Mrs. Camp oftens says "You can't be who your not for to long" and this is so true in all aspects of life!! Its hard to say your one way but the way you come off to ppl is totally different.  So here's my question what kind of beacon are you?  What kind of person comes to work everyday?  Is she/he the REAL you or are you still sending that representative in to work for you? Let me know what you think!!

Are you comfortable enough to start your recovery plan and getting the resources available to provide your client with the assistance he/she needs.

Coach Tibbs came to us this morning with an extremely powerful word.  I don't know about you but that really helped me on this morning because i've been feeling pretty empty and i was heavily burdened this morning but after Bible Study this morning I felt that feeling of emptiness start to fade into fullness.  It was just great for me!! So just comment about the Bible Study this morning.  What effect did it have on YOU?

after disaster occurs when does the assistance start and when do you know that its time to stop the assistance?

Ok, we all have been blessed by Coach Tibb's presence this week. He has brought such a mighty word while he has been here. On Wednesday and Thursday he taught us about a new revolution, LOVE that he is starting. I know that I want to be a part of that revolution. Without love I truly believe that you will be sad and lonely. I find it easy to love those that really don't love me or care for me, but I must say that it comes with time. This didn't happen for me overnight. I had to pray and ask God for guidance, strength, and humility. I had to realize that I was not created for everyone to like me, but they did have to love me if they professed to be Christ like and say that they love God. I feel that God is doing a mighty work in this office of the BEAUMONT BEACONS. He is trying to prepare us for the next level. The next level can be on an individual basis or a group. God wants to release spiritual blessings and a break through all over His people. It all starts with LOVE. Love those despite what they say about you or do to you. In the end you are the one that has to account for your own sins. I know that when I stand before God I want my slate to be clean and to hear HIM say servant well done. I pray that you share how you will contribute to this LOVE REVOLUTION.

Each of us has a specific assignment that God has given us. As we go through our daily routines, how much time do we take to make sure we are actually on assignment. Are we on task? On our jobs and in our personal lives...are we on assignment? My personal assignment has always been to encourage others. I am on my task. Are you on yours?

So this week has been a very busy week for everyone. We had intakes!!! Yay!! More lives we got to touch and more stories.. How did you think your intake went? What was you most memorable moment?

I recall Ms. Camp saying to us at Inside of Grace, that this is a call not a job. I totally agree with that. I know that we have problems whether they may be internally or with someone else, but honestly we must put all of that aside to do what we were called here to do. God has chosen us to lead the people and to treat eachother with respect and to do it in excellence. Now we all say that we love God, let's act like it. Let's put all differences aside to do what we are here to do. We have to work with eachother everyday and the problems seem to get greater. How about we give them to the creator who made us and let him work it out. Now my question to you is since we do love God, and love our job, and say that we love each other.. REAL TALK: CAN YOU WALK THE WALK AND TALK THE TALK AND JUST GIVE IT UP AND LET IT GO INORDER TO BE ABOUT OUR FATHER'S BUSINESS? I love everyone and want to see a change for the better, how about you? Let me know your thoughts and comments on this.

Mr. Overshowm spoke about wisdom in yesterday's bible study.  It was so refreshing to me because wisdom is such a huge part of my life.  I feel I get wisdom from first and foremost God but also from being around the more mature adults that i've had the pleasure of being around throughout my life.  So tell me, what does wisdom mean to you and where does wisdom come from??

Often times we think that we can face anything that comes our way. Most of the time that is true, because with God all things are possible. Have you ever been in a situation where you thought that you were ready for something, maybe a job, a new position, relationship, whatever; but there was just something that was at the back of your mind letting you know that maybe now is not the time or that is the right choice for you? Well I have, this has happened on more than one occasion. What I have found to be the reason is, everything has a season and a purpose. God will allow you to try to go on and make a decision without Him, but to my surprise I didn't get far. We all here the word "purpose" used a lot here at GRACE, and I have grown to love it and understand it more. Without purpose there is no structure. We must stay ready and position ourselves for whatever is to come, but don't get ahead of God. Seek Him in all that you do and walk in to your season. Now my question to you is are you ready to do what God has called us to do? Ready to serve the people that He has entrusted us with on this journey? Are you ready?

We all know that we are here on a project assigned to G.R.A.C.E to help disaster victims renew their lives and return to some sense of normalcy, but what is your VISION for G.R.A.C.E while your here?  What do hope see happen while we are on this journey whether its in the office or outside of the office?  What is the your VISION for so many of the disaster victims whose lives are basically in our hands??

We have all been with G.R.A.C.E for some time now and we have been through many trainings, some have been through intake, the bible study that we all share in every morning as well as other different ventures within G.R.A.C.E.  It has really been a roller coaster ride and we have all had our UP'S as well as DOWN'S but through it all we are a family.  So tell me..............................What is your favorite exprience or event here at G.R.A.C.E?  What have you learned  about G.R.A.C.E  that you feel is beneficial to your everyday life?

I feel so blessed to have a wonderful family. They are there when I need them and they love me no matter what. I'm sooo exscited that they are coming down this weekend, it's going to be so much fun. But sometimes I wonder..............is family what you make it? I know  some people who don't have great relationships with their family and it leaves me wondering, is it because they don't want to have a great relationship. I just can't imagine not having a great relationship with family. Do people hold grudges too long with family, do people just not care, or is it really what they made it. I ask myself this questions because it is hard for me to understand what could've been done that was so horrible that the relationship couldn't be restored. What are your thought? What are you experiences? Inquiring minds would love to know.

Does anyone know the difference between happiness and joy? If you're happy and you know it clap your hands is truly one of my favorite icebreaker songs but when I think about it.......I not only want to be happy but full of God's Joy. If we scoped the population of the world I'm almost positive that being happy is on everyones "to-do" list. Being happy is still on mine, but I've decided that having God's joy must take priority over having the happiness because just as our weather has been up and down (p.s. its supposed to rain) so can our emotions and if you didn't know happiness is an emotion. In Nehemiah 8 the children of Isreal were weary and grieved but God sent a Word to his beloved people and told them to rejoice for the Joy of the Lord is their strength! I found out that happiness comes and goes but God's joy remains through the up's and down's if we let it. The old mothers of the church would say "this joy that I have the world didn't give it to me and the world can't take it away." I pray that each of us learn to love, live, and laugh in the awesome JOY of our Savior Jesus the Christ!

when flying it often makes me realize even more how our God is so amazing! but i often times wonder why i'm afraid to fly, realizing i just began to feel those feelings the last year of my life. I ask why and what causes these feelings. Can anyone help me with this?

 

 

Our morning was blessed with Ms. Gloria's beautiful voice. Then, Ms. Marva joined in Service with PSALM 34 to show how GOD takes care of everything. She reminded me to give things to GOD. How soon we forget and don't realize until someone reminds us. Thank you Ms. Marva for blessing us with your presence. thelight

Taylor Thursday is dedicated to my 24 year old cousin Ashleigh Taylor that was killed yesterday in a car wreck on her way home from work. I didn't know how I was going to phrase today after a day like yesterday and I went to Job last night unsure of whether or not there was anything even in this book that could help me understand or grasp what happened. I was called to Chapter 40 where after Job has argued and debated with his friends and himself God finally speaks out. It states in verse 1-2 ‘The Lord said to Job: Will the person who argues with the Almighty correct him? Let the person who accuses God answer him." And further in the chapter at verse 8 God asks "Would you say that I am unfair? Would you blame me to make yourself look right? Are you as strong as God? Can your voice thunder like his?" Then in Chapter 42 Job answers the Lord and says Verse 2 "I know that you can do all things and that no plan of yours can be ruined. 3 You asked, " Who is this that made my purpose unclear by saying things that are no true? Surely I spoke of things I did NOT understand; I talked of things too wonderful for me to know.
Today I do not mourn the loss of a cousin that always had a smile. If I cry for her they are selfish tears. Who am I too argue with the decisions of God? Am I not anymore foolish or arrogant than Job to think I can contend with the author and finisher of life. My prayers go out to the truck driver that was involved in the wreck that is only 23 and critically hurt. My prayers go to my family who does not have the assurance that I have. Is it not a blessing to know that where she is too wonderful for me to even understand. Because eyes have not seen and ears have not heard what the Lord has in store in that land up above. So I dare not be bold enough to question the fairness of my only security and comfort which is Christ. I just pray that he keeps me. & may he keep you as well

Fewer highly educated black women in the United States are getting married and starting a family, researchers say. A recent Yale study showed a growing number of black women have been focusing on education rather than families and marriage during the last 40 years. The study on family formation and marriage trends in the specified demographic found the marriage gap between highly educated black and white women increased dramatically between the 1970s and recent years. In the 1970s the gap was 9 percent, while that gap rose to 21 percent in 2000-2007.  So what so you think?  Will black women have to chose between a good education and finding the mate of their dreams.  Weigh in.

 

 

Training was so much fun. I enjoyed Ms. Jammer because she kept everything upbeat and to the point.

Michael Vick has signed a two year deal with the Phildelphia Eagles.  Mixed reviews are abounding.  Some think that the signing indicates that American society goes to light on celebrities.  Others hold that he has paid for his crime and deserves a second chance.  What do you think? Weigh in.

This blog is to comment on Ms. Jammer's Jam Up Schedules Training!!!!!

Since I've started working at G.R.A.C.E I have experienced growth. I willingly volunteered twice and I have been in the word everyday (not just sunday and wednesday). Now dont get me wrong, I do have favorite scriptures that I enjoy reading everyday but since working here I have been making time everyday to read the word. What has your growth been with G..R.A.C.E.? Have you grown since G.R.A.C.E.? How do want to grow G.R.A.C.E.

My forecast for this weekend is taking care of me.  My focus is matters of the heart, mind, body and soul.  Even more important, keeping the faith and going behind the words to bring out the truth.  Guess what??  My weekend forecast is my daily forecast!!!

Wednesdays are always a little rough for me. I named today WrestleMania Wednesday because everyday we have to fight against so many things. The war is already won but it can be hard to fight daily battles at times. I ask today that others keep me lifted because I am wrestling with a lot of things. Generally when I write I write because it comes from heart and I love to do it. But today is a struggle for me. So I ask as you wrestle with the things in your lives that you keep me lifted in prayer and I will do the same for you. My only consolation is that I know I am fighting an unfair fight against the devil. I have a ref that is on my side Jesus, a trainer who knows all the best techniques the Holy Ghost, and a judge who has given me a ten before the fight already started God.

The Word of God says in Hebrew 13:2 that we entertain Angels unaware and dont even know it. The Bible says we should pratice brotherly Love and take care of strangers. Sometimes people that we are ministering to may actually be angels on a Assighnment and GOD may be testing or LOVE, our Actions, our Response and our Motives. So you never know who is sitting next to u, so be careful of what you say, how you say, and when. We should all do a self check on ourselves to see how have we been treating others because you never know who God have sent your way!So lets do a self check on our LOVE, KINDNESS, PATIENCE, LONG SUFFERING, MERCY, JOY, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS AND TEMPERANCE!

Experts say "popping" kids can do more harm than good. A new study of more than 2,500 toddlers from low-income families found that spanking may have detrimental effects on behavior and mental development. The study found that children who were spanked as 1-year-olds tended to behave more aggressively at age 2, and did not perform as well as other children on a test measuring thinking skills at age 3. The new study focused on children from low-income families because prior research suggested that spanking is more common among them. In addition the study found that parents who spank are more likely to be younger, less educated, single, and/or depressed and stressed. Spanking is most commonly used among parents who were spanked themselves, who live in the South, and/or who identify themselves as conservative Christians.What do you think? Weigh in.

7/30/09

God really met us in bible study today, it was awesome!!  Have a great and blessed day to all!!

In order to benefit from God's promised blessings, one must first become a child of God by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Without taking  this first step to salvation, it is impossible to walk in His promises or be able to take advantage of all that God has provided for His children through His Word. The Bible says that if we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in our heart that God has raised Him from the dead, we will  be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.(Romans 10:8-10), There are many scriptures pertaining to Salvation, my question is How many souls have you pointed or led to Christ for their soul's salvation. Even better than that have you accepted the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour. For me there are friends and family that are still not saved and although I do pray for their soul salvation, there is always that nagging question in the back of mind, how do I approach them? have I done enough to lead them in the right path? Have I even mentioned to them to invite Christ into their lives? The Word says "what will it profit a man to gain the whole world and then lose his soul or what will a man give in exchange for his soul". I know I have a lot of work to do because time is running out...How about you??...Are you and all your Loved Ones Saved and assured of Eternal Life with the Saviour!!!   Just thought I'd ask.

Preliminary reports indicated that Michael Jackson died from an overdose of propofol, a powerful sedative he was given to make him sleep. According to anonymous sources, Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson personal physician, gave him the lethal injection. Reports indicate that Dr. Murray may have been trying to wean Jackson off the drug. According to the same sources, there is no record of Dr. Murray ever prescribing the drug. Phone records indicate that a number of phone calls were made from Jackson's residence prior to the call to 911. Do you think that Dr. Murray should be criminally charge? Should others be held accountable? Weigh in

Today is going to be a little bit different because I am going to incorporate some scriptures that I have been reading. They are coming out of 1 Peter 1:13-16 and verse 20 and 21

‘Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;(14) as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance: (15)
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy"
(20)He indeed was foreordained BEFORE the foundation of the world, but was MANIFEST in these last times for you (21) who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.'
NKJV

The scriptures were important to me and stood out as I tried to understand them better. I think that we have all had some un-sober or unclear moments in our life but these moments were when we didn't understand the GRACE of God. Not only that, further in the reading. Peter talks about obedience and not conforming to former lusts from when you weren't saved. He states in the word that you should be holy because the one that made, created, and saved us is Holy. So how much more should we be? In verse 20 and 21 he ties it all together for me because he talks about a way of escape and this grace was MANIFEST just for me. Meaning that unclean walk or those bad habits have already been taking care of because Jesus Christ woke up with all power. Greater is me that is in me than in the world. So that former conduct and those former things that controlled my mind and caused me not to be sober like drugs, alchohol, sex, lying, profanity, and all conduct not becoming of Christ and his Holiness I can overcome. BECAUSE something great is being manifest in me that was fore-ordained before I ever in got here. That's deep to me. In other words my salvation is already HERE I just have to access it. You want help getting rid of some bad habits. Pray that God heal you from them. Believe that he has manifested greatness of character inside of you. Make up in your mind to be obedient and not conform as it says in verse 14. And lastly put your faith and hope in God. I know I have some things that are hindering me from being as holy as I should. But I thank God for his manifestation in my life. There used to be a former time that my mind was so UN-SOBER and my mind was so out of wack that I was definitely not living holy. But thank God for growth and the REVELATION of Christ in my life (Verse 13). I am not longer oblivious to the things that hinder me from living holy and I work harder to fix them. Manifest Monday is about looking in the mirror and asking yourself a honest question. Are my actions that of a person who's conduct is becoming of Christ. Are my thoughts accurate descriptions of the great things he's manifesting and forming inside of me...?

 

In church this past Sunday the Pastor preached on the topic of responsibility to God. He said it is our responsibility to pay our tithes every month because we love our Lord therefore we need to obey his commandments and can be blessed by Him. We touched on this topic within our journey @ Grace .Do we get blessing from paying our tithes or do our blessing come from the extra gifts we give because we are compelled by God to do so. We dont get extra praise or blessing for coming to work to do our job....because it is our responsibility.....so why should we get extra blessing for paying our tides. The point of this message is to give more than you have to for GOd...If you do the blessings will be abundant.

you know their is a myth that says people spend more time planning a vacation than purchasing life insurance,preparing for disaster and grocery shopping. i got to thinking about how many people even get to go on a vacation. we work our whole lives and forget to take a time out with the bread winner, i encourage you to go and do something that youve never done before.

let me know how many hours it took you to plan and where did you go

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasures is, there your heart will be also," said the Lord in Matthew 6:19-21.  I want to ask my brothers and sisters today; where are your treasures? Are your treasures your kids? The very gift that God gave you. Do you see your treasures every time you look in the mirror? Maybe your treasures are in that nice home you dwell in. Truthfully, I struggle with this also. So don't feel alone. Let's just keep each other in prayer. God bless you all.

