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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

What's The Word?

Have you watched the movie Jonah? The VeggieTales movie. It's my mom kids favorite movie. There's a scene when Jonah freaks out because He wanted to ignore God and everyone asks him, "What's the Word?". However what Jonah didn't think about the fact that the people weren't trying to make him feel guilty but he was their mediator to God.

Then I thought about 2 Kings chapter three. Three kings came together to go to war. All their troops, horses, and cattle have been without water for seven days. One asked, does anyone know a prophet? They had a problem, knew who could solve it, but couldn't contact Him.

Point being in the Old Testament, going to God was reserved for priest and prophets. But thank God for Jesus, our Mediator that allows us to communicate with God personally and freely. What a privilage it is to carry everyting to God in prayer.

 Do not take for granted God's love and mercy! He gave us a direct line to Him, use it. Family be blessed and be a blessing.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Your Secret Name...Progress

Last week, I think, I shared with you that I would be sharing with you my thoughts on the book Your Secret Name, by Kary Oberbrunner. Well I finally made it past page three! 

Honestly, I will prefer to finish the book before expressing my feelings. I'm still simmering in thought about the contents. In no form or fashion am I discrediting what he is saying. I'm just waiting for more so that I can apply what I read to my life. 

On a positive note, I did learn what is must be like reading my blog. (I'm not sure if it's a good thing yet.) His style of writing is very similar to my thought process. Funny enough it took me some getting used to, but I am gleaning from what I am reading.

Have you read Your Secret Name? Do you know your secret name? If so, how did you come about finding it?

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Jesus Approved My Divorce!

Before we proceed, allow me to be clear: MY HUSBAND AND I ARE STILL MARRIED! The divorce I speak of is the end of my affair with sin. The word today made it clear that as Christians, through Christ we can overcome sin.  So with that being said, I will speak the word and plead the blood when tempted because Christ has made us victors over every stronghold. No longer do we have to be prisoners on death row because of our sins. We have been cleansed and empowered through His blood. We can overcome.

Goodbye toxic, battered, abusive love affair with the world and the things in it. Today it was spoken clearly. Holy or Hell. I will live holy. I can live holy through Christ. I will see God. (Mathew 5:8)

And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 
1 Thessalonians 5:23

Trust Him to keep you. Live holy. Be blessed and be a blessing.


Saturday, May 28, 2011

A Day of Dreams

Serenity. That would be the word I would use to sum up this day. I enjoyed a day that felt as if it took little to no effort to complete the to do’s. Freeing up time for me to RELAX. Don’t get me wrong there were some moments of opposition but my God surrounded me. I only knew peace and joy today. Blissful.

I enjoyed time one on one with each of my Bees today. Something I really want to do more often. They deserve it. Everyone took a nap today! No bickering. Dinner came together in no time effortlessly. Today was beautiful.

Through all the bliss, my heart was longing. I wanted to go home. Not in the physical sense like back to North Carolina, but I truly pondered the environment in which my Bees will grow up. I thought Philly would be a place of opportunity, a place of diversity and culture that we can grow and explore as a family. However after being honest with myself, I was driven here by fear. I feared we couldn’t remain employed in a manufacturing town. I feared the children will miss out on a good education.

Now after coming to a place in my faith where I can trust God for EVERYTHING. I know that I’m blessed in the city and the field. My location does not dictate His provisions and with that in mind I can truly be free to be me. I can dream my dreams and not conform to what others’ lives look like or what my conscious says is the most strategic thing to do.

Today me longed to be south. I want leave the concrete and buildings for greenery and spaces. I want to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the city and just coast the countryside. Am I moving anytime soon…no. But now I am open to whatever God has in store for me and I feel like He is whispering, “home”.

I hear Him, this past week I have been putting in a lot effort in creating a home. Creating an environment that God can dwell and we can grow and be restored. Physically, yes I do want it to be beautiful and functional but more importantly I want His presence here. It’s been driving me this week to create this environment.
So after a great day with family and bubbling on the inside to do more in my home. I read this post by T.D. Jakes via facebook:

“You are here for a reason. You’re a dreamer. It is impossible to be a dreamer and keep your dream hidden. While you may feel like you are a long way from the fulfillment of the thing for which you hope, remember that you are evolving; you are a dream in progress. Refuse to give up on your dream and instead learn to appreciate the process of “becoming."

