Sword Fighting

Psalm 45:3-4
3 O warrior, strap your sword to your side
with your splendor and majesty.
4 Ride on victoriously in your majesty
for the cause of truth, humility, and righteousness.
Let your right hand teach you awe-inspiring things.

God has soooo many awe-inspiring things to show us in life. We are blessed to be able to ride in the presence of His Majesty victoriously. However in order for us to fully receive those blessings and those awe-inspiring things, we need to live truthful, humble, and righteous lifestyles. In order to do this we need to know how. The best way to learn how to live a right life with Christ is to read His word. By strapping ourselves with the word of God and taking up the Sword of Truth we can separate truth from lies. Satan is always trying to trick us into thinking a certain way or believing in something that is not of God. Sometime Satan even uses our friends or loved ones to get us to question God's will. Well, it is much easier to discern what awe-inspiring things God has for your life when you stay in His word.

Today I had a pretty rough day I was faced with some choices to make about how I would respond to stressful things. I had the opportunity to have a very negative attitude. However, I know the bible tells us to be humble and live righteously. I prayed to God and asked my boyfriend to pray for me as well. I really needed help from God to get through my day. He got me through I was able to act the right way and not let my feelings control what attitude I took. I was allowing God to control my attitude instead. Being in God's word is INCREDIBLY important. I call myself a Christ follower and I need to show people that I know what choices to make. My actions reflect the King of kings that is seated on the throne of my heart. In ALL things I need to honor Him. That is why I have my sword.

You can know your word too! Start by memorizing some key scriptures. I hope this blog will help you to have your sword ready as well!

Keep Fighting!

Micah 6:8
You mortals, the LORD has told you what is good. This is what the LORD requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God.

Keep in His Step

Psalm 45:2
You are fairer than the children of men; graciousness is poured upon Your lips; therefore God has blessed You forever.

A friend of mine posted a scripture today about the beatitudes. When we read the beatitudes we forget that everything being described was what Christ Himself practiced. When we say we are followers of Christ we say that we are willing to live life after Him. Practicing the virtues that Christ possessed only helps you. The more we learn about Christ the more we get to learn about His ways. The more we learn about His ways the more likely we are to start acting like Him. The more we learn about God the more godly we become. That is why it important to read God's word and put His word into practice. Let's practice today and remember that we want to be like Christ and keep in His step.

Galations 5:22-25
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

The Power of Praise

Psalm 45:1
Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the King, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.

Have you ever had so much praise in your heart that it was just welling up inside and overflowing? Well David did and there have been times when a lot of people have. It's incredible listening to a praise and worship song and realizing someone wrote those words to honor and glorify God. What is your favorite worship song? Think about how meaningful the words are. God's words are far more precious than our words can ever be. However, He delights when we praise Him. In fact, our praise is our offering and God loves an offering. Our praise to Him is like a nice juicy steak being roasted on a fire... as we pour out what is inside of us the aroma goes up to God's nostrils and He loves it so much. It pleases Him greatly. I want to encourage you that if God has given you the gift of words... use them. If God has given you a passion for writing poetry and music whatever He gave you a passion for... do it for Him!

A couple years ago I was prophecized over at a campus ministry. The message from God for me was to keep writing songs and poems but that I was never to sing them to people. I didn't quite understand this. Now I do as I'm older. They are to glorify and honor Him and He wants it to be like a personal love letter that shouldn't be shared because it is just "that" intimate. There is no fear of others and what they will think... it is just a personal thing for God. Occasionally I publish some of my poems but I only publish ones that I believe will help people through some difficult times. I do that also to honor God.

There is this man who plays the saxaphone at my church and sometimes the Holy Spirit annoints him so much he will just go at it. It is amazing to watch and honestly I doubt that he realizes anyone is watching him. It is such a blessing to see him give his all his gift to God and hear how wonderful it is. Sometimes if I close my eyes and just listen and let the Holy Spirit move through me... I hear it close to as beautifully as God hears it and it overwhelms me.

True worship is beautiful. Give your all to Him and let Him flow through you today. Don't care about the crowd.

Psalm 50:3
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.

Are You a Martha or a Mary?

Luke 10:38-42
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

In this season when we entertain family and friends it is very easy to get caught up in preparing things and doing a lot of busy work. Sometimes we may even accidentally ignore our guests while we clean up or cook. There are just sometimes when we need to take a break from our responsibility and get into God's presence. Have you ever had one of those days where you felt like you were on fast forward. You may not remember the last time you got to sit down? Well, this story can help you. God doesn't want us to get so busy that we don't have enough time for Him. He will take care of things also. God will help you get those dishes done! You just need to trust Him! Be still and know He is God. Realize what is really important in life. See God through things. Remember God "never" gives you more than you can handle.

Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.

