MELISSA'S QUIET TIME CAFE

Walk Ye In It...

2011-12-29T09:41:00.002-05:00

Behold, I say unto thee
There is a way, Walk ye in it.

Lo, I am the way,
Walk in Me.
I am the truth. Believe Me (trust in Me).
I am the Life, Live in Me, and share My life with others.

For thou knowest not what I do now,
but thou shalt know hereafter.
(Now we see in a glass darkly, but then, face to face.
Now our grasp of the ways of God is incomplete,
but as we move on, we come to understand what He
has been endeavoring to do in our lives.)

Rejoice.
Rejoice not so much in victories as in the fact that I am leading.
Praise Me.
Not so much for My blessings as for My love which prompts them.
Serve Me with gladness,
not for the ultimate nor present reward,
but for the thrill of knowing that we labor together;
that I stand beside thee in every enterprise however trivial.

Taken from: COME AWAY MY BELOVED
(Frances J. Roberts)

That's Right...

2011-11-17T09:53:00.000-05:00

I've come to realize for some time now, that I and my family are TRULY BLESSED & HIGHLY FAVORED OF THE LORD & MAN! I have learned NOT to go by my circumstances, situations, problems or the sight of things because it's not always what it looks like.

There's a saying that goes, "Seeing is Believing", well looks can be deceiving at times so even in seeing something doesn't mean you're actually seeing what's before you. If we as children of God go by what we see before us we'll never accomplish all that God has bid of us and we'll never receive ALL THAT GOD HAS PROMISED US, so in spite of my situation and circumstance I stand FIRM IN KNOWING THAT "I AM BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED OF THE LORD & MAN!"

Stop looking at the appearance of things and begin to see the opposite of what's being presented to you... Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things NOT SEEN, and without Faith it is impossible to please our Heavenly Father, therefore I encourage you to CALL THOSE THINGS THAT ARE NOT AS IF THEY ARE AND THEY SHALL Be

A situation or circumstance might say, I have need of, BUT OUR GOD SUPPLIES ALL OF OUR NEEDS...

A situation or circumstance might say, that you are sick, BUT BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED...

A situation or circumstance might say, that you can't make it, BUT WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS...

I can go on but I'm sure you get the point, take the time to analyze your life and after doing so you won't just realize that you are blessed but you will know that YOU ARE BLESSED & HIGHLY FAVORED of THE LORD & MAN...

Waiting on the manifestation of things spoke and promised by my Heavenly Father, I refuse to let what it looks like cause me to faint and be weary in well doing... GOD SAID IT & IT ALREADY IS!

SIGNED...

THAT EXPLAINS IT...

2011-11-15T19:41:00.000-05:00

John Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6am

While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking

He shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG)

He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA),

Designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE) and

Tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA).

After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA)

He sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO)

To see how much he could spend today.

After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN)

To the radio (MADE IN INDIA)

he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY)

Filled it with Gas (FROM SAUDI ARABIA)

And continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.

At the end of yet another discouraging & fruitless day

Checking his computer (MADE IN MALAYSIA),

John decided to relax for a while.

He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL),

Poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE)

And turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA),

And then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in AMERICA

AND NOW HE'S HOPING HE CAN GET HELP FROM A PRESIDENT (MADE IN KENYA)...

The hubby shared this with me and I thought it was funny and decided to share here, laughter is good for the heart...

GET A GRIP & PUT A LID on IT...

2011-11-08T07:21:00.000-05:00

Whelp, we're approaching that time of year again - that's right, the "HOLIDAY SEASON", a time of year where many folk take things totally out of proportion, have their priority mixed up and cause more harm than good to themselves.

Trust me I've experienced the stress of the holidays - "NOT" having finance to purchase gifts, to have a delish Christmas dinner or to even decorate beautifully and I've also experienced the PEACE of the holidays in some of these same conditions. You have to realize that, if you don't have it, you don't have it and be done with it. I'm thankful for my kids for understanding the true meaning of Christmas, they are MOST happy when we're feeding the poor or giving gifts to less fortunate children than receiving for themselves - THIS HELPS MY STRESS LEVEL! I know they desire nice things as does any teenager and young adult but they are thankful and receive as a gift from God our FAMILY BEING STILL TOGETHER along with a nice healthy dinner, lol... THIS HELPS MY STRESS LEVEL, LOL...

During this time of year, many people go bankrupt, they go in dept, neglect to pay their bills, work overage all for the sake of purchasing gifts and once that "ONE" day is over, reality kicks in and they realize just how bad they have messed up - we MUST get a grip on THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS and put a lid on OUR STRESS LEVEL...

I know that there are many that have NO financial worries and you are able to spend as you please, if you're in that class then I'm not talking to you BUT if you're in the class where you have to count every cent just about, then you should be reading this - I challenge you to try something "NEW" this year, less about giving and receiving gifts and more around the values of family and the significance of Christ's Birth. If you're able to give your child/ren one gift then you are truly blessed - AMERICA has put HIGH DEMAND on CHRISTMAS, but you don't have to get caught up in it if you don't want to - get out of the traditional Christmas and start something new...

I encourage you to control your STRESS LEVEL this Holiday Season and not allow this Holiday Season to control your STRESS LEVEL! Don't get me wrong, I don't want you to deprive your children from receiving gifts on this great day but instead of giving them gifts OUT OF YOUR NEED (monies that you don't have, credit cards, bill money, etc.) try giving them gifts out of your substance (monies that are readily available) - the car just might have to wait until next year, lol...

My desire this year is to see the TRUE SPIRIT of CHRISTMAS BACK IN MANY of OUR HOMES, enough of the worrying, enough of the stress, enough of the sadness and unhappiness - back to the basics, happiness, love, joy, and no worries - LET'S GET A GRIP & PUT A LID ON IT!!!

Pray you all have a truly blessed day in the LORD,

Love Pastor Melissa

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY... (Anchored in Christ)

2011-11-02T12:03:00.000-04:00

Another Month, Another Day & Another Dollar...

2011-11-01T10:04:00.000-04:00

Wow, I simply cannot believe it's November already! Time has not been playing around this year, we're already approaching the end of 2011 - and my prayer is that you have already accomplished the many goals, dreams & visions for 2011, if not I pray that you redeem the time as to not let 2012 catch you with your work undone.

(another month) November is going to be a busy month for me ~ my niece birthday is on the 3rd, my middle son's birthday is on the 14th and my elder son's birthday is on the 19th, wow - and then there's "Thanksgiving" (I'm so excited, yay!).

Mainly excited about a few Ministry events for this Month, God has truly been blessing us at HOGIOM, adding members, souls being saved, lives not only being touched but changed, just absolutely awesome.

Not sure if we're going to be having a Church Thanksgiving Dinner this year being that we just had a large 5th Sunday feast in October BUT I can't wait until our S.I.S.T.E.R.S. a ladies ministry first Leadership Team, THANKSGIVING DINNER - we will be extending an invite to a few people but this is a time set aside for me to pour back into the ladies for all of the work they have accomplished through out this year as well as a time to just be layed back, have fun and enjoy one another as we feast on the Word of God & some GOOD OLE home cooking...

(another day) My day is pretty slow at the present but this afternoon, I have my Real Talk w/SISTERS taping along with our first practice for this years Christmas Production, so while I'm not busy I plan on enjoying some "me" time as the kids work quietly in the other room - I love days like this!

RANDOM THOUGHT: I can't wait until Friday, It's my weekend with my GRANDSON, YAY!!! I can't wait until he see the new play shoes I bought for him, I always have something new for him when he gets here, I usually sit it in clear sight on a dresser or table and wait until he spots it, the excitement he gets just tickles me... ok, back to my post, lol

(another dollar) I haven't made or sold much Jewelry lately, due to taking the time to learn new tricks to the trade and that I have. Yes, I'm still excited about my Jewelry Business but I'm even more excited about the "New" Jewelry I learned to make. I still have much to learn but I'm getting there. I want my Jewelry to be very pleasing to my customers and I've gotten many compliments in the past but ya girl has upped her game so to speak, lol - yeah baby!

One thing I've decided to do is NOT use the more expensive beads and such until I perfect the techniques so all of my Jewelry is strictly costume jewelry for now (but it's gorgeous if I do say so myself, lol). My plans is by this time next year or sooner to have perfected the wire wrapping technique so I can start using Sterling Silver products rather than silver coated as well as the more genuine beads but it will all come together soon enough. I believe the word of the Prophetess when she spoke concerning the prosperity and success of my Jewelry Business - Thank you Father.

I don't regret my costume Jewelry line (and will continue making them as well) because I'm able to sell them at very affordable prices and I've come across many women of God that love the accents of Jewelry but just couldn't afford the prices even at Wal Mart and when they heard about my Jewelry they were absolutely excited as well as thankful - I can't wait to show my regular customers the new line of Jewelry that I learned to make along with some upgrades to the old styles. I have great plans for my Jewelry and God has approved and so shall it be...

With (all) that being said, I think I'll start my day by first getting out of bed, yes I'm still in bed and it feels GREAT! It's now 10am and the fun is over - I pray that you all have a truly blessed Tuesday and rest of the week...

Until Next Time
Me...

MY LIFE HE HOLDS...

2011-10-22T10:06:00.000-04:00

I've been through many obstacles, ups and downs so far during my time on this side of living but through it all I can truly say that, "MY LIFE HE HOLDS"

If it had not been for the LORD who was and still is on my side, where would I be? A question I can't answer precisely but one thing I do know is that I would be where I am today.

Some of the things that I had to endure, I thought would kill me BUT look at GOD, I'M STILL STANDING! I realize that the trials of my life weren't allowed by God to kill me but He allowed them for the sake of making me stronger. It's all a part of my making process, I'm still in the POTTERS hand being molded into HIS perfect masterpiece. Now, do I think this way during my time of trial & err? OF COURSE NOT, lol, but I can say at the end of the day, by the grace of God I'm able to see the picture a little bit clearer.

I must admit, I lack many of the things (material) that I so desire to have, but I realize that those things are just temporal and that they aren't what makes life beautiful BUT INSTEAD IT IS THE THINGS THAT GOD HELPS US TO ENDURE THAT MAKES LIFE BEAUTIFUL, KNOWING THAT OUR LIFE GOD HOLDS.

So you see, as I go from day to day delighting myself in the LORD, I know that I shall have "ALL" that my heart desires while here on this side of life but MOST IMPORTANTLY, I continue to strive in making my life beautiful as I take one day at a time focusing on enduring each test/trial that God has so strategically picked out just for me and with His help I AM AN OVERCOMER!

GOD HOLDS MY LIFE & BECAUSE HE DOES, MY LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL...

Signed: My Life God Holds

I AM THANKFUL... Thankful Thursday

2011-10-13T09:42:00.001-04:00

THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE

I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!!!

I have too many things to be thankful for and just don't have the time nor space to list them all, so I will share a few things I'm thankful for - here goes:

1. Me & My families, Life, health & strength

2. My Husband & best friend

3. My Children, my gift from God

4. A Home

5. Food to eat & clean water to drink

6. My grandson (who just turned 3 years old on 10-12-11)

7. SALVATION for me and my Household

8. Rain

9. God the Father, God the Son & God the Holy Spirit

10. LOVE, PEACE & JOY

11. My friends

12. The Ministry

13. Family & loved ones

14. My Mother who has gone to be with the LORD

15. All the Benefits of being SAVED

16. THE WORD OF GOD

17. God's protection on a daily basis for me and my family

I could go on and on and on but I will stop here and end this Thankful Thursday Post by saying that I'M THANKFUL FOR ALL THINGS IN EVERY AREA OF MY LIFE... FATHER, I THANK YOU IN JESUS NAME ~

SIGNED YOUR DAUGHTER, MELISSA

Worth It in The End...

2011-10-03T06:37:00.000-04:00

I've found out that so many give up on the education of their dream career to to the time that they must spend in College. Some give up because they don't feel it's worth their time, others due to the finance concerning the length of time. But there are even more that stay in, hold out and endure to the end in spite of and went to graduate, they can testify that IT WAS WORTH IT IN THE END. Having the career of your dream or just any career in general is not an easy task, it's something that takes time and patience, it does not come easy but it's worth it in the end.

The same goes for Ministry, many give up and give in because things don't seem to be growing fast enough or the finance isn't like it should be, others may think that it's not worth the time nor effort but I'm here to tell ya that if you hold out and endure, you'll find out that at the end IT'S ALL WORTH IT. You see we're not striving for an earthen graduation and diploma, but one that's Heaven Bound.

There is much waiting for us on the other side of this "CLASS ROOM" called "LIFE", we will either receive a Eternal Diploma in Heaven or a Eternal Damnation Diploma in Hell - it is better to choose now the first, take the good with the bad, give up all the hanging out, fooling around, lying, stealing, cheating, etc, etc, etc, and surrender totally to Christ for the sake of the Kingdom of God/Ministry.

So, in all that you may have to endure and it may Intel much work but, just remember that IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT IN THE END...

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY... (I Can Do All Things)

2011-09-28T22:04:00.000-04:00

HE'S SWEET I KNOW...

2011-09-27T21:06:00.000-04:00

He's sweet I know, He's sweet I know

Dark clouds may rise, stormy winds may blow

But I'll tell the world, where ever I may go

That I found a Savior & He's sweet I know...

Just wanted to share one of my fav songs, because in all that we go through HE'S STILL SWEET I KNOW! God has always been known to make a bitter situation sweet...

Lord Give Me Strength (and excitement)...

2011-09-23T07:54:00.000-04:00

Hello (blogger's) World, It's been a few days since I last blogged, just haven't had the heart for it (dealing with issues seem to have gotten the best of me) but never the less, I'm feeling a bit myself today and so I'm blogging.

I've been up this A.M. thinking about somethings along with all that I have to accomplish this weekend, whew - tired just thinking about it. Praying that God will not only give me strength but excitement along with it (you don't get as tired or as quickly when you're excited in what you're doing). Don't get me wrong I truly love Ministry and all that it endures but I've been in a little rut lately but starting to feel myself again (thank God!). Here's what my weekend will consist of (not that you care, lol, but I will share any who)...

FRIDAY ~ Spelling & definition test for the kiddo's - Finish shopping for Princess Tea Party tomorrow and for the house - prepare my dishes for tomorrow -do my hair - finish jewelry for my niece - make bead straps for her gown - along with clean - cook dinner and afterwards pick up the grandson "YIPPEE" can't wait to see grammy's baby - then off to meet others at the church to set up...

SATURDAY ~ Joshua has a baseball game at 10am - we are in charge of the concession SO - I have to make sure all is in order for the concession (thankful that Patrick Jr will stay at game to run concession) - will watch game until 11am and then rush to church to make sure all last minute preparations have been taken care of - back to field to pick boys up around 1pm and then back home to get dressed by 2:30 - Princess Tea from 3pm to 7pm - clean up afterwards making sure all is in order for Sunday's Service...

SUNDAY ~ Pick up my Sister for Service - teach 10am Sunday Morning Bible School - enjoy myself in service - Preach (maybe, not sure) - fellowship after service - take sister home - come home eat dinner and then CRASH!!!

And MOST of this will happen at random, soooo I guess I better randomly get to work...

HAVE A BLESSED, PROSPEROUS & PRODUCTIVE WEEKEND EVERYONE...

Never The Less Lord...

2011-09-15T23:45:00.000-04:00

Today has been one of the most hectic days that I've had in a while!!!!!!! Woke up with a headache that turned into a migraine. It was difficult teaching the kids today due to the migraine and with the brain aching I became very agitated and grumpy - ugh. On top that, I cant find any of my files from last year for our upcoming DAUGHTER'S OF THE KING PRINCESS TEA PARTY, so I have to start from scratch, along with some other stuff, I haven't been able to get my video to upload on "YOUTUBE", I've been trying ALL DAY and still trying as I blog! Not sure what's going on with it BUT, I'm just about to lay it to rest tonight and try again tomorrow.

