In The Name of Jesus

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On Sunday, June 22, 2014, my Pastor, Ron Shaw delivered a message on “Power in the Name of Jesus”.  His text was taken from Phil 2:10-11.  I listened intently and every now and then the people around me probably would hear me say, “right”.  He shared that names had meaning during biblical times (and still do).  I knew this because when I was naming my daughter I wanted people to speak positive things into her life when they called her name; therefore, she became Keturah (fragrance/sweet aroma) Colette (victorious). 

Yet, what truly resonated in my spirit was when he said that we (born again believers) don’t use the power that Jesus’ name gives us.   So, I decided I was going to do something different and tap into that power.

Pastor Ron is always asking us “what does that look like”?  I pray I can demonstrate in my writing what it looks like and how taking authority has turned some situations around for me and my family.  

Below are our (my family and friends) testimonies:

• While Keturah and I were in New York, we walked approximately 20 miles. Keturah literally had blisters on her feet.  We made it back to the location where we needed to be to be picked up around 7:15pmbut there was a problem…  There seemed to be 500 or more people at the bus stop.  A bus had not arrived since 3 o’clock that afternoon and we were scheduled to leave at 8:15.  People were milling around asking people “what times does your ticket say”. Then there were rumors that the night before the buses arrived 2 hours late.  We sat down and I said, “I will not be here until 10 tonight.  Lord, I don’t know what is holding these buses up but you do, In the Name of Jesus, I call everyone one of those buses in. We will not be here until 10 tonight”.  It wasn’t 10 minutes before one bus after another began to pull into the pick-up location. At 8:15, we were on the bus getting ready to go to Philly.
• My daughter is obtaining her principal certification.  Because it is summer her mentor hours during the first semester were impossible to achieve.  She was very distraught.  I watched her read, write, and email people for interviews while we were on vacation.  On paper, she had earned an A, but on the syllabus it stated, if you don’t complete the mentors hours your grade will be cut one letter grade.  I told her this is where you stand on your faith because you have done all that you can do; trust that GOD will make up the difference.  When I hung the phone up, I told God, “We need your intervention. I wouldn’t ask if she demonstrated she was lazy and wanting a free ride but I seen her work. In the Name of Jesus, make up the difference in mentor hours”.  When her grades posted, can I say two A’s?
• This morning I received a call, “Marilyn I lost my phone”. When you have a truck driver on the road, he needs his phone. Instantly, you could think it’s an IPhone and it is gone.   I immediately prayed, “In the Name of Jesus” help Kevin find his phone. From the time I prayed and the time it took me to walk into my kitchen my phone was ringing.  I thought, oh, it is Kevin, he found his phone! But when I began to talk it was strange voice. Kevin, not Kevin.  It was a nice older gentleman who had found the phone and called me back because I called it earlier.  He gave me his address so the phone could be retrieved.

I love the way God works. I was asked to read the book “Draw the Circle” and take the 40 day prayer challenge.  It was during this time that Pastor Ron delivered his message on “Power in the Name of Jesus”.   It was the icing on the cake for me. You can say what you want. You can call it a coincidence but I call it GOD.  I pray the reader of this blog is blessed “IN THE NAME OF JESUS”.

Celebrating Mother's Day!

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My grandmother (Mobie) lost her Mom during child birth when she was twelve years old.   When my sisters and I were growing up she told us to appreciate our mother.  My cousin Clara who is 91 years young, lost her Mom when she was in her early thirties.  When my Mom went home to be with the Lord last year, my cousin Clara called me and said, "You thought you knew before, but now you really know".  I am not going to be all spiritual and tell you I don't miss my Mom because I do. She was my best friend.  When I was a child I clung to her.  I was sure of her love.  I am who I am because of her.  She epitomized the mother in I Kings 3:16-28; a mother that would sacrifice all for the safety and care of her child. There is not a day passes by when I don't think of her.  I will be forever grateful for her LOVE because she taught me what motherhood looks like.  We call it being a living example.

At church this morning  I was reminded of the power of a spirit filled mother and the ability within you to shape your child's destiny. I discerned that my grandmother's knees were not calloused for milking cows but for praying for our family.

