Lord, thank you for allowing us to see the end of another year 2011 and the beginning of a new year 2012! While some had victories others had losses that were so hard to bare. My prayer is God that you would heal my friends that have lost loved ones throughout this year. A difficult and painful year for some, I pray that you help them to cast all their cares on you. God only you know their hearts and the grief that they have had to deal with and while they walk around with a smile and a praise on their lips, their heart is broken. I just pray that you would shower them with your love. Send the right people to be around them to help encourage and lift their spirits, comfort them through your word.
Several have lost jobs this year, I pray that you would continue to be Jehovah Jireh our provider. As the uncertainty of not knowing where and how things are going to get paid, Lord please send them a ram in the bush. There are some who have faced foreclosure and are worried about finding a place to stay, my prayer is that you would direct them to the right people and place, that landlords will look past credit issues and will allow them to have a place to stay.
For some 2011 was the conception year where they saw the dreams and promises from afar, but it wasn't time for them to be released. I pray that as you embark on this new year that you prepare yourself for the promises. Make room for the things of God that he has prepared for you and your families. No longer see yourself lacking but see yourself in the fullness of God.
Finally my 2012 prayer concludes on these words: that this will be a year of release of dreams and promises,a year of renewal of the mind, body and spirit, a year where you will not settle, but you will take hold of the promises that have been given to you and a year of restoration for those that have had losses (family, job, homes, cars)that you and your families would receive GOD'S (his)unlimited resources. 2012 May it be A GOD SIZED YEAR!
Forgetting those things that are behind continue to press forward! 2012 will be a year of RELEASE.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The Gift!
Every year I would check to see if what I wanted was under the tree, I just knew Santa Claus would have that special gift for me....Nothing like waking up at 4am to see if what I really wanted was under the tree. Shaking boxes and turning things upside down...While I smiled, there was a part of me that was still left looking for that gift. Did my parents hide it under the couch? Where is it, why can't I find it?
You know the gift I am talking about? The one that makes you smile and all of your friends had one and it was advertised on the television, in the magazines and even on the radio...you know the gift! Ahh....exasperated by the search, I finally gave up!
Years later I recalled a time, when I found one of my presents and opened it up. YES! It's the New Edition album I wanted, but wait, I can't let my mother know that I opened my gift. See that's what my Christmas use to look like. My parents were very generous to us and even if they didn't have enough money my parents made sure that we had everything on our list. Hmmm....I can remember asking for things that I knew I didn't want but I knew my parents would make sure that I had it!
Christmas to me is special and there is a gift that I only pray that someone of you will receive if you have not received it. See that gift was wrapped up and the world could not see it, the gift was hidden, it was protected and when it was time to be opened, the gift didn't have all of the fancy paper around it or a bow on it. Yet the gift came to a dark world to bring light so that men, women, boys and girls could receive that light.
The gift I am speaking of us is none other than that of Jesus Christ. Absolutely the best gift anyone can receive. Unlike the gifts we receive at Christmas, Jesus is always with us, helping to lead us along the path of life. The gift of Jesus Christ promises to never leave us or forsake us. Furthermore, he came that we could have an abundant life, but the only way that you can have that abundant life is if you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
"For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6AMP
This Christmas, consider the gift that never ends!
You know the gift I am talking about? The one that makes you smile and all of your friends had one and it was advertised on the television, in the magazines and even on the radio...you know the gift! Ahh....exasperated by the search, I finally gave up!
Years later I recalled a time, when I found one of my presents and opened it up. YES! It's the New Edition album I wanted, but wait, I can't let my mother know that I opened my gift. See that's what my Christmas use to look like. My parents were very generous to us and even if they didn't have enough money my parents made sure that we had everything on our list. Hmmm....I can remember asking for things that I knew I didn't want but I knew my parents would make sure that I had it!
Christmas to me is special and there is a gift that I only pray that someone of you will receive if you have not received it. See that gift was wrapped up and the world could not see it, the gift was hidden, it was protected and when it was time to be opened, the gift didn't have all of the fancy paper around it or a bow on it. Yet the gift came to a dark world to bring light so that men, women, boys and girls could receive that light.
The gift I am speaking of us is none other than that of Jesus Christ. Absolutely the best gift anyone can receive. Unlike the gifts we receive at Christmas, Jesus is always with us, helping to lead us along the path of life. The gift of Jesus Christ promises to never leave us or forsake us. Furthermore, he came that we could have an abundant life, but the only way that you can have that abundant life is if you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
"For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6AMP
This Christmas, consider the gift that never ends!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The Will to Live....
My great grandmother, Mama Nannie told me a story when I was little, that quite frankly scared the living day lights out of me. It was about a lady who lived in the mountains with her family. One day the lady's husband was gone and she needed wood for the stove, in order to heat the home and cook a meal. The lady left her children at the house to go and cut the wood. While cutting the wood, she was bitten by a rattle snake.
Determined to take the fresh cut wood home, the lady wrapped her leg, with an old piece of scarf, picked the wood up and hobbled down the dirt road. Racing through her mind were all the thoughts of what her elders had told her growing up that you can not survive a rattle snake bite, and that most people die within minutes of being bitten. Not giving up she hobbled some more down the road, her clothes now were wet from sweat and her breathing was real deep and heavy. The fifteen minute walk home seemed as eternity and with each deep breath she began to think of things that made her life happy. She recalled the day she met her husband, her wedding, the birth of her children, the days of sitting around the wood stove making stew, the smell of rain and with all these thoughts she began to feel better. Finally making it home, she collapsed at the door, her children ran over to her not knowing what was wrong. They noticed the bloody scarf on her leg and she managed to tell them what happened, the eldest child wanted to go and fetch the family doctor who lived five miles down the dirt road. Sitting up the lady, told her children don't worry about me, I will be alright. Amazed at their mother's words, they began to cry, she encouraged them not to cry but to help her up. She told them I have lived a full life and I know God, but before I leave this place there are a few things that I must do.
Motioning with her index finger she told her son, to put the wood in the stove and to start the fire, so that the house would be warm and so that they could cook. With each passing second the mother found something to do, she hobbled to sink and started prepping the food, she wanted to make sure the children had food to eat until their father came home in a few days. In more ways than one she was preparing them for her death. She uttered to them where they can find certain things that they may need in the future. The clothes were washed on the washing board and the dinner was now prepared. Her words became few and her deep breaths were getting shallow by the minute. The once vibrant woman was at the end of her life and she knew it, at her request they all sat at the kitchen table while she laid on a make shift cot in the kitchen, her eyes dim, she watched the children slowly eat their food.
One of the children began to call her mother's name, the woman barely alive said I am going to sleep and when I wake up, I will be ok, everything will be ok...crying the children understood their mother was saying goodbye. Trying to make her comfortable, the children took her the cot to the bedroom. Night had fallen and the only lights were those in the sky, the stars. The children could hardly stay awake as they were torn with grief. In the middle of the night one of the children woke up to check the mother's pulse....as he walked closer he heard his mom reciting ..."The Lord's Prayer", chiming in with his mother he began saying the passage over and over. Time passed and the woman's vital signs was getting better after each time the verse was recited. Daylight came and the woman was better she was healed.
The woman is like all of us, who have been bitten by a snake in life, it could be in relationships, on our jobs, in our finances and even our health. What I found most interesting about this story is that the woman despite her circumstance kept going. She knew she had to get the wood home, she had to wash the clothes and prepare enough food for the family. What this woman had was a WILL TO LIVE. Today you may find yourself in a similar situation and the bite hurts, but God doesn't want you to give up, he wants you to stay in the race, because someone is depending on you to survive, you do matter! Speak the word over your circumstance, pray and watch God do a miracle in your life. Be encouraged, weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning, while you may have cried last night, you can rejoice, it's morning!
Determined to take the fresh cut wood home, the lady wrapped her leg, with an old piece of scarf, picked the wood up and hobbled down the dirt road. Racing through her mind were all the thoughts of what her elders had told her growing up that you can not survive a rattle snake bite, and that most people die within minutes of being bitten. Not giving up she hobbled some more down the road, her clothes now were wet from sweat and her breathing was real deep and heavy. The fifteen minute walk home seemed as eternity and with each deep breath she began to think of things that made her life happy. She recalled the day she met her husband, her wedding, the birth of her children, the days of sitting around the wood stove making stew, the smell of rain and with all these thoughts she began to feel better. Finally making it home, she collapsed at the door, her children ran over to her not knowing what was wrong. They noticed the bloody scarf on her leg and she managed to tell them what happened, the eldest child wanted to go and fetch the family doctor who lived five miles down the dirt road. Sitting up the lady, told her children don't worry about me, I will be alright. Amazed at their mother's words, they began to cry, she encouraged them not to cry but to help her up. She told them I have lived a full life and I know God, but before I leave this place there are a few things that I must do.
Motioning with her index finger she told her son, to put the wood in the stove and to start the fire, so that the house would be warm and so that they could cook. With each passing second the mother found something to do, she hobbled to sink and started prepping the food, she wanted to make sure the children had food to eat until their father came home in a few days. In more ways than one she was preparing them for her death. She uttered to them where they can find certain things that they may need in the future. The clothes were washed on the washing board and the dinner was now prepared. Her words became few and her deep breaths were getting shallow by the minute. The once vibrant woman was at the end of her life and she knew it, at her request they all sat at the kitchen table while she laid on a make shift cot in the kitchen, her eyes dim, she watched the children slowly eat their food.
One of the children began to call her mother's name, the woman barely alive said I am going to sleep and when I wake up, I will be ok, everything will be ok...crying the children understood their mother was saying goodbye. Trying to make her comfortable, the children took her the cot to the bedroom. Night had fallen and the only lights were those in the sky, the stars. The children could hardly stay awake as they were torn with grief. In the middle of the night one of the children woke up to check the mother's pulse....as he walked closer he heard his mom reciting ..."The Lord's Prayer", chiming in with his mother he began saying the passage over and over. Time passed and the woman's vital signs was getting better after each time the verse was recited. Daylight came and the woman was better she was healed.
The woman is like all of us, who have been bitten by a snake in life, it could be in relationships, on our jobs, in our finances and even our health. What I found most interesting about this story is that the woman despite her circumstance kept going. She knew she had to get the wood home, she had to wash the clothes and prepare enough food for the family. What this woman had was a WILL TO LIVE. Today you may find yourself in a similar situation and the bite hurts, but God doesn't want you to give up, he wants you to stay in the race, because someone is depending on you to survive, you do matter! Speak the word over your circumstance, pray and watch God do a miracle in your life. Be encouraged, weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning, while you may have cried last night, you can rejoice, it's morning!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Coming Off The Vine
My tomato's in the backyard were starting to weigh the vine down and droop over. As the "gardener", daily I watched them, but I didn't take the time to pluck them from the vine. It was way past the time for them to be released from the vine as they were not created to stay there. CHAMPIONS we often struggle with when to leave and when to stay as it pertains to things in life.