I can't lie, I was very frustrated earlier, but I do realize that there is nothing tangible I can do about it so why continue to stress over it. I also realize that we are to be thankful to God in ALL THINGS, not just the good but for the bad as well and so even in this I GIVE MY HEAVENLY FATHER ALL OF THE GLORY, HONOR, PRAISE & THANKS!

I'm praying that tomorrow will be a better day, especially since we have our "Church Family Sleep Over" tomorrow night (a week early due to our Princess Tea Party next week) don't want to be acting like grumpy from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and I'm sure the church fam don't want that either - soooo, Father I decree and declare a better day on tomorrow, everything will go smooth and painless, there will even be some unexpected blessings in my tomorrow - tangible and spiritual ~ and God SEE THAT THIS IS GOOD :-) let it be said, let it be done!

Ok, I feel a little better since I've gotten that off my chest by rambling on in a blog - you just gotta love blogging, I do. Now back to work for just a little longer and then the sheets I will hit, have a blessed night and a sweet sleep everyone...

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY... (Redeeming The Time)

2011-09-14T08:37:00.000-04:00

Transform Your Mind...

2011-09-13T21:10:00.000-04:00

Think negative, live negative - Think positive, live positive

therefore; think on the things above...

~ CHANGE YOUR MIND SET, CHANGE YOUR LIFE ~

MY DAILY PROTECTION...

2011-08-31T21:44:00.000-04:00

When we truly know that God is for us, we stop fretting over the small stuff, we don't worry about whose against us because we know with assurance that God has our back. So, always remember that if God is for you it doesn't matter whose against you ~ there is NO power, NO man, NO idle god more powerful than our GOD, He's All Mighty, He's All Powerful and there is none like Him!

Romans 8:31

Why worry about what others say or do against you when you have the Maker of ALL things on your side? Stop fretting the small stuff...

Have a Blessed Night ~ Pastor Melissa

The Lazy Meme...

2011-08-29T22:57:00.002-04:00

The instructions with this are to bold the ones you've done, leave the others in normal type. So here goes. I'm in a meme mood tonight, I guess.

JUST A LITTLE BORED...

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars (I want to but just a tad bit afraid of the great out doors, lol)
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii (my desire to do so one day)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain. (Not wanting to do this at all)
9. Held a praying mantis (ugly and creepy)
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped (On the bottom of a list I don't have)
12. Visited Paris (Maybe one day)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (thought about it once)
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked (too dangerous)
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort (Too cold)
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon (Thought about this one too)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29 Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (would have to hit the ball first)
32. Been on a cruise (afraid of all that water, but willing to try it)
33 Seen Niagara Falls in person (I wish)
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community (No but have made Amish bread)
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (Only ROCK I want to climb is the Jesus)40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41 Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa (Not yet, plans too)
45 Walked on a beach by moonlight (sounds good though)
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (no, but I've been drawn)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60 Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (purchase them quite often)
62. Gone whale watching (AND WHY?)
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64 Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving (I love life)
66 Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67 Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar (No plans to either)
72. Pieced a quilt (would love to learn how)
73. Stood in Times Square (Maybe one day)
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job (Quit so I wouldn't be fired, lol)
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (praying not too)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (Wont happen)
79 Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (Self Published, one)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem (Dreamed about it)
84. Had your picture in the newspaper85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (NO WAY, YUCK)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury (Squirmed my way out of it)
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

OH WOW, MY LIFE IS SO LIMITED, LOL

COVER IT UP...

2011-08-25T09:57:00.002-04:00

A little something for all those beautiful Ladies that feel like they HAVE to wear inappropriate clothing for the sake of love and attention - NOT SO, you're beautiful just by being the person, the Lady that God created you to be... Enjoy

Ok, I know it's obvious of the many temptations that pressures one to show off what there mother's gave them, ummm, HELLO there is a appropriate time and place for this. I have a question, when is dignity going to stand up? When will integrity step in? And what about your respect? I know you're searching for love and of course you want that attention that tends to make you feel just a little bit special - but it's not until all has been said and done that you realize that - the "LOVE" was temporary, and that "SPECIAL ATTENTION" was just for the moment and now you're thinking and wishing that you would have just stayed covered up!

Come with me, let's take a look at yourself in the mirror, YES, that reflection you see is you. Of course she's beautiful, even though she's all covered up. That beautiful reflection is you, and just look at that inner beauty glowing outwardly. Didn't you know that beauty is INWARD and that it works its way outward? Never try to beautify the outward without working on the inward. Outer beauty is just temporary but inner beauty last forever. So you see, there is nothing wrong with covering it up when you KNOW the beauty that you possess on the inside.

Young Ladies & Older Ladies, pick up your dignity and take back your integrity - enough of the showing off what mother gave you mentality. Why belittle yourself all for the sake of love and attention when love and attention is available to you in spite of. It's time to take on that "COVER IT UP" mentality for the sake of loving what God has created you to be - yes it's true, you are classy, dignified, bold and beautiful and it's all because you've learned to cover it up! You've learned who you are in God and that your beauty is an inner appearance rather than an outer one.

NOTE: You don't have to dress inappropriate just for the sake of love and attention - keep treasures hidden first for the respect of yourself and secondly for your husband - show others how much you FIRST love and respect yourself by "COVERING IT UP!"

Yes, you are CLASSY, DIGNIFIED, BOLD & BEAUTIFUL...

Much Love in Christ
SIGNED: Classy, Dignified, Bold & Beautiful Me...

Our First Day ~ Nothing Special, Just Us...

2011-08-22T19:19:00.002-04:00

Our day turned out better than I thought and we accomplished quite a bit, excited about that although I have much more to accomplish. I'm getting a break from opening the Thrift Shop and possibly from closing also this week for the purpose of completing our school year planning.

In a week or so both of my high schoolers will take 2 classes (electives) at the end of the school day, at the high school, and get involved with after school activities - they are looking forward to this and so am I (I think), well maybe not. Joshua has little league baseball for now but plan on trying out for the track team and Kiahesia either wants to try out for track or cheering haven't made up her mind yet (in the area of sports) not sure what else they might be interested in they will wait and see once they are all settled in and find out what they have to offer.

Will be looking into some type of activity for Moesha at our local rec center, not sure what she's interested in but we will find something.

All 3 kiddos took their pop quiz spelling test and did a really good job, spelling abilities is increasing greatly - they always do well with the opportunity to study but we usually have a problem each year with the pop quiz but not today - woo hoo!

Well, on to bigger and better things tomorrow, we get to go to one of my favorite places - "THE LIBRARY." Ok, enough of my babbling for now, have a great evening and night everyone...

Signed: Me

Esha, ready for her pop quiz Spelling test...

Moesha preparing for her beginning of the year Spelling Test...

Joshua hiding from the camera - he didn't want to show his bird chest, lol...

Yep Joshua again, put on my jammie top and now trying to hide, lol...

Twas The Night Before School...

2011-08-21T22:35:00.000-04:00

Twas the night before School

When all through my house

My creatures were still stirring

As if we don't have ANY School rules

(TAKE YOUR SHOWERS & GET READY FOR BED!)

Can't believe my chillen acting as if tomorrow is still summer vacation, duh it's the first day of school! Can't wait to see how they act in the morning - we'll be up at 8am (for personal hygiene, chores, etc) School will be from 9am - 1:30pm, this should be pretty interesting, lol.

As usual though, there will be days where we start a little later so the kiddo's can sleep in but our regular schedule will be 9am - 1:30pm... Lawd give strength, time and ability to get on schedule as I failed to prepare properly.

Blah, blah & another blah - G'night all

Signed: Me

Can't Believe School Is Monday...

2011-08-20T18:10:00.000-04:00

Wow, I can't believe the first day of school is Monday and I'm so NOT prepared until it's not even funny. This school year snuck up on like a cat sneaks up on a mouse - I'm so disappointed in myself :(

I guess I have my time cut out for me the next few weeks but nonetheless it can be done. I must say, I love homeschooling but this year is going to be a little challenging - I have a Freshman (9th grader), a Sophomore (10th grader) and helping with my god-daughter whose in 3rd grade - Lawd give me strength!

Not much academic work the first week, mostly prepping, organizing and planning - I'm looking forward to it all ONCE I get all my things in order :( can't believe I'm caught unprepared but anyways, Lawd give me strength!

Blah, blah and another blah... Hey, everyone enjoy the rest of your day :)

Signed: Unprepared BUT NOT FOR LONG...

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY... (Breaking Free)

2011-08-17T17:33:00.000-04:00

GREAT NIGHT AT S.I.S.T.E.R.S.

2011-08-16T22:38:00.002-04:00

"CELEBRATING SISTERHOOD, THAT'S WHAT WE DO MONTHLY"

Our S.I.S.T.E.R.S. Monthly Fellowship was last night and it was totally awesome! I thank God for the obedience of Pastor D. Fortt Brown, a Sister and friend in Christ, (we had been out of touch for about 5 years and God brought us back together) she brought forth a "POWERFUL" Word from the Lord. The Theme was, "Broken But Yet I Stand.

God did an awesome work in the lives of His people on last night, people was set free, delivered and received a life changing Word, It was just a great night. The Fellowship afterwards was a blessing. Dinner was "DELISH", the ladies served: Wings, Pasta Salad, Spaghetti, Dinner Rolls and Tea.

SENDING A SHOUT OUT TO THE HOGIOM LADIES for always standing up to the plate, S.I.S.T.E.R.S. would be the same without you gals. Everything was beautifully done on last night, can't wait until next month. Love seeing the growth in you ladies, I can breathe just a little easier knowing that a lot of responsibility has been taken off of me concerning our Ladies Ministry - praying that God will bless you all abundantly...

Signed: Me

Has It Really Been That Long...

2011-08-09T22:53:00.000-04:00

TIME DON'T JUST FLY WHEN HAVING FUN BUT WHEN SICK ALSO...

I can't believe it's actually been 8 whole days since I last blogged, not sure how I got off schedule but the blog date don't lie, lol. So much has happened since I last blogged - from being sick four days to an awesome & anointed weekend. THAT'S IT, I was sick for four days and that played a big part in me getting behind in my blogging - sorry about that guys but a Sistah was trying to figure out what happened to her not blogging the last eight days, so there you have it or there I have it...

I just want to share a little about this Sunday, it was absolutely "POWERFUL", Service was awesome as usual, the Word was absolutely life changing, we talked about "FAITH" and the Subject Title was: "Little To None", awesome word. God just showed up and showed out, new member, 1st time visitors, baptism, Salvation, etc.

We originally had 8 baptism candidates and as we were preparing for baptism, a young lade was at the pool and desired to be baptized and asked if she could take part - WELL OF COURSE YOU CAN! Before we went into baptism, Patrick offered her Salvation and she so wanted to be saved and so she received Salvation and from their baptism, IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME, POWERFUL, BEAUTIFUL and all of the above. It was a very tiring day but well worth it to say the least.

Well, for some strange reason my brain just shut down, can't think so to keep from babbling (which I do very well), I'm just gonna call it a rap - Thank you Father for all things and everyone have a blessed rest...

Signed: I'M BACK :)

God Direct My Life...

2011-08-01T23:17:00.000-04:00

Ok, not exactly sure what I'm feeling right now but thank God I'm still able to lean and depend on God. I truly need God at "ALL" times but I especially need His direction at this time in my life. Mixed feelings and mixed emotions will have you going in circles and I'm not one to want to circle around the same mountain for forty years.

Whether you are a Leader or lay member - GOD'S direction is imperative for growth, a stable mind, strength, success, etc., etc., etc. When we lean unto our own understanding and not that of God we do more harm than good to ourselves, so I'm praying for His direction, His guidance and His love & comfort through it all in this stage of my life.

I know that God is taking me to another level, and that the things I must endure plays a role in getting me there but I don't want to get fearful and run in the opposite direction - we can all probably agree that self, flesh does not like pain, it does not like going through anything and if we're not being led by God then it will be very easy to go in the opposite direction. I encourage each of you to "FOLLOW THE DIRECTION OF GOD" in all that you must deal with on a daily basis, it will make the journey a lot more endurable and pleasing in His sight.

Dear Heavenly Father,
You know my heart, you know my mind, you know me better than I know myself and I know you will never put more on me than I am able to bear so I just ask your strength, comfort & love as you direct my life. Ease and renew my mind, refresh my spirit, strengthen my body, comfort my heart that I may run this race with patience and that I may follow your direction from point A to point B by the letter - I thank you and give you all of the Glory, Honor and Praise in your precious Son Jesus name I pray ~ AMEN, AMEN & AMEN...

Signed: Under God's Direction

All Smiles Over Here...

2011-07-31T19:26:00.000-04:00

Had an awesome weekend, I thoroughly enjoyed myself at a Prayer Breakfast on Saturday - my dear friend Pastor Kisha had a prayer breakfast, the title was "FROM PAIN TO PRAISE" - WOW, that's all I have to say, this service was one of those "you had to be there" kind of services. God gave me just what I needed along with many others, comfort, deliverance, love and encouragement was truly in the house. This also was my weekend with the grandson :) lots of fun with him as usual, and lots of grandma love, can't wait to see him again, waiting patiently - NOT! LOL.

Today was AWESOME at HOGIOM, the word was "TRUST" - putting our trust in God and not man, self or things - a profound word. Anointed for His Purpose Dance Team, did a great job especially since they only had a few days to learn a dance to a specific song (I Give Myself Away by William McDowell), they did a beautiful job. Shout out to Auxiliary for doing a great job organizing our 5th Sunday Fellowship Dinner. I love it when a plan comes together!

Enjoying the rest of my day chillaxing in my "Big Comfy Bed" as I watch "Taken" - plans to turn in early tonight but not sure if it will happen or not, time will tell. Ok, enough blabbering for now, but will blog again soon :)

Signed: All Smiles Over Here...

Love & Marriage...

2011-07-27T23:13:00.000-04:00

Short Post on Marriage

Falling in love is easy but it's staying in love that couples must work at. Love is always at it's best when it's "NEW" but what does one do when it's one year, 3 years, 10years later? How do you keep love at it's best when it's no longer "NEW"?

Love will never stay at it's best if not worked on, this is a job all in itself. The first thing a couple must work at when keeping love new is, whatever you did to "FALL IN LOVE" you must continue doing to "STAY IN LOVE!"

A few other things that keep "LOVE NEW" in Marriage (no particular order:

1. God
2. Communication
3. Compassion
4. Intimacy
5. Date Night/Fun & Games

There you have it, add to the list as you see the need or as it fits your relationship. Just remember It's easy to fall in love but it takes work to stay in love - there will be good & bad days, happy & sad, sick ones and healthy ones but it's up to each individual in the relationship to decide to hang in there through it all.

A Marriage that is worked at is a Marriage that celebrates many anniversaries ~ Melissa Sutton

Have a Blessed Night everyone

Signed: Me

Tuesday's Thoughts...

2011-07-26T10:31:00.000-04:00

THINK ~ THINK ~ THINK

It has been a tiring Month for me to say the least, the body still have not caught up on it's rest. I've been having a lot on my mind lately - THINK ~ THINK ~ THINK and reason being that GOD is just so awesome and has been revealing so much to me and it just has my mind in a whirlwind (in a good way, lol).

THINK ~ THINK ~ THING

Quite a few things that God has shown me in "THE BIG PICTURE" years ago is manifesting itself in a little window that will eventually turn into "THE BIG PICTURE", and I'm just so thankful to God for He is faithful to His word and He's a God that cannot lie ~ hallelujah to the King of Kings!