A Sure Sign

Psalm 121: 7-8
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

A couple months ago I was down in North Carolina visiting family for my dad and my aunt's birthday. We had an amazing time but half way down we were faced with a problem. The ABS, cruise control, and several other things in the Jeep started malfunctioning. My dad was "not" happy. Sometimes when my dad gets upset about things not only does his "spirit" get heavy but his foot does also. Well, we were going down a hill and my dad stepped on his breaks. On the sides of the road were ditches. The tires screeched and the car skidded fast. I was grabbing onto anything I could for dear life. We just stopped right in front of a sign. A sign that said "Jesus Saves". WOW was my family thankful for that reminder. Even when we are foolish and maybe even get an attitude with God He still rescues us He still watches over us and keeps us safe. He loved us so much He sent His Son to die for us. If He loved us that much why wouldn't you expect Him to do "anything" to keep you safe. This is "your" sign and it's a big one. God loves you! He wants to show you He can keep you safe. No matter what way your foot slips He will keep you from falling if you just lean on Him.

Psalm 66:9
Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling.

Feeling Burnt?

Psalm 121
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

God is our protector. Think about a hot summer day when you went to the beach. What did you need? Did you need sunscreen? I wear this big pink hat with a big white flower on it. It's sort of become a trademark where I used to work. However, I don't wear it to look cute or goofy. I wear it because if I don't I get fried by the overwhelming rays of the sun. Well, sometimes things in life can be a bit overwhelming also. God is there with his hand shading us and protecting us. He's making sure no harm comes to us so we can rest assured and put our hope and trust in Him. If you are like me and can only use sunblock that is for babies because you are very sensitive... rest assure God knows exactly how sensitive you are because He created you. He made you the way you are and He will not let harm come to something He created with a purpose.

How can we make sure we are protected so we don't "burn"? Well, study God's word. No I mean really study it don't just read it... breathe live eat it. Also make sure you pray. Pray in tongues! Keep praying until something amazing happens. AND HAVE FAITH! Even when things happen that you didn't expect. God DOES have a plan for everything you may not see it right away but it's there. Trust Him and know that you are protected and able to go out there and start shimmering and showing people His love.

Psalm 18:2
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

He's Watching You

Psalm 121
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

God never sleeps... even when we sleep He watches over us. He never shuts His eyes or turns His back on us. Perhaps that might seem a bit creepy to you. Perhaps you would like a little privacy now and then. Well, what would you do that you wouldn't do in the open. When I think about my life being an "open book" I think well I need the accountability. If I live my life like someone is watching I know to stay out of trouble. It's when we try to hide ourselves and our actions that we get into trouble. We need to keep in the light and not stumble in the darkness. When we keep things where people can see them we have nothing to be ashamed of. No one can hold false things against us because there is always someone who is a witness. God is your witness all the time He sees what you do. Someday we will be accountable for our actions. Will God like how we lived our lives?

Think about it... is there anything today that you need to confess something maybe you do not want God or others to see? All it takes is repentance. When I repented things I kept in the dark I felt so free and light afterward. Don't stay stumbling pick yourself up and follow Him.

John 12:46
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

A Cry for Help

Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

There once was a little girl who felt so confused when her dad lost his temper and would start hurting everyone in her family. It hurt her watching her mom be treated poorly and she never really felt that pain when she was hit herself. No matter how much she tried to interject she learned that it was not safe to do so. So she kept quiet and tried to always behave and please everyone so no one would become upset. She dreaded her mother's tears and her father's wrath. However she longed for those days when she could go to church and learn about a God who loved her so much because it was so comforting and peaceful. That same little girl was the girl who always was being told she was naughty when she never did anything naughty. But deep inside she knew that God knew she was good and loved her. Growing up in a house where anyone could explode at anytime for anything was not easy. However, she hid most of the time and spent a lot of time praying. Maybe this story sounds familiar to you?
There are people around you everyday crying out for help. Prayer changes things. Maybe you can not do much "but" pray. Prayer is a powerful thing. When we rest our eyes on God and cry out for help He does hear us. He will protect us. Maybe we feel like we are doomed and miserable but even in our misery He hears us. God is a Father yes... but He is a Father that knows REAL love. A Father who is nurturing and loves you even when you do something wrong. God rejoices when He sees you do things that please Him. He frowns when He sees you do things that don't please Him... but not because He doesn't love you... it is because He loves you, He worries you will get hurt. God tries everything He can to protect us but sometimes He can not protect us from ourselves. We need to take action also. Make sure when you call out to God for help that you have tried everything you can. Otherwise just pray. He will be there with open arms, an open schedule, and an open lap to sit on. Bask in His presence daily and draw closer to Him. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is Father of the fatherless, Healer of the broken hearted, Comforter, Protector, Strong Tower, Shelter... it is okay to cling to Him.