It resonated deeply with in me. I feel like dreams buried from long ago are reemerging, stronger and more vivid. There’s something God is doing right now and I have to trust Him to get there. But I tell you this, my heart is ready to go! Maybe that’s why my devotional has been stuck in Hebrews this week. I need to exercise and build my faith. I am. I will continue. I’m ready for whatever with God leading.

Be blessed. Be a blessing. Enjoy this weekend and remember to the veterans that sacrificed their life so that we can live our dreams.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Free To Accomplish

Yesterday I expressed my opinion on multi tasking and touched on the subject of Jesus delivering us through His blood. >here< Well, today I wanted to share how I deal with longer projects and repetitive task to give you an idea to defeat multi tasking. This isn't some revolutionary concept and it is definitely isn't "expert" time managing advice but it is how I have grown to be more consistent and responsible.

For me I try to implement the same five strategies to accomplishing daily task and larger projects. (by larger projects I mean tasks that can't be completed in one sitting.) Before I get into the five strategies I would like to share a little about my personal habits and personality. First, I don't like doing any one thing very long. I like variety, and I like frequent breaks when I'm being physically challenged. Second, I try to keep interruptions to a minimum when doing physical labor, however I prefer music or sound in the background. On the flip side, when accomplishing mental oriented task, I prefer the opposite. I want to do it until it is done and I want to be alone and in silence. Now to the five strategies:

1. Prayer. The Bible says pray without ceasing and we should. Inviting God into every area of our life allows Him to propel us to our best. Furthermore it takes the uncertainty out of the unknowns we encounter. My mother closes her email with this quote. "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."  -- Corrie ten Boom Doing so we can proceed in anything with confidence and joy. 


2. Confession. I attach a confession to almost everything now. I have seen so much growth and change by speaking the Word of God into my life. As a matter of fact I added a new confession for myself and my children this morning to address the increase in bickering in the house. Like all my confessions is it short and simple: Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God. I am peacemaker. Speaking life into whatever you are doing regardless of how you feel, you plant the seed of His blessing to manifest in that area of your life.


3. Plan. My mother always told us "Plan your work and work your plan." Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.  Remember poverty isn't not having money, poverty is lack.( finances, health, joy, etc.) For me, I know that when I plan, I am forced to analyze the situation more accurately and adjust my time and energy accordingly.

4. Expectation.Pastor Rod did a lot of preaching on learning to harvest just before Easter. I learned a lot from his messages but the one thing that really stuck with me: When you sow, sow with expectancy. I know in my life I would give of my time, talent, and finances without expecting anything in return because I thought that was the right thing to do. However, through his teachings I realized I was being counter productive of my faith by not expecting a return on my investment and I was limiting God to work in my life.

5. Block Scheduling. I have learned to time daily tasks like dishes, a wash cycle, cleaning the bathroom so that when I schedule my day I know exactly what I can get done is a set period of time. I also apply this block scheduling to my larger projects by limiting how long I will work on a given assignment. For example, my husband and I are working toward financial freedom. As much as I would like to finish sometime like yesterday! The reality is there is a process of exchanging information, mailing letters, receiving letters, making phone calls, etc. So for an hour a day, three days a week I work at it. When mail, or email comes about the subject I put it in the folder to be dealt with during those times. When debtors ask when is a good time to call, I give them those specific times. This takes discipline and punctuality but it has it rewards because I can clearly track progress but more importantly it reduces stress and anxiety. 

Scheduling in blocks has its perks I like when I finish early and I want to relax, I can without feeling guilty. If I want to get more accomplished in the window of time I know what I can start and complete in that opening. Finally, it allows me to keep track of priorities and keep my heart in the right place. I can look at me schedule and know that I'm spending time with God, my family, and taking care of my responsibilities.

You may be inquisitive about unexpected happenings when planing on a block schedule. Having four children, six and under allows me to completely understand your concerns! However, I don't schedule my life to the minute. I have ten to twenty minute buffers. Furthermore, this is the ideal plan of my day but I don't allow it to dictate my day. I know my top priorities which can't be compromised as well as task that can be suspended, so when the unexpected happens I can make adjustments accordingly and still get things accomplished. I also have my "twisting twos" for things like I can do laundry and cook dinner at four but if the weather is nice we can eat a quick meal and do the park and I'll do my reading at the park instead of at nine and do my laundry at nine. So be free to live!

Well family, I pray that this was helpful to you. I plan on using Friday as a time to share with you different testimonies about how God is delivering me out of different things in my life. Through Christ we are FREE to live the blessed life and I encourage you to do so. Be blessed and be a blessing.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Go Hard to Go Home!