Our minds go back and forth, with the thoughts that if we leave, we will be hurting someone's feelings or if we stay a little bit longer we will be helping someone. Don't make a decision based on a roller coaster emotion, but look at your situation and make a conscience decision as to where you are right now in your life. What were you called to do? If you answered the question and know what you are to do, then my next question is why are you still on the vine? When will you decide that it's time for you to branch off in another direction? Don't stay connected so long that you become unproductive and start to droop or shall I say die on the vine, just like you moved on in school, it may be time for you to move on with your life! The weight of others, will bring you down, release any negative thoughts and people. Focus on positive thoughts and allow it to take root into your mind.
CHAMPIONS right now at this very moment, be honest with yourself and re-evaluate your circumstances and move forward! Think about what ignites you and what motivates you. As I finish typing I want to leave you with this parting thought....are you willing to come off of the vine?
Our minds go back and forth, with the thoughts that if we leave, we will be hurting someone's feelings or if we stay a little bit longer we will be helping someone. Don't make a decision based on a roller coaster emotion, but look at your situation and make a conscience decision as to where you are right now in your life. What were you called to do? If you answered the question and know what you are to do, then my next question is why are you still on the vine? When will you decide that it's time for you to branch off in another direction? Don't stay connected so long that you become unproductive and start to droop or shall I say die on the vine, just like you moved on in school, it may be time for you to move on with your life! The weight of others, will bring you down, release any negative thoughts and people. Focus on positive thoughts and allow it to take root into your mind.
CHAMPIONS right now at this very moment, be honest with yourself and re-evaluate your circumstances and move forward! Think about what ignites you and what motivates you. As I finish typing I want to leave you with this parting thought....are you willing to come off of the vine?
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Insecure One
To look at me now, you would not have known that I was once shy. You would have never known that I was overweight, had a jeri curl and even wore some very unattractive glasses and I do mean very unattractive glasses.
Words play a significant role in our everyday life, we put words in the atmosphere almost every second of the minute. Words of love, peace, confusion, and hate circulate in the air. Our words are just as valuable as our money, they both can cause you to be wealthy, if invested in the right thing or they can cause your poverty, if not properly budgeted, which could cause your demise. When you are told over and over that you are "fat" or picked on by other children, you loose your sense of being. Those words cut, they pierce your soul. Words can be the quickest death sentence, it has the ability to destroy a person in a matter of moments.
I lived behind the shadow of my older sister who was a cheerleader, ran track, was Ms. Popular and what I deem to be everything but "beauty queen." Don't get me wrong, I love my sister with my whole being, but in the wings of the shadow, I heard from older adults (non-family members), oh you are Carmen, you are the fat one, your sister is the pretty one. With my emotions running high, I just didn't think I was pretty enough or that I would ever be able to be a leader. Emotion being defined as a "state of feeling", caused me to want to be "liked."
Almost reluctant to tell this part of the story, I thought about all of the young girls who are sitting in the shadow of the wings. As a grew, I matured but there was still a sense of insecurity that plagued my mind. I would work extra hard to have good grades, besides, I felt that looks were not on my side. My insecurities took me down a path that was not healthy for any teenager. More and more I felt that if people called me over weight, then I had to live up to it, so I would deal with my pressures by eating. Here is a truth, the very thing I said I was not, I became. I fought hard not to gain weight, but the more I heard the comments the more I would eat.
My insecurities finally subsided when I started pressing in to who is Carmen....who is this young girl turned woman, who is this that's afraid to come out of the wings? Who is behind the words of hurt, what is her talent, who is she trying to be like....when will she find her own self? All these questions were embedded in my mind, until one day I decided to step out of the shadow and onto a path that had my name on it.
It was a process, but once I realized who I was and who I belonged to and my purpose, I began to walk everyday in it....no more shyness, I was a volcano waiting to erupt. I had a face, a name and a voice. My shyness was now gone and I emerged into a leader. I turned that negative energy and words into something positive...life as I knew was different, no longer were my skies gray but it was a beautiful array of colors! In my quest to come out of the shadow of someone else, I developed this zeal to speak life and to encourage others, that later would lead me to accepting the calling on my life as an Evangelist.
To the young lady or man reading this, it's okay to feel insecure but it is not okay to stay there. Insecurities will bleed into relationships and will cause you to hide from everyone. When God created you and I he saw something beautiful and while we may not always see what God sees, we are valuable and worthy.
For those that sometimes use negative words, be careful of what you release into the air, someone may hear it and go in a shell. Stick and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt....that's a LIE! Elie Wiesel quote says it best "Our words can kill as well as heal." CHAMPIONS, today let's choose words that will HEAL. Words that will bring life and not death to any situation.
CHAMPIONS, I am praying for you as you walk out of the shadows and into the light!
Words play a significant role in our everyday life, we put words in the atmosphere almost every second of the minute. Words of love, peace, confusion, and hate circulate in the air. Our words are just as valuable as our money, they both can cause you to be wealthy, if invested in the right thing or they can cause your poverty, if not properly budgeted, which could cause your demise. When you are told over and over that you are "fat" or picked on by other children, you loose your sense of being. Those words cut, they pierce your soul. Words can be the quickest death sentence, it has the ability to destroy a person in a matter of moments.
I lived behind the shadow of my older sister who was a cheerleader, ran track, was Ms. Popular and what I deem to be everything but "beauty queen." Don't get me wrong, I love my sister with my whole being, but in the wings of the shadow, I heard from older adults (non-family members), oh you are Carmen, you are the fat one, your sister is the pretty one. With my emotions running high, I just didn't think I was pretty enough or that I would ever be able to be a leader. Emotion being defined as a "state of feeling", caused me to want to be "liked."
Almost reluctant to tell this part of the story, I thought about all of the young girls who are sitting in the shadow of the wings. As a grew, I matured but there was still a sense of insecurity that plagued my mind. I would work extra hard to have good grades, besides, I felt that looks were not on my side. My insecurities took me down a path that was not healthy for any teenager. More and more I felt that if people called me over weight, then I had to live up to it, so I would deal with my pressures by eating. Here is a truth, the very thing I said I was not, I became. I fought hard not to gain weight, but the more I heard the comments the more I would eat.
My insecurities finally subsided when I started pressing in to who is Carmen....who is this young girl turned woman, who is this that's afraid to come out of the wings? Who is behind the words of hurt, what is her talent, who is she trying to be like....when will she find her own self? All these questions were embedded in my mind, until one day I decided to step out of the shadow and onto a path that had my name on it.
It was a process, but once I realized who I was and who I belonged to and my purpose, I began to walk everyday in it....no more shyness, I was a volcano waiting to erupt. I had a face, a name and a voice. My shyness was now gone and I emerged into a leader. I turned that negative energy and words into something positive...life as I knew was different, no longer were my skies gray but it was a beautiful array of colors! In my quest to come out of the shadow of someone else, I developed this zeal to speak life and to encourage others, that later would lead me to accepting the calling on my life as an Evangelist.
To the young lady or man reading this, it's okay to feel insecure but it is not okay to stay there. Insecurities will bleed into relationships and will cause you to hide from everyone. When God created you and I he saw something beautiful and while we may not always see what God sees, we are valuable and worthy.
For those that sometimes use negative words, be careful of what you release into the air, someone may hear it and go in a shell. Stick and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt....that's a LIE! Elie Wiesel quote says it best "Our words can kill as well as heal." CHAMPIONS, today let's choose words that will HEAL. Words that will bring life and not death to any situation.
CHAMPIONS, I am praying for you as you walk out of the shadows and into the light!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Remembering to Pray
Today is a sombering day, yet a day of reflection. A day where ten years ago we questioned our freedom as Americans, we questioned our security at airport terminals,train stations and bus stations.
Ten years ago, we watched in shock, we looked in the sky and for once in our lives felt as if what we once knew as freedom, was stripped from us in a moment. We can't help but to remember the visuals of how the streets of New York were covered in billows of dust, or how we saw the second plane hit or how we saw people running, even jumping for their lives.
Emotionally America connected with the family members who had lost loved ones, we watched with tearful eyes as loved ones were searching for their, mother, sister, daughter, father and friends. Although ten years have passed we have not forgotten about what happened to those in New York, DC, and Pennsylvania.
Our hearts still cry, and even in the cry we can find HOPE! Hope that is being restored to those that lost HOPE in AMERICA. After 9/11 everyone came together regardless of race and religion and PRAYED. Today let us remember to pray for the families of the victims, the families of our first responders and to even pray for our enemies and in that prayer, we will be confident and ask GOD to continue to heal our land.
May God Bless America!
Ten years ago, we watched in shock, we looked in the sky and for once in our lives felt as if what we once knew as freedom, was stripped from us in a moment. We can't help but to remember the visuals of how the streets of New York were covered in billows of dust, or how we saw the second plane hit or how we saw people running, even jumping for their lives.
Emotionally America connected with the family members who had lost loved ones, we watched with tearful eyes as loved ones were searching for their, mother, sister, daughter, father and friends. Although ten years have passed we have not forgotten about what happened to those in New York, DC, and Pennsylvania.
Our hearts still cry, and even in the cry we can find HOPE! Hope that is being restored to those that lost HOPE in AMERICA. After 9/11 everyone came together regardless of race and religion and PRAYED. Today let us remember to pray for the families of the victims, the families of our first responders and to even pray for our enemies and in that prayer, we will be confident and ask GOD to continue to heal our land.
May God Bless America!
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Abandoned Home
Most of you know that my full time job is a realtor and recently on the way home, I noticed this adorable white bungaloo on a street that I frequently travel. For the last four years, I would drive on this particular road and to my knowledge I never saw the home.
I kept recalling in my mind, who moved this house here? Aww, shucks no one moved it, it has always been there, hidden. For years it lay hidden on a busy street buried behind overgrown trees, bushes, trash and debris. Ironically on the same street were beautiful homes with well manicured lawns, swing sets and children galore, it rung with happiness. Yet there was this one abandoned home. Despairity was written all across the home. It was if someone put up the caution tape and said do not enter for YEARS! No one knew it was there, until someone came and cleared all the mess up. Roots and weeds were destroyed, years of abandonment had now come to and end.
The home was power washed, gutters and windows were cleaned all of the junk, gunk, grease, dead bugs everything was gone. The home was totally restored. No longer is that home hidden in darkness, but the home now is the prettiest HOUSE on the street, its as if it has the sunlight always beaming on it.
How many times have we passed by this house. Are we too busy in our lives that we neglect those that are on our streets and in our neighborhoods? Chances are that we know someone like this house. All the years of neglect caused abandonment to the home and no one wanted to be bothered with the home because it looked like a disaster. BUT someone took the time and helped to establish the home. CHAMPIONS remember someone took the time to MINISTER to US. No we are not perfect just FORGIVEN!
