"The Season To Dream"

Well, it's finally here.  The Holiday Season.  Christmas time.  A time of joy, laughter, food, family .  A time of giving, and yes even receiving.  A time of joy to the world, peace on earth, good will toward men.  Children waiting anxiously for the appearance of that beloved character that has become ficticious to those who have come of a mindset, and of an age when fairy tales and make believe no longer exist, if in fact they ever had in the first place.  Where "Once upon a time" is no more.  And where the imagination has grown old, cold and dim. 

Tis the season to be jolly.  Then why aren't we?  Why have we become so posh and grown up that we have allowed our dreams, to become null and void.  Just because we dream of a white Christmas, the innocence of the days gone by, does not make our current vision blurry, or make us any less the important and significant individual that we in our quest for greatness, have become.  We've allowed the cares of this world; the responsibilities and duties that we have burden and weigh us down, and become so overwhelming that they have completely dulled our senses to the sweet innocense of this season.  The pureness, the delightfulness, and the beauty of this season.  Yes, this is the season that our King, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was born unto us oh so long ago in a manger.  And yes, it is a Holy season for men and women, boys and girls everywhere, but go in your mind, if you will, a little futher, beyond even that.  For it is a season of wonder.  A time of delight.  A time to really enjoy one another and to reassess everything we have accomplished in our fragile little lives, thus far.  A time to be without grudges, resentments and grievances.  A time to shake off all of the weights and burdens that life has thrown upon us.  A time to allow our dreams to call out to us again.  And if we've gone too far, and can't remember how to dream, how to make pretend, then what a pitty it is for you. 

So let the children dream.  Let them wonder and believe.  Let them be alive with the innocense of youth.  There is no harm in it.  We know what the truth is.  And life will be hard enough later on.  We don't need to rob them and deprive the of their fantacies and  their whimsical dreams.  The cares of this life will catch up with them soon enough.  So for now, let them dream.

Now, tell us what you think.

"Dark and Lonley Places"

Dark and lonely places often become a part of our lives, even when we don't desire them to, or even welcome them.  They still come, and we try to bargain with God so we won't have to go through them.  But we go through them non the less.  But are they a necessity in our lives.  Some say that it's not fair for us as christians to have to go through these dark and lonley places.  These desert or waste land or wilderness places.  These barren regions.  Some say, because we are children of God, and because He is such a loving and kind God, that He should not allow us to go through those dark and lonely place.  One person even told me that it was unfair and unjust for them to have prayed so hard, asking God for something they wanted so badly, and God seemed not to hear them, thus allowing them to slip into a dark and lonely place.  They begin to wonder if God really does care about them.  They are still, in that dark and loney place.  No one likes the dark and lonely places that we have to go through.  Sometimes we trip and fall, or make mistakes when we are there, in those dark and lonely places.  So, why would God allow us to go through these desolate places?  Is it to punish us?  Or to exact some sort of revenge or vengence on us for some wrong or evil that we  have done as this person seems to have come to believe?  Is it to make an example out of us to others who are walking in disobedience, or to make some unforseen point to us?  Do we dare to think God unkind or uncaring, as that same someone said to me recently?  No, I think not.  So, why then does God seem to remove the hedge from around us, and allow bad things to happen to good people? Allow us to even have to visit, those dark and lonley places?

We want to know what you think.

"To Lead Or NOT To Lead" The Question Is, Are You A True Leader?

No one is in a place of position permanently, only for a season, so we should treasure it.  But, sometimes in our places, and places of authority, we tend to forget a few things.  Things like, who we are;  who chose us; and why we were called or placed in that position in the first place;  I promise you, that 95% of the time, we forget that we were orignally placed in that position to serve others, and not to be served.  Funny how things can get so twisted when we put ourselves and our needs above the needs of others that we have promised or sworn to serve.  Take public service for instance.  When you are elected or appointed or entrusted to a position, and you need the people to get behind you and support you in order for you to win.  You promise many things, hoping above hope to be able to accomplish all of what you have promised, but knowing in your heart that you will only be able to accomplish as much as the consensus or cooperation of your constituency will allow you to.  If there be no battle's, no fights, no struggle's, then maybe just maybe, you can get more pushed through than you ever dream or expect.  You ride in on a high that makes people believe that you can and will conquer the world for them.  People begin to finally know who you are; know you name.  know all about your life, public and private.  And it's wonderful; mind boggling; breath taking. Finally, you, are the people's champion.
Now, I'm not taking about our President, because he can only fulfill that which can be passed through an unbiased, responsive and cooperative congress.  But you can apply this to any leadership position.  Like Council persons, mayors, state senators,  congressmen or congress women, even church positions like Bishops, Pastors, Elders, Ministers, and even Worship Leaders and other positions.  Thats a different story. 

So, we become leaders.  But then time goes by.  And more time goes by.  And still more, time, goes by.  And you settle into what has become more or less, ordinary days.  Duty.  Obligation.  You become accustomed to the everyday mundane, the calls, the waves, the shout outs, the attention.  Suddenly, you stop waving back.  Oh, you didn't see them.  You forget to return the calls, because you got just a little busy.  There are more important things on your agenda  than going back down THERE, where ever THERE just happens to be, or meeting with THEM, whoever THEM just happens to be.  Suddenly you change policy, add things to your agenda, you cut some things out that were essential before.  And it becomes painfully clear, that you have become much too important to deal with the ordinary people that just happened to be the ones that helped get you where you are now.  Funny, how things work out that way.  You no longer need the crowd.  You've made it and are now self sufficient, self reliant, and unfortunately, self absorbed.  Gone are the days of running from meeting meeting moving and hustling, hoping above all hope to get the votes of the people who matter most.  But guess what? You forgot that they (the ones you have been entrusted to serve) will ALWAYS be the ones that matter the most.  God did not place you in the place where you are to forget.

Do you need them now?

Let me know what you think.

"I Still Bring The Business With Me , And it Taste Like Popcorn!"

Awhile ago, I wrote about how everywhere I go I seem to be able to draw business with me.  Now I don't normally write about businesses, but when I find something so totally amazing I can't help but to share it, and hope that others will grab ahold of my enthusiam.  Why? Because I believe that it is time for Cleveland to become a united Cleveland.  Not Eastside and Westside, but all sides together.  WE have to rebuild Cleveland, and in so doing, it is high time for us to begin to support our local businesses.  WE are the only ones that can make this happen.  So this week I wanted to share with you a place where I have been recently that is absolutely fabulous.  And that is "CAMPBELL'S POPCORN SHOP."  Located at 2084 W. 25 Street in Ohio City (Cleveland).  Just a few minutes walk from the Westside Market. 

Now, I've been hearing about this popcorn factory for almost a year, and for almost a year I have been saying, "I've got to go there."  But I kept putting it off.  Why? Just pure procrastination.  Because when I finally got there, just this past Tuesday in  August 2012, I could have simply kicked myself for not having gone sooner.  The first day I went I took my 2 youngest children with me, both of who are teens, and when we walked in they thought that we had stepped into a dream world.  A dream world made of Popcorn and chocolate.  Popcorn machines were everywhere so that you could taste the different kinds of popcorn that was available.  And oh, there are sooo many flavors available.  From Strawberries and Cream, to chocolate; Cheddar and Bacon, to Dill Pickle; Cracked Black Pepper & Sea Salt to Beer popcorn.  Beer Popcorn? Yes, Beer Popcorn.  Carmel Apple popcorn and Vanilla Nut popcorn.  And of course their famous Dichotomy Popcorn which is their famous very cheesy cheddar popcorn mixed with their very delicious carmel corn.  And so many more.  Oh My Goodness.  I could not believe all the flavors of popcorn that actually taste like what they say it is.  But that's not all.  They have thick creamy chocolate covered pretzels.  Yogurt covered pretzels.  Chocolate covered gummy worms and cookies.  Not to mention the gourmet cupcakes.  I was like a little kid in there tasting popcorn.  But, my biggest mistake was buying pretzels for the kids, and only 1 bag of popcorn for my husband and myself to share.  Needless to say, I was in the house for only 20 minutes and my husband had eaten the whole bag, stating that I had only left a little in the bag for him.  It was the whole bag.  He then called me from work that night and asked me to go back up there and get him another bag.  I told him, "Sweetie, they are closed.  Its after 9:00p.m."  So the next morning he promptly got dressed and marched us all downtown on a family outing (including my 21 year old) to "Campbell's Popcorn Shop" were he proceeded to buy 5 bags of popcorn for himself, 1 for me for the one he ate, and pretzels for the kids.  And guess what?  Before we even got rang up 2 more cars were pulling up with people coming into the popcorn shop.  Wow!  I'm telling you, we can revive our own city if we just support one another.  So, maybe this WAS an advertisment for Campbell's, because I enjoyed being there, and they were warm and very friendly and reasonably priced.  And maybe next time it will be your turn.  Because truth be told, literally hundreds of people will see this post, on facebook, on twitter, in print in the Greater University Circle Neighborhood Voice,  that is distributed to 10 different neighborhoods throughout Cleveland, on their website, or on mine at http://truelifeexpressions.blogspot.com.  So I say to everyone reading this in whatever form, drop what you are doing and run, walk, drive, skate, rollerblade, jump on the rapid, a bus, lolly the trolly, take a horse and buggy, or drop out of an airplane, but get to Cleveland's own "Campbell's Popcorn Shop" and taste the best variety of popcorn in town.  It's well worth the trip and you won't be disappointed that you did. 
I promise.