What is your disobedience costing you? The Word says "Keep (obey) my commandments for they are not burdensome." Let's take Jesus the ultimate example of complete obedience. What if He was disobedient? Where would that have left you and me? We would not inherit the kingdom of God. Most of us are not Jewish and cannot trace our lineage back to Jacob (Israel), but because Christ died for all of us we were adopted into the lineage through Him and that is the tribe of Judah! The royal tribe! If He had decided to be disobedient, which He had a choice to be, and not did do what God asked Him to do we would be on a crooked road straight to Hades, Sheol: Hell. How many of us would be in a place of abundance if it had not been for our disobedience? The convenant has been made, through blood (<---the law) of Jesus Christ, and can only be broken if you are disobedient. God did His part; it's done already, you are the only one that can break that convenant.  But the great thing about Jesus Christ is we can repent and get right back underneathe the covenant or it is everlasting. We wonder, quote scriptures, and ask "Lord why has thou forsaken me?" But He hasn't and He never will! The Word says "I will never leave you nor forsake you!" What we need to do is stop and say "Why aren't my prayers affective?" Because the Word works, by convenantial law it has too! When were you disobedient to what the Lord asked you to do? Check yourself. Trials and test come to see who are righteous and who are obedient to His Word. The storm is always right before your overflow comes. A mother suffers almost unbarriable pain minutes and sometimes hours before her child is born; but when that little creation from God appears the woman almost instantly forgets the pain and unspeakable joy comes upon her! Their physical bodies are still in somewhat pain but "the joy of the Lord is your strength" and the women is so happy that the pain is unoticable: strength! But obedience is essential for having your prayers answered. "The prayers of the RIGHTEOUS availeth much." Jesus said "Ask anything in My name and you shall have it!" But if the covenant is temporarily broken, by you, through disobedience, then you cannot tap into your promises until you repent and get back in line with Christ. Your disobedience might have gotten you out that job that you have been praying for, that house you just had to have, or that door that you needed to be opened sooo badly! Now some things do not happen at the time you want them because of our Father who is protecting us from more harm that it would do than good. But most of time our disobedience keeps us out of the will of God and we can't access the promises that He has given us until we stop being disobedient and repent and line our will up with His! Just think, Jesus' obedience made Him the King of all Kings and the most powerful name ever! I mean demons are freaking scared of just His name! What is your disobedience keeping you out of? How great are you suppose to be? Will you ever know? There is only one way to find out!!!Read Deuteronomy 4:1-14.....

In the midst of your storm, you have to learn to give God all the praise. He sits there just waiting on us. Are we waiting on Him? Or are we rushing into and out of each of our experiences relying on our finite possibilities and resources? He is so much more than that to us, or at least He should be. He should be the One we run to in the midnight hour of our lives. There are times when we are given a package or two we did not sign for. The package comes so beautifully wrapped that we do not stop to do a thorough inspection. Is our name on the package? Where did the package come from? Who is the deliverer of the package? Did we sign for it without even thinking? Sometimes the answer is a resounding yes!!!! But in the midst of it all, God always gives a plan of escape. What are you doing in the midst of it all? Are you praising Him? Are you representing Him? What are you doing in the midst of it all?

Do you have a favorite song? What is your favorite song? How does your favorite song make you feel inside? Right now my favorite song is Isreal Houghton 'Just wanna say" , I absolutely love it. When that song come on I just feel a natural high. A natural high in life. The music, the lyrics, and the beat is majic to me. I can be dog tired leaving work sitting in taffic and that song will get me into high gear. What does your favorite song do for you? Inquiring minds would love to know.

Today is Finish Line Friday. Today and yesterday afternoon I really wrestled in my spirit with trusting and waiting on God. Because it is easy to talk about waiting but it's harder than most like to admit when the rubber hits the road. In my own life I think about the things that God has promised me but then when 2+2 starts not adding up and equaling 4 then what? I have found that most people are like myself they want God to move the finish line up in the race because when things get hard we get tired and want to give up or want everything to be pushed into our reach without having to go through the trails and race of life. And then when hurdles come we get surprised and let things start to make us doubt and not have trust. The bible study convicted my spirit this morning as well because I already had this battle going on before I ever got here. So I knew it was a word sent from heaven to help me. The finish line is still there and the truth of the matter is God is not going to move it. When we committed our lives, when I committed my life, I made a choice to join this race.. I know I may jump and fall on a hurdle at times but I have to remember that I must not give up on the race. We have to learn and remember the finish line is still there at the end. When you can't see it and when you can. Am I going to keep running, walking, jogging, even crawling? Because at times we mess up to the point where you handicapp ourselves and can't run. But will I still stay on the trail is what God is asking me.. I will though it's hard. Harder than harder. Especially when you have things really testing you spiritually and on the inside. I will be the first to admit it. BUT ARE YOU HEADED TOWARDS THE FINISH LINE THOUGH? What are some of the things that you committed to that you are not upholding? What's distracting you from your race? Stay encouraged friends I know its hard. Waiting and trusting on God is easy to say Amen and Hallejuah to at church but when you get home and it's not even a 2 to add 2 to. Is when the reality of the race sets in. So remember there is a finish line stay committed to your end of the bargain. And when it's extra hard pray harder and read the word harder. This is one of the things that I can also admit to struggling with. But there is a Finish Line and I'm crawling to get to it because I want the promises that God gave me. So I encourage others to stay on the trail with me. Because I know whether we admit it or not we all have personal hurdles that get us tangled up.

So imagine you go to a really nice restaurant. Everything is wonderful the food is great and the service is excellant. The food is the best you have ever had and it doesn't compare to anywhere else you have ever eaten!!! Well after you get through eating what do you generally do? You pay your server for the debt you incurred and then if you have any etiquette you leave a tip. Well this is kind of what God is in our life. He is our server, cook, chef, host, and owner of the restaurant of our Life. This blog contrary to what some might think at first is about our offering not our tithes. Even by paying your tithes you can never make up for the debt that was sacraficed for you. But yet so many of us struggle including myself with paying God what he is owed! So when we talk about TIPPING God most think that is TOO much. But if you learn the power in tithes you can learn the power in offering. I struggle with tithes and offering in my own personal life. And where is I find it hard to tithe I find myself finding it easier to do that THAN offer God offering. An offering is on top of what he has already asked. A SACRAFICE. So if you can have enough etiquette to tip a waiter at a restaurant how much MORE should you have when it comes to God.

A million times we have heard the saying when it rains it pours. That has always been used in a negative connotation. I see it in a whole new light. I thank God for the rain. I thank God for the rainbow afterwards. But mostly I thank Him for the fact that when He rains His wisdom upon you and you are in a position to receive from Him, then He pours it down. I welcome the rain. I welcome the outpouring of blessings that God has for me. I welcome the fact that He gives me more than enough! That is the Word for the day! He is more than enough. No matter what the rest of it looks like...Rain on me Lord! Let it pour from Heaven...the blessings, the protection, the covering, the anointing, the fountain where I can drink from and never thirst again! Hallelujah God for the rain.

Good luck to the Houston case Managers on their first intake.

I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support for my daughter.  It is great to have a team that is like family.  A team that prays together will always stay together.

 

Again thanks and lots of love

I am studying the book of Job and I started with reading the Chapter 31 then I went back and read the first chapter....the book of Job is going to be the backdrop for this weeks Daily Words. Today is M-O-M Monday. Mind over Matter. Job lost everything, we all know the story. But there is so much left to be desired when we repeat the same old same story about him being righteous and how he never cursed God. But Job cursed everything under the son including the day he was born instead. Is that really any better? I have learned that when Satan attacks: one of the things that he attacks is the Mind or the mental state first. You feel like you are going crazy and loosing your grip on reality and your situation. Job was a man that was way more righteous than I feel I am and it was enough pressure for him to cry out and ask God ‘Why me?'....Job had done nothing but give and be a blessing to others but he could not mentally grasp in Chapter 31 the concept behind God's plan. As he babbles on and argues with his friends he gives constant examples of why his situation should not be what it is. He has a clean conscious that is without mistake. When Satan attacks everything this is another way to attack your mind. Matters of the heart, of finance, of stability, of your future how do you really cope with these things in your mind...? I know I have been on the verge of a breakdown many times. And unlike Job I think I might have been a little worse. Instead of cursing the day I was born and saying things ‘Like Naked I came from my mother's womb and Naked I shall return' or the ‘Lord giveth and taketh' I cursed everything and turned my face away from God. I think about the song we sing in Bible Study about ‘Waiting on God' but how many of us really have a Job spirit. Where our mind is really stronger than the matters and affairs in our lives? When everyone you love is gone and everything you own is taken. When you are all alone even in the midst of friends? When you don't have your health, income, or any support? When your faith is as a small as a grain of salt and every matter in your life is conflicted. How strong is your mind? Do you have the sense that it takes to keep your eye on the prize? Really...be careful how quick you answer because God does test. Like I said earlier I have been there and I failed the test miserable. I went through a stage where I probably didn't pray or really praise just out of anger and spite. Who do you really hurt? But if your mind is not fixed on the promise then anyone can become a victim. But unlike Job we know that God did send us a comforter in Christ so we should be able to have way more faith and confidence. It should be easier for our minds to overlook the constant matters in life but yet we continue to fail. We must remember M-O-M and live it somehow.....

Because you may have a daily walk with God and you do praise and worship and read your bible at home on a daily basis, do you feel as though you do not need to go to church? Please respond with your thoughts.

The Turtle is one of the slowest animals in the animal kingdom. This is a well known fact to most people. But the thing about the turtle that amazes me is regardless of the fact that it will take forever to get to most places. Guess what??? The turtle still gets up everyday and starts its crawl to its next destination. Have you ever been frustrated because it seems like everything is taking sooo slow and day after day you constantly get frustrated. So a lot of times we become stagnant in our walk. Or we start to diddle and daddle in one spot. And God forbid we just give up and go backwards or make no moves at all. What is it that makes a turtle so much smarter than us? What does the turtle know that we don't seem to get? As I battle with so many past addictions and as I am faced with so many problems of the past and the future. I asked myself this morning if God could make the Turtle so smart how much more common sense could he give me? When I was young my grandmother you always say to be funny ‘You don't have the sense God gave a goose'...lol. But I just believe that he at least gave me the sense of a Turtle...

Mexican food is my favorite cultured food to eat. No, I'm not hispanic but I just loooove it. I could eat it everyday of the week. What is your favorite culture food?

Did you know that the well known scripture reference "The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away" is actuallly a thought and not necessarily a fact?

The verse refers to Job's thinking after he lost everything, including his family and worldly possessions. Job was speaking what he thought was the truth. In all actually, it was Satan that stole everything from him when God told him that everything but Job's person could be tested.

The verse is often quoted, and almost always used incorrectly. In this trying time of what the world calls a recession, we should stop blaming God for our misfortunes, and give credit where credit is due (Satan).

Things that make you go....hmmmmmmmmm

 

Matthew 6:6

But when you make your prayer, go into your private room, and, shutting the door, say a prayer to your Father in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will give you your reward.

 

Have you ever thought about your favorite day of the week? What is it? and Why? Share with the community your thoughts.

14 Short Sermons

 

1.Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to get into their pews or their favorite church parking spot.

2.Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.

3.It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

4.We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers.

5.When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.

6.People are funny. They want the front of the bus, middle of the road, and the back of the church.

7.Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your door for years.

8.Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

9.The phrase that is guaranteed to wake up an audience: "And in conclusion."

10.If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.

11.To make a long story short, don't tell it.

12.Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

13.I don't know why some people change churches. What difference does it make which one you stay home from?

14.A lot of church members are singing "Standing on the Promises" while they are just sitting on the premises.

Once you become saved and born again by accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior - God and Jesus will now become your true Lord and Master in this life and the life to come. You no longer even belong to yourself - much less belong to anyone else in this life. Paul tells us in (1 Corinthians 7:23) and (1 Corinthians 9:19) that we are not to become slaves to other men. He says that we have now been made free from all other men in this life. Yet at the same time, he tells us that we are to be a servant to them all so that we might win the more of them to Jesus. Though no man owns us in this life, God still wants us to work very closely with Him in serving others in this life. What this means is that we will all have to try and work together in some type of unity and harmony with one another so that we can all accomplish what God wants us to get done in this life. In the scriptures (Titus 3:1), (Hebrews 13:17), (1 Peter 2:13), and (Romans 13:1) God is telling us that we are to be subject to rulers and governing authorities, that we are to obey those who rule over us, and that we are to submit ourselves to the ordinances of man for His sake. The bottom line is that we are to honor and work with our bosses in the work place, with our political leaders in public office, with the president of our country, and with your parents if you are still under-age and still living at home. Though God will be personally guiding you every step of the way with what He will be doing with your life - you are still going to have to work in unity and harmony with other people. If God leads you to a specific job that He wants you to take, but you can\'t respect and subject yourself to those who will be in charge over you, then you are not going to be able to survive in that job, and as a result, you will have just taken yourself right off of a major step that God had just planned out for you and your life. Some Christians have problems with taking orders from anyone, especially from those who are in some type of authority over them. They have very little respect for those in authority over them and they don\'t last very long in most of the jobs they take. As a result, God is constantly having to go to plans B and C for them in order to try and help keep them afloat. As a result, they end up walking in more of God\'s permissive will for their lives rather than in God\'s perfect will because they keep walking right off of the steps that He keeps leading them to climb. Each step that God will lead you to climb in this life is a vital and important step as you climb up your personal ladder of success in Him. And in some of these steps are specific jobs God will be wanting you to take. And in these jobs, God will be expecting you to work in harmony and unity with your bosses and the other employees. God will want you to become a team player, even if things are not being run smoothly and efficiently in the day-to-day operation of the job. Get yourself thrown off one or more of these particular steps because you could not work with those in authority over you - and you could get yourself thrown right out of God\'s call and God\'s best for your life. This is why it is so important that you get this particular piece of revelation firmly and solidly worked and planted into your mindset and way of thinking in this life. It could mean the difference as to whether or not you fully accomplish all of what God has in store for you in this life.

So how was your day as far as working on your recovery plan and looking for resources??

Do you have great spending techniques?  Can you share your best money saving secrets.

How do you save?  Do you brown bag it at work? or Do you know where to go for the best lunch deals?

Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

 

Don't Worry

 

Don't Worry If somebody tells you that they love you and later falls out of love with you,

Don't worry God tells you that he loves you and will never fall out of love with you.

 If somebody tells you that they hate you,

Don't worry God will never hate you.

If somebody looks at you like you are nobody,

 Don't worry God will never look at you like you're a nobody .

If somebody thinks that you are not rich enough for them to be with,

Don't worry God will be with you poor or rich. If somebody treated you like they wanted to be with you forever and leave you,

Don't worry God will be with you forever.

 If somebody tells you that you don't have a father that loves you,

Don't worry God is your Father that loves you.

If somebody tells you that you are not perfect looking,

 Don't worry God made us all perfect in his eyes.

 

By: Vermaurice Brown Sr.

Job 19: 13-20

God has made my brothers my enemies and my friends have become strangers. My relatives have gone away, and my friends have forgotten me. My guests and my female servants treat me like a stranger; they look at me as if I were a foreigner. I call for my servant, but he does not answer, even when I beg him with my own mouth. My wife can't stand my breath, and my own family dislikes me. Even the little boys hate me; even those I love have turned against me. I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped by the sin of my teeth.

Washed-Out Wednesday.....So you thought you could throw a pity party. I dare you to try and beat Job because he definitely knew how to lay it on thick. I think we all get stuck in this kind of rut. And as we discussed yesterday he had the perfect audience. Job spent so much time explaining himself and his situation to his friends and then trying to rationalize it to himself that he eventually became Washed-Out. Job was so down he didn't even forget to mention that his breath was awful and even the children hated him. I mean I have hit rock bottom before but my my my!!! When you are starting to feel Washed Out I encourage you to speak a word over yourself. This can be harder than throwing a pity party sometimes because they are so easy to throw. But that word can take you from Washed-Out to Rejuvinated...

 

11: What ritual did Jesus undergo when he was eight days old?
Circumcision
Birthday party
Baptism
Christening

 

12: What was Jesus wrapped in when he was born?
A small robe
A donkey's blanket
Swaddling clothes
A sheet

 

13: What was special about Jesus' mother?
She was beautiful
She was a prophetess
She loved God
She was a virgin

 

14: How were the family warned that someone wanted to kill Jesus?
By a messenger
In a dream
A star appeared in the sky
An angel came and visited them

 

One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of house you lived in, what kind of car you drove or what kind of job you held.  What will matter is whether or not you had an impact in the life of a child! 

Share your stories on how you may have touched a child's life, or how a child may have touched you.

If you were playing a game of hide and go seek with God and He said to you " 1...2...3... READY OR NOT HERE I COME" and He calls you home would you go to heaven or hell?  If you stumbled with that questions then it's time to take a second look at your life. We are living in the last days and as servants and friends of God Himself it's time for us to start praying and ministering to those who are lost so that when God calls us home He will be able to say "Well done my good and faithful servant". Have a great GRACE day.

As Ms. Abraham was stating in her blog, there are scriptures that we misconstrude as christians. One of the scriptures is "Come As You Are". God is referring to your heart. He wants you to come broken so that He will get the glory when He fixes your situation. So please please refrain from any clothing that should not be worn at church because the fact of the matter is that we still need to respect God's house.

When I have a great weekend I have a great week. When I have a lazy weekend I tend to be dragging all week. Does your weekend predict your week? Mine does. Why is that? Please share.......

 That is a big no-no!!!!!  You should NEVER, EVER be caught wearing high heeled shoes with a jogging suit.  For that matter, we should not wear dress socks with sweat pants either.

Matthew V:30 King James

And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

"All that you have to do is this: Stop thinking about the difficulty, strife, whatever it is (cut it off) and think about God instead. This is the complete rule. By following this simple rule, the trouble, whatever it is, will presently disappear. It makes no difference what kind of trouble it is. It may be a big thing or a little thing; it may concern health, finance, a quarrel, an accident, or anything conceivable. W

Whatever it is, just stop thinking about it, and think of God instead - that is all you have to do."

