I'm a pretty strong willed person. I don't think that there's anything that I can't do and once my sights are locked on a goal, I won't stop until I reach or achieve that goal. This works very well for me in the natural, however, not so much with the Lord.
With the Lord I have to be submissive and obedient. I have to trust in Him and not myself and actually believe that someone other that me has my best interest at heart. I have to wait on the Lord and be encouraged that even though He may not come when I want Him, He's always on time. I have to reposition myself from the one in the driver's seat to the one being driven.
This is a lot easier said than done and I know that people say it all the time..."God is faithful. He's always on time". It took me a while to truly understand God's timing because for a while I thought that I was the butt of God's jokes. It wasn't until I realized that a lot of the decisions I was making was due to a lack of faith or impatience, and even lack of clarity of thought. I've had to determine what is truly important to me and what I'm trying to accomplish. When it's all said and done, I just want to be the woman that God created and purposed me to be.
I've learned that I've blocked my own blessings and I haven't allowed the Lord to move in my life the way I say I want Him to. I can't do things my way because, as my track record has proven, I don't know what I'm doing. My disobedience has been my downfall on more than one occasion. Finally, FINALLY, I'm ready to be elevated to a more substantial relationship with my Father. I guess I'm just tired of trying to do things my way and always getting basically the same result, even though it may be different situations or scenarios.
I've come to the realization that I need the PRESENCE of the Lord...daily, all the time. I need to commune with Him, allowing His presence to guide me. I don't have a problem with being quiet or listening. My problem has always being in control. Life has taught me that if I want something done and done right, I have to do it myself. Jesus is teaching me that if I wait on the Lord I will have renewed strength. I will mount up on wings like an eagle that soars. I will run and not be weary, walk and never faint...IF I wait on the Lord.
So now, the diligence that He has infused in me will be used to seek His PRESENCE. I've discovered that I can't live without it. My heart's desire is to be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season. Who's leaf shall not wither, and whatsoever I doeth (I made the scripture personal to me) shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3 KJV)
Lord Jesus, show me in Your Word how to submit to Your Will and Your Way. Break my will so that Your Will be made manifest in my life. Help me to be Christ-like and obedient, humble and thankful. Bless the reader and meet them where they are, Father. You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. You are holy and awesome. Hallellujah!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Learning MY True Value
This weekend was absolutely amazing for me! I had the opportunity to go to Fort Mill, SC to a women's conference at Morningstar Fellowship Church, where former television evangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker created Heritage Ministries! It was beautiful and unlike anything I had ever seen before in my life. When you first walk into the church, you feel like you're walking into a convention center. We walked down a short hallway and down the stairs into what looked like the main sanctuary. There was another conference underway in that area, but the staff was very helpful and friendly, guiding us to the area where our women's conference was held.
As we exited the main sanctuary, we walked through an area that looks like Main St at Disneyworld or something, with shops and boutiques on either side of the "street", complete with street lights and benches and everything. The church bookstore looked like Borders! We go through some huge glass doors and continue down a long, beautiful hallway. Mini Victorian style chandeliers hung from the ceiling as we made our way to the Dogwood Room. The walls were painted sky blue and there were portraits that were larger than life with encouraging words or of Jesus Christ hanging from them. I didn't realize where I was until I saw a oil painting of Tammy Faye Bakker on the wall in a cozy yet elegantly decorated corner. I was so excited because I was expecting something amazing to take place that day...and the fact that I was in the church of the world renowned Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker!
The True Value of a Woman was the name of the conference and I must say that my life is forever changed and greatly impacted because of what I learned this weekend. It was truly an eye opener to learn how the Lord truly sees me and values me as a woman. I was so affected by the information that I purchased the cd set and am soaking the message into my spirit so that I can share what I've learned with every female I know. I want all women to know that they are worth so much more than what they've been taught by their parents, in church, and in the media.
God sees us as the END of creation, for nothing else was created after woman. He truly did save the best for last. How magnificent is that!
Lord, bless the reader of this blog entry and help me to minister to everyone about the true value of a woman and how YOU esteem her as Your intimate creation. Thank You for Your Word and the revelation knowledge that it brings, and thank You for letting me know through Your Word my worth. In Your precious name I pray, amen.
