This blog is helping me to get back ready (a little rusty) – God’s Timing is always Perfect, and I Trust Him. #HereWeGrowAgain #WhatWillTheLordTeachMeDuringThis Process #LifeLongLearner

The first assignment given, was to; eliminate distractions. So, I have been going about my day doing just that. Twitter (X) had to go (my creative space – this one was hard. I am a sucker for a good quote – and there are so many good ones out there). To be honest – I spent way too much time on there (time that could have been spent writing).

I made a promise to God that I would not write a blog, just to write one- but would wait for His leading, for His timing. So, this is me, responding to hearing Him say, Now! Lord, I surrender all to you.

This book, I believe, contains a relevant message from God. My goal is to steward it carefully! The title was given over 20 years ago (to be revealed at a later date). The Lord showed it to me, along with the 1st book. I am excited to see what the Lord is going to do through my obedience.

Christ is my Firm Foundation! Its ok if others do not understand – this right here is a; labor of love…. And, this book will be asking some really tough questions! #ICantWaitToShare #TrustingGod

This, A beautiful work in Process!

Scripture Reference:

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Ephesians 3:20-21

To view my last blog, click here!

I am an Encourager by nature and one way I “get to” do that is through my writings. I am excited to begin blogging again – to share my faith, encourage and hopefully inspire others.

It’s been two years since I last posted a blog – and, this is me sticking my big toe back into the waters of blogging (smile).

Pauses, as it relates to speeches, allow you to gather your thoughts and choose your words carefully – And this, a week-long pause, was exactly what I needed, time to pray, gather my thoughts and to prepare to – begin, again. 

Finding value in; The Pause #HereWeGrowAgain

Please understand me – I am not referring to your daily quiet-time (which is also vital to our Christian journey – but something more). Its about being intentional about our relationship with Christ, by not allowing ourselves to become too busy/boggled down – that we forget to keep “first things first.” Its about knowing/discerning the importance of having a “Mary moments” at the feet of Jesus!

Scripture Reference:

As Mary sits at Jesus’s feet, Martha finds herself “distracted by her many tasks” (Luke 10:40). #selah

#YourRelationshipWithChristMatters

The Story behind this Hymn;

“If you’ve heard two hymns in your life, chances are you’ve heard “How Great Thou Art.” In terms of popularity, it’s generally considered second only to “Amazing Grace”. Covered by everyone from Elvis to Carrie Underwood, the beloved hymn didn’t start its life as a song. It began as a poem, a Swedish poem at that.

In 1885, Carl Boberg, a Swedish editor and future politician, was walking home in the bayside town of Mönsterås, located on Sweden’s south-eastern coast. A thunderhead appeared on the horizon. Lightning flashed. Thunderclaps shook the air, sending Boberg running for shelter.

When the storm began to relent, he rushed home. He opened his windows to let in the fresh bay air, and the vision of tranquility that greeted him stirred something deep in his soul. The sky had cleared. Thrushes sang, and in the distance, the resonant knell of church bells sounded. With the juxtaposition between the roaring thunderstorm and such bucolic calm as background, Boberg sat down and wrote “O Store Gud”—the poem that, through a winding series of events would become “How Great Thou Art.”

After being published in a local newspaper, an unknown Swede put “O Store Gud” to the tune of a Swedish folk song, whose name has also been lost to history. In the late 1800s several versions were published, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that “O Store Gud,” which translates literally to “O Mighty God,” hopped the Swedish border.

In the first decade of the 20^th century the song was translated into German. A handful of years later a Russian version appeared. The first English language version wouldn’t be penned until 1925. But this English iteration, translated by the Swedish-American E. Gustav Johnson, is a far cry from the song we know today. It took another quarter century, a British missionary, and a new translation before the song developed into its now recognizable form.

In the early 1930s, Stuart K. Hine, an English missionary, first heard the Russian version of “O Store Gud” while in the Ukraine. For years he and his wife sang the song with locals before he finally sat down and translated it into English. Translation is of course more art than science, and Hine took some liberties, most particularly with the title, which in 1949 he rechristened “How Great Thou Art.”