Swirling thoughts is how I would describe my thinking pattern. Steady swirling ideas are the norm in my head, it isn't something I experience under stress or some trans/sleep thing as seen on tv. That's just my brain and I'm okay with it...until I try to formulate these complete thoughts known to man as sentences. It gets a little jumbled up. Please bare with me as I make my point. Here are some of the swirls of the day.

My pastor has been preaching on the blood of Jesus for a while now. (I am NOT complaining. The knowledge is liberating.) Particularly the five points where Jesus shed blood. For each place He shed blood, He delivered us from something and purchased us something. For example, His head, He delivered us from the curse (Gen 3) and purchased the blessing/abundance for us.  (a single swirl)

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah) Colossians 3:23  (a long lasting swirl from Monday)

Finally, I totally hate multi tasking. It is not something I do well...okay honestly I avoid doing it all cost because it 9.5 times out of 10 ends up as a disaster. The .5 success I have at multitasking is attributed to Mommy related stuff like breastfeeding while reading. (yeah I know ta-len-ted!) I'm noting this because others often try to pressure me into multi tasking. 

But I have my reasons for NOT multitasking. Top three: 
  1. I put forth a lot of effort to focus on a single thing. Multi-tasking undermines my effort.
  2. I am a starter! I start off strong and productive...and then it wanes...well waning suggest it shrinks slowly  but with me...it diminishes rapidly. I put in MORE effort to finish a task. Multi tasking encourages jumping about not completing any one thing.
  3. My father drilled instilled in me the value of doing your best every time you do something. In his words, "You do it like you signed your name on it." (In those times your name meant a lot...not so much this generation but in my house...it does!)

Making a single thought of my swirling: Multi-tasking is of the world. Supporting my conclusion, Jesus is all powerful Son of God. However He chose to accomplish a single task at a time. Sure, He could have suffered the pains of sin simultaneously and be done but He didn't. He delivered us from every bondage one at a time. He gave us his best regardless of the sacrifice. So in our works, every work, we should do the same.


The enemy decieves us into believing we accomplish more, save time, and are ahead of the game when we multi-task. However the opposite proves true. You are less productive when multi tasking and your quality of work deminishes. Furthermore as Christians we live to a higher standard of excellence. We are called to be focused, disciplined, and decisive in our actions. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air."

So family, I encourage you to GO HARD FOR GOD! Give Him your all in all that you do. Be blessed and be a blessing.

Here is an article on the subject of multi-tasking. http://blogs.hbr.org/bregman/2010/05/how-and-why-to-stop-multitaski.html 


Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Heart Songs Wednesday

This past week has been full of attacks from the enemy against my family but I'm confident that through Christ we will be victorious. We are uniting our faith in God and no matter what comes on that we will stand. So this week I've been listening to the same two albums. The first album is Donald Lawrence The Law of Confession Part I. Here are a few tracks for listening pleasure, but remember don't be just listeners of the Word but doers of the word.

Donald Lawrence- Intro


Donald Lawrence- The Law of Confession

Donald Lawrence- There is a King in You


The second album I've been listening to is Right Now Praise by Jonathan Nelson. I know I've posted a couple his songs before but I love them and they remind me that my praise is important no matter what I'm going through or how I feel. So enjoy...

Jonathan Nelson- Only You and How Great Is Our God

Jonathan Nelson- Great and Mighty

Well family, thank you for stopping by today. I pray that you are blessed and you are a blessing to others. You spending the time to read my blog is a blessing to me. I love you. Have an awesome day!


Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Reading A Transitive Verb

Reading seems to be all the buzz in our house here lately. My big girl, Suga Momma, is learning to read. My mother and best friend are devouring new books. I seem to be missing this reading business. I mean I read my Bible. I read blogs, mostly food blogs but I haven't had a good book in a while. 


Preparing for homework time, I thought how accomplishing it is for my big girl to begin reading. Then I thought, she hasn't really began to read yet because very little energy is put into comprehension. 


That led me to my morning devotion. I read to hear a word from God about my day or whatever I'm going through. I read to further my learning from a sermon or a song lyric or a saying I hear a lot in church. I read to understand the nature of God and His expectations of me. I often pray for comprehension. However I often fine myself rereading passages because I really don't understand or something isn't clicking in the application process. I understand what it reads as but I don't understand what you want me to do with this information.


