Seasons of Sowing

I received this via email today.

Seasons of Sowing

Today's Scripture
"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy" (Psalm 126:5).

The Scripture talks about seasons of sowing and reaping in your life. In Psalms, it talks about sowing in tears and reaping in joy.

That verse is saying that the sowing seasons are usually the most difficult. It’s hard to keep a good attitude when all your friends are being blessed, but you’re not.

You may feel like they don’t work as hard as you do. You may feel like they don’t give like you do or don’t deserve the blessing. That’s a time of testing. It’s hard to go through disappointments and stay positive and hopeful. These are seasons of sowing.

If you’ll do the right thing even when it’s hard—when you sow in tears—you will always reap in joy!

I’m asking you to have a new attitude toward what God has placed in your heart. It may be taking a long time, but God still has a plan to bring it to pass.

Don’t give up. Your time is coming. It’s never too late!

God is saying, "This is your season. Keep your faith stirred up." Keep sowing because in due season, you will reap the bountiful harvest with a song of joy in your heart!

Hold Fast

Hebrews 10:35-36

(KJV)
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

(Amplified)
Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.

(NIV)
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Sister, you are Beautiful

I was in the market tonight after an awesome revival service and overheard some women talking about me. I am not one to eavesdrop so I didn't tune in until I heard the word "tall" and realized it was me, when in my peripheral view, I noticed them staring my way. They were saying that I was pretty, tall and there was something about me that just makes me beautiful. I am not sharing this to brag, but I am saying this because I instantly knew what they were saying was beautiful. It was the Holy Ghost! They were attracted to the Holy Ghost that was shining through. I feel like I could sing, It was the Holy Ghost! The Holy Ghost!

Ladies, we are beautiful. Physical beauty is not enough to be beautiful. It is was comes from within. And with the Spirit living within us, beauty permeates off of us. I don't think we hear it enough, but we are beautiful. We shine, shine, shine and should be proud of the name we carry. As it was heard tonight, we are bad!

Psalm 121

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Anthony’s Teacher made me cry

Anthony’s teacher made me cry this morning. She told me that Anthony was a great student, loving, respectful and disciplined. Do not take this the wrong way, but I was dumbfounded. Seconds passed by before I could even respond. After I left the classroom, I cried joyful tears. You see, this was a change from all that I had heard in Pre-K and K. Kindergarten was a nightmare and many tears were shed by the both of us. So, to hear this was a great big blessing. Yes, I know school has just begun, and there may be times that I will have to hold onto these words. But prayerfully, I am petitioning God to help Anthony maintain this status in his class and in the many years to come. I want God’s light to shine in Anthony so that he can be a Godly example and a testimony/witness to his schoolmates. I want Anthony to let the lil' light shine. Thank you Jesus for sending me this blessing!

My Family Cruisin' the Caribbean

Here is a picture of my wonderful family on their cruise to the Caribbean. From left to right, nephew Cardie (15), nephew Quentin (20), sister-in-law Melinda and nephew Andre (15). As you can see, we are a family of giants. My brother, who was taking the picture, stands at 6'4". My nephews are all taller than me and I am 5'11". Us women are the short ones in the family. =)

Anthony's First Day of School

Well, we made it through the first day with ease. I was more nervous than Anthony. He is comfortable in new environments. With his sociable personality and desire to meet new people, he got along just fine. I was impressed by his teacher. She is very organized and disciplined. Just what Anthony needs. From what I have come to learn, our most valuable weapon as parents (outside of God) is our consistency. Anthony knows I love him when I discipline him because I am consistent and kept to my word. If I act out of anger and punish him, he tends to fear me instead of respect me. Anthony needs to know which way the ball is going to fall, whether he is going to be reprimanded or loved. To have a disciplined teacher, is an answer to prayer, because God knew just what my son needed.

Praise '07 at the Park

On Oct. 6th, we are scheduled to have Praise ‘07 at the Park. We are taking our church services to the park in an effort to reach out to the community. If they are unable to come to us, then we will come to them.

Here is a glimpse of what God can do with our efforts. It doesn’t have to just be another service, but it could be a day that all the angels in heaven rejoice!

http://inhistime.wordpress.com/2007/08/20/god-blew-our-minds/

Back to School

Today is Anthony's first day back to school. Until Sunday, I was not ready for him to go back to school. I truly enjoyed our summer time together and wasn't ready to end. Come Monday, he practically talked my ear off. That's when I realized, even if I am not ready, he definitely is.

So, today we are off to meet his first grade teacher, Mrs. Jennings. As every mother probably is when their kids go off, I have a mix of emotions. Anxiousness, nervousness, excitement are all rolled up into me right now. A part of me wants the time to stop and the other part wants to jump until the end of the day so that I can find out how school went for him.

MY BABY IS GROWING UP! & FAST!

Googled

Today, I found the nerve to Google myself. I hear people everywhere talking about they are going to Google someone or they've been Googled, but I never had the urge to check on myself. It was kind of eerie to see my name pop up. Eerie and exciting at the same time. I found people with my first name and one person with my same exact first and middle name. Who would have thought! My name is no where near common. Fortunately, there weren't too many people who shared my name. I take pleasure in having a unique name. Especially since I was named after my dad, or at least he said I was named after him. Something to think about, hmmm!

P.R.I.D.E.

Last night we had some Back-2-School teachings from Bro Art and Bro Frank. It was great. Bro Frank read over some startling statistics that was quite compelling. Bro Art said that teaching is when knowledge and tools are provided. Preaching is when we are inspired. Well, there was some preaching last night!

We were taught some information on presenting ourselves to those of the world and how our light shines brightly to all, teachers, fellow students, other parents, etc. How we act outside of church directly represents our God. We also were provided some startling statistics that would make you squirm. These statistics alone are a very good reason why we must pray for our children. As parents, we must teach and practice prayer in the home. It’s not just a church thing!

“YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD…” (Matthew 5:14)

How we act, directly shows our PRIDE or lack of it. We can PRIDEfully be a bright shining light set on top of a hill or through our embarrassment we can hide our light so that no man can see. When we are embarrassed of our lifestyle, living for God becomes more of a chore than a privilege.

Do you have PRIDE? What does PRIDE mean to you?

P.R.I.D.E.
Prayer Raises It’s Demands Everywhere
Prayerfully Releasing the Inflicted with Daily Expectancy
Providing Restoration In Daily Expectancy
Prayerfully Restoring Individuals with Daily Expectancy
Power Restoration Infilling Deliverance Expectancy (through the Power of the Holy Ghost, there is restoration through the infilling and deliverance through our expectancy.)

I am sure there are many more things I could put together, but I would love to see what you could come up with.

Riding a Bike

Anthony learned how to ride his bike today without the training wheels. We went out early this morning before the scorching heat and got him started. I was so excited. Even the people at the park we cheering him on. It feels so good to see my child accomplish something new.

Funny Story

Now that I have been unblocked, I thought it would be fun for us to create a story like we did in our elementary days. I will begin and then you can add your sentence (or two). Remember, this is a family blog. The rating is a "Christian G" not the "G" rating that would be put on shows today. Ha! Ha! Ha!

TITLE: The Island of Pentecost

Once upon a time in Pentecostal Island, there was a young man who...

