Thursday, April 14, 2011

Jesus said "Come to Me!"

Sometimes we want to hide away from the madness around. When we are feeling heavy, we mistake moments like watching TV, reading a book, what ever it is that you do to find rest. We are actually replacing God. It makes us feel good to step back, forget our problem and hope when we come back things will be different. Yes! Sometimes, we need to get away to really be able to think logically about something. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." He is not saying "go somewhere else and forget your problems, then you will have rest!" He is saying "Come to me! Come to me!"
It is time! Take up your armor and fight the good fight! Release all your brokenness into the hands of Our Heavenly Father. His hand is stretched out, waiting to touch your life.
When you get in the morning, before you even touch your foot on the ground. Go to Jesus and give Him your heart, ask for protection and covering from a world that wants to make us weary and burdened.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Amazing Hope

Having hope is a confident expectation of great things to come! Be waiting, Be expecting, Anticipate and trust in God! 
Hope is personal... we are each hoping for something different. Hope is.... God's promise to bless us. 
Let's look at the prayer of Jabez
"Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, 'Oh that Thou would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast [territory], and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!' And God granted him that which he requested." 
1 Chron 4:10
I think it would be safe to come to conclusion that Jabez had hope. Ladies, we need to pray- ask God to increase your hope. Life can be difficult in times of worry, depression, relationship problems, finances and in those times we wonder where God is??? Call on the name of Jesus, and you will find peace like a river, You will be in good hands with God.
It is well with your soul even when it is not well with your circumstances.
Psalm 62: 5-7
5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; 
   my hope comes from him. 
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; 
   he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
 he is my mighty rock, my refuge.  

We have no hope when we resist instead of rest. We do not rest because we resist to allow God to be in control.Rest during failures, flaws and frazzledness.
has given to them. 
* Suffering is temporary, but hope is everlasting. Hope is not a feeling, it's a fact.

Monday, April 4, 2011

His name is Jesus and He loves you!


"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
Proverbs 18:10

It is interested to me to learn about peoples personalities. We can't always know exactly how someone is feeling or how their day is REALLY going. We, as humans, are very good at hiding our true selves from our family, friends, co workers and others. We naturally want to look balanced, happy and perfect. What is it we are afraid of if we were to show the world our true self? Would they not accept me? Would they be less respectful? Would they treat me different? Would they love me the same? These are all good questions, and all may or may not be possible with man (woman). But, there is only One who matters my friend! His name is Jesus and He will love you for you. He knows your heart and still accepts you. He know your ways and your thoughts and will never leave you. At that moment when it feels like no one could possibly love you and you feel all alone, remember that you have a Friend who is just waiting for you to listen. At that moment of release you will feel swept off your feet by a love so deep, so powerful it can make the enemy tremble and flee. Hallelujah! Today, know that you are covered by the blood of the lamb. Make this the day, your feet touch the ground and you say
"It always makes a difference when Jesus passes by

The devil trembles, the enemy flees

When Jesus comes on the scene
He always shines a ray of light
The darkening clouds must fly
It always makes a difference when Jesus passes by

I will overcome!"
Get ready! Stand firm! Set your feet upon a Rock! In your troubles, Call on Him, His name is Jesus!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Under Construction!



Today I'm stepping out of the box! For some time now, I have been praying about this blog and asking God where He wants it to go?? There are many, many, many good blogs out there, so I wondered if my blog was doing the good that I had originally hoped it would do for women. I thought well maybe my blog is just like all the other blogs. For example, when to many stores of the same likeness come to the same town... chances are one of the stores are going to go out of business. The only thing that will save a store is the simple fact that they have a product that is different or the store has a huge selection. So, I'm feeling the need to change some things up, ya know, supply some product that is a bit different. I'm not quite sure where it's going quite yet, so bare with me while I go "Under Construction". Thanks for your patience and I will be back after much prayer!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Just in case you haven't noticed, I have added a new tab for the Precious Mom who works. Finding balance and emotional health is an utmost importance for the working Mom. Life doesn't have to seem or feel totally crazy and you don't have to feel alone. There are many Moms who are Christians, love their children and yet have to go to work. You do not have to feel guilt over this, these lies only come from our enemy. His joy is to keep you at at place of unhappiness and depression. If you find yourself in a position where you work outside of the home and just can't figure it all out-- it's okay! There are other women who struggle with the same issues. Click HERE for support and encouragement for the Christian Working Woman!