It is my prayer that we not only look at our homes and clean it up but that we look on the busy streets of life and see who is that is calling out of despairity and asking for help. Who is it, that just wants someone to speak a word of encouragement to them so that they can find hope and a chance to live. Who is it that is seeking restoration?
CHAMPIONS YOU ARE VALUABLE AND GOD LOVES YOU!
I kept recalling in my mind, who moved this house here? Aww, shucks no one moved it, it has always been there, hidden. For years it lay hidden on a busy street buried behind overgrown trees, bushes, trash and debris. Ironically on the same street were beautiful homes with well manicured lawns, swing sets and children galore, it rung with happiness. Yet there was this one abandoned home. Despairity was written all across the home. It was if someone put up the caution tape and said do not enter for YEARS! No one knew it was there, until someone came and cleared all the mess up. Roots and weeds were destroyed, years of abandonment had now come to and end.
The home was power washed, gutters and windows were cleaned all of the junk, gunk, grease, dead bugs everything was gone. The home was totally restored. No longer is that home hidden in darkness, but the home now is the prettiest HOUSE on the street, its as if it has the sunlight always beaming on it.
How many times have we passed by this house. Are we too busy in our lives that we neglect those that are on our streets and in our neighborhoods? Chances are that we know someone like this house. All the years of neglect caused abandonment to the home and no one wanted to be bothered with the home because it looked like a disaster. BUT someone took the time and helped to establish the home. CHAMPIONS remember someone took the time to MINISTER to US. No we are not perfect just FORGIVEN!
It is my prayer that we not only look at our homes and clean it up but that we look on the busy streets of life and see who is that is calling out of despairity and asking for help. Who is it, that just wants someone to speak a word of encouragement to them so that they can find hope and a chance to live. Who is it that is seeking restoration?
CHAMPIONS YOU ARE VALUABLE AND GOD LOVES YOU!
Rubic Cube
Boy did I love that Rubic Cube at first it was the best thing, pretty soon it became the worst thing in my life. Constantly trying to get everything to line up was a bummer.
Turn after turn, that cube worked my last nerve. After countless hours and months I finally had everything lined up, all colors were in sync. To the CHAMPION that is struggling with the twist of life and it seems that every time you get close to getting all the colors lined up, something else shows up. Be encouraged and know that it is working out for your good.
Every path you have taken, every turn, every disappointment, every heartache, every struggle helped to make you who you are. Clothes don't make you, your job, your current status, but what's inside of you that has been given by the creator makes you who you are, it makes you a CHAMPION! Never give up, be strong and courageous.
Turn after turn, that cube worked my last nerve. After countless hours and months I finally had everything lined up, all colors were in sync. To the CHAMPION that is struggling with the twist of life and it seems that every time you get close to getting all the colors lined up, something else shows up. Be encouraged and know that it is working out for your good.
Every path you have taken, every turn, every disappointment, every heartache, every struggle helped to make you who you are. Clothes don't make you, your job, your current status, but what's inside of you that has been given by the creator makes you who you are, it makes you a CHAMPION! Never give up, be strong and courageous.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
A Nightly Prayer
Father God,
I pray that every vision that you spoke over your people would come to pass. I pray that not only will it come to pass, but you will supply the resources to fund the dreams. May we continue to walk in harmony with you, may we continue to seek you daily.
I pray for those that have been hurt and that have not let it go. I pray that you would break the chain of unforgiveness, that you would take the sting out of the hurt and teach them first to love you and then themselves so that they in return will be able to love others.
I pray for a healing of the mind, every negative seed that was planted I pray that God your words of love, joy and peace would overtake those dark spots and the seeds of life will take root and start to grow.
I pray for those that have had to deal with rejection, whether it was from a loved one, co-worker, church family or a neighbor. God has not forgotten you, he has been the one who has consistently and constantly been by your side. Don't be upset by what people did, wipe the dust from your feet and move on into your greater.
Father we are effected by tough economic times, I pray that even in the midst that you would continue to provide. Thank you for your unlimited resources that will hit our hands and when we do receive it we will tell you thank. Help us to be better stewards over what you have given us.
I pray for the one that is lost through darkness, the one who once knew you but decided to take a different path, that you would put a nudging in their heart that they would return back to you.
Father, thank you for hearing our prayers!
In Jesus Name,
Amen!
I pray that every vision that you spoke over your people would come to pass. I pray that not only will it come to pass, but you will supply the resources to fund the dreams. May we continue to walk in harmony with you, may we continue to seek you daily.
I pray for those that have been hurt and that have not let it go. I pray that you would break the chain of unforgiveness, that you would take the sting out of the hurt and teach them first to love you and then themselves so that they in return will be able to love others.
I pray for a healing of the mind, every negative seed that was planted I pray that God your words of love, joy and peace would overtake those dark spots and the seeds of life will take root and start to grow.
I pray for those that have had to deal with rejection, whether it was from a loved one, co-worker, church family or a neighbor. God has not forgotten you, he has been the one who has consistently and constantly been by your side. Don't be upset by what people did, wipe the dust from your feet and move on into your greater.
Father we are effected by tough economic times, I pray that even in the midst that you would continue to provide. Thank you for your unlimited resources that will hit our hands and when we do receive it we will tell you thank. Help us to be better stewards over what you have given us.
I pray for the one that is lost through darkness, the one who once knew you but decided to take a different path, that you would put a nudging in their heart that they would return back to you.
Father, thank you for hearing our prayers!
In Jesus Name,
Amen!
Balance In A Busy Life
Here it is and I am tired, yet I have a family. One child is asking for ice cream, another with help with a project and another one just wants to talk. Then there is another, yep, my husband, can't forget him.
Long hours, five schedules, school work and my professional career all are on high demand. How can I keep going like this? A question that I often ponder, but didn't know the answer until I looked closely at what I was doing on a daily basis. Huh, even now as I write, one of my kids is demanding my attention and showing me how the remote has a "new built in light" Wow....I didn't know that!
Ok back to the topic at hand on average I put in more than 50 hours a week of doing everything for the family. (i.e. mommy duties, working, school and ministry) and sometimes I forget the little things that require a lot of my time. Three years ago it was the first week of school and I was on a adrenaline rush that morning, oh yeah did I tell you that my day starts at 5am...I made breakfast, helped my husband get ready to leave out the house, got two of the kids to the bus stop, drove one child to school and then headed to work. Eight hours later my youngest came home from school and said mom, "thanks for packing my lunch, but you forgot to put the meat on my sandwich, all I had was muenster cheese on my bread."
Wow...talking about feeling bad, I kissed her on the forehead and said mommy, is truly sorry. Deep breath in and long one out, how in the world could I forget to put the meat on the sandwich?
Life is full of twists and turns and when you have a family it can be even more adventurous. There is this thing called balance, even though one side of the scale of life looks like it is excelling and the other looks as if it is in a decline it is when we take control of those things and say ok this is working, this is not, that's when the scale equals out.
You are probably wondering how I found my balance. First, prayer, then I asked for help. I started delegating the household duties to the children. For some it may mean that you have to write out a daily to do list until you get a grip of your schedule.
After you have made your schedule, stick to it and adjust when necessary. The last thing I want to tell you is make time for yourself. Take care of yourself, get regular doctor check ups, have a day once a month where all you do is just relax, no phone, no internet, no nothing! You deserve a day, go ahead and take it!
Long hours, five schedules, school work and my professional career all are on high demand. How can I keep going like this? A question that I often ponder, but didn't know the answer until I looked closely at what I was doing on a daily basis. Huh, even now as I write, one of my kids is demanding my attention and showing me how the remote has a "new built in light" Wow....I didn't know that!
Ok back to the topic at hand on average I put in more than 50 hours a week of doing everything for the family. (i.e. mommy duties, working, school and ministry) and sometimes I forget the little things that require a lot of my time. Three years ago it was the first week of school and I was on a adrenaline rush that morning, oh yeah did I tell you that my day starts at 5am...I made breakfast, helped my husband get ready to leave out the house, got two of the kids to the bus stop, drove one child to school and then headed to work. Eight hours later my youngest came home from school and said mom, "thanks for packing my lunch, but you forgot to put the meat on my sandwich, all I had was muenster cheese on my bread."
Wow...talking about feeling bad, I kissed her on the forehead and said mommy, is truly sorry. Deep breath in and long one out, how in the world could I forget to put the meat on the sandwich?
Life is full of twists and turns and when you have a family it can be even more adventurous. There is this thing called balance, even though one side of the scale of life looks like it is excelling and the other looks as if it is in a decline it is when we take control of those things and say ok this is working, this is not, that's when the scale equals out.
You are probably wondering how I found my balance. First, prayer, then I asked for help. I started delegating the household duties to the children. For some it may mean that you have to write out a daily to do list until you get a grip of your schedule.
After you have made your schedule, stick to it and adjust when necessary. The last thing I want to tell you is make time for yourself. Take care of yourself, get regular doctor check ups, have a day once a month where all you do is just relax, no phone, no internet, no nothing! You deserve a day, go ahead and take it!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Branching Out In Another Direction!
I hope this blog, finds you well! Today I sat down and thought of all of the things that I had experienced in my life, some good, some not so good, some great and some to be honest were just awful! However it was those bad experiences that allowed me to appreciate the good!
A gentle reminder of how we become too attached to things was when I looked at my tomato plants, I noticed some were ripe and others were ready to come off of the vine, but because I didn't take it off the vine...the ripe tomato's rotted.
Too many times we become comfortable with the familiar and when opportunities present themselves we brush it aside and say no that's not for me. A prime example of this is a few years ago, I wanted to take my career to the next level, but because of friendship and loyalty to the company, I stayed. Several opportunities came my way and I would always say, no, it's not the time. Can I say I pondered with leaving for almost an entire year, but again, I would brush those thoughts to the side. While on vacation that particular year, I received a call from my boss that our location was closing and we would have to transfer to another company. Hmm, wait a minute, could it be that those nudges I had a year ago was preparing me to get ready to leave?
Yes, those nudges that I brushed aside was God's way of preparing me for the next level, BUT, I didn't take heed to the warning! So instead of me pursuing the nudge, I waited until the door closed completely before I moved.
What are the nudges in your life that God is calling you too? Have you sat down and asked God for direction for your life? Transitions are not always easy, but with God's help you can move forward!
So as I finish typing this, I myself am evaluating those nudges....some career, some lifestyle change not a diet (smile) and in my personal life....how can I be a better Christian, wife, mother and business owner. What things are holding you back, what are you so attached to that you are beginning to take on its identity and not the one that God has created for you!
You are a CHAMPION and there is GREATNESS IN YOU!
