OK. Do not let the sun go down with anger in you heart against one who maybe panicked in the moment and that moment decision caused you to possibly be thrown off of your life timeline with destiny with God. We are not totally spiritual we are human too. That is no excuse but it is true. We would all love to walk in the spirit 24/7 but at times we mess up and have to ask forgiveness of God and from others too. Be gentle with these people when they ask your forgiveness for there will always be those in your life that will be gentle with you when you ask their forgiveness of you.
How do you re-capture what was lost? I do not have the answer to that sorry. At least not for now. Maybe Holy Spirit or another person will tell me the answer to that.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
This Is A Combination Writing Of 8/1/11 & 8/18/11
There's a message within a message-I arose at 4:48AM to pray in the spirit. I prayed and at the end of the day I found that my car would not start. AAA was late in coming to jump start the car. It was extremely humid and hot this day and most uncomfortable waiting. It was in the waiting that Holy Spirit nudged me that even though I was praying for another there is a message within a message. I have no idea what I prayed for the individual but right now Holy Spirit is giving the message within the message which it means. Even though I prayed over a hour or so it was the obedience in prayer that Holy Spirit is looking for.
You see, this is something new for me, I always thought that when you were nudged to pray in the spirit it was just for that person. He is revealing to me now that there was an interpretation.
Today is 8/18/11 and I now receive that interpretation from praying on 8/1/11. There was not time to receive the interpretation that day for as soon as I got home I had to get another jump start to allow me to go to the auto parts store where I had a warranty on the battery and get a new battery.
As time progresses you need to take caution even more-so than in days back when. For you see there are those directly assigned to go after you and take your anointing away from you. They cannot take it for it is I- the son of the living God that gives it and no man can take that away from you. They do have power to bring discouragement to you which can cause you to let your guard down and allow the enemy in to attack. Keep girded up with the word of God; be in prayer; and keep that worship song in your heart.
As the enemy approaches speak forth that the destiny designed just for your very life is not completed and you are in process and nothing can or will stop that destiny seeing fruition.
Do not be afraid but rejoice when you see the enemy on your shirt tales for he knows he can't touch you without you letting your guard down. He can taunt you or set up "near-miss" situations in your life. But remember I have angels on guard around you. They are there to work with you-work with them and see what gets accomplished saith the Lord of Hosts.
Let me share an example with you that happened this very morning today. I was on the road and everything seemed to be fine until...the car ahead of me slammed on their brakes to avoid getting hit by an on coming van that wanted to make a left hand turn before the car approached their path.
Instantly I braked with much clearance distance between me and the car ahead of me and there was no car tailing me to slam into me.
I do not know what the driver of the van was even thinking, they had a child in the van and it appeared to be they were dropping them off at school. Well guess what, they made the turn but missed the driveway they should have turned into. They went up the curb and onto the school lawn. I saw the look of the child in the front seat as they were turning it was one of those looks like, What is happening.
You see, I was not judging in the moment I gave thanks to the angels that were there to help me-they did. I then had empathy for the driver of the van and prayed Lord help them let it be all right for them. More so, possibly having to face humiliation with missing the driveway and a near miss hit with a car and to then be parked on the school lawn as other children were being dropped off at school.
Lesson in all of this...slow down life is too precious to miss all that God has for your life. Don't rush it through but live the moments He set aside just for your life. Remember, here today-gone tomorrow. What have you rushed along in your life that caused you to step out of line with God's plan for you? Ask forgiveness and get right back on the path/timeline He created for your very life. Amen.
You see, this is something new for me, I always thought that when you were nudged to pray in the spirit it was just for that person. He is revealing to me now that there was an interpretation.
Today is 8/18/11 and I now receive that interpretation from praying on 8/1/11. There was not time to receive the interpretation that day for as soon as I got home I had to get another jump start to allow me to go to the auto parts store where I had a warranty on the battery and get a new battery.
As time progresses you need to take caution even more-so than in days back when. For you see there are those directly assigned to go after you and take your anointing away from you. They cannot take it for it is I- the son of the living God that gives it and no man can take that away from you. They do have power to bring discouragement to you which can cause you to let your guard down and allow the enemy in to attack. Keep girded up with the word of God; be in prayer; and keep that worship song in your heart.
As the enemy approaches speak forth that the destiny designed just for your very life is not completed and you are in process and nothing can or will stop that destiny seeing fruition.
Do not be afraid but rejoice when you see the enemy on your shirt tales for he knows he can't touch you without you letting your guard down. He can taunt you or set up "near-miss" situations in your life. But remember I have angels on guard around you. They are there to work with you-work with them and see what gets accomplished saith the Lord of Hosts.