Now, after you go get some popcorn or pretezels, hit us back and let us know what you think.  We look forward to talking to you soon.

"Not saying ANYTHING speaks volumns"

Did it ever occur to you that NOT saying something is just as bad or worse than saying the wrong thing?  In fact, your silence can be taken as non verbal consent or agreement. A friend of mine asked me this question.  They said that they had a friend, or an associate, who was engaging in what they thought was inappropriate behavior.  What type of behavior is not the concern or the importance of the sitution; the fact remained that the behavior was not correct or wholesome, so to speak.  Though not necessarily illegal.  And of course her friend felt the old humanist lullaby, that "As long as Iam not hurting anyone else it then it's ok."  Now, my friend wanted to know if the fact that they felt compelled to say something but out of fear or whatever other reason, did not, were they wrong?  I told them that whether it was a confiction in your heart to say something or not, the fact that you knew or even felt that the activity was wrong, or even felt uncomfortable about the situation and said nothing, can indeed be taken as your non-verbal consent or agreement to the situation.  Especially if you know truth.  But for the sake of not ruining a good friendship, said nothing.  What should she have done?

We wait to hear your response,

"The Bucket List"

A lot of times we can get pretty deep and heavy with the subjects that we choose to discuss here, but every now and then it's a good thing to simply sit back, take a deep breath, exhale, and talk about things that are not so life changing.  So, a few years ago I started to create "A Bucket List." You know, a list of all the things you would like to accomplish and do, or all the places you would like to go before you are dismissed from your earthly vessel.  Pass away.  Now, of course all of us would rather meet Jesus in the air in the rapture rather than having to walk the lonesome valley that we all must inevitably walk, but lets face it, we may not get to.  Even with all the "Rapture Practice" my husband, my children and I used to have when they were younger.  Oh yeah, that's right, "Rapture Practice."  Oh you never had "Rapture Practice?"  Then you don't know what you are missing.  Well, first after making sure that we all were saved, praying the sinners prayer, my husband used to line us up outside, and we would raise our hands up to the heavens, and jump, jump, jump till our little hearts were content.  We said some hallelujahs, and some thank you Jesus' too.  You may say that sounds just a little bit crazy.  Go on and laugh if you want to.  But it was fun, and it assisted in helping keep the children focused and grounded, so to speak, on who they are in the kingdom of God, and that we are only visitors passing through this world.  In it, but not of it.  And that one day soon our Lord Jesus would be coming back again to rapture us up in the clouds.  And guess what?  20 plus years later, they still remember, "Rapture Practice."

I said we were not going to get too deep today didn't I.  So ok, back to the "Bucket List."  Well, my youngest son Sam had a part time job for a little bit this summer, and this child having such a generous heart, loves to give.  And he will give everything he has.  Including his last.  One particular pay week he decided to buy all the of the fixings for smores.  The giant marsh mellows, the hershey bars, and the graham crackers.  So they were in the kitchen making smores when suddenly he appeared in front of me and said, "Here mom," holding out a giant smore to me.  My first instinct was to tell him no thank you darlin, because I don't care a great deal for too many sweets.  But instead I took it.  And while he stood there watching in anticipation, I took a bite of my first smore ever.  I was so pleasantly surprised.  I looked at him and said, "Wowww!  Thank you Sam.  This is the first time I have ever had a smore."  And he was so pleased that he had been the one to give me my first smore. 

I'am 40 plus years old. : ), and that was the first time I had ever had a smore.  I have about an equal amount of years in front of me as I do behind me, so there are still quite a few things I would like to do in my life.  And if that was the first time I had had something so simple and assesible, then I have a whole lot more doing to do, and I better get started.  But here are just a few things that I would like to do.  I want to go to Paris and to Andelushia Spain.  (Probably spelled that wrong).  I want to visit Ireland.  I want take a cruise.  I want to have my first novel published.  I want to be independantly wealthy so that I can help others come up out of their situations.  I want to have a business in the top 10 of forbes.  I want to meet Mya Angelou and President Barak Obama.  I want to feed the hungry and have my bath house for the homeless.  I don't need to jump off of or out of ANYTHING! 

You may have dreams and things that you would like to do before someone yells, "Times Up!"  Most of us do.  Some of us are young, but some of us have passed the middle, or are quickly approaching it.  So share with us, and let us share your dreams, goals and visions, your "Bucket List" with you. 

Tell us.  We would like to know.

"NO TRESPASSING!"

What do you do when you don't want unwanted guest or visitors or solicitations to your home or business?  You put up signs.  Signs such as, "No Trespassing," or "No Admittance," or "No Solicitations."  And to make the full meaning of our request clear, we often times add, "VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED!" 
That leaves it unmistakably clear that we will not tolerated your unwanted visits, you are not welcome here. 

One day, my children, some other neighborhood children and myself were passing our literature for our church's summer lunch and camp program, when I turned my head for just a second to deal with another issue, one of the children mistakenly put a flyer on one of the houses that was clearly marked with those signs, No Trespassing and No Soliciation."  Just as soon as they walked down the stairs, the front door flew open and an angry hand unceremoniously reached out and snatched the flyer down and the surely resident begin to spew profanities and name calling at the child.  The child came running into my arms for safety and protection.  I began to apologize and to the irrate resident and let them know that the name calling was unecessary, while trying to explain to them that the child did not know any better and try to counsol the child all at the same time.  That did not help the situation at all, so I calmly led the children on down the street to our next destination.  However, I had to explain to them what the signs meant and why someone would put up such a sign on their property when all they wanted to do was share their good news.  They understood the sign, but still did not understand why the person had to be so mean and angry. 

But guess what, I understand, now, but for a different reason. 

It is time for us to put up "NO TRESPASSING" signs to every imp and demon.  Every devil and unclean spirit.  It is time for us to stop cowing down, stop backing up, stop running, and stop hiding.  It is time for us to take a stand.  We are  at war.  You can site there and chose not to believe it if you want to.  But Battle by battle and with the power of God, we MUST take back EVERYTHING the enemy has stolen from us.  Our familes, our homes, our children, our peace, our finances.  EVERYTHING!  We decree and delcare by the power and authority of Jesus Christ of Nazereth, the true and Living Word of God, that NO weapon that is formed against you/us shall prosper; and EVERY TONGUE that shall rise against thee/us in judgment thou/we shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isaiah 54:17. 