Signed,

Your co-worker,

Donna Rae Wisor

Seeking God in a New Year


If Jesus needed to pray the first thing in the morning, what about us? The Bible says,
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I Cor. 10:31
"Seek first the kingdom of God..." Matt. 6:33

If you always seek first in life to glorify and honor God you won't go very wrong in life. There are three basic priorities that I believe every Christian should have in life. If 2010 is to be great - you need to have these priorities.

Pray in the morning when you wake up thanking God for watching over you while you were sleep and waking you up to see another day to bless others with love of God.

Pray all day without ceasing knowing we can not see what is ahead of us only God can see our future of each turn. Stay prayed up to be covered by the Word of God to be guided in the right direction away from any situation that might occur.

Pray at night for protection and good sleep for you and your loved ones and ask God to do the same for others in the world.

When we seek God this new year, leave the past behind you. You might have lost a job, but know God will get you a better job. You have gone through a divorce , but don't worry God will bless you with a Godly spouse . You might have lost a home but God will get you a better home.You might have lost a loved one, but don't worry they are at home in heaven with our Lord.

PRAYER IS VERY STRONG TO HELP YOU FOR THE GOOD ONLY AND NOT FOR EVIL.

I have a story to tell about prayer.Just know when more in prayer for the same thing or situation, it is stronger.

A story about a small Oklahoma town that had two churches and one distillery. Members of both churches complained that the distillery was giving the community a bad image. And to make matters worse the owner of the distillery was an out spoken atheist. He didn't believe in God one bit. The church people had tried unsuccessfully for years to shut down the distillery. So finally they decided to hold a joint Saturday night prayer meeting. They were going to ask God to intervene and settle the matter.
The church folks gathered on Saturday night and there was a horrible thunderstorm raging outside and to the delight of the church members lightening hit that old brewery and it burned to the ground.
The next morning the sermons that were preached in both churches were on the power of prayer.
But the insurance adjusters promptly notified the distillery owner that they were not going to pay for the damages because the fire was an act of God and that was an exclusion in the policy.
The distillery owner was furious and he sued both churches claiming that they had conspired with God to destroy his business. But the churches denied that they had anything to do with the cause of the fire.
The presiding judge opened the trial with theses words: ¡§ I find one thing in this cause most perplexing-we have a situation here where the plaintiff, an atheist is professing his belief in the power of prayer, and the defendants all faithful church members are denying the very same power

It seems that sometimes as Christians we pray asking God to do certain things, either in our life or the lives of others, only to be totally surprised when God answers our prayers.

So know and be sure for what you pray for.

This is a brand new year of new things to come and to get back what has been stolen from us by satan.

This is a brand new year of prayer for a better life and more love towards others.

Easy Bake Sugar Cookies

1/2 c Butter 1/2 c Sugar 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 1 Egg 2 c Flour 2 tsp Baking Powder   Preheat oven to 375° F. Cream together the margarine, sugar, vanilla and egg until light and fluffy. Add the flour and baking powder. Blend until well mixed. Chill the dough for 2 hours (or overnight). Roll out on a lightly-floured surface until 1/8-inch thick. Cut with a cookie cutter. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a 375-degree oven until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Cool before storin

In Luke 22:31-32 we see  Jesus warning to Peter, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brother."  What exactly was Jesus talking about? Satan wanted to sift Peter like wheat?  Have you ever heard the saying "To seperate the wheat from the chaff"?  To seperate the wheat from the chaff means to sort out the good stuff from the bad stuff, to know what should be discarded and what should be preserved, to seperate what is usefull or valuable from what is worthless.  Getting the picture here?   It is very important that we keep ourselves close to God.  Satan has no power over us unless we allow it.  One device of satan is to keep you ignorant of God's will for your life.  If he can keep you from knowing God's Word, he can lead you any way he desires.  Satan will use your natural weakness as an entrance into your life.  Whatever your particular weakness is, satan will use it against you.  If he can take us back to our old nature even for a minute, he has succeeded in sifting you.  Chaff is a waste product of grain that is worthless.  It is the dry, scaly casings of grain, a waste material that is usually burned or plowed into the ground.  It has no real worth.  It is only the true wheat that satan seeks to sift.  The precious grain.  We don't hear of satan wanting to sift a Judas.  He dosn't need too.  The Word tells us to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves.  As we continue to grow in the Lord and study his word, we are protected from Satans capability to sift us, but we are never free from his desire to do so.  There is a parable in the Word, Matthew 13:24-30 that talks about a farmer who planted wheat, but in the night his enemies came and sowed weeds in his field.  Instead of letting his servants pull them out and take a chance on damaging his wheat crop, he told them to wait until the crops were ready to be harvested, then seperate the weeds from the wheat.  God will always root out the bad seed when the good seed has matured!

What do you do when you loose your baggage.....do you try to go back and get it or do you eep moving...today we are faced with the impact to were we cant just settle we have to take things to the next level i belive you leave attitude ...behind you then you will be well on your way in being succesful with things in your life so when you loose your baggage dont go searching for it

If you could travel back in time what would you do? And why would you do it? Share with the community your thoughts and ideas.

Forgiveness is peace within us

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Matthew 18:21

 

 

Hello now God takes care of all his children, even you. We must bless those that has done us wrong and even talked about us wronfully.For us to have peace within ourselves.God see's everything, you just keep on doing the right thing and not let this bother you, just have the love of God in you fo make it day by day.When you bless your enemies an those that has done you wrong, your rewards will be greater in heaven. And when those others have not repented of their sins God will deal with them at judgement day, and you know we don't want to go to hell. Nobody gets away with anything because you can't hide anything from God.So your day and others that has gone though abuse and hard times by wrongful people will be blessed more tha ever here and REWARDED GREATLY IN HEAVEN. Amen

 

 

During a CNBC interview on Monday, President Obama called Kanye West a "jackass" in an off-the-record portion of the interview that was tweeted -- and then deleted -- by ABC News reporter Terry Moran. Here's the entire portion of what the President said:

"Q: Were your girls as hacked off as mine were that Kanye gave Taylor Swift the Joe Wilson treatment?

Obama: I thought that was really inappropriate. You know it was like she's getting an award -- why are you butting in? I, I hear you -- I agree with you.

Q: So does that count as the first question?

Obama: The young lady seems like a perfectly nice person. She's getting her award. What's he doing up there? He's a jackass. (Laughter) No, now -- this -- all this stuff -- I'm assuming all this stuff. Where's the pool? Come on guys. Cut the president some slack. I got a lot of other stuff on my plate. Yeah. Cause I remember last time it was the fly thing. Now that was the highlight of (trails off)

Q: No that worked out well for you. You were a ninja.

Obama: Except PETA... (laughter)"
 

Is America being side tracked by another innocuous comment by the President or is this a legitimate issue? On this morning's TJMS a caller stated that Obama has lost his vote for 2012 because Obama always puts down black people. Do you agree with this comment or has the caller gone off the deep end? Weigh in.

 

Caster Semenya, a 18 year old South African runner, finds herself in the center of a controversy about gender identification. After posting impressive wins in both the 800 and 1500 meter races during the 2009 African Junior Championships, the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) asked Caster to submit to gender identification testing. News that the IAAF requested the test broke hours before Caster was to compete in the 2009 World Championships 800m finals. Caster went on to win the gold in the race with a time that was the world leading time in 2009 at that date setting a national record, championship record, and a personal best by almost four seconds. Reportedly, the results of Caster's gender testing have revealed that the runner has a chromosomal abnormality that means she has no womb or ovaries but internal testes that produce the male hormone, testosterone. News sources are reporting that Caster has gone into hiding and under suicide watch and is receiving trauma counseling in the wake of these claims. Did the IAAF breach its duty of confidentiality? Could this entire situation been handled better? Weigh in.

In two separate incidents within the last week, protesters have shown up armed at two health care town halls attended by President Obama.  On last week, a protester at a New Hampshire rally showed up with a gun strapped to his thigh.  Recently, at  a town hall in Arizona, several perotesters were shown with assault rifles outside the venue where the President was taking questions.  In both incidents, local law enforcement and secret service officials have said the protesters could not be removed becaused their actions were legal under  respective state law.  While it is not uncommon for certain groups to rail about any government encroachment into what they perceive as their indiviudal liberties, I do not recall anything like this happening before.  Do you think these incidents poise a risk of harm to the President?  Should the secret service be able to remove such demonstrators from areas so close to the President?  Weigh in.

Good morning GRACE, I hope everyone's weekend was blessed.

My experience with grace became very challenging with all the information that was given but when I went back to refresh in IT and Scheduling I got an understanding everything is becoming clear to me the best is yet to come. What I like about Grace There are some beautiful spirit people we worship god and receive the word. What i have learn working with Grace is \\\"What you tolerate, you will not change. What you do not change increases, and what increases will one day bind you.\\\"

Mark 2:7  Who can forgive sins but God alone. 

It is easy to fall into a shameful position because this is the devils playground.  As long as we feel ashamed to go to God for forgiveness of our sins then we will always carry those sins with  us.  Carrying sins is just like carrying  baggage it stinks. This baggage can potentially affect our job performance and our relationships.  If we hold onto this baggage it will bind us. Let us not be ashamed of our sins because no one but God can judge us.  And only God alone can forgive us.  Encourage me to let my baggage go!!!!

9. You found twenty dollars on the floor at work. What do you do with it?
a. keep it and thank God for the blessing
b. buy your friend a gift
c. buy yourself a gift
d. try and find out who's it is and give it back to them

Can you tell me why it is okay for people to drive SLOW as a turtle in the fast lane?  That is one for the record books folks.  If you are out to sight see, get off the freeway.... Ride the access ROAD....  you got to move it, move it...... 

Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

When all the pictures of our lifetime is laid on the table, they will reveal our recurring words and actions.  What story will they tell?  It's worth considering as we make our choices each day.

Food For Thought:  "It's not how long you live that counts, but how you live."

 

Mr. Kirksey did a great job on Bible study this morning. It is so true that sometimes we just need to kiss and say goodbye because sometimes God releases us from situations that we should not have even kissed but because of our flesh we put ourself back in it. Just Kiss and Say Goodbye!!!

Today is Timeless Tuesday. I usually always try to add a adjective in front of the day of week in order to kind of set the tone. Yesterday was Mighty Monday because I woke up yesterday seeing some Mighty things that God has been doing for me. Today I chose Timeless Tuesday for the first time. The reason being is because it is inspired by yesterday's Bible Study from Psalm 100 where Ms. Jammer read about God being the same always and forever. I realize that the same God that is blessing me so much right now was and is the same God that was holding my hand when I was going through. No matter the times, the battles, the situations, or whatever God is timeless. Another name for Timeless is Classic. And isn't he classic??! There has never been another best seller. He can write a script or change a story plot like no one else. If you don't believe me look at your life. And if you still don't look at mine. You are looking at a plot and story still in the making but I know that God is still and forever Timeless. And if you still just don't get or see how Timeless he truely is look at the economy right now and over the past few years. He is not a keeper of the times but a shepherd to all those that love and honor him. Is he not Classic?!

IF you are a renter what rights should  you have?  If you are a landlord what rights do you have for your property and for your tenants?

Tell us your thoughts.......

May God's love wash over you!

May His peace abide with you!

May His joy overtake you!

And may His grace and mercy sustain you!

Blessings to you today!

Mrs. J

HELP....  What is with young women wearing these "wife-beater" T-shirts and pajama bottoms?  The T-shirts are okay, but the pajama bottoms have got to go....  You can wear them as night clothing like they are designed, but Come On PEOPLE.... As daywear?????  Give me a break...That clearly is a step in the wrong direction.

HELP!!!!!! Can someone tell me why older people like to go sightseeing in the midst of rush HOUR!!  This is so not hot....  Yes, i know, they have a right to the road as well, but not in the middle of rush HOUR.... Can we start a campaign?  Do I hear a "YEP, YEP!!!"

This is an awesome quote from Norman Vincent Peale:

"In every difficult situation is potential value.  Believe this, then, begin looking for it!"

Now that's something to chew on.....

As the year is coming to an end and a new year is coming in, What do you want God to give you in this new year? I want new oil from God, the new oil that cause me to praise him even the more, the new oil that will cause me to pray and fast even the more, the new oil that will cause me to love those who falsely accuse me and misunderstand me, the new oil that will cause me to preach the gospel with more power, the new oil that will cause the God in me to shift nations.......All I want is new oil.....What about you? Tangible will come but I desire more of the oil that will spill over on other and cause them to be delivered and set free just by the prescence of God......

Be blessed in him,

Evangelist P. Tims

The Wisdom of Waiting on God

I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry (Psalm 40:1, NIV). Have you ever wished God would hurry up? Sometimes, in our eagerness for results, we run ahead of God and attempt to make things happen in our OWN power, without His help.

And in the end, the results are NEVER as good as they would have been if we had just waited for God.  Patience is a difficult discipline to cultivate. But it has MANY benefits. It helps us to check with God first!!! To wait on His timing. To carefully consider all the alternatives. And to have His divine power at our disposal instead of mere human strength.

Even Jesus waited on God. Early in the morning, He sought God in prayer, waiting for direction and blessing. He had come to do His Father's will, and He PAUSED to make sure He knew what it was before taking action. Wait... and God WILL answer!!!

In light of the state of the world today, how important is Tiger Woods' indiscretion? I am so sick of hearing about all of these celebrities who have fallen short of society's standards. Why is it that we hold them in a higher regard than we hold ourselves? All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. That's the Word. Why are we so surprised when those who live in the limelight fall short. Are we not all the same? Their occupations just so happen to bring them into the light more than others. They, at the end of the day, are just like us. They are not perfect. They are striving for the same things (some of them are) that we are. We are not perfect, so why do we expect them to be. They are not role models. We are the role models to those who live in our homes. Saints, we got better things to do than to dwell on the shortcomings of others unless we are going to pray for them. None of us have any room to talk. Least of all me...Just a little food for thought.

From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other."
Emily Matthews

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist."
Francis P. Church

"There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions."
Bill McKibben

"Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends."
Margaret Thatcher

"The only blind person at Christmastime is
he who has not Christmas in his heart."

Psalm 131:1-2  "Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother."

Our heart is the place where God meets and relates to us personally.  It's where He allows us to respond to His correction.  Spending time in His Word and in prayer opens the door for Him to interact with us at the deepest levels of our need and gives Him opportunities to comfort and convict.  As we open our hearts to Him, He fans the flame of an intimate, life-changing relationship.

     Authentic Chistianity is the inside-out expression of this dynamic relationship with Jesus that provides the strength to live for His glory - regardless of what is happening on the outside"

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:  "When you open your heart to the Savior, He opens your mind to His Word."

 

Struggle is the answer to survive

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2Co 1:3-4

The Butterfly

by Author Unknown

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.

The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.

Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

The moral of the story is that struggle is good. It will make you stronger to survive in this world.

We all want the easy way out, but we can't have it that way. We will never learn to survive and trust in God to help us.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

I have seen a lot of people say they want this and they want that but not struggle to get it. Doctors probably have nice homes and nice cars by going to school for 15 yrs, a muscle man with lots of muscles for everybody lifted weights and exercised every day of the week and pastors probably have a big church and a nice car and home. The question is, are you willing to do what he did to get it? Are you willing to be faithful over a handful of not so perfect people, seek God, study his word, obey him when it doesn't make sense, be persecuted and publicly criticized and humiliated?

Many believers have the attitude that just because they are saved and in the family of God, that now God is supposed to give them everything they ever dreamed of without any effort, or work or discipline on their part.
The fact is, it costs what it costs and it never goes on sale.

Yes God wants to prosper you and bless you, but sometimes you're going to have to go through something.
Sometimes you have to struggle, Sometimes you have to fight.
There is something in the struggle that is necessary to becoming what God has ordained us to be.

 

There is always an enemy in the camp. You might never know who it is until God is ready for you to know. But we always have to remember that the Word of God has warned us about the serpent from the very beginning. He is crafty and he is cunning. He is quick and he is tricky. He takes God's Word and he twists it and tries to make you second guess the instructions you received from God. You have to be aware and alert at all times so that you are not taken in by the deceiver. He comes off as so smooth and silky. His words are like quicksilver and they are meant to draw you into his captivating conversation. Kind of like that friend you used to havve who talked you into doing those things your mother warned you not to do when you were a kid. He or she compelled you to go with them and do what they were doing. You didn't really think you would get caught, so you did it. But in the end, you ended up in a world of trouble that only your mom or your dad could get you out of. The serpent comes in many forms; the many forms of sin. The backbiting, the jealousy, the haters, he gossipers, the liars, the cheaters....all things meant to divide. All things meant to keep your focus off of God. Then you encounter the bed of snakes who were so still. They were so subtle. You never saw them coming. The serpent kept you off your focus for so long that the bed of snakes were poised and ready to attack and you were totally unprepared for the hit. The poison seeped into your system and the serpent had a great laugh all at your expense. But thank God that the serpent doesn't have to have the last laugh. There is repentance and you can always turn back to God. You never had to be off track in the first place if you had on your fighting gear. The armour of God does protect...if you wear it right. So to all the haters and the enemies...the snakes and the serpents...you will be defeated! ou have already been defeated. It took place at the cross all those years ago. The sting of death has already been taken. Glory to God for the redeeming power of the blood of Jesus! Thank God for the power of the Holy Spirit who leads us and warns us of the pending danger of the serpents and snakes. That's good news to me. So don't worry about the viper who threatens to bite. His venom is rendered helpless and devoid of all deadliness. All because we are protected by the Father! He has ALL Power! The omnipotent, omniscient One!