If this reached you and you feel like you need prayer... don't hesitate to come to me. If you need to talk about "anything" I will keep everything confidential. I love you. So does God.

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O Lord how long? Return, O Lord, deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies' sake! (Ps 6.2-4)

Yo Mama of Virtue :)

What makes you beautiful?

Virtuous woman is a person of confidence and kindness.

She “perceives that her merchandise is good,” She doesn’t believe the devils lies saying “you’re no good, you’re good, you’re no good”. But she is also humble. Daughter of God, arrogance is ugly, but there are few things more attractive than a woman who knows exactly who God has made her to be, who she is.

1 Peter 3:3-7 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. (NIV)

Remember to view yourselves as beautiful! BECAUSE GOD DOES! HE MADE YOU MORE PRECIOUS THAN RUBIES!

Proverbs 31
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

“The virtuous woman is decorated with strength and honor. By now you know that life is not for the fainthearted. To live well, you must develop strength spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. But in your growing strong, be careful not to leave behind your femininity, your grace, your gentles, and your tender heart. Strive for honor and integrity, remembering always that the truth makes you free. You can lose a lot, but if you hold on to your honor, you will always be rich.” – T.D. Jakes

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Get Up Right w/ God

Psalm 25:21-22
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope, LORD, is in you.

22 Deliver Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!

Integrity is a big word. The teaching program I am in requires you to demonstrate integrity. YES they give you tribulations to help you practice and test your integrity. God also gives us tribulations but He does promise He will never give us more than we can bare. I have one month left in the teaching program and God got me through it. Integrity and Uprightness will protect you. One time I had a professor who just did not like me at all, I still don't understand why. My parents suggested it was because of my faith or just because our personalities clashed. It was a difficult thing because they were grading me very unfairly. I tried to explain to them that I had done everything and made my best effort to fix things. However, it was just not going to happen so I withdrew from the course and talked to the dean of the program. I was honest and upright. In return the professor admitted to disliking me and I got to retake the course for free with a different professor. Sometimes God gives you obstacles to test you. I cried a lot because I was wronged by my professor but I stood by what I believed to be true. God honored me when I stood up and He provided another way. I can now hold it together when I know people dislike me for no logical reason. I built integrity. God will rescue us if He sees we are mistreated. He will deliver us from the paths of those who want to see harm come to us. We do need to stay upright and honor Him though. Keep upright and He will keep you up right.

James 1:12
12 Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him

Surrounded by the Enemy

Psalm 25:19-20
19 See how numerous are my enemies
and how fiercely they hate me!

20 Guard my life and rescue me;
do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.

I read a short story in Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul a couple years ago about a man who was stationed in a war zone. The enemy surrounded this man but then as he prayed the enemy retreated. One day he bumped into one of the enemy soldiers and asked them why they all retreated. The enemy soldier said "At first we thought you were all alone but when we saw all those people with their weapons we knew we couldn't survive". The man immediately thanked God for the angels that he was not able to see that surrounded him and protected him that day. God is always listening to us and He is just waiting for us to call out for help. Yes, in this world you will have enemies. Jesus often had to flee from people who wished to harm Him. He always was protected by God so that He would be used until the day God decided to show us His resurrection and transcendence.
God protects us but He needs us sometimes on the battlefield where it can get dangerous. Remember that your true enemy (Satan) is already defeated. When Jesus died and rose again Satan knew someday he will have to be cast into the pit of fire. Satan tries to attack while he can but even he realizes that he is already defeated. Do not let him convince you otherwise. God has given us the power over Satan to rebuke him. God also tells us to pray for our enemies. Think about it... are they really bad or are they just letting Satan use them? Pray for them pray in tongues! Bless them and coals will burn over their heads. :)

Malachi 4:3 "And you shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts."

An Anchor for the Anguished

Psalm 25:17-18
17 Relieve the troubles of my heart
and free me from my anguish.
18 Look on my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.

A while ago I had gotten out of an abusive relationship and I remember those days when I spent the nights crying myself to sleep. I wondered why anyone who said they could love me could ever be so unloving. My heart was deeply anguished. I always prayed to God for relief. Yes I was a frequent visitor to the alter for alter call and I just did not see God releasing me from the hurt. However, one day at church after being judged by my ex for something wrongly accusing me of being a horrible Christian well I just lost it. I ran to the bathroom and cried my eyes out. I was done with the hurt. I was done with compromising myself for him and never feeling like I was ever good enough. WOW did I wake up! Some ladies in the church helped me wake up they told me to dump him like a hot potato. I did that and he started stalking me and slandering my name. I was still anguished because I was still being abused even though I wasn't in a relationship with him he was using guilt trips on me still and even though I cut off all communication he would attack me through my friends. I even felt as if I deserved it because of all the sins I compromised myself into in that relationship. However, I repented of those sins. I ran away from the relationship and I started running to God. I ran to God for comfort and He picked me up out of the miry clay. He cleaned me off and He put my feet on solid ground. He restored my relationship with my best friend and He surrounded me with Godly women who love me and remind me what a real relationship is all about. He also has recently blessed me with a close friend who is male who does like me and yes I do like him also who encourages me to look to God for everything I need. My close friend is kind to me and yes it is quite foreign to me but I'm just trusting and resting in God daily. God has better plans out there. We may go through storms but He has our sails He knows how to steer us away from destruction. I thank God that He took the helm of my heart and became Captain of my love boat.