Been wondering if some of my exhaustion has come from doing so much thinking although it's all positive thinking, not sure but if so then it's worth it. From Me: If you're gonna do a lot of thinking, it might as well be POSITIVE!

Philippians 4:8 says, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are TRUE, whatsoever things are HONEST, whatsoever things are JUST, whatsoever things are PURE, whatsoever things are LOVELY, whatsoever things are of GOOD REPORT; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

We are to think on things above, things that come from our Heavenly Father - things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of a good report, it is these that we should dwell and think on, anything outside of this is evil. With that being said, I guess I will continue in my thinking the good things of my Heavenly Father...

In my closing, I encourage you to think on the above scripture, especially when it comes to your dreams - it's important that we think positive in all things having faith that it shall come to pass, knowing that we serve a God that cannot and will not lie. If you can see it then you can accomplish it, you can have it and you can do it - trust me I know. Have a TERRIFIC Tuesday everyone.

SIGNED: Melissa Is Thinking So Please Stand By...

Today's Funny ~ CUPID?

2011-07-19T11:04:00.000-04:00

If you've been waiting on Cupid for love, now you know why he hasnt showed up, lol.

(I thought this was too funny NOT to share, I love laughter and the things that cause it, hahaha).

HAVE A TERRIFIC TUESDAY EVERYONE ;-)

Growth in Every Drop...

2011-07-17T22:13:00.000-04:00

In every drop of rain and every drop of water there is growth. We have seed time and harvest, seed that's planted in good ground when watered will no doubt grow. It is seed that is not planted in good ground that cease to grow and when not watered will wither up and die. In order to reap a harvest THERE MUST BE THE GROWTH OF YOUR SEED INTO FRUIT!

Whatever that seed may be in your life, it will remain a seed if not planted and it wither and die if planted and not watered. God has given each of us talents and gifts to plant and water that it may bring forth a harvest Spiritually and Naturally. Whatever the case may be in your life IT TAKES THE SEED BEING WATERED in order for growth to appear, in order for your seed to turn into a harvest.

You may desire to have the finer things in life, or wonder how others obtain so much (material, financial things) in life, well let me tell you. There is no such thing as "Super Humans", therefore we ALL have 24 hours in a day 7 days a week, we ALL have the same amount of time to pursue and water the opportunities that are presented to us. Many take that talent or gift - plant it, water it and wait for the harvest BUT NOT WITHOUT FAITHFUL HARD WORK. While the less fortunate take those same seeds and refuse to plant and water causing in return that talent or gift to dry up and die, or they plant the seed and don't water it, whichever, the fact still remains that some have SEED TIME and HARVEST while others just have SEED TIME...

Just know that after you plant your seed or use each opportunity given that it takes hard work before the harvest IT TAKES BEING WATERED and with every drop of water/rain comes growth! I encourage you to make good of your 24 hours 7 days a week and each opportunity that presents itself - you don't have to just settle for the seed but you can indeed enjoy the harvest w/a little hard work.

Signed: Expecting A Harvest

Contribution to Today's Laughter...

2011-07-16T19:35:00.000-04:00

Ladies & Gents, I don't mean any offense and I hope none is taken BUT you have to admit that this is just too funny, too funny NOT TO POST! Laughter is good and I have truly had my laugh for today from this pic, hahaha...

Life & the things us Ladies must deal with in it - I tell ya, lol...

Have a Great Night everyone...
Melissa

Inquire ~ Pursue ~ Overtake ~ Recover All

2011-07-14T11:16:00.000-04:00

1 Samuel 30:8 ~ And David inquired at the LORD saying, shall I pursue after this troop? Shall I overtake them? And He answered him, PURSUE: for thou shalt surely OVERTAKE them, and without fail RECOVER ALL.

1. Inquire God's direction (after permission & direction)
2. Pursue your enemies & stop running from them
3. Overtake them, catch them off guard & defeat them
4. Recover ALL that you allowed to be taken and then some

So often we miss out on what God has intended for us simply because we fail to follow the steps mentioned above. We must always seek God's direction in all things and once He's given instruction then we must follow through with pursuing in which the end result is overtaking and recovering all that the enemy or a situation may caused us to miss out on.

Just know that you will not be successful if these steps are not taken, because first of all - WE MUST GET PERMISSION & DIRECTION from God or He will not be with you. All things must be done in His time and not when we feel like it. Also, you can't expect to recover your losses by sitting back in a dark corner pouting but you must fight for what belong to you. In all your getting get understanding - you must understand how to fight and defeat each enemy you must go against, you must understand what you're first dealing with so that you don't get caught off guard.

We're soldiers in the Army of the Lord, ready for battle with the full armor of God on - taking back all that rightfully belong to us, we're INQUIRING, PURSUING, OVERTAKING & without doubt RECOVERING ALL! THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT TO THIS WHOLE POST IS, ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT THE BATTLE HAS ALREADY BEEN WON so go get your spoil/stuff!

DISTRACTIONS...

2011-07-05T20:25:00.000-04:00

The definition for distraction is: the act of distracting; drawing someones attention away from something

The devil knows this word well, his time is spent sending distractions in our life, NOT to entertain us or give us something to do for the likes of it BUT TO KEEP US FROM FULFILLING THE WILL AND PURPOSE OF GOD!

Have you ever noticed how just when you've made up your mind to complete a task and to be productive, the distractions that TRY to get in your way? A phone call from someone you haven't heard from in a lil minute, someone stops by, the TV or radio catches your attend, the kids need something, etc., etc., etc. Well this is his job and he does it well, it's our job to overcome these distractions, after all that's all they are "DISTRACTIONS!"

Our very own thoughts can also be a distraction, it's very hard to focus on the task at hand with many other thoughts running through our mind. Thinking about loved ones, the next days work, our favorite show, bills and so on. We must learn to get a grip on our thought process, learn to focus on the task at hand. I've found myself just sitting stagnant as I thought on things that couldn't even be dealt with at the present, and overall accomplished very little. Learning to get a hold of my thought process, knowing that DISTRACTIONS is the trick of the enemy!

We must not succumb to our distractions but rather overcome them by standing firm on completing the will and purpose that God has bid of us. In my closing, DON'T GIVE IN, STAND FIRM & KEEP IT MOVING!!!

Have a blessed nights rest everyone...

Signed: Overcoming Distractions

It's All Coming Together..

2011-06-30T23:27:00.000-04:00

This has been by far the longest (although rewarding) week I've had in a while. We've been working trying to get HOGIOM Thrift Store put together by the opening date, July 1 2011. A lot has been accomplished but there is still even more that needs to be completed, needless to say WE WILL BE OPENING 10am tomorrow morning in spite of the unfinished work.

My hubby is one that hate to re-schedule and post-pone dates and if he set the date for July 1st, well July 1st it is. Things are coming together and that's a blessing, it's actually starting to look like a little thrift store, I will post pics tomorrow - a sistah was just to tired to take pics tonight. We still have more shelving to put up along with collect more donations but I'm proud of how the HOGIOM Fam came together to make this happen.

We're expecting GOD to continue to step in and bless us with what we need in His timing - He always provide for the vision. At the present we're still hunting a "CASH REGISTER" and "REGISTER COUNTER" but in due season it will come together just as He blessed us with the shelves needed, so I won't worry and I won't fret, I'll just sit back work the Thrift Store and watch God do His thang!

The store is small but I've learned NOT to despise small beginnings, I also learned and it's our "MOTTO" at HOGIOM, "This is all we got, so we're gonna use what we got!" Well, I better prepare to get some Z's I have a long day tomorrow - I love that the store is in the same building as the church, because when I'm relieved throughout the day I can go to my office and get paperwork and such completed - like killing two birds with one stone.

Before I shutter down for the night, I ask your sincere prayers that God will prosper the work of our hands, and that the Thrift Store will be prosperous and successful in Jesus name. Have a blessed rest and sweet sleep everyone :-)

A Few Things That Really Work My Nerves...

2011-06-27T22:42:00.000-04:00

Yes I'm a Pastor but I'm human just like everyone else, I ONLY wear a T-Shirt that says, "SUPER MOM" but I have a confession, I'm no super mom nor any super anything else, although many may think differently. I was sitting here and was just thinking on things that really get my feathers ruffled and decided to share on my blog just to have something to blog about, ok here goes...

MY NERVES ARE WORKED WHEN:

1. When there's an emergency vehicle in route and other vehicles REFUSE to stop! This really burns me up, every minute counts in emergencies - those who are guilty of this would expect the world to stop if it were their loved one in need of help...

2. When my Black Berry phone decides to try and actually be a smart phone by doing it's own thing - make me want to trade you in all the more, If I want to go to FB please don't take me to twitter - duh...

3. When I'm PRESSED for time and every stop light on my route turns red - ugh, I can't stand this!!! It's like they plot the whole thing, "Ok, here she come - spread the word", I know, I know, just pray for me...

4. When I make a jug of tea for ME, and when I go to drink the last of it and one of the kids have already beat me to it - I have my mouth all fixed and what do I get instead, "a rude awakening", sheesh I know they see my name on the tea jug and if you drink the last of it WHY NOT MAKE MORE...

5. When we don't have two things that match, for instance, cereal and no milk, or peanut butter but no jelly, ham and no cheese, you get my point right? It's during this time that you crave the very thing you're lacking, well at least I do - but it's all good I'll just eat the cereal dry with an attitude...

6. When I take time to curl and set my hair just for the curls to drop by the time I leave the house, ugh, what was the use in the first place - I'll teach you a lesson, I'll just buy me a ponytail or give myself a sew in, ok I know I'm not hurting anything but it feels good to think that I am, lol - like I said, pray for me...

7. When people testify and repeat the same thing over and over and over and over again in the same testimony, yes I've encountered such, it's like ok, moving right along. Ugh, I just can't seem to get with those kind of testimonies (there's a difference between been truly excited and testifying just to be talking)...

There you have it, a few of my enemies although there are many more. I know I have some issues to deal with and I've been trying but these just have a way of getting the best of me, so you see a Sistah could use some prayer, lol.

Signed: Me

Just A Wee Bit of Tired Rambling...

2011-06-22T22:57:00.000-04:00

I've been pretty exhausted for a few days and tonight is by far the worst but not complaining, lol. I know that this new exercise program that I'm participating in has a lot to do with me being so fatigue but in the long run it will pay off. I'm able to handle it better as each day pass but I just have really recuperated from last week just yet.

The moral of the story is "I WISH I COULD GET A GOOD COMFORTABLE, PEACEFUL SLEEP" like the pooch in the above pic, I'm just a little bit jealous of him right about now. I'm hearing some thunder so maybe, just maybe we'll get a down pour and that will help me go into another realm of sleep, nothing wrong with hoping.

This Friday is our Family Night & Sleepover at the Church, I have one day to put together some activities - I must admit, I totally forgot it was this week. I think we'll do some more Musical Chairs, they seem to love that along with some Name that Tune but we'll see, I have all tomorrow to figure it out. A Coloring contest would be different, if not for everyone maybe for the children. One way or the other, we always have a good time and after all that's what really counts.

Well, that's enough rambling for tonight, gonna have my quiet time with my Heavenly Father and maybe get a little writing done if I'm still wide awake. Have a blessed nights rest everyone and a sweet sleep...

Signed: ME

I Think I can, I Think I Can, I Know I Can...

2011-06-21T21:22:00.000-04:00

I'm finally on the road to weight loss with a positive outlook, It's always easier when you're exercising & eating right with a group versus doing it alone.

We've been using the "BODY GOSPEL" Program by "Donna Richardson" and so far so good, we're actually enjoying ourselves to the full. Don't get me wrong, as a beginner the exercises has been kicking our butt, but hey, I believer that's what it's suppose to do, lol. The ladies are all excited about their progress - we took less breaks today, so as we continue I know it will get easier and easier.

Tomorrow's session should be interesting, we're on "STRETCHING IN THE SPIRIT" hopefully she won't hurt us too badly, but I ain't scaared - I know I can do this. We weighed in tonight and we all lost a number of pounds in a week, the most lost was 5lbs, no it wasn't me but I did lose 4lbs, now I'm eager to top that by next week, I know I can do it, it's all in how much you believe in yourself and right about now "I TOTALLY BELIEVE IN MYSELF!"

I will so like keep you updated with my progress along with the fun we're having with this exercise program by Donna Richardson. The Gospel music she exercise to is so inspiring, peaceful and motivating - there is nothing like "SWEATING IN THE SPIRIT", lol.

Now, that I have more confidence in my weight lost, exercise and toning I no longer have to weight myself upside down, lol. I love this pic, it's just too cute and it shows how much wisdom females have when it comes to being in weight denial.

As children of God I realize how important it is to take care of our temples. How can God use us to the fullest if we're beat down, out of shape, over-weight and or sickly? It's imperative that we stay in a place to be totally sold out for Christ in every area of our lives - Spiritually, Naturally, Physically & Mentally - and this is my main motivation, to take care of what doesn't rightfully belong to me but to show God how much I appreciate Him loaning me this temple. Pretty soon I will be a "NEW" me for the world to see...

Have a Great Night Everyone
Signed: All Smiles Over Here

The Pastor's Wife, First Lady, Female Pastor - Doing Her Best Until Better Comes ~ PART 3

2011-06-13T21:16:00.001-04:00

Hello, I'm back with the continuation of "Doing My Best Until Better Comes". I hope you all had a wonderful Pentecost weekend - mine was totally awesome. Well, let's go ahead and jump right into Part 3.

To the Pastor's Wife, First Lady, Female Pastor/Minister, whatever you may have been called to I encourage you to continue on, don't stress the small stuff because sooner or later better will show up. And please, please do not allow others to define who you are, be yourself with a little extra touch or upgrade that suits you - it works for me and I'm sure it will work for you as well.

If you like "DRESSY" then go for it; if it's "FANCY", good for you; if you're "IN BETWEEN" then work it 100%. Just because you don't meet the Diva criteria in one area doesn't mean you haven't met it in another. We were NOT called to please man but to please God and I can first hand tell you that it's easier pleasing God being yourself than trying to please Him being someone else. I refuse to let man define me ever again, I will not let them make me feel out of place in a position that God has chosen me for ever again and I advise you to do the same. I can tell you some stuff but I think I will end it hear for now, I hope I was able to shed a little light if you are in are ever go through such a situation.

Go Diva, do yo thang! Keep doing your best until better comes and trust, it will come knocking at your door. God always reward those who were or are faithful in the little and never despise your small beginnings because it is the small things that become large. Be encouraged and BE CONFIDENT IN WHO GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU TO BE, YOU ARE GOD'S LADY!

Signed: God's Lady

The Pastor's Wife, First Lady, Female Pastor - Doing Her Best Until Better Comes ~ PART 2...

2011-06-10T13:07:00.000-04:00

And so we continue...

As a new Pastor's Wife, it was said to me that I could do better than I was in my dressing - go figure! I even had certain members telling me how to dress. I was told that I need to wear hats & suits every Sunday. Well, my first thought was, "if that's how you want me to dress, then you go and buy it for me", but of course I couldn't actually tell them that but lawd know I wanted to. Let me straighten a little something, I don't want you guys thinking that I was some sort of raggedy Anne. I was neat in my dressing, I just didn't fit the criteria of a Pastor's Wife/First Lady to let other's tell it. I was then a casual dressing person and still am a "Semi-Casual/Semi-Dressy" kind of person.

The moral of the story is, I dressed my best until better came. To be honest I was thankful that I didn't have money for a new wardrobe because during that phase in my life I would have let man define and dictate who I was, which in return would have caused me to despise Ministry in general but through my transition God helped me define myself and still today I don't wear fancy hats and suits (I LOVE TO SEE OTHERS WEAR THEM) it's just not my style.