A gentle reminder of how we become too attached to things was when I looked at my tomato plants, I noticed some were ripe and others were ready to come off of the vine, but because I didn't take it off the vine...the ripe tomato's rotted.
Too many times we become comfortable with the familiar and when opportunities present themselves we brush it aside and say no that's not for me. A prime example of this is a few years ago, I wanted to take my career to the next level, but because of friendship and loyalty to the company, I stayed. Several opportunities came my way and I would always say, no, it's not the time. Can I say I pondered with leaving for almost an entire year, but again, I would brush those thoughts to the side. While on vacation that particular year, I received a call from my boss that our location was closing and we would have to transfer to another company. Hmm, wait a minute, could it be that those nudges I had a year ago was preparing me to get ready to leave?
Yes, those nudges that I brushed aside was God's way of preparing me for the next level, BUT, I didn't take heed to the warning! So instead of me pursuing the nudge, I waited until the door closed completely before I moved.
What are the nudges in your life that God is calling you too? Have you sat down and asked God for direction for your life? Transitions are not always easy, but with God's help you can move forward!
So as I finish typing this, I myself am evaluating those nudges....some career, some lifestyle change not a diet (smile) and in my personal life....how can I be a better Christian, wife, mother and business owner. What things are holding you back, what are you so attached to that you are beginning to take on its identity and not the one that God has created for you!
You are a CHAMPION and there is GREATNESS IN YOU!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
WHEN I FOUND HAPPY!
Happiness often comes with a frown and sometimes with a huge smile. There are so many roads to take in life, some good, short, long, and some well let's just leave that alone! Then there is the road called happy.......
For years I didn't realize that I could be happy without any strings attached. Embedded in my mind was that I wasn't good enough unless I did things to make others around me, happy, if someone commented on my hair that it was too short, maybe I would let it grow longer, or maybe I needed to lose weight instead of gaining weight. There was always something on my road to happy........
Unfortunately in life we all work to meet others approval...similar to that of the President, we have approval ratings. However, God has created us all unique and to be truly happy, one must first like what they see in the mirror. Deep down in that reflection is a human being that was fearfully and wonderfully made, a person that despite not having a fresh hair cut, make up on or the contacts in....when God looks at you, he smiles and says that's my child. It is when we look in the mirror although we see the flaws, we also see hope.....see you really are not what you use to be, in fact you are better. You may have gotten hurt on the road of life but you are healed. True happiness is not found in a car, job, people but WITHIN YOU!
CHAMPIONS, evaluate where you are and ask yourself this question, am I truly happy or am I just going with the flow? If you are going with the flow, make a check list and mark off the things that are negatively impacting your life and highlight those things that are making a positive mark on your life. Work to bring out the things that are positive marks on your life. Know your self worth, stick to your core values and beliefs and turn the happy meter up on your life....CHAMPIONS you control your happiness not someone else.
It took me a while to find happy, but once I found it I was determined not to let it go for anyone or anything! Today,BE YOU and BE HAPPY!
For years I didn't realize that I could be happy without any strings attached. Embedded in my mind was that I wasn't good enough unless I did things to make others around me, happy, if someone commented on my hair that it was too short, maybe I would let it grow longer, or maybe I needed to lose weight instead of gaining weight. There was always something on my road to happy........
Unfortunately in life we all work to meet others approval...similar to that of the President, we have approval ratings. However, God has created us all unique and to be truly happy, one must first like what they see in the mirror. Deep down in that reflection is a human being that was fearfully and wonderfully made, a person that despite not having a fresh hair cut, make up on or the contacts in....when God looks at you, he smiles and says that's my child. It is when we look in the mirror although we see the flaws, we also see hope.....see you really are not what you use to be, in fact you are better. You may have gotten hurt on the road of life but you are healed. True happiness is not found in a car, job, people but WITHIN YOU!
CHAMPIONS, evaluate where you are and ask yourself this question, am I truly happy or am I just going with the flow? If you are going with the flow, make a check list and mark off the things that are negatively impacting your life and highlight those things that are making a positive mark on your life. Work to bring out the things that are positive marks on your life. Know your self worth, stick to your core values and beliefs and turn the happy meter up on your life....CHAMPIONS you control your happiness not someone else.
It took me a while to find happy, but once I found it I was determined not to let it go for anyone or anything! Today,BE YOU and BE HAPPY!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Letting GO!
A few years ago, as the Urban Area Director for a Christian organization, that believed and still believes in spreading the gospel to the youth, we took our kids to camp.
As a leader, I was suppose to set the pace, some of the children had never seen a mountain top nor rode a horse or even had done the water zip line. Everyday we were presented with a new challenge, there was always something exciting for us to do. One particular day we were headed to the ropes course, if my memory serves me correctly, we had to climb the ropes some 30 to 45 feet in the air and then zip line across to one tree before letting go and free falling to the ground.
I was fine with climbing the ropes but it was the letting go of the ropes that terrified me......trembling as I stood at the top. I kept telling myself the "Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want" constantly repeating this and looking at my harness that I was strapped into, I just couldn't jump to that next destination. For once as a leader I was paralyzed with fear, what if this harness comes loose or what if my helmet falls off, or what if, what if, what if?
For me I was comfortable being on the ground, I was even comfortable walking across the rope to the next tree BUT I wasn't fine in letting go. When moving to the next level, we are often faced with challenges and in order for us to get the promotion that God wants us to have we have to LET GO!
Letting GO of our past mistakes, letting go of past hurts and wounds, letting go of familiar places......when we do not let go, we are not in a position to receive. We must have an open hand and not a closed fist and the only way our hands can be open is if we let go!
As I prepared to let go and jump off of the platform, I looked around at all of the kids who were watching me and then I heard a still voice, that said if you trust me with the small stuff, why not trust me with the big stuff....LET GO and allow me to handle those intricate details of your life.
Ahhh! Talk about a renewal process, seconds later I let go and jumped down. Yes, I tackled the impossible, all God wanted me to do was to walk towards the finish line, he was going to do the rest!
CHAMPIONS be encouraged, I know the obstacle course of life may be difficult but GOD is there beside you, LET GO AND LET GOD! HE CAN HANDLE IT!
As a leader, I was suppose to set the pace, some of the children had never seen a mountain top nor rode a horse or even had done the water zip line. Everyday we were presented with a new challenge, there was always something exciting for us to do. One particular day we were headed to the ropes course, if my memory serves me correctly, we had to climb the ropes some 30 to 45 feet in the air and then zip line across to one tree before letting go and free falling to the ground.
I was fine with climbing the ropes but it was the letting go of the ropes that terrified me......trembling as I stood at the top. I kept telling myself the "Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want" constantly repeating this and looking at my harness that I was strapped into, I just couldn't jump to that next destination. For once as a leader I was paralyzed with fear, what if this harness comes loose or what if my helmet falls off, or what if, what if, what if?
For me I was comfortable being on the ground, I was even comfortable walking across the rope to the next tree BUT I wasn't fine in letting go. When moving to the next level, we are often faced with challenges and in order for us to get the promotion that God wants us to have we have to LET GO!
Letting GO of our past mistakes, letting go of past hurts and wounds, letting go of familiar places......when we do not let go, we are not in a position to receive. We must have an open hand and not a closed fist and the only way our hands can be open is if we let go!
As I prepared to let go and jump off of the platform, I looked around at all of the kids who were watching me and then I heard a still voice, that said if you trust me with the small stuff, why not trust me with the big stuff....LET GO and allow me to handle those intricate details of your life.
Ahhh! Talk about a renewal process, seconds later I let go and jumped down. Yes, I tackled the impossible, all God wanted me to do was to walk towards the finish line, he was going to do the rest!
CHAMPIONS be encouraged, I know the obstacle course of life may be difficult but GOD is there beside you, LET GO AND LET GOD! HE CAN HANDLE IT!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Encouragement Prayer
Lord,
Today I pray for my friends that are facing tough times. I pray that you would encourage them to press on a little further, to continue on with the race. Father I pray that you would open the doors of opportunity for those that are looking for jobs. I pray God that you would heal the hearts of those that are broken, that you would give them joy in the midst of pain, let them feel your presence. Please help those that are faced with loosing their homes, that they would have peace.
There are so many obstacles that come our way to distract us from what you have called us to and sometimes God our lives seem untied, but we know that you are there, waiting to help us...Thank You!
God as we stretch our hand out to you, we ask that you continue to lead the way, lead us through the paths and intersections of life. Thank you for being a consistent friend that listens when we talk. Today I pray that you would have a reason to smile, a reason to live and a reason to praise God for his goodness, may he strengthen your heart and encourage you through his word.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Additional Scripture References:
Psalms 16:5NIV "Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure."
Psalms 18:28NIV "You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."
Psalms 20:1NIV "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you."
Psalms 20:(5-7) 5 "May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
6 Now this I know:
The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Today I pray for my friends that are facing tough times. I pray that you would encourage them to press on a little further, to continue on with the race. Father I pray that you would open the doors of opportunity for those that are looking for jobs. I pray God that you would heal the hearts of those that are broken, that you would give them joy in the midst of pain, let them feel your presence. Please help those that are faced with loosing their homes, that they would have peace.
There are so many obstacles that come our way to distract us from what you have called us to and sometimes God our lives seem untied, but we know that you are there, waiting to help us...Thank You!
God as we stretch our hand out to you, we ask that you continue to lead the way, lead us through the paths and intersections of life. Thank you for being a consistent friend that listens when we talk. Today I pray that you would have a reason to smile, a reason to live and a reason to praise God for his goodness, may he strengthen your heart and encourage you through his word.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Additional Scripture References:
Psalms 16:5NIV "Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure."
Psalms 18:28NIV "You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."
Psalms 20:1NIV "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you."
Psalms 20:(5-7) 5 "May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
6 Now this I know:
The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Right Road To Take
My favorite movie is "Finding Nemo" there are so many wonderful elements to Nemo's story. How many times have we heard our parents tell us, "don't do that, don't touch this, or you can't go there"? Nemo's father warned his son not to go swimming out in the ocean, because he thought that his son was not ready for the big sea. Doing just what he was warned not to do, Nemo broke away from his father and started out in the ocean.
The minute that Nemo decided to go swim against his father's wishes he was captured and taken away to a strange land. Alone and frightened this was the first time away from his father's care. Society has given us the ability to choose anything we want, from a hamburger to a cheeseburger, power windows, sunroofs,anti-lock brakes, ,long hair, short hair,good advice and bad advice. But, what if you chose the wrong direction because you didn't want to listen to the voice of your father?