No one falls in love by choice, it is by CHANCE.
No one stays in love by chance, it is by WORK.
And no one falls out of love by chance, it is by CHOICE. scroll down to see the love of my life, because --without HIM---I am nothing

Matthew 10:32 "Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven"

 

II Timothy 2:17 "Avoid Godless Chatter for those indulge in become more and more ungodly for their teachings are like gangrene." (Amp)

Contamination is all in the body of Christ right now, the enemy has most of us in the body of Christ sleep because we are contaminated. Contamination in the spirit realm blocks your vision and your sight so that you wont be able to hear from God and you wont be able to see the direction God is leading you in. The scales are on our eyes and we are walking into a den of snakes & a coven of witches on day to day basis. Contamination usually happens when you are connected to the wrong type of people. It starts in the mind and then it gets in the heart and then it spreads throughout your whole spirit man and then it blocks the flow of the anointing in your life. You cant praise God the way you did before, you dont pray as much, your are not reading your word as much. One sunday turns into three sundays of missing church. Then, you find yourself changing the circle of friends you have and you begin to yolk up with double minded people or those that are not saved at all. During the contamination process you become numb to it things that are going wrong in your life and then you mind begins to shift and then it will manifest through your actions......If your are contaminated I urge you to detach yourself from those things and people  that have contaminated you so that God can cleanse you from all those unclean things in your life...Be blessed.....To be continued

 

Evangelist P Tims

What do you do when you don't know what to do?

Below is a portion of a great message from songwriter Tommy Walker:

When I don't know what to do, I'll lift my hands;

When I don't know what to say, I'll speak your praise;

When I don't know where to go, I'll run to your throne;

When I don't know what to think, I'll stand on your truth...

When I don't know what to do!

As some may know, I had an accident on Friday that should have taken me from the world but God!!!!!!!!!!! The song we sing at bible study that says "He favors me" has taken a whole new meaning. I'm blessed to be here today. Have you had anything that should have taken you out? You don't have to post what happened but just give God thanks today!!!!!!!

When ever you traveling on the road you see numurous cars....regular vehicles and city and state vehicls. I was driving earaly this morning to orange county and i saw police officers on the side of the road issueing out tickets but they were in unmarked cars so how do we know how to slow down ahead of time . when i begin to think of the trouble that this is causing people that are speeding trying ti mak their destination in a decent hour i begin to fill their payne bcuz its like the city and state got them lol

 More churches have been destroyed by the "Accuser of the Brethren", and its faultfinding than by either immorality or misuse of church funds.

So prevalent is this influence in our society that, among many, faultfinding has been elevated to the status of a "ministry"!

 

Luke 22:31-32

 ³¹And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

 ³²But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

 

King James Version (KJV)

The Bible was written not to satisfy your curiosity but to help you conform to Christ's image. Not to make you a smarter sinner but to make you like the Saviour. Not to fill your head with a collection of biblical facts but to transform your life.

 

James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Feed on Christ, and then go and live your life, and it is Christ in you that lives your life, that helps the poor, that tells the truth, that fights the battle, and that wins the crown.

2 Timothy 4:8
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Hello!  Just doing a quick survey....How many of you know first ladies and women of the church who wear really "bad, sassy" hats?  I love to see them on the older women especially, but I'm not much of a hat person (my Mom loves them) - How about you?  Let me know what you think about Sunday hats....

 

I found a portion of a poem about hats that I will share:

There were reds and greens

And Shades of blue

Flowers and bows

And feathers too

Some had brims

And some had veils

With patters Delicately detailed

And it was clearlly evident

Much time and money had been spent

In knowing which design to choose

To match the handbag, coat and shoes

And yet to find some novel fomr

That no one else had ever worn

 

This week I couldn't go to the salon b/c there wasn't an appointment avaiilable for when I got off. I'm going home this weekend and needed a serious styling job. Unfortunately I had to do it myself & it didn't turn out how I wanted it. What is a girl to do? HELP!!!

 

FAITH  CONFESSIONS

*     I know God is turning things around for me.  (Deuteronomy 23:5; Deuteronomy 30:5)

*     I am blessed of the Lord.  (Genesis 12:2-3; Galatians 3:13-14)

*     I am healed by the stripes of Jesus Christ.  (I Peter 2:24; James 5:15)

*     I am delivered from all my troubles.  (Psalms 34:19; Luke 4:18)

*    I have the peace of God.  (John 14:27; Colossians 3:15)

*     I am prosperous in the Lord.  (Joshua 1:8; Psalms 35:27)

*     I confess that all of my needs are met.  (Genesis 22:8; Matthew 6:25-34)

*     I will live a long life.  (Ephesians 6:2-3; Proverbs 3:1-2)

*     I am increasing in all areas of my life.  (Psalms 115:14-15; I Thessalonians 3:12)

*     I receive the forgiveness of the Lord today.  (Psalms 86:5; Colossians 2:13)

*     I am victorious.  (I John 5:4; 2 Corinthians 2:14)

Thank you Lord for Ms. Camp's safety today.  You are a faithful God!!

"But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one."  II Thessalonians 3:3

Ms. Camp's story this morning about her experience with the burglar that broke into her home while she slept reminded me of my own experience when I was a very young mother. 

It was New Year's Eve and my husband and I were out on the town.  My son was just a baby and was spending the night at my in-laws home.  My husband and I got home in the early morning hours and after puting our money and jewelry on the kitchen table, (Something we had NEVER done before) we fell into bed, exhausted.  I was awakened to the sound of a crunching noise and my brain registered "someone is breaking into our home"  I shook my husband and told him someone was breaking in but he turned over and told me that it was just the cat crunching on his food.  I was too tired to argue and fell back to sleep.  I was awakened again by the noise and again, I shook my husband...."Someone is breaking in!" I said sleepily. Once again, my husband assured me that it was just the cat.  I lay there with my eyes closed just listening but it had grown quiet.  I heard my baby roll over in his crib and then I heard him sigh in his sleep.  Comforted by the sound, I fell back to sleep.

In the morning, I got up and went to the kitchen to make coffee and found to my shock that our sliding glass door was ajar.  The handle with the lock was still locked into place but the screws had been sawed off.  Our jewelry and money was gone from the table but I found nothing else missing.  I cried out to my husband to come take a look.  I turned to him and said, "All I remember was the sound of the baby turning over in his crib and his sigh" 

My husband looked at me in disbelief.  "Tina, he said, the baby was with my mom!  He's not even here!"

My skin crawled and the hairs stood up.  What I had heard was the burglar standing over my bed!

Looking back on this, I realize that God had put us into a stupor for our protection.  Neither one of us felt the urgency that the situation should have instilled.  I believe that if we had gotten up to confront the intruder, perhaps we would have been injured or worse during the confrontation.  I also believe that God had impressed us to leave our money and jewelry on the kitchen table so that the burglar would be pacified with the loot and not feel the need to acquire more.

I thank God for His protection.  That even when we are unaware of the danger we are in, He has ALREADY sent His angels to surround us and fight our battles while we "sleep".

Thank you Ms. Camp for presenting this message this morning.  I am so glad that you were carried safely through the night as I had been years and years ago. 

Psalm 91

Starburst

"I have seen [the] son of Jesse...who is skillful." 1Sa 16:18 NKJV Keep preparing yourself David didn't suddenly become an expert marksman with a slingshot when Goliath showed up, or a master harpist when King Saul invited him to the palace. He took the long, slow, disciplined route. David had no idea what his future held, he simply found joy and fulfillment in discovering and developing his gifts.

Your greatest obstacle to personal growth isn't ignorance, it's the illusion of knowledge. It's in believing you've "arrived." When that happens you're done growing, which means • you're done! Which zone do you live in?The challenge zone: "I attempt to do what I haven't done before." The comfort zone: "I only do what I already know I can do." The coasting zone: "I don't even do what I've done before." Phillips Brooks said, "Sad is the day for any man when he becomes absolutely satisfied with the life he is living, the thoughts he is thinking, and the things he is doing; when there ceases to be forever beating at the doors of his soul a desire to do something larger which he seeks and knows he was meant and intended to do."

David's brothers knew his skills, yet none of them told King Saul about him. Be encouraged; you'll get there without them! "Then one of [Saul's] servants...said, ‘Look, I have seen [the] son of Jesse...who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor.'" David didn't compete with his brothers or complain about his status as a sheepherder. He just kept developing his relationship with God and sharpening his skills, and when the time was right God promoted him. So, keep preparing yourself.

Over the week, we saw several examples of what is arguably not the best method to register protest:
(1) South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson calling the POTUS a liar during a joint session of Congress address.
(2)Serena Williams' outburst during the semi-finals of the U.S. Open when she disagreed with a line judge's call of a foot fault. For her efforts, Ms. Williams' opponent was awarded a penalty point which resulted in match point.
(3) Kanye West taking the mike from MTV award winner Taylor Swift to announce that Beyonce' should have received Ms. Swift's award
Do you feel that each incident merits the same level of outrage? Weigh in.

As I sat in church this morning and listened to my pastor, I began to think about the path I am on. I recognize that if it's change I want, I have to begin with me. I have to change the way I think about everything and re-prioritize certain things in my life. The only way I can do this is by first renewing my mind; spend more time studying the Word of God. I do study, but I should study more. I should pray more. The voice of God is so clear when you spend more time getting to know Him! As I prepare to spend more time with Him, I have an expectation that I will hear from Him. My mind will be refreshed and I will have more ammunition to fight off the enemy! Romans 12:1-3 is the Word I am standing on today. Are you renewing your mind?

It's amazing to me how the enemy knows what to,and how to get us out of the spiritual and into the carnal. The bible says that the devil roams seeking who he can destroy. That scripture tell us alot about the devil's mission. All he is doing is seeking looking for litte cracks and crevaces that he can squeeze into to destroy us, to get us to abort our mission. We all should know the mission of every believer, to win souls to Christ. We have many revenues and ministries and paths that we take in doing this but whatever our mission is we must realize that the emeny is only seeking to destroy it, seeking only try and hurt God's feeling because he can't win. HE's already defeated, he only can takes God's people and get into situations and assign his demons to work in our minds and through other people that allow themm to work,and get us totally off the plan, get us to abort our mission, and to DESTROY us. So we as christians have to be prayed up and aquired spiritual eyes and spiritual discernment so we can reconize the wiles of the enemy that come to destroy us. Be Encouage and know that God has the power that we've already won..STOMP ON THE DEVIL"S HEAD. It's time for us to not play games with the enemy because he is not playing games with God's people. He has a mission that he works on diligently and that's to destroy God's people, and he's serious about it. It's time we get more serious with him and brutalize him everytime we sence that he is in attack or trying to get in those crevaces we as humans allow to be open!!! He knows and we need to internalize that THE DEVIL IS ALREADY DEFEATED...

There are a lot of pepople who always wish they could have live there life to the fullest. What are some things, places and people you will like to see. Share with the community your thoughts.

Coach Warfield continues his study on love.  In case you missed the foundational scripture, here it is:

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.  I John 4:7, 8.

I wish you a wonderful birthday and many more to come.

1.) Be Proactive - When you are reactive, you blame other people and circumstances for obstacles or problems. Being proactive means taking responsibility for every aspect of your life. Initiative and taking action will then follow.

2.) Have a Personal Mission Statementand continually update it

3.) Integrity & Execution- Delegate responsibilities in the workplace - Successful delegation focuses on results and benchmarks that are to be agreed in advance, rather than on prescribing detailed work plans.

 

2 Samuel 22:50 - "For this, O Lord, I will praise your name among the nations; I will sing praises to your name."

What has the Lord been for you throughout your life that you can give him praises for?  Has he been your peace in a chaotic time?  Has he been your comforter amid loss?  Has he been a forgiver of a sinful choice?  Has he been a strength in a difficult task?  So take out a piece of paper and begin to  write down your list of thank yous for the one who knows you better than you or anyone else.

Thought For Today:  Praise is the overflow of a joyful heart.

 

.

Chris Brown was sentenced Tuesday to serve five years probation and to spend more than 1,400 hours in "labor-oriented service" for assaulting his pop star girlfriend, Rihanna.  A probation report for Brown indicated the pair were involved in at least two other domestic violence incidents before the February attack for which Brown was sentenced.  The first incident occurred in Europe about three months before the present offense.  The couple was involved in a verbal dispute and Rihanna slapped Brown. He responded by shoving her into a wall. Another incident happened in January, three weeks before the Hollywood incident, when Brown and Rihanna were visiting her home country of Barbados. Brown and Rihanna were visiting Barbados and were driving a Range Rover loaned to them by a local dealership.  They had an argument inside the car. Brown exited and broke the front driver and passenger side windows of the car.  In addition, Brown must also complete domestic violence counseling. A restraining order was issued requiring Brown to stay 50 yards away from Rihanna, 10 yards if the two are at the same industry event. The order remains in place until 2014.  Weign in.

 

9: Which prophet tried to escape from preaching God's word in Nineveh
Jonah
Nahum
Haggai
Micah

 

 

10: Which of these books is part of the Pentateuch?
Exodus
Joshua
Daniel
Judges

 

God is the absolute authority in the life of the christian blood bought believer right? So why do we continue to allow sin to come in and take control of our bodies? At what point do you get it together and give God His propers?

The first family settled in Sunday for their vacation on Martha's Vineyard not long after Hurricane Bill scampered away, leaving behind big waves and heavy rip currents for the Obamas.  Black America Web is conducting a poll to determine what the Obama's should do on vacation.  What would you suggest?  Weigh in

Today was another tear jerker day for me.  I am completely overwelmed by all the powerful emotions that over come me at Inside Grace.  I have never worked anywhere or know of anyone that has been exposed to anything like this.  I witnessed total and complete encouragement and uplift not only by Ms. Camp but by every body that works at Grace.  Thank you for lifting me up.!!!

Thanks to the "cash for clunkers" program, GM is experiencing a surge in new car buying that will necessitate the bankrupt auto maker to rehire more than 1,300 laid off workers. Is this additional evidence that President Obama's plans are working. This comes as new polling from USA Today shows that more than 50% of Americans do not feel the stimulus is working. What do you think? Weigh in

Today's message is still against the backdrop of Job. Have you ever been talking to someone and you have thought to yourself ‘This person is a trip....'. Well that is how Job felt when his three friends came to visit him. I hope you guys have been brushing up on the story. I find it interesting in the text and I read two versions the King James and the Contemporary version and in both texts it states in Chapter 2 that Job's friends came to mourn and comfort him in his time and troubles. When they got there they did just that. The tore off their robes, they cried with him, they sat with him, and the whole time throughout the texts even beyond Chapter 2 they had nothing positive to say to him. Not one encouraging word. Matter of fact they discouraged him the entire time. I actually thought it was amusing the way he responds to him. I found myself laughing. I mean Job was really defending himself. I think he spent more time defending himself to his so-called friends then he did talking to God. But with friends like Job's who wouldn't trip? They did not come to encourage him they came to mourn with him and comfort him in his trouble! In other words I am not going to lift you up and pray with you I will heap coals on you while you are down and comfort you because somehow you deserve this....Wow....No wonder in Chapter 6 verse 14 Job tells them he knows now that he can't count on them. Isn't it when we are down and doing the worse off that we find out who we can really count on. And the crazier part about it all is when these friends left to visit Job in the beginning they never had any intentions of encouragement nor after Job spent time defending himself against their accusations did they feel any remorse for him. I bet Job was thinking to himself ‘After all I have probably done for these so-called friends and after all I have been through I have to sit and hear this....Ain't this a trip.' Be careful who your friends are is well worn out line but it's good advice. Job's friends come in all shapes sizes and descriptions. Many of us have at least one friend in mind we read this. That friend that never ceases to amaze us because they are always there to come around when things are low and kick you when you are down....leaving you wondering ‘Ain't this a trip.' Trip Tuesday is about identifying those people in your life that call themselves friends but only come around to ‘mourn with you'....Don't let them Trip you up...matter of fact you should send them First class tickets on a Trip out your life....

The newest You Tube hit is a video of Congresswomen Shelia Jackson Lee on her blackberry during a recent town hall in her Houston district.  As one of her constituents was asking a question, the congresswoman paused to take a call on her blackberry. The constituent seemed perturbed and not too forgiving even as the congresswoman explained that she was calling an 800 number set up by the House majority leader to answer congressional questions on health care. Congresswoman Lee stated that she was merely calling for additional information so that she could answer the question. What do you think of the Congresswoman's actions? Weigh in.

Yesterday, was actually a wonderful day. I really enjoyed the scheduling traingin with Ms. Jammer. Not only was she very informative and helpful, but she was also hands on. Great Teacher!!!!! Ms. Jammer in my book get 2 thumbs up!!!!

