Expecting…
Today as in long ago we wait for the Lord. We await His direction. We await His healing, we await miracles, we await His Soon Return. We wait for Him. Sometimes it seems as though He will never show up. What we often forget in times of waiting is that God is already right there on the scene. We just have to trust.
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings as eagles.
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.
Whenever we are asked to wait we often have an ungodly response. These are the days of speed dial, microwave, texting all giving us immediate gratification. Therefore when God causes us to wait, we become impatient, full of strife, bitter and disobedient. We must not categorize the workings of God into the world of speed which we now live. If we try to do so, He will not fit, and our mind will become disillusioned to the supernatural power and will of God. Waiting on the Lord is an act of obedience. God commands us to wait upon Him. Contrary to popular opinion, waiting is not an act of irresponsibility. It is meeting a requirement of the Word of God. To wait patiently upon God requires us to have a trusting heart and patience in the works of His hands. He does not work on our time frame, nor will He be manipulated into releasing a blessing unto us sooner than He is ready to give. He will not bend or bow to our will or circumstances. He works in His timing and in His readiness. To wait upon Him faithfully requires confident humility. The time of waiting when we feel He is not working fast enough can be brutal if we spend it in bitter frustration. We are living in the moments of fear and loss, feeling the pain of eminent destruction and until we yield to His hand and accept His will and let Him be in control we will never experience that peace which passeth all understanding which He so readily gives in our times of struggle. There are no loopholes or shortcuts in the waiting on God times! We must do it obediently as He requires keeping all diligence and faith in Him, keeping our inextinguishable fire of hope alive and burning… no matter what the situation looks like to our mortal eye. Do not lose hope, wait upon Him… He will show up! And He will be all that He as promised... Just as He was the Promised Messiah.. He will be whatever is promised to you!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The All Seeing, All Knowing Eye of God
As soon as I awoke this morning I heard Dan praying in the other room.
In a little bit he came in with an opened Bible and gave me this scripture to read.
Matthew 7: 7-11
“Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone, or if he ask a fish will he give him a serpent. If ye then being evil know how to give good things unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”
(This was very encouraging to Dan especially this morning because he has been doing a job he hates for another man who is starting his own business, simply because that is all that has opened up.)
Then on the way to work while meditating on that scripture God gave me a vision/revelation.
He took me up to a high mountain and showed me where we would end up, and then told me to look at the pathway down the mountain below me.
Below me in the form of stepping stones going up the side of the mountain were all the gifts, sacrifices, secret donations and offerings we had given going from many years back, of which I was accused yesterday of not having “shown up” to give. The sizes of the gifts were in direct proportion to my sacrifice, not necessarily in proportion to the tangible value of the gift !
The Lord spoke to me while holding my hand and said, “ Sometimes humanity puts himself in a position as your judge and he forgets that he should be your encourager instead of your judge. He only sees what the human eye can see and forgets he is not your all knowing God! Don’t hold it against him. He is frail and human. On the other hand I have seen your labors of love, and I am not man that looks upon you to judge you; I do not look for your face, I look directly to your heart! I am the all seeing, all knowing eye. I am the rewarder and man cannot see what I have seen. Because you have not judged another and have submitted yourself to this journey, I will exalt you to this high place in due season, and people will know, this was my plan all along. Remain steadfast, and I will make sure every sacrifice becomes another stepping stone for you and yours to reach this pinnacle I have created for you to reside at. Those who have falsely judged you will stand in awe of MY Glory, and will be astounded at the works of MY hands. I do have a plan, and it is being fulfilled! The Promise I gave you will be realized for I am not man that I can lie.”
I am so glad I laid a few stepping stones along the way! Remember every kindness you show toward another may just be your pathway out of a long and lonely road, so make every gift/ sacrifice/kindness count!
I don’t have a clue where God is taking us, but I do trust him completely. He has shown us in so many ways He has his hand upon us. He is taking us through this journey. It is not “of the devil”, nor is it of man”, It is a place that He is leading us into. When it is a “GOD” thing, I have learned from past experience, attacks will come on every angle because the enemy will try to stop God’s handiwork.
But God will make a way of escape for every attack! Every judgement he will counteract! He will send encouragement in ways you cannot imagine. Almost daily the last two weeks we have had people contact us saying that they were overwhelmingly gripped by a spirit of prayer for us and that they prayed things in the spirit that they had no control over! That is God in His most AWESOMENESS! We have had many people give us the same exact scripture to stand on! (Hebrews 10: 35-37 )
This is definitely God’s promise to us because it is the exact scripture Bro. Hollie has told us to stand on.
So if you are going through a struggle, and feel like there is no end, just allow God to take you up to the mountain and show you some things. Submit to the journey. Release the anger, and frustration, and bitterness, and be willing to take the journey. God is the all seeing, all knowing eye.
Expect the following:
• You will be tempted to hide from everyone.
• You will feel like no one understands or even cares about your demise.
• You will feel like some are celebrating in your struggle.
• You will notice attacks coming from unsuspecting places.
• Your mind will play tricks on you.
• You will feel abandoned by those who should be rallying around you.
• You will not necessarily receive encouragement from those you have been the most supportive of.
• You will feel let down, overlooked, underappreciated and even completely unloved.
Strengthen your faith by the following:
• Don’t quit the fight. No matter what! Just DON”T QUIT!
• Remind yourself that it’s a day by day struggle! At your lowest points there is only one way - Up!
• Be open to encouragement. Whether it is intelligent encouragement or not!
• Be gracious to everyone! Other people really do hurt to see your hurt.
• Don’t throw away love from anyone!
• Be more faithful than ever to encourage others.
• If possible don’t allow anything to keep you from the House of God. It is your filling station! If you cannot come to church due to illness, listen to CD’s, Internet, any preaching you can find.
• Give your tithe, and don’t forget your offerings.
• Enter into your prayer closet daily!
• Sleep with your Bible!
• Find someone you can vent to that is not in your immediate family! They are in the battle too!
• A friend who is wise and a prayer warrior!
• Don’t buy into the pity party! It is a waste of time and energy!
• Eat chocolate!
• Sing Songs, listen to uplifting music!
• Surround yourself with reminders of God’s goodness.
• Give , give, give! Send cards of encouragement to others, Reach out past yourself!
• Keep your eyes on Jesus!
• Put the song “STAND” by Donnie McClurkin on your Ipod! Or buy the CD The Essential Donnie McClurkin
• STAND!
In a little bit he came in with an opened Bible and gave me this scripture to read.
Matthew 7: 7-11
“Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone, or if he ask a fish will he give him a serpent. If ye then being evil know how to give good things unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”
(This was very encouraging to Dan especially this morning because he has been doing a job he hates for another man who is starting his own business, simply because that is all that has opened up.)
Then on the way to work while meditating on that scripture God gave me a vision/revelation.
He took me up to a high mountain and showed me where we would end up, and then told me to look at the pathway down the mountain below me.
Below me in the form of stepping stones going up the side of the mountain were all the gifts, sacrifices, secret donations and offerings we had given going from many years back, of which I was accused yesterday of not having “shown up” to give. The sizes of the gifts were in direct proportion to my sacrifice, not necessarily in proportion to the tangible value of the gift !
The Lord spoke to me while holding my hand and said, “ Sometimes humanity puts himself in a position as your judge and he forgets that he should be your encourager instead of your judge. He only sees what the human eye can see and forgets he is not your all knowing God! Don’t hold it against him. He is frail and human. On the other hand I have seen your labors of love, and I am not man that looks upon you to judge you; I do not look for your face, I look directly to your heart! I am the all seeing, all knowing eye. I am the rewarder and man cannot see what I have seen. Because you have not judged another and have submitted yourself to this journey, I will exalt you to this high place in due season, and people will know, this was my plan all along. Remain steadfast, and I will make sure every sacrifice becomes another stepping stone for you and yours to reach this pinnacle I have created for you to reside at. Those who have falsely judged you will stand in awe of MY Glory, and will be astounded at the works of MY hands. I do have a plan, and it is being fulfilled! The Promise I gave you will be realized for I am not man that I can lie.”