I found out that my style with a little touch up, a little upgrade still puts me in the "Diva Club". When I was able to do better I did but until then I had to work what I had, the best I could and so I did. I must be honest though, many didn't like it and we even lost a few members because of it - YES, true story and you might have an idea of what I was thinking, then again maybe not, lol. It wasn't too bad, at least I hope not, it went something like this, "Hit the door Jack & don't come back no more, no more" but yet again, I could not actually tell them that - so I put on the Pastor's Wife face and gave the little "we will miss you speech" , blah, blah, blah, you know the drill. I tell you though, in a Sistah's head, she was happy as a jay bird on a limb - hey, don't judge me, God was still working on me, I'm actually still in the oven as I type - well, hello there neighbor!

I'm just saying to anyone that may be going through a little something due to lack in certain areas, don't stress it, all you can do is your best until better come. It's sad that so many see and dwell on the outward appearance but God will always send that one person that recognizes your inner beauty to encourage you, so hang in there girl. This is too funny, I remember our church visiting another church and after service the members began to greet us and we exchanged introductions so on and so forth. There was this one couple and the wife came up to us and she was like, "OMG, you're so pretty", okayyyyyy - so I look around to see who she was speaking of and she goes, "I'm talking to you" (this was a shocker, I was still dealing w/the whole not Pastor's Wife material thing), so I say, "oh, thank you, thank you so much". Now I'm thinking, oh shucks the Diva must be coming out - just kidding. It totally amazed me but that incident help me just accept me for who I was. Now I admit that I wear a Fancy Suit every now and then depending on the occasion or Service other than that, i love my dresses, skirts and blouses, touched up with nice accessories to match - holla!

Hope I didn't boggle this blog up too much, was sort of in a rush getting it typed but I'm sure you'll get the point - lol.

STAY TUNED for Part 3 - same BLOG, MONDAY, by the same ole "Lil Ole Me"...

Have a GREAT weekend Everyone...
Signed: God's Diva

The Pastor's Wife, First Lady, Female Pastor - Doing Her Best Until Better Comes ~ PART 1...

2011-06-09T12:15:00.000-04:00

For the New First Lady, New Pastor's Wife, the New Female Pastor and all that this may apply too, this post may not be for everyone but I'm sure it will benefit somebody so here goes:

Being in Leadership requires one to be on the "Front Line" and being on the Front Line requires a certain kind of prestige when it comes to being accepted by others. In time I have learned that those on the Front Line are accepted quicker when they are pleasing to the eye. While this may seem funny, it's so very true - the more pleasant a person is the more they are accepted to others and so many are sure to make their outward appearance as pleasant as possible BUT what about those that ARE doing their best until better comes? Ladies, a girls gotta do what she gotta do until she can do what she want to do, I'm just saying!

The "LUST of the EYE" stands strong even in the Church (not speaking of the sexual part of lust) but the fact that a great percentage of beholders are attracted and drawn to that outward beauty whether in looks or the way one may dress. It could be the person in general, the hair-do, the entire matching outfit or even how the make up is applied just perfect, whatever the case may be people are drawn to that which is pleasant to their sight.

SHOCKING NEWS, NOT every Pastor's Wife, First Lady or Female Pastor (whichever you go by) start out in Ministry a member of the "DIVA CLUB", you know with all the latest fashion trends with matching accessories, beauty salon ready and all the other fixings - oops, did I just let the cat the bag? You see, some of US, had to start off as Pastor's Wives, First Ladies or Pastors doing the best we could until we could do better, we had to gradually work our way up to being a member of the "DIVA CLUB", if you know what I mean.

Now, I can't speak for everyone else but as for me, when I became a Pastor's Wife finance didn't allow me to go out and purchase the latest of fashion trends, a NEW WARDROBE was not included in my promotion in Ministry! At the time we were raising our 3 sons and 4 of my sister's children (going from 3 - 7 in a matter of moments, lol) and this pretty much put a straight beat down on our savings as time passed (but it was all worth giving them a home). This being the case, I had to step onto the Front Line with what my wardrobe already consisted of and mind you, beforehand I was a very casual, low key dresser with no INTENTIONS of standing on the Front Line.

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2, TO FIND OUT WHAT A SISTA HAD TO GO THROUGH SIMPLY BECAUSE AT ONE POINT I GUESS I WASN'T PLEASING TO THE SIGHT OF SOME... IT'S A MESS I TELL YA, A HOT MESS!

TOMORROW, SAME PLACE, DIFFERENT TIME, BUT BY SAME LIL OLE ME :-)

SIGNED: GOD'S DIVA...

ONE WORD WEDNESDAY...

2011-06-08T12:19:00.001-04:00

~ LEADERSHIP ~

~~IN ORDER TO BE A GOOD LEADER, YOU MUST FIRST BE A GOOD FOLLOWER...~~

Being Handy in Ministry...

2011-06-07T22:29:00.000-04:00

~~Okayyyyy, no even sure how to start this post!~~ When it comes to Ministry there is so much that need to be done and many positions to be filled. Well, this is pretty hard to do when you're a small Ministry with limited funds (so to speak) and so that's where I COME IN - I have been doing it myself from as long as I can remember (not that it's a bad thing) but it can get a little over bearing.

God has been taking the Ministry from level to level and for each level it required more in depth work (to be done by none other than me), I thank God for the Internet and You tube, lol - there are so many tutorials available for so many different things and so I have also become a self teacher by watching tutorials. I do know that soon God will send me help in the Clerical area of Ministry because He has assured me of this but until then I must show myself faithful with what I have.

As I observe other Ministry pages, flyer's, Logo's, etc., I research on how to perform certain tasks, and the majority of the time I succeed in my endeavor, although not as professional or appealing to the eye my work serves it's purpose. I learned as a Sunday School Teacher at age 16 to "USE WHATEVER RESOURCES AVAILABLE" and do it myself. I'm thankful for God teaching me and showing me to fulfill the purpose that He has for me as I go, one day at a time.

Some of My Task At the Present:
Letters, Flyer's
Web Site
Teaching Manuals
Student Manuals
HOGIOM Paperwork
Church Emails (respond to)
Set Appointments (for Meetings, Counseling, etc)
Organize & Coordinate Church Programs & Service
Preach
Teach Sunday School

and the list goes on and on and on and on and on, lol - just kidding but not really... Not complaining, because LOVING Ministry makes it all worth it, especially when you see the plan come together.

And so with that being said...
I CONTINUE TO LEARN, TEACH MYSELF & DO IT MYSELF

Signed: Getting It All Done

Believing God For Some Things...

2011-06-05T21:33:00.000-04:00

Don't have much to say, just been think an awful lot as I believe God for some things concerning the Ministry, myself and my family. I have GREAT Expectations and is trusting and believing that God will bring it to pass.

Signed: Hmmm....

ONE WORD WEDNESDAY...

2011-06-01T10:55:00.001-04:00

~~He came that I might have life and have it more abundantly~~

~~"I AM BECAUSE HE IS"~~

SAY WHAT!

2011-05-31T18:49:00.000-04:00

First of all I would like to say how awesome and blessed of a weekend I had. Our Saturdays Ladies Luncheon was totally awesome, women were healed, delivered and set free. I will be posting an update and pics from Saturday's event on our S.I.S.T.E.R.S. a ladies ministry blog later tonight you can check out the update and pics then. Also, HOGIOM'S Outdoor Service and picnic was a total success, everyone had such a blessed time, thankful to God for allowing such awesome fellowships.

Now to the subject at hand, "SAY WHAT!", when I first saw this pic I had a serious attitude with that skunk, I was like, boy do he have some nerve BUT after studying it for a lil minute my attitude was no longer towards the skunk but towards the dog. HOW DARE HE LET THE SKUNK COME IN HIS TERRITORY AND TAKE WHAT RIGHTFULLY BELONG TO HIM, OH WELL, SHAME ON HIM. If he's coward enough to sit there looking like a sad puppy and allow that smaller sized animal eat his food then he deserve to sit there looking sad as well as hungry. I don't mean to sound harsh but it is what it is.

Take another look at the pic, the skunk represents satan and the dog represents man - some folk act just like that dog, just sit there like a sad puppy and allow satan to come in there territory and take what rightfully belong to them. As children of God we have the power to "STAND OUR GROUND", there is no reason God's children should be deprived of any good thing because all good things come from Him, and when we are it's because we just sat there allowed the enemy to take what rightfully belonged to us - SAY WHAT? I know we have come courageous soldiers out there but at the same time there are some coward soldiers and God can't use such a person - STAND UP and be Victorious in the Army of the Lord! Trust me you're BIGGER than any demon, spirit, ruler of darkness that tries to come against you, why? Because GREATER IS HE IN YOU THAN HE THAT'S IN THE WORLD! Just as the dog is towering over the skunk so do the Children of God towers over anything that's not like Christ.

Wake up and KNOW who and whose you are and stop being bullied by satan and his imps and any situation that he tries to bully you with. TAKE BACK ALL THAT BELONG TO YOU AND KEEP THAT WHICH YOU STILL HAVE. Remember, YOU ARE COURAGEOUS & VICTORIOUS IN CHRIST!

Signed: Me

Tomorrow is the "BIG" Day...

2011-05-27T14:38:00.000-04:00

HAPPY, HAPPY, JOY, JOY & DOING THE HAPPY DANCE - finally, tomorrow is our Annual Prayer Luncheon and I'm expecting God to show up and show out in the lives of His people. Going to the church shortly to finish last minute prep, then back home to cook my dish for tomorrow, I'm so excited, can you tell?

The hubby bought me a "NEW" camera so now I don't have to struggle taking pics with my Blackberry, although blackberry has been pretty faithful with me sharing pics here and there (lol).

I made me a Bracelet and Earring set for tomorrow, depending on the time and how I feel, I might make a Necklace to go with it, we'll see what happens. I love my new creations and can't wait to wear them on tomorrow. Here's a few pics:

This is my Bracelet - I took a pin on flower and converted it ...
"I LOVE IT", will be making me more, lol

Earrings to match my bracelet, I'm pleased with these also...

Here's the set together...

Well, there's much to be done, so I best get going, need to run to the grocery store also - I'm not even sure what to do first - ok, breath, Woooosaw! I need a plan so hey, I will share later!

Signed:
Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy

Thankful Thursday...

2011-05-26T07:40:00.000-04:00

PSALMS 136:1-3

(1) O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

(2) O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

(3) O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Thankful today for all that the Lord has done for me, my family, my loved ones and my friends! Grateful that He saw fit to bless little ole me, grateful that He chose me to be a vessel and a mouth piece, grateful that such a Mighty God, trust me to fulfill His Holy Will!

Father I thank you and give you all of the Glory, Honor and Praise, I lift you up in Jesus name ~ HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH TO THE KING of KINGS!

SELAH...

Signed:

Your Grateful Daughter...

ONE WORD WEDNESDAY...

2011-05-25T14:26:00.000-04:00

VICTORIOUS

~~(in Christ)~~

GO AWAY...

2011-05-24T20:35:00.001-04:00

I'm feeling like that little mouse today, except it's not cat's that I want to disappear but a "MIGRAINE!" I tell ya, it has been at me for a couple of days now, and I'm so over it. So hard to accomplish all that needs to be completed when the head aint straight, lol.

Nevertheless, I thank God for allowing me to still be able to function here and there, I was able to get a few things done for Saturday's Ladies Event, along with dropping off and picking up hubby's clothes from the cleaners - YAY, I accomplished even with the brain ache - "AHHHH, AHHHH, THE BRAIN ACHE THOUGHT HE HAD MEEEEEEEE, BUT I I I, GOT AWAY (singing, lol). Well, I got away for a little while BUT it's back and now I WANT IT TO GO AWAY!!!

The hubby is at the church painting the top half of my office - I really wanted to finish helping but the fumes from the paint would have only made me feel worse, anyways to God be all the glory in spite of the pain. I am thankful to be alive and walking in divine health, in my right mind, willing and ready to serve and obey my Heavenly Father.

Okayyyyyyy, I guess I will it quits here, I took my meds and they are beginning to kick in - don't need to be talking out of my head now do I, lol. Have a blessed nights rest everyone...

Signed: Don't like Pain

Fourteen Years Later...Happy Birthday Joshua

2011-05-22T20:00:00.000-04:00

Today marks the 14th year after a doctor advised me to abort my baby for the sake of saving my life, I was told that if I didn't that me and the baby both would not live BUT GOD...

God is so awesome and He definitely has the last say in every situation. Learning more and more to believe the report of the Lord and not that of man. It's been an amazing journey watching him grow from birth to this present moment and I anticipate the many years to come as God allows. It's important that we STAND on the WORD of God because He's a God that cannot lie and if He said it then He's more than able to perform it.

Joshua started his birthday celebration on Friday, at the movies and slept over at his friend Deshawn's house, Saturday went shopping with his friend Deshawn and today went to Country side mall with friend Deshawn and cousin Javell, although I had plans to cook his birthday dinner, and Patrick Jr was going to bake a cake but hey it was all good, I was exhausted anyways, lol. Birthday dinner will be prepared tomorrow AND HE WILL BE PRESENT TO ENJOY IT!

A very thankful mother, although my kids are perfect and are in that stage of finding themselves, I thank God for them. One day they will have that totally sold out relationship with our Heavenly Father, trying not to pressure them but at the same time encouraging them often concerning the Gospel and their calling.

With that being said, guess I will end on this note: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA, MY BABY!"

Signed: Thankful Mother

My Computer + Internet = Friends...

2011-05-20T13:56:00.000-04:00

Thankful for all my Online friends and all the Encouragement and Joy that they share with me from day to day...

Have a Blessed Weekend my Friends

What the Cross Really Says to Us

2011-05-17T10:47:00.000-04:00

Am I loved?

Am I wanted?
Am I worthwhile?

And the cross answers back...

You are loved, really.

{Psalm 103:11}

You're valuable, truly.

{Matthew 10:31}

You're chosen, always.

{1 Peter 2:9}

The cross is the final answer on who we really are...

the exclamation mark at the end of God's declaration of love!

by Holley Gerth, DaySpring Writer

ONE WORD WEDNESDAY...

2011-05-11T09:14:00.001-04:00

~~THAT'S RIGHT YOU GOT IT~~

BREAKTHROUGH

SPEAKING LIFE...

2011-05-10T09:16:00.001-04:00

JOHN 10:10
THE THIEF COMETH NOT, BUT FOR TO STEAL, AND TO KILL, AND TO DESTROY: I AM COME THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE LIFE, AND THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE IT MORE ABUNDANTLY.

Life and death is in the power of the tongue, therefore I speak life in:

My Family...
My Husband...
My Kids...
My Grandson...
My Business (Kingdom Accessories)...
HOGIOM...
The HOGIOM Family...
Family, Friends & Loved Ones...
My Natural...
My Spiritual...
My Prayer Life...
The Body of Christ...
My Families Finance...
The Church Finance...
Mom-in-Laws Health...

(These are in no specific order)

I SPEAK LIFE TO EVERY AREA OF MY LIFE, EVERY AREA OF MY HUSBANDS LIFE, EVERY AREA OF MY KIDS & GRANDSONS LIFE, THE AREAS THAT I HAVE SPOKEN AS WELL AS THE AREA'S I FAILED TO MENTION, IN JESUS NAME, AMEN...

Signed: Speaking Life & not death...
Melissa, daughter of the King

A Little Howdy from Sutton-Ville...

2011-05-02T10:29:00.000-04:00

Happy & Blessed Monday everyone, I just felt like blogging here today although I'm not sure what to blog about so beware because I feel a little bit of rambling coming on...