As a teenager my mother told me not to drive my car to a neighboring state because the car was in need of some minor repairs. Needless to say I didn't listen and boy was that a big mistake! One mile from my destination the car stopped on a dark country road with the nearest street light at the local gas station six country miles away. I was terrified, there I was with two of my friends on the side of the road, and at that time we didn't have cell phones. What was I going to do? How was I going to get home? Was I going to die, once my mother found out what happened? If ever there was a time when bad thoughts entered my mind, it was then. Fortunately for me, a nice stranger helped us to get where we needed to go. Unfortunately for me, I messed the car up even worse than before. There are consequences when we are disobedient.
People can be a great asset to have but they can also be a detriment to your life, when we chose to listen to them rather than the voice of God. Often times we can chose ungodly counsel or make a hasty decision that will lead us off our directed path because we do not want to be laughed at or picked on. Just as Nemo found himself on an unwanted path, we as creatures of habit have done some of the same things.
After several days of failed attempts to escape from his capturer's Nemo was finally free and was reunited with his father. In the story of the prodigal son, the Father saw his son from afar off and welcomed him back into his kingdom. (Luke 15:11-32) I can't help but to think what that moment was like for the Father who had been missing his son, I am sure he had been praying for his son's safe return. How did the son feel? In a sense he probably felt like we did when we connected to God for the first time or re-connected to him after leaving his will to follow our fleshly will. It was a sense of humility and relief from the pressure of carrying unnecessary weight.
Luckily for us God forgives us and receives us back to him. "Just as Nemo had to realize he had made a mistake, we too, have to come to the realization that we need to change our course. John 10:27 says "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me." Trust the God in you and listen to what God is saying to you.
There are some simple steps that can lead us off the path, but one step can lead us back to Christ. That step is a repentant heart. If you have strayed from God's path, he is waiting for you to turn back to him, his arms are open to receive you. " I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:9-10.
Yesterday may have been a day of bad choices, but today is the first day of your abundant life...Ask God for his direction and walk into your full God given ability. THERE IS GREATNESS IN YOU, THERE IS A CHAMPION IN YOU!
Additional Scriptures:
John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10
The minute that Nemo decided to go swim against his father's wishes he was captured and taken away to a strange land. Alone and frightened this was the first time away from his father's care. Society has given us the ability to choose anything we want, from a hamburger to a cheeseburger, power windows, sunroofs,anti-lock brakes, ,long hair, short hair,good advice and bad advice. But, what if you chose the wrong direction because you didn't want to listen to the voice of your father?
As a teenager my mother told me not to drive my car to a neighboring state because the car was in need of some minor repairs. Needless to say I didn't listen and boy was that a big mistake! One mile from my destination the car stopped on a dark country road with the nearest street light at the local gas station six country miles away. I was terrified, there I was with two of my friends on the side of the road, and at that time we didn't have cell phones. What was I going to do? How was I going to get home? Was I going to die, once my mother found out what happened? If ever there was a time when bad thoughts entered my mind, it was then. Fortunately for me, a nice stranger helped us to get where we needed to go. Unfortunately for me, I messed the car up even worse than before. There are consequences when we are disobedient.
People can be a great asset to have but they can also be a detriment to your life, when we chose to listen to them rather than the voice of God. Often times we can chose ungodly counsel or make a hasty decision that will lead us off our directed path because we do not want to be laughed at or picked on. Just as Nemo found himself on an unwanted path, we as creatures of habit have done some of the same things.
After several days of failed attempts to escape from his capturer's Nemo was finally free and was reunited with his father. In the story of the prodigal son, the Father saw his son from afar off and welcomed him back into his kingdom. (Luke 15:11-32) I can't help but to think what that moment was like for the Father who had been missing his son, I am sure he had been praying for his son's safe return. How did the son feel? In a sense he probably felt like we did when we connected to God for the first time or re-connected to him after leaving his will to follow our fleshly will. It was a sense of humility and relief from the pressure of carrying unnecessary weight.
Luckily for us God forgives us and receives us back to him. "Just as Nemo had to realize he had made a mistake, we too, have to come to the realization that we need to change our course. John 10:27 says "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me." Trust the God in you and listen to what God is saying to you.
There are some simple steps that can lead us off the path, but one step can lead us back to Christ. That step is a repentant heart. If you have strayed from God's path, he is waiting for you to turn back to him, his arms are open to receive you. " I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:9-10.
Yesterday may have been a day of bad choices, but today is the first day of your abundant life...Ask God for his direction and walk into your full God given ability. THERE IS GREATNESS IN YOU, THERE IS A CHAMPION IN YOU!
Additional Scriptures:
John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10
Monday, June 13, 2011
Whose report will you believe?
It is so easy to praise God when things are going good, we give him the praise for deliverance and bringing us out, BUT can you praise him in the midst of being criticized? In the thick of the battle? When people walk out? When being laughed at? When they don't believe in you. Can you praise him while going through?
I was faced with a crisis and I wasn't sure how I would handle it. The doctor confirmed some lumps in my breast, I was told to go in for more extensive testing. As a believer in Jesus Christ, all I knew how to do was pray. It could have been easier for me to let my mind run with the news the doctor gave me, but inside I heard God say..."whose report will you believe?"
Everything around me looked as if I should throw in the towel, instead, I threw my hands up and said "ok, God, I can't do it but you can." Amazingly, that was all God was trying to get me to do was let him handle it. Over the years I have learned not to worry about things, but to truly allow God to deal with it. (Phil 4:6)
In the book of Numbers(chapters 13 & 14), Moses sends the spies out to view the land, conflicting reports came back......oh they complained about how big the giants were but then Caleb and Joshua spoke up and told them,"oh we can take them!" They told the people, look the land is good and if God is pleased with us, he will give us the land, just don't rebel against God.(Numbers 14:6-9) Every once and a while you need a Joshua and Caleb spirit, you need to be able to look at the giants that you are facing and say with God's help we can take them.
Maybe you are faced with a giant in your life and people around you are telling you, "oh you might as well give up, throw in your towel, that giant is too big, you might as well quit." God doesn't want you to quit, but face those giants. As the story continued the one's that grumbled and complained that rejected God did not get to see the land. However Caleb and Joshua were able to enter into the land. God wants you to receive your promise!
Champions no matter what giants you are facing, the Lord is not slack concerning his promise for you. He will provide for you, he has given you the VICTORY...Now whose report will you believe?
Additional Scripture References
Numbers 13 & 14
"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
I was faced with a crisis and I wasn't sure how I would handle it. The doctor confirmed some lumps in my breast, I was told to go in for more extensive testing. As a believer in Jesus Christ, all I knew how to do was pray. It could have been easier for me to let my mind run with the news the doctor gave me, but inside I heard God say..."whose report will you believe?"
Everything around me looked as if I should throw in the towel, instead, I threw my hands up and said "ok, God, I can't do it but you can." Amazingly, that was all God was trying to get me to do was let him handle it. Over the years I have learned not to worry about things, but to truly allow God to deal with it. (Phil 4:6)
In the book of Numbers(chapters 13 & 14), Moses sends the spies out to view the land, conflicting reports came back......oh they complained about how big the giants were but then Caleb and Joshua spoke up and told them,"oh we can take them!" They told the people, look the land is good and if God is pleased with us, he will give us the land, just don't rebel against God.(Numbers 14:6-9) Every once and a while you need a Joshua and Caleb spirit, you need to be able to look at the giants that you are facing and say with God's help we can take them.
Maybe you are faced with a giant in your life and people around you are telling you, "oh you might as well give up, throw in your towel, that giant is too big, you might as well quit." God doesn't want you to quit, but face those giants. As the story continued the one's that grumbled and complained that rejected God did not get to see the land. However Caleb and Joshua were able to enter into the land. God wants you to receive your promise!
Champions no matter what giants you are facing, the Lord is not slack concerning his promise for you. He will provide for you, he has given you the VICTORY...Now whose report will you believe?
Additional Scripture References
Numbers 13 & 14
"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Prayer of Thanks for THE PROMISE!
In the race of life, we all face obstacles, some are bigger than others and some are tiny, but this one thing we know for sure, GOD knows all about it. My prayer is that while you continue to minister, be a wife/husband, student/teacher, or friend, that you will have patience to endure.......Hebrews 10:36 " Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised."
Father, we know that all things work together for our good,(Romans 8:28) while it is not always easy to see the good in the task, we trust you. We trust that you will guide our footsteps to our destinies. We thank you for calling us to do greater works,calling us to make a differences in our communities. Thank you for calling us to greatness and since we know you called us, we will not worry about what people have to say about our walk with you.(Romans 8:29-30) Thank you for keeping us from ourselves, when we could have messed up, you allowed the spirit within us to rise up.
We thank you for the creative power within us, that causes us to own businesses, attend schools, work jobs and be a TRUE reflection of you, everywhere we go. In these tough economic times, we know that it is you that have supplied all of our needs, it is you that have kept us from day to day. Thank you for having your hand upon us. You are truly our shepherd and we thank you!(Psalms 23, Philippians 4:19)
For the beauty that we see on the outside, thank you. For the things we can't see thank you for allowing us to "walk by faith and not by sight"(2 Corinthians 5:7), you are leading us to places that our natural mind can not comprehend, but our spirit is in alignment and agreeing to those things that you have called us to. THANK YOU!
We thank you for your healing power(Isaiah 53:5)......thank you for healing our bodies and our minds. Thank you for the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7)....that peace which we can't explain, we just know it's there and we accept it in our lives.
Thank you for every door that closed, that was not beneficial for us, thank you for protecting us from danger seen and unseen. Now we say as believers, we believe your report and we celebrate the hurdles that we had to cross in order to receive the VICTORY!
God we bless your HOLY name, the only name in by which men can be saved (Philippians 2:10), thank you for your goodness and love towards us all. Thank you for the promise it didn't die....it is manifesting in us!
In Jesus Name,
Amen!
Copyright ©2011 Carmen Palmer
Father, we know that all things work together for our good,(Romans 8:28) while it is not always easy to see the good in the task, we trust you. We trust that you will guide our footsteps to our destinies. We thank you for calling us to do greater works,calling us to make a differences in our communities. Thank you for calling us to greatness and since we know you called us, we will not worry about what people have to say about our walk with you.(Romans 8:29-30) Thank you for keeping us from ourselves, when we could have messed up, you allowed the spirit within us to rise up.
We thank you for the creative power within us, that causes us to own businesses, attend schools, work jobs and be a TRUE reflection of you, everywhere we go. In these tough economic times, we know that it is you that have supplied all of our needs, it is you that have kept us from day to day. Thank you for having your hand upon us. You are truly our shepherd and we thank you!(Psalms 23, Philippians 4:19)
For the beauty that we see on the outside, thank you. For the things we can't see thank you for allowing us to "walk by faith and not by sight"(2 Corinthians 5:7), you are leading us to places that our natural mind can not comprehend, but our spirit is in alignment and agreeing to those things that you have called us to. THANK YOU!
We thank you for your healing power(Isaiah 53:5)......thank you for healing our bodies and our minds. Thank you for the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7)....that peace which we can't explain, we just know it's there and we accept it in our lives.