In your times of anguish and distress cry out to Him He is listening, He loves you, He cares! Keep hope in Him!

Psalm 147:3
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.

Are You Lonesome Tonight?

Psalm 25:15-16
15My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.
16[Lord] turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

Ever feel lonely even when you are in a crowd full of people? I have! I've even felt lonely when I was in a relationship with someone. Sometimes there is an emptiness inside of us that can not be filled with humans. Sometimes it takes a big God to fill a big void. The great thing about turning our eyes on the Lord is He never turns His back on us. When we are lonely and need someone to listen and love us He is there! We may feel from time to time that we will never find "true love". The truth is we already have. God is love! Jesus Christ showed His love for us by dying for us. Who do you know that would be willing to give their lives for millions of people they have never even met before? He even died for people that "no one" talks to. If you are one of those people that feels alone... invite Jesus in to keep you company. He takes away your pain and gives you JOY! OVERFLOWING!

Try it! I'm praying for you chin up and look up to the Lord!

Isaiah 40:26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Inspiring Israel: Be God's Chosen

Psalm 25:13-14
13 They will spend their days in prosperity,
and their descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.

Many of you know that I've been studying so much lately for tests to get my teaching certification so I can teach anywhere. Well, in the midst of celebrating two were over and then resting afterward I totally forgot about our woman of the week yesterday. I will make it up to you by doing two women of the week this week. Today's woman of the week will be Israel. I'm sure you all realize that Israel is not a woman... but the bible addresses Israel in Isaiah 54 as the bride of the Lord. When I read our scripture for today above I thought of Israel. Yes, God was speaking to the nation of Israel but I believe that what He says also speaks to us, especially us women.

The scripture is a big sandwich to swallow all in one blog so I'm going to pull out the sandwich apart like little kids do.

First let's go to these scriptures:
2Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes, 3For you will spread abroad to the right hand and to the left; and your offspring will possess the nations and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

In Psalms 25:13 it talks about prosperity in the land. I like this scripture because it talks about Israel as being a mother with a big house. Not only does it talk about Israel being a mother but God is telling her "spare not". Mothers "spare not" for their children. My mother always trusted that God would be her provider and she never spared anything even until this day she always gives her children what they need. She doesn't fear because she realizes that God is in control and He provides. We need to realize that even if our husbands on earth do not bring enough bacon home that ultimately God is the bacon provider and He will get you through.

So let's read on:
4Fear not, for you shall not be ashamed; neither be confounded and depressed, for you shall not be put to shame. For you shall forget the shame of your youth, and you shall not [seriously] remember the reproach of your widowhood any more. 5For your Maker is your Husband--the Lord of hosts is His name--and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; the God of the whole earth He is called.

God wants to be our husbands He knows our past. He loves us and has called us out of fear and redeemed us. So we place our fear in Him and He in return makes His covenant known to us (Psalm 25:14). You all remember Ruth right? If you don't go back and read that blog again. Ruth was a widow she didn't fear because she placed her trust in God. She feared God though so she obeyed His instruction and did what He wanted her to do. In the end? She was completely blessed and followed His covenant. That is what we are to do also, completely trust God, obey Him, and follow His covenant (which the New Testament says is Jesus).

Okay ready to read on? This get's deep even for me:
6For the Lord has called you like a woman forsaken, grieved in spirit, and heartsore--even a wife [wooed and won] in youth, when she is [later] refused and scorned, says your God. 7For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion and mercy I will gather you [to Me] again. 8In a little burst of wrath I hid My face from you for a moment, but with age-enduring love and kindness I will have compassion and mercy on you, says the Lord, your Redeemer. 9For this is like the days of Noah to Me; as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you. 10For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.11 O you afflicted [city], storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in fair colors [in antimony to enhance their brilliance] and lay your foundations with sapphires.

Have you ever felt like there are just some tribulations in life that you have faced and you feel, how could God let this happen to me? Well there is your answer right there! His love and kindness will not depart from us that we "had" to go through all that maybe even to realize that He showed mercy on us and compassion. He picks us up when others have forsaken us. He rebuilds our hope and our value. He rebuilds our foundations and lays them with "sapphires" (funny that's my birthstone). God loves us and He wants us to know that without Him as our foundation we "are" going to crumble. We need Him just like Israel needed Him to be prosperous with a purpose.