How about you? Why do your read your Bible? What are your motives for devotional? Reading is a transitive verb, which means it is characterized by having or containing a direct object; of, relating to, characterized by transition. (as Merriam Webster defines it) That made me think, when reading the Bible we should be transitioning the contents from the book to our heart, from our heart to our actions. However to do so we must understand the contents.


So family I leave you today with this:



 Let your heart retain my words; 

      Keep my commands, and live. 
       5 Get wisdom! Get understanding! 
      Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 
       6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; 
      Love her, and she will keep you. 
       7 Wisdom is the principal thing; 
      Therefore get wisdom. 
      And in all your getting, get understanding. 

I love you. Be blessed and be a blessing. 

Oh and I wrote this to tell you I'm reading a new book. I will be sharing with you all my thoughts as I read. The title is You Secret Name by Kary Oberbrunner. Have you read it? What where your thoughts?

Monday, May 23, 2011

That's the Problem, It's All in My Mind

For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.
Mathew 6:21

There are fragmented thoughts cycling in my mind, weighing at my heart, distorting my emotions, twisting my tongue with bitterness. 

Submission is freedom and rebellion is bondage. I don't want to do it.

I'm tired.

Where do you spend your time + where you spend your money = your treasure...that's where your heart is. I spend my time housekeeping and online and it's not fair that I should have to sacrifice the little time I have to myself online to do more house stuff because I do this everyday.

I'm tired.
No WORD. No FAITH. I just want to sleep in sometimes.

I'm tired.
TOTALLY OVERSTIMULATED. Another day in the beehive and all the buzzing and flying is driving me insane.

UNAPPRECIATED Really, I spend my time cooking you don't eat. Cleaning and you total the house. Washing clothes that you leave in the floor.

CAN I SLEEP?! I NEED TO SLEEP IN.

BACK TO THE SAME SCHEDULE...AGAIN. (yes it is redundant, just like that!) Five in the morning to Eleven at night is too much. I'm tired. Someone needs to help out in the house. This is ridiculous.

These are my toxins. This morning my prayer was detox. cleanse me. remove the thoughts and replace it with Your words, with your peace, with your joy.

My mouth is silent. I dare not speak the poisons that infiltrated my brain. Sorry. No encouraging text. No smiling good mornings. Just me and my silent stone face, a hand raised in greeting. Rushing to nap time, a quiet place.  

Flipping through my Bible like a feeble adolescent with a sword, I'm trying to find my footing. I know on these words I have to stand. So today, I'm just standing, highlighting the pages tattooing these words on my heart.

Be assured and understand that the trial and proving employing of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing James 1:3-4

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. Philippians 4:13

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah) Colossians 3:23

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. Isaiah 26:3

So family, I'm going to listen to this. 

Be thankful that I am able bodied. Be thankful that I have a home to clean. Be thankful that I have children the clean after and so on. I pray that you are having a blessed day and you are being a blessing. (Thanks for "listening" to my incoherent rants. I feel better. >smile<)  Love you!





Sunday, May 22, 2011

YouTube - "I will wait for you" by Official P4CM Poet JANETTE...IKZ

YouTube - "I will wait for you" by Official P4CM Poet JANETTE...IKZ

Just Selfish

The past week I wrote about a clean heart. That wasn't for you. It was from me. This week prepared me for what was to come today. I must admit it wasn't  the happy, blessings flow to you message we love to hear, but I thank God for the honesty and the clarity that I received today. So family be blessed and be a blessing and expect something different here. I don't know how it will be yet but I know I have some growing to do. I love you.



Saturday, May 21, 2011

It All Started With a Little Gossip.

Today is the final installment of the clean heart portion of "The Heart of the Matter." I pray that you found  something to be applicable to you life.(Here are the links to 1 2 3 4)

Wrapping up here is:

10. Testimony. In the Psalm after the renewing of his spirit he said he will teach transgressors God's ways. I think this is a challenge for many Christians because often times we like to keep our sins a secret or site them as personal. However when you open up to others and share your struggles and triumph through Christ you can change lives. All to often the world view Christians as this group of people that are plastic because we don't allow them to see our flaws. It is sad because through our weaknesses and shortcomings Christ strength shines brightest. We don't share these things to boast that we live like the world and get away with it but we share to show that anyone can come to Christ" as is" and be made righteous through Him.