Hine published his English translation alongside the Russian version in Grace and Peace, a magazine that he published and was circulated to missionaries in over 15 countries. The story of “How Great Thou Art” might have ended here, in relative obscurity, were it not for a British-American theologian traveling to India, a singing cowboy, and a popular American evangelist on a self-described crusade.”

When J. Edwin Orr, a British-American theologian and evangelist, travelled to India in 1954, music was the farthest thing from his mind. He was there to preach. But while there he heard an English version of “How Great Thou Art” sung by a Naga choir from the state of Assam in north-eastern India. He was so impressed by the song he brought it back to America and had it performed at a conference for college students where he was speaking.

In attendance at that fateful conference were the children of Tim Spencer, a singing cowboy and actor who had found fame singing in the Sons of the Pioneers alongside Bob Nolan and Roy Rogers. At that time, Spencer owned Mana Music, Inc, a publisher of Christian music. He quickly arranged to buy the rights to the song and then did what all good publishers do—he started pushing the song.

As late as 1954, “How Great Thou Art” remained all but unknown in the U.S., but with Mana Music’s backing the song eventually landed in the hands of George Beverly Shea, famed soloist in Billy Graham’s travelling crusade. Graham reportedly loved the song and quickly made it his evangelical crusade’s signature song. Given Graham’s reach, Shea all but introduced the song to the nation. He sang it live on radio, before stadiums filled with thousands of people—and during nationally televised events like the 1957 Madison Square Garden Crusade, which ran for 16 weeks and was viewed by an estimated 96 million people.

Then came Elvis. Though Shea and other popular artists like Tennessee Ernie Ford and Loretta Lynn recorded versions before him, Elvis’s recordings—his more restrained studio version from 1967 and his slightly looser live version from 1974, both of which earned him Grammys—are generally considered the canonical versions against which all others are compared. That said, many people today think first of Carrie Underwood’s chart-topping rendition from 2011.

Regardless of your favorite recording, when we reflect upon the various chance encounters and serendipitous occurrences that combined to birth “How Great Thou Art” and bring it to prominence, it’s hard not to be awed by the sheer improbability of it all; fate, dumb luck, God’s grace, call it what you will, the path from “O Store Gud” to “How Great Thou Art” is nothing if not unlikely.”

Information found on the Internet!!!

Here is the Video Link to “How Great Thou Art,” click here!

Ask yourself; “How are you showing up these days?” Are you a part of the problem or are you a part of the solution? I recently read a post that stated; ” We can disagree and still be friends.” Can we, really? Personally, I believe that we can! I believe that there is a better way to relate to one another! And that examples can be found in the Bible, in the way Jesus related to others!

He (Jesus) is; “the way, The Truth and the Life!” according to John 14:6

People engage in social media for different reasons. Me; I like sharing encouraging thought-provoking, inspiring scriptures and quotes, communicating with family and friends, along with sharing special behind-the-scene moments. I like to create content and to tell stories through pictures! I am not interested in using my social media platform to air my concerns, or to argue my point of view (one on one maybe, but not on this platform).

I cherish the time I spend alone in God’s word and in prayer (my quiet-times). I value my Peace!

You, my friends, are a unique masterpiece who is highly valuable to God and a rare treasure. You are not a “Trash Can” for others to dump their issues on (and disturb your peace). Guard your heart! Maintain your Peace! Enjoy your Journey and Embrace the moments! It pays and is well worth your attention to this detail… Trust me!

Live With Purpose, Think with Clarity, Act with Character, and Grow with Courage!

There is a better way to relate to one another! See you next month (smile).