Keep reading it only gets better:

12And I will make your windows and pinnacles of [sparkling] agates or rubies, and your gates of [shining] carbuncles, and all your walls [of your enclosures] of precious stones. 13And all your [spiritual] children shall be disciples [taught by the Lord and obedient to His will], and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children. 14You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God's will and order): you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you.

People say the eyes are the window to the soul. Are your eyes sparkling with the Holy Spirit? He made you more precious than rubies... your soul reflects that beauty. Reading on, who doesn't want their children to grow up to be great disciples? The bible says that if you raise a child in the way they should go they will not part from it. I am a living example of that. I have grown up in a family where they raised me to be a disciple and someday I will be blessed with my own family and I will raise them as disciples it's a very strong calling and we women know we can do it!

What next? He keeps us far from fear, terror, destruction, and oppression... I can get used to feeling secure in God can you?

15Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me. Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you. 16Behold, I have created the smith who blows on the fire of coals and who produces a weapon for its purpose; and I have created the devastator to destroy. 17But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.

A friend of mine is a female scientist and she is going through a really rough time in her work environment. She had to put up with a world that says women aren't meant to be in the position she is in. They don't let her talk. She's struggling to find voice in this place. However, here is something that says there is "no" weapon against us that will prosper. God is our vindication. It takes a might woman to stand up in a world that is not "cut out" for them. God must have a strong purpose in their life. God has a strong purpose in your life also. Realize today that just like Israel He loves you! He wants to be "your Husband". He wants you to raise His children to follow Him. He banishes all shame and fear from you! He laid precious jewels at your foundation which is in Him! Keep gleaming and believing you are worthy! I love you all!

P.S. BTW when I went to go post this my browser crashed but thanks to God! It was still there when I restored it! Seee!!! No weapon formed against us will prosper!

Awaiting Instruction

Psalm 25:11-12
11 For the sake of your name, LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

12 Who, then, are those who fear the LORD?
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.

It was a beautiful day today the sun was shining the sky was clear and no clouds. I got out of my test and I felt amazing peace. I wanted to share the peace with a close friend that I had so I texted him to invite him over after asking my parents. Okay I will admit that I like this friend a lot. I just feel great when he is around I really enjoy his company. We both get along very well and we both long to honor and respect God's will. We don't want to rush into a relationship right now because we want to be sure that it's God's will. I feel that's wise right? How difficult waiting for God's response sometimes. I fear God sure that's why I'm waiting. I want this to be a blessing... and we are not moving forward until we know it is.

I'm glad God is a forgiving God that He forgives our iniquities. My parents helped me see myself for who I really am and how beautiful I am. My friend who is happily married now loves to remind me of how God sees me. She also encourages me to remain pure and focused on Him. I love God with all my heart. My heart is sacred ground and I wont let anyone tred on that ground anymore unless they are welcomed in by Him. Many of you who know me know how many relationships I've been through in the past. Many of you tried to warn me that they were not of God. Thank God He forgives us of our iniquities. Thank God He rescued me from a life that would probably not have been happy if He had not protected me such as He did. I trust my God with my life... and the life of anyone He allows into my heart. Just this time I want to be sure God gives them the go ahead. I thank God my friend is patient and really wants to please God as well. I thank God that he is waiting for God's go ahead and not just barging in. Awaiting instruction is hard. It's hard for anyone who is waiting for "any" answers from God. If you ever need me to encourage you and pray with you as you wait I will. Maybe you can also pray for me and my friend.

Psalm 145:15
15The eyes of all wait for You [looking, watching, and expecting] and You give them their food in due season.

Bema Savior

Psalms 25:9-10
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
Being humble is not easy. As humans we are prone to think of ourselves and put ourselves first. We do not "naturally" think of others or God, although we should be thinking of God all the time. Have you ever been around someone who needed to munch on some humble pie? Maybe even in church? Maybe even you might need a piece of humble pie? I have overtime learned that I can't point out specks in people's eyes when I have a plank in my own. That for me was something that God needed to humble me to point out. I also learned one year in Sunday school that there is something called a Bema Seat where believers will have to go to stand before Christ and give an account of their lives. I learned that I am the "only" one that can stand there in front of Jesus and I also learned I can't stand there for anyone else either. That helped me to let go of the need to "change people" or as my counselor used to call it, "a Messiah complex".