Writers Block

I don’t know what to write about. Where does the time go. Why can’t I just think about something to write? What do I write about. I can’t stop because then I will stop thinking and I won’t have anything to blog. Blog? What is in a blog? Remember in the old days when we were instructed to write without picking up a pencil. Then creative thinking would come. What are we instructed to do today? Are we to write on our laptops and computers without adding spaces? Are we to write nonstop until something comes to mind? I would assume so. Writers block. What an awful thing. Actually this is kind of funny to me. I haven’t sat down to do creative writing in a long time and this is getting to be kind of fun. Fun, what is fun? How do we have fun? I certainly wouldn’t have thought about doing this for fun. But it actually is. I can’t stop asking myself questions. What do I do with this writers block? I may never shut up. What do you do when you have writers block? This is what you get from a woman who loves numbers and not words. I guess I should have paid better attention in English and grammar. I probably would have more to say. LOL. Now I can’t stop laughing while I am sitting here on my living room floor. Do you have writers block? Maybe communication block. Maybe artist block or readers block. What do you do when you are all blocked and can’t seem to get unblocked? I can tell you what to do. Just do it. LOL. See, now I had a whole lot to say. =)

Have FAITH

Mark 11:22

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

Out with the Old. In with the New.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

The Presence of the Lord

How can you deny God when you see something like this?

There is Always a Blessing on the Other Side of Obedience

Recently, I have received a few offers to work elsewhere and make more money with more desirable perks and benefits. But my spirit was ill at ease with the thought of pursuing those options. I knew it was not the will of God and I would be disobedient to even explore such options. I wanted it bad, real bad. And although my flesh was saying that I wouldn’t hurt to just see what they have to offer, my spirit whipped out the red light and siren, and screamed out “Holt. Do not go there!”

I must admit, it has been hard for me to sit back and wait out this wave. Things have not been good and there have been times that I am shattered in my heart from the constant lashing that seems to go on. My flesh is bruised, beaten and stripped. Pride, what pride? Humbleness has come out of humility and oh how that hurts. IT DOESN’T FEEL GOOD!

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…“ (1 Samuel 15:22). To sacrifice means the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim (dictionary.com). To obey means to comply with or follow (a command, restriction, wish, instruction, etc.) (dictionary.com). My flesh was not happy because I had to surrender or give up something. I had to surrender a higher salary. I had to surrender some of my pride. I had to surrender prized and desirable things, which my mind calculated out to “defeat”. Although my spirit was obeying or following the will of God, my flesh was feeling defeated. I had to surrender my desire in order to follow (another icky word in our vocabulary) Another’s desire. This goes against the grain of our (humanly) well being. After all, it is the “It’s all about me” era.

But oh, what a friend we have in Jesus! Now this is where Jesus is so good. In all of my surrendering, it never occurred to me that I have been accumulating towards God’s blessings. There is always a blessing on the other side of obedience! God will not punish us for our obedience, but He may punish us for our sacrifice (Check out the story of Cain and Abel). YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WHEN YOU OBEY GOD. God is not going to turn His back on us and say “You shouldn’t have listened to me, stupid”. He does not play games. There are blessings in obedience, multiple blessings! When we obey God, he is happy with us; when He is happy with us, we are happy. When we obey God, we receive His favor; we are directly dialed into The Blessing Line. When we obey God, we are protected and secured; no weapon formed against us can prevail. Plus when we obey God, we are helping others; “For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19 KJV)

Wow! I can’t even put into words what this makes me feel. I couldn’t do this feeling justice. What I will say is this, I surrender! There is something better waiting for me behind door #2, OBEDIENCE. Where there is obedience, there is favor. Where there is favor, there is God. Where God is, is where I want to be. Where I want to be is in heaven. There is a higher claim and a higher name! His name is JESUS.

Out-of-Shape

Wow! Signs From Above had practice tonight. I am not ashamed to say that I practice on a regular basis but still take more breaks than these young ladies. I have a decade (whoa! that makes me sound old) or more over them, but I am holding my ground. At least until Sgt. Ariel got to me. She showed me this exercise called "36" and I began to feel 36 after I did only half of one of those.

I don't understand. Ladies, how is it that we can work all day and be so out of shape? I mean, I go to work, I come home, make dinner (this is a random affair in my household), go to the store, go home, clean here, clean there, do dishes, help kids with homework, get ready for the next day, go go go. We are always going, but our bodies haven't caught up with the lingo yet. All the stuff we do, should at least be considered extra credit! LOL!

Don't Play Chicken with God

Have you ever played the game of Chicken? You know, the game where you test your "courage" by playing some crazy dangerous game against someone else. Whomever backs out of the challenge first is considered a chicken. I am sure there is a better way of explaining this game and I am also sure the you probably know what I am talking about. Most people play these games as juveniles, some continue on well past their adolescence. As much as we'd like to think that we don't play it anymore, I'd like to pose this question to you, have you recently played Chicken with God?

You know, "just a little bit more and I will stop". "Well, it can wait until tomorrow". "Really, tomorrow I will change". "I have plenty of time to ask for forgiveness, today is just not that day". This does not have to apply to what we think are "big sins", this can as easily be applied to what could be considered "small sins". Although all sins are viewed as the same in God's eyes, "Big sins" start somewhere. And just remember, the "bigger" our sins tend to get, the less of a sin the "small" ones seem to be.

I know that there are things I am guilty of. And no, I am not going to share. =) However, I do want to say that playing Chicken with God is useless because He always wins. Whether you decide that you are never backing down or that you will just back down for now, YOU LOSE. God has the last call. After all, He is The Judge and has the final call on our eternity.

So, be a wise man, not a fool. Don't go playing Chicken with God. As Mr. T use to say, "I pity the fool!"

The Fire of the Holy Ghost

God is amazing. His power and glory are unfathomable. His favor and mercy are unexplainable and his Love is enduring. While the Fire of His Holy Ghost sweeps over us and consumes us, He fills us with such joy and excitement. The bacteria of fear, sickness, troubled minds, financial downfalls, " " (you fill in the blank) are burned down by the fire of the Holy Ghost and replaced with "Power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). It is dumbfounding to me how in such an uncontainable and uncontrollable God, we find such peace and order and love.

I'm tweny-eight (28)!

I have joyfully been 28 for two days. Yeah! Although I am one year older, I feel more alive now than I have in past years. Oh...the joys of getting older (not old, just older! LOL!). Growing up, my dad always made a big deal out of birthdays. Since we have experienced the saying "tomorrow is not guaranteed", having another birthday for me is another accomplishment and most importantly another blessing. I am blessed. I have lived 28 years and I'm looking forward to 29. Thanks all for your birthday calls, kisses and (ooh-yeah) gifts.

InDanger'd Species

Anthony brought home a sticker from Sunday school that said "Prayer Works". When I asked him to tell me how prayer has worked in his life, one of his answers was that it helps him not to become an endangered species. I laughed at first but thought 'tis true. We are an endangered species without prayer. Just like our schools are endangered with the removal of "God" from the atmosphere. What sense of order do we have without prayer? I can speak for myself, I have NONE. Without prayer Anthony and myself are both "in danger". In danger of not being in the will of God. In danger of not following the direction of God. In danger of falling into the hands of the prey and being devoured by the jaws of life. Anthony was absolutely correct, prayer helps us not to become and InDanger'd Species.

Friends

I remember the times when I was young and could talk for hours on the phone. I still can, but life doesn't permit such leisure at times. I can remember in high school how I use to see my friend Jessie everyday in class, we'd have lunch together and then call each other every night and talk for hours. When people would ask how we would find so much to talk about, I would say "Everyday brings something new. There is always something to talk about. This is a benefit of having a friend."

Though I said that when I was ~14 years old, I still agree with that today. There are times when I get off the phone with a friend and I have a Kool-Aid smile and just feel good. I think about what was discussed during our conversation and realize that I did nothing I set out to accomplish, but I surely felt good doing it. There are times when I just needed a friend. I didn't need to talk, just the unspoken words of strength and understanding. Friends are priceless. Priceless indeed!

Happy Birthday Priscilla!

I have to give a shout out to the newest member of SFA (Signs from Above). She has officially become a teenager today, the big 13. We had cupcakes to celebrate. I made the cupcakes and only messed up 5 of them. Unknowingly (such a Philana moment) I put the candles in the ones that came right out of the oven and melted the candle wax right in the cupcake. They were still edible after we dug out the wax. LOL!