I am so glad I laid a few stepping stones along the way! Remember every kindness you show toward another may just be your pathway out of a long and lonely road, so make every gift/ sacrifice/kindness count!
I don’t have a clue where God is taking us, but I do trust him completely. He has shown us in so many ways He has his hand upon us. He is taking us through this journey. It is not “of the devil”, nor is it of man”, It is a place that He is leading us into. When it is a “GOD” thing, I have learned from past experience, attacks will come on every angle because the enemy will try to stop God’s handiwork.
But God will make a way of escape for every attack! Every judgement he will counteract! He will send encouragement in ways you cannot imagine. Almost daily the last two weeks we have had people contact us saying that they were overwhelmingly gripped by a spirit of prayer for us and that they prayed things in the spirit that they had no control over! That is God in His most AWESOMENESS! We have had many people give us the same exact scripture to stand on! (Hebrews 10: 35-37 )
This is definitely God’s promise to us because it is the exact scripture Bro. Hollie has told us to stand on.
So if you are going through a struggle, and feel like there is no end, just allow God to take you up to the mountain and show you some things. Submit to the journey. Release the anger, and frustration, and bitterness, and be willing to take the journey. God is the all seeing, all knowing eye.
Expect the following:
• You will be tempted to hide from everyone.
• You will feel like no one understands or even cares about your demise.
• You will feel like some are celebrating in your struggle.
• You will notice attacks coming from unsuspecting places.
• Your mind will play tricks on you.
• You will feel abandoned by those who should be rallying around you.
• You will not necessarily receive encouragement from those you have been the most supportive of.
• You will feel let down, overlooked, underappreciated and even completely unloved.
Strengthen your faith by the following:
• Don’t quit the fight. No matter what! Just DON”T QUIT!
• Remind yourself that it’s a day by day struggle! At your lowest points there is only one way - Up!
• Be open to encouragement. Whether it is intelligent encouragement or not!
• Be gracious to everyone! Other people really do hurt to see your hurt.
• Don’t throw away love from anyone!
• Be more faithful than ever to encourage others.
• If possible don’t allow anything to keep you from the House of God. It is your filling station! If you cannot come to church due to illness, listen to CD’s, Internet, any preaching you can find.
• Give your tithe, and don’t forget your offerings.
• Enter into your prayer closet daily!
• Sleep with your Bible!
• Find someone you can vent to that is not in your immediate family! They are in the battle too!
• A friend who is wise and a prayer warrior!
• Don’t buy into the pity party! It is a waste of time and energy!
• Eat chocolate!
• Sing Songs, listen to uplifting music!
• Surround yourself with reminders of God’s goodness.
• Give , give, give! Send cards of encouragement to others, Reach out past yourself!
• Keep your eyes on Jesus!
• Put the song “STAND” by Donnie McClurkin on your Ipod! Or buy the CD The Essential Donnie McClurkin
• STAND!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Immanuel - "God With Us!"
We walk through our daily lives seldom mindful of the One who walks beside us! In the struggle and stress of the daily grind we do not even realize that He is as close to us as the mention of His name! And we only call upon Him when in a crisis! If we could just break down that wall of forgetfulness and realize and know that He is walking right along beside us. Everywhere we go, He is there. He is our “very present help!” Our constant friend and companion ever watching out for our good! There are days we wake up and just expect everything to go wrong simply because we feel bad or didn’t get enough sleep, and generally we were right! But if we could wake up with the thought every morning that… “He is here with me... it’s going to be ok!” we would experience much better days! He has promised us through His Word, and said it so many different ways… yet still we forget! Still we feel alone. That was not His intent when He created man! He wanted to walk with His creation! It is only man that learned how to hide! God is not hidden from us! He said “I will walk among you and be your God” Leviticus 26:12
Hebrews 13: 5
I will never leave thee
Joshua 1:5 as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee;
I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee
Deut 20:1
The Lord thy God is with thee
Deut 31: 6,8
For the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee
Matt 1:23
Immanuel…God with us!
Hebrews 13: 5
I will never leave thee
Joshua 1:5 as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee;
I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee
Deut 20:1
The Lord thy God is with thee
Deut 31: 6,8
For the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee
Matt 1:23
Immanuel…God with us!
Friday, September 25, 2009
God's Promises NEVER Fail!
In the middle of your darkest storm do not forget that God has given you very specific promises!
He will never leave you nor forsake you even in your loneliness.
He will not put more on you than you can bear even when you’re under the load.
He will be your comforter even in the discomfort.
He will be your provider even in the times of poverty.
He will be your healer even in the sickness.
He will give you mercy, even in your unworthiness.
He will be your light in the middle of your darkness.
He will be your strength in your weakness.
He will walk beside you, and in front of you, and on each side, and behind -
and carry you all at the same time.
He will give you peace that surpasses what your mind can understand!
He will not let you be utterly destroyed even in the midst of destruction!
Without the promises of God, faith has no leg to stand on, but when He has once promised to be your all in all, you can walk in faith and not by sight! You just stand on the Promises of God even though the howling winds of fear assail! By the Living Word OF God You Shall Prevail! Standing on the Promises of GOD!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Being An Inspiration
Was told just a day or so back that God was using our circumstances and us in ways we do not understand to lead others! Well guess I'd better get out the old 2x4s and shore up my backbone then! Feeling a little 'Stooped' by the weight! So many of our church families are going through struggles such as this, and many have lost their jobs. They feel destitute with nothing to look forward to. We have the most precious gift that I have just realized as I am typing this... We have something to occupy our thoughts and time, and have a beautiful reminder that life goes on and that this too shall pass! That being a wonderful beautiful daughter, that is marrying an absolutely fantastic amazing man! Thank the Lord for this Wedding that we can concentrate on. Thank God in Heaven that my husband had the foresight to put the money for it aside and that provision for it is made! Wow. What a blessing! My heart is overwhelmed with Gladness and I must stop for a moment to Thank Him...
.....................You KNOW whats going on right now...lol!.....................
Feeling very enlightened!
We have been thinking... what horrible timing... but now I see it more clearly...It is the most perfect timing! We can throw ourselves into the joy of preparing for this day knowing that God will bless this marriage, and use it for HIS glory!
So....I guess if people need to watch us go through this and gain strength I will be a willing vessel! May as well make good use of my 'front and center' position to give Him glory!
People are watching anyway so why not be a strength to them?
I don't want to be one of the wailers, that is not my style anyway... So I shall lift my head high... slap that smile on my face.. at ALL times... rejoice and be glad in HIM! and... this too shall pass... (the storm... not the joy!)
If my daughter could dance so beautifully to the song "Blessed be the Name" at the lowest point of her life... then I can definitely sail through this stormy little breeze! So... here we go.... this is how ya do it...
May be a little bumpy at times, but if you fall, you get back up again and laugh about it! Regardless of the bloody knee! You LAUGH... YOU SQUEEZE JOY out of every moment! You refuse the ... "mullygrubs" ... and you get on with the business of Worshiping your King!
We are not alone... we have a PROVIDER who walks with us! 4 people have spoken to us about doors! Now I know that is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear of someone losing a job... but it is NOT the first thing that comes to mind when you are the one having lost it! The reminder was perfect timing. Sis. Stanley spoke to me of a door an hour after this lay off happened! One person told us that God showed them that He needed to close one door in order for us to walk through the better door He has prepared for us! Now we just have to find that door... eh.... ever been in a maze full of doors, or a maze of funny mirrored walls... that is what is like... so it's an adventure... here we go... Wheeeeee! See you on the other side.... and When God steps on board.. your boat is already on the other side of the storm!
I need to end this rambling of thoughts but they are coming fast and furious!
Thank you God for INSPIRING me and leading the way out of this maze!
.....................You KNOW whats going on right now...lol!.....................
Feeling very enlightened!
We have been thinking... what horrible timing... but now I see it more clearly...It is the most perfect timing! We can throw ourselves into the joy of preparing for this day knowing that God will bless this marriage, and use it for HIS glory!
So....I guess if people need to watch us go through this and gain strength I will be a willing vessel! May as well make good use of my 'front and center' position to give Him glory!