“I’ll never be more loved than I am right now
Wasn’t holding You up
So there’s nothing I can do to let You down
It doesn’t take a trophy to make You proud
I’ll never be more loved than I am right now, oh

Going through a storm but I won’t go down
I hear Your voice
Carried in the rhythm of the wind to call me out
You would cross an ocean so I wouldn’t drown
You’ve never been closer than You are right now
(Let’s sing it loud y’all)

You are Jireh, You are enough
Jireh, You are enough
And I will be content in every circumstance
You are Jireh, You are enough

Forever enough
Always enough
More than enough
Forever enough
Always enough
More than enough

I don’t wanna forget how I feel right now
On the mountaintop
I can see so clear what it’s all about
So stay by my side when the sun goes down
Don’t wanna forget how I feel right now (Jireh)

Jireh, You are enough
Jireh, You are enough (so I will be)
I will be content in every circumstance
Jireh, You are enough (He is always enough)

He’s forever enough
Always enough
Always more than enough
He is, He is
Forever enough
Always enough (He’s everything, He’s always)
More than enough (yeah)

I’m already loved
I’m already chosen
I know who I am
I know what You’ve spoken
I’m already loved
More than I could imagine
And that is enough, oh-oh

I’m already loved (I’m already loved)
I’m already chosen (I’m already chosen)
I know who I am (I know who I am)
I know what You’ve spoken (I know what You’ve spoken)
I’m already loved (I’m already loved)
More than I could imagine (more than I could imagine)
That is enough (that is enough)
It’s enough for me, oh

I’m already loved (I’m already loved)
I’m already chosen (I’m already chosen)
I know who I am (I know who I am)
I know, I know what You’ve spoken (I know what You’ve spoken)
I’m already loved (I’m already loved)
More than I could even fathom (more than I could imagine)
And that is enough (and that is enough)
Yes it is, it’s enough, it’s enough

And that is enough (that is enough)
What His truth says is better than anything
That is enough (that is enough)
What He’s declared over us, it’s true
That is enough (that is enough)
That is enough (that is enough)

That is enough (that is enough)
Jehovah, You are (that is enough)
El Shaddai, You are (that is enough)
When I have You, I have everything (that is enough)
When I have Jesus, I have everything (that is enough)
That is enough (that is enough)

‘Cause You are enough (You are enough)
You’re my portion (You are enough)
You’re my portion (You are enough)
More than enough for me (You are enough)
Say, You are enough (You are enough)
So I am enough (so I am enough)
You are enough (You are enough)
So I am enough (so I am enough)
Say, Jireh

Jireh, You are enough (Jireh)
Jireh, You are enough (yes Your are)
I will be content in every circumstance
Jireh, You are enough, oh-ooh (You are)

If He dresses the lilies with beauty and splendor
How much more will He clothe you?
How much more will He clothe you?
If He watched over every sparrow
How much more does He love you?
How much more does He love you?

If He dresses the lilies with beauty and splendor
How much more will He clothe you?
How much more will He clothe you?
If He watched over every sparrow
How much more does He love you?
How much more does He love you?

If He dresses the lilies with beauty and splendor
How much more will He clothe you?
How much more will He clothe you?
If He watched over every sparrow (don’t you worry!)
How much more does He love you? (Our Father loves you)
How much more does He love you? (How much more?)

How much more does He love you? (How much more?)
How much more does He love you? (How much more?)
How much more does He love you? (How much more?)
How much more does He love you? (How much more?)
How much more does He love you?

It’s more than you ask, think or imagine
According to His power working in us
It’s more than enough
It’s more than you ask, think or imagine, oh yeah
According to His power working in us
It’s more than enough (let’s go y’all)

It’s more than you ask, think or imagine (so according)
According to His power, it’s working in us (how much more does He love you?)
It’s more than enough (how much more? Sing!)
More than you ask, think or imagine (so according)
According to His power working in us (how much more does He love you?)
It’s more than enough (one more time, sing!)

More than you ask, think or imagine
According to His power working in us (how much more does He love you?)
It’s more than enough (how much more?)
It’s more than enough (how much more?)
More than you know (more than enough)
It’s more than enough (more than you know)
More than you know (more)

Jireh, You are enough
Jireh, You are enough (You’ve always been enough)
And I will be content in every circumstance
Jireh, You are enough

And I will be content (yes) in every circumstance
Jireh, You are enough”

“Life isn’t measured by the breathes we take but the moments that take our breath away.”#CherishTheMoments #WeNeedFreshWind

With all that has transpired these past few weeks, this song has been on repeat. “Fresh Wind” by Hillsong (featuring, “What A Beautiful Name.”)