As we exited the main sanctuary, we walked through an area that looks like Main St at Disneyworld or something, with shops and boutiques on either side of the "street", complete with street lights and benches and everything. The church bookstore looked like Borders! We go through some huge glass doors and continue down a long, beautiful hallway. Mini Victorian style chandeliers hung from the ceiling as we made our way to the Dogwood Room. The walls were painted sky blue and there were portraits that were larger than life with encouraging words or of Jesus Christ hanging from them. I didn't realize where I was until I saw a oil painting of Tammy Faye Bakker on the wall in a cozy yet elegantly decorated corner. I was so excited because I was expecting something amazing to take place that day...and the fact that I was in the church of the world renowned Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker!
The True Value of a Woman was the name of the conference and I must say that my life is forever changed and greatly impacted because of what I learned this weekend. It was truly an eye opener to learn how the Lord truly sees me and values me as a woman. I was so affected by the information that I purchased the cd set and am soaking the message into my spirit so that I can share what I've learned with every female I know. I want all women to know that they are worth so much more than what they've been taught by their parents, in church, and in the media.
God sees us as the END of creation, for nothing else was created after woman. He truly did save the best for last. How magnificent is that!
Lord, bless the reader of this blog entry and help me to minister to everyone about the true value of a woman and how YOU esteem her as Your intimate creation. Thank You for Your Word and the revelation knowledge that it brings, and thank You for letting me know through Your Word my worth. In Your precious name I pray, amen.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Be Thankful for the Little Things
Every morning when I open my eyes the first thing I say is, "this is the day that the Lord has made and I WILL rejoice and be glad in it". I'm truly thankful for the opportunity to see another day and to be able to work towards becoming the woman that God has predestined me to be. I'm so grateful for the people in my life, the things that I've been able to acquire and accomplish, and the lessons I've learned.
There seems to be so many ungrateful people in the world. It seems like people are always pissing and moaning about what they don't have, what should have been, could have been, blah, blah, blah. I say that for all the things you feel like you're missing, take a look at all the things that you're NOT missing. A friend of mine was telling me about a woman at the facility where she works, who had her legs wrapped in bandages and walked with a cane. She had some sort of surgery and the bandages were part of the healing process. Last week, the woman had gotten her bandages removed. My friend had asked her how things were going and all she could do was talk about what she didn't have and what she wished she had. My friend asked her if she could think of anything good in her life and the woman told her no. My friend then pointed out that she noticed that her had her bandages removed and didn't have to walk with her cane anymore, and the woman's response was that she was tired of walking bent over...wow!
My friend and I laughed about that conversation, but we both said that it was so sad that she didn't see anything, not one thing positive in her life. What an existence! You're moving and breathing and even though it may not be the way YOU feel like you should or could be moving and breathing, the fact that you're able to do either is reason enough to rejoice and be glad. Everything else is just a bonus! I've seen both of my grandmothers go from vibrant and lively to bedridden in continuous pain. I've seen people that are not able to move and get out of bed with smiles on their faces that could like up the darkest of rooms.
I guess my point to all of this is that your disposition is a matter of choice. Everyone goes through things, but your outlook really does determine your outcome. Dr. Wayne Dyer says that when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change. If you don't believe us, then try it. I encourage you to appreciate the little things that are so easily taken for granted. When you add up all the little things that you typically take for granted, you'll soon discover that you have more than you realize. There really is a lot to be thankful for if you just take the time to consider the alternative. Even in the worst of situations, there is a positive experience somewhere infused within that particular journey.
Lord, I thank you for the person reading this and I pray that the reader of this blog will take time out to appreciated all the blessings that You've allowed them to experience. Help them to be forever grateful for ALL that they have instead of focusing on all that they DON'T have. I pray that they realize and understand that no matter how bad things seem that You are the Lifter of their heads and that they really are blessed. Help them to see that the little things really do matter and are so easy to lose if they're not careful. Bless each reader and help me to help them Father. In Your precious name I pray, amen.