People are watching anyway so why not be a strength to them?
I don't want to be one of the wailers, that is not my style anyway... So I shall lift my head high... slap that smile on my face.. at ALL times... rejoice and be glad in HIM! and... this too shall pass... (the storm... not the joy!)
If my daughter could dance so beautifully to the song "Blessed be the Name" at the lowest point of her life... then I can definitely sail through this stormy little breeze! So... here we go.... this is how ya do it...
May be a little bumpy at times, but if you fall, you get back up again and laugh about it! Regardless of the bloody knee! You LAUGH... YOU SQUEEZE JOY out of every moment! You refuse the ... "mullygrubs" ... and you get on with the business of Worshiping your King!
We are not alone... we have a PROVIDER who walks with us! 4 people have spoken to us about doors! Now I know that is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear of someone losing a job... but it is NOT the first thing that comes to mind when you are the one having lost it! The reminder was perfect timing. Sis. Stanley spoke to me of a door an hour after this lay off happened! One person told us that God showed them that He needed to close one door in order for us to walk through the better door He has prepared for us! Now we just have to find that door... eh.... ever been in a maze full of doors, or a maze of funny mirrored walls... that is what is like... so it's an adventure... here we go... Wheeeeee! See you on the other side.... and When God steps on board.. your boat is already on the other side of the storm!
I need to end this rambling of thoughts but they are coming fast and furious!
Thank you God for INSPIRING me and leading the way out of this maze!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Blind Sided!
Wow! Did not see that one coming! Still in complete shock! I wake up every morning thinking... what an awful dream... only to come to the slow sickening awakening that it is not a dream! Then you get up... slap yourself in the face with some cold water, and begin taking one step at a time!
Dan went to work on Friday morning. September the 2nd, whistling and singing, happy as a lark as is normal with "morning people!" only to be called into the office and be told that he was laid off! The company had no more money to pay him! His pay stopped officially at noon on Friday! All his commissions for jobs coming up that he had sold and that we were depending on... gone... nothing... nada... zilch! Heh... uh... what? Repeat that please?
And so the process begins.... As this has never happened to us before we had no idea at what step to take next, so as we begin to do what we think we should do... every step is a hassle.. you have to make phone calls to creditors... but there are no people to talk to ... If you want a change of address press one.... If you are in a tailspin..... press two....you have chosen an incorrect option... lol! and on and on... We spent one entire day on the phone! Wow! You just cannot imagine the stresses that pile upon you in just trying to get through this maze.. not to even mention the fact of unemployment, no pay... and all the fears that come along with it!
And you really wish you could get through it with no one knowing.. but you have so involved people in your life because we need each other, that there is no possible way to keep it quiet... then comes the embarrassment, the feelings of inadequacy, blow to ego.. all that junk! You know people will understand.. but there are always those few "talkers" who are just mean spirited that you have to deal with!
And then comes the encouragers! The... "If you need anything, let us know" haha... we have no paycheck coming in... pretty obvious what we're gonna need! And who has any extra of that lying around? haha!
There are those that do not know what to say so they look down, and walk by really quickly...and you just smile because you have been in that same positon... it's really awkward! Then there's the "Everything's gonna be alright!" ... how do you know? I have said that a million times to people when I didn't know what I was saying! And you stand there and smile... thinking of the 15th of the month when the biggies come due, and there will be no deposit!
And so far this is my very favorite...."What are you going to do?" haha! If I knew the answer to that... well I guess I do....
This is what we are going to do:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. Lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path!"
That's it! That is all we can do!
It's your's Lord! You are all we know! You are really all we have! Everything else slips through our fingers one way or another, no matter how hard you work for it, and no matter how tight you try to hold onto it! But Thou oh Lord are a shield for me. My glory and the lifter of my head!
We have walked through treacherous times before and that is both good and bad... bad because you know what can happen and it scares you to death... but good because you know God has ALWAYS gotten you through it even if He did not spare you from it!
I don't know how to face tomorrow, but I know who holds tomorrow... so I know we really will be ok... eventually! But we are definitely not "OK" right now!
Just give us that!
Yeah we are gonna come out fighting... but right now we are still knocked down! So give us words of encouragement.....WE DESPERATELY need them... but only after you have truly prayed for us! It is the words given to you in prayer that are the words that truly are stepping stones to get us back up and able to fight! It is in Prayer that God uses you to comfort and uplift!
Maybe this will be my book....lol! "How to be an Encourager"... for dummies! haha! I crack myself up... oh well it is my blog!
God will see us through... He is faithful!
Dan went to work on Friday morning. September the 2nd, whistling and singing, happy as a lark as is normal with "morning people!" only to be called into the office and be told that he was laid off! The company had no more money to pay him! His pay stopped officially at noon on Friday! All his commissions for jobs coming up that he had sold and that we were depending on... gone... nothing... nada... zilch! Heh... uh... what? Repeat that please?
And so the process begins.... As this has never happened to us before we had no idea at what step to take next, so as we begin to do what we think we should do... every step is a hassle.. you have to make phone calls to creditors... but there are no people to talk to ... If you want a change of address press one.... If you are in a tailspin..... press two....you have chosen an incorrect option... lol! and on and on... We spent one entire day on the phone! Wow! You just cannot imagine the stresses that pile upon you in just trying to get through this maze.. not to even mention the fact of unemployment, no pay... and all the fears that come along with it!
And you really wish you could get through it with no one knowing.. but you have so involved people in your life because we need each other, that there is no possible way to keep it quiet... then comes the embarrassment, the feelings of inadequacy, blow to ego.. all that junk! You know people will understand.. but there are always those few "talkers" who are just mean spirited that you have to deal with!
And then comes the encouragers! The... "If you need anything, let us know" haha... we have no paycheck coming in... pretty obvious what we're gonna need! And who has any extra of that lying around? haha!
There are those that do not know what to say so they look down, and walk by really quickly...and you just smile because you have been in that same positon... it's really awkward! Then there's the "Everything's gonna be alright!" ... how do you know? I have said that a million times to people when I didn't know what I was saying! And you stand there and smile... thinking of the 15th of the month when the biggies come due, and there will be no deposit!
And so far this is my very favorite...."What are you going to do?" haha! If I knew the answer to that... well I guess I do....
This is what we are going to do:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. Lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path!"
That's it! That is all we can do!
It's your's Lord! You are all we know! You are really all we have! Everything else slips through our fingers one way or another, no matter how hard you work for it, and no matter how tight you try to hold onto it! But Thou oh Lord are a shield for me. My glory and the lifter of my head!
We have walked through treacherous times before and that is both good and bad... bad because you know what can happen and it scares you to death... but good because you know God has ALWAYS gotten you through it even if He did not spare you from it!
I don't know how to face tomorrow, but I know who holds tomorrow... so I know we really will be ok... eventually! But we are definitely not "OK" right now!
Just give us that!
Yeah we are gonna come out fighting... but right now we are still knocked down! So give us words of encouragement.....WE DESPERATELY need them... but only after you have truly prayed for us! It is the words given to you in prayer that are the words that truly are stepping stones to get us back up and able to fight! It is in Prayer that God uses you to comfort and uplift!
Maybe this will be my book....lol! "How to be an Encourager"... for dummies! haha! I crack myself up... oh well it is my blog!
God will see us through... He is faithful!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Wedding...ing! ...and Blissfully happy about it!
There is no other word for it! We are wedding..ing! It is so much fun! Each day we do a little, and little by little things is getting checked off the list! We have booked a Venue, purchased all the necessary flowers, planned the reception, scheduled Photographers...and today we are putting the final touches on being ready for Bridal Portraits tomorrow! Just need to get a cake and figure out the food, and a few more details and I think we are done for now with all we can do till it gets closer to "The Day"!