I celebrate all  the mothers God has placed in my life and I pray that you are celebrating yours.  Until my next post, may GOD richly bless you.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Through God's Eyes

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I have been very fortunate to look at the world through God’s eyes.  Because of this special view, I have been blessed to met and join my faith with some wonderful women of God, from all walks of life, with various ethnic backgrounds, that have cascaded into my life. They challenged me and looked beneath the surface and saw things in my heart that I could not see in myself.  They have dreamed along with me regarding the things that I hope to realize in my life and the life of my family and friends. I marvel at how God has strategically placed them as I have made my way through life.  They have pressed me, cheered me on, corrected me, and loved me. Although, for some it has only been for a season, I appreciate what was imparted to me.  Many times these were relationships that began as mentor/mentee relationships that transmogrified into beautiful friendships. I always leave them feeling renewed and refreshed when my time with them comes to a close.   I celebrate these women of faith who have shared their perspective and wisdom.  When I was growing up my mother encouraged me to befriend mature women (those who were willing to share their wisdom) so I could learn from them, albeit, one of my greatest lessons came from a young girl.  The scripture says in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens the countenance of his friend.” As the month of April comes to a close; I celebrate these women’s resilience and wisdom.  I encourage young women to slow down and look for those mature women of faith that God has strategically placed to bless you and grow you.  It could be a woman you met by circumstance, the sister that sits next to you in church, your boss or a friend of a friend.  I encourage you to look at the world through God’s eyes, until next time, may God richly bless you! 

Happy New Year!!

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Resting in Life's Moments

The one thing that I have learned this year is how quickly life can change and how we spend to much time complaining about what is wrong  in our lives instead of "Resting in Life's Moments".

I must admit this particle post was not my original idea.  The seed was planted in my spirit when I attended a Wednesday night bible study at "LightChurch" in Mesquite TX.
Every since I heard and receive the message I have become sensitized about what comes out of my mouth.  I automatically begin to shut down when people start complaining.

The scripture of focus was Philippians 2:14.  

EVERYTHING, covers a lot of ground.  I am not a big complainer by no means but I do complain. I complain about having to go to work while on the other hand I am thanking God that I have a job. 

Does one action cancel out the other?  
Should we consider this to be a double negative?  

Whether we are in church or at a business event the message is the same.  Negativity has an adverse affect on the speaker and the receiver.

So why entitle this post "Resting in life's Moments" and not " Don't be Lame, Don't Complain".  I must admit that made me smile.

Often, when we complain we are letting life's precious moment pass us by.  For every complaint there is a missed opportunity to be a blessing to someone else.  I believe accountability is the key to change so I am challenging myself, as well as you, to rest in life's moments.

I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.

This is My Journey

As I stood hand in hand with my family at the close of 2012 and the beginning of 2013, I would have never imagined what this year would hold. 

Nothing anyone could have said would have prepared me for my five-week journey; the journey that would end with the Father calling my precious Mom to her eternal home, "Heaven".

Today, it still feels like a dream. How am I to make it in this life without my confidant, my best friend, and mother?  Who is going to cheer me on when others cannot visualize my dream?

The tears began to flow even before the truth was realized.

My spirit man grasped what the natural man could not perceive. That change was quickly approaching. The question now is, "how did I survive it all?"

As I trip through my past memories, I know it was surely by the Grace & Mercy of a loving Father.  I learned many lessons throughout this journey but the one that clearly stands out is, "love is not selfish". How do you let go of something or someone that you clearly want to hold on to?

It is a selfless act.

I Corinthians 13:7 took on a new meaning, "Love always protects, always trust, always hopes, and always perseveres.”

I have been a Mommy's girl all my life and I could not envision or corral the thought of being separated from her even if it was only for a little while. Yet, my heart could not endure her not being the person God created her to be, healthy and whole.

In fact, one day as I watched her wrestle with getting comfortable, my heart hurt to see her misery.  Her response to me was, "this is my journey and I am not worried because I am in Jesus and Jesus is in me".

There has only been a few times where I've witnessed such faith and courage. The wings of my heart opened up. Although, there are days where sadness engulfs me. I stand in awe when I think of God's grace.

Why? Because my Mom acted selflessly as she prepared me for her journey home. She laid aside her own concerns and planted the seed of HOPE that we would be able to continue on because of the legacy that she left us.