Blessings to you today as you walk in peace with your Heavenly Father!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Oh, be careful Little eyes what you see...

"The Heart Reflects a Person." - Proverbs 27-19
Firstly, I am sorry ladies, today I just had to post this picture. Not because of what I have to say about the nature and role of Miley Cyrus's everyday life and negative influence on young girls. More because of the looks from the girls in the background. It displeases me to no end, the looks on all their little faces of such awe, adoration and envy. Like Miley is all there is in life and to be like her would be complete and utter fulfillment. Of course, I was a young girl once and liked singers like Madonna, Cindy Lauper and Janet Jackson. But, had I fully understood what I was watching or listening to, I would have had a chance to make a better decision.(I must say that I am by no means putting blame on these women, but merely pointing out the lack of positive behavior they bring to the media.) We have to purposely be teaching our girls about the REAL purpose, the REAL fulfiller, the REAL God. To many girls watch women like Miley, Lady Gaga, Katie Perry, etc and want to be like them and look like them. This in turn can lead to low self esteem, anorexia/bulimia or more negative acts. We need to show them that it's okay and a good thing to be different, because that is what God intended. We need to be teaching them modesty and self importance.
"I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety..." 1 Timothy 2:9 
Parents of this generation have become much more passive when it comes to guarding their young girls innocence and virtue, it has become the thing that “old people” do. There used to be a time when a young Christian girl was protected and guarded from anything that could corrupt her sense of virtue, but today, she is allowed to watch anything and anyone on television. She is allowed to wear the most ungodly types of clothing. It is hard because peer pressure is real and so is the fact that designers no longer design modest clothing for girls. 
Talk with your young girl about peer pressure, negatives influences and what the Bible has to say about these issues. Pray with them to overcome and to have a desire to be more like Jesus and less like the world. You are blessed sweet Sister in Christ to have such a beautiful and precious young lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Monday, February 14, 2011

He's Still working on Me!


He's Still Working on Me

He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.

It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,

The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.

How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.




1. There really ought to be a sign upon the heart,

Don't judge her yet, there's an unfinished part.

But I'll be perfect just according to His plan

Fashioned by the Master's loving hands.

CHORUS:

2. In the mirror of His Word reflections that I see

Make me wonder why He never gave up on me.

He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray

Remember He's the Potter, I'm the clay.


Thank goodness God is not finished with me yet! I often think of this song that I learned as a child. Especially the days when I look at myself and think "oh man, what was I thinking, what have I done?" It's good to remember that even though God has done wonders in my life that I am still a work in progress- He is still working on me. Oh how I would love to hang a sign upon my heart that reads "Don't judge me yet, there's an unfinished part." 
We are all a work of art, being deigned perfectly by the Master's gentle hands. He works out every area of our lives, He smooths the rough edges, He shapes us in a way that makes us unique, He takes His time to make the clay into a complete work of art. I picture a smile on His face as He looks down at His piece. Knowing that this piece is not finished, yet He can see the end work and loves every moment. Every spin of the wheel, He builds it up higher and higher; stronger and stronger. Never giving up, He patiently waits as the clay becomes a beautiful piece of art. 
He's the Potter, we are the clay. Thank you God, that we are in good hands. Without the Potter, we are but a ball of rounded mud and water. We were meant to be more useful and significant. We were meant to be formed and made whole. It may take time, but know that God has a plan for you. No matter where He is with your "piece", know that He's still working on you!



Friday, February 11, 2011

You Can Make a Difference!

Do you know what I love most about serving God? That God doesn't put the same job expectations on me as the world does. This job doesn't require a degree, the ability to write an essay, or meet a certain age requirement, it requires me to show God's love through actions and sometimes words. Sometimes it's as easy as smiling at a stranger, whom you had no idea was having a bad day. Maybe it's holding the door for someone or listening to an older person tell their past stories.  I love that I can feel special, important and worthy in a world that wants me to feel unloved, lonely and discouraged from caring for others. 


There are so many people in this world that need Christ.So many people that are lost and need us to plant a seed in their hearts. We might be planting the first seed, we may be tending to the immature garden or we may be the ones who see the ripe fruit. It does not matter what step we're working on with someone else. All stages are necessary and need love.