There seems to be so many ungrateful people in the world. It seems like people are always pissing and moaning about what they don't have, what should have been, could have been, blah, blah, blah. I say that for all the things you feel like you're missing, take a look at all the things that you're NOT missing. A friend of mine was telling me about a woman at the facility where she works, who had her legs wrapped in bandages and walked with a cane. She had some sort of surgery and the bandages were part of the healing process. Last week, the woman had gotten her bandages removed. My friend had asked her how things were going and all she could do was talk about what she didn't have and what she wished she had. My friend asked her if she could think of anything good in her life and the woman told her no. My friend then pointed out that she noticed that her had her bandages removed and didn't have to walk with her cane anymore, and the woman's response was that she was tired of walking bent over...wow!
My friend and I laughed about that conversation, but we both said that it was so sad that she didn't see anything, not one thing positive in her life. What an existence! You're moving and breathing and even though it may not be the way YOU feel like you should or could be moving and breathing, the fact that you're able to do either is reason enough to rejoice and be glad. Everything else is just a bonus! I've seen both of my grandmothers go from vibrant and lively to bedridden in continuous pain. I've seen people that are not able to move and get out of bed with smiles on their faces that could like up the darkest of rooms.
I guess my point to all of this is that your disposition is a matter of choice. Everyone goes through things, but your outlook really does determine your outcome. Dr. Wayne Dyer says that when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change. If you don't believe us, then try it. I encourage you to appreciate the little things that are so easily taken for granted. When you add up all the little things that you typically take for granted, you'll soon discover that you have more than you realize. There really is a lot to be thankful for if you just take the time to consider the alternative. Even in the worst of situations, there is a positive experience somewhere infused within that particular journey.
Lord, I thank you for the person reading this and I pray that the reader of this blog will take time out to appreciated all the blessings that You've allowed them to experience. Help them to be forever grateful for ALL that they have instead of focusing on all that they DON'T have. I pray that they realize and understand that no matter how bad things seem that You are the Lifter of their heads and that they really are blessed. Help them to see that the little things really do matter and are so easy to lose if they're not careful. Bless each reader and help me to help them Father. In Your precious name I pray, amen.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Getting Back to Basics
"Sometimes in order for you to move forward you've got to go back". That sentence changed my life. I've always been busy striving and pursuing something...better employment, my education, business ventures, love, you name it. But in all my pursuits, somehow I lost sight of keeping things simple. Thank you so much, Pastor Sarat, for showing me that it doesn't take a whole lot to truly be happy, if we just go back to the basics.
I was so busy chasing the things I desired to have in my life that I overlooked one basic principle..."in all my ways acknowledge HIM and He will direct my paths". It took me a while to realize and submit to the fact that "they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings like an eagle that soars. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and never faint...". The key is putting God first in EVERYTHING you do. I know that sounds cliche, but it really is true. Waiting doesn't imply that you just sit idly by and literally WAIT for God to do something, but instead it encourages you to be diligent in your pursuits while keeping things in perspective as well. The Lord wants the best for us, but we must put Him at the head of everything, no matter how hard or easy it seems to be. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but the key is that it can be done.
Be thankful for all that you have, from the movement of limbs to the food on your table, the vehicle in your driveway to the job allows you to provide and take care of your family. Thank God for the good times and the bad times for every experience contributes to the development of your character. Remember that the Lord desires to be number one in our lives. He wants us to communicate with Him through prayer because that's when He can receive our undivided attention.
"I will bless the Lord at ALL times and His praises shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord, the humble shall hear thereof and be glad. Magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together, for we are His people and He desires all our praise. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord".
Thank you Lord for allowing me to share what's in my heart with the readers of my blog. Bless them and meet them wherever they are. Deliver them, save them, heal them, comfort them, oh Lord, for You know the needs and desires of the people. Show me how to be a blessing and a mouthpiece to encourage the discouraged, and put a smile on a sad face. Help me to help Your people, Lord. You are awesome and mighty and I thank You in advance for all that You're about to do in the lives of all who read this posting. In Your precious name I pray, amen.