The enemy CANNOT have our children, husbands, wives, families.  He CANNOT reside in our homes.  He CANNOT mess with our minds or our finances or our health.  It is time for us to stop giving cute little whitty names to these demons like, cancer, diabtes, bi-polar, ADHD and everything else, and begin to call them what they are; demon spirits.  It is time to put up some "NO TRESPASSING SIGNS," some "VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED"  Signs.  And when the enemy comes at is, its time for us to point to the sign in our yard; "NO TRESPASSING" because you are not welcome here.  The world NEEDS us, and we CANNOT take this world for Christ or be the seasoning agent or the salt in this world if we don't know who we are.  It is time for us to take a stand, and know that God has blessed this land, to take back what the devils taken and shake this world like it's not been shaken.  Put the signs back up.

Now, tell us what YOU have to say.

"A Fight With The devil"

I had a fight with the devil one night,
When he woke me up to taunt me.
He came in my room just as bold as day
and with him he brought things to haunt me.

He told me that I was'nt what I had thought,
and that no one really loved me.
Said, "I'll open your eyes and then you will see
That all that you've done is for naught."

He said your a failure, a loser, disappointment,
and you'll never be a success.
That the love, the pouring and planting you've done,
meant nothing and yes, was useless.

He condemned me and brought me right to the place
Where I thought that surely I'd break,
He baggered, and hounded, with all my past deeds
Then told me that I was fake.

I sat on the floor tears streaming on down my face,
as I listened to him on that night,
And for just one little second as I sat in the dark,
I thought, that perhaps he was right.

But then in the darkness there came a bright light,
and it lit all the room where I was,
And suddenly out of the dark of that night,
I thought I heard Heavens Applause.

Suddenly I heard a great voice speak to me,
Just as strong and gentle and clear,
And He let me to know with out a swadow of doubt,
That "I Love You My Child, And I'm Here."

"Did I Not Say I'd Never Leave Nor Forsake You,
That I'd Be With You Until The End?
And That Even In Death I Would Bear You Up,
And That I Would Be Your Closets Friend?

I Have Called And Ordained You For A Time Such As This,
Though The Road Ahead May Be Frightening,
I've Equipped You and Kept You, Put My Spirit Within You,
Wiped Out EVERYTHING That Was Blighting.

"Get Up Now, My Child, Wipe The Tears From Your Eyes,
And Block Out All Other Voices,
For Mine Is The Only Voice You Should Hear,
I'am The FIRST Of ALL Of Your Choices.

I begin to praise God in my small little room
And when I pulled myself together,
A thought came to me and it became crystal clear
I HAD listened to voice of the other.

Then I became angry, quite angry I'll tell you
I was mad with the devil for certain,
How dare you bring condemnation, guilt and self blame,
Drove the knife when you thought I was hurtin.

You filthy, thieving, no good snake,
You're a fraud and a phony and a liar.
Get out of my rooom, my house and my life,
Cause your home will soon be hell's fire.

I rebuked and cast down everything I could think of
when I was done I'd left nothing to chance.
Every demon and imp and contrary spirit,
Felt such joy that I jumped up and danced.

So I say to you all even though you may be
In the fight of your life with the devil,
Just stand and proclaim, lift up you hands in Christ' name,
For we do serve a God who is able.

Written by,
Arlivia E. Siggers

"After You've Done All You Can"

Pastor Donnie McClurkin made a song some years ago called, "Stand."  And here are some of the words to that awesome and incredible song.

What do you do.
When you've done all you can, and it seems like it's never enough.
And what do you say when your friends turn away, and you're all alone.
Tell me what do you give,
When you've given your all and it seems like you can't make it through,
Well you just stand, when there's nothing else to do,
You just stand, watch the Lord see you through,
Yes after you've done all you can, you just stand.

These words resonate in our hearts all to often, and all too true.  We try to help people, thinking that we are making some headway.  We take on the responsibility of their spiritual and natural care, even going as far as to help them pay some of their bills, providing meals and transportation, a home, even employing them, thinking that "If only I could do more or pray hard enough just to reach them, then surely I can make an impact in their lives, and change their lives forever. I can make a difference."  Only to find out after you've poured yourself in, that perhaps you were'nt as necessary and important to their overall wellbeing as you had hoped or expected.  You were just, convenient.  Then you begin to feel just a little bit used and angry because you have poured your very heart and soul out into that person.  You've fasted and prayed and sought the Lord on their behalf, and shared the saving truth of God's word with them every oportunity that you got, even stayed up with them countless nights and helped them as they fought one demon or another, and yet nothing seems to have worked. They should be growing and increasing.  They should be a lot further along than they are right now, but their not.  They just seem to be moving further and further away from the truth.  So, what do you do now? 

You just stand.

Stand on what you know is true, honest, just, pure, Holy and right; stand on the Word of God.  He alone can keep you from falling or stumbling because of the inconveniences we MUST endure for the sake of the call.  He alone can rise us up above ourselves and our feelings of hurt, that we really should not be having anyway if it was truly God that instructed us to help in the first place.  We must continue to be strong, and stop beating ourselves up because we think we failed.  We did our jobs.  We planted, or watered, or poured in, or nurtured, but it is only God who can and will give the increase.  So whether it be a family member, a child, friend, a boss, a co-worker, a leader, or a stranger on the street, as Pastor Donnie McClurkin said, after you've done all you can, you just stand.

Now, tell us what you think, or, how you've had to stand.

"The Grace Factor"

I was listening to WCRF this morning, and a really interesting question came up that brought one of those moments that make you go "Hmmm."  It was this.  Is God more tolerant than He used to be back in the days if old?  Has He mellowed out throughout the centuries? Is He too linient in allowing us to get away with our dirt, disobedience and sin for so long before He judges?  Have we, in our blessed freedoms, begun to take the graces of God for granted?  In the days of old He called forth a flood, sent down fire from heaven, and opened up the ground and swallowed people up for sinning or disobeying His word.  Then, when you sinned against God and he judged you, He took you out for your sin and disobediance to His law.  But He not only took YOU out, but He took EVERYTHING you owned.  Your wife, your kids, the people that served you, your dog, your cat, EVERYTHING.  Wow!!!  Because He was serious about what He said.  He didn't play with His law and He didn't play with His word, because His law WAS His word, and His word was law.  He meant it. And then, we didn't even have the option of getting angry at God, because His judgement was immediate, swift and sure. 

In the days of old people were literally afraid to sin or disobey God.  They were afraid of God with fear and trembling, but it was a Holy reverental fear.  A fear that caused them to want to do right.  Why then do we feel like it's safer to sin now or disobey Gods word or laws or commandments now, than it was back then?  Why do we find it easier to step outside of the will of God now than it was then? 

According to Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ, who is in fact God, is the same yesterday, today and for ever.  And in Malachi 3:6 He said, "I'am the Lord, I change not." 
God has not changed.  He CAN NOT change.  He is God.  His holiness has not changed.  His standards have not changed.  Why then are we not judged the same way, with a blast from His nostrils and a wave of His mighty hand?

Now, let us know what you think.

"Count Your Blessings!"

I was recently in an automobile accident, my daughter and I, which in all my many years of driving has never happened to me, thank God.  She's fine by the way.  After the initial shock of the impact I thought I was fine, but the next day things begin to happen that I had not expected to occur.  It's as if your entire body absorbs the impact, but after things begin to settle in your body parts, begin to hurt that you never even realized that you had.  Things begin to rattle and to click and clank a little louder than you ever remember hearing them before.  I won't go into all the specifics of that grueling, tying, scary day, just know this, I hurt.  The police officer that took the police report looked at the car and actually said she was truly amazed that I was standing next to her, and was not in the hospital at that very moment.  I told her that I was praising God for that, she said, "You should be, because the way this car looks it was a very hard hit, and you should be in the hospital,"  and she turned and walked away after telling me to have a better day.

Four days later I had a birthday, "Happy Birthday To Me," and it was then while I was opening my presents thoughtfully chosen just for me by my loved ones, that I begin to truly realize how very blessed I'am, just for having my life, my relative health and strength.  People kept asking me how I felt having another birthday, my reply to them after careful consideration was, "I Feel Blessed, Just To Be Alive."  And I do. 