Are you performing plan A in your life or are you operating plan B in your life. If you operating on plan B then you are doing our own will. We as Christians need to operate on Plan A because God does not operate on any plan but the best plan and if it goes past A then it is second best and we all know that God should be the first priority. So I just encourage that if you are doing things according to your own will that you would just look up to heaven and say now "not my will Lord but Thine will be done". Have a great day.

The Federal Reserve says it appears that the U.S. economy has halted the longest period of decline since the Great Depression, although it cautioned that economic activity is likely to remain weak in the near term. The Fed says "economic activity is leveling out. . ."  How much credit does President Obama deserve for this good news? Weigh in

Galatians 5:13 "Through love serve one another." 

As followers of Jesus, we're here to serve Him out of love - to "bless God for blessing us".

Jesus came to earth not to be served but to serve.  He is the perfect example of servanthood.

Thought for Today:  Are you serving or being served?

5: How did the wise men know that the King of the Jews had been born?
They saw a star in the East
They had a vision
Angels told them
They guessed

 

 

6: Which of the following is not a gift that the wise men brought for Jesus?
Gold
Silver
Myrrh
Frankincense

 

 

7: Who else came to visit Jesus?
Carpenters
Farmers
Shepherds
Merchants

 

 

3: What did Jesus sleep in after he was born?
Manger
Cot
Bed
Straw

 

 

4: How many wise men does the Bible say came to visit Jesus?
Two
Three
Four
It doesn't say

 

Watch your thoughts, they become your words. Watch your words, they become your actions. Watch your actions, they become your habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

This is true to the core. When you keep this in mind you begin to look at things differently. You will think about things differenty. And ultimately you will mature mentally.

17. A graven image is _____?
a something God told us not to make
b. a carving in wood or stone that some people worship
c. a idol
d. all of the above

5. We are told not to covet anything that our neighbour's have in which commandment?
a. fourth
b. tenth
c. ninth
d. seventh

Support can come in all shapes, size and color.  Lets start encouraging our friends.  Short phone calls or text saying hello can brighten someones weekend.  It doesn't take much.  A note to say I believe in you.  Just saying those simple words can make all the difference in the world.  Jobs can come and go, events come and go, but true friendship is invaluable. 

Ever notice how when the temperature rises, your tempers flare too? Here are some ridiculous heat-induced annoyances that push couples over the edge - and how to chill out.

Meltdown 1: The Battle of the AC
It's too hot. It's too cold. Where the heck is just right? When it comes to running your air conditioner, the two of you can never agree on the perfect temperature. You like an ocean breeze while he prefers an arctic chill, or vice versa. The cranky conclusion: One person always winds up shivering and resentful, or the other turns into an overheated mess.

Chill out tactic: Meeting in the middle of your two desired temps is a no-brainer, but there's a little more to it. If you're always getting iced out by the AC, switch sides of the bed so you're farthest from the direct air. Also, keep your AC off when you're out of the house. It'll lower your energy bill and give your body time to adjust in the time it takes to cool the house down again.

Meltdown 2: Marathon Car Trip Trauma
You know those road trips that always start out so fun? You're stocked up on snacks and have the tunes blasting and the open road ahead of you. But factor in scorching seatbelts, stick-to-your-thighs seats, and hot sun baking you through the windshield like oven-roasted chicken and suddenly the highway becomes hell. It doesn't help that the two of you have already discussed your dream home, named your future children, and listened to that Black Eyed Peas CD three times-you've officially run out of things to say. The only conversation topic: whose fault it is that you're freakin' lost.

Chill out tactic: Build in stops every hour so you can clear your heads and cool off. When you hop back in the car, take turns driving (and navi-guessing) so neither of you can play the "we're lost, you idiot" blame game.

Meltdown 3: Who-Drank-the-Last-Water Fights
It's the middle of the night, in the middle of a heat wave. You stumble to the kitchen, parched, and open the fridge. You shake the carton of OJ. Silence. You hit the lever on your Brita filter-bone dry. So you reach for a soda - oh wait, there is no soda because your spouse guzzled it all at dinner. As you turn to the sink to fill up a lukewarm glass of water, you can't help but feel frustrated. Is it too much for your significant other to just throw out the dang OJ so it doesn't taunt you, or refill the water filter when they're done so you can have a frosty 2 a.m. glass?

Chill out tactic: You can play drink police, but c'mon, how long is that gonna last? Keep a pitcher of water filled with ice cubes on your nightstand. When you wake up in the middle of the night, you'll have something to instantly cool you down.

 

Shout out to Mr. Kirksey for a wonderful bible study.  You did a GREAT job.

I wrestled with this in my spirit this morning. And Satan really doesn't want me to get this out because he keeps erasing this blog so this is my 2nd time rewriting this from the beginning. I think that this is a good adjective for today and it went so well with what the bible study was about this morning. Weights can be on your spirit, emotional, physical, or whatever. But the thing about weights is that they are just like residue. They leave marks behind. And what I have found out about weights is that you can be walking in favor and season and if you are not careful be weighed down. How does this affect you? In many different ways it can slow you down, stop you, and even make you give up. But the scripture that I find to be most helpful is the one that talks about 'He who the Son has Set Free is Free Indeed'. So if you really want to reach the destiny and promise God has for you then untie those 5 pound 10 pound 20 pound weights in your life. And watch you Float the top of your Destiny See the Mountains of Blessings God has for you and View the Horizon of Hope that you only get when you Seek and Find him. The first step I think we should all do is identify the weights & the residue. I keep you all in my prayers. Have a great Day!

It's amazing how God works. The bible says That when you hear something 2 or more times then you need to take heed to it. It started on Thursday when Ms. Camp said believe it, confess it and then walk it out. Then Thursday night CiCi Winans came right behind that and her message was walking in authority. Then Pastor J came back yesterday and his message was walk it out. So the word for the week is that no matter what the devil is trying to put you through this week just WALK THAT THING OUT. Have a blessed week.

As the school year begins to get ready to start back everyone is thinking of ways to cut back and get into the groove of things. As a few tips; especially in the area of saving money I thought I would suggest that people invest in collecting coupons (Wednesdays & Sundays) and also remember to price match!! You can start saving so much money it's ridiculous. On everything from school uniforms, shoes, snacks, and supplies!!!

God say's marriage is Good  

 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.
But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ..woman,' for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

If God said sardines were good, the devil would hire 50 dieticians to convince people they were bad for you. If God said that exercise was good for you, then the devil would bring fsixty scientists on the sight to tell us the opposite. That's the way the devil works. That's why God calls him the "father of lies." Today God tells us that He established marriage because, "it is not good for man to be alone." And just like any truth of the Bible, the devil will do his best to prove the opposite. When God says that it isn't good for man to be alone, the devil whispers the exact opposite. He says, "God doesn't want you to be alone. But why make a commitment to just one person, when you can have the pleasure of playing the field?" The devil uses TV shows with alot of fornication that make us think that it's much easier and much more fun to remain single and just have an occasional sexual encounter with a different partner here and there. Why buy the cow when you can drink it's milk for free?

But what did God say? He gives us a fresh view of marriage. Marriage is not a curse. He established it because, "It is not good for man to be alone." As a general rule, what God said is true. Why? Well, consider Adam's situation. God had Adam name all of the creatures that God had made. One by one, Adam examined these creatures, noticed what their individual characteristics were, and then named them according to those strengths. So married people please work things out together and not listen to your homies or girlfriends tell you how to treat your spouse at home. Give your spouse all the attention that Goid want you both to have . That is LOVE. After my divorce not my my will, I prayed that God would give me a wife to be my side and we can talk and understand each other's ways, and be partners in marriage and grow old together. Jesus Christ is the ultimate role model for a faithful husband, and we are the worst role model for an unfaithful wife. Yet Jesus, because He died for us, and because He pledged His love for us in our baptism, promises to forgive us and stick with us, in spite of our sins. Even if you've been unfaithful in your marriage, gotten a divorce, or complained about your spouse, Jesus died for those sins. Even though we have been unfaithful and left Him, He won't ask for the divorce. Instead, He calls on you to return to Him, He'll just clean you up and love you all the more. For this we can truly be thankful. Just as God provided Eve for Adam, so He has provided Christ for us. He has made us beautiful in His sight through the blood of Christ. What a blessing!
So what's the purpose of marriage? God has established marriage to help fulfill a temporary need while we are on this side of earth. He has done it so that we will no longer be lonely, so that we will be fruitful and multiply, and so that we can help each other on our way to heaven. So enjoy it while it lasts. The temporary marriage that God has blessed you with is only a taste of what it will be like when we are in that great marriage feast in heaven, enjoying eternal blessings with our true eternal Husband; the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Atch!
Atch who?
I'm sorry I didn't know you had a cold!

For the life of me I can't figure out why people just aren't getting the game of money and finances.  BOTTOM LINE IS SPEND LESS THAN YOU MAKE.  It's amazing that we don't stop and think before we buy stuff or conversley we think to hard before we buy stuff. 

We will stretch ourselves to buy a new car and drive it off the lot losing 25% of what we paid as soon as we hit the street when you could have bought a used car and saved a considerable amount. 

What about keeping up with the "times"?

I'm amazed that some women will spend mega bucks to buy an outfit they saw a movie star in not realizing that even the movie star wouldn't spend that kind of money on the outfit.  IT WAS A GIFT from the designer to get you to BUY IT. 

Frugal millionaires buy clothes in the off-season when deals are plentiful. Buy clothes that will last a long time. They avoid clothing with logos so then no one will ever have to judge them by the styles and it will keep them guessing to what designer brand it might be (because it's not). They also donate their clothes to charity.

 

Eating out

No surprises here. Save some of the meal to bring home for a later meal, something we all can easily do. Millionaires eat during hours where there are specials (usually off-peak times and not on weekends) and they skip dessert.  Same quality food and experience.

There are a bunch of ways to save money.  What are yours?

 

OMG! What's that I see, a palm tree ponytail with bangs that fan out at least 2 Feet

LADIES, DO YOU NEED LOVE?

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THAT EXTRAORDINARY, ONE-OF-A-KIND LOVE!

THEN YOU NEED TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST...HE'S THE LOVER OF OUR SOULS

AND HE LOVES US WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE....

 

JOIN RUTH'S HEART ON THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2009 @ 5:30 P.M. AS WE DISCUSS:  "JESUS - THE LOVER OF YOUR SOUL!" (VISIT THE "RUTH'S HEART" GROUP)

 

....HE'S A GENTLEMAN...

...YOU DON'T HAVE TO PERFORM TO EARN HIS LOVE...

...HE IS A PROVIDER AND A PROTECTOR...

 

HE IS SO MUCH MORE....JOIN US AS WE EXPLORE THIS EXTRAORDINARY LOVE!

To be in bondage is to be stuck in this or that possiblity, having lost the ability to choose from an infinite range of responses.  We must ask ourselves the question, what are we in bondage to?  The bondage is always to our own boundaries, to our own beliefs and conditioned responses. Boundaries and beliefs are nothing more than ideas or concepts that we have committed to and accepted as truth. And when they are as rigid and inflexible as concrete, we cannot see past them. They become the prison walls that we inadvertently construct around ourselves.

The pathway from bondage to freedom involves at least three (3) steps:

1.  Identify the area(s) of bondage or sinful behavior.

2.  Identify the lie(s) at the root of that bondage or behavior.

3.  Replace the lie(s) with the Truth.

Some bondages we have are easily identifiable, why others are not.  Ask God to reveal to you the areas you are in bondages to.  The bible says in 2 Peter 2:19 - "A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him".  What lies have you listened to over the years, believed in, and acted on that have put you in bondage?  Ask God to show you which of the Enemy's lies you have bought into - and ask him to help you repent of believing those lies.  We know that the enemy's primary weapon is deception,  Once we identify the lies that have put us in bondage and repent of believing those lies, we have an effective weapon to overcome deception and this is the TRUTH!!!!  Always remember each lie must be countered with the corresponding TRUTH found in the Word of God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is it me or are all the baby's mamas in America Crazy?  I was thinking that I have a sibling whose baby's mama is off of her rockers.  And then I have friends and love ones whose baby's mama is off of their rockers.  So that brings me to the question posed What is wrong with the baby's mamas.  Please just don't read take a minute and make a comment. 

Hey peeps heard this on Mo'Nique(Radio One Stations) in the afternoon and just decided to hear others thoughts on this matter.  Is texting Cheating?  Things that make you go mmmmhh. 

Isaiah 26:3-4

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You.  Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

If they are called apartments  then whyyyyyyyy   are they all stuck together.   APART    MENTs  not Together  Ments. 

 

 

 

 

Matthew 5:43-45  "You're familiar with the old written law, "Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.'  I'm challenging that.  I'm telling you to love your enemies.  Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.  When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves.  This is what God does.  He gives his best - the sun to warm and the rain to nourish - to everyone, regardless:  the good and bad, the nice and nasty.  (Message Bible)

Again, what are your enemies bringing out of you?

Struggle as a Godly person

Psalms 73:1-28

A psalm of Asaph.

1Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.

3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong. [a]

5 They are free from the burdens common to man;
they are not plagued by human ills.

6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.

7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity [b] ;
the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10 Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance. [c]

11 They say, "How can God know?
Does the Most High have knowledge?"

12 This is what the wicked are like-
always carefree, they increase in wealth.

13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure;
in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

14 All day long I have been plagued;
I have been punished every morning.

15 If I had said, "I will speak thus,"
I would have betrayed your children.

16 When I tried to understand all this,
it was oppressive to me

17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.

18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;
you cast them down to ruin.

19 How suddenly are they destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors!

20 As a dream when one awakes,
so when you arise, O Lord,
you will despise them as fantasies.

21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,

22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.

23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

 

We have times of ups and downs,wondering when will we ever going to relax from the struggle.

I do know by me paying the goverment for bankruptcy and child support, but I have to keep my head up and keep doing the will of God and let Him take care of my situations in guiding me.

We do all the things of God for what he wants us to do and act in this world but we see others that are not doing the things of the Lord but doing their own thing without God and have no worries at all but acting like they have no care in the world of what anybody thinks of them.

This message today is for everyone who struggles with life.
It is for everyone that has questions....for everyone who has up's and down's in their relationship with the Lord. It teaches us this morning that we can know God and face trials, that we can have faith yet still struggles with issues.
This Psalm was written by a man named Asaph. It contains gut wrenching honesty about his struggles.
Asaph bears his soul for all to see. Perhaps by looking at this man and his trials......you and I can learn to be honest with God about what we're experiencing this morning. Let's look at the man Asaph.
I. Asaph was sucessful.

a. Sucessful as a psalmist.
In 2 Chron. 29:30 he is said to be a composer of sacred lyrics.
This Psalm as well as the next 10 in sucession as well as Psa. 50 are all attributed to him. Here was a man used to compose hymns to be sung in the temple worship. He was not only accomplished at penning them, but was also able to perform them musically, and to sing them as well.

b. Sucessful as a prophet. 2 Chron. 29:30 refers to him as being a seer. The word seer is one of two words which are used for prophets or beholders of visions.

c. Sucessful as a parent.
Asaph not only lived the Godly life in public, but did so more importantly privately as evidence by his children following his in serving the Lord. 1 Chron. 25:1 records that four of his sons participated in conducting the chorus that sung at the temple dedication.

II. Asaph was slipping.
Look at Vs. 1-2. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart..........but(in contrast) my feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped.
Asaph is slipping.....he is struggling.....he is sliding ! He's in trouble. He's about ready to give up....he's about give out ! He's on the verge of giving in ! He's falling fast !
What caused him to be in this position ?

a. Slipping because of envy.

b. Slipping because of emptiness.
When Asaph looked at the wicked....he saw the wicked life that they lived, and yet they prospered. He was strugging in spite of the fact that he was living a clean life, yet they seemed to be unconcerned, and carefree. He felt that his service for the Lord was in vain....perhaps because he saw no physical evidence.
* A reminder here.....we are to serve God because he has saved us for that purpose, we are to serve the Lord because we are commanded to, and because it's the right thing to do.

c. Slipping because of embitterment.

What caused his envy, his emptiness, and his embitterment which was causing him to slip in his relationship with the Lord.

He focused on the present and on the....

1. The Prosperity of the Wicked.

2. The Peace of the Wicked.

3. The Pride of the Wicked.

III. Asaph was sustained.

a. Sustained because he entered. V. 17 His attendance in worship at the sanctuary was the beginning of the end of his slipping. Note the importance of continued worship even when we are struggling. Even when we are struggling and on the verge of slipping.....it is important to maintain church attendance, fellowship with the brethren, and worship of God. Our slipping will end up in a complete fall from the will of God if we distance ourselves from these things.

b. Sustained because he encountered Vs 23-24

a. The grip that holds him.
No matter the circumstance, the struggles that you face this morning. It is important to remember if you are a child of God that you gripped by the hand of God. He will you hold you safely, and securely if you trust him.

b. The guide that helps him.
God not only grips, but he guides.

c. The glory that's home to him.
Though the wicked may seem to prosper here.....they may seem to have peace......they may be proud....but their end is ruin and destruction. What they receive here is the best that they will ever have. The struggles that the child of God experiences here are as bad as it gets....because one day God is going to take us to glory, and we'll have all eternity to live in his presence, and peace !