Make it an incredible day today and stay inspired!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Walking in My Authority
Change isn't a bad thing, even though it doesn't always feel so good. When you see every change as an opportunity to grow and learn from each experience, you begin to see that change is an awesome and wonderful thing. The unknown is only as scary as we interpret it to be, but with faith all things are possible. I know that sounds cliche, but it really is true.
I have had mustard seed faith, but it hasn't been until recently that I've discovered that I am truly destined to walk into my God given authority to take dominion over the desires of my heart. To be quite honest, I've tried everything else and I'm worn down. Worrying and stressing out doesn't seem to work, and the only thing that seems to keep me grounded is my faith in the Word of God. I've also tried believing a little bit and trying to "help" God bless me . That didn't seem to work either.
So alas, I've resolved to submitting to the Lord and trusting in Him with all my heart and not depending on my OWN understanding. In all my ways acknowledge Him because HE will direct my paths or make my crooked ways straight. I'm so thankful to have Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior that it's overwhelming. Thank you Lord for loving me enough to send your only begotten Son to pay for my sins. I'll never know the cost for my sins upon a cross...
I have had mustard seed faith, but it hasn't been until recently that I've discovered that I am truly destined to walk into my God given authority to take dominion over the desires of my heart. To be quite honest, I've tried everything else and I'm worn down. Worrying and stressing out doesn't seem to work, and the only thing that seems to keep me grounded is my faith in the Word of God. I've also tried believing a little bit and trying to "help" God bless me . That didn't seem to work either.
So alas, I've resolved to submitting to the Lord and trusting in Him with all my heart and not depending on my OWN understanding. In all my ways acknowledge Him because HE will direct my paths or make my crooked ways straight. I'm so thankful to have Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior that it's overwhelming. Thank you Lord for loving me enough to send your only begotten Son to pay for my sins. I'll never know the cost for my sins upon a cross...
Monday, May 17, 2010
One Step Closer to My Destiny
My previous blog post was a post of the frustration that I often experience when the people in my life are so consumed by all the negativity in their lives that it eventually begins to become painfully obvious to me that they are NOT happy. I can't STAND negativity and often become agitated by those who are seemingly always pessimistic. "Why do I care?", was the question posed within the blog. I found my answer the very next day.
I set out on my quest to find a church home, and my search ended at Raleigh International Church. From the moment I walked through the doors I knew my life would not be the same again. The teens were the greeters and they were so happy and friendly to be in the House of the Lord that it made me happy to be there too! Warm smiles and bright eyes welcomed me as I made my way into the sanctuary to participate in the praise and worship. As I was lead to my seat by the usher, the members of the church were smiling and greeting me as soon as I made eye contact with them. At my seat, I immediately joined in the praise and worship because I felt so comfortable there. I raised my hands and sang, "My life is not my own, to you I belong. I give myself to You." As I sang the words of this song I experience a RHEMA moment...that moment when God speaks loud and clear to you. There's no denying His voice or His presence. Pastor Thornton says, "Maximize the rhema moments. Your faith becomes increased in these rhema moments."
Various members of the church began to pray and speak in tongues, and one man spoke in French. I don't speak any French, for Spanish is my love, however I understood EVERY word he uttered under the power of the Holy Spirit. It was amazing! We all got on our knees and began to pray and weep before God as His Word was prophesied DURING worship. As I wept and prayed, I could literally feel the Lord's arms around me as I cried on His shoulder...almost like I had my head against His chest and was telling Him all that concerned me. There was such an indescribable comfort and peace unlike anything I had ever experienced in my life. It was at that moment, as the praise team sang, "We will never know how much it cost to see our sins upon a cross..." that I realized and finally understood that my life is truly not my own. My very existence is ONLY due to the fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross for me. What an amazing epiphany!
I then heard testimonies of how God moved in various members lives and each testimony brought me to tears. The pastor then approaches the pulpit to inform me that my "barrenness is only for a season". As he proceeded with the lesson, I could feel deep within the wellspring of my belly the desires of my heart coming into fruition. I could see my ideas taking shape and became so excited that I could hardly stand it. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had truly come home.