Spirit sound, rushing wind
Fire of God fall within
Holy Ghost
Breathe on us, we pray

As we repent, turn from sin
Revival embers smouldering
Breath of God
Fan us into flame

We need a fresh wind
The fragrance of Heaven
Pour Your Spirit out
Pour Your Spirit out

For hearts that burn with holy fear
Purified in faith and deed
Refiner’s fire
Strengthen what remains

So we the church who bear Your light
Lamp aflame, city bright
King and kingdom come is what we pray

Yeah, we need a fresh wind
The fragrance of Heaven
Pour Your Spirit out
Pour Your Spirit out

A holy anointing
The power of Your presence
Pour Your Spirit out
Pour Your Spirit out

Pour Your Spirit out (pour Your Spirit out)
Pour Your Spirit out (pour Your Spirit out)
Pour Your Spirit out (pour Your Spirit out)
Pour Your Spirit out

Pour Your Spirit out (pour Your Spirit out)
Pour Your Spirit out (pour Your Spirit out)
Pour Your Spirit out (pour Your Spirit out)
Pour Your Spirit out

Let all the redeemed
Prophesy and sing
We can hear the wind
Blowing, blowing, blowing

Move upon our praise
Sons and daughters sing
We can hear the wind
Blowing, blowing, blowing

Let all the redeemed (prophesy)
Prophesy and sing
We can hear the wind
Blowing, blowing (pour Your Spirit out), blowing

Move upon our praise
Sons and daughters sing
We can hear the wind
Blowing (blowing)

We need a fresh wind
The fragrance of Heaven
Pour Your Spirit out
Pour Your Spirit out

A holy anointing
The power of Your presence
Pour Your Spirit out
Pour Your Spirit out

Pour Your Spirit out

My 1st 5k, my husband and I came in last. We took our sweet time (with trucks patiently riding behind us picking up cones). That was my husband’s first and last race. For me, I just knew that if I ran one of those again – I wasn’t going to come in last (I didn’t like the way it felt – I was not prepared). I promised myself that, next time, I would train! I would be focused and ready! That was what I was standing on and that was what I was believing for. This 10 miler (DisneyRun/pictured here), almost proved too much for me! Was I ready? Had my training prepared me adequately?

Back Story: A few years ago while training for my 2nd half-marathon, I ended up in the hospital & was unable to run my race (I volunteered instead). After the incident, I began dealing with one health issue after the other (in and out of the hospital). As soon as I would began training, another setback. I was told that my running days were probably over. But God, I put my trust in Him! My Healer! And, I began to get stronger and stronger. In April (2022), I finished that, my first race, since the incident. I made it safely through training and finished a 10 mile race with my daughter and oldest son.

Important to note: There is nothing wrong with finishing last. Celebrate the win (you finished – and, I celebrate with you). Recently, I saw a video with an elderly man (I believe 100 years old) finishing a marathon, last. Hey! that’s quite an accomplishment (last or not)…. Respect!

C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

I have met some pretty incredible individuals along the way during these runs. In fact, I look forward to it!

The DisneyRun (10 miler): I knew I was coming back slower, and decided I would run towards the end in the very last leg/heat of the race. That, for me, was a big mistake because it meant that I would have to maintain the minimum pace or be swept up (meaning, I would not have been afforded the opportunity to finish the race). Forget about being last, I would not have even finished. Now that was pressure! There were people on bikes, and a bus riding behind us, picking up runners that lagged behind.

I looked back and the runners behind me were gone (swept up). If I was going to finish, I needed to stay focused. His grace carried me through, and His love was a bright light that guided me along the way! I finished! I crossed the finished line! I maintained the pace (and I was not last – inside joke between my husband and I). Over 11,000 runners finished that race (not sure of the exact number), but my son found out that my finishing time placed me faster than about 3,000 runners on that day. Wow! I was surprised. If I would have ran in an earlier leg/heat, I could have taken my time (and finished at my own pace). We agreed that the pressure that came from the bus, and the bike riders pushed me to finish quicker than I would have otherwise. That, and prayer (oh course). We plan to do it again next year (with our eyes set on the half marathon/13.1 miles). I will not be running in the very last leg (ha – too much pressure for a slow runner like me).