Happy Birthday Priscilla! Love YA!

Happy BirthDay Alaina!

Today, well yesterday, was Alaina's birthday. She turned 21 years old (You are gettin' old girly! LOL). Just kidding! You are young yet with many years of youth ahead of you. Trust me, the years only get better.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALAINA!

Testimony

For Wednesday night services, I normally leave my house early to give myself time to practice a little before service. Yesterday, I left at 6:30 as normal and while en route to church, I realized that I forgot my check book. This posed two problems: 1) We were taking a sacrificial offering in service and I would not be able to participate that night if I didn't have my check book and 2) I would not make it to church early and would possibly be late to our 7:00 prayer meeting if I were to turn around to get the check book. After a few minutes of thought, I decided to turn around and get my check book. I figured that I could cut out practice and if I were to hurry I would make it to service on time since I had allowed myself the additional 15 minutes in the first place.

So, I went home, got my check book and headed back to church. As I was on my way I came across an accident. This accident took place in pretty much the exact area that I would have been had I not turned around. Instantly, I knew once I passed that scene that God had saved me from that accident. I thought to myself, not only do I serve an awesome God, but if I had not acted upon my first instinct (which I believe to be the nudging of God), I would have more than likely been the one in that accident. Although, I pray for the women who were involved and pray that everything will turn out all right for the both of them, I am grateful that I listened to God and turned around.

The First Lady

My pastor's wife (a.k.a. The First Lady), had a birthday yesterday as well.

Happy Birthday Sis Pryor!!!

Anthony Had Another B-Day

Today, Anthony hit the big "6". He is officially able to ride in a car without a car seat. I woke him up this morning by singing Happy Birthday and making him his favorite breakfast,... cereal. He went to school and had a wonderful day. His teacher even met me at the playground gate to tell me what a wonderful day he had. Glory to God! My sister came out and a few of us went to CEC (chuck-e-cheese) and had a mini b-day celebration. He got some gifts that were on his birthday list, including a Game Cube, Hot Wheels Track and Soccor Ball. He loved it, I loved it, we all loved it. Today was simple and perfect for someone who just turned 6. I am a proud mother of a wonderful 6-year old little boy.

Happy Birthday Anthony!!!

Psalm 121: 1-3

Such Sweet Sorrow

I thank God for big brothers. I am quite younger than my older brothers, but they have been an important part of my life even though they were pretty much out of the house before I was walking. My oldest brother, Tony, was out here on vacation for a short while and I was reminded of how much I miss him. I credit him and my wonderful sis-in-law, Melinda, with much of how I am today. When I was younger, my brother was like this imaginary hero. I never understood what he did or where he was because he was so much older than me, but I couldn’t wait until he came home. When he finally did come home, I wouldn’t leave his side expect for when I had to go to school. As I grew older and he married, my vacations were spent in his home. His home was my home and he never told me or made me feel otherwise. He took care of me and I can’t express how loved that makes me feel.

So, you may be able to imagine a little bit of the joy I felt in seeing him after a few years. This visit reminded me of all the reasons why I love my brother and how much I have missed him. Having him for the little while has been a blessing, but I hated to see him go. I love my big brother and thank God for him. I already miss him and can’t wait until next time.

A Portrait Before His Was Famous

This is me in the eyes of Jose Rios. This picture is titled

"A Portrait Before He Was Famous".

Feasting in His Sanctuary

Have you ever dined at a restaurant where the food was great but the service was horrible, the restaurant was dirty and the surrounding environment was just unpleasant? Or you may experience wonderful service in a cleanly restaurant with an environment that is quite welcoming, but the food didn’t necessarily meet up to your expectation. Even if the food was excellent, the service and environment would probably deter me from returning. For me a filthy restaurant makes me think of a dirty kitchen which ultimately leads to the thought of dirty food, which I ate. Yuck! But if the food is not up to par, but the service I received was outstanding and the restaurant was pleasant, the chances of my return are very high. The food doesn’t seem to be as bad when the service is excellent. Well, I guess we can’t always have our cake and eat it too. This is definitely true in my case because my cake may explode prior to being edible. Anywho, with whatever scenario I face, my expectation is curved to one side or other, it is normally a deciding factor in whether I will return for another dining experience.

Dining with God works the same way. What you first encounter curves your expectation for the next visit. Everything around you serves as a deciding factor on whether your dinner experience is worth a return. The friendliness of your waitress(es) (the Church Greeter and Church Family), the cleanliness of the facility (the Church), the calming pleasant environment (pre-service prayer), the appetizer (the Worship Service) the main course (the Sermon), and what we all look forward to, the desert (the Alter Call) are all contributing factors in a guest experience. I have been to restaurants where I just loved, loved, loved the food and service. And because of the wonderful first encounter, I have forgiven a bad food selection or mediocre service I may have received at a future visit because I know what they can provide and maybe they are having an off day.

This is why it is so important that the saints of the church seek the face of God in every service and serve a feast at dinner time. What we dish out, is what our guest will reel in. As excellently put by Tommy Tenney, “When people get just a little touch of God mixed with a lot of something that is not God, it inoculates them against the real thing. Once they’ve been ‘inoculated’ by a crumb of God’s presence, then when we say ‘God really is here’; they say ‘No. I’ve been there, done that, I bought the T-shirt, and I didn’t find Him; it really didn’t work for me’” I don’t want my guest eating tuna when they can have escargot. I don’t want them to have day-old bread when they can heave a loaf fresh from the oven. I want them to have Jesus and what I do contributes to how much of Jesus they will have. What I do will answer the question, are they feasting or snacking on Him?

Last week I was blessed to be able to attend our Western District Ladies conference. This is my favorite conference every year. I look forward to my soul being fed by the services as well as the fellowship. And each year, I wonder how they are going to outdo the last and each year they have not failed me. They outdo the last. Although the theme of this conference was “Into His Sanctuary”, it could have been easily called “Feasting in His Sanctuary”. We feasted on the presence of God. We experienced Him and served our guest with caviar and escargot. We served the thousand dollar plates on a twenty dollar budget. It was awesome! Friday night was one of those services where we really couldn’t get any teaching because God was teaching us how to feast on Him. We created an atmosphere that welcomed God and we didn’t reject Him when He showed up. Although we don’t bask in the glory of God for anyone but God, it was our basking that helped the lost be saved, the bound to be delivered, the sick to be healed, and the weak to be made strong. It was our feasting in the Sanctuary that helped others walk into the Sanctuary. Hallelujah!!!

I don’t really know how to end this blog because I got myself all pumped up. I will say this, as best said by Tommy Tenney, “If God’s glory can’t flow through the aisles of the church because of seducing spirits and manipulating men, then God will have to turn somewhere else…” I don’t want God to pass me up. I don’t want Him to pass up my family, friends, coworkers, etc. I want all to come and Feast in the Presence of God. It does start with me. As long as I do what I can, God will do the rest. I create the atmosphere; God will enter it and do His marvelous work.

EXCELLENT quote

"Listen, my friend. God doesn't care about your music, your midget steeples, and your flesh-impressive buildings. Your church carpet doesn't impress Him-He carpets the fields. God doesn't really care about anything you can "do" for Him; He only cares about your answer to one question: "Do you want Me?" - Tommy Tenney

Good Quote

"The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible." - Arthur C. Clarke

We Hugged U OC!

This Valentine's Day was the best Valentines I have had in a long while. As a single parent there is one thing that can make you lonely, Valentine's Day. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, 4th of July are normally spent with family, but this is one occasion where a third person (or maybe 2) is literally a fifth wheel.

But this Valentine's Day instead of dwelling on what I didn't have or what I wasn't involved in, I was truly blessed to be involved in God's wonderful work, OUTREACH. A few of us single moms, went out and Hugged OC.