I had a great weekend, which started on Friday, my 22nd Wedding Anniversary. We decided to stay, chillax and save the best for last, we will celebrate at a later date - hey, always better late than never. We also had out of town guest (Bishop Micheal Thomas) which always bring joy into our household and at the Church. Saturday became a total "MOVIE" day once Bishop arrived and the hubby came in from work, that was refreshing.

Had a great Service on Sunday and I totally enjoyed myself in spite of a thumping brain, struggled through a migraine "ALL" day Sunday. The hubby, Bishop and I went to visit Moms-in-Law at the hospital, boy did she have us rolling (as if I needed to laugh with a thumping brain) but it was a true blessing to see her in such high spirit, we had prayer with her and the glow on her face afterwards was just pleasing to the sight. It's been a while since we've seen her so happy and full of life - GOD IS JUST SO AWESOME!!!

After leaving the hospital, picked Josh up from baseball practice and when we got home, a sistah came straight to the bedroom and I literally crashed, slept every bit of 2 hours w/no distractions (sweet, lol). I awoke to the hubby and Bishop watching more movies (I said not a word because it is a rare happening in Sutton-ville to see my hubby watching movies), I was excited about the fried fish & shrimp that Patrick cooked while I was asleep - it was absolutely delish (mouth watering all over again, lol). Ended my day with the interruption of "CSI MIAMI" by News Officials announcing the death of Osama Bin Laden - WHERE THAT HAPPEN AT? Like they couldn't wait a measly 10 extra minutes to announce this news, 10 minutes, I'm just saying I could have finished watching my show, especially since they just kept repeating the same thing over and over and over again!!! Any ways, I'm thankful to God and to our Military for that chapter of the USA being closed, although others will be opened due to this action but nothing that GOD & PRAYER CANT CHANGE...

Now it's Monday and I'm chillaxing a bit before I prepare for our Ladies Ministry Conference Call - excited about this call, have to organize and complete a few things for S.I.S.T.E.R.S. and our Prayer Luncheon that's coming up later this month - YAY! This is our 3rd Annual Prayer Luncheon and each year it gets better and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us this year. Well, I really need to get started with my day, I have writing to do, Jewelry orders to fill, hair to finish, dentist apt. for Kiahesia AND my daily chores and I would love to have my ENTIRE "TO DO LIST" completed before the hubby gets home for once so we can have some cuddle time and not work, cuddle and back to work...So I'm putting an end to this rambling blog and we'll chat again soon.

Signed: Getting It All Done... (I hope, lol)

Our Help Comes From the Lord...

2011-04-28T22:56:00.000-04:00

Adding Color To My World...

2011-04-26T09:24:00.000-04:00

Life is not always what it seems but it doesn't have to be the opposite of what you expect. We have the power to command our day, to make of it what we want. The power of imagination is awesome especially when you have the ability to bring it into being. Scripture tells us that "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he - Proverbs 29:18."

We have the power to add color to our world... Where there seem like there is no hope if you would only dream a little, you'll be able to see a little color in your black and white world. Our Heavenly Father will never leave us nor forsake us and He desire for us to call things that are not into being all for His Glory. We are His Children and when we live a righteous and Holy life, we have this power from God to add color where the trials of life have drained it and to add color to areas of our life where we just failed to dream our of fear, laziness, or whatever the case may be.

Dream Big and once you have accomplished this, then Dream Bigger AND don't just dream but as you dream begin to color the perfect picture. You have every tool need at hands reach to bring into being the life that you so desire to live.

Start adding color to your world - the colors doesn't matter, if you like mix-match then go for it. That's the beauty of coloring you can color your picture whatever color you like. It's ok to be different for God have created you so. Be creative, change the colors a little and watch a masterpiece come into being.

BLUE WATERMELON

PASTEL CATS, SOMETHING I WOULD DO ( I LOVE THE PINK ONES)

RED & GREEN EGGS, PERFECT AT CHRISTMAS TIME

So you see, there is nothing wrong with adding a little color to your world - colors have the power to add beauty to any picture and you deserve this beauty in your life, our Heavenly Father has given this to us so if we are living beneath our privileges then it's by our own hands.
DREAM... DREAM... DREAM...

Signed: Melissa is Adding Color to Her World...

OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD...

2011-04-21T21:55:00.000-04:00

It's amazing that we Serve a God that is so very artistic and creative. He's the creator of all things and has a plan for each thing created. What an awesome God we serve! These are a few pics I took while at Busch Gardens and as I looked at each animal I was just amazed at the Handy Work of God. I do hate that they have taken God's creation out of their habitat to be locked up in cages for the amazement of men, causing them NOT to fulfill the purpose God created them for.

You know, self and satan has some folk locked up just like these animals, for the amazement of other difference is they have the power to be free BUT DENY THE POWER THEREOF. Well anyways hope you enjoy the pics...

Gorilla chewing on a piece of the tree - he had the nerve to get an attitude and chucked the piece of tree, guess it wasn't tasty...

This Tortoise was huge and sort of ugly...

We enjoyed the Giraffe, I couldn't believe how tall that in front was, absolutely amazing...

This Tiger was chillaxing, hmmm whatever works, lol

He was really huge in person - poor Lion, he was so drugged...

This Rhino was smelly, didn't visit him long at all, lol

The elephants were interesting but they were blackberry camera shy...

PINK Flamingos, best pic of all and they were a beautiful pink in person - ms. blackberry camera isn't color friendly, ugh...

God Raises Up the Humble...

2011-04-19T09:02:00.000-04:00

Psalm 113:1-9

(1) Praise ye the LORD, Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. (2) Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. (3) From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised. (4) The LORD is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens. (5) Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, (6) Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth. (7) He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; (8) That He may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. (9) He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

HE KEEPS DOING GREAT THINGS...

2011-04-13T23:03:00.000-04:00

He keeps doing great things for me

Oh He keeps doing great things for me

If I, had ten thousand tongues,

I would use them all to praise your name

And if I, had ten thousand hands

I would lift them all praise His name

He treats me better, much better than anyone else

He's been better to me, than I've been to myself

O, He keeps doing great things for me

I know He keeps, doing great things for me

I love this song, (I think I have a few verses a little messed up but none the less, it works for me, lol). God never cease to amaze me, He keeps doing great things for me, my family and the Ministry. We are in the "NEXT LEVEL STATUS" and this is such a blessing to see the vision come to pass. Loving what my Heavenly Father is doing for His children all around the globe: GO GOD, GO GOD, GO GOD, GO JESUS, GO JESUS, GO JESUS...

Signed:

Favored of the Lord

DON'T GET IT TWISTED...

2011-04-12T08:08:00.000-04:00

Don't be confused & Don't get it twisted - We must know for sure...

Isaiah 55:7-9

⁷Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
⁸For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
⁹For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Embracing The Cross...

2011-04-11T09:29:00.000-04:00

As I saw this picture I began to think back to when I first gave my life to Christ a a couple of the songs I often sang concerning the Cross: (1) At The Foot of The Cross", (2) At The Cross, Where I First Saw The Light." I tell you what, back then A SISTA DIDN'T HAVE A CLUE TO EXACTLY WHAT I WAS SINGING CONCERNING THE CROSS, lol. But with age comes knowledge and with knowledge comes understanding and know I do understand the Cross, His Cross.

Mark 10:21 says,Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

This is an awesome scripture but it Intel's much, I realize now with the Cross comes sufferings of all kind, sufferings that we MUST endure until the end. I decided to take up the cross many years ago but with age and all that good stuff that comes with age "I'VE COME TO NOT ONLY APPRECIATE THE CROSS BUT I'VE LEARNED TO EMBRACE IT!" No, I don't understand everything I go through, some things I don't even try to understand I just trust God in it. If God had shown me "ALL" the suffering that was apart of my Cross, before I took it up, I can honestly say I would have walked away from the cross. I would not have comprehended the importance of it but I am so thankful that He gives us little bits at a time, hahaha. He knows the weight of the burden we are able to bear and so therefore our suffer of the cross unfolds itself bits at a time - THANK YA JESUS!

I'm dealing with an issue as we speak, where I'm being lied on from two different individuals about two different situations (and the lies are about something so petty until it's actually funny) and I tell you my flesh just wanted to confront them and deal with it (not in a godly manner, lol) BUT my inner man constantly reminds me to embrace the Cross, and let God fight my battles and by doing so I know that I will come out Victorious! Anyways, although I can't sit here and say that I'm a happy camper in my sufferings (because I don't be) I can say that I'm learning to embrace them because one thing I know is, "IF I SUFFER WITH HIM I SHALL REIGN WITH HIM!"

Suffering causes so many mixed feelings: Anger, Sadness, Depression, Hatred, Madness, Suicidal thoughts, etc, etc, etc. YES, I've been through them all and then some BUT once you come to understand the suffering of the Cross and are willing to Embrace it - it's easy to overcome and defeat these emotions. I encourage you to learn of Him, get understanding, wisdom and knowledge so that you can come to EMBRACE THE CROSS instead of DESPISING IT!

Signed:
Embracing The Cross (It may not be easy BUT it's definitely worth it)

2011-04-09T23:38:00.000-04:00

ALL THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE YES AND AMEN!

IF GOD SAID IT THEN, HE IS MORE THAN ABLE TO PERFORM IT!

GOD IS NOT A GOD THAT HE SHOULD LIE!

GOD MAY NOT COME WHEN YOU WANT HIM BUT HE'S ALWAYS ON TIME!

GOD IS A COVENANT KEEPER AND NOT A COVENANT BREAKER!

GOD'S WORD DOES NOT COME BACK UNTO HIM VOID!

GOD'S WORD ACCOMPLISHES WHAT IT'S SENT OUT TO DO!

I GUESS YOU GET THE POINT CONCERNING GOD'S PROMISES, I SURE DO!

THANK YOU FATHER FOR YOUR PROMISES FOR THEY ARE YES & AMEN!!!

Notes From Sunday's Message ~ "Beware of The Witch"

2011-04-04T20:40:00.000-04:00

Here's my power point for Sunday's Message, I designed all by my little lonesome, lol. Still have a lot to learn but I'm getting better with time and practice. Now I'll share a few of my Sermon Notes from the Message on Sunday.

Definitions: (here's a few of the definitions)

1. Beware - avoid, take heed, be on guard, cautious
2. Witch - Charming, alluring,
3. Rebellion - Resisting control or authority, not submissive to authority, defiant, perverseness

1 Samuel 15:23 tells us that witchcraft is as the sin of witchcraft

Note: Rebellion will not present itself as what it truly is but it will rather show itself as beautiful and charming. It's very deceitful and conniving and therefore we must BEWARE of this spirit, we must be beware of the witch!

Note: It's so easy to be found guilty of witchcraft or shall I say rebellion, in today's society so many feel as though they know just as much as their leaders (and maybe they do) BUT they miss the point that God didn't choose them to Pastor and therefore if a part of the membership of a church they MUST be subject to their leaders and when they are not then they are operation in the spirit of rebellion and witchcraft.

Exodus 22:18 says, "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."

Note: We are told not to suffer a witch to live! We all know how they handled witches decades ago BUT now it's a spiritual death, meaning we are to kill that spirit of witchcraft that has one acting contrary to the purpose and will of the Father. We are not to suffer the witch to live because if we don't kill it, it will kill us.

I hope I shared enough to give you a good understanding of the Message but it's too much to type, lol. Anyways in my closing "BEWARE of THE WITCH!"

IT'S ALL GOOD...

2011-04-02T18:39:00.000-04:00

Today has been a really good day in spite of the tiring task we had to complete at the church this morning, ugh. The hubby and I was sharing an office and finally decided to have separate offices - YAY (in a good way, lol). Worked really hard clearing out one of the rooms for his new office, he left me with the larger space and I am so ok with that, lol. I am very thankful for all those that came out to help with the transfer, still not totally done but getting there - the hubby and I just have to personalize our offices now, gonna take pics when I'm all done.

The fellowship was also "GREAT", especially when we decided to go have lunch together at Taco Bell. I truly enjoyed my lunch, lol. Afterwards the niece and I had to go to the grocery store and then we went and vacuumed my truck/SUV, don't want to do that again! Came home cleaned, cooked dinner and then soaked and now enjoying the quiet of the day, oh yeah baby! The hubby has to work late tonight, the boys are at the pool and the niece is chillaxing in her bedroom, leaving me ALL TO MYSELF.

God is so awesome and I thank Him for always showing "GOOD" towards me and my family. Living Life to the full is all about enjoying the small things in life and for this I am thankful. Can't wait until Service tomorrow, I have to Speak and I'm looking for God to really bless through His word on tomorrow. My message title is: "BEWARE OF THE WITCH", I will explain the message and share my message notes on tomorrows blog. Well, I must study to show myself approved for tomorrows message (lol) so I best get going.

Finish enjoying the rest of this blessed and beautiful Saturday everyone as I know I will :)

Signed:
Lil Ole Me...

Something New

2011-03-31T23:59:00.000-04:00

I'm a bit excited, I started a New Blog titled Prayer & Praise along with a Prayer & Praise Yahoo Group. I will post more info and links soon because both sights are still under construction. Yep, I designed the pic myself - can't you tell with the pink, lol.

Well, about to hit the sack, just wanted to share this quickly - good night and may your rest be blessed.

Signed:
Excited...

LIFE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES...

2011-03-30T23:31:00.001-04:00

As Forest Gump says, "Life is Like A Box of Chocolates!" This is true because you never really know what you're getting until you bite in it... Some have same outward appearance but different fillings and so you think your'e getting one thing and its another.

Take life one day at a time, because we never really know what we're getting until that moment. I encourage you to treat life as we do the chocolates, although many different flavors and fillings "WE STILL ENJOY THOSE CHOCOLATES", we make the best of them. Although each day is different and holds many different tasks, trials and err, "WE STILL MUST ENJOY OUR LIFE, we must make the best of it!

LIVE LIFE AND BE HAPPY

Signed:
Happy, happy, joy, joy...

PERFECT OR FORGIVEN?

2011-03-29T21:28:00.001-04:00

As Christians some of us can spend too much time trying to be perfect neglecting the fact that we must be forgiving.

WE'RE NOT PERFECT JUST FORGIVEN BY A LOVING FATHER...

Signed
I AM FORGIVEN...

When You Call Unto the Lord...

2011-03-27T22:16:00.002-04:00

S.I.S.T.E.R.S. our Ladies Ministry Night Out...

2011-03-22T22:39:00.000-04:00

Had a great time with some of the Ladies on last night, hate that all couldn't make it but hopefully next time. We had dinner at "Olive Garden", with lots of laughter, fellowship and fun. Here's a few pics, didn't get to take many but thanks to Sis. Pamela for the few we do have...

Sis. Frances enjoying a Strawberry Mango Lemonata

My Strawberry Mango Lemonata - this thing is absolutely delish...

Look at the strawberries, they were soooo good with that lemonade flavor

Me texting but I am paying attention, Sis. Mary in deep thought (I think, lol)

Sis. Pamela & Sis. Frances

Sis. Latasha (loving her drink, can you tell?) & Sis Mary

Talk To Me Father...

2011-03-17T23:32:00.000-04:00

Our Heavenly Father speaks to us in MANY ways but we too often aren't in the place to hear what He's saying.

He speak to us through others but we too often see the person and not the God in the person.

He speak to us through situations but we too often focus on what we're going through and not who is allowing it.

He speak to us in our quiet moments but we too often give ourselves the credit by thinking it was just our thoughts and Not God's voice.

God speaks to His children in many ways, He's faithful in talking to His children and as His children we must become faithful in hearing our Heavenly Father and recognizing His voice.

SPEAK TO MY HEART ABBA FATHER...

SIGNED:

Hmmmm...