Inspirational Story

The Old Man and the Dog
     By Catherine Moore 
       
     "Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!" My father yelled at me.   "Can't you do anything right?" 
       
     Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle. 
       
     "I saw the car, Dad. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving."

         
     My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt. 
         
     Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back. At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him? 
         
     Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington  and  Oregon  He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. 
       
     The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his powers. 
         
     The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man. 
   
    Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. An ambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing. 
         
     At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived... But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone. 
       
     My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. 
         
     Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue.. 
       
     Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's
troubled mind. 
       
     But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it. 
         
     The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered in vain. 
       
     Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article." 
         
     I listened as she read.. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog. 
         
     I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog  in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed.. 
       
     Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hipbones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention.. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly. 
         
     I pointed to the dog "Can you tell me about him?"
       
     The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement. "He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow.." He gestured helplessly. 
         
     As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. "You mean you're going to kill him?" 
         
     "Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog." 
         
     I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said.. 
         
     I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch. "Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!" I said excitedly. 
       
     Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house. 
         
     Anger rose inside me It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples. "You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!" 
         
     Dad ignored me. "Did you hear me, Dad?" I screamed. 
       
     At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate. 
       
     We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw. 
       
     Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal. 
         
     It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne.  Together he and Cheyenne  explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and  Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet. 
         
     Dad and  Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne  made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel  Cheyenne's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night. 
       
     Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed.. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind. 
         
     The morning of Dad's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." 
         
     "I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said. 
       
     For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article.... 
         
     Cheyenne 's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter. .. ..his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father. . and the proximity of their deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all. 

Life is really comical sometimes.... So much so that all you can do is sit back and have a good chuckle....  CAn ANYone help me....PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE: I just need to know what the deal is with skinny jeans.  It was a stretch when females were just wearing them, BUT (here it is), MEN are wearing them too...We all know that women have come in many shapes and sizes, but guys in SKINNY Jeans:  Hot or NOT!!!!!

A Box Full of Kisse

 

The story goes that some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy."

The man was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found out the box was empty. He yelled at her, stating, "Don't you know, when you give someone a present, there is supposed to be something inside? The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and cried, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty at all. I blew kisses into the box. They're all for you, Daddy."

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness.

Only a short time later, an accident took the life of the child. It is also told that her father kept that gold box by his bed for many years and, whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.

In a very real sense, each one of us, as humans beings, have been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses... from our children, family members, friends, and God. There is simply no other possession, anyone could hold, more precious than this.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

God implanted a seed in us to let us know that we fall into sin to let us know that he sent his son to die for our sins. We must get up and repent and ask for forgiveness and try not to do it again.

 

We tend to rush with our life of not slowing down to enjoy life.

I had fixed some cracklin cornbread for a job function and one of the ladies said thank you for fixing the bread it was old school to her for remembering when her grandmother fixed it for her.

A lot of people were thinking about the old days of when, but life has gotten so fast for us that we can't slow down to enjoy it and remember the past of the good old days.

We need to slow down and see things the right way where we don't have to call our so call friends for advice that might be wrong to us and mess up our life including others we are bringing down with us.

See back in the old days everything way slow and easy, we enjoyed things in life, but now it is so fast that we can't see correctly where we are getting divorces, instead of staying together to work things out and enjoy each other.

Back in the day old folks did get mad sometimes with each other but when night time came, they made up so not to take any differences to bed with them.

 

Are you ready for some old school Christianity? Are you ready to be devoted to the teaching of His word, to the fellowship, the breaking of bread and to prayer? I am.

I have a beautiful story to tell you that a pastor told . it's a beautiful story of how we act towards our savior and how God loves us.

It's a story about a young man 16 years old who is unusually called of God at the early age, that's not typical of that age where someone is called of God into full-time ministry but he has a strong sense of that and so he begins to plot his life accordingly and he lives faithfully with God. He's an example to his friends of what it is to be faithful, particularly at that young age and then when he goes on into college he sets the example again as he just has this life that emanates love for God and love for Jesus Christ and he goes on then to seminary to get his theological training. He graduates from there and at the age of 27 is offered a job at a small church in Toledo to pastor about 100 people. So he takes this job and it seems to b the perfect fit for him and then he begins to think about another stage in his life and that would be marriage.

He is 27, single, he has been saving himself for the right woman and he thinks he knows who it is. There is one woman in the church who he has had his eye on and he's going to work up the courage to ask her out but before he works up the courage to do that, he has this dream, a rather bizarre dream. In this dream, God speaks to him and tells him to go downtown Toledo to a specific street corner where he will see a prostitute and he will actually know her name, God has given him the name of this prostitute and he is to get down his knee before her and ask for her hand in marriage. Now this is a really bizarre dream. It's a very strange what I would call leading from God. In fact, if somebody were to come up to me and say hey Lee, I had this dream and God is telling me to go and marry this prostitute downtown, I'd say maybe you took something before you went to bed that you shouldn't have or you want to check your sources because I'm sure God didn't say that. I mean I'm not the ultimate judge on leadings from God but I'm pretty sure this is not a leading from God. But this 27-year-old man out of seminary, he is absolutely sure that God has led him to do that and he took days and prayed about it and in fact God spoke it to him again in a dream so he did it. He gets in his car, goes downtown Toledo, goes to the street corner God tells him to go to and there is this woman. He knows her by name, he gets down on his knee and he proposes to her and amazingly she accepts.

Now, this would be the talk of the church, wouldn't it? I mean this is like reality TV waiting to happen. This is good stuff and it goes well. That is to say the church is initially shocked but after they get over that, they observe this pastor and his wife, this former prostitute, and they observe them in their devotion one to another and they watch as they have children and some eight years later, they are a picture of a great marriage, three children but then things fall apart, completely apart. This woman who has been brought out of this pit of a life, who has devoted herself to her husband for eight years and her children, he has devoted himself to her. She goes back to prostitution, same street corner, same pimp. Can you imagine the heartache of this pastor now 35-years old, after he does this crazy thing, he proposes to a prostitute he doesn't even know, he learns to love her and to love her deeply, to devote himself to her and then she goes back to where she came, to prostitution. Imagine what's going on inside of him and what is happening inside his gut and his heart. I can't imagine. I'm sure his heart was torn in pieces.

And if the story isn't am already crazy enough, God speaks to him again and this time God says now I want you to go back downtown. You will find your wife on the same street corner and I want you to take her back. In fact, buy her back from the pimp...and he does. And then here's the little caveat that's really hard to swallow but God says I want you to love her just as you loved her before. It's as if God is saying I want you to love her as if nothing ever happened.....same devotion, same love. Crazy story isn't it.....outrageous!

True... is it? Well it didn't happen in 2009 to a young pastor in Toledo but it did happen a few thousand years plus ago to a prophet named Hosea. He was just beginning his ministry when God gives him this outrageous leading.

We need to remember The Old school

 

Here's how it goes. Hosea Chapter 1 verse 2:

When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea and God would speak through these men and they were called prophets, God said to him, go and marry a prostitute and then he actually names her. Get this...this is for us to note. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other Gods so God is telling us he is asking Hosea or commanding Hosea to marry this prostitute so it illustrates something for us and when we get into the story, we begin to see the illustration in living color. In fact, we can even place ourselves in the story, each one of us. Who do you think we would be in the story so far? I mean there aren't very many characters revealed here. Are we the nation of Israel collectively. We are the body of Christ, his children the Bible says, so I think that would be fair to say. Hosea represents God and then individually who are we in the story. We are the prostitute.

See after bowing our knee to Jesus Christ and saying he's our ALL in ALL, and then we go back to that place from where we came that is as if God were absent, we are prostituting ourselves and it's not like we are so obvious about it. Some people don't even know we are in that state, we're very sophisticated in the way that we do it. I mean we still say God is it with our words but, our lives don't necessarily reflect it. Our schedules don't say it. Our bank statements are no indication of this love for God and what does God do when we prostitute ourselves, when we go back to that from which we came? What does he do? What's his response. We read about it in Hosea Chapter 3 verse 1. Listen to what God says to Hosea after his wife goes back to prostitution.

Go and love her again even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the Lord still loves Israel even though the people have turned to other Gods and love to worship them. This is incredible. This is like off the charts outrageous love. It illustrates God's love for each one of us but I think it also illustrates something else that God wants us to get. I think it says something about what's going on in the heart of God when we are disobedient, when we are wayward. Whether initially before we commit ourselves to Christ, or after we have committed our self to Christ and we go backwards.

What does it do to the heart of God? Well let me ask you a question, what do you think was going on in Hosea's heart after he had devoted himself to this woman, he had given her his love, he had sort of brought her out of this pit, has three children with her and now she leaves him, she goes back to being a prostitute. What do you think is going on in his heart? I think it is safe to say similar things are going on in the heart of God and I think this story, I think that's part of the takeaway for us today. That is we are to get a sense of what goes on in the heart of God when we are wayward.

We need to get back to the old school of living. When now we have a lot of divorces and hatred towards God. We are taking "God we trust" off of money and books and prayer out of schools. We need to get "God we trust" back on every thing that we use and prayers back in school. And I know our children will grow up to build a better society in God.

The 3 D's that will change your life!  

D- DECISION Make the right decision. 

D- DECREE Speak God's word over the decision. 

D- DETERMINATION Have determination to follow the Word of God about the decision.

Will you be ready when the trumpet blows, its no turning back trying to get it right. What are you doing now to prepare for the coming of our Lord and Saviour. God can come back in a twinkling of an eye, will you be ready when he comes. Are you striving towards perfection or you wasting time , thinking you have enough time? Remember we are in this world but not of the world !Self Check

Have you ever come across someone you really wanted to help out? You felt their pain but you also recognized that they always seemed to be going through the same things. As believers and children of the Most High King, we should be placing our trust in Him and not in man. Man can sometimes let you down. Even old faithfuls can let you down. But God is someone who will never let you down. When we jump at the every whim of our fellow brothers and sisters when they are in need, how will they ever learn to depend on the Lord? When will they put their faith into action? Do we hinder them by always bailing them out? Or are we just simply helping our brothers and sisters in Christ! So what are we doing? Are we helping or are we hindering?

Growing up in a Baptist Church we used to sing the song, "Oh how I love Jesus" often and I loved and still do love that old hymn.  At this Christmas season I am reminded by that song how much I truly love Jesus.  As a christian I have heard those of certain faiths proclaim that Christmas is a pagan holiday, that it stems from pagan rituals.  But my feelings on that are quite different.  I believe anything (including a holiday season) that will bring folks together in a common spirit of joy and peace deserves to be recognized.  And I can't for the life of me believe that our Lord and Saviour would have a problem with that.  But that's just this woman's opinion and I don't assume to speak for the whole world.  But I love how people get into the spirit of giving, not just for themselves, but for strangers in need.  I love Christmas, and I love the Saviour that is represented by Christmas.  May each and every person out there have a Wonderful and Joyfilled Holiday Season.  Because I love you too!

This is a lesson I am in the process of teaching my teenaged daughter. There is a difference between the people you call friends and the people you call associates. Your true friends are very far and few in between. If you can find more than two really good friends in this life, you are truly blessed. There are several people you will encounter throughout your life. Most of these people are only there for a season. They are not intended to remain in your life on a permanent basis. Those are associates. They are just people who have crossed your path at one time or another. But when you find someone who will stick by your side through thick and thin, whether you are right or wrong, you have truly found a true friend. Just because folks befriend you doesn't mean that their intentions were pure. It could simply mean that you have something that they want or you look like what they are striving to be. Nine times out of ten, these people will tuck tail and run at the first sign of trouble. These people are not your friends. Be very careful and very mindful of who you allow in your inner circle. Be very sure of whom you are trusting. Make sure that the only one you place your total trust in is God. He is the maker and ruler of everything that is good in the earth! 

A Christmas Fairy
by John Strange Winter

It was getting very near to Christmas time, and all the boys at Miss Ware's school were talking about going home for the holidays.

"I shall go to the Christmas festival," said Bertie Fellows," and my mother will have a party, and my Aunt will give another. Oh! I shall have a splendid time at home."

"My Uncle Bob is going to give me a pair of skates," remarked Harry Wadham.

"My father is going to give me a bicycle," put in George Alderson.

"Will you bring it back to school with you?" asked Harry.

"Oh! yes, if Miss Ware doesn't say no."

"Well, Tom," cried Bertie, "where are you going to spend your holidays?"

"I am going to stay here," answered Tom in a very forlorn voice.

"Here - at school - oh, dear! Why can't you go home?"

"I can't go home to India," answered Tom.

"Nobody said you could. But haven't you any relatives anywhere?"

Tom shook his head. "Only in India," he said sadly.

"Poor fellow! That's hard luck for you. I'll tell you what it is, boys, if I couldn't go home for the holidays, especially at Christmas--I think I would just sit down and die."

"Oh, no, you wouldn't," said Tom. "You would get ever so homesick, but you wouldn't die. You would just get through somehow, and hope something would happen before next year, or that some kind fairy would--"

"There are no fairies nowadays," said Bertie.

"See here, Tom, I'll write and ask my mother to invite you to go home with me for the holidays."

"Will you really?"

"Yes, I will. And if she says yes, we shall have such a splendid time. We live in London, you know, and have lots of parties and fun."

"Perhaps she will say no?" suggested poor little Tom.

"My mother isn't the kind that says no," Bertie declared loudly.

In a few days' time a letter arrived from Bertie's mother. The boy opened it eagerly. It said:

My own dear Bertie:

I am very sorry to tell you that little Alice is ill with scarlet fever. And so you cannot come for your holidays. I would have been glad to have you bring your little friend with you if all had been well here.

Your father and I have decided that the best thing that you can do is to stay at Miss Ware's. We shall send your Christmas present to you as well as we can.

It will not be like coming home, but I am sure you will try to be happy, and make me feel that you are helping me in this sad time.

Dear little Alice is very ill, very ill indeed. Tell Tom that I am sending you a box for both of you, with two of everything. And tell him that it makes me so much happier to know that you will not be alone.

Your own mother.

When Bertie Fellows received this letter, which ended all his Christmas hopes and joys, he hid his face upon his desk and sobbed aloud. The lonely boy from India, who sat next to him, tried to comfort his friend in every way he could think of. He patted his shoulder and whispered many kind words to him.

At last Bertie put the letter into Tom's hands. "Read it," he sobbed.

So then Tom understood the cause of Bertie's grief. "Don't fret over it," he said at last. "It might be worse. Why, your father and mother might be thousands of miles away, like mine are. When Alice is better, you will be able to go home. And it will help your mother if she thinks you are almost as happy as if you could go now."

Soon Miss Ware came to tell Bertie how sorry she was for him.

"After all," said she, smiling down on the two boys, "it is an ill wind that blows nobody good. Poor Tom has been expecting to spend his holidays alone, and now he will have a friend with him--Try to look on the bright side, Bertie, and to remember how much worse it would have been if there had been no boy to stay with you."

"I can't help being disappointed, Miss Ware," said Bertie, his eyes filling with tears.

"No; you would be a strange boy if you were not. But I want you to try to think of your poor mother, and write her as cheerfully as you can."

"Yes," answered Bertie; but his heart was too full to say more.

The last day of the term came, and one by one, or two by two, the boys went away, until only Bertie and Tom were left in the great house. It had never seemed so large to either of them before.

"It's miserable," groaned poor Bertie, as they strolled into the schoolroom. "Just think if we were on our way home now--how different."

"Just think if I had been left here by myself," said Tom.

"Yes," said Bertie, "but you know when one wants to go home he never thinks of the boys that have no home to go to."

The evening passed, and the two boys went to bed. They told stories to each other for a long time before they could go to sleep. That night they dreamed of their homes, and felt very lonely. Yet each tried to be brave, and so another day began.

This was the day before Christmas. Quite early in the morning came the great box of which Bertie's mother had spoken in her letter. Then, just as dinner had come to an end, there was a peal of the bell, and a voice was heard asking for Tom Egerton.

Tom sprang to his feet, and flew to greet a tall, handsome lady, crying, "Aunt Laura! Aunt Laura!"

And Laura explained that she and her husband had arrived in London only the day before. "I was so afraid, Tom," she said, "that we should not get here until Christmas Day was over and that you would be disappointed. So I would not let your mother write you that we were on our way home. You must get your things packed up at once, and go back with me to London. Then uncle and I will give you a splendid time."

For a minute or two Tom's face shone with delight. Then he caught sight of Bertie and turned to his aunt.

"Dear Aunt Laura," he said, "I am very sorry, but I can't go."

"Can't go? and why not?"

"Because I can't go and leave Bertie here all alone," he said stoutly. "When I was going to be alone he wrote and asked his mother to let me go home with him. She could not have either of us because Bertie's sister has scarlet fever. He has to stay here, and he has never been away from home at Christmas time before, and I can't go away and leave him by himself, Aunt Laura."

For a minute Aunt Laura looked at the boy as if she could not believe him. Then she caught him in her arms and kissed him.

"You dear little boy, you shall not leave him. You shall bring him along, and we shall all enjoy ourselves together. Bertie, my boy, you are not very old yet, but I am going to teach you a lesson as well as I can. It is that kindness is never wasted in this world."

And so Bertie and Tom found that there was such a thing as a fairy after all.

