Don't be moved by your current situation, rather move your situation with the word! Tonight I stand on his word not just for me but for others! God doesn't expect for you to handle it by yourself, he wants you to release it to him. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5:17NIV
Father,
First we pray for your will to be done! We lift up those that feel abandoned. God hasn't left you! "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”Deuteronomy 31:8NLT
We lift up the institution of marriage. We pray that you would allow God fully into your marriage, may he rekindle your love for each other. The enemy would like to destroy what God has joined together, as a couple you must stand firm on God's word and work together as a team through prayer, especially when you see the tactics of the enemy coming at you. Guard your marriage, cover each other with the word. Therefore what God had joined together let no man separate. (Matthew 19:6NLT)
There are many who are in need of a physical healing, we intercede on behalf of those that "No weapon formed against them shall be able to prosper"Isaiah 54:17NLT, we also believe that by "your stripes, we are healed!" Isaiah 53:15NLT. Thank you for healing us according to your word, even when our natural minds could not believe or understand, you give us your word to remind us of your promises, “Then your salvation will come like the dawn,and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward,and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind."Isaiah 58:8NLT
Lord we pray that we would see our lives as you view it.....we know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, we know that you have given us a life of abundance and the enemy wants us to feel as if we are less than, thank you for leading us into our abundant season and removing all fears of living a full life. (John 10:10)
Help us to love our neighbor as ourselves, we pray for our nation, that you would guide our leaders. In times when everything is uncertain, we can find rest and assurance in you and your word. Even during this election time, guide our hands on the ballots that we may choose the right leader in our local communities and in our government. We pray for our current administration, that our President would make the best choices for the people.
Thank you for keeping your word, Your word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path(Psalms 119:105NLT)....thank you for guiding us down the path of righteousness and not abandoning us. We lift up those that feel as if their prayers are not being answered, I just pray that you would give them mustard size faith to believe in the impossible. Even though their eyes can't see it, let them hear in the spirit that the prayers are being answered.
We thank you in advance for what you are going to do in this season of our lives.
In Jesus Name,
Amen!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Entrepreneur Prayer
I am praying that God gives you the stamina to overcome, the doubters and those that are whispering in your ear that you can't make it or that your business or life is a failure. There is no lack in God and he is faithful to bring to pass all of the promises concerning you.
I also pray that as you get up each day that God gives you a new zeal for your business that he would awaken your faith so that you are able to be a resource to your community.
I am praying for you, my entrepreneur friends, don't give up on what you believe in! You have had some hurdles to overcome, but you had strength to jump over them. Your business will sustain if you remain focused and humble. You can not listen to everything and you can't take everyone with you, I know you know what I'm talking about, especially if they don't believe in your vision. It's time to unpack the dead weight and it's time to soar with eagles wings. I am praying for your increase, may this be your best year ever, you will not have a loss but you shall profit! What satan meant for your bad, God has turned it around for your good!
May God Bless each and every one of you!cp
I also pray that as you get up each day that God gives you a new zeal for your business that he would awaken your faith so that you are able to be a resource to your community.
I am praying for you, my entrepreneur friends, don't give up on what you believe in! You have had some hurdles to overcome, but you had strength to jump over them. Your business will sustain if you remain focused and humble. You can not listen to everything and you can't take everyone with you, I know you know what I'm talking about, especially if they don't believe in your vision. It's time to unpack the dead weight and it's time to soar with eagles wings. I am praying for your increase, may this be your best year ever, you will not have a loss but you shall profit! What satan meant for your bad, God has turned it around for your good!
May God Bless each and every one of you!cp
Friday, March 16, 2012
The Underdog!
I don't watch a lot of sports, but today, as I rested I caught a few NCAA basketball games. Interesting enough was the teams that were not slated to win, WON and for some teams they were predicted to win, they LOST. The underdog always has smack (junk) talked about them, no one expects them to make it through the first quarter, yet alone to keep the momentum going until the end of the game.
In my younger years I remember reading "The Tortoise and The Hare", I was amazed at how the hare continuously bragged about his speed and that he would beat the slow moving tortoise. The tortoise never retorted back with any words, yet he stayed on his slow moving course. Surely, the tortoise was tired of hearing the hare's mouth and probably frustrated that it was taking him so long to get to his final destination. Nevertheless, the tortoise kept it moving. Even with all of his speed and agility the hare became tired and thought he could rest a little while. What a mistake the hare was making. As the story ends the hare took a total of three naps and it wasn't until the last nap, that he saw his opponent getting ready to cross the finish line. With all of his speed, the hare jumped up to run and beat the tortoise, only to get to the finish line and lose to the very one he picked on!
There are times when you will have people in your life that will talk about you and doubt the very thing that you are doing. Pay no attention to what they have to say, rather stay focused on your course. Eventually they will become like the hare and get tired of you trying to catch up with them and take a nap. Their negative restless behavior will cause them to sleep, while you patiently and quietly cross the finish line.