Let me share an example with you that happened this very morning today. I was on the road and everything seemed to be fine until...the car ahead of me slammed on their brakes to avoid getting hit by an on coming van that wanted to make a left hand turn before the car approached their path.
Instantly I braked with much clearance distance between me and the car ahead of me and there was no car tailing me to slam into me.
I do not know what the driver of the van was even thinking, they had a child in the van and it appeared to be they were dropping them off at school. Well guess what, they made the turn but missed the driveway they should have turned into. They went up the curb and onto the school lawn. I saw the look of the child in the front seat as they were turning it was one of those looks like, What is happening.
You see, I was not judging in the moment I gave thanks to the angels that were there to help me-they did. I then had empathy for the driver of the van and prayed Lord help them let it be all right for them. More so, possibly having to face humiliation with missing the driveway and a near miss hit with a car and to then be parked on the school lawn as other children were being dropped off at school.
Lesson in all of this...slow down life is too precious to miss all that God has for your life. Don't rush it through but live the moments He set aside just for your life. Remember, here today-gone tomorrow. What have you rushed along in your life that caused you to step out of line with God's plan for you? Ask forgiveness and get right back on the path/timeline He created for your very life. Amen.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
August 18th Is The Day That God Called Me Forth To Breathe My First Breath Of Life Outside My Mother's Womb
Something wonderful happened on August 18th. That was the day that I was called forth into the world to breathe my first breath of life outside of my mother's womb. I was welcomed into the world by the destiny that God set aside just for me to fulfill in my life. As you probably have figured out by now I love to read. Being a reader, sometime's I like to jump ahead and read a chapter or so randomly in a book I am reading. Sometimes there is knowledge in that chapter that you may not get to until the future. Well, today may be the day I need the information in that very chapter right?
I jumped ahead on reading my daily devotional and read several days in advance a few days ago. I liked what I was to read on August 18th. I liked it so much that I am going to share it with all of you. May you be blessed in the reading of this also along with me. Taken from "Connect With God Vol II" by Jentezen Franklin:
"DON'T MISS WHAT GOD'S GOT FOR YOU1
Let him...on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house.
Matthew 24:17
The bible uses words like straightway, immediately and suddenly, to remind us that when God moves, He does it quickly. He doesn't announce it with trumpets and fanfare, so you need to stay prepared; especially for something you've been waiting for a long time. God actually moves so quickly that one day you'll feel like you're going through hell, and the next like you're seated in heavenly places. And in both instances it's "God which worketh in you" (Php2:13).
Stay alert! You may be just a moment away from the answer you've been seeking. That's all the time it takes for God to change things. Don't let procrastination steal your opportunity. Listen, "Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house" (Mt 24:17). You've got to decide if you're going to to with what God has for you now, or return to the house-because your unfinished business can cause you to miss it.
Others may also cause you to miss your opportunity. A sick man missed his healing for thirty-eight years because he waited for others to act. He said, "I have no one to help" (Jn 5:7 NLT). For years he sat beside the solution, but others caused him to miss it.
Nothing is more important than what God wants to say to you and do for you today; not what's going on in your house; not the opinions of others. All that matters is being ready to receive what He has for you!"
I jumped ahead on reading my daily devotional and read several days in advance a few days ago. I liked what I was to read on August 18th. I liked it so much that I am going to share it with all of you. May you be blessed in the reading of this also along with me. Taken from "Connect With God Vol II" by Jentezen Franklin:
"DON'T MISS WHAT GOD'S GOT FOR YOU1
Let him...on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house.
Matthew 24:17
The bible uses words like straightway, immediately and suddenly, to remind us that when God moves, He does it quickly. He doesn't announce it with trumpets and fanfare, so you need to stay prepared; especially for something you've been waiting for a long time. God actually moves so quickly that one day you'll feel like you're going through hell, and the next like you're seated in heavenly places. And in both instances it's "God which worketh in you" (Php2:13).
Stay alert! You may be just a moment away from the answer you've been seeking. That's all the time it takes for God to change things. Don't let procrastination steal your opportunity. Listen, "Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house" (Mt 24:17). You've got to decide if you're going to to with what God has for you now, or return to the house-because your unfinished business can cause you to miss it.
Others may also cause you to miss your opportunity. A sick man missed his healing for thirty-eight years because he waited for others to act. He said, "I have no one to help" (Jn 5:7 NLT). For years he sat beside the solution, but others caused him to miss it.
Nothing is more important than what God wants to say to you and do for you today; not what's going on in your house; not the opinions of others. All that matters is being ready to receive what He has for you!"