Everyone has a favorite Christmas tradition.Here's mine what's yours?

When I was a child, my Mom  would get the ornaments out of the attic and set them next to the tree on Christmas Eve. Sometime during the night, Santa would come, decorate the tree, fill the stockings and place them by the fireplace, leave our presents, and eat the cookies we left. I intend to keep the tradition of having Santa decorate the tree with my own daughter. I hope my daughter will be as awestruck by her first sight of the tree as I was.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Now the story has been re-done a couple of times, even including a major motion picture starring Jim Carrey. Despite that, I find that the short made for television version of the story was the best one to date. Created in 1966, this was an animated feature based on the book by Dr. Suess. It covered the exploits of "The Grinch", who had lost is spirit for Christmas over the years. His only goal in life now, is to rid the world of Christmas joy. In order to do this, he will attempt to remove all of the gifts and spirit from the small town of Whoville. The story is really well done, and appeals to a younger audience, but it is still one that I will watch if I ever come across it during the season. The animation was really pretty basic, but I still enjoy the story, and I still enjoy thinking back to the first time I saw it. It clocks it at only 26 minutes, but it still is able to pack a great little story into that time.


A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Charles Schulz brought his comic strip to life, by writing a made-for-television version of his Peanuts. A Charlie Brown Christmas was about his main character Charlie Brown, and what he and his friends go through one Christmas. This is another animated holiday special, but this one broke a lot of new ground when it was shown. The most important part, was that they used childrens voices in an industry that had been overwhelmed by adult actors playing the roles of the kids. In addition to that, there were biblical references in the story that helped talk about the real meaning of Christmas. Charlie Brown has been around for years, and will be around for many more years, but this was our first glimpse of him and his gang around the holidays. This is one that I own, and I think that it is one of the great stories that shows how children see and react to the true meaning of Christmas.


A Christmas Carol (1938)

Another one of the Christmas stories that has been redone a thousand times, I like the original version the best. Some people like the newer Patrick Stewart version, and some even like Scrooged (with Bill Murray) as a great one in the remade versions. I however, really like the original, simply because it seems like it should be in black and white, and the story seems better placed in the past. A Christmas Carol was written by Charles Dickens, and tells the story of an old "scrooge" who wants nothing out of life but to make more money. He sacrifices his family and friends, and everyone that has ever loved him, in the pursuit of becoming richer. He is then visited by ghosts in his old age, attempting to show him the error of his ways, and hoping that he can go down a different path for his remaining days on Earth. It is another great story depicting the importance of being their for your fellow man on Christmas, and it does a great job of giving a scare while telling a deep story. Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" will always remain one of the most famous, and most well loved of Christmas stories.


A Christmas Story (1983)

In a break from the traditional holiday movies, A Christmas Story is a movie told almost entirely from the mind of a young boy during the 1940's. His voice is the narrator of the movie, as we see him go through the days leading up to Christmas, and ultimately Christmas day itself. The story is from the point of view of this kid, as he goes through his daily routine, hanging out with friends, running from bullies, and meeting Santa at the big mall. It is depicted as an average American family in the middle of an Indiana Winter, and really does a great job of showing the excitement of the season. From wanting a Red Rider BB gun, to standing in front of the toy store windows, to even having to eat Christmas Dinner out, this movie does a great job of putting a thousand little things into one movie. Being from a child's point of view, the film shows the true innocence of the season, and is one that I watch every year on TNT or TBS.


It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

The essential film when it comes to Christmas, It's A Wonderful Life is a story about a man going through some hard times, and makes the wish that he had never been born. Feeling that the world would be better off without him, he wants to remove the pain of everyone around him, by removing himself. For a short time, and angel grants him his wish, and the chance to see what life would be like if he really had never been born. Frank Capra directs, and Jimmy Stewart stars as George Bailey, a family man, who has come across some tough times. The movie is really about hope, and the thought that everyone has something to offer, no matter how small we may feel we are in the scheme of things. The film attempts to show just how much one man can change the lives of everyone around him, and gives us the feeling that even the smallest of deeds can turn into the biggest of deals for someone else. It's A Wonderful Life if a classic Christmas film that has made some lists as one of the best movies ever made.


Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Is there really a Santa Clause? You bet there is, and this is the film that proves it! Another one of the classic films about Christmas, A Miracle on 34th Street surrounds a man who claims to be none other than Kris Kringle himself. Of course nobody believes him, and it is up to a lawyer and a little girl who must set aside their logical thinking just long enough to have faith that this man could really be THE Santa Clause. Edmund Gwenn as Kringle exemplifies everything we have ever associated with what Santa Clause would look like. He fits the part, and from the start of the movie, you want to believe that it is really him, but you have no proof to go along with your assumptions. It is one mans word, and we are taken through legal proceedings where he must prove who he is, or be deemed insane by the state. It is really a great story about the opinions that people have, and whether or not we are willing to believe something we can't see or prove for ourselves. Miracle on 34th Street is one that should not be missed if you haven't seen it yet.


The Santa Clause (1994)

When something happens to Santa Clause, Tim Allen's character must step in and take over the role in order to make sure that Christmas can continue. Not really accepting the role, and not looking anything like Santa Clause, leaves the man with a lot of doubt about his beliefs or anything he associates with the holiday. But slowly, he starts growing the beard and the belly, and soon enough he looks just like Santa Clause! Though the reason he takes over is a little dark for a movie like this, The Santa Clause does a great job of bringing a lot of humor to the topic of Christmas and everything it entails. The job of delivering presents to all of the children of the world over one night is not as easy as it seems, and for one man, that task has become his sole responsibility. This film is hilarious at times, and was done well enough to have a sequel 8 years later. The Santa Clause is another one of those Christmas movies that should not be missed. When it isn't funny, it is heartfelt and sincere, and truly is one of the better family movies of recent years.


Home Alone (1990)

When it hit theaters in 1990, nobody thought that Home Alone would turn out to be one of the most successful movies of all time. Home Alone is about a huge family that is going on a Christmas vacation with a truck load of kids. Unfortunately, on the morning of the trip, everyone wakes up late and ends up rushing around to try and make it to the airport on time. One of the kids (Kevin) is left behind, and when he awakes, he finds that he has a mansion size house all to himself. He had been mad at his whole family, and found himself happy to be left alone. Now he must run an entire house, and defend it against thieves who are attempting to rob his family. Through it all, he comes to realize how important his family really is to him, and he learns some valuable lessons about life and the love for the people he holds most dear. Home Alone is another one of those great family movies that puts a lot of humor into everyday events. I found it to be a great film back then, and even though I have aged a little since its release, I still find myself watching it when it comes on now.


Frosty The Snowman (1969)

Another of the great holiday animations, Frosty The Snowman tells the tale of a magical top-hat, that when applied to the head of a snowman, brings him to life. Named Frosty, this man made of snow shows the children of a small town everything great that the Christmas season has to offer. Though it comes it at less than half an hour, this Christmas Special really does a good job of presenting many different emotions in that short amount of time. You find yourself laughing out loud as he marches through town, and even sad at the thought that someone could keep Frosty from having his snowy fun. It is a far-fetched story if we are going to look at it honestly, but it is fun to watch, and it is endearing in everything that it presents. The best part though, is the theme song of Frosty, which is something I always end up singing during the Christmas season. Frosty The Snowman is one of the great animations that came out of the 60's around Christmas time, and still has a place in my home movie collection.

The true meaning of Christmas is love. John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love.

The real Christmas story is the story of God's becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Savior! Why does God love us so much? Because He is love itself (1 John 4:8). Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate.

The true meaning of Christmas is love. God loved His own and provided a way-the only Way-for us to spend eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins. He paid the price in full, and we are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of love. "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Greetings,

On Thursday morning, November 26, 2009 volunteers are needed to deliver Thanksgiving dinners to approximately 500 homebound senior (elderly handicapped) citizens in the Sunnyside/South Houston areas. This is about 100 meals short of what was delivered last year. The Anna Dupree Senior Citizens Apartment complex has been eliminated from our list and will be handled by another charitable organization.

This community services volunteer opportunity is available and open to anyone, individuals, families, friends or organizations. However, patience is required due to many of the senior citizens are in their mid to late 90's, and we have one that is 106 years of age. She will be celebrating her 107th birthday on December 3rd.

Please bring two coolers with you to carry the meals for deliveries. One cooler will be used for hot meals and the other for cold food items. The meals will be prepared by the Houston Meal on Wheel program and will be delivered to the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center early Thursday morning. The Sunnyside Multi-Service Center is located at 4601 Wilmington off of Cullen just south of Reed Road .

Please arrive at the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center at 8:00 a.m. with your coolers. Please come even if you don't have a cooler. We will team you up with someone or a group with a cooler. Providing that we get enough volunteers, we should be finished within two to three hours. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either Mrs. Sandra Hines at 832-374-5585 or Robert Morgan Jr. 281-728-5395. Looking forward to your support!

 

 

Friends are God's way of taking care of us.

- By an Anonymous Metro Denver Hospice Physician

 

 

I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and wanted to share it with my family and dearest friends.

I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a Gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay.

When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.

At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.

I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying " don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me."

I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the Car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.

She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City . Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.

So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.

I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?"

This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people."

It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings...

Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

Operating in obedience leaves the believer wide open to receive the blessings of God. But when we sin, it's almost like we hide ourselves away from the blessings. The curses come upon us and sometimes overtake us. That is how it is described in the book of Deauteronomy chapter 28. If we aren't careful, there are things that will occur in our lives and we won't know why. But if we make it a habit to repent from sin each and every day, we won't have to worry so much about the overtaking...just the normal trials and tribulations that come to us in our daily lives. God Bless!

The amount of time you spend studying the Word of God means absolutely nothing if you don't apply it to your life. The quality of the time you spend if you apply what you've learned is worth more than numerous hours wasted just to say you know something. I have spent so much time spinning my wheels in this life that it has no value or worth. But the time I spent really getting the Word of God into my spirit and applying to my life means more than the whole world to me. It helps me to fight in the times I am being attacked. It helps me to discern the unimportant information given to me meant to distract me. It also gives me the authority to boldly stand in the faith for the things God has promised to me. It all comes back to the obedience factor. How we spend our time and what we do with what we learn is very important. I have learned an important lesson within the last few months of my life. And one thing I am beginning to place more value on than most things is...my time.

We are cookin' here in Beaumont. I mean we are HOT and the fryin' pan is sizzlin' with intakes, resource calling and hopefully some canvassing. Many of us are reaching our case load capacity so this makes things very interesting around here. Makes me want to hurry up and get to work in the morning and straight to bed at night.  One of my client's called me an angel from heaven yesterday and I know it is true. So in honor of my client and the great productivity in the office here, I am giving away a Gourmet Magazine's MENUS FOR CONTEMPORARY LIVING to the first GRACE employee who responds to this blog. It is a lightly, slightly used hardback, as I  got it at an estate sale, but it has lots of pictures and lots of sizzlin' good ideas!

 

Yours in GRACE, Donna Rae

Never Be Afraid To Trust an Unknown Future to a Known God!!

Hebrews 13:5 (New King James Version)

5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

 

You know you lear somenthing new everyday. What did you learn new on today? Share with the community your thoughts.

In Matthew 25: 33 Jesus talks about sheeps and goats. Which one are you? Do you follow Jesus and know His voice and take heed to His voice and do as He says? Do you love genuinely? Jesus says that He will separate the sheep on right and put the goats on the left. So what is the difference between a sheep and a goat. Well if you read a little more of the scripture it gives you a perfect definition of how Jesus describes sheeps' attributes and then goat attributes. Are your selfish? Stingy? Do you not care about people? Sounds like a goat to me! Jesus said His sheep feed Him, clothed Him, kept Him when He was sick. He was talking about His people. How can you love the Creator and hate His creations? When you give someone hope, when you give them something to eat when they are hungry, and give them something to drink when they are thirsty you are showing the love of Chirst that He shows to you every second of the day! Sounds like a sheep to me. Whatever you do for men you do for Christ!  In John 13: 34 Jesus says "A new command I give to you is to love one another as I have loved you so that all men will know that you are My disciples." Let me rephrase that just a tad; "Love one another as I have loved you so that all men will know that you are My sheep!"  In Matthew Jesus says that His sheep shall inherit eternal life: the kingdom! So what do goats inherit? Hmm? Well if we read Matthew 25: 41-45 it lets you know what a goat inherits: eternal fire. Goats do what they want to do not even thinking of the consquences. The follow their fleshly heart which nothing good comes out of and they don't listen to anyone because they think they know everything! They don't help out their brothers and sisters because they only care about their well being and no one elses. The hungry ask for food and they laugh, hit them with their horns, and make fun of them and then keep walking. You know in the Bible God says that we entertain angels on a daily basis! So that hungry man that was asking the goat for something to eat might have been....? Hmm?  One of the GREAT things about our King Jesus Christ is that He gave us the opportunity to do something that humans can't! We can change our species! We can change from a goat to a sheep by asking for repentence and follow Christ to God! But it's a decision that needs to be made now because you might not have the next moment. One of my favorite songs is by Commission and it goes "Tomorrow who promised you tomorrow better choose the Lord today for tomorrow very well might be too late!" It's your choice hun so choose wisely! Sheep or goat? Wealth or poverty? Righteous or wicked? Love of hate? Life or death? Heaven or hell? The Lord says "My sheep hear my voice and a strangers voice they do not follow." What voice are you listening too? Notice that God did not say goats hear My voice for a reason! Goats don't hear His voice because they choose too. God is calling you are you listening? Choose............ SHEEP or GOAT?

I believe that God has truly blessed us all to have the potential to abide in the abundance of His blessing. John 10:10 says that Jesus came so that we could have life and have it more abundantly! What exactly does that mean? No lack! Nothing missing and nothing broken. It doesn't mean that we won't have to press through some things, it just means we win in the end! Believers have no business lacking in any area of their lives...if they are walking out the Word. That walk invites the blessings to overtake you and consume you. That's the abundance! Glory to God!

God is awesome isn't He? Just walk outside and if you can't walk roll outside and see the beautiful day that He has made! Enjoy your day today and everyday that you spend with Jesus because He is the One who completes you in a way that no man/woman can ever do! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and God's creations are doing what they were made to do and that is praise Him. Just stop people and just recognize the beauty that God is allowing us His children to enjoy! My challenge for everyone today is for you to take 5 minutes out of your day and walk outside and look around thinking only of our Father and notice one creation that you see and write it as a comment on this blog. Job 38:1-7 God was letting Job know who is the boss and asking him if he was there when everything was created! Do you take the time and thank God for nature and the amazing wonders of His hand?  Were you there when He was creating the earth and all of the animals and plants that dwell in it? Are you blessed to be able to enjoy a day like this? STOP PEOPLE!!! Recognize His creations! This is your challenge for the day!!!

A lot of times we hear the phrase "REAL TALK" and we don't really think about it.  But, if your words match your actions it is pretty easy for  others to see the truth.  Think about it and see if you need to make some changes in your life.

Do the good thing of God and not of the world

 

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is; his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)

We tend tend to do the things of the world and not of God.I know because I have been there before.

Wanted friends in school and I started doing the things they did of the world that was unpleasing to God. I became a lover of girls that fell for me, and I gave them everything and anything they wanted to have and hear, but I was still unhappy!

I knew God was watching and I could hear my grand-mother and great- grand mother words "Maurice watch what you do, because God is watching you, you know you are not that kind of person God made" but I wanted to have the temporay attention, hanging out with my homeboys and dating all the girls, driving my nice souped up car. But the women just loved the attention theirselves and not me.they wanted to ride in the nice car and have money spent on them and me saying nice things to boost their ego.Then I can hear those grand-parents words " My stupid grand son " All that was temporary because when they get all they want your friends are gone.

Now let's get back to the passage of Romans 12:1-2

My Observations
1. This Passage Is Urgent
This word for "urge" can also be translated "beg [or] plead." (Goodrick 1999, 1580) Paul says, "I beg you, please..."

This is the heart of a pastor. Good pastor's want to see their people loving God and giving their lives to Him.

2. This Passage Is For Believers
Note that Paul is speaking to "brothers." Too often Christians expect to apply the principles and commands of the Bible to the lives of non-believers. We can't do that. Expect sinners to act like sinners. By the same token, expect Christians to act like Christians.

Requirements of the Sacrifice
1. The Sacrifice Is to be Living
a. A Living Sacrifice Is Constant
The Old Testament sacrifice was a one time thing. The animal was slaughtered, and that was the end of it. This type of sacrifice is different. It is a giving over of yourself to God.

Some people live the Christian life as if it is a roller coaster. One day or week or month they are high on life. God and spiritual things are important. The next, they can't seem to remember what God requires and they have forgotten His blessings and His judgment.

b. A Living Sacrifice Is Complete
There is no place you go and no state of mind you have which does not require sacrifice to God. Everything about you, good and bad, is sacrificed.

c. A Living Sacrifice Is Constructive
How many Christians (how many in this room?) are "armchair quarterbacks?" How can a person claim to be devoted to God, but can't even find time to read His word? We find time to watch CSI, American Idol, and sports. We find time to play games and read the newspaper. We find time to tell jokes, take a drive, surf the web, or just relax, but there is no time for God. The "service" performed is showing up for church. Oh, you showed up for worship today? Let me be the first to congratulate you. Great job on coming to worship. Come on. Do you think a coach would say, "Hey, just come the game and hang out on the sidelines. You don't need to practice; you only have to play when you want."?