After something like that, you don't really realize how blessed you are until late at night, when the lights are out, and your eyes are closed, and you continue to see the vehicle that hit you coming straight at you over and over again in your mind.  You feel the impact as it hits you as it did before.  And you jump out of sleep just as the impact comes.  Heart pounding rapidly.  Pulse racing.  Head throbbing.  Calling out that one name that is above all others names, that alone can save you, "JESUS!"  When you realize that you are lying in your bed beside that one who gently turns and wraps their arms around you, letting you know with unspoken words, "I've got you.  You're safe now."  It is then that you truly begin to realize just how blessed you are.  I've learned a valuable lesson during this time.  Count your blessings every day.  Consider every day as a brand new blessing.  A new day of "Given Life."  And as you begin to count your blessings, you will be surprised to realize that things are not as bad as they may seem to be.  And you will be encouraged at what God has already done in your life.  Seize every opportunity that is put before you everyday with eagerness, energy and excitement.  Stop whinning and complaining and blaming everyone for why you dont have or have not become.  YOU make things happen for YOU.  You may not have everything you want, or be what you are reaching out to be yet, but Stuff, you can always replace, but a life can never be replaced.  Now, it's time for healing.

Now, tell us what you think.

"Help For a Wounded Soul"

I recently had a conversation with a young man who has become somewhat disillusioned with his christian walk.  Although raised as a christian he now denies himself to be a christian.  Here's why.  Some time ago, he had been asking God for some personal things to be made manifest in his life, and much to his regret his prayers were not answered according to his specifications or, the way that he had hoped that they would be.  He has not totally lost hope or faith or denied Christ, but his is waining, borderline.  So his question to me was quit simply this:  "How can you continue to just sit and hope and believe that God will still do the the things that he promised you so long ago, and not give up on that hope?  What is the use in continuing to believe when it seems that God does not really answer our prayers?"  Then he backed up his newfound phylosophy with this, "If something good happens then we believe its God.  If something bad happens then we believe that THAT'S God.  It doesn't matter one way or the other."  He continued to say, "Just go after the money.  That's what I believe in.  Because once you have it, you can go anywhere or do anything you want.  You can believe in that." 

Wow.  Well, after my initial suprise because I know how this young man was raised, came empathy, but then an understanding for the state of mind that he now finds himself in.  He wanted something so bad, that when it didn't happen, he became disenchanted with everything he was taught to believe in, in his very up bringing.  But even through all of the feelings that he incited in me, surprise, wonder, shock, empathy,  I could in no way agree with him.  So this was my response to him.  Sweetie, (I call everybody by some sort of endearment), I understand your disappointment and the hurt that you are feeling because your prayers were not answered the way you wanted them to be, but I would rather wait on the promises of God and have Jesus in my life, than have all the money you could ever give me.  Believe me, Iv'e had it both ways.  Life with Him and life without Him.  And I would much rather have life with Him.  Sure there are things that I want and have been asking for; a new house, increase in finances, my business exploding with new accounts, all my children spiritually aware of who they are, and who they were meant to be in the kingdom of God.  And while yes, money is a necessity and there are many things you can not do without it, money is not lord of my life.  It does not rule me.  It does not dictate to me.  And it does not shape me into the woman of honor and integrity that I am. 

Many times, we deviate into moral bankruptcy as our material fortune grows.  Money does not change who we are, it only magnifies what Is already there.  And we begin to forget ourselves.  The selves that we are supposed to be.  For according to Proverbs 10:22, "The blessings of the Lord maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it."  And while there are many prayers and promises of God that I wait on, I WILL wait and I WILL be of good courage. And I WILL NOT faint.  Psalms 27:14 says, "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."  So, I will continue to pray for this young man, because I know, deep down in his heart of hearts, that there is still a belief, still a burning ember, however minuit, it is still there.  And it will come back to life.

Now, tell us what you think.

"Extreme Home Makeover"

I had the opportunity to be directly involved with HGTV's "Extreme Home Makeover" Cleveland, edition when they came a few years back and re-did the house for the family in Maple Heights.  It was a rare and awesome honor to have been a part of that.  The team literally tore down the old home and rebuilt the new home in a  matter of days.  And when they were finished, there was a brand new larger more modern home standing, that even faced in a different direction in the place where the old one had been.  The before and after pictures were simply astounding.  We went from a small falling down deeply in need of repair home, to a home that could very well be placed on the front of and be featured in "House Beautiful."  But a lot of work went into the rebuilding of the old home to make it picture perfect that was not seen on camera. 
There were people, many of whom were professionals, who literally stayed on site round the clock, taking shifts to assure that this house was done right and completed on time.  Yes, the family was getting by in the old house, and for them that that was ok.  They were completely comfortable there.  They had a few bumps and hurdles to jump over on a day to day basis, but all in all, they were ok.  They were doing good.   No matter how badly in need of repair it was, they were home.  But someone else saw their struggles and decided it was time to make a change for this family.  They deserved a better home.

Many times in our lives, we must go through an "Extreme Home Makeover."  Our lives are sometimes in shambles.  We go through periods when we feel like nothing is working right.  The plumbing is messed up.  You put up a wall, the ceiling falls.  You patch a hole, a floor tile comes up.  You go to prayer, all hell breaks loose in your home.  You press to make it to the house of God, your car breaks down.  Just as you make a decision to pray more and study the word of God more, thoughts begin to come into our heads that DO NOT glorify God, at all!!!  You are enticed to go place that would not spiritually benefit you, or view things that will actually tarnish your spirit.  There is always battles to fight, repairs to be done.  Always a hill to climb.  And always room for more improvement in our lives.  The worst is over though.  You've done the first greatest thing that you could have ever done, when you gave up your life of sin and accepted Jesus Christ into your heart as your personal savior.  That was the hard part, admitting that you were wrong.  And let's face it, nobody thinks their wrong; and nobody likes to be wrong; and nobody likes to be told that they are wrong.  That just lets you know from the beginning, YOU'RE ALL WRONG!  According to

1 Corinthians 6:19 Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  1 Corinthians 6:19
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  When you don't allow Him to make those costly repairs, then your spirit is all wrong.  But, when you allow Christ to complete the "Home Improvement Project" He began in your life when you first believed, you will begin to be able to enjoy the benefits of having a house that is in complete working order.  There is nothing like it.  But when the roof goes, then the plumbing goes, then the windows need replacing, and so on, and so on, it can begin to get a little hard, even discouraging to allow Him to complete the repairs.  Don't let the repairs in your life wait too long until something else goes wrong.  Like an automobile that has sat over the entire winter without being started.  At first it was just the battery that needed changing.  Now because you left it so long without repairing, starting it up, or cleaning it out, something else has gone wrong.  Now, it's the alternator and the starter, and now it needs to be towed.  It has become much more costly to repair than it would have been if you had tended to the repairs in the first place.  Allow God to repair you House, your body, your temple, your mind, your soul.  Allow Him to do those Extreme Home Makeovers in your life.  EVEN IF IT MEANS LETTING SOMEONE GO, OR CUTTING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING OUT OF YOUR LIFE THAT IS NOT AND HAS NOT BEEN BENEFICIAL TO YOUR LIFE.  Let Him take out that which does not benefit you.   Let Him replace it with good things, good wood, good parts.  And you will have a spiritual home that you and the Holy Spirit will be proud for ANYONE TO SEE.

Now, let us know what you think!

"Even If It Hurts"

Accepting that we are wrong does not come so very easy to us the human race.  For some reason or another, we tend to feel like we are right about everything or, that we know everything, whether we do or not.  And while I have the philosophy that it is good to know a little bit about a lot of things, that way you can keep things interesting during a conversation, it still stands to reason that nobody knows everything, and no one is right about everything.  And when we are not, it's best to just concede to that fact and admit that maybe, just maybe, we may in fact be wrong.  But a lot of us have a problem admitting when we are wrong.  And a lot of us will argue till Jesus comes when we feel that we are right about something, instead of just admitting that we are wrong.  But I have found, that sometimes it's just best to give up the right for the wrong, even if it hurts.  The right to be right. 