Although this outreach is a year round effort (and quite fun at that), we took this Valentine's Day Serving Those Who Serve Us. We went out and gave some HugOC Cards with chocolates attached and reached out to employees at Starbucks, Taco Bell, QueenBee Chinese, Popeye's Chicken and even Subway. You can find the photos on My AWESOME Church's flick'r web site. I even found a 6'7" man with hair that probably made him 7'0". WOW! I love it.

Unfortunately, we barely touched OC in the couple of hours we were out. Fortunately, this is only the beginning. There is so much more to do. So many more lives to touch and what a way to do it! Thank you Sis Rebecca and Sis Patty (Brianna and Monce too!) for your wonderful help. I look forward to what we will accomplish this year.

And if you don't live in OC, here is a HUG for you.

Potato Heaven

Dear Bloggerians,

Well,...I am not sure how to start this blog off. I wanted to provide an update of my past week, but there is nothing quite as interesting as what I am about to write. There is no easy way to say this, but...I blew up a potato on Sunday night. Yes! I did it again!

When you didn't think it was possible, I can always show you that it is. See my pic.

The inside of the potato came out of the skin, blew up into tiny little pieces with one remaining ball of potato left. This is what you get when you don't know how to cook. Yes, I should start a blog all on my kitchen adventures because every time that I enter the kitchen you never know what you're gonna get.

Since I have become somewhat of an expert on explosive kitchen cooking, I must tell all of you this. TEACH YOUR KIDS while you can! DON'T LET THEM BE LIKE ME! I have blown up a donut, a potato, and what you don't know, I have blown up some eggs as well (the eggs happened when I was younger. I guess bad habits are hard to break). LOL!!! I have burned potpourri, baby bottles, cookies, fried chicken and I have even burned someone else's fried chicken. I've even made fireworks in Sis Terry's kitchen...Have you ever heard of hot oil and water?!? LOL =)

Believe it or not, I am getting better. I am still loving this whole kitchen thing and I am still going strong. The only thing is that I have to find a more efficient was of cleaning up. At least this time, I found a more efficient way of blowing things up. This time I kept it to a confined space, the oven.

Signed,

Kitchen Terrorist

P.S. Sis Reina thinks I should take some first aid classes.

How Many People Does it Take to Make Banana Pudding?

Apparently, it takes 3. =) Tonight, I was determined to make banana pudding and I told myself that I would not stop until I got it right. The custard was perfect, the bananas were cut just right and the nilla wafers were yum!yum! and waiting to go. When I got to the fluffy topping, that was another story. Sis Beka and Don took the first swing at it. An hour later, no fluffy white topping, but they got a good work out. I took the second swing, and another hour later, it was mostly fluffy white topping. And I got a work out. (See my hand muscles in the pic below)

After a lot of work and many good laughs, it was a wonderful sight to see the beautiful banana pudding coming out of the oven.

Sis Beka and Don thanks for your help. Since preparation time took about 3 hours (about 2 1/2 hours longer than I expected) and you had to go before you could get a taste, I will bring you some to church tonight. =)

P.S. I'm loving this whole cooking thing. Its great!

OC Traffic

I have one hour to go before I become a "car potato" on the 91 freeway. It is hard to imagine or even understand how I commuted a 1 1/2 hour (one-way) drive for so many years. But now I am more clearly understanding why road rage is a commonly used word in our OC vocabulary. =) Here is a glimpse of what I will enter once I leave work today. YIKES!

Where I Came From?...

I'm no sure what's up with me this month. I can say that I am tired, but I think I have crossed over from the side of fatigue to the side of "you've got to be kidding me". How can I say this easily...I turned the whites pink! This was a first for me, so I am still in shock. I was able to rewash and get the pink out of most of the items, but one shirt is quite stubborn and will not go back to white. I share this on my blog because I want to be able to refer back to this day when I am reminiscing with my kids. I want to be able to say that I worked hard to get where I am, just go on my blog and see where I came from.

God has been gracious enough to allow me to make these mistakes early on in life. Sometimes you have to make a mistake before you can understand the lesson. Then...you pick yourself up and try again. Ingenuity comes from trial and error. There is no point in trying to advance if you are not allowed to make a mistake. =)

Anthony at Ice Skating

I love this picture.

"Okay"

God is good. There has been a situation at work in which it's disasterous path has followed me for months. This project I inherited was in the burning building phase from day one and has needed more correcting than building. Well, I must say that although failure was the intent, the devil has failed because God has won yet another victory. I have prayed, I have fasted for God's guidance for this day because a situation arose (yet again) that could have had a huge impact on our business, new business at that. Although I had a plan, I knew it wouldn't be right until God said it was time to move.

So, when He said go, I went. I hate to cut a long story short, but in reality, God did just that. He cut the problem down. I presented my solution to my regulator and the response was "okay". There has been nothing but opposition and gaps throughout this entire project. So, to receive a simple "okay" would have been quite shocking, if I hadn't known the Miracle Worker.

Family Night - January '07

Just now calming down from our first family night. I had an incredible time with everyone who attended. Thanks to Bro. Allard's tip on tightening the shoelaces at the tip of the skate, I didn't fall once and I actually skated with ease. (I only had one scare this time, but I prevailed!) Anthony loved it and by the time our session was ending, I couldn't get him off the ice.

This was "da bomb" way of starting out the new year and I am looking forward to our next family night with My AWESOME Church, the Pentecostals of OC.

Indulge in Reminiscence

SJ (Sean Jamal, my 3-day old nephew) marked the 6th grandchild for my parents. Although my mother passed before she had the opportunity to see any of them, I get excited over how proud she would be. SJ’s arrival has brought about opportunities for old family friends to get together and reminisce about the good ol’ times growing up. As we were sitting around at his baby shower, I heard stories of my mother that I had never heard before. And without fail, it tied in with church.

Since I was only 5 when my mother passed away, I do not have many memories of my mother. The ones I do have, I cherish dearly. Over half of my memories involve church. I remember moving from our "little" church to our "new" church. I remember the side of the church our family sat on and how my Mom or Dad would give us pepermint candy during the service. I remember taking my crayons and coloring which would eventually end up in me falling asleep on the pew. I remember seeing my mother on the piano playing as the church would worship. I remember never wanting to go to Sunday school because I would have to participate in the teaching, but my parents would always make me. I remember that every birthday party was filled with the kids from the church.

It is a blessing to be able to help create such memories for our children. To be able to indulge in our past instead of having fear of it is a gift we can give to our children. There are circumstances that are out of our hands, but there are circumstances that are not. Implanting the love of God and His church in us was a choice my mother decided to control. Although we did not attend church after her death, the love she implanted for God was embedded in me and could not be forgotten. And what can I say, here I am today. I have become the young lady she was raising me up to be.

So, with the arrival of my nephew, I am not only overjoyed because of him, but because my sister was blessed again to be able to implant the same love as our mother implanted in us. And now I can Indulge in Reminiscence.

Baby Madison

Baby Madison was born this afternoon. He weighed 6lbs 8 1/2 oz and was 18 1/2 inches long. The delivery went well and my sister's doctor was wonderful. Although my sister and her husband had originally decided on Mason, he currently goes without a name. Daddy is torn between making him a Jr. or keeping the name as they had decided. Either way, he definitely has found a place in all of our hearts. Thank you all who prayed for my sister and her family. It went well.

What is a BLOG?

When I talk about my church, I always mention about the blogs and how guests can go on and learn a little about who we are. But everytime without fail, I am asked "What is a Blog" and everytime I get stuck. I tell them that it is kind of like an online journal that others can read, but I do not have the exact definition.