When I was younger about ten, I used to think being a Christian meant telling people they were sinners and they are going to wind up in hell if they don't repent. That was the church I was brought up in. You went out and if you weren't wearing a skirt all the way down to your ankles with long hair you were a sinner. I learned differently as I got older. My parents never went to church with me when I was younger because I made the decision to go to my Aunt's church which was Baptist. My parents were pentecostal they believed in holiness and the gifts of the Spirit, but they loved me even when I went to a different church. I can't say I showed love toward them though. Sometimes I told them they were going to hell because they bought a lottery ticket "one time". I believe I also told them they were going to hell because they weren't using a King James Bible. I was ten but my mind was repeating what I learned from church. WOW was I wrong also! Even when churches ... say you are going to hell because you are doing something different... ultimately it's God's decision and we are living to please Him not others and especially not a church. If your church doesn't expect you to place God first, or if there is anything that contradicts God's word going on in your church such as; homosexual marriage or even just hypocrisy it is not of God. The bible says anything that is "not" of God... is of Satan. The bible also tells us to resist the devil and flee. KNOW YOUR CHURCH! In order to be humble YOU MUST know YOUR WORD! You must be going to a church where the word is being taught the right way. You must stay in God's word everyday and learn how to discern what is right and what is wrong. The Lord will bless those who keep His covenant. He blesses the humble... before His Bema what would He say to you today? I'm going to have to stand there also but I've learned to be responsible for myself.

Some of you after reading this today might be a little offended. I am not saying all churches are bad at all. I know some Baptist churches that follow the word and are not so much into worldly traditions that are unbiblical. I'm just reminding you that we have to be careful where we are fed. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. I learned from my mistakes. The bible says confess your sins one to another. Those were the things I wish I had never done. So be wise and open your eyes. Be humble and be willing to LISTEN TO GOD! Most importantly stay in the word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Further info on the Bema Seat:

Yielding Youth

Psalm 25:7-8 (In loving memory of Grandpa Smith)
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, LORD, are good.

8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

I love my younger sisters in Christ. I love them so much because they sparkle. I messed up a lot when I was 14 girls. I trusted people I should not have trusted. I was naive and I thought people were good. The bible says that we should guard our hearts. When I view today's youth I see a lot of great things in some and a lot of not so great things in the others. For example, I love when the youth are on fire for God and not ashamed to give praise up to Him as loud as they can. However, it scares me when some young ladies write sexual things on their facebook walls. Not only is it not honoring God but it's putting young men in a difficult place. It's making them think ungodly thoughts. AND GIRLS IT'S RUINING YOUR REPUTATION!!! ESPECIALLY AS CHRISTIANS! We need to be careful and bear good fruit, not be neon lights saying look at me and how dim I can get after I'm used several times. I'm saying this from being a neon light myself in the past. I was never a neon light to anyone offline but I definitely was online. God forgave me and changed me. He can forgive you and change you also.

You might think I have no place and saying this but I love you all! When people love each other they guide them in love. Besides if you are on this blog you are used to the purple sparkly soap box I frequently get up on. Putting all things aside girls. GOD LOVES YOU! and HE KNOWS YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND YOU ARE WORTH IT! He will guide you away from the sinful situations you get caught up in within the youth environment. He will provide a safe haven for you to "have fun" but be godly.

Keep trusting Him! Keep shining your innocence... it's rare and it's needed!

Titus 2:3-5 (paraphrase)
"Older women should instruct younger women to be self-controlled and pure"

Hope All Day

Psalm 23:5-6 (In loving memory of Grandpa Smith)
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.

My hope is in You all day long. Well this morning I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I was cranky I think I yelled at anything that moved. I did not like what God had blessed me with. I was not grateful for the cold autumn day that so many admire the color of the leaves in. I was not grateful for a chance to learn how to be the world's best teacher. I wasn't grateful for much. All I wanted was sunshine, rainbows, and butterflies. So I decided to throw myself a pity party. Thank GOD He is merciful and loves us even when we are not appreciative of how wonderful He is.

So what exactly happened? God kind of proved my bad attitude wrong. I woke up cranky knowing I would have to be at the school from 8 to 8. I also knew I would have to go to a staff meeting. All I really wanted to do was stay in bed until summer. But I honored God today and I went to school. And guess what? I got to go home earlier. Talk about great mercy and love. My hope really was in Him all day long also. I know God loves me He always works everything out for good. I also know that when I'm cranky God always makes things better somehow. I have hope in Him even in storms. I think it's a requirement for life.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Say Bye to Shame

Psalm 25 (In loving memory of Grandpa Smith)
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.

4 Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.

I'm sure we've all had moments where we feel like we just did something totally dumb and wish that we could go back and fix it. Perhaps we get so caught up in the shame that we get sick. I know I have done things in my past that have consume me with shame; maybe it was something I said to someone or something I did that wasn't respecting my parents. My friends always tell me that I can't live tied to the mistakes I've made in my past. Our identity is in Christ. In Christ we are a new creation old is gone all things are made new. When we have confessed our sins God forgives us. God does "not" hold shame over our heads. Shame isn't for those who "truly" seek to please God in "every" area of their lives. Now I'm not saying that God doesn't "convict" us when He knows we are doing something that doesn't "honor" Him. However, God does forgive us when we realize our flesh snagged us and we "turn it around" to glorify Him.