YOU can make a difference in this broken world by planting seeds of God's love. YES ONE person can bring many to God, leading them to salvation. Look around at the people near you everyday. Can you reach out to someone, can you help them? God has commanded us to spread His word and to love. Let's take our eyes off ourselves and fulfill this request. Take time for someone. When you take care of others, God will take care of you. You will not grow weary, for God will give you rest.  You will not stumble and fall, for God will be there to catch you. You will soar on wings like eagles. - Isaiah 40:31




For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. (Romans 14:17-19)



Thursday, February 10, 2011

You will be secure, because there is hope...

Insecurity comes from a mindset we have about ourselves. People react in different ways when affected by insecurity. Some folks will hide this quality and become loud and overbearing so that others will not be able to see the fragile layer underneath. Others will become quite and unsocialable in a hopeful attempt to hide this lack of self worth. 


Insecurity - a deep sense of doubt about your worth and place in the world - is never God's will for you.  But as a woman living in a culture that's constantly telling you you're not enough - attractive enough, smart enough, rich enough, or failing to measure up in some other way - you must be intentional about viewing yourself the way God sees you rather than giving into the world's pressures. 


Insecurity generally stems from something that happened in the past. It could be mentally (rejection, unacceptance) or it can be physical (traumatic event, accident, violence). Its all about your emotional makeup and a general lack of love. Fortunately when we are children our bodies have a natural sense of self defense which helps us get through life's tough issues. Unfortunately, as we get older and these forms of abuse go on "unhandled", our hearts do not heal properly, and we grow up with an imbalance in our personality. We may or may not have recognized  insecurity in ourselves. We most certainly do not want others to know it's there. That's okay! They don't have to know. This is a situation between you and God. Let me share something with you: God knows all about it. He always did. He knows, he understands, he feels your inner pain. And he wants to do something about it because He loves you. God wants us to bring it all to Him in prayer. All the pain, all the fear, all the anxiety, all the trouble, all the questions, all the unstableness- take it to the cross and lay it at the feet of Jesus. He understands that you are feeling in-superior and lack the confidence you were created to have. 
Child, you are worth far more than you could ever imagine. You were created to be somebody and you were created to do wondrous things in this life. Don't let the enemy steal your success! God wants to fulfill your every goal and dream. Come to Him and allow Him to heal your insecurities. Look to Him to find confidence and stability. Your past does not have to direct your future. 


I pray that God will break your chains of self doubt and may God set your feet upon a rock! May you be filled with God's love and mighty power today. May you feel His presence working in your life this very moment. May you be blessed with a secure spirit.



“You will be secure, because there is hope . . .” Job 11:18


“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” Romans 12:2


“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16


“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2


“We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Drowning in Discouragement



When the problems around you seem to be caving in and start taking over our peace-filled living space.... When nothing seems to be going the way you expected.... When you ask yourself, what else could possibly go wrong in my life? 
This, dear friends is discouragement! Discouragement is defined as “a feeling of despair in the face of obstacles; or a state of distraught and loss of sense of enthusiasm, drive or courage.” Check yourself: Does this sound like you?


Everyone will have their share of discouragement at some point in their lifetime. However, our approach to managing our discouragement will distinguish us from others. Discouragement not only hits folks flat in the face today, but there are several accounts in the Bible of this state of mind. The Devil has learned to attack the minds of people, making them discouraged and ultimately depressed. It is his goal to entrap people and discourage them. 
Don't let the enemy win!! There is a battle going on and God is fighting for you!But, you must stay encouraged and faithful.


Jesus does not promise us a perfect life on earth, but He does desire us to have a balance in life and He promises to carry us through those hard times. We will pass through some situations and trials that may incapacitate our joy. And still we’ve been promised victory in this world over them!


“Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.” -Psalm 69:1-2


"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33


Don't let your feelings and emotions take over your life. God would never put negative feelings in your mind. Remember who is feeding you these lies. Remember who is trying to steal your joy and peace. Remember that God is for your success and is not a God of dissatisfaction, discontentment, nor discouragement. God will lift your spirits and make all things works together for your good. -Romans 8:28


Peace and victory to you beloved!


Monday, February 7, 2011

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made











I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. - Psalm 139:14-16



To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12


In today's society we sure have a hard time accepting each other for the unique individual that God created. God created each of us do be different for His purposes. Each unique quality about a person is special in God's eyes. From the person who speaks their mind easily to the one who sits quietly in the corner not wanting to be noticed. God gave each his own personality for them to work wonders in God's Kingdom. Where the world sees these people as different and annoying God sees beauty and perfection. Please don't get me wrong, I am not justifying the person whom acts difficult and rude. Even this behavior stinks in God's nostril's. 