2011-03-15T23:47:00.000-04:00

I guess you've figured out by now that my mind was blank - had no clue what to blog about...

HAVE A BLESSED REST & A SWEET SLEEP :)

SIGNED:

Blank...

SAY IT AIN'T SO...

2011-03-14T21:53:00.000-04:00

Thank you Father for your grace and mercy, for your love and support but most of all just for who you are, You're awesome in all your ways!

Accomplished much on my journey today, me and one of my younger sisters went to visit our older sister today and afterwards went grocery shopping, came home, was able to finish up some extra laundry, took my older son to do his grocery shopping along with completing a few Ministry projects.

Now as I sit here, I'm not feeling my best, ugh! Praying that I'm not getting sick, body aches and pain from head to legs, ear ache and a slight headache also ~ SAY IT AIN'T SO, I don't want to get sick, still have so much to do this week.

Have to take Joshua to the Oral Surgeon tomorrow to have 4 wisdom teeth pulled (I know right?), he's only 13 and have ALL four of his wisdom's already. Praying that all goes well with him and the surgery - hate seeing my kids not themselves. Among my to do list is me and my niece hair, hospital visit, boys to the barber, Jewelry orders to fill, etc, etc, etc.

I'm about to take a hot shower and hop in my big comfy bed and hopefully I will be feeling better in the morning. Well, I have a brain bubble and all of sudden is lost for words so I guess I'll call it a night...

HAVE A BLESSED REST AND A SWEET SLEEP EVERYONE...

SIGNED:
Hope It Ain't So...

METAMORPHOSIS

2011-03-13T17:37:00.000-04:00

METAMORPHOSIS - A marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function.

Romans 12:2 says,"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

I'M TRANSFORMED INTO "A DAUGHTER OF THE KING"

WHO DOES THIS???

2011-03-11T15:48:00.000-05:00

TGIF ~ It's the weekend and I'm so glad, It couldn't have come fast enough, especially since I get my grandson today - (grammy's coming baby, lol).

Thanking God for allowing me and the fam to have such a blessed day, after we came home from their evaluations, we did a little school, ate lunch and everyone has just been sleeping - wow! You would think it would be quite rowdy on a Friday with 3 teenagers in the house but not today - and I'm loving it. Well, today's blog is going to be about me (YAY, I'm on the spotlight, lol), here goes.

Ten Things I did/do that make me wonder about myself and by the way - WHO DOES THIS?:

1. Looking for my phone as I talk on it (Josh, Esha, can you help me find my phone, umm, aren't you talking on it?).

2. Looking for my purse as I keep slinging it over my shoulder (out of the way to find my purse).

3. Mix-matched shoes to church, one high hill and the other flat (never noticed I was unbalanced, others did though).

4. Mix-matched shoes to church - this time both flat but one black and one white (nope never noticed this either, BUT others did).

5. Trying to crank up the car and wondering why it wont start (maybe because the keys are still in my hand).

6. Rewrite the same thing over and over until it's perfect (kind of creepy to have scribble scrabble all over my papers - the hubby hates this).

7. Bought perm to do hair, days later couldn't understand why my hair didn't look permed (well, it was still in my bathroom on the counter, that's why).

8. Always lose my socks in the bed - put on socks to keep feet warm, just to jump in bed and under the covers to take them off (never to be found again, well maybe weeks later underneath the bed, hmmm).

9. Have a phobia of eating green pieces of candy and tums (time to start picking out the green ones).

10. While cooking dinner, took entire cap off of container (where's a spoon, time to start scooping - I really hate this, it irks me so bad, especially when I have start all over).

There you have it, some of my bloopers so to speak - as I typed up this post, guess what I realized? THAT I'M HUMAN TOO. Ahhh, it feels good to know that I'm not the only one (ok, guys work - I'm speaking on faith - I'm NOT the only one RIGHT?

Well, it's been real but not it's time to go start dinner ~ HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND EVERYONE!

Signed:
I'm Only Human...

ARE YOUR THOUGHTS KILLING YOU?

2011-03-10T09:28:00.000-05:00

Are your thoughts killing you? This is a question that should be pondered in the hearts of many, because our thoughts cause us more damage than what we would like to admit. Take a good look at your life, at where you are in life, at what you have accomplished so far, your surroundings, your circle of friends - are you "LIVING THE LIFE" or "ARE YOU THRIVING TO STAY ALIVE?" Believe it or not but our thoughts sends us to that place we see in our mind, whether it's a good place or a bad one.

When we change our thought process, we change our lifestyle - point blank! Don't go along in life allowing your thoughts to kill you, you can live the abundant life, you can write that book, you can have your own CD in the stores, you can have your own TV Show, you can have your own business, that car, that house, the wardrobe - you can have all that God has said BUT you MUST change your thoughts. We got to stop killing the life, the dreams, and the destiny that God has ordained for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

We need to stop thinking for God, His thoughts towards us has already been established but we're killing those thoughts by thinking the opposite of what our Heavenly Father has said or shown us - come people, let's get it together, we're missing out because of our thoughts!

Isaiah 55:8 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.

Here we go again, our thoughts are not God's thoughts, neither are our ways His, meaning we can never comprehend exactly what God has thought towards us so when we try we will always fall short. The best thing to do when it comes to carrying out the Will and Purpose of God for our lives is just to stand still in our thoughts and allow God to lead and guide us on the path we are to take on a daily basis. One day at a time, one step at a time with Him leading the way.

IF YOU CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS (for the good) , YOU'LL CHANGE YOUR LIFE (for the good)!!!

Have a Blessed & Prosperous Day...

Signed:

Changed Thoughts :)

William McDowell - I give myself away

2011-03-08T14:55:00.000-05:00

LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES...

2011-03-05T14:43:00.001-05:00

I know the thought of this act is disgusting BUT I thought this pic was too cute, especially how the baby is looking at his older sister (I'm assuming), lol. Some surprises will leave you with a terrified look!!!

Just as the girl picking her nose was a surprise to her baby brother, that's how life throw surprises at us. I remember hearing my Mother quote "LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES" numerous times but never understood what she was talking about until I became older and began to experiences such surprises. Some are good and some are bad, some happy others sad, some pleasant and some disgusting but none the less they happen.

It is by the grace of our Heavenly Father that we, His children are not caught by surprise as often as we could be and the times that we are it is by His grace that He gives us the strength, understanding and knowledge to handle them, each circumstance correctly.

Life is indeed full of surprise BUT you don't have to be caught by surprise or off your guard - hear God's voice, obey His commands and He will lead you on the path that you are to take.

By trusting God in all His ways we will not be left with the look that's on that little boys face in the above pic, lol.

Signed:
Learning to be ready at all times...

EXERCISE YOUR FAITH...

2011-03-03T10:43:00.000-05:00

Wow, I haven't been blogging much - pick up the slack girl, lol. Anyways, I'm thankful that God has allowed me and my family to see another day blessed and highly favored of Him. "HE KEEPS DOING GREAT THINGS FOR ME, MY FAMILY & the MINISTRY!"

Just want to share a little something about the word "FAITH" this morning - this word is just that, a word when it's not put into action. "FAITH" is an action Word and MUST be moved upon in order to see the results of it. We know the saying, "ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS", now that's the truth because we speak things all day long but until we put action to it it's just a mere statement. For example, I need to do my hair and so I repeatedly say, "I'm going to do my hair", "I'm going to do my hair", "I'm going to do my hair", well, I'm just making a lot of noise with my mouth, my words are in vain until I actually get up and put action to it - I'm up doing my hair, now my actions have caught up with my words and I have manifestation! THIS IS HOW WE MUST BE WITH OUR FAITH!

James 2:26 says, For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. As the "Body of Christ" we MUST put our FAITH TO ACTION and we do this by EXERCISING IT ON A DAILY BASIS. I realized that it's so easy to have faith in objects than it is to have faith in God. In one of my teachings on Faith, I shared with the congregation how we walk right in the sanctuary and have a seat, never thinking to inspect our chairs. And how we hop right into our vehicles and turn the ignition just knowing that it's going to start, no thought of "what if my car doesn't start". What about how we go to our faucets (kitchen or bathroom) and just assume that when we turn the knob water will come out, we don't say, "I hope water comes out of this thing". You see how we just assume that "THINGS WILL AUTOMATICALLY DO WHAT THEY WERE MADE TO DO?" Somewhere deep down we have faith in the things that help us to live life from day to day and moment to moment.

Now why can't we have this kind of FAITH in GOD? We (people in general) have to question and inspect God's Word, we want to make sure that it mean what it says. Why can't we move on God's Word just because it's His Word, but many will get 2nd, 3rd, 4th and sometime 5th opinions before they decide that they have the faith to believe that they can do and have what God has said - this is so very sad. There are so many promises in the Word of God but so many in the "BODY OF CHRIST" are missing out because they don't have the faith to believe and then act on His promises. You do have that group that "BELIEVE" (so to speak) but they are waiting for a "SILVER SPOON" or for God to just come and place it in their laps - NO, "FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD" and if it's dead, it's no longer faith, it no longer is!

Hebrews 11:1 says, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not see. If it's tangible then IT'S NOT FAITH, we must have that "NOW" faith knowing that although I can't see it in the natural I KNOW IT'S THERE IN THE SPIRIT. How can we believe in a God that we can't see? BY FAITH, it's all about faith, it's impossible to please God without faith. So you see, one way or the other, sooner or later you're gonna have to up your game when it comes to faith.

LET'S GET EXERCISING - EXERCISE ON A DAILY BASIS: 1. READ THE WORD OF GOD, 2. COMMUNE WITH YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER IN PRAYER, 3. CONNECT WITH FAITH WALKERS & NOT DOUBTERS, COME ON WE CAN DO THIS - and one, and two, and three...
Remember, WITHOUT FAITH IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD, and we're all striving to be pleasing in His sight...

Signed:
Exercising My Faith

United We Stand...

2011-02-17T23:45:00.000-05:00

It's been a a little while since I last blogged but happy to be blogging tonight, YAY! Thanking God and giving Him all of the Glory, Honor and Praise for being the True and Living God and for Loving a wretch like me.

We are all familiar with the famous saying, "UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL" - I realize that as children of God, we should be united, have differences yes but never divided. It shouldn't matter what race, size, or denomination we come from what matters is that "GOD" is our Heavenly Father - and if we have the SAME daddy then we should be able to get along with one another in spite of our differences.

It's so sad how divided the "BODY OF CHRIST" is, this shouldn't be but yet it is. How can we all be of the same Spiritual Father but yet act as if we are no kin. It's so hard to get churches/saints to come together in unity all for the sake of building the Kingdom of God. I wondered about this some time ago and God revealed to me that people are too busy with their own agenda, for making a name for themselves and folk are so afraid of helping the next man because of the fear of the other surpassing them. Because of these selfish reasons the "BODY OF CHRIST" is so divided but one thing for sure is that in the end GOD SHALL PREVAIL CONCERNING HIS PEOPLE...

Father God in the name of your Son Jesus, I pray that we your children will learn to work together and unite in building your Kingdom. Increase your Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Revelation and Obedience of your Word in the lives your people that we will understand the importance of Unity and becoming one in Christ - I thank you and give you Praise in Jesus name, amen!

REMEMBER UNITED WE WILL STAND TALL FOR GOD AND DIVIDED WE WILL FALL AND FAIL...

Signed:
United I Stand

IT'S THE WEEKEND...

2011-01-28T15:47:00.000-05:00

YAY, it's the weekend, I'm so excited and I just can't hide it ~ If I knew how to dance, I would get my dance on right about now but being that I don't....

Anyways, a lot have been going on since my last blog - AND I STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY HELP WITH MY PERSONAL DOMAIN AND ADDING PAGES TO MY BLOG but I decided not to sweat it. Tonight is our Family Night at the Church (I love the fun, food and fellowship that God allows us to have with one another). Tonight we're going out to eat and then back to the church to set up camp for games and a movie - couldn't do this as a "Mega-Church" so I thank God for the small and enjoying what we have now. If we become Mega to God be all the Glory and if we don't, STILL too God be all the Glory, as long as souls are being saved and lives changed for the benefit of the Kingdom of God.

I'm also excited that "Baseball Season" is back in for Joshua, his first practice is tomorrow (I hate that he has a new coach but I'm sure we will adjust to him just fine - WE MISS YOU COACH DAN...), lol. Thankful for Coach Dan, he has taught Joshua a lot not just in the game but in other areas of life, and now he's ready to get his game on for this new Season, just hate that he will be playing against Coach Dan's team, ugh what a blow BUT HEY, GO GET THEM JOSH, LOL.

God has opened doors concerning my business and He has given me much insight concerning it - the name has officially changed and I must say that the new name i a lot better. The first name was just something by me but the new name is God given, thank you Father. The new name of my newly started business is: "KINGDOM ACCESSORIES & BEADING", ask your prayers that God will lead and guide me on this faith walk and I already know that it will be successful by faith...

Here's a short testimony concerning K.A.B. ~ I needed some small wooden beads for my friendship bracelets, remember I started this business on mere FAITH and not finance, I have to buy supplies as I sell items (not complaining because God always provide), so Wednesday we went scouting for new bead shops, ones where I can get more beads for my money (THANK GOD WE FOUND ONE IN TAMPA - YAY!). I still didn't have enough money to get the amount of small wooden beads I needed at the time but I didn't stress it and just decided to purchase a few other things that were needed. After finishing up at the bead shop we headed to Tarpon Springs to drop off my husbands uniforms and while over there Patrick us to check out this new thrift shop over there - WOW, lol. I love it already, I was led to the purse section (by God of course) couldn't understand why but when I get over there what do I see for $4.00, none other than a wood beaded purpose (that had beads missing here and there) THE EXACT BEADS I WANTED, so for the first time EVER, I bought a purse for other reasons other than carrying, lol. I had a little work on my hands but it was worth it, I can't believe ALL the wooden beads I got for only $4.00. Not sure how many bead I have but I can tell you it's about triple or more of what I was thinking about purchasing, here's a before and after pic of my blessing...

BEFORE: Wooden Beaded Purse, that I bought for the beads

AFTER: Beads from the purse

There you have it, a little bit of my week, a little bit of my weekend to come and a little bit of my blessing - will blog again soon, cant wait to give you a positive update on my new domain thingy - not a computer whiz just love to type so I'm a computer basic kind of gal but I won't stop until I figure this thing out, lol. HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND EVERYONE...

Signed:
Excited and Giving God the Praise...

FRUSTRATED...

2011-01-22T21:53:00.000-05:00

AFTER SUCH A BLESSED WEEK, A AWESOME REVIVAL ON THURSDAY & FRIDAY, AND A BLESSED SATURDAY, I'm JUST a little bit FRUSTRATED!!! I purchased the "CUSTOM DOMAIN" here on blogger, FINALLY and what do I get, FRUSTRATION. I actually purchased it on Tuesday and haven't been able to use it YET! I can't log in to the control panel, and I can't get assistance without a pin, well I can't retrieve my pin without logging in but guess what? That's right you guessed it, I CAN'T LOG IN!!!

So how do I get help? Your guess is as good as mine, I would ask for a refund BUT, that make it clear that it's non-refundable BUT they can't give you a phone number to speak to someone without a pin, to contact by email you also need a pin. I tell ya, I'm so disappointed right now, hopefully I will be able to figure this thing out sooner or later, although I PREFER SOONER. I am so about over it, I guess I will sleep on it and start fresh again tomorrow - we will see what happens, AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!

Signed:

Totally, absolutely, without A doubt, FRUSTRATED

IN HONOR OF A GREAT MAN ~ OR IS IT?

2011-01-17T09:26:00.000-05:00

Today is the day that many "African Americans" live for - "MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY", a Holiday named after a black man BUT what are their motives?