Thank you for every door that closed, that was not beneficial for us, thank you for protecting us from danger seen and unseen. Now we say as believers, we believe your report and we celebrate the hurdles that we had to cross in order to receive the VICTORY!
God we bless your HOLY name, the only name in by which men can be saved (Philippians 2:10), thank you for your goodness and love towards us all. Thank you for the promise it didn't die....it is manifesting in us!
In Jesus Name,
Amen!
Copyright ©2011 Carmen Palmer
Friday, June 3, 2011
Setting The Record!
It's hard to believe....but in high school, I was on the track team. Now I never considered myself a runner; however, I did find an event that I liked. I decided to follow after my sister's footsteps and try the shot put and discus.
Now when my sister was in high school she set a record for discus throwing(some 25 years later that record still has not been broken). Thinking I could do the same thing as my sister, I tried very hard to stay in her shoes. What I failed to realize is that we both possessed different qualities, although we have the same parents, we have different strengths and weaknesses. My sister made it to the state level, I on the other hand made it to the regionals and my track career, well let's just say it stopped there. I lost my motivation because in my mind, I needed to do what my sister did.
Have you ever found yourself trying to keep up with the Joneses? This person did this, so you think you can do what they did and sometimes even better. CHAMPIONS, unfortunately for you, you were created to be different, your footprint is not the same as anyone. While you may share the same heavenly father as other believers he has made and equipped you to be different.
CHAMPIONS, it is no need to pattern your life after another person. Within you is greatness and he has called you to do even greater things than others. TODAY, embrace the CHAMPION within and set your own record of abundant living.
Scripture References: Psalms 139; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 12:4-8; I Corinthians 12:4
Copyright © 2011 Carmen Palmer
Now when my sister was in high school she set a record for discus throwing(some 25 years later that record still has not been broken). Thinking I could do the same thing as my sister, I tried very hard to stay in her shoes. What I failed to realize is that we both possessed different qualities, although we have the same parents, we have different strengths and weaknesses. My sister made it to the state level, I on the other hand made it to the regionals and my track career, well let's just say it stopped there. I lost my motivation because in my mind, I needed to do what my sister did.
Have you ever found yourself trying to keep up with the Joneses? This person did this, so you think you can do what they did and sometimes even better. CHAMPIONS, unfortunately for you, you were created to be different, your footprint is not the same as anyone. While you may share the same heavenly father as other believers he has made and equipped you to be different.
CHAMPIONS, it is no need to pattern your life after another person. Within you is greatness and he has called you to do even greater things than others. TODAY, embrace the CHAMPION within and set your own record of abundant living.
Scripture References: Psalms 139; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 12:4-8; I Corinthians 12:4
Copyright © 2011 Carmen Palmer
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Promise Didn't Die!
Recently, I was on a flight that was delayed by two hours. This delay caused me to miss my connecting flight. I was very disappointed as I wanted to see my family after being away for several days on a business trip.
Pacing the floor at the airport, I could not accept the answer that I was going to have to wait another 24 hours before heading home. The airline was very accommodating to me, they were going to send me to an hotel and book me on a "noon" flight. Still grateful, I called customer service and asked if they could fly me into a "neighboring city", they quickly obliged. See when you know what's ahead of you, you don't just give up. Joseph was given a promise although it took years to manifest, he didn't give up on his dreams, he knew he was destined to be a ruler, a leader and from every pit he looked to do good to those in his care and he found favor with GOD...
CHAMPIONS from crisis to CHRIST IS.....don't give up on your dreams........THE PROMISE IS MANIFESTING!
Scripture Reference Genesis chapters 37-42
Copyright © 2011 Carmen Palmer
Pacing the floor at the airport, I could not accept the answer that I was going to have to wait another 24 hours before heading home. The airline was very accommodating to me, they were going to send me to an hotel and book me on a "noon" flight. Still grateful, I called customer service and asked if they could fly me into a "neighboring city", they quickly obliged. See when you know what's ahead of you, you don't just give up. Joseph was given a promise although it took years to manifest, he didn't give up on his dreams, he knew he was destined to be a ruler, a leader and from every pit he looked to do good to those in his care and he found favor with GOD...
CHAMPIONS from crisis to CHRIST IS.....don't give up on your dreams........THE PROMISE IS MANIFESTING!
Scripture Reference Genesis chapters 37-42
Copyright © 2011 Carmen Palmer
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Couples Prayer!
Recently celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary, I was reflecting on how God has really blessed us. Over the years we have grown together into "our" own identity as a couple. When we were dating we were separate people, but when we became married we united as "one", we have learned how to communicate and more importantly we learned how to pray for each other.
I wanted to encourage those that are married and those that are embarking on the journey, always seek God, never compare your relationship to someone else, and continue to have a date night. Your marriage is important to God and your spouse. Look into your husband/wife eyes and let them know how much you appreciate them, how much they mean to you and then pray for them!
Prayer for a spouse:
Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with a spouse that is seeking after you! Thank you for allowing my (husband or wife) to be able to provide, protect and support our family. Thank you that as we walk together we are seeking you for your guidance, we are walking beside each other and are helping to push each other into our destinies. Thank you for not allowing negativity into our marriage and that if we ever had a problem, we were able to talk it out. Thank you for the hand that I hold and as I am holding their hand, I pray for added strength, I pray that you give your vision, wisdom and understanding.
Couples Prayer:
Lord,
I pray that you would speak to your couples that are following after you. May you give them wisdom within their marriages. We bind the enemies of their lives that have come to seek and destroy, what you have joined together. We loose within the marriages your joy, peace, and love. May they walk in your statues and daily give you praise for blessing their union. I pray that you place a desire within their heart that would cause it to melt each time they see their spouse. I speak your blessings over them and I thank you for saturating them in your love.
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." I Corinthians 13:4-7NLT
"and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." Mark 10:8-9NASB
Blessings to you~
I wanted to encourage those that are married and those that are embarking on the journey, always seek God, never compare your relationship to someone else, and continue to have a date night. Your marriage is important to God and your spouse. Look into your husband/wife eyes and let them know how much you appreciate them, how much they mean to you and then pray for them!
Prayer for a spouse:
Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with a spouse that is seeking after you! Thank you for allowing my (husband or wife) to be able to provide, protect and support our family. Thank you that as we walk together we are seeking you for your guidance, we are walking beside each other and are helping to push each other into our destinies. Thank you for not allowing negativity into our marriage and that if we ever had a problem, we were able to talk it out. Thank you for the hand that I hold and as I am holding their hand, I pray for added strength, I pray that you give your vision, wisdom and understanding.
Couples Prayer:
Lord,
I pray that you would speak to your couples that are following after you. May you give them wisdom within their marriages. We bind the enemies of their lives that have come to seek and destroy, what you have joined together. We loose within the marriages your joy, peace, and love. May they walk in your statues and daily give you praise for blessing their union. I pray that you place a desire within their heart that would cause it to melt each time they see their spouse. I speak your blessings over them and I thank you for saturating them in your love.
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." I Corinthians 13:4-7NLT
"and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." Mark 10:8-9NASB
Blessings to you~
I may have a bruise...BUT I AM HEALED!
Recently, my mom was telling my children about a incident that occurred when I was younger. At the time, the incident seemed horrible. As mom told the story of me wrecking my bicycle, I glanced down at the scar that was left some 20 years ago. That scar served as a reminder of a pain that I once had.
Of course, when the wreck happened I was in pain, but as the days went on and I took my focus off of the pain...I didn't feel it anymore. When faced with transitions in life, do not focus on the pain, but rather seek God. Yes it may hurt now, but it is temporary!
Look at your future and realize how great it is! What happened in the past helped to prepare you for the harvest after the drought season in your life. If you didn't have those obstacles you would not have known what it was like to serve a God that hears our prayers, heals us of our infirmities and forgives us for our wrong doings.
CHAMPIONS, be encouraged! The scar is a reminder of a past pain....you do not hurt anymore because you are HEALED! Walk in your VICTORY!
"But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed." Isaiah 53:5NLT
Of course, when the wreck happened I was in pain, but as the days went on and I took my focus off of the pain...I didn't feel it anymore. When faced with transitions in life, do not focus on the pain, but rather seek God. Yes it may hurt now, but it is temporary!
Look at your future and realize how great it is! What happened in the past helped to prepare you for the harvest after the drought season in your life. If you didn't have those obstacles you would not have known what it was like to serve a God that hears our prayers, heals us of our infirmities and forgives us for our wrong doings.
CHAMPIONS, be encouraged! The scar is a reminder of a past pain....you do not hurt anymore because you are HEALED! Walk in your VICTORY!
"But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed." Isaiah 53:5NLT
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Prayer for our Government and other countries
God,
I ask that you help us a nation to focus back on you. Our prayer is not only for the current administration but for past leaders, help us not to look through a stained glass and cast opinions. Help us as we cry out for those that have lost homes and jobs. Thank you for reminding us that during these tough economic times we can still call on you. Thank you for hearing our prayers. It is in your kingdom God that we have everything that we need, your blessings are endless. You are our shepherd.
I pray for other countries that are going through turmoils. My prayer is that you would help those suffering, I ask that you provide meals and shelters for those that don't have it. I pray that you would be with the missionaries that are spreading the Gospel for your sake, that you would protect them, guide their every footstep. I also pray that for the countries that are dealing with war that you would bring about peace. I pray that you are with those effected by natural disasters, may they seek after you and find refuge in you.
You have commanded us to love, teach us how to love those that are around us. How can we love you and not love our brother. Help us to walk in your ways. Now I pray that as a nation we get back to "One Nation Under God."
In Jesus Name,
Amen
I ask that you help us a nation to focus back on you. Our prayer is not only for the current administration but for past leaders, help us not to look through a stained glass and cast opinions. Help us as we cry out for those that have lost homes and jobs. Thank you for reminding us that during these tough economic times we can still call on you. Thank you for hearing our prayers. It is in your kingdom God that we have everything that we need, your blessings are endless. You are our shepherd.
I pray for other countries that are going through turmoils. My prayer is that you would help those suffering, I ask that you provide meals and shelters for those that don't have it. I pray that you would be with the missionaries that are spreading the Gospel for your sake, that you would protect them, guide their every footstep. I also pray that for the countries that are dealing with war that you would bring about peace. I pray that you are with those effected by natural disasters, may they seek after you and find refuge in you.
You have commanded us to love, teach us how to love those that are around us. How can we love you and not love our brother. Help us to walk in your ways. Now I pray that as a nation we get back to "One Nation Under God."