My young daughter had a heated arguement with someone about an opinion she had about something that she thought was absolutely true and correct.  And she literally cried because she wanted her point of view about the matter to not only be heard, but she wanted it to be the point of view that was chosen by the other person she had gotten into the conversation with, and she wanted to be right.  They obviously did not share her enthusiam with the subject matter, nor ageed with her point of view.  That made her very angry.  When I told her that sometimes the right thing to do is instead of arguing with people who think they are right, the best thing to do is to back up and allow them to come to grips about right and wrong for themselves, whether YOU feel like you are the one thats right or not.  They must sometimes, learn their own lesson.  Sometimes the lessons are hard, sometimes not so hard.  But everyone must cross that bear when they get to it.  She finally conceeded.  Grudgingly at first, but she backed up.  Guess what?  She was right about her opinion or her assesment of the situation, and the person had a life lesson they had to learn through it, but sometimes you cannot force right on a person, no matter how right you think it may be.  That is called giving up the right for the wrong. 

Its simple.  You have someone behind you driving erracticlly.  You pull over and let them go by.  You yeild to them.  Its better to yeild, than to be dead right. 
Someone wants to do something that YOU know may be detrimental to their health and well being.   You tell them how you feel, you tell them what you feel is right, but they chose not to agree with you, feeling that they have the right to do whatever it is they want to do.  They are a grown up man or woman.  :->  Right or wrong, they have a choice to make.  Sometimes we will be black balled for saying what we feel, but all of the time, we MUST say what is right.  If we don't, it just becomes another second hand opinion, and sits on a shelf collecting dust.  It does not matter.  Speak truth, even if it hurts.  Be the truth, even if it hurts.  And live the truth, even if it hurts.

Now, tell us what YOU think.

"The Price of Freedom"

Freedom.  It is apparent that most people seem to think that freedom is actually "Free."  How do I know this, you ask?  Because on a daily basis I see how people use, misuse, and abuse their freedom.  But, when you think about that word it becomes painfully clear that we do not understand nor comprehend, the full meaning of the word.  I like to define words, so that there can be a complete clearification of it.  Then, there can be no mistaking as to whether the reader truly understands the meaning of the word, or not.  So, what is freedom?

Freedom=The state of being free or at liberty, rather than in confinement or under physical retraint.  Exemption or immunity from external control, interference or regulation.   The power to determine action without restraint.  Independence.  Free from bondage, slavery or serfdom. 

Freedom, independence or liberty  refer to an absence of undue restrictions and an opportunity to exercise one's rights and powers.  Freedom  emphasizes the opportunity given for the freedom of speech or conscience; freedom of movement.  Independence implies not only lack of restrictions but also the ability to stand alone, unsustained by anything else: Independence of thought promotes invention and discovery.  Liberty, though most often interchanged with freedom,  is also used to imply undue exercise of freedom: (Encyclopedia britannica).

In humans, the power or capacity to choose among alternatives or to act in certain situations independently of natural, social, or divine restraints. In theology, the existence of free will must be reconciled with God's omniscience and goodness (in allowing man to choose badly), and with divine grace, which is reputedly necessary for any meritorious act.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 

Word Dynamo 

Freedom, however, is NOT the right to physically, verbally or mentally abuse another.  Freedom does NOT give one the right to act out, or act inappropriately, for ANY reason.  Freedom also does NOT give a person to act irresponsibly, or to draw others into their situations, schemes or perversions.  Freedom does NOT give one the right to do WHATEVER they think it is they want to do, without thought of reprocussions or the fact that they may hurt someone else in the process.

 

Freedom is a gift.  It is not something that was easily attained.  Someone had to pay the price, and is yet paying the price for our freedom.  Someone died for our freedom.  There are literally thousands and thousands of our men and women, young and old and everything in between, that are right now, paying the price for our freedom.  And with that freedom and those rights, we must understand that responsibilities come.  We MUST begin to think about more than just ourselves and our right to be, or say or do.  Remember, words are binding, acts are irreversable, and what we to chose become will last a lifetime.  Many times there are no take backs.  They very well may be our right, but in doing so what damage, grief or harm will it cause to come to others, just because we have the right.  Should we?  Think about it.

 

Let us know what you think.

"Just Speak Life"

I was thinking about something interesting this weekend while I sitting at UDF (United Dairy Farmer's).  I love their ice cream.  Well anyway, when I first got there, there was only 1 car sitting in the parking lot.  But after I went in, and by the time my son and I had ordered our ice cream, the entire store was crowded.  People buying everthing, from milk to coffee, beer to chips.  EVERYTHING.  We went outside and most of the parking spaces were now taken, and more cars were pulling up as we pulled out.  Now, you may think that this was just something that was normal and happens all of the time; after all, it is a store, right?  Well, let me explain to you exactly what I KNOW happened. 

I happen to believe in the power of the tongue; you know, the power of positive speaking or walking and living by faith.  I believe with all of my heart that words have life, and that what you speak forth out of your mouth, will eventually but inevitably bring something to pass.  Either death or life.  Unfortunately, I also believe that there is negative speaking, belief or faith, just as there is positive speaking belief or faith.  I believe that you can chose to create and control your own atmosphere, thus changing and altering the circumstances or the temperature of your day just by speaking positive or negative things.  For example, I've found that EVERYTIME I would say that I was broke, that guess what?  I was broke.  I would literally not have 2 nickles in my pocket to rub together.  But when I started declaring that I was not broke, that my assests were just not liquid at that time, then I never went a day when there was not SOMETHING in my pocket.  When I would audibly declare that my day was going great, that I was well and not sick, I literally would have a great day, and would not get sick, not even with a cold, EVER!  But then, when I would say my kids are bad, or call them little knuckle heads, whether they heard me or not, something would happen at home or at school that would manifest my words.  EVERYTIME!  And it was all controlled by what I allowed to come out of my mouth. 

Now let's get back to UDF.  A few years ago, I decided to "Take The Business" everywhere I go.  So every business that I frequented and enjoyed, I would declare as I pulled into the parking lot, "I Bring the Business With Me!"  And wouldn't you know it, even if mine were the ONLY car that had pulled up either to the dine in, drive through, the post office or to go into a grocery or shoe store to shop, it doesn't matter, everywhere, the results are ALWAYS the same.  At first when it started happening, my children thought that I was just a tiny bit crazy.  They would laugh and make little weird sounds, like I was a nut ball or something.  But then, when they saw it continued to happen, and STILL HAPPENS, that EVERYTIME, we went somewhere or go somewhere, we may be the only one in line or there may be 1 car in front of us, and suddenly one of the kids would say, "Mom, look behind us."  And sure enough, we would look behind us and literally, a long line of cars would be behind us.  Once my daughter counted 12 cars that had pulled in behind us, and were all the way out to the street.  I simply turned back around, smile and say, "That's because I bring the business with me, and this business is blessed, just for my being here."  Now they believe me, because it happens so much.  Just because I have chosen to speak forth the blessings of God as I go, EVERYWHERE I go. 

Now,  tell me something that has happened to you, as you have chosen to  proclaim and speak forth the blessings of God, and goodness for you or someone else's day.  How have you changed your day, or reshaped your future?  What have you spoken life to and it has prospered or increased?  Or what have you spoken life to that you need to go back and take back or recall? 

We want to, and we are listening.

"Sweet Dreams Are Made of These"

And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.7 And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?s8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.  Genesis 40:5-8.

Dreams.  According to Wikipedia, dreams are defined as, a succession of images, ideas, emotions and sensations that occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.  The content and purpose of dreams are not definitively understood, though they have been a topic of scientific speculation, as well as a subject of philosophical and religious interest, throughout recorded history.

Dreams can last for a few seconds, or as long as twenty minutes, but may in fact seem like they have lasted for the entire night. People are more likely to remember the dream if they are awakened during the REM phase. The average person has about 3 to 5 dreams per night, but some may have up to 7 dreams in one night. The dreams tend to last longer as the night progresses. During a full 8-hour night sleep, two hours of it is spent dreaming.