Do you know what a blog is? Well, according to Dictionary. com a blog is a weblog (web log) or a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies. Now when I am asked the question I can give an edumucated response. =)

You may also see it used in this form:
Blogs
Blogger
Blogged
Blogging
& the one I like the most...
blogosphere <-- (this one comes from my Pastor) =)

A Week in Reflection

This week has been an excitingly eventful week. I have had the opportunity to witness, in person, God's healing hand and I am about to witness, in person, God's hand on new life. In addition to this, I have faced new challenges, which in reality, is new opportunity. I guess what better way to start off 2007 that with an exciting week.

Also, on Monday, I will officially gain the title as Titi (aunt) 6x over. My sister has been scheduled for Monday to have my nephw, Mason. As a very proud, and what better word to use, "excited" aunt, I can't help but announce his expected arrival. Today is his baby shower and Monday he will be here to enjoy his new gifts.

Please keep my sister and nephew in your prayers. I am praying for a short and healthy delivery. Also, keep me in your prayers because I will be in the delivery room again. I was in the delivery room with my niece and I wanted to choke the doctor (kids don't do that at home). Not to get into details on why (well, it was mostly because I was in a panic), I walked out of the delivery room one exhausted aunt. Delivery is exhausting for everyone.

The Miracle of Life

Everyday that we live, we are living a miracle. We are the creation of God and as I have said before, He loves us so much He created us in His image. "So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27.

There is a song that we sing in our church, that goes something like this:

Lord I give You my heart

I give You my soul

I live for You alone

Every breathe that I take

Every moment I'm awake

Lord, have Your way in me

We have been singing this song quite a bit lately and every time that we sing it, I have to stop and thank God for giving me breathe. He gave me life and He gave it to me like He wanted me to have it. I am tall and skinny because God wanted me to be. I imagine Him saying to Himself 'I want this precious daughter of mine to be tall and skinny because...' of some reason I may never know. The air we breathe, the life we have were all given by Him. The sins I committed were washed under His blood because He manifested himself in flesh and died for us on the cross. There is no love like God can give. There is no one greater to love than Him. I can sing that song over and over again and I would feel the same each time. He did it for me because He loves me and He cares.

These are the times when all I can say is "Thank You Jesus!"

Dedicated to Binh, Tina, Joshua & Jarid Nguyen.

First EDGE Service of '07

Tonight we had our first EDGE service of 2007 and I was truly blessed. With limited number of practices, the praise team did great. Signs From Above, our signing team, did awesome. Thanks Brianna and Ariel for all the hard work you put into it. This is only the beginning so don't get too comfortable. This is what happens when you do such a great job, YOU BECOME IN DEMAND! =).

I really appreciated Bro Frank's message on "What is Weighing You Down". Along with Pastor Pryor's preaching in the morning, I think us Youth Alive have been challenged to cut what is weighing us down and continue breaking down barriers in '07.

Youth Alive, I believe we are in for an exciting year!

Kitchen War!

Okay, if you never understood my dislike for cooking and being in the kitchen, I will explain. This morning I blew up the donut. I don't know what I did, I don't how I did it, but I currently have about a 4 foot radius of cooking oil dripping from my kitchen ceiling onto the 6 foot radius of oil that is chillin' on my floor. In addition to "this", I have oil all over my freshly washed dishes, new microwave and brand new Frigidaire. My hair got a deep conditioning and my clothes are the sign of a disaster. Luckily, by the grace of God, I was uninjured. I'm just shook up and oily. As I write this, my son is playing with my oily feet and I desperately need a deep cleansing facial. So before I go in and claim my prize as the worse cook in the world (by cleaning), I just want to reach out and ask if you know how I blew up the donut?

Sincerely,
The Donut Assassin

EDGE Preparation

We are closing in on our first Edge service in the new year. I am really excited about what is in store for this service. My involvement has increased for this Edge versus the previous ones and I feel as if I am in a huge production or a wedding and the showtime is quickly approaching. I thank God that it is for His church that I am scrambling for because in all of my physical exhaustion, my soul is energized and rearing to go. It is a spiritual joy and I love it.

I've Got Skilz (well...I'm getting them)

A new day, a new month, a new year. Years ago I would have considered myself old in 2007. Seeing how I am slowly approaching my 30's, this decade would have been an unfortunate circumstance. Can't say that anymore. It's a new day and new things are being learned, new skilz are being aquired and new games are being played. I'm rolling with the big boys now and I am enhancing my skilz on the game board! The SCRABBLE board! Although I am rusty, I brought in the new year with a scrabble bang! I went out of 2006 with a scrabble loss and rolled in 2007 with a scrabble win!

Happy 2007 Everybody!

Reflection: Year "2-Thousand & 6"

It is the end of the year now with only two more days until the New Year. I know that time doesn't change, but the year has sped by with lightening speed. If they [years] keep speeding by like this, before I know it I will be old. Yeah Right! LOL. Any ways, after taking some time to reflect over the past year, I cannot say that my year began good or bad. I can say that with everything I have learned, the year will forever remain unforgettable. There are two things I have learned that I would like to share:

1. Fall madly in love with God. Each step in our spiritual walk creates a deeper love in our relationship with God. His love for us doesn't change, but our love for Him does. He knows us inside out whereas we learn more and more about Him. Look at your walk with God like a relationship. You meet Him, you date Him (We even get the courting!), you hook up in holy matrimony and spend a lifetime getting to know Him. Guess what ladies? He is the perfect husband. He loves strong. He is passionate about us and our children. He gives us His undivided attention. He is forgiving and merciful. He gives the perfect gifts every time and He is an excellent listener. I would like to say that I've got so much game that I found such a wonderful man, but in all honesty, He found me just like He will find you (if He already hasn't). What can I say, when He found me I couldn't resist! =)
2. You can never out-give God. Give Him all you've got and give it with joy. Because what He will give back to you could pass any dream you have ever dreamt, any treasure you have ever sought or any goal you have ever set. Dream bigger because that's what He wants for you. Think wider because He didn't put limits to what we can accomplish. Give more because He will give better.
   

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Heartbeat of God

God was in the house last night. I once asked myself if we can talk too much about "how powerful" a service is or how many times that "God moved mightily in our service". Having come from "the world" into a place that is "not of this world", I didn't really understand how God is everywhere and is always moving. We can't avoid Him and we can't hide from Him. He is here at all times which is why it is not unbelievable to always have a move of God. It is almost like we are swaddled up in a blanket and being carried on the bosom of God.

Last night, during our song service (well, during the one song we were able to play since God did move so powerfully), there was a moment when the keyboard was silent, the guitar was silent and it was only the singers and the drummer. To me, it felt like I was hearing the heartbeat of God. With each hit of the drum and the words of the music "You Are Awesome in This Place Mighty God" it was as if the world was still and God "was" moving. He was breathing on us while we were living on Him. Nothing really mattered because we were having life pumped into us as the Holy Spirit ran through our veins.

So, the only word I could use to accurately describe the service last night is "powerful". There is nothing more powerful than being next to the heartbeat of God. There is nothing like it. There is comfort next to The Heartbeat. There is assurance next to The Heartbeat. There is peace next to The Heartbeat. There is power next to The Heartbeat and there is life.

Christmas Time

Here is a pic of my wonderful son Anthony, my beautiful niece Laila and their mommies during Christmas Time in '05.

Microwave OverKill

You know, there are some days that the clock just won't stop ticking and there are days when it completely stops. Yesterday, as I was warming up my tea (to tackle this sore throat issue I've had for a few days), my microwave died. I couldn't believe it! You never know how dependent you are on technology until you no longer have it. For me, a person who doesn't like to be in the kitchen and doesn't really like to cook but is learning because I one day want to please my future husband with my culinary art skills, could not handle this loss. I wanted to learn some good old fashion cooking, not learn how to do it the old fashion way...by the oven. Call me young, but this is a little too ol' skool for me. I need instant. I need a MICROWAVE!