As a first time visitor, I was announced and welcomed with tons of hugs and hand shakes. I jumped at the opportunity to begin the process to become a member of the church, and immediately began thinking about how I could be a blessing to the church as well. I'm ready for the awesome things that are coming my way and delight in the fact that my season of barrenness is over. I make a declaration today to do all I can do to let God have His way in my life. Nothing can stop me...
Barrenness for a season doesn't mean forever. You are fruitful. Don't let the fears and failures of the past determine your future because sometimes postponements are a part of God's plan. Always remember and be confident in this very thing; that He that has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6) God is good and wants you to have the desires of your heart. I'm learning that you just have to trust Him.
Have a fabulous day today and stay inspired.
I set out on my quest to find a church home, and my search ended at Raleigh International Church. From the moment I walked through the doors I knew my life would not be the same again. The teens were the greeters and they were so happy and friendly to be in the House of the Lord that it made me happy to be there too! Warm smiles and bright eyes welcomed me as I made my way into the sanctuary to participate in the praise and worship. As I was lead to my seat by the usher, the members of the church were smiling and greeting me as soon as I made eye contact with them. At my seat, I immediately joined in the praise and worship because I felt so comfortable there. I raised my hands and sang, "My life is not my own, to you I belong. I give myself to You." As I sang the words of this song I experience a RHEMA moment...that moment when God speaks loud and clear to you. There's no denying His voice or His presence. Pastor Thornton says, "Maximize the rhema moments. Your faith becomes increased in these rhema moments."
Various members of the church began to pray and speak in tongues, and one man spoke in French. I don't speak any French, for Spanish is my love, however I understood EVERY word he uttered under the power of the Holy Spirit. It was amazing! We all got on our knees and began to pray and weep before God as His Word was prophesied DURING worship. As I wept and prayed, I could literally feel the Lord's arms around me as I cried on His shoulder...almost like I had my head against His chest and was telling Him all that concerned me. There was such an indescribable comfort and peace unlike anything I had ever experienced in my life. It was at that moment, as the praise team sang, "We will never know how much it cost to see our sins upon a cross..." that I realized and finally understood that my life is truly not my own. My very existence is ONLY due to the fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross for me. What an amazing epiphany!
I then heard testimonies of how God moved in various members lives and each testimony brought me to tears. The pastor then approaches the pulpit to inform me that my "barrenness is only for a season". As he proceeded with the lesson, I could feel deep within the wellspring of my belly the desires of my heart coming into fruition. I could see my ideas taking shape and became so excited that I could hardly stand it. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had truly come home.
As a first time visitor, I was announced and welcomed with tons of hugs and hand shakes. I jumped at the opportunity to begin the process to become a member of the church, and immediately began thinking about how I could be a blessing to the church as well. I'm ready for the awesome things that are coming my way and delight in the fact that my season of barrenness is over. I make a declaration today to do all I can do to let God have His way in my life. Nothing can stop me...
Barrenness for a season doesn't mean forever. You are fruitful. Don't let the fears and failures of the past determine your future because sometimes postponements are a part of God's plan. Always remember and be confident in this very thing; that He that has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6) God is good and wants you to have the desires of your heart. I'm learning that you just have to trust Him.
Have a fabulous day today and stay inspired.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
I Need Relief
Why do I care about things the way I do? I really don't understand why I'm so concerned about others and how they feel. I always have to make sure that the world is okay, but the caveat to that is that it NEVER reciprocates back to me. Everyone reserves the right to be rude, selfish, cranky, moody, ignorant, and inconsiderate whenever the damn well feel like it. Why do I have to be concerned about the "whys" of the world?
I guess the truth is that I don't know why I'm so accomodating. Sometimes I wonder if it even benefits me to be this damn nice, but then I always hear the Word in my head...treat others the way you want to be treated. I guess I'm just hard wired to give a damn...
Am I the only one though?
I guess the truth is that I don't know why I'm so accomodating. Sometimes I wonder if it even benefits me to be this damn nice, but then I always hear the Word in my head...treat others the way you want to be treated. I guess I'm just hard wired to give a damn...
Am I the only one though?
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