Many have said she was still young, and for this day and time she could have been.  However, I have learned it is not about the number of days; it is about your quality of life. Who did you touch and are they a better person because of you? 

 I do know one thing for sure; I am a better person because of her. She surely will be missed.  Nonetheless, her voice will forever linger in my ear.  "I will always be with you; no matter what you do or whereever you go."

Ada Mae "Cheapie"

A Reminder

Since the Christmas Holiday is right upon us, I thought I would post a reminder regarding overspending.  I surprised you.  I bet you thought I was going to say “the true meaning of Christmas”. 

Just like God wants to give good gifts to his children, I understand being a parent and wanting to give good gifts to our children.

However, overspending to provide those gifts is not wise.  Often it starts a cycle that will take the upcoming New Year for us to recover.  I am speaking from experience. From the perspective of someone who had to fight their way out of debt and it literally was a fight.

I have done it all.  I have transferred balances from one credit card to another.  I have run expenses up with the justification that as soon as I get some extra cash I will pay that bill off.  Before I knew it I was alternating what bills would get paid, and the interest rate was driving up my balances.  You’ve heard the old adages "robbing Peter to pay Paul" not a good feeling.  Remember we have to lives after the Holiday’s end.

I can honestly say there has been some Christmas’s where things looked bleak, yet, God with his unfailing love has provided.  I know we live within a society where bigger is better. But I am going to ask you the question “Who is it better for?”   I know it is better for the economy but is it best for the individual.

As we bring Christmas cheer, let’s be wise about our spending and remember the best Christmases are those where unexpected Christmas miracles happen.

Have a Blessed Holiday

Customer Service "Turned the Table"

I believe an act of kindness is like laughter, it can be contagious. 

Two weeks ago, Saturday, my daugher and I realized we had not visited Starbucks in awhile.  It was time for a coffee date. While we were waiting she told me that she would like to go next door and look at a phone case from one of the major service providers.

I am going to choose to believe that what  happen next was because it was early; after , we entered the store I dropped my coffee.  What immediately caught my attention was when I walked into the store 5 people greeted me. (They wanted my business) Yet, when I dropped that cup of coffee I stepped into the "Twilight Zone" because nobody moved.

I thought to myself and voiced it verberlly to my daughter, "really, and this is my service provider." Then out of nowhere a young man appeared with some paper towels.  I gave some to my daughter and then took the time to clean up what had not soaked into the carpet.  When I was finishing up, this same young man appeared with some toweletts in his hand.  He stated, "I know how it is when you spill coffee it can be sticky" "I am a coffee drinker myself".

I thought to myself, if I buy anything out of this store, it will be from him.  He proceeded to help us look for a phone case, recommeded a screen protector, and while we were talking he was reviewing account.  Now I am back where I was when I entered the store.  I am feeling good.

Then he said, some magic words "save me money".  This was my first experience where the sales assoicate took it upon himself to review my account without me inquiring.  I told him," I tell you what, I have been considering changing service provider's so you tell me what you can do to reduce my bill."  He run the numbers.  Afterwards, he flipped the computer screen around and I said, "really, let's do this".

As we were finishing up the paperwork, he said, "I  want to thank you for placing this order with me;  it started my month out right".

I told him I have walked in this store a number of times.  I started pointing out people who had tried to sale me additional services in the past and I walked out saying, no.  The deciding factor for me was the extra steps he took by bringing me and my daugher those towletts.

His actions compelled me to want to return an act of kindines with kindness. If someone goes the extra mile, we should acknowledge that act so they will know that it was not done in vein.  This will stop people from becoming dishearten.  By demonstrating appreication, I believe kindness can be like laughter and continue to spread; then we all can be winners. 

Cloaked in Quietness

 Most of my life people (family/friends/peers) have perceived me as a person that has a quiet nature. In my experience there is a misconception associated with quietness, with being timid, a lack of boldness, and/or strong leadership skills.  As I read through the book the "Artist Way" by Julia Cameron, I have learned that I wear my quietness as a cloak.  The picture that comes to mind is the cloak of invisibility often mentioned in the Harry Potter series that allowed Harry to quietly observe situations so he could effect change. I observe life cloaked under the character trait quietness. It has gifted me with the ability to discern the true character of an individual that has masked their true nature in order to achieve their goals and aspirations.  Unfortunately, it has placed some hurdles in my path that has followed me from my early childhood into my adult life which is detailed below.