Thank you Josh for making her such a happy bride! She is truly in a blessed state of blissful happiness, and I couldn't be more at peace! What a feeling to see your little girl become such a radiant beautiful woman! I can't wait for the day she walks down that aisle and all her dreams finally become reality! I know she will make a wonderful wife because I can see so much anticipation in her wanting to set up her home at last! Seeing all this in her reminds me of that time so long ago when I was in her shoes! This is truly one of the most special times in a girl's life and I am so happy to be going through it again with her! She is such a blessing to me and such a treasure of a person to know. I really feel sorry for those who do not know her very well, because you are truly missing a treat! She is the type of person who demands very little, and expects nothing of you other than for you to try to be happy! She is a bit like her dad in all that she is, with bits of me sprinkled in for a little surprise now and then! She is not interested in drama or attention, but is just blissfully walking into her own, becoming a lady at peace with her life! Just last night out of the blue she quietly said to me - "I am so thankful for everything I have been through, because it has brought me to this place and given me a deep appreciation for all that I have been given, and for what the future holds for me!" I bit back the tears of gratitude to the Lord and said nothing for a moment, because I knew in that moment, she was in deep thought at having voiced that revelation as it washed over her and became a part of her!
She is enjoying and even relishing every moment of this wedding planning, and there doesn't seem to be any great stress!(now that we have a venue, that is!)
One day long ago the Lord gave me a scripture to hold on to and I have this day seen it come to pass.
Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace!
While this scripture is talking about acquiring wisdom, The Lord's promise to me was that if I would raise her up in the wisdom and nurture of the church and never depart from it, the Lord would give her a life of peace! I know He has put her on this path at last, and I remain forever grateful!
I listened to them talking together last night as they planned for their future and heard them talk about ministry and what God has called them to, and heard her saying that she would follow him anywhere and do anything with him, that she didn't care where God called them, as long as they were working side by side!
I now know that the life lessons she has learned were for a reason and were meant to strengthen her for the journey ahead!
I am so very thankful that His hands are always there, and His wings fly faster than we can fall!
Thank you Josh for making her such a happy bride! She is truly in a blessed state of blissful happiness, and I couldn't be more at peace! What a feeling to see your little girl become such a radiant beautiful woman! I can't wait for the day she walks down that aisle and all her dreams finally become reality! I know she will make a wonderful wife because I can see so much anticipation in her wanting to set up her home at last! Seeing all this in her reminds me of that time so long ago when I was in her shoes! This is truly one of the most special times in a girl's life and I am so happy to be going through it again with her! She is such a blessing to me and such a treasure of a person to know. I really feel sorry for those who do not know her very well, because you are truly missing a treat! She is the type of person who demands very little, and expects nothing of you other than for you to try to be happy! She is a bit like her dad in all that she is, with bits of me sprinkled in for a little surprise now and then! She is not interested in drama or attention, but is just blissfully walking into her own, becoming a lady at peace with her life! Just last night out of the blue she quietly said to me - "I am so thankful for everything I have been through, because it has brought me to this place and given me a deep appreciation for all that I have been given, and for what the future holds for me!" I bit back the tears of gratitude to the Lord and said nothing for a moment, because I knew in that moment, she was in deep thought at having voiced that revelation as it washed over her and became a part of her!
She is enjoying and even relishing every moment of this wedding planning, and there doesn't seem to be any great stress!(now that we have a venue, that is!)
One day long ago the Lord gave me a scripture to hold on to and I have this day seen it come to pass.
Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace!
While this scripture is talking about acquiring wisdom, The Lord's promise to me was that if I would raise her up in the wisdom and nurture of the church and never depart from it, the Lord would give her a life of peace! I know He has put her on this path at last, and I remain forever grateful!
I listened to them talking together last night as they planned for their future and heard them talk about ministry and what God has called them to, and heard her saying that she would follow him anywhere and do anything with him, that she didn't care where God called them, as long as they were working side by side!
I now know that the life lessons she has learned were for a reason and were meant to strengthen her for the journey ahead!
I am so very thankful that His hands are always there, and His wings fly faster than we can fall!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thankful
You know... God is just priceless. You can purchase all kinds of Insurance, but that won't keep you from accidents. You can take vitamins, supplements, eat healthy, exercise and live a healthy lifestyle, but you can still suffer illness and/or disease. All the money we can spend on all the remedies and cures of this world...we have no guarantee they will protect us at all. We do have an assurance to turn to tho... all we really need is just one word... "Jesus" and faith that He will do as He has promised.
I am so thankful for a prayer I prayed a little over two years ago, early one morning after a very disturbing dream which I now know God gave to me. My prayer was as follows very simply -
"God, I know that up to this point You have allowed this, and even blessed it. But maybe there are things that have changed along the way? What are you showing me? If this is not right, block it now, and whatever we have to go through we will deal with it. Only you know the future, and only you know the past. To me, everything looks great and I believe this is your perfect plan, but if we are wrong, or if there has been a wrong turn taken and some have stepped out of your will then we bow to your wisdom. You see and know all things! Please step in because you know what is best. You promised me long ago... (here I named the exact promise which I cannot reveal)... And I still stand on that promise today! I trust you, Lord, this is your decision, Not ours! Please take over!"
The very next day parts of my dream were revealed. I was very disturbed, but trusted God and stood on His promise. Little did I know God had stepped in at the exact moment I prayed. That very night He took over and the process began.
Two months later, after we were in the erruptions of the storm, a message was preached that God would someday, in His own time, remove the blinders and we would see the hinder-part of the situation, and all would know.
But we would have been spared and would be walking and living in blessing and in peace.
It has begun. Bits of those blinders are being removed and we can see what God was doing!
When I prayed the simple prayer, I had no clue all that I was asking God to do, the actual horror I was allowing Him to unleash into our lives, but I knew I could trust in Him. I knew He would ultimately protect us. His Word was my Guarantee! In the midst of the horrible situation we knew it was God's hand that was troubling the waters! We knew that God was allowing the pain. We knew it was our only way out! And forever more, me and mine will be secure in the promises of God. For they are everlasting. They are our Insurance and our Guarantee, our protection from every situation and storm. Because of that one situation and God bringing us out of it, our faith will remain unshaken. A new heritage was built for my family and all my descendants from now and forever more! GOD PROVED HIS WORD!
You may feel the situation you are in right now is going to destroy you, but if you know God's hand is in it, then you can trust that you will come out in the end victorious, and better because of it. If you could only see what you were going to be after this storm! I hope this strengthens someone today, because it was not a fun experience to relive. But I felt compelled to share this because I know of some LIFE ALTERING storms people are struggling with. God will show you why some day. But in the mean time.. just trust! Hold HIS WORD next to your heart! Literally! I have slept holding my Bible many nights! It was the only way sleep would come! He is a Keeper of His Word! Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and HE shall direct thy path.
I am so thankful for a prayer I prayed a little over two years ago, early one morning after a very disturbing dream which I now know God gave to me. My prayer was as follows very simply -
"God, I know that up to this point You have allowed this, and even blessed it. But maybe there are things that have changed along the way? What are you showing me? If this is not right, block it now, and whatever we have to go through we will deal with it. Only you know the future, and only you know the past. To me, everything looks great and I believe this is your perfect plan, but if we are wrong, or if there has been a wrong turn taken and some have stepped out of your will then we bow to your wisdom. You see and know all things! Please step in because you know what is best. You promised me long ago... (here I named the exact promise which I cannot reveal)... And I still stand on that promise today! I trust you, Lord, this is your decision, Not ours! Please take over!"
The very next day parts of my dream were revealed. I was very disturbed, but trusted God and stood on His promise. Little did I know God had stepped in at the exact moment I prayed. That very night He took over and the process began.
Two months later, after we were in the erruptions of the storm, a message was preached that God would someday, in His own time, remove the blinders and we would see the hinder-part of the situation, and all would know.
But we would have been spared and would be walking and living in blessing and in peace.
It has begun. Bits of those blinders are being removed and we can see what God was doing!
When I prayed the simple prayer, I had no clue all that I was asking God to do, the actual horror I was allowing Him to unleash into our lives, but I knew I could trust in Him. I knew He would ultimately protect us. His Word was my Guarantee! In the midst of the horrible situation we knew it was God's hand that was troubling the waters! We knew that God was allowing the pain. We knew it was our only way out! And forever more, me and mine will be secure in the promises of God. For they are everlasting. They are our Insurance and our Guarantee, our protection from every situation and storm. Because of that one situation and God bringing us out of it, our faith will remain unshaken. A new heritage was built for my family and all my descendants from now and forever more! GOD PROVED HIS WORD!