Secret Sister Revealing

We had our Secret Sister revealing tonight. I had a wonderful time eating, playing games and determining where my mental state is =). Sister Bernice hooked it up with the cooking and the enchiladas were excellent. Sister Sabrina ended up being my Secret Sister. Thanks to my Secret Sister, I got my very first coffee pot, can of coffee, filters and my very own coffee mug. I guess I am no longer considered a beginner, but I think I have graduated to the intermediate class of coffee drinkers.

Is it Worth the Risk?

I received an article today called The Changing Workplace. It talks about the changing culture of workplaces today. I am blogging about this not just because I would love to work for a place like this, but because this concept clearly says RISK. The risk outlined in this article that was taken by Best Buy has helped to keep them at the top of their competition.

I began to think about a conversation I had a few days ago about risk. The comment was made that some are more willing to take risk than others. Is it necessarily bad because the risk they took would not have been taken by another? When we see someone take the risk that we would consider stupid or dangerous, could it possibly be that we are afraid of taking risk ourselves? Really, how much risk are we willing to take?

I'm not a risk taker, but when I was younger I did some pretty stupid things. I was so willing to take the risk that the danger didn't matter. My mind was so captivated by the appeal of the task ahead that risk wasn't even a recognizable word in my vocabulary. Risk was simply seen as just living life. Now, there are some things that I would not do if I would have put some thought into it, but its that dare-devil that I need to reach back and get a hold of. I want to achieve growth, but yet when the growth requires risk, the appeal of achieving that growth kind of fizzles down. How can I ever do better if I never try to see if I can do better?

In Best Buy's case, the risk was worth it. When it means millions of dollars, or rather millions of souls, is it worth the risk?

Thank You Cards

We distributed most of Anthony's fundraiser items to the rightful owners today. Anthony wrote out some thank you cards (with the help of mommy) and attached them with the items. Even though the words were not quite ledgible on two of the cards and he wrote his name on the front of the other card instead of in the inside, it was still perfect. There is so much power in a thank you, especially from a loveable young man like my son. It was a blessing to see the smiles on the faces of the receivers. Sometimes, just a simple thank you is enough to brighten the day and the return smile is an awesome "You're Welcome."

Rat Alert

Okay, I could make this the official home of the "I hate rats" club. I was sitting down all ready to blog just as I heard running on the roof and then clawing on the side of the house. Talk about losing all concentration. I can't even tell you what I was about to write because my hair is too busy sticking up on my arms. I pray that it was a cat because I cannot handle the rats anymore. Yuck!

Am I In-Love?

I read this blog today, Why I Think God is Amazing, and couldn’t help but question, am I in love with God? Can you really fall in love with God? There have been times when I think of God more as a parent than as a partner. Yet, there have been times when I think of Him as my soul mate instead of an elder. Although, I fear Him, I love Him and there are days when I lose my breath thinking about life without Him. There were times when I would get upset with Him (unrightfully so), but every time that I would ask for forgiveness, He forgave me. I had tried hard to make this relationship work only to find out that 100% of the time it was my fault. LOL. Past my immediate family, I have never fallen in love before because all I experienced was infatuation (took some aging to realize this). I don’t know what love feels like. But I get butterflies in my stomach thinking about Him, my heart skips a beat when I seek Him, and I can’t help but smile when I’m near Him. It makes me wonder, have I fallen in love?

I've Got the VICTORY!

Today, I have had such a wonderful day. I can’t say that my hardships have changed, but something in me just wants to scream and shout "I’ve Got the VICTORY!" You know when you feel the tingling sensation all over and your stomach has butterflies. Or when you just want to run throughout the house and jump all around. That’s what I feel. Nothing out of the ordinary happened, I didn’t receive a large sum of money and I have not witnessed someone turning their life over to God today. But, I feel like the Extraordinary is sitting in my living room, that I just received a pot of gold and I just witnessed an infilling of the Holy Ghost. In the words of my favorite cereal character, Lucky Charms, I would have to say that today was magically delicious…or rather, spiritually delicious.

Snoopy on Ice

Last night we went to Knott's Berry Farm to see Snoopy on ice in "Snoopy's Cool Christmas". The story line was about the Snoopy Gang finding out the true meaning of Christmas. With the help of the ice skaters and each member of the snoopy gang, we [the audience] were eventually revealed the true meaning of Christmas; to celebrate the birth of our new born king, Jesus. It was amazing! Amongst a time where the stores do not want to even say "Merry Christmas" yet alone bring the true meaning of Christmas back into Christmas, Knott's Berry Farm brought it back in full force. As we sat in our seats anticipating the next moves of the ice skaters, the true meaning of Christmas was brought back to us by the reading of the scriptures from the Bible. Yes, they actually read scriptures from the bible to help us remember the true meaning of Christmas!

Is this the beginning of the end of Christmas falsehoods and "Happy Holidays"? Are we going to start hearing "Merry Christmas" again when we walk into the stores? Have we in this society gone so far to avoid Jesus that we feel compelled to bring Him back into our lives? I hope so. There were would be no Christmas, no holiday to celebrate (even though we have taken it and turned it upside down), no presents, nothing if Jesus was not born. There is no Christmas without Jesus and I'm glad that someone other than the church has recognized it.

Thank you Knott's Berry Farm helping us to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

With Faith, Not Worth

"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." -Mark 11:23-24

This is one of my favorite verses. One reason I love it so much is because Jesus never said we had to be worthy to receive what we believe. He said we must have faith enough to believe and receive what we are asking for. If these verses said "...but shall believe and be worthy so that those things which he saith shall come to pass" or "...believe and be worthy so that ye receive them..." we would be in some big trouble. No one is worthy and we wouldn't receive one thing if that was the criteria. This is a wonderful example of God's grace and mercy. He knows we are not worthy, yet He loves us so much that he made faith so easy. We don't deserve it, but He is willing to give it to us any ways. He has so much mercy that he did not place hard restrictions on faith and He has so much grace that He will answer our prayers with what we desire. We receive our blessings through faith, not worth. Isn't God good? YES, all the time!

Happy Thanksgiving

I am wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving early. I will be sharing this holiday with my family, which means that I will be biz-ee. My niece thinks I am to be used at her discretion and my son eventually gets a tiny bit jealous, so I am constantly juggling between the two. I have to admit, I love it. So, I wish you all a blessed holiday and a happy Thanksgiving. God Bless.

Working for God

To put another note about work, my coworker said this to me the other day, "I have to remember that I am working for God." Wonderfully put! Each day I walk into work (even when I can't wait to leave the moment I get in), I have to remember that I am working for God. It makes the day so much brighter just thinking about my task ahead. Think about it.

• With God the bonus possibilities are unlimited (He doesn't limit us, we only limit ourselves),
  
• The promotions are many and not few & far in between (There is always room for spiritual growth).
  
• When I need help in dealing with a situation, I am not pushed to the side (God is available when I need Him).
  
• Plus, I get a window seat. Actually, even better. I get a corner office on the top floor (He only wants the best for me).
  
• I have Security blocking the traffic (because God only gives us what we can handle) and
  
• A Janitor to help clean up my mess (God helps us even when it is our fault. See the story of Abraham and his wife Sarah).
  
• I can drive the company car(because He supplies my every need) and
  
• Fly in the company airplane (because He supplies us with our needs as well as our desires).
  
• And the best of all. I get fresh, pure, living water each and every day and not Arrowhead (no offense to those who like Arrowhead).
  

What a job! What a job! Boy-o-boy, I love working for God!

Holidays

As I sit here and just think about going into work tomorrow, I can already feel my anxiousness of getting out of work so that my holidays can begin. I love the holidays and although I don't want them to go by too quickly, I can't wait for them to come. With Thanksgiving just a couple of days away, I feel anxious and ready to hit the road to begin celebrating all the wonderful things that God has given me and all the things I have been able to give to others. It just makes me happy! I love this time of year.