We all know the story behind this "Great Man" so I won't get into detail, just wanted to voice my opinion to be honest. We know that he stood for "Integrity", "Human Rights", "Freedom of Speech", etc., etc., etc., this is the story behind the man. In public honor we have "Martin Luther King Day", many where around the world observe the life and death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Also today, many around the world are preparing for the Festivities that usually takes place on this day - "The Martin Luther King's Day Parade", I love this Parade, the meaning and all the beauty of it, the Marching bands and the floats BUT for many years now, I have not attended the Parade, me nor my kids - yes I've been put down, talked about and scandalized because of my "FREEDOM OF CHOICE!" I came to this conclusion after years of observing NOT the Holiday BUT those that were celebrating the holiday. I noticed that "IT WASN'T ABOUT HONORING MLK" but it was ALL about, guys meeting females, females meeting guys, who's dressed the best, gang gatherings, gawking at one another, people come from far and near in their pimped out cars, not in honor of MLK but to compete and let's not talk about the fights and the threats that come with all of this. We have the females wearing their daisy dukes, half tops and guys wearing the pants and shorts down to their knees, toting their guns - WHERE IS THE INTEGRITY IN THIS? WHERE IS THE HONOR? THERE NOTHING BUT FOOLISHNESS - SO MANY MAKE THE "DREAM" of NONE EFFECT!!! Many are "FREE" but yet still in BONDAGE, bond by their own lack of knowledge and foolishness. It's sad, that so many are still so ignorant to the fact!

I realized that if I don't attend the MLK Day Parade, it doesn't mean that I don't honor him and what he stood for, it just meant that I was fed up with foolishness. I love who God has made me, and the race that he so carefully chose for me "AFRICAN AMERICAN" I wouldn't change it, I'M A PROUD BLACK WOMAN and that's all to it! And yes, I believe in the "DREAM" and I'm thankful for God using1. such a great man to bring about change for the "Black Race" but let me tell you the BEST WAY TO OBSERVE AND HONOR such a man: "By Becoming All That He Died For", "By Getting Your Education", "By Becoming Successful", "By Keeping The Dream Alive", "By Taking Advantage of Your Rights for Good", "By Obeying The Word of God" - this is how you can honor such a one.

Young and Old men alike - PULL UP YOUR PANTS/SHORTS, Young and Old women alike - COVER YOURSELVES, wait for your mate, GO BACK TO SCHOOL and get an education, GET A REAL JOB and stop making illegal money, MOTHER'S stay home and raise your own kids, DADS be a partaker in the life of your son's and daughters, live the life that God intended, That Jesus died on the Cross for and that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was shot and killed for. Come on people, so much work to be done and so little time to accomplish it, let's get moving - there was a time blacks couldn't attend COLLEGE, take advantage of this opportunity while it's still available (it wont last forever), you can have jobs that you never thought possible BUT you must get moving, pick up your life and do better. Take advantage of this "FREEDOM" on a sure foundation that was built for you and me...There is potential in everyone, and we all have the same opportunity although some may have to work harder than others but there is NO HARD WORK THAT DON'T BRING FORTH FRUIT!

Just wanted to share my thoughts, if I offended anyone, I'm NOT SORRY - because if you're offended and if you're offended then you're convicted and if you're convicted CHANGE CAN COME! "NO CONVICTION, NO CHANGE ~ Apostle P.E. Sutton...

Signed: Me

Build Your Capacity to Succeed by: Dr. Cindy Trimm

2011-01-15T17:52:00.000-05:00

A brand new year stretches out before you packed with all kinds of potential--like an open sea on the other side of which are undiscovered shores of possibility. All you need to do is set sail.

As we face the dawn of a new year together, I want to empower you to expand your capacity for greater impact. I want to give you practical tools and innovative strategies for tracking with God's best plan and purpose for your life. I want to help you harness the divine potential hidden within you to achieve maximum greatness in your lifetime.

My goals are to engage you in order to educate you in order to equip you in order to empower you to change the world...

What are your goals?

Before creating your next "to do" list, envision the kind of person you want to become, the people you want to impact, and the type of individuals you want to collaborate with in the process. What kind of person do you need to be in order to partner with the sort of people you want to lock arms with? Whatever it is you want to do, you will need a team of people around you to make it happen.

Wherever it is you want to go, you will need a crew of reliable, committed, skilled, knowledgeable, and teachable people to follow your lead. You will have to demonstrate all of those qualities to be a leader who commands--not demands--respect. A servant leader who sets an example and brings out the best in others. To be empowered, you must learn to become an empowerment specialist.

I invite you to join me on a 52-week leadership and success journey. I will show you how to build a seaworthy ship by establishing a clear vision, setting definitive goals, and leveraging your key strengths. I will show you how to trim your sails so you can harness the resources you have in hand to gain speed and build momentum. I will teach you to set your keel so you can overcome adversity. Most importantly, I will equip you to be the kind of leader that leaves a legacy of empowerment that lasts for generations.

If you want to build the capacity of your ship to go farther--if you want to sail across the sea of success and reach the shore of your greatest potential--than get on board with the Navigating Success Series beginning this January. It is the complete personal and professional life transformation system that will empower you to change--no, empower--your world.

Empowering you to empower others for life.

That's how I envision doing life with you in the year ahead.

~ Bullying STOPS Here ~

2011-01-14T08:28:00.001-05:00

(Love the Pink, lol)

I remember being bullied as a child in the 2nd or 3rd grade - THIS GIRL WAS SO TALL along with being somewhat overweight, ok a lot overweight and me I was all skin and bones, lol. Well, for some odd reason this girl didn't like me and decided to use me as her pinching target. Every day during nap time this girl would pinch me (one of those pinches your grandma or mom gave you when you was caught playing in church - latch on and then twist with it), during recess I got pinched and in the lunch line another pinch. As much as I LOVED SCHOOL, I hated going because I knew I had to see this girl, I dreaded going to school and I was too afraid to tell anyone what was going on or to even face up to my fear, so I HAD MANY SICK DAYS, lol. Getting to the point, this went on most of the school year - I remember this one day in particular, where I dodged her the entire day to keep from being pinched - I had to use the restroom (this was my little time to breathe w/out running from this bully). As I came out of the stall, lo and behold, whose standing there waiting for me? That's right, you guessed it - "THE BIG BAD BULLY", I could have literally fell dead at the sight of her, hahahaha - I thought to myself, "this girl is going to KILL, It' going to be me or her" so I came to the conclusion that the bullying stops HERE, in this girls bathroom at Perkins Elementary School! I was like a cat trapped in a corner and I came out fighting and scratching - whatever it took to bring this giant down I was willing to do and I did. Needless to say, as usual she was a little wimp that used her size to intimidate those smaller than her. After I stood up to her and gave her a good ole beat down, I never had to worry about her again.

The moral of my story is in our Christian walk we deal with bully's on a daily basis - and many people are to afraid to face their bully, they are too afraid to tell others about their fear. No, I'm not talking about a bully in person but the things that we fear the most we give the power to bully us on a daily basis. So many Christians are in bondage today because they are too afraid to face their bully/bullies. We have the power to defeat any bully that presents itself to us, whether, it is depression, the fear of success, disobedience, overweight, shyness, satan and his imps, whatever the case may be - VICTORY is in our reach we have but to take hold of it.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind, God did not give us the spirit of fear but of power - power to be victorious over all that's not like Him - He does not want us going through life being timid about every little thing, especially those things that we have power over. It's time out for being "AFRAID" to man up the the plan and purpose that God has ordained for you - stop letting these little wimps sent by satan intimidate you, but most of all STOP BEING BULLIED by your own self, you know how you talk to yourself, expressing that you cant's and the what ifs and the not me's - get my point. I found out later in my Christian Journey that "I WAS MY OWN WORST ENEMY, MY OWN BULLY. The moral of the story is, when you feel helpless and trapped in a corner - get the courage to come out fighting, doing whatever it takes to come out Victorious! Make it your decision today to "FIGHT BACK" and become all that God has purposed. Tell yourself today that the "BULLYING STOPS HERE!" No more bullying, no more being afraid...

Signed: No Longer Bullied

WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TOO...

2011-01-11T21:23:00.000-05:00

First of all I would like to give ALL GLORY, HONOR and PRAISE to my HEAVENLY FATHER who gives us all things to enjoy. He makes it all possible not for us to just receive blessings BUT to enjoy them. Father, thank you for loving me and for causing me to be blessed and highly favored ~ I LOVE YOU!

Created By: Carlos Jr (10 yrs old, my great nephew)

What I've been up too, hmmm - there is soooo much but I will just mention the last few enjoyable moments. First of all I mentioned in a earlier text that my older sister and her grand spent the weekend with us, well my 10 yr old great nephew had a project to complete for school and upon taking them home he wanted me to go inside o that he could show me the work that he was so proud of. He had to make a Indian Camp inside of a shoe box - I was so honored that he wanted me to see and not only that but he wanted my approval, it was so awesome so I took a pic and will share it here on my blog: He was so creative, I never would have thought to use real leaves, sticks, so and so. It's so amazing when it comes to the minds of children, the things that they think of ~ I tell you this much if you ever want a unique idea or creation, ask a child, lol.

Another enjoyable moment was on yesterday, we took the kids to Burlington Coat Factory for shoes and a couple of other little items and to be honest I didn't go in to purchase anything but when it comes to "SHOES" and "PURSES" I could use just a little more self control, lol - but I am learning, I actually passed up some cute little sandals, sure did but unfortunately I didn't pass up this cute XOXO tan colored purse that was just to "CHEAP" not to buy - I was so excited and couldn't wait to get home to switch out of the purse I was toting - here's a pic of my new purse - look at it, it's so cute - I just love adding new purses to my collection. I'm trying to get control over just purchasing purses and shoes just because - especially after I had the thought of putting from 5 -6 purses on lay-away at one time - you're probably wondering, "WHO STILL DOES LAY-AWAY" I DO AND I LOVE IT! They have this really cute pink purse at Burlington that has my name on it and I WILL BE GOING BACK FOR IT SOONER OR LATER, oh yeah ~ just gotta love it!

The last thing I would like to share is from today, my Patrick Jr drove me around today and in our running errands we stopped at this one store and once again my intentions was to just browse around a little while I wait for the kiddo's. Well, I went to look at some hair barrettes and, "lo and behold" what do I see - "BEADS", lol. Yes, they actually had beads in this store - it was on and I was so excited. I usually have to drag the kiddo's out of stores but today they had to drag me out. I could not believe how "CHEAP" these pearl beads were (costume of course, lol) and they came with spacers - I bought quite a few and spent very little for them (would have spent an arm and a leg for same product at Michaels and a arm at Wal-Mart). I asked the cashier do they have them often and her reply was "NO", what I expected of course. I am so praying that God blesses me with some finance so that I can go and rack up while they have them in stock - "PRAY WITH ME PEOPLE", lol - laughing out loud BUT I am SO SERIOUS, lol! I have like 4 different colored pearls, 4 different type spacers and a load of diamond shaped glass beads - GOD IS SO AWESOME, well here's a pic of a few of the pearl beads I purchased today (costume of course). So, so Pretty, aren't they? I can't wait to make some jewelry with them and like I said this is just a few ~ I am so SMILING RIGHT NOW - once again, you just gotta love it.

There you have it, a few things that I enjoyed so far this week and I give God the glory for each of these events, I thank Him for showing me favor in finding such inexpensive items. I LOVE CHEAP and my Heavenly Father knows that and He's always putting deals like this in my path - THANK YOU FATHER!!! This is it for now, G'Night all...

SIGNED: Blessed, Highly Favored & Smiling...

My Newly Found Stress Reliever

2011-01-06T22:41:00.000-05:00

FIVE STRING MULTI-COLORED SEED BEAD BRACELET

Some of you may know that I started my own little Accessory Business October of last year (Beaded Jewelry and other items), thankful for the sales that I have made thus far and the prosperity of my Successful little business (speaking those things that are not as though they are - AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS). But anyways, beading has become more than just a business to me, it's a "NEW FOUND LOVE" and a "NEW FOUND STRESS RELIEVER" - oh yeah, love myself some beading, lol. I can't wait until summer because God has given me some awesome ideas for summer items to go along with the jewelry (pray for me).

I have some much peace when I begin to bead, it take my mind of the pressures of the day and I only become focused on a new creative piece, something genuine, that can't be found anywhere else unless purchased from me. I'm still very new at this and have a lot to learn but I don't have a problem in experimenting on my piecing. I started out just making stretchy bracelets but decided that if I put my mind to it and with the help of God I could move on to bigger and better things. I'm really proud of the bracelet above, that was a total experiment for me and I have come to love it and actually plan on making me a few of them to match a few of my outfits. Oh and by the way, yes, I make my own jewelry now (costume that is, lol). My items are very inexpensive, from $3.00 - $7.00, at least until I start using the more expensive products to make my costume jewelry.

As I sit here and realize how exciting it is to see a piece of jewelry that I made come into full manifestation I can only imagine the excitement that God had when He created the world and mankind - how excited He is now when we become all that He has purposed us to be - awesome, totally awesome! We're but clay in the potter's hand until He begin to form us into our destiny and this is how I see my beading - they are but beads in my hands until I begin to form them into a piece of jewelry and then I sit back and say, eww redo or "IT IS GOOD!"

I can't believe that I have to share my beading time with my writing time but it's all good, (they are like both loves of mine). Here's a few more of my jewelry pieces that I have made, can't post them all there are just too many, but these are just a few of my most recent ones.

Red Power Bead Bracelet

Pink & Turquoise Bracelet

Necklace & Earring Set

Pink & Raspberry Bead Bracelet

Frosty Pink w/handcrafted

These are just a few, I plan on getting into the more fancier jewelry within the next couple of months - but I do thank God for the many sales that He has sent my way so far, it's only by His grace. I can't wait to see the future holds for me and my beading and other accessories. I'm out for now, nitey-nite...

Signed: The Busy Beader

Wednesday's Ramblings by Me...

2011-01-05T15:21:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it's January 5th already - well, it's been a good start into this New Year for me and my fam and the Ministry - THANK YOU FATHER, all glory goes to you. Now, I must admit there are some things that could have been done differently that would have have it even greater but hey can't cry over spilled milk.

YAY, as you can see this is my first blog of the year ~~and I'm still lost for words~~ , way to go me! I'm thinking about doing some things differently for my blog this year, not sure yet but it's an option. A few years ago, I didn't have a clue what a "BLOG" was, (I was stuck in caveman days), never used the Internet only used computer to type and such but boy was I excited when I became curious about Surfing the Web - I can't really remember what I was searching for but the first thing that was on the list was a blog by Pastor Deanna Shrodes and it is from reading her blog (MUCH ENCOURAGEMENT, LAUGHTER, COMFORT AND MORE...) that I am a blogger today (smiling). This is one of the many loves of my life, although I do have blank moments and just don't have the urge to blog or know what to blog about. But anyways, yeah, not sure why I just explained all this but I'm sure you can make something of it - lol. If you're not already a regular of Pastor Deanna's blog, I advise you to do so, I promise you wont regret it.

I have been enjoying this glorious, beautiful and blessed Wednesday - was able to knock out a couple of task given to me by the hubby - YAY, this might call for a little gift for at least the act of obedience. One of the task that I had to tackle was cleaning from underneath the bed - UGHHHHHHHH, do he realize how many pairs of my shoes made it there instead of back in the closet, he must have since he asked me to clean it - geesh! I wish I could survive off of a few pair of shoes ~~BUT I CAN'T, I LOVE SHOES AND ESPECIALLY MY PINK ONES!!!~~ it would make my life a little bit easier or maybe I'll just pray for a house with a larger bedroom and larger closet ~~(more room for more shoes)~~ that would probably help me to stay organized. The second task was to take down the Christmas decor, wow and to think I had plans to leave it up for a little longer, ~~would have been good to just keep up until Christmas this year~~ but I know the hubby wasn't having it.