You may feel the situation you are in right now is going to destroy you, but if you know God's hand is in it, then you can trust that you will come out in the end victorious, and better because of it. If you could only see what you were going to be after this storm! I hope this strengthens someone today, because it was not a fun experience to relive. But I felt compelled to share this because I know of some LIFE ALTERING storms people are struggling with. God will show you why some day. But in the mean time.. just trust! Hold HIS WORD next to your heart! Literally! I have slept holding my Bible many nights! It was the only way sleep would come! He is a Keeper of His Word! Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and HE shall direct thy path.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A Little Riled
Ok I know... I am a little festered right now. I just think it is high time we stood up for what we love. Hasn't anyone ever heard the little rule.. Don't have your pastor for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? So why do some think it is ok to speak against the Organization? I just don't get it... why if it has been engrained into us for life not to speak against the ministry, does it become ok to do so, when you feel they do something that you disagree with. Pretty sure the Bible tells us "Touch not mine annointed" and that covers them all...There are annointed holy men of old that I am sure I would not agree with on every level... but still I cannot allow myself to come against them.... Voicing your opinion in a derogatory way is not the way to stand up for something. When you use the word dung to describe what you think of what our Organization has made a decision on... you may as well say the real word you are thinking...We are all thinking it! And it is NOT right.. It is WRONG! It is a matter of respect! Oh be careful little mouth what you say!-- Wow two posts in one day!
Grace and Mercy
Thought I would let my thoughts unfold this morning! Haven't been on in awhile, and have gotten definitely older since my last post was the day before my birthday! It was brought to my attention that my previous post may have been a little "accusatory" if that is a word. That was not my intent. It was merely an observation regarding a situation at hand that we were experiencing. As I recall, I really didn't have a particular person or people in mind! ok- enough about that!
Today going forward...I heard the song this morning, (don't know the name)
"If I fall let it be on the grace that first brought me to you, and If I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home"! If I sing...
and I began to think of God's Grace. How it is unfailing, never-ending. I really don't have much drama in my life, no pull of the world that controls my puppet strings, but still I have His grace whenever I need it. And there are times when I fall to my knees in need of immediate grace! And He is right there with plenty to spare. His love for us is such an amazement to me! The deepest sinner, the saint who struggles, the young person faced with temptations insurmountable... we all have the same grace extended unto us! His love so amazes me.. to be more like Him in my dealings with others is what I strive to achieve. How much more should I extend grace to others because of the limitless grace and mercy He has readily available to me!
"Your grace and Mercy, has brought me through.
I'm living this moment, because of you!
I want to thank you, and praise you too!
Your grace and mercy has brought me through!"
And so it goes... another day full of blessings, full of grace and His mercy! How can I not live this day in thanksgiving unto HIM?
Today going forward...I heard the song this morning, (don't know the name)
"If I fall let it be on the grace that first brought me to you, and If I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home"! If I sing...
and I began to think of God's Grace. How it is unfailing, never-ending. I really don't have much drama in my life, no pull of the world that controls my puppet strings, but still I have His grace whenever I need it. And there are times when I fall to my knees in need of immediate grace! And He is right there with plenty to spare. His love for us is such an amazement to me! The deepest sinner, the saint who struggles, the young person faced with temptations insurmountable... we all have the same grace extended unto us! His love so amazes me.. to be more like Him in my dealings with others is what I strive to achieve. How much more should I extend grace to others because of the limitless grace and mercy He has readily available to me!
"Your grace and Mercy, has brought me through.
I'm living this moment, because of you!
I want to thank you, and praise you too!
Your grace and mercy has brought me through!"
And so it goes... another day full of blessings, full of grace and His mercy! How can I not live this day in thanksgiving unto HIM?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
New Beginnings
For many years the term "New Beginnings" has bothered me, or more so annoyed me because I thought the two words cancelled each other out. But I find myself and my family at a crossroads of New Beginnings and I believe I finally understand the concept! There really can be such a thing as a new beginning... a beginning for the first time down the same path...lol~! That path of engagement! Wow. This time has begun with such a sense of rightness.. no flags.. nothing but promises of God. So many congratulations and best wishes... but it is funny, the thing that really screams louder is those who for whatever reason have not given their congratulations. Funny how some of the people who mean the most to you, really don't give much thought to you! Oh well! I refuse to be intimidated by thoughtless people and I refuse for that thoughtlessness to change my love for them. I watch and learn! There is so much about the human nature that is so intriguing to me! So many things can be learned and discerned if you hold your peace, let the Lord fight your battles, and watch and pray! God is good, just, faithful and is more than enough for any New Beginning we find ourselves in!
So Josh and Shelly... go with God for HE is in charge! Your steps are ordered of the Lord, so fear not... the path will be illuminated for you at each step you take!
So Josh and Shelly... go with God for HE is in charge! Your steps are ordered of the Lord, so fear not... the path will be illuminated for you at each step you take!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Great is His Faithfulness
I woke up this morning with my mind on the Love of God. It is so wonderful to know that nothing can separate me from His Love and mercy. Great is His Faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have need of the Father provideth. That is just beyond words. To know that I have someone looking out for me and loving me at all times, sparks something in me beyond what thankfulness my knowledge of words can find to express. It is beyond awesome, beyond spectacular, beyond amazing. Just to know that the creator of the world LOVES me, unconditionally is the greatest thing I will ever know or feel. Thank you Lord for loving me. I hope you know how much I love you, not just because I need you, and I do, but because you love me, and you don't have to. You just do. Thank you for that!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
When He Holds Me
Listening to the song this morning while praying I was reminded of something I heard a few days ago. A commentary was talking about how when we hold a small child or baby, not only is the child comforted, but so is the one doing the holding. To be rocked in the gentle arms of Jesus is a feeling beyond comparison, but just imagine how He must feel when we choose to linger there! Whenever I have held a baby and they are squirming and not comfortable for what ever reason, I try to comfort them in all the ways I know how. Usually there is a position, or a method of bounching, or something that will calm and quiet the baby! When the baby calms down and snuggles into position and becomes quiet, then I feel such a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of peace, a feeling of being needed, and loved! So today in prayer, after I finished my squirming, and crying and got to a place where I was very calm and quiet, I lingered there, just allowing the Lord to rock me in His arms, and release all my fears and concerns! I was certainly blessed, but I know He was too, I know that I honored him by staying in His arms a little longer than usual because I wanted Him to know I appreciated all He did to get me to that moment! He is my Heavenly Father and there is no greater feeling of love than "When He Holds Me!"
Monday, February 23, 2009
Reflection and Emotion
Just sitting here contemplating on all that has transpired in my life during the last few weeks and feeling somewhat overwhelmed with emotion! I feel excited about some things, blessed on many levels, fearful on one level, happy on another level, and extremely sad on another level... all at the same time... whew! What a bipolar attack of emotions I am having! In it all I can say "God is good, He is faithful, and His mercy is fresh and new every morning!" I am so glad I am a child of God. Many people I have met in the last few weeks cannot say that they are happy to be a child of the parents they came from. Thankfully, I can say I am, and so glad my parents and entire family taught me from birth that I was also a Child of the King who was my Heavenly Father as well! I am so blessed to say that every single person in my family, my in laws and extended family including cousins, aunts, uncles, all know the truth and have been baptized in Jesus' name. That is an unbelievable statement I know, and I am very thankful for it. What if I had never been told? What if I was born into a family who never knew about God or told me of His love for me? What if today I was one of the missing? I realize how extremely blessed I am today that I have never experienced living where my world was only sinful. I have no clue about a world controlled by sinful lusts... but I pray, God don't let my blessing become my curse. Don't let me be blind to the life that others lead, not by their own choices, but because of choices others made for them. Let my blessed life lead me to others and show them that they can change their course, that they too can experience this blessed and protected life that I have been given. God help me be so grateful that I can do nothing less than be a light to show some hurting man or woman this wonderful protected life and how to obtain it for themselves. Lead me to someone I can lead to you. Thank you God for my life and for placing me with the family you chose for me. Let me never forget how very blessed I am. And may my life be a constant voice of worship unto you for all that you have done for me.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Yes... He did it again!