Underdogs have a relentless amount of determination and perseverance that helps them to stay focused! Don't give up, stay in the race, you are almost at the finish line of victory!
In my younger years I remember reading "The Tortoise and The Hare", I was amazed at how the hare continuously bragged about his speed and that he would beat the slow moving tortoise. The tortoise never retorted back with any words, yet he stayed on his slow moving course. Surely, the tortoise was tired of hearing the hare's mouth and probably frustrated that it was taking him so long to get to his final destination. Nevertheless, the tortoise kept it moving. Even with all of his speed and agility the hare became tired and thought he could rest a little while. What a mistake the hare was making. As the story ends the hare took a total of three naps and it wasn't until the last nap, that he saw his opponent getting ready to cross the finish line. With all of his speed, the hare jumped up to run and beat the tortoise, only to get to the finish line and lose to the very one he picked on!
There are times when you will have people in your life that will talk about you and doubt the very thing that you are doing. Pay no attention to what they have to say, rather stay focused on your course. Eventually they will become like the hare and get tired of you trying to catch up with them and take a nap. Their negative restless behavior will cause them to sleep, while you patiently and quietly cross the finish line.
Underdogs have a relentless amount of determination and perseverance that helps them to stay focused! Don't give up, stay in the race, you are almost at the finish line of victory!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
A prayer for you, my friend!
Today, not only do I pray for myself but I am also praying for my CHAMPION friends. Praying for those that are dealing with sickness, lack of finances, for those looking for a job and those searching for peace.
I pray that the Lord would silence the doubters/enemies in your life that have you feeling like you can't make it, when in fact the word of God has declared that you are above and not beneath, you are the head and not the tail.(Deuteronomy 28:13) Stand up tall and use your kingdom authority and let satan know to get thee behind you! (Matthew 16:23)
Yes, you may be on medicine but God gives us wisdom and direction and through his word we can declare that "by his stripes you are healed of your infirmities." Isaiah 53:5
Thank you for the direction of our finances, according to Proverbs 3:5-6 that we should trust in you, so we trust you with our finances, thank you that you are helping us to become better stewards over what you have given us. Help us to hold onto your word found in 2 Corinthians 9:10 "For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you."
Lord we know that we are faced with tough economic times and jobs are scarce however, Lord you can provide. I pray that you would open our minds up to the creativity that you have given us for we know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalms 139:14 it is in our wonderfulness that our creativity can be poured out...I pray that through this process new ideas and businesses are birthed!
For my friends that are wrestling with life and you feel as if you are being penned down to the ground and you can't take another breath, I pray that you will begin to receive God's peace. May his peace saturate every restless area of your life, may you not look to others for peace but look solely to God. Lean on his everlasting arms...."Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
As we continue to seek you God, I pray that you would give my friends strength, without your strength, they will not have your joy. So today may we all receive your strength. Help us to not go weary in doing well, and even though our legs feel week, help us to be mindful that the race isn't given to the swift nor to the strong, but to the one who endures until the end. For you are the author and finisher of our faith, it is in you that we put our trust! (Nehemiah 8:10, Galatians 6:9, Ecclesiastes 9:11, Hebrews 12:2, Psalms 20:7; 56:3)
In Jesus Name!
Amen!
I pray that the Lord would silence the doubters/enemies in your life that have you feeling like you can't make it, when in fact the word of God has declared that you are above and not beneath, you are the head and not the tail.(Deuteronomy 28:13) Stand up tall and use your kingdom authority and let satan know to get thee behind you! (Matthew 16:23)
Yes, you may be on medicine but God gives us wisdom and direction and through his word we can declare that "by his stripes you are healed of your infirmities." Isaiah 53:5
Thank you for the direction of our finances, according to Proverbs 3:5-6 that we should trust in you, so we trust you with our finances, thank you that you are helping us to become better stewards over what you have given us. Help us to hold onto your word found in 2 Corinthians 9:10 "For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you."
Lord we know that we are faced with tough economic times and jobs are scarce however, Lord you can provide. I pray that you would open our minds up to the creativity that you have given us for we know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalms 139:14 it is in our wonderfulness that our creativity can be poured out...I pray that through this process new ideas and businesses are birthed!
For my friends that are wrestling with life and you feel as if you are being penned down to the ground and you can't take another breath, I pray that you will begin to receive God's peace. May his peace saturate every restless area of your life, may you not look to others for peace but look solely to God. Lean on his everlasting arms...."Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
As we continue to seek you God, I pray that you would give my friends strength, without your strength, they will not have your joy. So today may we all receive your strength. Help us to not go weary in doing well, and even though our legs feel week, help us to be mindful that the race isn't given to the swift nor to the strong, but to the one who endures until the end. For you are the author and finisher of our faith, it is in you that we put our trust! (Nehemiah 8:10, Galatians 6:9, Ecclesiastes 9:11, Hebrews 12:2, Psalms 20:7; 56:3)
In Jesus Name!
Amen!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2012 Prayer
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.
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 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
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