Harsh love: you "will" live in /shame/ if you live in /sin/.

Nevertheless, we have to pray for God to direct our paths and teach us "His" way so we don't get snagged by the thorns. Stay in His word and pray fervently that is the way to stay out of our flesh.

If you need prayer for anything... I will pray with you. I am "human" I have sinned and I felt shame before. I gave my shame to God and it was like a heavy burden was lifted off of me. I pray that you too will experience the freedom and peace that repentance offers.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Building Trust

Psalm 25 (In loving memory of Grandpa Smith)
1 In you, LORD my God,
I put my trust.

2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.

A big thing I needed to learn when I became a Christian was how to trust God. I was a Christian since I was 7 and I fell in love with God in AWANAS, but back then I was a child and it was "easy" to trust God. As I grew older and became more aware of how life could be not so easy trials and tribulations tested my trust. By 20 I was already through several relationships where men turned out to be "untrustworthy". I didn't have that "trust" in God because I looked at Him on "my level" and I thought well if every other guy turned out to be a jerk who just led me on and hurt me than why am I trusting God? However God showed me Himself in a new way.

I was always scared of the Pentecostal church because I didn't want to be slain in the Spirit and the praying in tongues scared me also. I never really understood what the Holy Spirit was it was something they didn't really talk much about in my baptist AWANAS. Maybe they thought children wouldn't grasp the concept. It was something I definitely lacked. My dad would always pray in tongues and it scared me because he would do it when he was frustrated or upset. My dad did his best to explain to me what the Holy Spirit was... but I never really got it until I experienced it myself. I put my fear aside and started to trust God.

I've done a lot of stupid things with my life. I've trusted people before that I should never have trusted... but that was before the Holy Spirit. That was before my parents prayed for me to receive the gift of discernment. Trusting people is more easy with the gift of discernment. It's also easier to trust God. I know how to determine who is my enemy now and I know what "exactly" to pray for them about. The rest I leave in God's hands. I find I get in fewer arguments with people when I don't try to be God. Releasing some of that control also allows me to trust God more and become more vulnerable before Him. However, I KNOW God wont let me down.

If you need help trusting in God in "any" area of your lives sisters, please contact me and I will pray with you. I love you! So does God! I'm praying the bondage off your wings right now so you can soar with Love and Peace that the Holy Spirit offers you.

Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight

Annointing of Jesus: Alabaster Lady

Psalm 23:5-6
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever

I love how in Mark 14 the disciples (mainly Judas who betrayed Jesus) were all getting defensive about a woman wasting something so expensive on Jesus. It reminds of how Jesus poured His blood over our heads. Wouldn't we want to give "anything" we could to Him? To me an expensive bottle of perfume seems so little compared to the wonderful love that He showed us by dying for us. I love also how Jesus told the disciples to "leave her alone". She was doing what in her heart was a beautiful thing and Jesus knew that. She honored Jesus by preparing Him for His burial.

I wonder just how many times critics have scoffed at us while we are doing something to honor the Lord. Maybe they think that we are foolish. I wouldn't be surprised if they were "Christ followers" also. Many people do not realize God's calling in your life. Some people say you are foolish but in your heart you "know" that is what God desires. We need to start honoring Him and obeying Him no matter what others think. His opinion is the one that is priceless.

Mark 14:3-6
3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages[a] and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you,[b] and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

God is Our Bodyguard!

Psalm 23:3-4
3 He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.

When I was living on campus I was always afraid to take the trash out at night. I was afraid of the dumpster mostly. Even in the daytime I had quite a couple squirrels jump out at me from that dumpster. I realize this passage says that I will fear no evil for You are with me, but I didn't realize that when I was afraid. It's easy to forget how big God is in our fear. When we are in the darkest area of a city and our doors are locked and our windows are up, God is with us. When we go to witness to people in scary places, God is with us.
My first experience working in Truck Ministry we visited a really rough living community for people who are poor. However, the community had a reputation for bad things happening there. Naturally, I was afraid of the sort of people who lived there. Nevertheless, I prayed to God and confessed my heart to Him and He comforted me. I went into those buildings and invited the children out and BOY did they get ministered to! I don't know which was more of a blessing ... realizing I conquered my fears so that children could be blessed or the children who were such a blessing themselves. We need to remember that where God leads us He will protect us because He goes with us.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you