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Bitter Vs. Better...leaving the pit of bitterness and entering into the palace of BETTER
Maybe your situation hasn't changed, maybe it has become worse and the walls feel like they are tumbling on top of your head. Every thing you hear and see is negative, the odds are stacked against you, you see people plotting your demise, you have read the obituary of your life and people are ready to put the dirt on top of the casket, just maybe, just maybe the situation has not changed in the last few days, months and years, BUT your perspective about the situation can CHANGE.
For a number of years, Joseph went from pit to pit. The initial pit was caused by his brothers who were jealous of him. People will recognize the greatness in you and so will the enemy. Bitterness will cause you to lash out at others and sometimes cause harm to yourself. Often as a kid I was amazed at how when in relationships with people, if something went wrong, everybody was mad. Today that is true within some marriages/relationships when one spouse is mad at the other and tells everyone else...well you guessed it, everybody else is mad at the other person. Bitterness doesn't just happen over night, bitterness occurs from a build up of several things that have occurred in a person's life.
Joseph probably had every right to be bitter, can you imagine that if he allowed his bitterness to happen, he may have not been in a leadership position later on in his life? Still when in the pits he focused on helping others. He didn't lash out, in every stage, he remained calm, even in his "wealthy" place (the palace), he sought to do good to those that had put him in the pit.
The pit is an uncomfortable place, its dark, cold and one may feel lonely, but how will you handle the pit of life? It is in that pit that bitterness will speak and tell you that no one is on your side and that your life is nothing more than failure being played out in front of your eyes.
However, becoming better will cause you to channel that negative vibe and turn it into something positive. How do you make something bitter turn to better? Prayer. When we go to God in earnest pray, he will even allow our enemies to be at peace with us. Forgive those that have placed you in the pit. Next take the bitter situation and look at it and see what's in it, that is good....did the pit cause you to pray more? Did the pit allow you a time to journal/talk to God more? Did the pit take something away from you that wasn't beneficial to you? If it did, then the pit just turned into something better. "That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." Romans 8:28MSG
Joseph's life went from pit to pit, BUT GOD had a different plan. Just because it doesn't look like your breakthrough is going to happen, your perspective on the outlook can change. Yes, this pit is painful, but God has a palace for me and in that palace is his fullness of my joy. Surely the joy of the Lord is my strength. Yes, I am having difficulties in my health, BUT "By his stripes I am healed" He will give you strength to endure every pit and then he will lift you up and place you in your palace, where he will use you! "But don't feel badly, don't blame yourselves for selling me. God was behind it. God sent me here ahead of you to save lives." Gen 45:5MSG
CHAMPIONS, don't be discouraged by the pit of bitter, rather be encouraged by the palace of better. Better will help bring about peace to your inner self and peace with others! Try not to become bitter, but BETTER!
The story of Joseph's life can be found in Genesis chapters 37 thru 45
For a number of years, Joseph went from pit to pit. The initial pit was caused by his brothers who were jealous of him. People will recognize the greatness in you and so will the enemy. Bitterness will cause you to lash out at others and sometimes cause harm to yourself. Often as a kid I was amazed at how when in relationships with people, if something went wrong, everybody was mad. Today that is true within some marriages/relationships when one spouse is mad at the other and tells everyone else...well you guessed it, everybody else is mad at the other person. Bitterness doesn't just happen over night, bitterness occurs from a build up of several things that have occurred in a person's life.
Joseph probably had every right to be bitter, can you imagine that if he allowed his bitterness to happen, he may have not been in a leadership position later on in his life? Still when in the pits he focused on helping others. He didn't lash out, in every stage, he remained calm, even in his "wealthy" place (the palace), he sought to do good to those that had put him in the pit.
The pit is an uncomfortable place, its dark, cold and one may feel lonely, but how will you handle the pit of life? It is in that pit that bitterness will speak and tell you that no one is on your side and that your life is nothing more than failure being played out in front of your eyes.
However, becoming better will cause you to channel that negative vibe and turn it into something positive. How do you make something bitter turn to better? Prayer. When we go to God in earnest pray, he will even allow our enemies to be at peace with us. Forgive those that have placed you in the pit. Next take the bitter situation and look at it and see what's in it, that is good....did the pit cause you to pray more? Did the pit allow you a time to journal/talk to God more? Did the pit take something away from you that wasn't beneficial to you? If it did, then the pit just turned into something better. "That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." Romans 8:28MSG
Joseph's life went from pit to pit, BUT GOD had a different plan. Just because it doesn't look like your breakthrough is going to happen, your perspective on the outlook can change. Yes, this pit is painful, but God has a palace for me and in that palace is his fullness of my joy. Surely the joy of the Lord is my strength. Yes, I am having difficulties in my health, BUT "By his stripes I am healed" He will give you strength to endure every pit and then he will lift you up and place you in your palace, where he will use you! "But don't feel badly, don't blame yourselves for selling me. God was behind it. God sent me here ahead of you to save lives." Gen 45:5MSG
CHAMPIONS, don't be discouraged by the pit of bitter, rather be encouraged by the palace of better. Better will help bring about peace to your inner self and peace with others! Try not to become bitter, but BETTER!
The story of Joseph's life can be found in Genesis chapters 37 thru 45
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
What would happen if we prayed?
I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN PRAYER! DISCLAIMER: Today's blog is not about bashing people but just an awareness of what could really happen when we pray. Just maybe if we prayed a little more often we would see changes in our communities, churches, families, America & abroad.
Maybe if we left prayer in school, we would see more students focused.
Maybe if we brought prayer into our marriages we would see less couples divorced.
What if we taught our children how to pray when they were younger....they would be better equipped to call on the name of Jesus and not necessarily call on the name of their earthly parents to "bail" them out of a life situation.
What would happen if every doctor before they operated on a patient, prayed with the family and ask God to enter the room and be the real surgeon?
What if, before a witness in a courtroom placed their hand on the Bible to tell the truth, they seek after God for wisdom?
What would happen if every Senator & Congressman prayed for harmony, to work together to help bring the Nation back under God.....our money says in God we trust, but does our prayers reflect his trust?
What if we prayed on street corners, where drug addicts stand.....maybe they would recover and tell someone else about you God!
What if there were no more moment of silences and children & teachers were allowed to pray out loud....WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?
What if we started praying for those that have been hurt in and outside the church....maybe we would see "HEALED" people.
In a world that is controlled by "influence" I pray God that you would move us into a season of prayer, that when we pray we feel the chains of bondage break in half, that before we get the words God our Father off our lips that an healing has occurred, that while we are praying someone who was doesn't know you, would cry out for you........
Father, our prayer is simple....teach us, remind us, lead us into PRAYER!
I believe there is power in prayer and I don't know what will happen until I PRAY!
Maybe if we left prayer in school, we would see more students focused.
Maybe if we brought prayer into our marriages we would see less couples divorced.
What if we taught our children how to pray when they were younger....they would be better equipped to call on the name of Jesus and not necessarily call on the name of their earthly parents to "bail" them out of a life situation.
What would happen if every doctor before they operated on a patient, prayed with the family and ask God to enter the room and be the real surgeon?
What if, before a witness in a courtroom placed their hand on the Bible to tell the truth, they seek after God for wisdom?
What would happen if every Senator & Congressman prayed for harmony, to work together to help bring the Nation back under God.....our money says in God we trust, but does our prayers reflect his trust?
What if we prayed on street corners, where drug addicts stand.....maybe they would recover and tell someone else about you God!
What if there were no more moment of silences and children & teachers were allowed to pray out loud....WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?
What if we started praying for those that have been hurt in and outside the church....maybe we would see "HEALED" people.
In a world that is controlled by "influence" I pray God that you would move us into a season of prayer, that when we pray we feel the chains of bondage break in half, that before we get the words God our Father off our lips that an healing has occurred, that while we are praying someone who was doesn't know you, would cry out for you........
Father, our prayer is simple....teach us, remind us, lead us into PRAYER!
I believe there is power in prayer and I don't know what will happen until I PRAY!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Grateful! What makes you smile?
There comes a time when we should do an inventory of the things in our lives. Today we are only going to focus on those things that make us smile. Too often we shift our focus on our problems and the things that causes our heart to break, while our smile is turned upside down to a frown.
Today, look at all of those things around you that are just making your heart beat, your eyes to bat and that smile that showcases your teeth! Maybe it was the roses that you received on Valentine's day, or maybe it was the kiss from your significant other, or a note from your child that says I love you! Your list maybe a mile long, such as the co-worker who bought you a biscuit, or the gentleman at the gas station who decided to pump your gas. Maybe you received an unexpected promotion on your job, or you won a trip. Or it could be that you have great health, you are able to walk on your own, you are in your right mind, you have your voice, your able to see.....things may not be PERFECT, but you are still here!
So what ever your situation is on today....BE GRATEFUL! Keep a positive mindset, speak positive thoughts and continue to pray!
YOU ARE A CHAMPION AND YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR!
Today, look at all of those things around you that are just making your heart beat, your eyes to bat and that smile that showcases your teeth! Maybe it was the roses that you received on Valentine's day, or maybe it was the kiss from your significant other, or a note from your child that says I love you! Your list maybe a mile long, such as the co-worker who bought you a biscuit, or the gentleman at the gas station who decided to pump your gas. Maybe you received an unexpected promotion on your job, or you won a trip. Or it could be that you have great health, you are able to walk on your own, you are in your right mind, you have your voice, your able to see.....things may not be PERFECT, but you are still here!
So what ever your situation is on today....BE GRATEFUL! Keep a positive mindset, speak positive thoughts and continue to pray!
YOU ARE A CHAMPION AND YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Reflections from a Daddy's Girl: Healing from a past hurt!
I was a daddy's girl, so it was nothing for me to hop into my father's tractor trailer and go on a ride with him or talking on the phone frequently, with him. My father was a business man so I grew up watching him in many entrepreneur ventures, from selling Murphy choir robes, to life insurance policies, to becoming part owner of a trucking company.
Valentine's Day has always been a special day for me. It was nothing for my parents to give us chocolate candy and those little boxes of hard candy hearts. My parents were divorced so whenever there was a holiday, my father would send us cards if he was out of town.
It was February 14, 1987 and our phone rang, quite naturally I had a feeling that it was my dad. When I answered, my father said, "hey Carmie (my nickname, that he gave me), my eyes lit up and I said "hey daddy", then he began to sing "I just called to say I love you, I just called to say how much I care, I just called to say, I love you and I mean it from the bottom of my heart!"
I was wowed! My dad, my sister and I talked for a long time, before we hung up he told us that he would be coming home and that he would see us soon. Life went on like normal, until February 19, 1987, my sister and I had just gotten home and we received a phone call that our father had fallen ill and was taken to a hospital in Ohio. We had little time to react as our mother explained to us to get ready, that we would need to travel to Ohio, to be our father's bedside. Moments later the phone rang and it was the call that we were not expecting, as my older sister answered the phone, she was told that our father David Emanuel Herbin had passed away.