Dreams range from normal and ordinary to overly surreal and bizarre. Dreams can have varying natures, such as frightening, exciting, magical, melancholic, adventurous, or sexual. The events in dreams are generally outside the control of the dreamer, with the exception of lucid dreaming, where the dreamer is self-aware or actually slightly aware of what is being dreamed. Dreams can at times make a creative thought occur to the person or give a sense of inspiration.  People with vivid and significant dreams were thought blessed and were considered special. In ancient times, they thought that the best way to receive divine revelation was through dreaming and thus they would induce (or "incubate") dreams.  Dreams that are most memorable with specific colors, sights, sounds, feelings and taste generally are of some great significance. 

Throughout the centuries dreams have been studied and the meaning of dreams are sought after sometimes to the extreme.  People dream, and want to know what the meaing of their dreams are.  Everybody wants to know what their dreams mean.  Dreams also sustain us, and help to get us through life, and to our purpose and destiny in life.  Sweet  dreams are made of these.  With these thoughts in mind, tell us of a dream that you have had or of your dream period.  We'd like to know.

Now, tell us.  We're listening.

"Bending the Rules"

Bishop T.D. Jakes said in one of his messages recently, that division comes from the lack of one vision.   Rules are put in place to keep us in order.  Barriers and order are important to the dismissal of chaos.  Barriers are good for us and for others.  That being said, why are so many of us rebels without a cause?  We bend the rules just enough to say that we are obeying them, but not enough to really be in truth.  We blend in, become chameleons taking on the characteristics of those we hang out with.  Adapting to our surroundings, so that we won't be looked upon as being weird or different or strange.  We are out of order.  Just like the sign on a bathroom door in a public restroom.  Unable to be used. 

Order, or disorder is a learned behavior.  It is also a choice.  And it stands to reason, that if you love someone, you teach them to retrain themselves, and harness their spirits, least a great harm come upon them that maybe we can't fix.  Because a man or woman, or boy or girl, who can not control or rule his own spirit will ultimately be OUT of control in every area of his life.  His/their homelife will be out of control.  His/their mind will be doubleminded.  His/their sex drive will be out of control.  And he/they will be unstable in all of his ways.  But a man that can rule his spirit, can rule the world.  We life in a world were we allow ourselves to be governed by our emotions.  We cast reason, rule and order to the wind, and allow ourselves to be consumed in whatever the passion of the moment is.  The one that is ruling your spirit at that moment.  We become frivolous  uncaring, and careless of the consequences that will occur from the action that we have chosen....Until we crash and come to the end of ourselves.   It is then, and only then, that we remember.  There were rules.  We had rules.  And then we start to ask the questions.  What were the rules?  What order should I have done this in?  Why should I have controlled myself or my emotions again?  And why is it again that I should have watched or guarded my spirit.  Oh yeah.  THAT was why.  That WAS there for a reason.  I remember now.   I shoulda listened.  I coulda avoided all of this.  I woulda done this differently if I thought first.   Is it too late to change what Iv'e done?  Can I take back what Iv'e said?  Can the damage that I've don be undone?  Will it ever get better again?  How could I have let this happen?  Can I fix this? 

Rules and order was established by God from the beginning.  He set forth rules or laws to govern us, to protect us and to keep us from killing each other and our nutty little selves.  Once we realize the order of God, and begin to bring our lives to order, follow his laws or rules that He has given us to live by, we will see our whole entire world  begin to be re-shaped, re-formed and transformed into something so awesome, so beautiful, and so incredible that you won't even be able to believe it your self.  Your lives will begin to unfold and bloom as you become single-minded, intentional and purposeful in everything that we say and do; every decision that you make; considering the purpose and the plan that God has for your lives.  You will begin to realize and understand the greater purpose that has been purposed for you in your life.  You will begin to walk in dignity and integrity and authority.  And you will begin to purposfully fulfill the destiny that will transfrom your life into the greatness that you are to become.
So here is your question.

How can you stop all the rule and law breaking, get past all of the shoulda, woulda, coulda's in your life, and begin to move forward to that prophetic destiny that has been purposed for your life?

Simple,

Now, tell us what you have to say.

"What would YOU do?" For Real?

This is an awesome question. Because here's where were going with this. Every few days, somebody wins a huge jackpot in one of the States many lotteries. I'm talking literally millions of dollars. Why then, do we still have so many people around us that are lacking, poor, destitute, about to lose their homes, cars just gotten taken from them, when all it would have taken was a few hundred dollars to save it or them. People walking around stealing food. Why? Could it be, that in our quest to become rich and famous, or just plain old filthy stinking rich, that we have forgotten the most basic of principals, which is to love our brother and our neighbor as we love ourselves? 1 person who has won one of these mega jackpots could take less than $500 thousand dollars out of the hundreds and millions that they have won, and reach out and help get someone else out of debt. Not only that, but if you pay off their debt, let it be a criteria that they first agree to take a finance class on debt free living, and how to stay debt free. The average american is probably less that $50,000 dollars in debt. You could akee 10 people debt free, and still had more than enough for you and your family to live overly comfortable on for the rest of your entire days, and your childrens days. But many of us have become so selfish and self indulgent, that we have completly forgotten to help someone else along the way. To touch somebodies life as we pass their way. But we are too busy buying 5 cars, of which we can only drive 1 at a time. Or 3 houses around the world, of which we can only live in 1 at a time. or 50,000 toilet seats, or $150,000 vases, and pointless statues. Everything stupid and rediculous that we have ever dreamed of, until we have foolishly exausted our wealth. I watched it on television one day. And it completly sickened me. People that had won millions, were broke again. And it didn't even take that long for it to happen. We only seem to end up right back where we started. Which Nothing. REALLY?

This world is made up of laws. You may know some of them. The law of gravity; "What goes up, must come down." Newtons 3rd. Law; an object that is at rest will stay at rest, unless an unbalanced force acts upon it. The laws of supply and demand. When the demand is high, the supply is low. And of course the law of Resiprosity; or in laymans terms, giving and receiving. You will get back, what you give out. Or, you will reap, what you sow. I have found this to be so true. I used to give out clothes to EVERYONE. Great big giant bags of new or gently used clothing. No sooner than I had given them out, either I would get a call saying, "Hey, I got some clothes for your kids. Some are new, some are gently used." Wow! EVERYTIME. So I stopped giving out clothes, and started trying to give out as much money as I could, in whatever amounts that I could, whenever I could. I would turn around not less than a day, and someone would put some money in my hand, or a card with money in it, or I would get an unexpected check in the mail. It really and truly works. Try it.

Well watch this. We are not gready or selfish people, so once our basic needs have been met, when money like that comes into our hands, after paying off basic nessesities of course, my tithes, my debts, my house, my car, childrens education, mom and dad and grandparents, giving to the church, our spiritual covering. The next thing I would do is reach out and get at least 10-20 more people out of debt, and teach them how to stay out of debt. I would also bless people anonymously. Small and large sums of money. I would contribute to the homeless shelters, making sure that the people who are downtown and around town at least had a good meal to eat. Because many of them have developed fears of coming into the food centers, or being around crowds of people. I would build a real homeless people bath house somewhere in the inner city, where the homeless could come and take a hot shower, get some clean clothes, maybe a hot meal, and be sent on their way. I would hire a loving staff that would have a heart for helping people, who would not ostrisize them or put them down, but would lovingly help them restore a little bit of their dignity and help them to know that they ARE important. Even though they may have momentarily lost their way, they are still loved, they do matter, and we do care.
There are honestly so many things that I would like to do. But enough about me, and this is by no means advocating for or suggesting that anyone go out and play the lottery.  But you never know WHAT God is going to do.  He may have someone win a multi million dollar settlement, and remember you.  It could happen.  If that happens, and it can, what would you do?

Now, tell me what YOU would do,

"WHAT DID GOD SAY?"