It will soon be time to prepare for Bible Study, we're going to be on the subject of "FAITH" for little while - and I'm excited about it because I realize that without faith it is impossible to please God, so this is going to be some good teaching. One can always use more faith, hopefully the members will be just as excited as I am - God is going to do some AWESOME things this year and actually HE HAS ALREADY STARTED but it's going to take a greater level of faith to receive them and I'm so ready to receive all that God has for me. Well, I guess that's enough ramblings for today - sort of lost my thought and that's a for sure clue to end this blog before I go talking crazy - HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE.....

SIGNED: Having Faith to receive all that God has for me & my fam...

Championship Status...

2010-12-30T07:26:00.000-05:00

As believers of Christ we have the power to walk in "Championship Status" according to one's faith. Some are just confessing to be a champion and others have evidence that they are a champion, which are you? Use the authority that God has given you to be the champion that you are. We discussed in Bible Study last night about, "The Authority of the Believer". There are so many folk that are not using the authority that God has given them through His Son Jesus to - they are just sitting back being defeated from every angle. Come on get up and become the champion that you are!

WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST - Philippians 4:13

WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS - Romans 8:37

GREATER IS HE THAT'S IN US - 1 John 4:4

HE IS ABLE TO DO EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY - Ephesians 3:20

HE HAS GIVEN US KEYS TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN- Matthew 16:19

These are just a few of the many scriptures in the Word of God that confirms and assures us as believer's that WE HAVE THE POWER TO WALK IN CHAMPIONSHIP STATUS...

Go ahead and wear your championship belt with no regrets!!!

Signed:
A Champion for the Kingdom

GOD'S LAW...

2010-12-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

I haven't felt much like blogging lately, not sure why but I guess I've been in a little rut and to be honest still not fully back, lol. Tonight's blog is going to be one of my favorite passage of scripture - nothing like the Word of God, It's also a song that I love oh so much :)

Psalm 19:7-10

(7) The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (8) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure enlightening the eyes. (9) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (10) More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

HIS LAW IS PERFECT
HIS TESTIMONY IS SURE
HIS STATUTES ARE RIGHT
HIS COMMANDMENT IS PURE
FEAR OF HIM IS CLEAN
HIS JUDGMENTS ARE TRUE & RIGHTEOUS
THESE ARE TO BE DESIRED MORE THAN FINE GOLD
THESE ARE SWEETER THAN HONEY & THE HONEYCOMB

WOW, CAN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS AND THEY COME WITH BENEFITS.......

Signed:
Loving Him

Making The Most of Life...

2010-12-21T08:24:00.001-05:00

L.I.F.E = LIVING IN FREEDOM EVERYDAY! God has given us freedom when it comes to our lives to do with it as we please, in hopes that we will MAKE THE MOST OF IT!

Each day that we live, we have the choice to be HAPPY or SAD, to be HUNGRY or FULL, to be GOOD or BAD, to be a SAINT or SINNER, etc - the point is WE HAVE THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE!

We can sit around and be grumpy, depressed or any other ill feeling or we can make the best of our situation. I'm not saying that when going through there won't be times when you are down but even then we can choose to pick ourselves back up!

There have been many instances when I felt myself going into depression or becoming angry or sad that I had to pick myself back up with laughter and good thoughts. I'm so thankful for my kids because they seem to know the right time to say or do something totally silly that have me rolling, which in return causes me to see the brighter side of life knowing that I can make the most of life in spite of problems, situations and circumstances - AND OF COURSE PRAYER IS THE KEY!!!

It's imperative that when it comes to your life and being happy (making the most of it) that you surround yourself with HAPPY, POSITIVE PEOPLE - it's spiritual suicide to hang around sad, depressed, angry NEGATIVE people at any point in your life. Their agenda is to make you as miserable as themselves so check your surroundings to make sure that your circle of company are of a HAPPY and POSITIVE NATURE!

One last thing ALWAYS think positive because trust, just as sure as you're living - your flesh and the enemy will bring the worst thoughts to mind during your most trying times but we can even turn those thoughts into good ones.

Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are TRUE, whatsoever things are HONEST, whatsoever things are JUST, whatsoever things are PURE, whatsoever things are LOVELY, whatsoever things are of GOOD REPORT; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

REMEMBER, LIFE IS GREAT - MAKE THE MOST OF IT...

Signed: Putting My Life in God's Hands (Father help me to make the most of the life that you have given me)

Saturday Afternoon Ramblings...

2010-12-18T13:08:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday afternoon and my house is needs a good cleaning, my grandson is running through the house like a baby gone mad, the kids are all playing on their android phones, the hubby is watching "I Am Legend" and I have laundry to finish along with preparing for tonight's Christmas Concert and I've only completed two of my Jewelry orders.

Whew! Now that I have put it all in writing I feel a little less overwhelmed, lol and besides all that I have mentioned the rain has stopped it is turning out to be a beautiful day. I've been cleaning a little, doing laundry here and there but for the most part I've been trying to rejuvenate from a long week of preparing for this weekends festivities.

I was able to get a little Christmas shopping done amidst all the other task I had to complete this week, I will finish off my shopping next week - just trying to get the kids a little something under the tree, I would love to get what they want BUT anyways they are grateful for whatever they receive. As our Christmas Outreach this year we will give up our Christmas morning to go and give "Brown Bag Lunches" to the homeless and I'm so thankful for my kids because they said, ALL they want for Christmas is to be able to feed the homeless and to come home and have a nice family dinner as usual and I know that God will make this possible.

Thanking God for allowing my Mom-in-law to come home from the hospital on yesterday. She was so spunky and energized, I haven't seen her that way in a long time. I'm praying that she'll continue to be well so that she can be home for Christmas (last year she was hospitalized). Also thanking God for my husband and kids and for all that the LORD has done, is doing and will do for my family. Anywho with that being said, I think I'll try to figure out what to fix for dinner today and maybe work on cleaning and laundry just a little bit more, or maybe I'll just stay in bed until time to get dressed for the Christmas Concert tonight - not sure which one will come out on top but we will find out soon enough.......

Ok, enough ramblings for now but trust, I have a whole lot more for another day - hope your Saturday has been "GREAT" so far...

Signed: Grateful

JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON...

2010-12-13T07:40:00.000-05:00

It's just about that time, I can't believe that we're just a week away from Christmas and needless to say, I have shopping done as of yet. One reason being is that we have little to no money for gifts this year BUT it's all good and I thank God that we have such understanding kids. Although there is no gifts under the tree - there is JOY IN SUTTON-VILLE, we're learning not to make Christmas about gifts under the tree but about the GIFT that GOD gave to save the world - JESUS!

We're DETERMINED NOT to MISS JESUS THIS CHRISTMAS, He will indeed be invited to His own Celebration here in SUTTON-VILLE. We've decided to pick back up our family tradition (haven't done it in a few years) and that is before we celebrate Christmas with the opening of gifts, eating, fun and adventure - we will be having communion and a small Service in honor of the HONORED GUEST - JESUS! After all HE IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. Man have materialized and commercialized Christmas for so long until many have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas - oh, we say with our mouth BUT our actions says something totally different (not everyone just speaking in general).

We MUST keep Christ in Christmas, make it ALL about Him and not about us or our kids, family, friends and loved ones. This Christmas (if you don't already do it) I ask that before you celebrate Christmas with your fam - Celebrate it with Jesus first, have His birthday party first and then afterwards celebrate with your family, friends and loved ones. I know that you will be extremely blessed by doing so!

We have this Season all because of Jesus so, LET'S PUT CHRIST BACK IN CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR!

Signed: Putting Christ back in Christmas

Same Place, Same Thing, Same People...

2010-12-10T08:17:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been in a situation where you found yourself in the same position/place time after time or year after year? If so, guess what? You've been "GOING IN CIRCLES", that's right, circles. I've been there, done it and still striving not to ever do it again. It's a BAD feeling to be headed to particular destination only to find out that you have been going in circles. I can remember a few times when I was out looking for certain addresses only to find myself saying, "Didn't I just pass by this" or "Seem like I'm just going in circles" and trust, it's not a good feeling. I thank God for the GPS but I've even found myself going in circles with the GPS, oh yeah and that's an even worse feeling - hey, guess I shouldn't have put all my faith in a miniature robot, lol.

Life is NOT a game and we're definitely not playing "Duck, Duck, Goose" or "Ring Around The Roses" (Oh, wow, I went way back to Elementary School, I used to love those game, lol). We're in real life and it's very easy to find oneself going in Circle's without the leading of God. We so often make the mistake of

choosing "MY OWN WAY" rather than "GOD'S WAY", which in return causes all chaos in our lives and it is then that we find ourselves going in circles, doing the same thing over and over again, going through the same thing, hanging with the same negative people, etc, etc, etc. It's a known fact that man's way is indeed the "WAY TO DESTRUCTION", every good thing comes from above and we MUST be connected to the Father, have relationship with Him in order for us to travel without going in circles. When God leads, He leads you directly to your destination point, but sadly to say, because of the little ups and downs, trials and tribulations that we must face going God's way - we choose rather to go our own way.

GOD'S WAY is the only way that will lead back to Himself, causing us to have a fulfilled life and to have fulfilled our purpose and destiny. God knows our destination, He planned it before the foundation of the world and He knows exactly what we are to do, how we are to do it, where we must go and how we're going to get there - GOD has all the answers to our "DESTINATION!" He has given us the "Holy Ghost" as our GPS and the "Word of God" as our road map, but it's up to each individual to use what He/God has equipped us with. GOD'S WAY is the right way, His way is the ONLY WAY and any other way will only take you down the road of destruction, causing more damage than good - GOD'S WAY does not lead us in circles but instead it exalts and leads us upward and the more we're headed up the closer we become to Him.

Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) says, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Are you tired of going in circles? Seeing the same things, hanging with the same negative folk, same financial problems? Then take this opportunity today to "STOP GOING YOUR OWN WAY" and rather choose, "GOD'S WAY", I guarantee you that your life will be less stressful as you travel to your destination knowing that you won't be playing the wilderness game, circling the same mountain, situation year after year!

Signed: It's Not A Game, Choose God's Way...

Taking Part in Fulfilling the Need...

2010-12-08T13:17:00.000-05:00

I strongly feel the need to pray for our Country...

Dear heavenly Father,
I come before you asking that you bless America - I know that this Country has failed to recognize you as did in years past but I ask that you lead, guide and give Wisdom to our President, high officials, the Service Men as they delegate for our Country. I know that this is an ungrateful, selfish and wasteful Country but I ask that you open eyes that are blind and ears that are deaf and give speech to the dumb that they will see, hear and make know that we are a Country that was founded on "IN GOD WE TRUST!" Forgive America for leaving their first love and lead us once again on the path we are to go. Protect each Military personnel that put their life on the line on a daily basis to keep America safe - watch over them and keep them safe.

Father I honor you and give you the highest praise and I'm believing that you will answer this petition according BUT nevertheless not my will but yours Father be done that men will see and glorify you. I thank you in your precious Son Jesus name I pray, Amen, Amen & Amen...

God's Word...

2010-12-05T21:16:00.000-05:00

I'm so grateful for the Word of God for without it I would be lost with no hope. If we take the time to listen and then obey the voice of God through His Word, we will not be able to go wrong. It's only when we do the opposite of what He is saying that we end up dealing with consequences that could have been avoided.

GOD'S WORD IS:
1. Direction
2. Salvation
3. Guidance
4. Love
5. Comfort
6. Joy
7. Faith
8. Strength
9. Light
10. Life
11. Happiness
12. Truth
13. Courage
14. Merciful

I could sit here and do this all night but I'm sure you all get the point so I will leave off here - it's just awesome how much the Word of God means and that it's true to the letter. God's Word never fails and if He said it then that settles it!

When it comes to God's Word we must follow these steps and no good thing will be withheld from you/us:
1. READ THE WORD
2. HEAR THE WORD
3. OBEY THE WORD

I believe that I'm done for the night on here - the eyelids are getting a little heavy and I'm ready to become one with my pillow ~ nite, nite!

Small Glimpse At Christmas

2010-12-03T07:48:00.000-05:00

The Candy Cane

Here's a few representations of Christmas, ones that we are oh so familiar with.

Charlie Brown's Christmas

The Christmas Tree

Christmas Bells

Carolers

But the GREATEST representation of Christmas is
JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD & SAVIOR

Abba Father...

2010-12-02T23:03:00.000-05:00

Those of you that know me, know that I didn't have the privilege of growing up with my natural father in the home but I am thankful for God allowing us to have a "Step Father" who was an awesome provider but the "Father-Daughter" relationship was missing, he wasn't social in that manner and really didn't know how to relate to children in conversation (probably had something to do with him not having any children of his own). Anyways, I've always longed for that "Father-Daughter" relationship, to come home and my Father is there willing and ready to talk to me, to have conversation with his daughter, to say the least I learned to live without it, I had given up on such a relationship.

After receiving Christ in my life at age 14, I was able to revive that desire of having a Father that is always willing and ready to have conversation with me. My Heavenly Father is MORE than I could have ever asked for. He's forever with me, whether at home, in Service, work, the grocery store or just out having fun and for the most part, He's always open for conversation even in the midnight hour - what more can a daughter ask of her Father!

Dear Heavenly Father,
First I ask that you please forgive me of all that I have said, thought and done that is against your will. Thank you for all that you do for my family, for hearing my petitions even when I think you haven't. You have always from the beginning fulfilled my desire of having a Father that will converse with me, give me advice, love me, lead and guide me and for this I am grateful. Father, please never withdraw yourself from me for I am nothing without you. Continue to "SPEAK TO ME, ABBA FATHER" in your precious Son Jesus name I pray, amen, amen & amen!

Signed: daughter of Abba Father

GOD, Grant Me...

2010-12-01T07:58:00.001-05:00

God, grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change, COURAGE to change the things I can and WISDOM to know the difference, I truly love this quote.

Learning is a forever process, a process that I've been in my entire life - trust me live long enough and life will teach you some things, things that will change you for the good or for the bad (that decision is up to the individual, the great part is that we have a choice). I have learned to do what I can to CHANGE what I can and that I cannot CHANGE, leave it to God because if He don't do it, it can't be done any how. The problem comes in not knowing the difference, we don't always know the the difference between the two and we end up making matters worse rather than good.

It is imperative that we have the wisdom to know "WHAT WE CAN CHANGE" and "WHAT WE CANNOT CHANGE" when it comes to children, especially teenagers. How do we help them learn from their mistakes, how do we help them grow from their experiences, how do we help them heal from their hurts - in all reality "WE DON'T KNOW" and this where WISDOM must play a part. Praying Wisdom when it comes to dealing with young people - I have made many mistakes in time past with my children, trying to change those things that I could not, trying to get them to change things that only God had the power to change, why? LACK OF WISDOM! We can want to help others or ourselves so much until we fail to recognize the difference BUT thank God I'm still in the classroom and I'm still willing to learn.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask that you forgive me of all that I have said, thought and done that is against your will. I thank you for allowing me to see another day among the land of the living. Please, I ask that you help me to know what I cannot change and how to accept that fact and courage to change those things that are in my power to change BUT most of all I ask that you give me WISDOM to know the difference and that I will use that WISDOM according to your Word in your Precious Son Jesus name I pray, AMEN & AMEN!

Signed: Me

Teach Me O Lord...

2010-11-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

Thank you Father for allowing me to be in your class, continue to teach me your ways, and how to endure this journey for the long haul.