My journey back to health has been quite an adventure. I have lost nearly 70 pounds (with a few more to go), and I breathe much better now! My health has begun to improve. And, that was just what my doctor ordered!

A Word Of Encouragement: I don’t know what it is that you are believing for/dreaming about but I want to encourage you not to give up even though the road may not always be easy.

I decided to be transparent and to share my journey on this platform in order that it may encourage you to keep going, to keep believing, and to never stop dreaming a new dream!

I am a dreamer. I am a goal setter. And, I believe that you are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream. So dream, and run “your race” with perseverance.

Scripture Reference: “Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 (The Living Bible)

My prayer is that this blog helps, motivates and inspires you all not to give up! Your best days are ahead! #BelieveIt #ReceiveIt and #WalkItOut

I love you, but God loves you more!

I have come to realize that some of my favorite moments in life are those spent alone in God’s Presence (studying, praying and reading His Word). In truth; those moments have proven to be invaluable to me! A much needed “time out,”from the hustle and bustle of the day. Moments where I allow the truth of His Words to build, encourage and guide me into all truth.

It was in those “quiet” moments (down through the years), that I discovered the value of; “Thinking on These Things….” Philippians 4:8 The power of perspective! It was in those “quiet” moments that I learned that I was “Fearfully and Wonderfully made…” Psalm 139:14 (as noted in my first book).

If we are honest with ourselves: This life can be filled with “ups and downs”; “wins and losses”; as well as “good and not so good times.” We all need to be reminded – that is why I cherish those “quiet” times as much as I do!

Just take a quick look around, and see the heartache, the division and those suffering around us – and those who are wanting to just, “give up!”

A little over a year ago, I loss one of the great loves of my life – my mother! And; It was in one of those “quiet” moments; that I found comfort and was reminded that I would indeed see her again. Where would I be without Jesus, “my personal Savior?” He is Everything to Me (my smile). I have found value in those “quiet” moments. I have found value in the “quiet.”  

For it is in those moments (along with the moments spent in community) that, I have found Him to be a “Faithful Father!”

This week’s blog comes to encourage you to prioritize your “quiet times,” and your “gathering together” in community times. I know that it is not always easy, but I believe that it is worth it!

We need the Lord and we need one another!

Imagine the impact that we could have in our families, and in our communities. This would be our opportunity to share hope and encouragement to those within our sphere of influence. Our opportunity, to be; His (God’s) hands and His (God’s) feet here on this earth.

So, let us endeavor to make a difference. To be a light. And to Shine brightly for Jesus!

Scripture Reference:

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 #BlessedToBeABlessing

To check out last week’s blog, click here!

At the conference, during prayer time – I heard the Lord speak; “I’ve called you to write, not to Real Estate.” And it was a good thing too, because I really didn’t like it as much as I thought! When I picked up the pen – I awoke to “Passion & Purpose.” Excitement began to fill my veins.

I had been a published writer since the 3rd grade. And to write again was putting that spark right back into my eyes. Growing up, writing was a way for me to deal with my emotions (especially, the death of my dad). At the time, I did not know what the Lord was doing.  My creative outlet would eventually lead to our family becoming more financially free. We had been struggling for years – But, that; and a round of “Financial Peace” with Dave Ramsey brought about a shift in our finances!

We allowed the Lord to guide our footsteps, and he brought restoration, and healing!

I’m a morning person, so 4 am has been set aside for me to pray, write and to study. In addition: This year, I have also added my one-year, Chronological Bible back into my morning quiet time routine (and have decided to share that journey online as well). We (my husband and I), then head to the gym to workout/train; to which; I have dropped a whopping 60 pounds, and am well on my way to running my first race (in years) in a few months with my son and daughter in Florida. He is a healer – that brings about restoration. God is Faithful.