God created us to carry out His devine purpose on this earth.  When He did, He blessed us and told us to be fruitful, and multiply, and have dominion over everything.  Dominion is defined as = Sovereign rule, territory or government.  That means, we are the owners, the rulers or the proprietors of this physical earth.  But, how can we have dominion or be the proprietors of this earth, if we cannot have power or dominion of our own souls, our own minds, and our own spirits.
Even our own bodies.  But the issues and problems that we have controling our thoughts, our bodies, or our lives go much deeper than the superficial "Stuff" that we allow the world to see.  We get gridlocked, or stuck on "Stuff."  Not able to move further, because we refuse to let go of  the "Stuff." And because we can't move forward and can't go backward, we can't grow.  Then we can't fulfill our purpose and our prophetic destiny that has been set forth by God. 
We begin to feel deficient.  Lacking of some essential.  Imperfect.  Faulty and with holes or gaps.  Inadequate.  Wow!  It can literally parilyze you.  Then we begin to hear, and listen to the other voices.

But let me let you in on a little secret; How you feel about what is said about you or your situation does not matter.  It's what the word of God says that stands.
You need to get your word and do some reaserch and find out, "What did God Say."
THAT, is the final answer.  And that's how the enemy tricks us, because he can present to you cold hard facts, but he CAN NOT present to you the truth.  So here are the facts;  you WERE a sinner.  But the truth is, you ARE saved by grace, according to Ephesians 2:8.  The fact is you WERE guilty and SHOULD have been convicted.  The truth is that you are ARE NOT condemned,  according to Romans 8:1.  The fact is, your righteousness and all the good you try to do IS as filthy rags.  But the truth says, in Isaiah 1:8 that though your sins be as scarlet, they SHALL BE made white as snow.  The fact is that many of our thoughts are NOT correct, NOT pure and are NOT holy.  But the truth of Gods word according to Jeremiah 29:11 is that He (God) has thoughts of good and not of evil toward US, to bring us to an expected end.  Wow!  He actually sits and thinks about us!  The fact is that we ARE in the fight of our lives, and our flesh is EVER before us.  But the truth according to Galatians 2:20, is that WE ARE crucified with Christ; nevertheless, WE live.  The fight is fixed.  We win!!!

Always remember 3 things.  1.  Never live beneath your priveledges looking at or 
                                                   listening to other people.  WHAT DID GOD SAY?

                                              2.  Your present condition can not CAN NOT or DOES 
                                                   NOT dictate your future potential in  where God is 
                                                    taking you.
                                                   You don't know WHERE you are going, but he WILL
                                                   bring you to an expected end.

And lastly, but by no means least,

                                              3.  It's not whether the devil speaks to you or not, cause
                                                  he will; It's how you ANSWER him.
                                                  SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD!

Now, let us know what YOU think.





                                             

"A Time for Healing"

It's for healing in our lives.  In the book of Exodus the 12th. Chapter, After many plagues being put on him and his people, King Pharoah finally let the children of Isreal go.  And at that point the Egyptians were urgent and in a hurry for them to leave.  And the Egyptians said in the 33rd. verse, "We be all dead men."  They knew that those people had been being held against the will of the sovereign God.  So they were in essence pushing them out.  But when they left and they left their old way of life behind them like God had instructed them.  Their old attitudes.  Their old mindsets.  Their old ways of thinking.  Their old ways of life.  They let all of that go.  They did not go out empty handed, they went out blessed.  It says in the 35th. verse that the children of Israel borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment (clothes.  Beautiful elaborate clothes).  And they lent them everything that they required.  They literally spoiled or ravaged, the Egyptians.  The children of Isreal literally walked out of Egypt with a whole lot more than what they even originally went in with.  They walked out rich, because they obeyed God through the man of God.  God didn't talk to them, He talked to Moses, and he conveyed the words of God to them.  Even with Moses initially making every excuse in the world why HE was not qualified to lead the children of Isreal out of Egypt, (I scared.  I can't speak well.  They won't listen to me.  Who am I?  And on and on),  God still got them WHAT they needed to succeed in the wilderness and got them WHERE it is that He wanted them to go.  They left a land of poverty, hard labor and slavery, only to go to a land of no lack.  To that rich and prosperous place.  A land flowing with milk and honey.  The promised land. 
Its time to leave the past behind us, or as I love it when Pumba on the children's annimated movie, "The Lion King" says, "Leave your behind, in the past."  But the time is short.  The word of God says, the time is at hand, even closer than when we first believed.  The anger; the hurt; the pains; the unforgiveness; the disappointments; the annimosities; EVERYTHING!  It is time to let it go, and move on with our lives.  If the children of Israel had not left Egypt, they would never have seen the promised land.  It's time for us to leave Egypt behind.  It's time for us to allow the slavery of our minds, souls and spirits to be released.  Everthing that is holding us.  Everything that is binding us.  WE must let it go, so that we can see, the Promised Land.  If we are unwilling to move forward, then we will be left behind.  And we will remain enslaved in our hearts and minds.  It's time for healing in our hearts, minds, bodies, souls and spirits.  Literally.

Now, tell us what you think. 

"THROWING STONES"

Why is it that so many people take such pleasure in putting other people down.  It's called "Throwing Stones."  As I listened to Pastor Ed, from ABT this past week, I realized that this is a problem that dates way back, even before Christ.  There is a saying that says, "People who live in glass houses, should not throw stones."  You allow people into your lives; you share your every personal and private selves with them; you befriend them, not allowing yourself to focus in on the large and vast amount of baggage that they themselves carry around with them refusing to let go of, only to have your life and your integrity put under a microscope of evaluation, to have bitter remarks begin to be made from the selfless extension that you have made of our lives and your family. 
God gave us examples of times when we should actually throw stones.  In the bible people threw stones as judgement, to kill a person who had offended or broken the law to various different degress.  Whereas, King David literally hurled a stone at the giant Goliath, knocking him out and killing him with his own sword.  But, Goliath was an enemy or an example of the devil.  We SHOULD throw stones at and ultimately destroy our enemy which is the devil, but not at our friends.  Not at our family.  Not at each other.  And most definitely, not at the ones we say we love or care for.  It is a travesty when we allow ourselves to get to the point where we cannot be trusted to be let into the intimate lives of others.  Where you go in, to scout out and look around or listen, for something to use for amunition later.  And we take what we have seen or heard or have been told in the utmost confidence, and begin to use it for our benefit.  To cover our flaws and inadequacies.  SHAME ON YOU!  God forgive you for the self centered breach of trust that you have allowed to happen.  For you allowing yourself to dare to open your mouth against you beloved brother or sister, because YOU thought that YOU were justified and righteous enough and without SIN enough to do so.  And we use social media's like Facebook, Twitter and Texting to spread our venom, and cover our own selves.  That is not of God.  And if we ARE the ones who are throwing stones; gossiping, talking, backbitting, bring down, demeaning or belittling our brothers and sisters, we need to go back, take another long hard look at ourselves, and wonder very seriously, if we have been truly regenerated by the word and the works of our Lord.  There is no question today.  Only this statement of fact that was pressed upon me by the Lord.  This is my opinion.

Now, let us hear what YOU have to say.

"What Do YOU Want To Be When You Grow Up?"

Hi everyone.  I know I'm a little late doing this post.  Well, more than just a little.  But I wanted to gather as much information as I could about this subject, and of course, that means yes you guessed it, talking to a lot of people.  And from the conversations that have been coming up, it seems that people want to re-think or re-examine their lives.  To, go back, so to speak.  To re-invision their lives, and what routes they could have taken to make things different in their lives.  so, here is the word that was given by a young person on Sunday.  "Imagine That."  I found his definition of Imagine so intriguing, that I wanted to really anaylize this word so I went to Wikepedia dictionary, and this is what I came up with.

Imagine= To form a mental image of something not actually present to the senses;
                 to invision or create something in ones mind.  To think, believe in, or fancy.
                To assume, to suppose or to guess.  To picture, conceive of, or realize. 
                To realize is to make an imagined thing real or concrete to oneself; to grasp
                fully, its implications.  To have the faith in, to believe that it will surely      
                come to pass.