 The first experience that I recalled was when I was in elementary school.   I wanted to perform the speaking part of my grade level's Christmas speech. I am not sure if it is important to mention that I was the only one who wanted to perform the speech.  Still, my Teacher had reservations about me being quiet and would I be able to speak with confidence and boldness.  My teacher fail to recognize although I was quiet I was not timid. I recall being asked repeatedly are you sure you want to say this speech. Today, I can see myself standing on the podium and the excitement of my teacher as I walked off the stage.  Was there a paradigm shift; only time would tell?

Later, my choir teacher was holding auditions for an end of the year school play. I missed the original auditions but circumstances allowed for a singing part to open up. The desire to sing was a huge part of who I was when I was growing up.  The audition was held during class.  This was not just any song but a 1^st soprano part that required the soloist to hit a very high note (Aquarius by the Fifth Dimension).  With my hand in the air, I watched classmate after classmate walk to the front of the room.  I listen to the laughter and the comments made as each person made the walk of shame back to their seats. I felt as if I was the last players standing after selections were made for a big game.  Finally, my name was called and I could feel everyone eyes upon me as I slowly made my way to the front of the class.  The music began to play and the dreaded note was quickly approaching. I sang with confidence and I heard and exclamation of sheer joy as I hit that note.  Did I receive the part?  Yes, along with the 5 other classmates that auditioned for the part.   Due to my quiet nature, my choir teacher wasn't confident that I would be able perform the song alone. 

This subject has been weighing heavy on my heart.  How did this misconception effect me has a person?  I know from my experiences that who I am is not defined by people’s perception of me but how I see myself.  Yes, I have had to push past others misconceptions by keeping my hand in the air a little longer than others. But the look of surprise on people’s face satisfies any discomfort felt doing the experience. Today, I am speaking for all the quiet nature people.  Being outspoken does not guarantee boldness and a quiet nature is not an indicator of weakness nor having a timid character.

This blog reflect my opinion; may God richly bless you.

Life Is Precious

This past Thanksgiving holiday was like any other. I rose early to prepare my Thanksgiving dinner. I scurried around the kitchen opening cabinets, pulling out pans and searching for ingredients. Yet, something in my heart was a little off. My mind took back to a Thanksgiving Holiday that would forever change my perspective on how precious time is with my family.


I love the times when we traveled as a family to visit my grandparents. Oh, to hear the sound of my Dad’s car tires against the gravel road. My grandmother jumping up and down on the front porch clapping her hands as the car came to a halt.

Those times were special. The smell of fresh baked cakes and pies and chatter in the kitchen filled the house.

Dinner was always served promptly at noon. The family would gather around the round dinner table; with heads bowed, my grandfather would bless our meal and then bowls and plates would be passed around until everyone would settle in to eat a good holiday meal.

The Thanksgiving of 1976 was different. I was 16 and in my own world. I have always been an avid reader and this year was no different. The funny thing is today I can’t even recall the book's name that was so important to complete.. I could hear the 1st call for dinner. I snuggled closer to that wood heater and continue to plow through what I believed was a page turner that I could not put down.

Then I heard heavy footsteps moving my direction. Out of the corner of my eye I could see my grandfather stoking the fire. I heard a voice say you know dinner is ready; come join us at the dinner table. Barely looking up I replied “Daddy, I will eat with you next year”. I really want to finish this book. I am sure by now you have a feeling that next year never came. My grandfather became critical ill the following January and went to be with the Lord that spring.

For years, I pondered why didn't I rise and go share that last holiday meal with Daddy George.  It was the 1st of many whys that I would ask myself later in life. The lesson was painful.  Yet, I learned life is precious, time is fleeting and choices steer our destiny.

The Common Thread

This year's bible study committed to reading the bible in its entirety. This past week there has been a common thread as we plow our way through the book of II Chronicles. We have revisited King after King; some has prospered and then there are those who fell. What is the common thread “pride?” Throughout my life I have watched pride slither in like a venomous snake and change the course of a person’s life. The spirit of pride is subtle. It changes how we see ourselves and how we want others to see us. We put ourselves on the throne of our lives.