My life as I knew it had stopped! I was numb to the news. My dad was my world, how was I going to live without my father. Even as I write this blog, the pain is still so real after 24 years. Who was going to let me ride in the tractor trailer? Who was going to teach me history lessons about great men and women? Who was going with me on my field trips? Before dad died he told the nurse, to tell my children that I love them.... I held onto those words, yet I was still hurting!
This was to say the least a life changing experience for my family. After my father's death, I realized that I was just "there" nothing was phasing me, it wasn't until I was older that I knew that I needed help to deal with his passing. You can't heal until you deal with what has hurt you. I would smile, but deep down I was hurting, I missed the love from my father. As time went on and I matured into an adult and formed a relationship, with God, I was healed.
It was so clear that God wanted to heal me, but I was still holding on to the hurt, the pain, and the disappointment of the lost love of a father. This past Easter, I allowed the pain to resurface and I as I began to weep and call on God, I felt God purging me of this hurt that was going on at the time for 23 years. It was so clear, as I was standing there talking to God, I could feel my father saying....Carmie, it's okay to let it go, I am still your father, but your heavenly father,loves you more.
You see when we allow God to minister to us, he takes those deep hidden pains and he begins to perform a healing surgery on us. God wants us whole, he wants us to recover, but the only way you will recover is if you deal with the pain. This time, I dealt with everything, that I had suppressed for years. See I thought I was over it, but I wasn't.
In order for me to move forward, I had to continually pray and seek God. Father, I thank you that you are able to heal us from all of our hurts, now I pray that your word would help us daily as we recover.
As you continue to walk in your healing allow the scriptures to speak to your life. I am praying that God our Jehovah-Rapha - "the Lord that healeth thee" (Ex. 15:25-26), will comfort you and heal you of every manner.
Additional Scriptures on healing:
Ps 147:3"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." (KJV)
Ps. 23:3a "He restores my soul."
Matt 21:22: "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (ASV)
Ps. 34:18 "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit"
God loves you and YOU WILL RECOVER!
Valentine's Day has always been a special day for me. It was nothing for my parents to give us chocolate candy and those little boxes of hard candy hearts. My parents were divorced so whenever there was a holiday, my father would send us cards if he was out of town.
It was February 14, 1987 and our phone rang, quite naturally I had a feeling that it was my dad. When I answered, my father said, "hey Carmie (my nickname, that he gave me), my eyes lit up and I said "hey daddy", then he began to sing "I just called to say I love you, I just called to say how much I care, I just called to say, I love you and I mean it from the bottom of my heart!"
I was wowed! My dad, my sister and I talked for a long time, before we hung up he told us that he would be coming home and that he would see us soon. Life went on like normal, until February 19, 1987, my sister and I had just gotten home and we received a phone call that our father had fallen ill and was taken to a hospital in Ohio. We had little time to react as our mother explained to us to get ready, that we would need to travel to Ohio, to be our father's bedside. Moments later the phone rang and it was the call that we were not expecting, as my older sister answered the phone, she was told that our father David Emanuel Herbin had passed away.
My life as I knew it had stopped! I was numb to the news. My dad was my world, how was I going to live without my father. Even as I write this blog, the pain is still so real after 24 years. Who was going to let me ride in the tractor trailer? Who was going to teach me history lessons about great men and women? Who was going with me on my field trips? Before dad died he told the nurse, to tell my children that I love them.... I held onto those words, yet I was still hurting!
This was to say the least a life changing experience for my family. After my father's death, I realized that I was just "there" nothing was phasing me, it wasn't until I was older that I knew that I needed help to deal with his passing. You can't heal until you deal with what has hurt you. I would smile, but deep down I was hurting, I missed the love from my father. As time went on and I matured into an adult and formed a relationship, with God, I was healed.
It was so clear that God wanted to heal me, but I was still holding on to the hurt, the pain, and the disappointment of the lost love of a father. This past Easter, I allowed the pain to resurface and I as I began to weep and call on God, I felt God purging me of this hurt that was going on at the time for 23 years. It was so clear, as I was standing there talking to God, I could feel my father saying....Carmie, it's okay to let it go, I am still your father, but your heavenly father,loves you more.
You see when we allow God to minister to us, he takes those deep hidden pains and he begins to perform a healing surgery on us. God wants us whole, he wants us to recover, but the only way you will recover is if you deal with the pain. This time, I dealt with everything, that I had suppressed for years. See I thought I was over it, but I wasn't.
In order for me to move forward, I had to continually pray and seek God. Father, I thank you that you are able to heal us from all of our hurts, now I pray that your word would help us daily as we recover.
As you continue to walk in your healing allow the scriptures to speak to your life. I am praying that God our Jehovah-Rapha - "the Lord that healeth thee" (Ex. 15:25-26), will comfort you and heal you of every manner.
Additional Scriptures on healing:
Ps 147:3"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." (KJV)
Ps. 23:3a "He restores my soul."
Matt 21:22: "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (ASV)
Ps. 34:18 "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit"
God loves you and YOU WILL RECOVER!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
2.1.11 Healing Prayer
Father it is early that I seek you asking you to HEAL those that need a physical, mental, spiritual, and financial healing. We stand on your word and we declare that everything that you have spoken is true. We thank you that you hear us as we pray over your scriptures.
"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalms 103:1-5
Your word brings healing to our situations. "Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Psalms 107:19-20
"My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:20-23
Thank you Jesus, for taking our pain and healing us. "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5
Thank you for already speaking to us that you want us to prosper. "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2
Your word has the final say over our lives....."For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isaiah 55:9-11
God we bless you that you have given us your word, we know that it has the power to heal us, help us to not only speak the word, but believe in the word! I pray for those that have suffered losses that you would be their comforter and wrap them in your loving arms.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalms 103:1-5
Your word brings healing to our situations. "Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Psalms 107:19-20
"My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:20-23
Thank you Jesus, for taking our pain and healing us. "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5
Thank you for already speaking to us that you want us to prosper. "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2
Your word has the final say over our lives....."For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isaiah 55:9-11
God we bless you that you have given us your word, we know that it has the power to heal us, help us to not only speak the word, but believe in the word! I pray for those that have suffered losses that you would be their comforter and wrap them in your loving arms.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
An Unfailing Word!
OH LORD, HOW EXCELLENT IS YOUR NAME...thank you for giving us daily bread, that our cup is overflowing and that we are abundantly blessed!! We are blessed going in and coming out, you are surrounding us with FAVOR!
Thank you for being everything that we need, when we needed a healer, you provided a healing, when we didn't have you provided, you were Jehovah Jireh. Thank you for protecting us from the traps that the enemy tried to plant, you didn't let us stumble and fall, but you oh God, prepared a table for us in the presence of our enemies. {Though they intend to harm you and devise a wicked plan, they will not prevail.}Psalms 21:11HCSB {You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.}Psalms 23:11HCSB
In the midst of uncertainty...your word never fails, it brings clarity and comfort to our hearts. What you have spoken over our lives and destinies will come to pass. "For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return there,without saturating the earth and making it germinate and sprout,and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty,but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it [to do]. You will indeed go out with joy and be peacefully guided; the mountains and the hills will break into singing before you, and all the trees of the field will clap [their] hands. Instead of the thornbush, a cypress will come up, and instead of the brier, a myrtle will come up; it will make a name for the Lord as an everlasting sign that will not be destroyed." Isaiah 55:9-13
God we have confidence in you...."For every one of God's promises is "Yes" in Him. Therefore, the "Amen" is also [spoken] through Him by us for God's glory." 2 Corinthians 1:20HCSB
Thank you for hearing our prayer and supplying ALL of our NEEDS.
In Jesus Name
Amen!
Thank you for being everything that we need, when we needed a healer, you provided a healing, when we didn't have you provided, you were Jehovah Jireh. Thank you for protecting us from the traps that the enemy tried to plant, you didn't let us stumble and fall, but you oh God, prepared a table for us in the presence of our enemies. {Though they intend to harm you and devise a wicked plan, they will not prevail.}Psalms 21:11HCSB {You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.}Psalms 23:11HCSB
In the midst of uncertainty...your word never fails, it brings clarity and comfort to our hearts. What you have spoken over our lives and destinies will come to pass. "For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return there,without saturating the earth and making it germinate and sprout,and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty,but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it [to do]. You will indeed go out with joy and be peacefully guided; the mountains and the hills will break into singing before you, and all the trees of the field will clap [their] hands. Instead of the thornbush, a cypress will come up, and instead of the brier, a myrtle will come up; it will make a name for the Lord as an everlasting sign that will not be destroyed." Isaiah 55:9-13
God we have confidence in you...."For every one of God's promises is "Yes" in Him. Therefore, the "Amen" is also [spoken] through Him by us for God's glory." 2 Corinthians 1:20HCSB
Thank you for hearing our prayer and supplying ALL of our NEEDS.
In Jesus Name
Amen!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Prayer of FAVOR
It is more than saying we are blessed and highly favored, you have to believe that you are BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED in every situation. You have to speak it and believe it. Faith with out works is dead....what is works, it is the act of doing something upon which you have declared or spoken.
Heavenly Father thank you for giving us FAVOR in our life. The FAVOR that you give, follows us every day along with your grace and mercy. Favor speaks to us when we are faced with a situation that looks hopeless. Favor shows up and blesses us because you have ordained it as a part of our life. There are times when we may not always feel like we are "favored" but GOD thank you that "FAVOR" shows up and causes a shift, a stirring in our FAITH. FAVOR is there before we are there! (physically)
Thank you for affirming your FAVOR with us in your written word and allowing us to pray these scriptures over our life.
For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor).Ps. 5:12 HCSB
"You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor." Ps. 145:16AMP
"So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man. Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." Proverbs 3:4-6AMP
"For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon" John1:16AMP
"And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]." 2 Corn. 9:8AMP
"We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose."Romans 8:28HCSB
THANK YOU GOD FOR FAVOR!
In Jesus Name,
Amen!
Heavenly Father thank you for giving us FAVOR in our life. The FAVOR that you give, follows us every day along with your grace and mercy. Favor speaks to us when we are faced with a situation that looks hopeless. Favor shows up and blesses us because you have ordained it as a part of our life. There are times when we may not always feel like we are "favored" but GOD thank you that "FAVOR" shows up and causes a shift, a stirring in our FAITH. FAVOR is there before we are there! (physically)
Thank you for affirming your FAVOR with us in your written word and allowing us to pray these scriptures over our life.
For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor).Ps. 5:12 HCSB
"You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor." Ps. 145:16AMP
"So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man. Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." Proverbs 3:4-6AMP
"For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon" John1:16AMP
"And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]." 2 Corn. 9:8AMP
"We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose."Romans 8:28HCSB
THANK YOU GOD FOR FAVOR!
In Jesus Name,
Amen!
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