Now, when I was in my teens, and then my early 20's, slightly younger than I'am now,
I imagined many things for my life.  I imagined going to paris and living in Europe for a portion of my life.  I imagined being so wealthy that I could help as many people as I could to get completly out of debt, and teach them how to stay out of debt.  I imagined opening a bath house for the indigent and homeless to be able to have a place to go to bathe or shower, and get a fresh set of clothes and a good hot meal for the night.  They could only do this on a long term basis if they were willing to come off of the streets and be housed in transitional housing to re-introduce them into the woking world.  And I wanted a house for orphans that would get them off of the streets, give them a loving structured environment, and lead them to Christ as well. 
I never wanted to be rich or famous, but I did want to be a world renowned novelist, writing the most awesome and incredible love stories, but that wrote with a ghost writer so no one would really know who I was.  And I would sit back and smile, and know it was really me all the time.  I imagined soooo, many things in my life.  I had a mental image of something not actually present to my senses.  I did NOT imagine that I would be a all the things that I have been, ultimately leading up to where Iam now, an assistant Pastor/Under Shepherd of the church I have attended for the last 18 years.  Wow!  But sometimes God has to grow you up, before he can do what he REALLY wants to do in your life.  The word came on yesterday, "Imagine That."  So, these next years of my journey will be greater than the former years, because, I dare to imagine all that God has in store for me.  A move of God in my life like never before.  Supernatural and Devine health and healing in my body.  Saved and Spirit filled children.  A house completely in order.  My brand new house built from the ground up.  A fully thriving business.  Riches and prosperity and increase in my life.  More than I can ever dream or Imagine. 
And I WILL have my bath house for the homeless and indigent!  I dare to Imagine!

No matter how old we are, we all have some growing up to do, somewhere.  Spiritually, or naturally.  And as we allow God to grow us up, our belief or our faith will grow too.
So, here is the question.

What do you want to be, when you grow up?

"Moral Absolutes, or Absolutely Moral." Is this a generation of Hopelessness?

We have a whole generation with no moral absolutes. 
a  moral absolute is = The is the concept of an unconditional reality which transcends limited conditional everday existence.  It is sometimes used as an alternate term for
"God."  It is the stand in which you take that you will not let down for ANY reason.

Now that is the dictionaries definition, not mine. 
Starting from the babies who scream at their parents, have temper tantrums, falling out in the middle of floor and throwing objects like toys, telling their parents to "Shut up," or "Leave me alone.  Spitting on people; sticking their tongues out at people."  I litterally heard a child 2 years old saying this to her mother.  the only thing that I could say was, "Someone, please get me a belt, a switch or a paddle or something."  The will of that was so strong, that by now mom does not know what to do with her.  This happens far too often.  No moral values being instilled in that child at all. 
Then we have the younger ones, ages 13 and  up, who feel like they are due a respect that they have not yet earned.  And they have actually said that, when we have had to de-escalate situations and we ask the young person why it is that they are so angry in the first place, the first thing they say is that "They don't respect me."  Respect you? You are 14, 15, 16 through 18  years old and you feel like someone owes you some respect?  Respect is something that is earned, not just given.  And you don't get it just because you think you should.  They also feel like they can say whatever is on their mind, to whoever they need to say it to without any penalties or reprocussions.  Never mind that it is an adult.  They feel like they have earned the right to say whatever is on their mind, and you have to listen and respect them for it.  Gone are days that they hear the instruction of their elders or any other authority figure, and they heed to that instruction. They know everything.  And you can't tell them what they don't know.  Until they hit a brick wall that is.  Then they come running to us for help.  No moral values, no moral fiber.
Then we have this group 19-30, who are still trying to find themselves.  Find yourself? How have you gotten so lost that you have to struggle to find out who you are.  You knew who you were when you where a child.  You knew exactly what you wanted to be and do.  "When I grow, I want to be..." What happened?  How did you get so side tracked?  Part of it is that they have no moral absolutes.  They ride in between the line.  They are doubleminded and unstable.  They can't make a solid decision and stick to it.  They need verbal affirmation from friends or whoever they can get it from, for everything you do.  They are wishy washy, as we used to call it.  And most would not even make it own their own if they were pushed into that position.  Unlike the generation before, who were solid.  Steady.  Who at 18, 19, 20 and 21 had already made a decision to get married, raise a family, pay bills and take on the responsibilities of an adult.  Who knew how to handle finances, balance a check book and care for more than just themselves.  That generation drew a line in the sand.  When they believed in Christ, they believed totally and completly.  This generation does not know WHAT they believe in.  One minute they are professing their love for Christ, the next minute they are cursing you out, trying to fight you and trying to go to the club.  THAT, is NOT having a moral value or moral absolutes.  THAT is straddling the fence and being unstable in all your ways, as the doubleminded man that the word of God speaks about.  And THAT brings you to destruction, lack and poverty, being outside the will of God.  And THAT brings us to the question of the day, and it is a simple question.

Why is this generation so much more wiser, but so much weaker than the generations before?  How can we change that? And, where is YOUR line in the sand?  Where are or WHAT are your moral absolutes?

Now, tell us what you think.

"What Kinda World Do We Live In?"

We live in a world gone mad.  A world that is calling wrong right, and right wrong.
A world where someone that is angry or disgruntled can take a gun and shoot as
many innocent people in their path as they possibly can, then turn the gun on themselves.  Hurting not just themselves, but hurting and wounding families, tearing them apart and leaving them crushed in the wake of their selfish destruction.
A world where little children, girls and boys, can't even walk around or play in their own neighborhoods anymore, for fear that some deginerate, some sexual preditor may grab them, take them away from the safety of their families and homes, abuse them, and then eventually, fatally wound them. 
A world where our young people can't even take a  walk down the street or go to school safely, for fear that someone will mistake them for someone else, or even have an ought against them for some ridiculous and incomprehensable reason, and gang jump them with 7, 8, 9 or even 15 people, or shot them, and leave us with 1 more fatality.  A world where a child can't even go to the store for a bag of skittles without being accused of being a thug and a robber, and then getting shot in the chest by a vigilante wanna be, and being left for dead in the streets.  Another potential leader, a great mind or a prophetic destiny left unfulfilled, now resting in the grave, prematurely.  A world where teddy bears and balloons and flowers are strung up around trees and light post; signifing the loss of a dearly beloved one.  No matter what they've done. Good or bad.  Right or wrong.  We still honor them.  We still celebrate them.  Why?
A world where our women, young and old, fear everyday, not just for their lives, but for their bodies being brutally used and abused against their wills.  The perpertrator not seeming to understand the meaing of the word "No."  And if the perpertrator is not caught, the burden of proof lies on her whether she is tellling the truth or not about being sexually assualted.  Especially if they were on a date at the time.  Gone are the days of carefree shopping at the mall.  Lunch, or dinner and a movie in the safety and company of friends.  Women are now instructed to take someone, preferably a young man, with them when they go out.  Especially at night.  Fear.
A world where if you catch someone coming out of your house, after robbing you, and you shoot them, you are the one that can be arrested.  You are the one who will be charged as a criminal, and you are the one who will go to jail.  With the possibility that you can be sued for shooting them, for robbing YOU.  Wow!!!
A world where even though you are found guilty of a crime, you still experience the luxery's of 3 square meals a day, televison, internet, weight lifting, libraries and are able to get an honest to goodness real diploma, associates, bachelor's, and even masters degree in whatever field of study that you choose, on tax payer dollars.  But the law violates the constitutional rights of a convicted felon, if it does not give them a punishment that is NOT cruel or unusual.  The right of access to parole.  And the right NOT to be discriminated against.  They MUST be treated humanely.  Wow!
A world where we think, that if we turn and look the other way, perhaps all this, everything will go away.  It will change.  It will get better, and then, we won't have to deal with the reality of what we've come to as a society.  We live in the most blessed Nation on the planet. We live in the most democratic society or regiems in the world.  And this great Nation was founded on a principle; that "In God, We Trust."  Hmmm.

So here is the question,

Is it a possibility that we have been given too many freedoms?  Is it possible that in this "Land of The Free and Home of The Brave," that we have begun to take our many freedoms for granted?  Are many people abusing their "Freedoms, and do you think that maybe just perhaps, some of those freedoms should be revoked?"  How, if at all possible, can we re-capture what we've lost as a Nation in trying to please and apease the masses, with so many Freedoms, and re-gain control of the criminal elements in our society?  How can we get back to our founding principle?
Or, can we?

Now, let us hear what you have to say.