Everyone has a story and not one person will know the details in a person's life, only God knows everything. Your past life affects your present life, correct? Everyone has had something happen to them in the past that they may not have shared with you and yet it reflects in their attitude toward you. We can forgive and lift that person into the hands of God to deal with. 


We were not created to be superwomen! Just women who are created to be super!


The first Bible verse my son was taught in Pre-School was "I am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made". It was great, he walked around everywhere he went practicing this verse. To be teaching our children how special God has created them is the utmost importance. Kids today have it rough, kids can be mean. To instill this positive way of thinking about themselves will be a benefit when the lies of the enemy come on strong. 


Practice this verse "I am fearfully and wonderfully made".
Does your soul know this well?

Friday, February 4, 2011

More than a Sparrow



So, I love birds! I love the colors of their feathers, I love their sound, I love watching them fly in packs, it's everything about their daily living. Just look at this picture, doesn't it bring joy to see his little beak and his tiny body.  We can learn so much from watching the bird and all their habits. David, Solomon and the Psalmist are just a few men who bird watched. David was bird watching when he came upon a bird who was ensnared in a trap. David helps the bird and compares this bird in a trap to the traps that also ensnare us humans. He writes "Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped." - Psalm 124:7
The author in Matthew 6:26 notices how birds go about living without worry of a lack of food or shelter everyday. We are much better than a bird in God's eyes and yet we worry, but God will provide. "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor 
gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not 
much better than they?"
Solomon was watching a bird leave it's nest and the bird seems lost. He compares this to us leaving our Heavenly Father (walk away) and find ourselves in trouble and lost. "As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place." - Proverbs 27:8
The Psalmist writes "I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top" -Psalm 102:7. The sparrow is known to be a friendly bird that if it were on a housetop, there would be many birds with him, so we know that the birds loneliness was intended. In an overwhelmed hour the Psalmist poured out his heart before the Almighty. The reason he said he was like a "sparrow that is alone upon the housetop" was because it is the most unusual thing in the world for a sparrow to sit mourning alone, and therefore it attracted attention and made a forceful comparison. It only happens when the bird's mate has been killed or its nest and young destroyed, and this most cheerful of birds sitting solitary and dejected made a deep impression on the Psalmist who, when his hour of trouble came, said he was like the mourning sparrow--alone on the housetop. 

I have always thought birds were cute and nice to hear and see. But, now I see it differently. What can I learn from the bird? It is special to watch a bird. We know how important the sparrow is to God and we also know how much more special we are. We know that God is so very interested in you! The next time you see a sparrow, remember how much God cares about you---more than the sparrow (and yet He provides for them). As the birds of Spring start to arrive, you can find reason to smile and be glad, you can rejoice in His love and goodness.
 Today, make it a point to find a bird and watch it. What are you seeing?

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Emotional Healing- The Words we Speak!


The other day I was in a dressing room at our local JcPenney store. As I was trying on some pants I overheard some ladies in the stall down from me. The women were talking about bathing suits and how there is NOWHERE they could possibly wear one. They started putting themselves down about their weight and lack of tan. One lady even put into words "I am a hog, look at me" I was a bit surprised, but mostly sad that she would see in herself someone that she was not. I understand the feelings of  less than perfectness, but I also understand that we can not claim negative thoughts over our own lives/bodies. We have to see ourselves for the beautiful woman God has created us to be.

In Stormie Omartian's- Lord, I want to be Whole she wrote: "When we constantly speak negatively about ourselves or our circumstances, we cut off the possibility of things being any different than what we've just spoken.The Bible says 'You are snared by the words of your mouth.' - Proverbs 6:2 
Ladies, this is saying that all words which come from you, whether they are silent messages or the words we speak aloud, you are cutting off the possibility of things being any different than what we've just spoken. We can't be healed if we are constantly speaking bondage over ourselves and infecting our own worth. Ask yourself: Who is talking? Is it the voice of God, the flesh or the Devil? When talking about yourself, speak words of hope, health, life, encouragement and purpose."

This does not mean acting like everything is perfect. Please ladies by all means be real to others and true to yourself, we all have difficulties, it's okay to show others that you also struggle. Giving the impression that nothing is wrong in your life when something actually is wrong is living a lie. What I am saying is don't believe the lies about yourselves. Stormie Omartian writes "Rather than saying 'life is the pits.' say, 'I feel sad today, but I know God is in charge of my life and will perfect all that concerns me'. - Psalm 138:8. If you can't speak anything positive, say, 'Lord, show me Your truth about my situation.'