I Lack Nothing

Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

"I lack nothing" very strong words. Sometimes Satan lies to me and tells me I lack so much. Satan is constantly trying to tell me I am not good enough, smart enough, strong enough. Yet God tells me "I lack nothing". Why would I lack anything? I am a workmanship created in Christ Jesus. Why would I lack anything? God has blessed me with so much! So why do I always feel like I'm still lacking? Do you have this problem. In the bible there are many examples of women and men who felt as if they were lacking. Lacking faith, lacking relationships, lacking wisdom... they felt as though they lacked a lot. However! Jesus NEVER felt like He lacked anything because He knew that God had created Him with a purpose. God created us with a purpose too and if we listen to Him instead of our flesh or the world we too will realize we have all we need in Him. Now some of you that know me may be mumbling to yourselves right now, why doesn't she practice what she's preachin. You are "absolutely" right. Yet, the bible also says confess your sins one to another. I "realize" I am constantly saying I'm lacking so much. Nevertheless I want to turn it around. I want to be a woman who lacks nothing. I want to be a woman who KNOWS the power of God in me! I want to be used for His glory. So are you with me? Do you want to lack nothing? We are powerful we are His and we have a purpose!

Philippians 4:12
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Call Anytime

Psalm 91:15-16
15When you call to me, I will answer you.
I will be with you when you are in trouble.
I will save you and honor you.
16I will satisfy you with a long life.
I will show you how I will save you.
My best friend once said that she had gone to church and learned that God doesn't always answer your prayer the way you want Him to, but He always answers. Don't you hate when you call someone and it rings for so long then you get a machine? Aren't you glad that God doesn't have voicemail? *uses deep thunder voice* "Hi this is God you have reached my Heavenly Host Hotline... for English press one...". Thankfully God does not need voicemail. We can cry out to Him anytime and He hears us. We don't even have to worry about paying a huge phone bill because He's free. We don't have to think we are getting Him at a bad time or worry about when He's available and what works best for Him. He gives us time to talk to Him all the time we need. He expects us to talk even when "we" feel like we are busy. God "never" gives "us" a busy signal. So remember whenever you need someone to talk to God is "not" long distance. You can use your whenever minutes with Him. He looks forward to hearing from you.

Psalm 145:18
18The Lord is near to everyone who prays to him,
to every faithful person who prays to him.

Stomping Satan

Psalm 91:13-14
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he[a] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

Let's face it, most of us women are not entirely fond of snakes, especially poisonous ones. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Satan was a serpent when he slithered in the garden of Eden after his legs were removed by God for tempting Eve. However, we know that poisonous snakes are dangerous. We also know that lions are pretty dangerous. One will kill you the other will consume you and kill you. Not a very pleasant thought. However, God is bigger than anything that will harm us or consume us. We do not need to fear because He promises to protect us. Perhaps it's not a literal lion that is gnawing at you today. Perhaps you had someone criticize you at work or someone is just tearing you apart lately, maybe even a loved one. Sometimes Satan uses even our loved ones to tear us apart. However, we need to remember who the real enemy is. Our enemies are not the people who chew our heads off. Most people who chew our heads off are just venting from a frustration they are faced with. Satan sometimes likes to irk people to the breakage point. It's a test but see most people don't understand that. Instead of remaining calm and trusting in God they will lash out on people they love. I've done it too so I'm not saying I'm perfect. I'm just stating that we need to realize where aggression, hate, bitterness and hypocritical spirits come from. They do not come from God. Galations 5 tells the fruit of the Spirit, the REAL Spirit, the one that is Holy. We want to be like Christ. We have the authority to stomp out Satan because God has given us that authority through Christ who lives in us. Do not be afraid... God already sent Christ to overcome the world. As long as God is on our side we are great!

1 Corinthians 15:25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.

Armed Angels

Psalm 91:11-12
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone
It was a dark and cold autumn night and it was really down pouring. My friend and I were driving back from a meeting at our church. I felt like the night would never end we were literally driving 20 mph and could barely see the lines in the road. My friend kept freaking out and I kept reassuring her that God was protecting us. We couldn't stay where we were because the storm was suppose to get worse. We just let Jesus take the wheel and white knuckled all the way back to her boyfriends house. When we got to her boyfriends house I was kissing ground. I realized I was "not" a good driver... but she did "not" have any confidence driving either. We were sneaking through five towns and a couple cities with our hazard lights on just praying. We got back safe though. We both thanked God for the hairy chested angels... because there was no way we would have made it home alive without them. People weren't even driving on their side of the road. I believe in angels. I believe that God protects us. I believe also that the angels fight with the demons.

This Present Darkness is one of my favorite books because it describes things I've been through. However it opens the readers eyes to the spiritual supernatural things that we don't always see. There are angels that get strength by Christians preaching, evangelizing, and praying. The demons "hate" when people pray... even non-Christians. Another thing in this book was that angels showed themselves as humans to people to encourage them or protect them. I do not know if angels ever do appear as humans but sometimes it makes you wonder. If you've ever read Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul people have some pretty amazing testimonies about angels.

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2)