I show up to work and probabbly others also, and at&t expects us to show up and work not to show up to look good, because at&t can look good all by themself.

God wants us to show up for him not to look good but to do good.Obey his Word in the bible to do a good thing and by you doing the good thing of God then you will look good to others, because his light will show upon you. Amen.

THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!!!!

Food For Thought:  "God has given you this day so what are you going to do with it?  Will you rejoice and be glad in it or let someone determine how your day is going to be!!!  Remember God gave the day to you and not someone else!

Thoughts, feelings, colors and emotions running throughout the tunnels of my mind.  Thoughts of the direction my life has taken...Feelings of inadequecy threatening...Colors of gray where it was once bright... Emotions of longing and emptiness...All running rampant and rapidly in and out of the tunnels of my mind.  Stumbling around in darkness with my hands stretched out.  I am reaching...reaching towards a light I can't see.  Searching for a fullness I've yet to find.  Struggling to love in a world of rejection and pain. (pause)...  And then I feel those arms wrapped around me tightly.  A comforting sensation suddenly engulfs my entire being.  The soothing sound of a still small voice saying "My child...I never left you. I am forever with you. I care for you and I have lifted the burden from your shoulders."   And then I opened my eyes...I saw the light...the colors brightened...the feeling of bereftness has gone and my God has returned the love unto me.  I have been granted a reprieve...I have been given new direction...I have been forgiven.

 

My fellow GRACEfriends, sin is most definitely the enemy of God. It is the one thing in this world that separates us from Him. He has given us all a way out through confessing our sin and repenting. He is a forgiving kind of God. But in those times, when we have committed sin...we are left feeling a sense of hollowness within. Those of us that are His children have got to get back to the headship of our heavenly Father and be restored through the cleansing of the Word of God.

Our Hidden Free will Evil within Us

 

We all have a hidden free will evil sin within us, that we must keep chained up, to keep this evil of free will chain up, we must stay prayed up and stay in the Word of God by reading the bible and not letting anger and hatred to temp the evil out.

One of the arguments brought out of the belief that God is all-powerful is that since He created everything, then He must have created evil.

God did not create evil; He created the possibility of evil. What do I mean by that?. In other words, once God chose to create human beings with free will, it was up to them, rather than God, as to whether there was sin or not.

That's what free will means. Built into the situation of God deciding to create human beings is the chance of evil, and , consequently, the suffering that results.

God created humans in His own image, capable of having and sustaining a personal relationship with Him. But to really be in His image, they have to be capable of freely loving Him and following His will without being forced.

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26

So God knows who you are if you are doing good or evil, nothing can get past Him. He knows all the evil in this world and knows those who can with stand evil ways. We might act like goody Christians before His eyes but even think wrong he knows it before you even think it, and the same when you get to do evil things. He is the almighty God, he can do anything , but he can't do it all. " I heard somebody say what? you just said that He can do anything and everything......" what I am saying that God can't do wrongful things like First, God cannot lie, according to Numbers 23:19. James tells us that God cannot be tempted, nor can he tempt people to sin.

In other words, God cannot do anything out of His character. The reason God cannot lie is because He is truth. He cannot sin or tempt to sin because He is pure.

He also can't undo the past, create a square triangle, or make what is false, true.

The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. Genesis 8:21

God is capable of destroying evil ¡V but not without destroying human freedom.

The source of evil is not the devil, it is our own free will. We choose evil. Here's the bottom line: the source of evil is not the devil. The source of evil is our own free will.

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15

God does not want to destroy evil because he would have to kill all of us to kill evil. Evil is part of us, because of our fallen natures and our own evil choices.

God will ultimately triumph over evil, but He will not destroy it while we inhabit it.

God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world so that as many people as possible would come to know forgiveness of sins, and have a home in heaven, where there is no evil, only pure love and worship of God.

This is good. But the evil on earth perpetrated by you and me caused Jesus to have to suffer a horrible death in order to know that forgiveness and heaven.

God's remedy for evil is ultimately the death of His Son, Jesus.

And the reason God doesn't destroy evil is because the source of evil is our own human freedom of choice, and to destroy evil would mean to destroy the very creatures God created in His image.

So we must stay in the Word of God, by praying and reading the bible to get the full understanding of how to cope with this evil within us. You can keep the evil chained up by not letting your anger get the best of you and letting others by making you think or do wrongful things. Evil can destroy us if we let it. So please know it is hard not to think of hatred towards others that have done you wrong, but if you stay strong in the Lord and know He can save you from it by keeping your eyes on Him and loving your enemies that hate you.

I should know evil can sneak up on you, because I have thought of ways on how to get back at people that have lied on me and hurt my feelings when God just wanted me to show my love towards them, I had to pray every day to God to help not to get down to their level of thinking and acting. I did not want to be like them, because I know God wanted me to still show my love and not feel hatred towards them, now I see why God wants us to have Love towards one another so evil will not be unchained within us. We would have killed a lot of people or hurt a lot by the things we say, that could changed the future of our lives to bad!!

After you have had children and grandchildren and have lived in the land a long time-if you then become corrupt and make any kind of idol, doing evil in the eyes of the LORD your God and provoking him to anger, Deuteronomy 4:25

"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 1 Samuel 12:20

Prayer: Father of glory, give me a servant's heart as I endeavor to serve you and others. I will serve you by following Jesus Christ in all that I say and do. I belong to you, Father, and I will serve you throughout my life. thank you for calling me to liberty; I will not use my liberty as an occasion to sin, but to serve others through the love you impart to me. It is thrilling for me to realize that I will receive the reward of your spiritual inheritance as I continue to serve the Lord Christ. Thank you, father. In Jesus name, Amen.

Do you speak positive words? Or do you speak negative words? Share with the community your thoughts.

Have you ever wonder about what type of residue you are leaving behind? Share with the community your thoughts!!!

 

 

Keep the Love Revolution Alive....

LIVE

OUT

VICTORY

EVERYTIME

Take a hint from I Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love never gives up

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn't want what it doesn;t have.

Love doesn't strut,

Doesnt have a swelled head,

Doesn't foce itself on others,

Isn't always, "me first,"

Doesn't fly off the handle,

Doesn't keep score of the sins of othersm

Doesn't revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always look for the best,]

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end...

Love Never Dies (NEVER FAILS)...

 

Many people suggest that the government takes to omuch taxes> what would be a solution to solve this

Have you ever heard the sayin that goes" Keep you enemies close but keep your friends closer" What is that really trying to say i sit here and ponder on all the possibilities and my only conclusion is that you should be worried about your enemies but also be on the lookout with your friends. I personally believ this because i have been let down too many times by freinds and  family so i do believe in this very much. Whats your conclusion on this??

I ASK THIS QUESTION TO MYSEL A LOT ARE PEOPLE REAL OR FAKE???? or should i word it are church people fake>>>>.....when ever i see people that have nothing but fluff fluff in their lives i began to laugh and ask my self questions like are they for real or are they playing the church roll of life lol.....i see them wear their hats and dressess...but in the long run the men be at the church tryna mingle wit the women and get to the clubs but is this fake i mean what do u call it wen they dont study the word 247 only on a sunday is that fake lol wow whats real and whats fake is it becuase they can use GOD in ther everyday living style like work ...volunterring or n e were do they just say it becuase of were they are and just want people to no GOD when they really dont lol  think they just be going through the motions lol so whats REAL and whats FAKE is what i ask myself

Why are men labeld as players and pimps and they say they go to Church And Do God Work??? I ask my self these Questions becuase i know some one who is in this position and idk why so i would like feed back to know??? he say he go to church he pray everynight and do god will bet everytime when he try to come at a women she throw that line she has heard what he is saying b4...but he pleads the 5th and say that its true and thas how he really is so just allow him the chance.....but then b4 he has the chance she wanna know his background and he begin to tell her that he has friends that are females but non of them are real they just want his money and keep moving onso im asking what should i tell him cuz he wants to settle down but dont know how if women doubt him and he gets labeld as a player

To fast is to do without something (usually food)...but here's a different kind of fast:

Fast from Anger and Hatred; instead try Love!

Fast from Judging Others; instead try Edifying Others!

Fast from Discouragement; instead try Rejoicing!

Fast from Complaining; instead try Thanksgiving!

Fast from Resentment and Bitterness; instead try Forgiveness!

Fast from Spending Too Much Money; instead try Giving TIthes and Offerings!

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO FAST FROM TODAY!  TRY IT AND SEE THE BLESSING OF GOD!

RESOURCE:
HOT___OCT 17 from 10A- 2PM
NOT________ALL OTHER DAYS__

Organization: Abundant Life Cathedral

COUNTY SERVED: Jefferson

EXPALNATION: Clothing drive. Clients may come and take all the clothing they need at the address below.

Telephone:
Fax
Web site:

Address: 2435 Noorth 11th Street
City, State, Zip: Beaumont, TX 77703
Organization Representative/Contact: Bishop Ronald and Pastor Toria Garrett

Description of Program: this is a one-time event , held by parishioners of Abundant Life Church.

 

Todays Bible study by Ms. Hill today was excellant....I want to be the clay that yields to God's will so he doesn't have to keep on breaking me down to get me to where he wants me to be.....what are some of the areas that you have been like the unyielding piece of clay...???

"I am prosperous in every area of life"

Believe that you are prosperous physically, mentally, financially, and spiritually.

When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.

2 Chronicles 20:17
You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!'

Have you ever thought about who you are? Share with the commuity your thoughts.

Wowe...one of the hardest virtures to have. How many of us have experienced the need for more patience as we were driving down the highway on our way to whatever you thought was important, or while standing in a line that seemed ridiculously long in Wal-Mart, and worse of all how many of us have felt the need for more patience as we cried out problems to Christ wondering when he was going to answer our prayers. Patience is one of those things that really just doesn't come naturally but through situations in life. So the less you have been through the less patient people generally are in most circumstances. However, you do have those who just don't care to grow and have no patience despite the many obstacles they have faced.......when do you feel your patience being tried the most????

Have you ever took the time to see how prayer chanages lives? If so, share with the community how prayer changed your life or someone close to you?

Keys to Exceptional Living

Teacher: Bishop I.V. Hilliard

Sermon Date: 9-20-09

                                                                                                                                                                                       

 

Ephesians 3:20 (Amplified Bible)
20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--

Exceptional Living is

1. Life lived to the glory of God
2. Life that makes an impact
3. Life that I distinguishably different
4. Life of purpose
5. Defined by maker (God)

Ultimate Fulfillment
God will prosper me
I have potential

Ephesians 2:10 (Amplified Bible)

10 For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

 

I Candidates for Exceptional Living
Make a decision to obey God
Matthew 6:33 (King James Version)
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Romans 15:4 (King James Version)
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

 

My desire is the determining factor about how I respond.
• Through association
• Product of revelation
• Birth in us through desperation
• Birth desire through evaluation

II. Consecration for Exceptional Life
Setting myself aside for Gods use
• Makes other decisions automatic
• I belong to God
Causes me to be established not yielding
God is obligated to use favor
Cancels all excuses
Excuses are

1. Crutches for the uncommitted
2. Keeps me from challenging the norm
3. Robs me of effort for next level activity
4. Will sabotage
5. Rob me of discovering the ordained

Romans 10:9 (King James Version)
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Cultivates expectation, expect God to do a good thing for me because He promised
Live with expectation because He is able.

 

Application to my life

Cancel all excuses such as
I'm not good enough, not qualified, I cant make a difference, I don't have enough.
Counteract my living in faith that all I do not know yet the Holy Spirit will give me the answers to. Direct or dictate to me (refer to Manifesting the Power of the Holy Spirit)
Make sure that my desires match with Gods for me
Obey God
Write it down when I hear from God

 

So you think money is everything...hunh? Well read Ecclesiastes & bring it down a notch. You will never have satisfaction with this mindset. God tells us this in his word repeatedly. I wonder he felt the need to continuously bring it up. Maybe cuz he knew that we as people think we can find some kind of satisfaction in money. Keep your desires for wealth in check....I know its hard but we have to remember its the root of all evil. So imagine the kind of fruit a root like that produces....

You know and I was guilty of this of constantly asking God " Could you bless me with this new..." or "If you would just give more ..." . The ... could be money, a new car etc. But I had to ask myself this of "am I showing God I can be trusted with what I have". How can I ask God for more money if I don't treat it well, if I dont tithe, or if I don't bless kingdom projects with my increase. This is where contentment comes in I used to think that it meant that I was settling, I was so wrong. I'm not comparing myself to others, telling God that you can trust me to take care of what you have blessed me thus far, am I open to receiving more because I am a good steward.

Do you have faith? How much faith do you have?  How do you know you have faith?  Share with the community your thoughts.

Do you praise God when times are bad? Do you praise God when things are going right in your life? You should praise God at all times. Share with the community your thoughts.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for forgiving me of all the things that I have said that have not agreed with Your Word. Father, please cancel all of the negative words that I have spoken against anyone. Lord, I truly want to use my tongue in a godly manner by speaking those things that will bless and edify others. Teach me how to pray correctly and may my lips now speak Your Word. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Have you had Your Daily Prayer?

Okay so supposedly Michael Jackson's autopsy report showed that he was healthy.....? Okay how many of us really believe that? Place your comments and give me your thoughts!!!!

Lately I have discovered that I have the gift of song. Mrs. Price and myself has formed a duo and will be selling tickets to our first show. Get them while there hott.

Take a journey back through a time when you cried out for help. Did someone come and rescue you from that pain, dark place or your storm? Share the community your thoughts.

How do you make tough decisions? Share with the community your thoughts and ideas.

Just thinking of my dad today and I wanted to write my thoughts: Being that I was raised in a military environment as a child I have been pumped with the fact that your attitude determines your altitude.... So Ive always tried to give nothing but the best of myself at whatever I was doing... Attitude to me is more important than what others think say or do. Your attitude can make or break a company, church, or home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday the attitude we will embrace for that day. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I will react to it.  Thats why I believe our attitude determines our Altitude... Your thoughts and feelings can be so crucial to another persons attitude...It can make your day or break it. Be mindful that its within you that your attitude can speak for you as a person and sometimes affect others......So how high will you go? Will your attitude determine your altitude? Quote: "You can't see eye to eye with others if your looking down on them"......anonymous and "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent".....Eleanor Roosevelt

I was saddened when I watched the video of the young male being beaten to death, it was so brutal. It disturbed me that the person recording with their phone was more interested in recording it than calling the police. It was even sadder to see a group of young ladies struggle to carry his body to safety and no males offered help. What is happening with our African American youth? How many innocent bright children will be slain before we step in and really work to change things. My heart goes out to to Derroin Alberts' family and friends.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, warns us of something so little yet so powerful and can be very destructive ...  the TONGUE!  He says that even though the tongue is little, it boasts great things.  It's like a small spark that sets a great forest on fire.  (James 3;5).  Although the tongue is small, there is nothing small about the damage it can do to ourselves and others.  Words carry with them the power of healing or a destructive capacity for greater than the poison of any mosquito bite. 

It is essential that we use our words with great wisdom and care.  Consider carefully the words you choose.  Will they be seasoned with the balm of GRACE or with the poison of anger?

Food For Thoe thought:  It is better to bite your tongue than to allow your tongue to bite someone else.

 

This morning's bible study was about receiving God's blessings. The scripture came from Deuteronomy 28:1-24. This is one of my favorite passages of scripture. We all know that God's love is completely unconditional, but not so of the blessings. Soem blessings He gives to us simply because His mercies are brand new every morning. But when it comes down to really receiving from God, it only comes with obedience. This is why so many of us christians miss the mark. God owns it all! The cattle on a thousand hills belongs to Him. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness (all its contents) thereof! All we have to do is be obedient to His word! He tells us over and over in His word that if we are willing and obedient, we shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19). The bible also states that is we obey and serve Him, we will spend our days in prosperity and our years in pleasures (Job 36:11). Receiving the big blessings from God requires our obedience to Him. There is no other way. He did not say that our salvation was conditional, only that we confess the Lord Jesus with your mouth and believe in your heart that God did raise Him from the dead that we SHALL be saved. It is not a conditional thing, but His blessings are. All we have to do is be obedient. And as believers, we should renew our minds daily in the word. We should also make it our business to crucify our flesh on a daily basis, spend time in prayer and studying the Word of God. Knowing that we have to go out into the world, we should gird ourselves up daily making sure that we put on the whole armour of God! The blessings are a wonderful thing. But if you are not obedient, there is a price to pay here as well. The curses come upon you. We have to understand that God is a God of order and know that if He is going to reward us for doing well, He will allow some things to come upon us for not being obedient. Just as we parent reward our children for doing the right thing, we also chastise our children for doing the wrong thing. Every decision we make has a reward or consequence to it. That is the natural side of things, but this also has a spiritual side to it as well. Deuteronomy 28 is a chapter that deserves study time. It deserves our attention. It's an essential FYI in the christian walk. It pays to be obedient...