11. Praise. Open my my lips and my mouth will show forth Your praise. I've come to learn that praising God does more for me than I thought. Through praise guilt and strongholds can be shattered. I also know that singing songs of praise and worship, filled with the scriptures is another way of keeping His words in our mouth and our hearts. How often do you bless the Lord while committing a sin? I hope not ever, but the point being, sustaining praise on our lips provides the atmosphere for holiness to manifest in our lives.

12. True Sacrifice. My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise. God is so loving. He doesn't delight in what we can give financially. He doesn't delight in material sacrifices. He delights in our intimacy. He will not despise our brokenness. The very thing we try to hide and ignore is the very thing He will accept. We have to understand that we cannot buy God, what is there he doesn't have? We cannot win him over with the Ultimate To Do List of Good Deeds.  The only thing we can really give Him is ourselves, our heart, our spirit. Our sinful, broken self is the only sacrifice we can bring before him. And then from our gratitude we can give of our materials. 


Well, enjoy all God has for you this weekend. I love you. Be blessed and be a blessing.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Change Experience! YAY!

Good day! Awesome day! I had the privilege of  attending the Change Experience morning service. It was great and I really enjoyed myself. I was and am blessed by the Word that came forth and I'm totally elated. I enjoyed a lovely evening with my family and was reflecting on the day while soaking when I remembered you all! I cannot end an awesome day by breaking my commitment! So here I am, picking up with the 12 Keys to clean heart.


7. Do the right thing. Asking God for forgiveness is a good start to a clean heart however repenting, turning away from sin is essential. In my opinion, it reflects that you are being as faithful to God as humanly possible.

8. Restoration and Renewal. Create in me a clean heart, renew a steadfast spirit within me....Restore to me the joy of your salvation. David asked for a new beginning with God. He don't wallow in his guilt and allow the enemy to defeat him but he asked God renew and restore him. When I think of the two words I picture Popeye and his spinach. Once down and defeated, he bounces back stronger than before. Truly I believe it is just like that because the joy of the Lord is our strength and when we become vulnerable because of guild we allow the enemy to trample all over us.

9. Defeat Death. Cast me not from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit. To be separated from God is death, but through his forgiveness and our repentance we can be resurrected, quickened through the blood of Christ. (Psalms really stirs up gratitude and awe in me in relation to the prophecies leading to our Messiah.)

Well family, be blessed! I love you! Have a great night and an awesome weekend. LIVE THE BLESSED LIFE!

Toot Toot, getting better with getting to the point! And yes I did beep my own horn (✿◠‿◠) 

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Accept It, You Are Not A Bastard!

This week we are studying Psalm 51 discussing the process of repenting. (to catch up click here and here) So let's just get into it.

The next keys to a clean heart is:

6. Take sole responsibility. In verse three, For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them; my sin is ever before me. He owned up to his sin without a but or a because, they were his actions. He didn't list why he did it, he didn't list his who he did it with he took sole responsibility for his own actions. 

7. Acquire wisdom.  God's desire is for us to have the truth within us and David ask him to make him know wisdom. So we to must know this wisdom by seeking God in is word and developing a lifestyle that will allow us to grow in wisdom. With wisdom we will be able to discern attacks of the enemy and avoid traps that lead to sin. 

8. Accept consequences with joy.  David addressed consequences twice in this Psalm. The first in verse four after taking responsibly for  his sin he acknowledge that God was just in His sentence and faultless in His judgment. The second time isn't as strait forward however he asked God to make him see gladness and let the bones that God broken rejoice. Truly we should be thankful and rejoice with our consequences because Hebrews 12:6-7 "The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"  Any present father that wants the best for his child will discipline him.

Well family, that is the three for today, join us Friday and Saturday to wrap the final six. Be blessed and be a blessing. 


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Heart Songs Wednesday

Keeping in the series, the first few songs are about the heart.

Martha Munizzi- Renew Me
Psalm 51

Hezekiah Walker and LFC- Grateful
Jonah 2:9
But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD."

Fred Hammond- Draw Nigh
Psalm 51
( Let me know how Rhapsody does with this.)

Donnie McClurkin- Speak To My Heart


  I try to keep an atmosphere of praise in the house and we love to dance! So here is one more for the road.  
Donnie McClurkin- Caribbean Melody

Honestly there has been some heavy rotation of music in the house. Here is a playlist that has been getting a lot of play lately, Saturday Morning. (my cleaning praise) Give Him your praise! I love you and share what you are listening to!