My Little Man

Here is a pic of my little man at our Harvest Party. Let me share with you a funny story on how we decided that he would be a cowboy.

For the Treats on the Streets festival that is held every year in Orange, Anthony went as Batman. We already had the cape, mask, breast plate and belt. All he needed was the body suit, so I thought it would be a good idea to just use what we have. So, I packed up some grey pants a black shirt and his batman outfit and sent him over to Terry's. I met them after work since Treats on the Streets starts a 4:00p.m. and I didn't get off until 5. Well, to make a long story short, when I seen my little man I couldn't help but think that he was the ghetto-ist looking cowboy I had seen. Let's just say that he looked homemade. And of course Anthony had no clue that his mother sent him out of the house looking like that, so let's just say that I persuaded him to go as a cowboy from then on out. Looking at this picture, I think Anthony made a good choice!

On the Ice

For any of you who don't know what I look like, here is a picture of me on the ice. I can't tell you if this was before or after I began falling. I looked pretty happy, so I would say that it was probably before.

It Was Beautiful

I was talking to my coworker this morning and she said something that really stuck out. She was describing her dinner last night with her fiance and his mother and said that the night was a blessing from God. She said it [last night] had to be because the night could only be described as "beautiful". That is a word fit for a King!

Amongst all of the trials that we must endure, having to rush through our night only to have to battle through the next day, it was awesome that she was able to pause and see the beauty that could only be created by God. It doesn’t have to be a struggle to live for God and it definitely does not have to be ugly. Sometimes, we just have to wait and be still in order to bring back into focus the beauty of life.

C2C Night: Relationships

Tonight in C2C we talked about relationships. I quite enjoyed myself. The first thing that Bro Frank asked us to do was to write down all the things we would want in a spouse. It was funny in a sad way, but I thought of more things that I didn’t want in a spouse than I thought of what I did want in a spouse. That was eye opening because I have been in a somewhat fear of marriage. I have wanted to get married for so long, but now that I have truly enjoyed my single life, I have been seeing the things that marriage would take away from me.

But, that is not the way to look at marriage, even when I am comfortable in my current situation. Having to think of the good qualities only made me realize that as long as I am in the will of God, it will be all right. There are so many things to look forward to, but so much to be patient and wait for. There is so much that I would want from my spouse, yet there is so much that I need to learn to give.

Marriage is so many things and so much more than just love and infatuation. Marriage is so many things that tonight I couldn’t name them all.

Rat Problem

I had to give an update on my rat problem. So far I haven't seen it again. Gabriel came over to finish raking my back yard the day following my incident and he saw the rat run under my house (a con to living in an old house. Old houses don't generally sit on foundation but are lifted up). However, with all my might and every last string of will power left in me, I managed to take the trash out today without running away. Yes! One point for the human!

She Knew The Way

I love my mother.
She’s a beautiful star in my night
A shining ray of sunlight.
She brought me up the way she thought I should go
Gave me to God and dedicated her soul
I love my mother
Although I only had five years with her,
I have come to know her as if she is with me each day
I’ve come to understand her choices
I’ve come to accept her leaving
Because I know that she knew which way I should go

When I ran away into the world,
I couldn’t let go of what she had taught me
When I sought after every possible moment of happiness
I couldn’t forget her joy
When I think about how her life was dedicated to a God and His church
I think about how I dedicate mine
And with all these thoughts
I know she loved me so,
Because she taught me the way I should go.

Today I live my life for this God
And I’m showing my son the same
So when my son thinks God is bigger than Batman
And stronger than Superman
I can’t help but say
This is all because I have a God who loves me so much
That He gave me a mother
Who knew the way I should go.

Ice Skating

Youth Alive went ice skating tonight for our monthly event. I don't think I have ever been so unbalanced on my feet and fallen so much since we began going ice skating. But...I have never had as much fun ice skating as I had tonight.

Just Another Night

Tonight's church service was off the hook. I was contemplating not going since I had been battling with a fever since Friday. I had thought for a moment that maybe I should rest and gain some energy. But it's always when you miss that the best services happen. It's a bummer to hear everyone else rant-&-rave about the service that you weren't at. Plus I had said to myself that if I miss one church service due to the illness I would finally go to the ER. There are various reasons why I didn't want to do that. So, I had Sis Terry pick me up and we were off. Good thing I didn't miss tonight's service because it would have been those "You missed a great service" nights. God moved in a mighty way. Because of the excitement of tonight's service (and because I found a rat in my broken trash can in my backyard and now it's currently hanging out in the trees in my front yard) I have found it hard to settle down. And just to think, tonight could have been just another night if I hadn't gone to church.

Not Until You Bless Me

“And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Genesis 32:24-26

I have asked God for His blessings in several different areas of my life. Some things are more urgent than others. Although I have not seen every prayer fulfilled, I will not let go until God blesses me. I believe that there are going to be trials where every bone will ache in your body, where every day seems to put you on wits end. There will be days were you think you will make it through without having to fight only to find out that the night has brought another story. There might be nights where sleep is hard to find, and there might be nights where all you can do is sleep. Through it all, it is imperative to hold on until you have victory. Do not let go until ye be blessed. As I’ve heard it said before, Just keep holdin’ on. Just keep holdin’ on.

Now and Later

"And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people, bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,...There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah." Genesis 49: 29 & 31

As I was reading this passage, it dawned on me that Leah was blessed after her death. If you are not familiar with the story of Jacob, Jacob was in love with Leah's sister Rachel. He served 14 years in their father, Labon's house for Rachel, seven of those were required after Labon deceitfully gave Leah instead of Rachel. So Jacob was first married to Leah who blessed him with many children and then to Rachel whom after years of being baron was finally able to give Jacob two children.

Jacob sorely loved Rachel while Leah had to sit back and suffer the wounds of a woman unloved. All she wanted was for her man to love her like he did her sister. Leah even bribed her sister to let her have Jacob for one night with her [Leah]. Still, Jacob's love was unwavering.

Well, Rachel died in child birth and Leah's death was not mentioned except in the verse above. But, ultimately, Leah got her man. It was with her that he was buried. Although she was not alive to receive it, but her blessing came about after her death.

I believe we will all have blessings come to pass and prayers filled after our death. We don't live for the blessings to stop the moment we die, but we are building up an alter, sacrafices to God so that He may look down and bless continually. We sacrifice so that the blessings can be passed on, now and later.

Experience

When a guest walks into the church and feels excited about what they've experienced, then we have made a step toward remarkable. When they truly anticipate the next visit, then you know what they have experienced is memorable.

Anthony Had A Good Day

Anthony had a wonderful day in school today. He received three stars and stayed on green all day. He almost completed all of his work and his teacher said that although he needed more time he was working hard. Great job little man! I am proud of you.

Healed!

As I sit here and recover from my sickness, I reflect back on where I was a year ago. Do you know, last year I got sick 15 times. Each time required me to pay a $20 copay in addition to the cost of my medication. Often times, I walked away spending $100 per visit after the office visit and medication. When you get sick twice in one month, $100 is a lot. That is a lot period!

Last year I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Osteopenia, Anemia, overactive thyriod, and after all these years I became allergic to penicilin. It seemed like almost everything I ate or touched gave me an allergic reaction. On top of this, I was told that I would need surgery for my cystic fibrosis. If you don't know what all this means, don't worry. All you need to know is that it is as bad as it sounds. As you can imagine, it was a tough year for Anthony and myself.

I sit hear tonight, beaten up by this sickness I have been battling but I am blessed because I already received a healing. I have not gone back for testing on any of these things except for the overactive thyroid, but I have been healed. Actually, I joke that I have been overhealed.