...as of Tuesday at noon New Life received an invitation to adopt a second Apartment complex with an additional 252 Units and approximately 500-600 souls. WOW! God is so much more than we can even think or imagine. Our guys are out working the complexes today! Can't wait till church tonight.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
OH.... MY......GOODNESS
LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE!
Bro. Ken Cook preached Sunday night a message titled "What If God Does?".
Wednesday afternoon several of our men along with Bro. Cook went on Outreach to an Apartment Complex we had been working on for three years to get a foot in the door! We had a few "StreetWorks" events, but then another church came in and we didn't get the results we'd hoped for. Our StreetWorks Director Bro. Paul Villarreal walked in the door and the other guys stayed in the Van to pray!
So here is what happened... Paul walks in and asks for the contact lady he was acquainted with by name. The receptionist said ... Go on back she is in her office. He walks in and she is on the phone... Her mouth drops open and she motions him to come in. She hangs up quickly and says... "You come here guy and give me a hug! I was just going to call you! The other church dropped the ball and we want you guys back!"
and..... then went on to open the door to the following:
She took him in and showed him a room we could have for Bible Studies or what ever event we wanted to hold there.
She requested Prayer Warriors to walk the grounds and pray anytime we feel like it!
She requested Weekly Bible Studies from our team for:
Youth
Girls Etiquette Classes
Boys on how to treat a Lady
Stay at Home Moms
Elderly
Once a month StreetWorks!
She offered to make the fliers herself if we would pass them out every week!
She wants us to do Birthday Friday once a month for all the tenants!
She said "I am giving you this Apartment Complex and telling the tenants you are our church!" 289 Units! 1500 people live there!
...there is more...
She said she had been bragging about New Life to other Apartment Managers and they are wanting to get in contact with us.
The Apartments are owned by a Corporation who has 39 other Complexes throughout the Metroplex and they are going to be calling us for the same things!
Tuesday night the Lord spoke to us through Tongues and Interpretation saying He had heard our request and had seen our heart and would give us all we asked for if we were willing to do the work!
What if God Does?... The doors were already opened before we even got there! GOD DID!
Bro. Ken Cook preached Sunday night a message titled "What If God Does?".
Wednesday afternoon several of our men along with Bro. Cook went on Outreach to an Apartment Complex we had been working on for three years to get a foot in the door! We had a few "StreetWorks" events, but then another church came in and we didn't get the results we'd hoped for. Our StreetWorks Director Bro. Paul Villarreal walked in the door and the other guys stayed in the Van to pray!
So here is what happened... Paul walks in and asks for the contact lady he was acquainted with by name. The receptionist said ... Go on back she is in her office. He walks in and she is on the phone... Her mouth drops open and she motions him to come in. She hangs up quickly and says... "You come here guy and give me a hug! I was just going to call you! The other church dropped the ball and we want you guys back!"
and..... then went on to open the door to the following:
She took him in and showed him a room we could have for Bible Studies or what ever event we wanted to hold there.
She requested Prayer Warriors to walk the grounds and pray anytime we feel like it!
She requested Weekly Bible Studies from our team for:
Youth
Girls Etiquette Classes
Boys on how to treat a Lady
Stay at Home Moms
Elderly
Once a month StreetWorks!
She offered to make the fliers herself if we would pass them out every week!
She wants us to do Birthday Friday once a month for all the tenants!
She said "I am giving you this Apartment Complex and telling the tenants you are our church!" 289 Units! 1500 people live there!
...there is more...
She said she had been bragging about New Life to other Apartment Managers and they are wanting to get in contact with us.
The Apartments are owned by a Corporation who has 39 other Complexes throughout the Metroplex and they are going to be calling us for the same things!
Tuesday night the Lord spoke to us through Tongues and Interpretation saying He had heard our request and had seen our heart and would give us all we asked for if we were willing to do the work!
What if God Does?... The doors were already opened before we even got there! GOD DID!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Prayer Room/The Uncommon Room
Something has been bothering me for some time about the Prayer Room, and I have finally figured out what it is. It has become common to us. In our church the actual location of our Prayer Room is conducive to Passer By's! You must enter it to go to any area of the back of the church so our youth and children and the staff of these departments must pass through it many times a week. It seems it has also become a place for the lost and found items in the church. We have used it as overflow for events, which is sometimes a necessity; it is used for Quizzing, for Meetings, and alas has even been used for storage when getting ready for a garage sale. It is used as a place to hold bake sales out of necessity, and various other distributions. One Sunday evening my husband and I came early to pray and there were clothes hung all around on the pictures and walls, because some of our people had stayed all day at the church and had to change for the evening service. Don't get me wrong I understand that because of lack of room and completely out of necessity many times this just has to be a multi-functional room. Keeping that in mind...
The particular Sunday we came at 4 to pray, we had just come back from our Leadership Retreat where our evangelist Rev. Ken Cook had spoken to us about "Leaving Common Behind". He talked about Joseph who made an uncommon decision to embrace the Promise. He talked of how we have to step into uncommon places for God to do uncommon things through us. It was one of the more impactful messages of my life. Thus the reason for us being in the Prayer Room at 4 on a Sunday afternoon. As we began to pray I was walking and I began to see all that was going on in that room while I was praying. It was such a common place. Nothing special about it. I began to weep as I realized my prayer life had gotten just like that room. It was something I did because I knew I should, or because I needed direction from God, but it had become very much common. I listened to myself as I prayed the same words I had spoken over and over, and I realized I had gotten it down to a T! The "Hallelujah's" were perfectly placed, the "I Praise You's" came rolling out of my mouth, and the "I Love You's" were something that filled space as I thought of what to say next. I became so convicted and sorrowful for what I had allowed that for a time I was just silent. I have now begun to force myself to remember how I prayed when I first received the Holy Ghost, how much thought and meaning I put into the "I Love You's" and the worship from my HEART that went into the "Hallelujah's"! I have dropped many of my habit phrases, and begun to pray an uncommon prayer once again. And oh how I have found Christ to be near to me. So sweet and precious, full of mercy and flowing in and through me into others. I have begun to see others with a spiritual eye, to be once again sensitive to their needs, in short... I feel free of the chains of common, once again. Thank You God for waking me up from my common ground and pushing me into an uncommon, uncharted place with you.
May our Prayer Rooms be filled with such a hallowed presence of the Lord, may our heart be overflowing with a reverence for that room. May we adore walking through the doors, may we enter it first thing when we come to church and linger long. May worship service start in the Prayer Room and may it "Overflow" into the hearts of all who attend each service. May we love that "ROOM" like never before!
I am calling on our Leaders to visit the "Uncommon Room" before every service, and linger long. It is there that Uncommon Revival and Evangelism begins! May it never be treated common again.
The particular Sunday we came at 4 to pray, we had just come back from our Leadership Retreat where our evangelist Rev. Ken Cook had spoken to us about "Leaving Common Behind". He talked about Joseph who made an uncommon decision to embrace the Promise. He talked of how we have to step into uncommon places for God to do uncommon things through us. It was one of the more impactful messages of my life. Thus the reason for us being in the Prayer Room at 4 on a Sunday afternoon. As we began to pray I was walking and I began to see all that was going on in that room while I was praying. It was such a common place. Nothing special about it. I began to weep as I realized my prayer life had gotten just like that room. It was something I did because I knew I should, or because I needed direction from God, but it had become very much common. I listened to myself as I prayed the same words I had spoken over and over, and I realized I had gotten it down to a T! The "Hallelujah's" were perfectly placed, the "I Praise You's" came rolling out of my mouth, and the "I Love You's" were something that filled space as I thought of what to say next. I became so convicted and sorrowful for what I had allowed that for a time I was just silent. I have now begun to force myself to remember how I prayed when I first received the Holy Ghost, how much thought and meaning I put into the "I Love You's" and the worship from my HEART that went into the "Hallelujah's"! I have dropped many of my habit phrases, and begun to pray an uncommon prayer once again. And oh how I have found Christ to be near to me. So sweet and precious, full of mercy and flowing in and through me into others. I have begun to see others with a spiritual eye, to be once again sensitive to their needs, in short... I feel free of the chains of common, once again. Thank You God for waking me up from my common ground and pushing me into an uncommon, uncharted place with you.