Tuesday, May 17, 2011

1-2-3 Please Forgive Me

Continuing our "Heart of the Matter" series, today we will look at three of the twelve keys to a repenting, clean heart. This past week I was talking to my husband about a meeting with our property manager. My intentions were to keep him abreast of the arrangements made for repairs however by the end of the conversation it turned into flat out gossip. During the progression of the conversation, I thought and said, "I digress.", but I still continued. When the conversation concluded, I felt disappointed and remorseful because I knew I was wrong. My first act following, was "Lord forgive me." Then I proceeded with my day.

As the day unfolded, I was still feeling burdened from the sin. I just felt like the matter wasn't resolved. So I began to praise. In my thinking, I felt like it's just the enemy trying to convince me to wallow in it. I asked for forgiveness so the matter is resolved. Well, after praise and worship, my heart was still heavy concerning the matter. The whole after noon had passed so now I'm talking to God like, really what's going on? Is there something I'm missing, I said sorry. What more is there?

(If you don't know me personally, I'm quick to shrug my shoulders and be done with a matter. Like okay I did what I was suppose to do it's over.)

With that attitude and the heavy heart I began to question, "Is there more to repenting? Is it not enough to ask for forgiveness and strive to do better? So reading Psalm 51, I realized there is more to repenting. A lot more.


1. Know God. The Psalmist knew that it was God he sinned against and that is was only God that could forgive him. More importantly David knew God. He knew that God was loving, merciful, and tender hearted for him. It wasn't in His nature or His desire to want to be wrathful toward David. Often times I think people portray God as a villain by thinking it is to His liking to see us suffer or thinking that we were created for His entertainment and bad news make for good television.  No, God is good and all that He created it was good. Which brings us to...


2. Know who you are. David addressed that fact that he was a sinner. He like all of us was born into sin. I know for me, after becoming a Christian I had a hard time saying, I'm a sinner. It wasn't that I thought I could do no wrong, however I just didn't want to admit to the fact. However, through my stubbornness I was hindering myself from a more intimate relationship with God.


3. Sincerely seek forgiveness.  David asked repeatedly, more than ten times to be cleansed, washed, purified. He asked God to hide his face from his sins, blot out his transgressions, deliver him from his blood guiltiness.  Reading over this I reflect on times when we want something from someone. We really desire to have it. So we please, please, please pretty please with sugar on top, make our petitions known. However, in my personal experience (you may do better) when I ask to be forgiven, it isn't nearly as lavish as my plead for the "must have it thing".  As a human I would question my sincerity, more so I would question my integrity. Are you making light of sin, it isn't a big deal?  This led me take seeking forgiveness seriously as it should be. My sin separates me from my God. That is a big deal.


Well family, that is the first three of the twelve keys to a clean, repenting heart. Continue to meditate on this scripture please as we progress through "The Heart of the Matter."  As you meditate on this word or any word of God for that matter more will be illuminated for you. Please share your illumination with us. Be blessed. be a blessing, and see you tomorrow.

Monday, May 16, 2011

The Heart of the Matter Starts Here.

Good day! We are going to ease into the series, titled “The Heart of the Matter”, today and I would like to do so by giving you a few statements to ponder.

Eternal life is living forever with Christ.

Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? – John 11:25-26

Death is separation of two things. Sin separates us from God, spiritual death. Separation of the spirit from the body is physical death.

 Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save,  nor his ear too dull to hear.  But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:1-2

Deep unresolved sin can rob us of eternal life.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

As believers we have to be real with ourselves and with God about the sins we harbor in our hearts. God’s word is final and often times as in our human thinking  capacity we think that His word yields with the times and current culture…it doesn’t. God is absolute. If you aren’t for Him, you are against him. You are hot or cold.

So when it comes to us and the choices we make it is either right or wrong. Again, in our human thinking we often have a but or a because… “I was wrong but they did it to.” “I did this because she did that.” No, we are talking  about our free will self when it comes to our actions and consequences.

Now that you have been prepped, please read and meditate on Psalm 51.

Psalm 51
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David; when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had sinned with Bathsheba.
1HAVE MERCY upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions.

2Wash me thoroughly [and repeatedly] from my iniquity and guilt and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin!

3For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them; my sin is ever before me.

4Against You, You only, have I sinned and done that which is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified in Your sentence and faultless in Your judgment.

5Behold, I was brought forth in [a state of] iniquity; my mother was sinful who conceived me [and I too am sinful].

6Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart.

7Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean [ceremonially]; wash me, and I shall [in reality] be whiter than snow.