We need to stick together, if you hear your friend say words of negativism about herself or her situation, give her a slight nudge and remind her how beautiful and worthy she is. My heart is compassionate for the woman who are under the attack of negative thoughts. I pray that you will see truth and learn to love everything good about yourself. I pray that you see yourself as the precious woman whom God sees you as.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Emotional Health- Depression

but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be fain
t.
Isaiah 40:31


13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
   and he saved them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
   and broke away their chains.

                                                          Psalm 107:13-14
Most of us have experienced the feeling of depression. The feeling of deep despair, the feeling that you have fallen into a pit so deep that you will never get out on your own and as a matter of fact it almost seems like no one could possibly help you out of this deep dark pit. It feels like darkness has swept over you and the light seems a thousand years away. The colors of the world turn to black and white. No one would understand you. Your problems are a million times worse than anyone could imagine. Yes, I know that feeling! Most of us woman understand and you do not have to feel alone.

Depression firstly is NOT from God. It is from our enemy, Satan. His satisfaction is dependent on our unhappiness. If you believe that God is not walking with you through your depression today, you need to pray and ask God to reveal Himself in a true way to you. Our God is a Father of good,He's always beside us and wants to deliver you from this attack. Deliverance is evicting the Devil and refusing to be crippled by him. Being depressed is a sign that your personality has turned inward and focused on itself. One of the healthiest steps to take is to focus outwardly on God through praise. Spend time with God and ask Him to reveal any unconfessed sin in your life. Ask Him to open your eyes to how He sees you and how He sees other people. Do you have unforgiveness or any negative spirits? Spend time with God. Only through God will you be set free, refreshed and whole.

Depression is not something a drug can help, it CAN take the edge off, but it WILL not get rid of the actual problems. Drugs can bring on side effects, dependency and your doses will gradually become stronger. God can fulfill your need for joy, peace and happiness. This will be a healthy dependent and the side effects are much more positive and less dangerous. We need to stop trying to have an immediate fix and look to God for a forever fix. Let's stop taking on what the "world" says is working. I am telling you from experience, only God can give you what you are looking for. His peace is real not prescribed with side effects.

If you are ready to get well emotionally and get rid of this sadness forever, take it one step at a time. Get to know God, read, read, read about who He really is and how much He loves you. Become the woman He created you to be. Even though you do not realize how great you are, you are so worthy in His eyes. Start seeing yourself in the light instead of the dark. I have been where you are and understand and know you can do it with God's help. God understands far greater and He understands all the lies Satan is feeding you to keep you in the chains of depression. Break free from that prison and stay free in the world of light.

Every morning when you wake up ask God in prayer to fill you afresh with the Holy Spirit this day and to crowd out anything that is not of Himself.

Emotional healing is about making yourself into a a woman who can take on the world and not letting the world take you. Get healthy, get free, get God!
Keep the love,

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Emotional Health- Wounds that fester

Stormie Omartian wrote in her book "Lord, I want to Be Whole"
"Some people have hurts so deep that only God knows for sure what they are. These hidden hurts grow, and the pain gets worse, not better, as we get older. When you have a cut, a band-aid provides a protective covering, but if a wound hasn't been cleaned thoroughly, it can fester a long time until the infection surfaces. When you are emotionally wounded, you need more than an emotional band-aid, you need the light of God's Word penetrating like a laser beam to that hurt area and cleansing so that it can heal."



Yes! I am even thinking about wounds like bitterness, rejection and hurt. This is not just about physical pain. When someone hurts us in some way, if we allow it, that pain will fester in our hearts; it will grow 10x larger than what it should have. If someone bothers you with words or actions and you take it to not one but two or three friends, that sore is festering. The hurt feels much bigger than what may have been intended. It's not easy to let go of the hurt. Cover your wounds with God's band-aid! If you allow God to heal them, this allows faster healing and chances are there will be no infected areas. If you have been wounded by your past or maybe you are still being wounded today, pray that God would intervene, clean your wound and restore your body and soul to complete freedom!