 II Chronicles 26:3-22 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride lead to his downfall

Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king. He did what was right in the sight of the Lord and he sought God, and as long as he sought God he was successful. When he became powerful and his fame spread far and wide people helped him, nevertheless, it ceased when pride slither into his heart. Have you ever been in a situation where your pride did not allow you to step back and change directions? Unfornuately, for Uzziah it lead to the end of his Kingship.

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:1

The saddest thing about Uzziah fall is that even when he was forewarned he yet fell. As Christian people how do we keep that spirit of pride at bay?

According to Romans 12:2, we must renew our minds. That starts with understanding where pride can lead us. It came topple a business, destroy families, end friendships and most importantly separate us for God. I am not saying we will not moment in our lives to be proud and yes, it is good to celebrate our successes.  But know this; God promotes and he demotes, whereever you are in life you did not get there alone.

Forgiveness of Self

I believe the hardest concept for mankind to get its mind around is forgiveness of self. We all fall short at one point in our lives or another. I know I have. What did Paul say, the things that I don’t want to do I do. Everyone knows the feeling of stepping off a curb and not landing just right. Then we go over in our mind what we should have done differently. Our focus is not that we didn’t fall but how we shouldn’t have twisted our ankle. I can almost guarantee we learned something; to look before we step down. The experience was worth the lesson. We can’t change what happen but we can make better choices in the future based on the experience. There is not a person living or dead that wished at one time or another that they could have done something different. We need to shed the baggage of our past mistakes, forgive ourselves, pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off and press on

Fill My Heart

Each time I have had the opportunity to stand in front of an audience; all I can do is hope and pray that God will fill my heart with the right words to say that will encourage others to press onward. When we are taking those first steps out into the world we don't recieve a handbook on life. If we can share one experience that prevents someone from stepping into a free fall it is worth the anxiety.
Today, it seems we are not arming our children with the tools needed to be successful because we are so busy living. They seem perplexed and confused regarding where they fit into the circle we call life. Often what I see is us trying to fix instead of rending possible solutions.
It is a hard feat stepping back and taking your hands off people who are struggling that you have grown to love. The pull to help will always be there but I have learned if you step back most of the time they will find a way; in turn, they will mature and grow.Life is about us finding peace and contentment in spite of our choices. That is why I love this story delivered by my Pastor when I needed it most.
There was a young missionary called to go to another country to set-up missions for young children. This would cause him to leave his beautiful fiancée.

He was in his London hotel praying asking God to confirm that it was him asking him to change his course in life. Across the street was another man praying asking God what can I do to serve you. The father told him to go stand on the balcony. The young man called to be a missionary prayed father if this is your will I will see someone on the streets of London. It was the wee hours of the morning and nobody should have been out. Every time the young missionary would step outside he would see the young man standing on the balcony. It was near dawn before the father released the man on the balcony to go bed. The young man went on to become a great missionary. The man on the balcony was killed later that day by a horse and buggy.

The young man went on to establish a number of missionary schools; however, he would not have done it if it was not for the willingness of the man that stood on the balcony.

We all can't touch the million but we can surely reach out and touch that one person that can change someone else life.

Guard That Which is Good

Today, my creativity is like riding on a highway.  A highway that holds a path that could have so many possiblities.  Conversely, I limit my creative possiblities by constantly driving in the fast lane; changing lanes at will and slowing down only enough to jot a thought down, draw a picture or write a muse; often only yielding to pressing ideas, ideas that seem to linger in my heart.  My night vision causes me to be dazed and drift away form the creative to what is acceptable.  Nonetheless, I police myself so my creativity will not be lost on this journey we call life.  I have placed STOP signs on the this highway and REST AREAS.  Places where I am forced to pull into and take a moment to reflect and nuture the true me because I have learned to guard that which is good.

Binding the Strong Man

LUKE 11:21-22

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22. but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoils.

During my time of prayer this scripture filled my heart, have you bound the strong man.

Gratitude Paved the Way!