8Make me to hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; let the bones which You have broken rejoice.

9Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my guilt and iniquities.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.

11Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.

13Then will I teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted and return to You.

14Deliver me from blood guiltiness and death, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness (Your rightness and Your justice).

15O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

16For You delight not in sacrifice, or else would I give it; You find no pleasure in burnt offering.

17My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.

18Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then will You delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, justice, and right, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then bullocks will be offered upon Your altar.

This Psalm is an example of true repentance. There are twelve key points to a repenting  (clean) heart we will be discussing over the next week. Because long blog post (like today) aren’t to my liking the following parts will only include three of the key points and scripture references. I promise I will try to be succinct! Love you, be blessed and meditate on this word because I want some feedback, comments!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Riddle Me This…

Did you get the answer to the riddle yesterday? Do you want another clue? Everyone has one even if it is made of ice. Just kidding. the The answer to the riddle is a heart.
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This series beginning today is called “The Heart of the Matter” and we will be discussing heart related scriptures and the importance of the breastplate of righteousness.

One thing I would like to note before we begin is heart and mind are used as synonyms in the Bible so please remember that as we proceed. I’m sure there are other notes but they aren’t jumping out at me right now.

So Happy Sunday. Enjoy your day of rest. Be blessed and bless the Lord. See you tomorrow!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Are You Ready?

Sunday is the start of my week. So it is only right that we begin this series on Sunday. However, Sunday is my day of rest so you will only get an introduction. Today I just wanted to give you a clue as to what we will be discussing. Here is the riddle, do you know the answer?

I have a song I sing only 100,000 times a day, not too fast and not too slow is the best way. It soothes wee ones from the womb, and comforts family when they fear the tomb. My song is sweet and subtle but the lyrics are life changing.

Do you know what the series is about? Take a guess! Be blessed and see you tomorrow for the introduction. : )

Friday, May 13, 2011

Hot Kitchen Confessions

It is really late…and I’m barely skating in before midnight with this post. (Actually writing in live writer praying my connection is restored! But trust me this is good!)

It began with some plumbing troubles, and unlike Desperate Housewives, I didn’t get one hot muscular Mr. Fix It. I got one tall dark and handsome at noon. Later he was accompanied by Mr. Congeniality. Then Mr. Muscle joined the party. And then it was rudely interrupted by Mr. BeeMore. (By interrupted I mean, Mr. BeeMore called me out and said YOU DID THIS!) Yeah, I know this sounds all hot and juicy…but let me be clear it was U G L Y.

The ugly truth I must CONFESS! I did clog the pipes. Honestly, I DIDN’T KNOW BETTER! However I like the kinder approach to the trio verses the direct, factual approach of my husband’s condemnation.
My kitchen was hot, it was filthy, and it was all my fault. Everything you are not to put in a garbage disposal with the exception of bones…I had. My sink was totally clogged and pushing nasty chunky water ugghhhh back up. It took a team to get in there and really muscle through clog and all the other problems that spurred up as a result. There was a lot of heavy tools, man power, and way too much head shaking for my taste, but at last I have drainage on one side, and that will get me through until Monday.

In retrospect, isn’t that the story of our life before accepting Christ? You do all the things you are not suppose to do until you clog up. Until you reach that point when emotions, addictions, destruction is just bubbling up and taking over you just keep putting the debris in. Then finally without room to push in any more mess, mess begins to come out…mess you can’t control. Who do you call, who can you turn to when mess is getting too hot, too dirty to maintain your façade of life?

Jesus, he comes in  with the heavy tool. He comes the with the blood that overthrows death, the grave, and hell. God our father, loves us pulling the gunk out until living waters are able to flow through. Finally the Holy Spirit guides us as we continue to improve.  As we seek understanding we erode away the mess and debris. Finally we are fully functioning in the grace and strength of God.

So, as you probably read this, it is a new day. So I pray tonight that you start this day with full blessing of God operating in your life. Unlike my drain that is barely in working order, I pray that you are clean flowing pipes of God’s love, mercy, and abundance. I pray the the overflow from your sink be welcomed because it is the water of life that heals, restores and cleanse those seeking more than the mess that is in their life. Family, be witness to God’s awesomeness today and be blessed.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Coming Soon....

It's been a busy day today in the Beehive, but I have been researching a series that I pray will bless you as much as it blessed me learning. So bare with me as I spend some time working on this. I ask that you pray for me and I will be praying for you as well.