A good friend recently asked; “how?” My answer; “It was little adjustments that led to that transformation!” #WinningWisdom

I have also decided to stick to one social medium this year (and for me; that’s Twitter). I will check the others from time to time (and share on my stories) but for now; my creative outlet will be featured on Twitter.  I enjoy sharing inspirational quotes, scriptures and some of my favorite behind the scene family moments. If interested, find me on Twitter. #Writerswrite

I want to encourage you; it’s time for us to wake up to “Purpose!” We, wise women and men, must continue to build (in our families, in our careers, in our churches, and in our communities). We got work to do.

For me, I am beginning to “build” again with my words! Sharing hope and encouragement. Using my words generously to be a blessing. The Lord has also blessed our finances. We have also been afforded the opportunity to sew financially into the things that we are passionate about (especially, building the Kingdom of God).  

What do you have in your hands? What has the Lord been speaking to you about doing? Be courageous! Be Fearless! Follow that dream that the Lord has placed in your heart, and Build! “A Wise Woman, She Builds!”

Remember; “Big things are built one brick at a time. Victories are achieved one choice at a time. A life well-lived is chosen one date at a time!”

Scripture References:

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7

Please note: A Journal of Love (Video Blog) is being put on hold temporarily. It will be released in God’s timing not mine. I an allowing to Lord to lead me into all truth (concerning my VLOGs)….

If you have not had an opportunity; here’s the link to last week’s blog, click here

“Never be afraid to tell your story – it may inspire others.”  

This, my labor of love to the Lord, began with a prompting given to me by the Holy Spirit years before, as a way to share my faith.

The death of my dad, my boom-boom, at the age of 4, had a profound impact on my life. Death and sadness seemed to surrounded me (my dad, my god-mother, my babysitter, my grandfather, and so on). I found myself, as a young child, terrified of also losing my mom (tears flowed frequently). Consequently, it caused me to hold on tight to those that I loved and to build walls for all others. To the outside world, I was quiet and very shy.

I grew up on the south side of Chicago on a rough block, where there were times that I literally had to fight my way home. As soon as my mother was able, we moved, and I was very thankful.

Soon after I began high school and started dating. I had 3 boyfriends throughout high school – the 3rd and final one, would eventually become my husband of 33+ years. I met him when I was 16, and together, we became pregnant.  That, and another pregnancy did not end well – and, the guilt and the shame of the way both ended, would haunt me for years to come. It was not long after that, that we married. I knew that I did not want to date again! I still remember my mom throwing up her hands in surrender.  We were so very young (married as teenagers, soon to be teenage parents as well). My mom knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, and it wasn’t.

Five years into our marriage, my husband and I began attending Wheaton Christian Center (WCC), and later joined. There the process of healing began. It was a game-changer for our relationship. Pastor and Mrs. Arthurs were great examples to follow.

But in early 2000, the winds of change blew, and my husband’s job brought us here to Missouri. We prayed with Pastor Arthurs before moving and God directed us to a new church in our new city.

It did not take long for the sadness to creep back in. God had blessed me with some really incredible friendships back home – that I believed would last a lifetime. With this move, I missed them terribly. And, I also missed my family, and longed to move back home. My mom suggested that I; get out and meet some new people. So, I did.

I met myself some really nice individuals. But unfortunately, I was also met with some gossip about others, then again gossip about myself. I was devastated. I wanted so badly to fit in, to find good friends, and then this. Those rumors were vicious. Character assignation (not just about me but about others, as well). It seemed gossip was everywhere, and no one was escaping its grip.

Here are a few things that I learned along the way:

I made a decision not to defend myself against those rumors, but to love, and to walk in forgiveness. The more I prayed, and sought the Lord, the more He brought real friends into my life. Ones that I did not need to impress, please or convince of who I was. I could just be myself. #perfectlyimperfect

Our Words, They Matter! Life Lessons (Part 1);

1. Take the current political climate for example (no matter what side you are on); There will always be another rumor. There will always be someone who is willing to use their words to tear down (rather than build up); There will always be someone willing to assassinate your character. There will always be someone committed to misunderstanding you! Question: So, why not defend yourself? My Answer: Friendships that are worth having, you don’t have to force. It either comes together naturally (in God’s timing), or it doesn’t.
2. Even though I did not defend myself – there were times; over and over again, that I tried to prove that I was worthy, that I was a good person by doing “good works.” But experience soon taught me that those friendships never lasted, and that they were built on the wrong things.
3. Our words, they do matter! And we need to be careful how we use them. Gossip/Idle chatter can be dangerous. If we are not careful, we can easily fall into its trap. Refuse to participate in it. Give it to God and allow Him to do only what he can do. Leave it in His (God’s) hands, let him do a work in and through your heart. He is Faithful!