My heart aches when I see a person striving for change and change fails to come.  If you are looking for change and  it's not peeking over the horizon, then begin to look inward.  Several years ago, I was seeking a new job position.  I needed this job change because I was a newly divorced mother of one.  I could not see myself surviving due to the lose of half of my house hold income.  I set my plan in motion on how I was going to move forward.  There was two thing standing in my way. A written and practical test.  I had received my technical degree so it should not have been a problem.  Guess again!  I failed the practical twice. Because so much time has passed between the time I passed the written and was up to take the practical again, it disqualified me from the written.  The standards changed. I was heart broken.  All that time in school for what, to only face disappointment.  Success does not come without disappointment.  Today, I can still feel that weight that I bore. I finally had to come to terms with what if I didn't pass.  I began to look back and I realized that I was not only surviving but I was thriving. In spite of my circumstances, God had blessed me to take care of my family.  I stopped right then and thank him and prayed "Father, I know if I don't conqueror this test this time you will continue to take care of me and mine."  I had peace.  I took the written test and passed. No problem! The true test would be the practical test.  They say the 3rd time is a charm.  They must be right!  I went on to pass the practical and become one of the best technicians in my group. Later, lead the team to win several awards.  Sometimes change comes when gratitude paves the way. Find peace where you are and change will peek over the horizon.

Red Sea Moments

People often say, I don't understand how the Israelites could continue to fall away from God's commandments when they witness miracle after miracle.  My response is we all have Red Sea Moments in our lives.  They are moments where God has intervened and turned our circumstance or situation around.

Yet, just like the Israelites how soon we forget what God has done for us.  We go back to grumbling and complaining.  Often looking at the glass half-empty instead of looking at it half-full.

What I want people to grab hold of is that people have not changed since the old testament days; people are still people. Thank God, for his grace and mercy, amen! What are some of your Red Sea Moments?  It is always good to look back and remember what God has brought you through.  Have you ever noticed that God continues to remind the Isrealites that he is the God that delivered them out of the hands of the Eygptians.

If I look back and remind myself of what God has done for me' this is some of things I would see:

He is the God that delivered me out of bad relationships that includes any co-dependent relationship.
He is the God that delivered me out of debt.
He is the God that delivered me from sickness.
He is the God that delivered me from bad choices.

I could go on for hours telling you what type of God I serve.  It is now time for you to tell yourself what type of God you serve.

If you have a prayer request, leave it in the comment section.  I will be happy to join my faith with yours; may God bless the reader of this blog and continue to order your footsteps.

The Ability to DISCERN

I have bowed my head many times and asked God to bless me with the "Spirit of Discernment."  Often, it has been at a turning point in my life; some like to call it a fork in the road.  Whatever you call it.  It is during a time where your choices will affect your life and/or the people around you.

 

What exactly is discernment?   It is the ability to look beyond your emotions and circumstances and make good sound decisions.  For example, Recently, I was selected as a juror.  As a juror, a person has no prior knowledge of the circumstances or the situation.  A juror has to make a sound judgment about someone's life based on the evidence and testimony.  As I researched the word “discernment” I believe the best definition I found “is the ability to recognize and understand truth and then know what to do with it.” 

Note: that it is a two-folded process……….

If I take the example above and apply the definition: I would have to recognize and understand what is true and then know what to do with my insight.  Based on our judicial system it would be to find a person innocent or guilty of all charges and possibly render a sentence.  It seems pretty cut and dry on paper; yet, we can’t eliminate the emotional aspect.This is where things can become fussy……understanding truth.  Truth to each of us can be different and it is all based on our moral belief system.  Truth can be clouded by our experiences and we can slowly reason truth away.  I believe that is why we go through the juror selection process; as painful as it can be.

My belief system as you all know is scripture based.  Nonetheless, just because I know what is right does not mean doing what is right will always come easy. Once more, that takes us back to our definition…what to do with this truth.   I can honestly say my heart wept for both of the individuals as I went through the juror process.  So why is discernment taken lodge in my heart; choices we make in life is not as cut and dry as the laws that are put in place to support the judicial system.

We make choices everyday that affect the lives of others.  Whether that business partner is the correct person? We can let personal relationships cloud our judgment. Whether that is the correct person to marry?  We can allow our emotions to push signs that we see to the back of our minds. Whether that job offer is for me?  The desire to succeed can cause use to make unwise choices regarding our family life.