In other news...LEMONADE DAYS are almost here! So PLEASE show your support....CLICK to donate or text: LEMONADE E71860” to 85944 to make a $10 donation. PRAY that the event is successful.


Thank you all. I love you much and be blessed!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Heart Songs Wednesday

This past week my talented Bees (collective name of my children) have been doing most of the requesting. Unfortunately, Veggie Tales doesn't have a lot of their Sunday School songs of youtube. Sorry kiddos! But here is a list of their top three picks.

  • This Little Light of Mine
  • Zacchaeus 
  • My God is so BIG (you have to hiccup with it.)

 This week's list features a new band I'm loving and a repeat. So let's jump into it.


The David Crowder Band- SMS (Shine)

Lord I just want to feel your presence. David wrote in Psalm 63 Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. We know you are God but sometimes we just want to feel your presence, especially when we are going through trails.
Marvin Sapp- Praise You Forever

Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Martha Munizzi- More Than Enough

I love that she starts this song with, "You don't need a lot of words." Often I don't remember a lot of words to a songs. I sing what I know and hum the rests, and the la la, la la la works too!  I know I'm going to Bless the Lord, oh my soul and all that is within me...Bless His name!

Finally the repeat for my big girl.

Donnie McClurkin- I'm Walking

Thank you all for tuning in. Have a blessed day and bless the Lord!







Tuesday, May 10, 2011

As We Settle Down

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It's been a very long day around these parts. That isn't to say that it wasn't a good day, just that it began earlier and ended later than most days...around these parts. In retrospect, I can see God carrying me throughout the day. I was feeble physically but He allowed me to go beyond my physical limits and be more productive than I have been in a while. I am grateful for His strength and more so grateful for the opportunity to begin to fathom that without Him I am truly lame.

Well, I still have baths, books, and bed to tend to. So enjoy your evening and be blessed.

Monday, May 9, 2011

It Ain't Pretty

It is Monday. Another week, another opportunity. Today, I want to remind you, when you signed up for this Christian walk you signed enrolled in God's army. This is a war.

This morning, I was reminded of my my childhood. I used to play I Declare War with my siblings. If you ever played you know that when tie (have matching cards) you declare war by placing three cards down and the fourth card determines the victor. Well, in life we are at war now whether you participate in the Truth or not. However, when you committed to being a Christian you challenged the enemy and his forces to a showdown. But unlike in I Declare War, you don't have to get antsy and pray for an ace as your fourth card because through Christ we are the VICTORS! We know the final result.

So, I just wanted to take the time to encourage you and remind you put on the whole armor of God. If you are striving to go to the next level of your relationship with God you need to know at the border of a breakthrough the enemy will be waiting.  So train your self in hand to hand combat (prayer) and put on  your armor. (if your armor need some shine check our Ephesians 6:11-18) Be blessed. Be victorious.


Sunday, May 8, 2011

A Tale of Two Mothers

Being a mother is a BIG deal. There is a lot of responsibility and a lot of rewarding moments so I wanted to take this time first to wish you
  HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY! 
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Next I would like to encourage you on this motherhood journey from a biblical perspective. The first mothers I would like to glean from is mentioned in 2 Timothy. The scripture says Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lived in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

As mothers we can take comfort in know that the godly seeds we sow into our children with grow and strengthen them for generations to come.

Another mother I would like to glean from is to strengthen us and encourage us to press on. (Thank you Pastor Taffi Dollar for the word this morning!) Matthew 15:21- 28 The Canaanite Woman sought Jesus on behalf of her demon possessed daughter. The scripture said Jesus ignored her. But she continued. The disciples pleaded that he send her away. Jesus said, " I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." He rejected her, but she knelt before him and prayed, "Lord, help me!" (simple, sincere prayer) Jesus said, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." But she still pressed and responded, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Finally, Jesus answered, " Woman, you have great faith! Your request is answered." Her daughter was healed.

That is a part of motherhood too. Being challenged and suffering when your children are going through. But as Pastor Taffi shared this morning, as mother's we have to prevail and do what this mother did. We have to know where to go...Jesus. We have to worship and pray. Finally we have to speak faith, never giving up on our children.

I really appreciate you spending time with me on this special day. So to our biological mothers, our spiritual and mentoring mothers, and our mothers that left wisdom and love in our hearts but have gone on, I pray that you be celebrated, encouraged, strengthened. Your life is a ministry on the front line of this battle for Christ. You are special women that God trusted with His best. Be blessed and smile!