In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free. -Psalm 118:5


And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.
 - 2 Timothy 4:18

Friday, January 28, 2011

The Tyger

William Blake - The Tyger

Tyger, Tyger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder, & what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand? & what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears
And water'd heaven with their tears,
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

Tyger, Tyger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

A Dream Deferred

A Dream Deferred

by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

Emotional Health- Forgiveness

Doesn't the words "Emotional Heath" just seem soothing to you? We all long to have total peace about who we are, what we do, and where we're going. We long to have total peace about the past, present and future. We also long to know we are in line with God's ultimate purpose for our lives.
He restores my soul. - Psalm 23:3

FORGIVENESS- This is one way God has ask us to be obedient to Him. We get so caught up and focused on how others have wronged us that we can not forgive. Even though someone has done the most wrong act they could possibly do to you, while it's not your fault that someone wronged you, your reaction in NOW your responsibility. You may feel justified in your anger or bitterness, but you still must confess this to God and forgive that person. The forgiveness may not be immediate, it may be an act of ongoing forgiveness. Does the thought of forgiving someone feel overwhelming, due to how hateful or neglectful they were to you? You don't have to feel forgiveness in order to say you forgive someone. Forgiveness is something you do out of obedience to the Lord because He has forgiven you. Forgive and release that person to God. Forgiveness leads to life, Unforgiveness leads to a slow death. It is not about being saved or not. What it's about is being able to live a life free from emotional pain and a life that God has created for you. Base your decision to forgive on not how you feel, but what you know is right. Forgiveness is right! Forgiveness does not make the other person right, it makes you free.The law of the Lord is to let go, not get even.  Unforgiveness also separates you from people you love, They sense of spirit of unforgiveness, even if they can't identify it, and it makes them uncomfortable and distant. Keep in mind, that people are often the way they are because of how life has shaped them and only God knows the full story, and therefore we have no right to judge. Without unforgiveness we can't release the past. Don't let unforgiveness keep you from the healing, joy and restoration God has for you!
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. -Ephesians 4:31-32

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

God's Promises About The Work We Do!


Laundry, dishes and jobs oh my! If it's not one job, then it's another one on our to do list. Do you ever feel like the work you do (whether at home or away from home) is under appreciated, to much or unimportant? Ever look at the people around you and think how unfair life is because you are doing it all or your work is worse? Never fear women of God! Your work is always appreciated and rewarded by our Heavenly Father. Isn't that wonderful? You no longer have to depend on humans to make you a worthy worker. As long as you are doing the best that you can ever day, putting your heart into it as if the Lord were your boss, you will always get your reward!



Here are some promises from the Bible about the work we do:


Our work will be rewarded
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving
Colossians 3:23-24


Your labor is not in vain
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 


God gives you what you need to do every good work
8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8


Christ gives rest to the overworked
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28


God's promises ladies are something we can count on! You can guarantee these words pertain to your life and you can guarantee enjoyment in the supernatural peace that goes along with trusting in these promises. 


Take the verses above with you wherever it is you spend you day working and know that your boss is God and you will be blessed for the hard work you are doing today! Know that nothing shall move you because your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Know that God will provide you with what you need to do your good work. And Ladies lastly, walk today knowing that God will give you rest when you grow weary.


Have a blessed day and remember God's promises to you!

Monday, January 24, 2011





Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace
   those whose minds are steadfast,
   because they trust in you.
4 Trust in the LORD forever,
   for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. 





When I allow my mind to wander and life's troubles fog my thinking, I start to feel far away from my God. I don't necessarily know it's happening at first, but by the time it occurs to me, I feel distant from Him. Although, I may feel distant, my God is still beside me. He does not leave me! I become frantic in my thinking, looking around and asking "Lord, where have you gone? I don't see you. Why have you left me?" Instead, He's here the entire time saying "Child quiet yourself and listen to me, I never left."


When we forget to spend the time with our Father, we don't feel that peace we long for everyday. But, when you are building a solid friendship with God and trusting in Him, He will give you a perfect peace. The Lord is our Rock, He is our solid foundation. In Him we find rest; lay it down, give it to Him and find peace!



Saturday, January 22, 2011

Fruit Of the Spirit... Faith, Gentleness and Self-Control!



9 Fruits of The Spirit Bible Scripture Study:
Lesson 4: Faith, Gentleness, and Self-Control



And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased;and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. ~ Proverbs 29:23 


We are finally entering our fourth and final lesson on the 9 Fruits of the Spirit!

fruit of the spirit bible study galatians 5 woman holding apple
We began in Lesson 1 by discussing the true purposes of these spiritual fruits - Why God gives them to us, and how He wants us to use them.