Fibromyalgia is when you have pain in your muscles. It also affects your thinking. There was a point in time last year when I didn't want to be touched because it hurt too bad. I didn't want to be prayed for because that would require for me to be touched which woud cause horrible shooting pain that would radiate through my entire body. I no longer have the pain and haven't had it for months. Fibromyalgia goes in cycles, but it has been over 6 months since I have had any pain. I am healed.

Osteopenia is a form of Osteoperosis. It is a lack of calcium in the bones. I was one point away from having Osteoperosis. Last year, by bones would hurt and it was hard for me to heal after the accident I had a year before. My bones no longer hurt. And trust me, you know when your bones hurt. It's worse than the pain in the muscles because there really isn't any medication that can help elivate the pain. I am healed.

Anemia is when you lack iron in your blood. I almost killed Granny, Anthony and myself last year because I passed out while driving and stopped in the middle of an intersection after church one night. The low iron level would make me dizzy and I would pass out just as quickly as you are reading this. Also, I got cold really easy. I never left without a jacket and always wore boots. I would get cold on a summer night. I could never sleep with a fan running or I would get sick. I believe God overhealed me on this one. I kid you not, but I get serious hot flashes. I am only 27. I should not be getting hot flashes. I can even ride in the same car as Sis Sabrina who must have the cold air going at all times since she is hot blooded. She even admitted I was healed on this one because I asked her to turn the air on the other day.

I can't remember the symptoms of the overactive thryoid and although I don't think I am allergic to penicillin, my doctor still won't give me penicillin (which is why this sickness won't go away). As far as the cystic fibrosis, I can't really explain but this one scared me more than the rest because it required surgery. Let's just say, I don't need surgery and I am normal again. Thank you Jesus.

Sometimes I need to remind myself of the miraculous healing that God has done in my life. Especially during a time like this when I am sick, it appears to be getting better although I am feeling worse in the process. God has healed me!!! Not just once, but in 7 different ways. Six were physical healings and the 7th was a spiritual healing. How could I not believe in God's healing power when I've only been sick 3 times this year!

That's My Business

"...Any church involved seriously in serving others must become risk takers. Spiritual risk is the healthy child of biblical faith. It is the day-to-day, responsible, obedient action of the Christian and the church motivated by the love and grace of God. That's our business as the church people of God. We honor God by having enough faith to take some risks in the process of investing in people...But the biggest losers are often those who fail to take any risk, for while they limit their potential for loss, they also have no chance to reap the rewards."
- Gary L. McIntosh, Beyond the First Welcome Visit

Why do we outreach?

Because that's our business as children of God

Why do we witness?

Because that's our business as children of God

Why do we push beyond the four walls of the church?

Because that's our business as children of God

Why do we push out of our comfort zones?

Because that's our business as children of God

We as church people of God have a responsibility to take risk in souls. IT'S OUR BUSINESS. It's our job and we are backed by an Almighty Employer that will supply us with the resources to complete our job, on time. We have a deadline. It's up to us to decide if we are willing to take the risk.

Recovery

I see the light at the end of the tunnel!!! I believe I am on my way to recovery from this sickness that I have had for over two weeks. This is my fourth day on antibiotics and at first I was worried because this morning was worse than yesterday. But my head doesn't feel like I have two freight trains slamming it from different directions. I can think!!! Yes! My cough, however, is not much better so I am praying that it will cease soon. The cough alone will me the death of me. Just Kidding. I am so happy about my head clearing that I had to blog my excitement.

He Gives Us Hope

Hebrews (Amplified)
18) This was so that, by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God ever to prove false or deceive us, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before [us].
19) [Now] we have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it--a hope] that reaches farther and enters into [the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil,

Guesterize You Church

"Guesterizing your church occurs when you make guests the most important people at your church on Sunday morning. It means responding to their needs in a manner that causes them to enjoy their time with you. It means giving superior service so that they want to move beyond the first visit" -Gary L. McIntosh, Beyond the First Visit

I am not a writer. I like numbers, figures, formulas, logic! I like to know there is an answer at the end of that problem, even if the answer is infinite. So, writing has never come easy to me. I'd rather talk than write. I read an email I wrote when I first started at my job and I couldn't believe how horrible it was. My grammar was atrocious. I started every sentence with "I will".

My boss on the other hand can spit something out in a heartbeat. Seeing how easy it was to her, I asked her if writing has always been her strong point. She said she took a class in college about technical business writing. She had learned in the class that we need to write in a form that our reader can understand. Duh! You would think that would be so easy, but read some of the emails I get at work (including my own) and you'd be amazed.

Well, dealing with our guest has the same logic. Make them feel welcome in a way they understand. Have you been guesterized?

Joy

"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

Psalm 30:5

1 Corinthian 6:19-20

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

A Word

If I may take this moment to have a word with you. It is almost 3:00 in the morning and I have been having personal time with God in prayer. I have tossed and turned all night after I went to bed sick, so I know there is a word that God wants me to share.

When I woke up in bed this morning, God told me to go pray. I pray in my front room which is why I had to "go" pray instead of get down and pray. Well, I didn't want to get out of bed. So I fought it. As I began to cover Anthony up (the nights are getting colder), Anthony in his sleep said "pray". Well if that is not a check in the spirit. So I have been praying.

In my time of prayer, God basically said to me to not worry when only a few people show up to prayer meeting. Think of this as a time for you to have better prayer. With more people there are distractions, when there are two or three you can get down to business.

God is not saying that unifed prayer with the whole church is not powerful, because it is. He is saying not to worry about others because He has a blessing for us and He is granting us the time in prayer with Him.

And the Fruit Tree Yields Fruit

“And God said let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth and it was so.” Genesis 1:11

“For every tree is known by his own fruit…” Luke 6:45


When I was growing up I had an apple tree and an orange tree. I can remember running around the fruit trees or waiting for the next fruit to fall. I remember thinking to myself that if only I could shake the tree the fruit would fall faster. I couldn't wait to see the fruit of that years yield.

My girlfriend has a lemon tree. I remember the first time that I went to pick some lemons and I pricked myself on the thorns. I had no clue that lemon trees had thorns. After she saw me cut myself up, she said one of the boys could get the lemons for me. I think she got a kick out of me looking so helpless. I know I did.

Either way, each tree had a fruit. Each tree yielded fruit of its own kind. I did not find apples on the lemon trees or lemons on the apple trees. The apples were on the apple tree and the apple tree yielded apples each year. The oranges were on the orange tree and that tree yielded oranges each year. The same goes for the lemons or any other fruit yielding tree.

The same also goes for people. Let’s say that the apple is a soul winner, the orange is a prayer warrior and the lemon tree is a gossiper. If each tree yields after is own kind, then the efforts of your yield will show in your harvest. The fruit of a soul winner will likely share the desire of the soul winner. It will have learned the importance of a fruitful yield after seeing year after year of sowing and reaping souls. The genetic make up of this person began with each outreach the parent took them on or each invite one friend saw another friend give. The importance of wining a soul was transcribed into their thinking with each yield. The prayer warrior began to genetically make up the fruit of their yield with each prayer, each moment of intercession, or each time they were seen on their knees crying out to God. Likewise, a gossiper was created with each new piece of gossip. Thorns were placed around the thoughts of that individual and a desire to prick or to hurt were yielded. Each fruit yields after its own kind.

We need fruits of all kinds because some fruit provides a powerful source that another may not contain. For example, a prayer warrior is most effective in prayer, but may not be as effective in giving a bible study. Or a soul winner feels most at ease when witnessing to someone on the street, but may not do as well in working the alter. Each fruit requires water and food to grow, and each fruit will provide you with some essential vitamins. But diversity brings strength and growth and a yield of different kinds. However, we must consciously yield the fruit of the Lord because the fruit of our efforts will yield a product that ends up looking like us.