May our Prayer Rooms be filled with such a hallowed presence of the Lord, may our heart be overflowing with a reverence for that room. May we adore walking through the doors, may we enter it first thing when we come to church and linger long. May worship service start in the Prayer Room and may it "Overflow" into the hearts of all who attend each service. May we love that "ROOM" like never before!
I am calling on our Leaders to visit the "Uncommon Room" before every service, and linger long. It is there that Uncommon Revival and Evangelism begins! May it never be treated common again.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
More.
A thought has been running back and forth around my mind all day which I am sharing right now in the hopes that others will be inspired as well. We sing the song.. "All I ask you Lord,... is for MORE!" More of your spirit, more of your power.....etc... I love this song and it is one of my prayers, but as I have been praying and singing it the last few days it seems that the Lord is looking down on me saying....If you will give me MORE.. I will give you MORE! We must do more for the Kingdom. We get so busy doing the things of the "church" that we overlook the things of God! His heart is opened when we do MORE for Others. It is Others that we must reach out to, but it is not enough that we reach out... we must touch them, and allow the spirit to change them. I feel God calling me to do MORE, and my flesh looks up and says ... MORE??? While in my spirit I shake my head yes and say "Yes, More"! May more of your spirit flow through me to others so that I can do MORE for to reach the Lost! In order for more of His spirit to flow through me ... I must pray MORE... Read His Word more. Last night we had a party for Shelly and our Outreach Director was there. He cannot sit long without talking about doing MORE! As I watched His excitement for souls he literally sat up on the edge of his seat at PF Chang and His eyes flashed with excitement as he began to share things that God had quickened within Him. He is wanting to do More... and that excitement was spread to everyone at the table... I could feel us as a group... thinking... we can do MORE! Then later on that night at home we were sharing events of the Leadership Retreat with Josh and he began to tell us of a Bible Study he had participated in last week with 6 homeless men.. Again I watched as He sat up on the edge of his seat and His eyes began to flash with excitement. I can see that God is calling the younger generation of ministers into a place not yet journeyed, into a place where they are willing to do the uncommon things, a place where the flesh is denied and the spirit takes over. A place of giving MORE! And I am so excited to be right in the middle of that journey. so.. MORE LORD we give you more of our time, Lord more of our worship, more of our commitment to reach out and touch and change lost, weary hungry people who are looking for a friend to show them a better way to live life. We will do MORE... to reach them with the Good News! We give you more Lord so that you can change MORE lives!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Retreat
Well we just came back from a wonderful weekend Leadership Retreat. The theme for the retreat was "His Truth Is Marching On" and more specifically for the Leadership Team, "March On!"! While there, we were energized and challenged by Bro. Ken Cook to step beyond the "common"! Sunday morning and evening services were a definite testimony to change at New Life Tabernacle. 23 saints and leaders met at the Prayer room to pray on Sunday morning! Sunday School teachers have now decided to stop by the prayer room before teaching class, and Leaders have turned their departments upside down! Oh yeah... and adversity has shown up... right on cue! I say... "Bring it on you stupid ole' devil... remember a revival a few years back that went on for an entire year? You didn't stop that one... and you won't stop this one! If you haven't got any more sense than to show up when it gets fiery hot... well you just might get plowed over! we are Marching On! We haven't got time to stop and address your silly issues!" God has assured us that the time is now and so I challenge every Leader of New Life to keep up your prayer life, keep your attendance faithful and be ahead of the pack, be first! There are a group of people wanting to follow us in reaching the lost of our community! So... March on!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
My Notes from our New Convert/Altar Care/Host Awards Banquet
As much as this world loves to give accolades for solo accomplishment, the truth is that no lone individual has done anything of great value. The belief that one person can do anything great alone is born of a lofty ego.
Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto!
Wyatt Earp had Doc Holliday
Popeye had Olive Oil!
And we could go on and on! Even Jesus had a team of disciples, and each of those disciples had a team!
Paul had Silas, Mary had Martha, Esther had Ruth….and so the story of team effort goes.
All seemingly solo acts are works of greatly orchestrated team efforts.
Michael Phelps; every time he won another medal he gave his TEAM the credit!
Einstein once remarked, ‘Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”
In other words all his accomplishments were results of diligent work of trying to give credit and honor to the labors of those helping him and to those who had paved the way before him!
The team effort in this church has reached a level to where we are all on the same page, in one mind and in one accord, following one man’s vision, and acting upon how we felt the Lord would have us carry out that vision. The Leaders here tonight that I will recognize are great motivators and carriers of Pastor Stanley’s vision for this church. And their efforts are bringing about real countable results!
1. Sis. Shirlane Grant - Along with Bro. Shane, she is involved in many levels of this church, including the Choir and Praise team, the Children’s Ministry at times, Sunday School Teacher, College and Career Ministry as well as being an integral part of the New Convert Care team. And of course she is the Director of the Altar Care Ministry. I have observed her and admired her great composure, careful planning and genuine anointing. Everything she does is with CLASS!
As Altar Care Director, she is responsible to equip, and motivate a team of altar workers who are dedicated, faithful, prayer warriors and who diligently make it to every guest who finds their way to an altar of repentance, and guide them into all the steps necessary to experience salvation. Not only to our visitors do they give the necessary attention, but they are great examples of lifting the saints as well when it seems one might need help in prayer for a breakthrough. Sis. Shirlane does a wonderful job leading and mentoring this group, and I have always found her to be committed to excellence.
2. Bro. Tim Hardin – Along with Sis Robin he is director of the Greeters or Host/Hostess Ministry Team. He is responsible for a team who sets the stage for our first impression every single service. And I must say there is no better person for the job! He is always willing to do whatever is asked of him, and if he has a fault it would be that he does not say “no” well and is always eager to be a part of everything going on around here. He is the ultimate Greeter, and is steadfast in always working to keep his team fresh and “on stage”! His is not an easy task, as he must weed through all the many emotions that enter the doors and sometimes with a kind word or deed rearrange the frowns on our faces to smiles as we come to worship! He is very easy to work with and always open for suggestions. We cannot do without Bro. Tim and his team of greeters!
3. Last but certainly not least is Sis. Beckord! She is someone I really seldom carry on great lengthy conversations with, but someone who I lean on and draw strength from more than she realizes! As a mother nurtures the infant, she is responsible to nurture and bring to full growth the new convert. She is diligent, dedicated, faithful to a fault, extremely dependable, and a vital part of the growth of new life here at "New Life"! She is a great encourager, and I love her dearly. One of the great things I admire in her is a genuine love and respect for her Pastor and First Lady. Her team is behind her 100% and work tirelessly for her. She is one of the GREAT leaders who can with a team, get the business done!
At this point we gave out Certificates and Awards and each team awarded a Team Member of the Year. First from the Altar Care department the Team Member of the Year went to Sis. Earline Matthews. Next from the New Convert Care Team, Sis. Patricia Whyne and I am so happy to announce that the Team Member of the Year for the Host/Greeters Team went to the great and wonderful....(drumroll....) DAN MAXWELL!
He was so surprised and happy to be recognized as were each of the recipients. It was such a great night and well planned and executed. I am sure it will become an annual event. I would encourage every Team Leader to recognize those who help you or fill in for you as much as is possible. I have learned that a public showing of gratitude is very necessary to keep people feeling respected and appreciated.
I firmly believe in showing three ways of appreciation for each person who helps me out in any capacity. 1. Tell them they are appreciated often 2. Send them a handwritten card of "Thanks" 3. Publicly thank them and tell others of your appreciation. You will find that when you follow these three simple steps, people will do just about whatever is asked of them at any time because they know they are not taken for granted.
Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto!
Wyatt Earp had Doc Holliday
Popeye had Olive Oil!
And we could go on and on! Even Jesus had a team of disciples, and each of those disciples had a team!
Paul had Silas, Mary had Martha, Esther had Ruth….and so the story of team effort goes.