Discernment is more than looking at a person's character.   It is discerning what is right and acting upon that choice. Let's not be a people where we get so caught up in the things that are going on around us; and forget to dig beneath the surface and discern what is truth.

We are living during a precarious time. We want to make sure-footed steps toward our destination.  Having the ability to have keen insight and judgment; allows us to make the determination that what we see on the outside is reflective of what is on the inside.

If we do not have the ability to discern and understand truth, then we will suffer losses in our lives that possibly could have been prevented; causing our hearts to weep.

LOCKED WITHIN MY HEART

In my mind’s eye, I can see me and my oldest sister lying in my grandmother’s iron bed.  It is Sunday night and it is time for prayer and everyone has gathered in her room.   She is on bended knee, hand pressed against her forehead; my grandfather kneeling at a chair across the room. She starts off…Most Heaven Everlasting, to Everlasting though art God.  It is again and again Lord that we come to you.  The sounds and groans my grandfather make is not understandable but undeniably he is helping to prepare the way for my grandmother’s uttered prayer. 

At the time I didn’t know, if we were ending the week or starting a week nor if there were troubles that only they knew about but I did know it was prayer time, a time to give reverence to God.

Sunday night prayer was something that happened every week until my grandfather went home to be with the Lord.  Afterwards, I would hear my grandmother in her room praying late at night, in church services and my favorite was New Year’s Eve.  Thanking God, for another year, another day, another hour, another minute, and yes, another second.  Why, because some of us didn’t make it.

How appropriate as I approach another Birthday that I remember that the next second is not promised. Throughout this journey we call life there will be trails and tribulation; there will be heart aches and heart break, the bible tells us in Matthew 5:45, that God sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

The past two weeks has given a new meaning to having a regulated mind.  Keeping your mind stayed on Jesus Christ impedes the opportunity for the enemy to slip into your life and cause havoc.  It allows the Fathe to order your footsteps so you can walk in his divine providence.

 I know that pieces of my granny prayers ride on the wings of a dove and they surface at the right time to encourage me and my family; to let us know that God is a heart fixer, a mind regulator and an anchor in times of trouble.  Her prayers are locked within my heart.

I am not sure that being her caretaker was for her benefit or was it more for mine, again, only time will tell.

Sure-footed FAITH

 “When a person maintains their Faith; success is sure to follow” Marilyn Stewart                

Don’t laugh, but early Thursday morning these are the words I heard running through my mind.  It wasn’t a dream or a vision; it was a voice. It has been a while since I have received a word of wisdom dropped deep within my spirit.

Yes, I do believe God still speaks today.

If God can use a donkey to speak to his servant (Number 22:23-30), I believe he can use whatever medium he wants to speak to his children.

Deliberately, I began to repeat what I had heard so I would not forget and be able to record it in my journal.

The last word I recall being dropped in my spirit.  I was in a whirlpool of change; surrounded with negativity.  Negativity can be like a cancer to your soul.  It can suck the very breath out of you.  The words I heard pulled me out of a cesspool of negativity.

“Situations can change; don’t let your situation’s change you” Marilyn Stewart

Yes, my situation did change and I walked away a better person I believe.

So why now…..

I know according to Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seem. I believe God knows that I want to continue to live a life of “Purpose” it is evident that there are some things I am “hoping” will come to pass in my life.  Yet, as I age and I begin to see more time behind me; that natural notion that time is slipping away haunts me.

Isn’t it wonderful that God will take time out of his busy schedule to encourage us in our daily walk?

Let me be clear, I didn’t hear I was going to “definitely” be successful in ALL that I do but I did hear that I could be sure- footed about my steps.  The genus of a true Mountain Goat; he stands at high elevation and he is a sure-footed climber often resting on rocky cliffs that predators cannot reach

Steady, Not subject to change or variation, not liable to error in judgment or action, proceeding surely.  I began to break down each word:

·         Maintain – to continue

·          Sure – confident

·         Success – favorable or desired outcome

I’ve learned in times past that it is not what is dropped in my spirit but the journey that I must take in understanding what God is speaking to me.

"It is the glory of GOD to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter"  Proverbs 25:2

After much meditation……..I concluded that…..When a person continues in their walk of faith, they can be confident, sure-footed, that success will follow” Marilyn Stewart