The Oil of Joy, for the Spirit of Heaviness Life Lessons (Part 2):

1. It was hard for me to see the good that surrounded me; My sense of self was low. My future; I thought for sure that I would die young.  I discovered that my outlook was not very positive. I don’t remember smiling much – I do remember lots of tears though, and that my head was almost always down. I felt the weight of the world.  But God! He slowly but surely began showing me a way up and out. And it all started when we, as a couple, made a decision to put Him (God) first. We began attending church (WCC), and then after a year, got plugged in, and began serving. I joined the choir and at that time, every weekly rehearsal began with prayer. I mean we really prayed for each other. That, coupled with the Words attached to the Worship songs we sung, had a transforming power in my life. I begin to see. I begin to see differently. My perspective was being changed. I was beginning to smile more, and my head was beginning to lift.
2. I learned the value of a safe place. That church (WCC) for our family was a safe place, a safe haven: My definition of a safe place: A place, where you can learn, grow, make mistakes and be corrected. An environment, where you and your family are accepted, loved and positioned to heal, flourish, and thrive. A place where you can share your ups, downs, wins and losses without judgement. A place where together we can help to build the Kingdom of God by serving in our community.
3. I had to learn to eliminate distractions: Once we moved, I became distracted. I was overly concerned with, rather someone liked me or not. I soon learned that, that was the wrong focused – and to be honest probably caused some to not like me at all, and I don’t blame them (I was trying way too hard). Being new, and reaching out to get to know others, can be hard for me. I stumble over my words; “open mouth, insert foot.” I’m awkward, and to be honest still a little shy at times. It’s easy for me to stay quiet and to keep my distant even now. But I am allowing the Lord to push me out of my comfort zone. I am a work in process. I am a lifelong learner!
4. I have also learned to celebrate the wins (big or small) that God brings into my life. Example: For years, I was secretly terrified that my daughter (my first born) would lose her dad at a young age – as I had! That she would end up pregnant at 16 – as I had! Those fears brought on much sadness! The game changed – when at WCC, we gathered with other parents and began praying for our children. The game changed when I began attending all-night prayer sessions with Mrs. Arthurs. The game changed when I began to learn and apply the word of God to different circumstances that we faced. The gamed changed when we began prayer for our children just about every morning before school. My life experiences did not have to be my daughter’s experience. In fact, it wasn’t! She graduated Summa Cum Laude (within the top 8 of her class), then went on to one of the top Universities in the nation (and her dad, my husband, still lives, and loves on her). Those early fears proved; “False Evidence Appearing Real.” That is why,I beam when I am asked about her. I beam because God has shown Himself to be a Faithful Father in my life. I remain in Awe of Him!

My life changed when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior! Transformation came when we began gathering in community with other believers. This blog, “A Journal of Love” was created as a vehicle to share my faith with others (not from a “know-it-all” perspective, but from a “learn-it-all” one). It’s meant to encourage, inspire and uplift (something that  I needed most throughout my 52 years on this earth). Life can be tough!

Recently, my car broke down on the highway – at a very inconvenient moment (on my way to serving in church). My husband swooped in, picked me up and dropped me off at church in order that I may serve. There, encouragement met me at the door! And, I needed every bit of it (smile).  We are now down a car, but instead of focusing on that loss – I choose to focus in on; “the next one.” God will provide and when he does it will be at the right time. There is no need for me to worry, and no need for me to fret. I believe that God is a God of Restoration – And, I believe that it will not be too long! #HavingTheRightPerspective

This is what the Lord asked me to Share on today – and, I have obeyed! My hope, and my prayer is that it brings encouragement into your life, no matter what you face on today.

This is Me! And, this is my; “Labor of Love.”