We then moved on to Lesson 2, where we began hunting through the scriptures in our Bible Scripture Study to discover what else God has to say about each of the 9 Fruits of the Spirit.


In this Bible lesson, we will continue our hunt through the scriptures by looking at the final 3 of the 9 Fruits of the Spirit: Faith, Gentleness, and Self-control.

Faith and Faithfulness

9 fruits of the Spirit woman prayingWhen we study this particular Fruit of the Holy Spirit, we find that it is translated differently in various translations.  Some translations show it as faith, while others describe it as faithfulness.  

The Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionary explains that the term used when the scripture was written would have meant "...moral conviction of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God..."  to the readers of the time.

I think this definition more closely lines up with the way we would define the word faith, so that is what we will examine here.

What is faith?



NOW FAITH is the assurance
(the confirmation, the title deed)
of the things [we] hope for,
being the proof of things [we] do not see
and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

 -Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)

Wow!  I love using the Amplified for in-depth Bible scripture studies because it really brings the true meaning out of the text.  

Faith is the "title deed," or, essentially, the proof of ownership for the things that you are still hoping for.  The things that, with your senses, you can't even see yet.  In fact, you may be seeing the opposite!

But, it is your faith that is the confirmation that you already possess it in the spiritual realm.

Faith is probably one of the biggest challenges, because it is believing in something that you can not see, long after you thought it would have appeared.  That is why faith is not something you have to come up with on your own - It is a One of the 9 Fruits of the Spirit.

I have heard a lot of Christians say that they are not sure that they have enough faith for something.  Hey, I've even said it myself.

But, faith is not something that you just have to scrounge up from inside of yourself.  It is something that grows inside of you from spending time with God's Holy Spirit.

Never think that you do not have enough faith.  The Holy Spir
it is your source for as much as you need!


Gentleness

9 fruits of the holy spirit humility gentleness woman eye
I like the way that the Message Bible explains gentleness.  It says that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will no longer feel the need to "force our way in life" (Galatians 5:22 Message)

Our society is very Me centered. People feel that they have toTake Care of Number One,  or they will somehow miss out or be taken advantage of.

But, when you realize that God is taking care of you, and that He can do a much better job of it than you ever could, you loose the conviction that you must force your own way.  You let Him make your way, and you begin making the way for others.

Another more traditional way of describing gentleness is being meek and humble.




And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased;
and he that shall humble himself
shall be exalted.

- Proverbs 29:23 

Wouldn't you rather have God exalt you than you try to exalt yourself?  He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think!" (Ephesians 3:20).

Though Learning How to be Humble and Meek is not easy in our society, that is why God has given you the Holy Spirit to be your teacher. 

Self- Control

And because of His glory and excellence, 

He has given us great and precious promises. 

These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature 

and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 
-2 Peter 1:4 (NLT)

9 fruits of the Spirit self-control woman looking in the mirror
As Christians, we all have two natures. No matter how holy we think we are, we are still human.

So, we have our sin nature, and, because of Jesus' sacrifice, we have God's divine nature that we are allowed to share in.

But, there is an issue.


The two natures don't get along!  "For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other." And, if you were working on your own, you would not be able to do the  things of the Spirit, even if you really wanted to (Galatians 5:17 NLT).


But the Holy Spirit has been sent to help you. God tells you to "live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature."   If you live by the Spirit, you will be able to maintain self-control.


What would you look like if you were able to gain self-control through walking in the Holy Spirit?

Would there be less of those moments when you weren't walking in love. Fewer instances when you said something that wasn't kind, and then regretted it. Or less times where you tried to exalt yourself instead of being humble and counting on God to exalt you.



Allowing God's Spirit to develop this spiritual fruit within you gives you the help you need to walk in all 9 Fruits of the Spirit. No wonder God put it last.



9 Fruits of the Spirit Bible Scripture Study 
Lesson 4

Reflection Questions:
  1. Have you ever thought that you did not have enough faith for something?  How does it feel to know that developing faith is something the Holy Spirit has been sent to help you with? 
  2. Have you ever fallen into the world's trap of feeling like you have to take care of number one?  How can you safeguard yourself from feeling this way, even when you are wronged by those around you?
  3. Are there any of the 9 Fruits of the Spirit that you thought would be difficult to develop?  What role do you think developing self-control can play in helping you to develop the others you had been lacking?
  4. What do you think are the best ways to develop the 9 Fruits of the Spirit in your own life?