All seemingly solo acts are works of greatly orchestrated team efforts.
Michael Phelps; every time he won another medal he gave his TEAM the credit!
Einstein once remarked, ‘Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”
In other words all his accomplishments were results of diligent work of trying to give credit and honor to the labors of those helping him and to those who had paved the way before him!
The team effort in this church has reached a level to where we are all on the same page, in one mind and in one accord, following one man’s vision, and acting upon how we felt the Lord would have us carry out that vision. The Leaders here tonight that I will recognize are great motivators and carriers of Pastor Stanley’s vision for this church. And their efforts are bringing about real countable results!
1. Sis. Shirlane Grant - Along with Bro. Shane, she is involved in many levels of this church, including the Choir and Praise team, the Children’s Ministry at times, Sunday School Teacher, College and Career Ministry as well as being an integral part of the New Convert Care team. And of course she is the Director of the Altar Care Ministry. I have observed her and admired her great composure, careful planning and genuine anointing. Everything she does is with CLASS!
As Altar Care Director, she is responsible to equip, and motivate a team of altar workers who are dedicated, faithful, prayer warriors and who diligently make it to every guest who finds their way to an altar of repentance, and guide them into all the steps necessary to experience salvation. Not only to our visitors do they give the necessary attention, but they are great examples of lifting the saints as well when it seems one might need help in prayer for a breakthrough. Sis. Shirlane does a wonderful job leading and mentoring this group, and I have always found her to be committed to excellence.
2. Bro. Tim Hardin – Along with Sis Robin he is director of the Greeters or Host/Hostess Ministry Team. He is responsible for a team who sets the stage for our first impression every single service. And I must say there is no better person for the job! He is always willing to do whatever is asked of him, and if he has a fault it would be that he does not say “no” well and is always eager to be a part of everything going on around here. He is the ultimate Greeter, and is steadfast in always working to keep his team fresh and “on stage”! His is not an easy task, as he must weed through all the many emotions that enter the doors and sometimes with a kind word or deed rearrange the frowns on our faces to smiles as we come to worship! He is very easy to work with and always open for suggestions. We cannot do without Bro. Tim and his team of greeters!
3. Last but certainly not least is Sis. Beckord! She is someone I really seldom carry on great lengthy conversations with, but someone who I lean on and draw strength from more than she realizes! As a mother nurtures the infant, she is responsible to nurture and bring to full growth the new convert. She is diligent, dedicated, faithful to a fault, extremely dependable, and a vital part of the growth of new life here at "New Life"! She is a great encourager, and I love her dearly. One of the great things I admire in her is a genuine love and respect for her Pastor and First Lady. Her team is behind her 100% and work tirelessly for her. She is one of the GREAT leaders who can with a team, get the business done!
At this point we gave out Certificates and Awards and each team awarded a Team Member of the Year. First from the Altar Care department the Team Member of the Year went to Sis. Earline Matthews. Next from the New Convert Care Team, Sis. Patricia Whyne and I am so happy to announce that the Team Member of the Year for the Host/Greeters Team went to the great and wonderful....(drumroll....) DAN MAXWELL!
He was so surprised and happy to be recognized as were each of the recipients. It was such a great night and well planned and executed. I am sure it will become an annual event. I would encourage every Team Leader to recognize those who help you or fill in for you as much as is possible. I have learned that a public showing of gratitude is very necessary to keep people feeling respected and appreciated.
I firmly believe in showing three ways of appreciation for each person who helps me out in any capacity. 1. Tell them they are appreciated often 2. Send them a handwritten card of "Thanks" 3. Publicly thank them and tell others of your appreciation. You will find that when you follow these three simple steps, people will do just about whatever is asked of them at any time because they know they are not taken for granted.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Let's Begin Again
I am so happy for the New Year to be here. Time to reorganize, reconnect and reconsider!
Reorganize my life...finances...time...pantry...closet...garage(yuck)! I have done the finances, pantry, and closet... those are easy and I enjoy it. However... the time and garage is another matter entirely. I am working on the time, but the garage caved in on its self. I told Dan the other night that I just was going to start parking in the front because once I got in the garage with the Jeep I must have gained weight, because I couldn't get in and out and around the Jeep! He was very silent! lol I know you are laughing! So am I! ... I don't really know if he was silent because of the "weight" comment, or the fact that I was griping about the garage! Anyway I came home last night to find the garage reorganized. It was soooo great! Plenty of room on every side! Course I have lost 4 pounds too!
Reconnect with friends... we have so many friends and family we have been close to at one time or another, and seems like we have become disconnected from many of them. I am happiest around my friends, and a few in particular just make me a better person! I hope you all have that some special friend that you just want to be with, because they make you feel better about yourself!
Reconsider my goals... so many goals that I have had in life are now accomplished, and I must move on into a new time of life with new goals and ambitions. I look back and see where I have come from and think, "My goodness how in the world?" I look ahead then and know I can make it. After all I have come this far! God is so good and faithful. It is by His grace that we can continue on through any struggles, we can overcome, we will perservere!
Anyway... it is such a good feeling to have things in order, clean and ready to start again! You find things you never knew you lost, you get new ideas, create new outfits, replenish your pantry with fresh spices and try new recipes... Its just very fun for me when the new year begins. I hope you are all enjoying the same excitement as I am to begin again. I am reminded right now of the scripture that says..."His mercies/blessings are fresh and new each morning".I have recommitted to prayer and the Bread Chart to help me discipline myself to daily bible reading, and already feel so much closer to the Lord. I came to work this morning and knelt down... and He was right there to meet me. Such a sweet presence of the Lord filled my office. I am so glad He loves me so unconditionally. Last year and all my mistakes and failures are passed, He has forgotten them, and has given me another fresh clean slate for 2009. I pray I make good use of it this year. I am committing to blogging more frequently this year and pray the words are a source of encouragement to you. If you have not already gotten in the New Year spirit, maybe my thoughts will encourage you to BEGIN AGAIN! Its a great feeling!
Reorganize my life...finances...time...pantry...closet...garage(yuck)! I have done the finances, pantry, and closet... those are easy and I enjoy it. However... the time and garage is another matter entirely. I am working on the time, but the garage caved in on its self. I told Dan the other night that I just was going to start parking in the front because once I got in the garage with the Jeep I must have gained weight, because I couldn't get in and out and around the Jeep! He was very silent! lol I know you are laughing! So am I! ... I don't really know if he was silent because of the "weight" comment, or the fact that I was griping about the garage! Anyway I came home last night to find the garage reorganized. It was soooo great! Plenty of room on every side! Course I have lost 4 pounds too!
Reconnect with friends... we have so many friends and family we have been close to at one time or another, and seems like we have become disconnected from many of them. I am happiest around my friends, and a few in particular just make me a better person! I hope you all have that some special friend that you just want to be with, because they make you feel better about yourself!
Reconsider my goals... so many goals that I have had in life are now accomplished, and I must move on into a new time of life with new goals and ambitions. I look back and see where I have come from and think, "My goodness how in the world?" I look ahead then and know I can make it. After all I have come this far! God is so good and faithful. It is by His grace that we can continue on through any struggles, we can overcome, we will perservere!
Anyway... it is such a good feeling to have things in order, clean and ready to start again! You find things you never knew you lost, you get new ideas, create new outfits, replenish your pantry with fresh spices and try new recipes... Its just very fun for me when the new year begins. I hope you are all enjoying the same excitement as I am to begin again. I am reminded right now of the scripture that says..."His mercies/blessings are fresh and new each morning".I have recommitted to prayer and the Bread Chart to help me discipline myself to daily bible reading, and already feel so much closer to the Lord. I came to work this morning and knelt down... and He was right there to meet me. Such a sweet presence of the Lord filled my office. I am so glad He loves me so unconditionally. Last year and all my mistakes and failures are passed, He has forgotten them, and has given me another fresh clean slate for 2009. I pray I make good use of it this year. I am committing to blogging more frequently this year and pray the words are a source of encouragement to you. If you have not already gotten in the New Year spirit, maybe my thoughts will encourage you to BEGIN AGAIN! Its a great feeling!
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