​THE BELOW IS MY ORIGINAL & FIRST POST - PLEASE READ IT FIRST
NOW AFTER 2.5 YEARS I HAVE A NEW POST
This morning I have a Praise to share - such a beautiful and powerful praise wrapped in immense thankfulness!  I have always been a positive, thankful, and forward thinking person. Never a victim, my Great Grand-Mother, Grand-Mother & Mother taught me that. Our Heavenly Father sent His Son, and sent His Word to reiterate His promises beautifully while also providing such fabulous words to nurture us.  This first post originated with some serious pain, and pressed through to me forcing me to lean in. To lean on Him, Praying, and Believing I too would receive His Gifts. 

Today I am particularly inspired as I read my original post and now realize my prayers were answered. Answered bigger and better than I would have ever imagined.

Firstly, Although my family is still not all the way healed, speaking to the people I loved on during my near 30 year marriage are still estranged (extended family). However, I am so pleased to know my X is remarried and very happy. My children have forgiven him and our immediate family is healed - thank you Lord.  Yes there was betrayal, and a loveless marriage, it had been on and off toxic actually for at least the last 15 years. I do not regret any of it, I am blessed as a Mother to hear from my children that they loved their childhood, they knew it was difficult on me, however through it they learned endurance and perseverance is rewarded. Additionally, ending that marriage was exactly what needed to happen, it is best for all of us. So I am thankful my X moved on and all of the various hurts I went through in the process. As the Word says, these are special times where the Lord is refining us. Gosh I know there is so much more work to do, however, today, this morning - I want to say WOW. No I want to shout WOW Thank You Lord.

You see I am blessed with such a wonderful Man in my life, he is everything I prayed for and so so much more. So this morning after a painful day yesterday from a sinus procedure.   My Mr. Wonderful drove over two hours round trip to deliver to my door a beautiful vase full of Red Roses, Babies Breath, a super cute Get Well Balloon and yes a hand written Love Letter. All so I would wake up with a big smile to start my day. WOW. 

A little back story, I had dated a couple of gentlemen, really dated for the first time in my life. My X was my very first boyfriend, we were both so young; I really had no idea what I was doing nor what I wanted in life. Certainly, we did not date and truly learn each other and grow. We just did what all the other kids were doing. Basically you are just showing up and going through the motions as if it is required. So I needed to try this dating thing out. I will admit, it wasn't any fun at all. I did however learn real fast what I did not like, and what I wanted to pray for.  

Then decided about 18 months ago to stop seeking a boyfriend and said okay Lord I know. I need to work on me.  I needed to be prepared to receive love - I realized I really never had had sincere love. Someone fully committed to me and vice versa, real life partners, embracing to the fullest what the Lord intended in His First covenant He gave us - Man & Woman becoming one. I struggled, prayed, struggled some more, cried... all of the above. However, the Lord blessed me with converting my hurt to love and forgiveness. Readying me for the REAL DEAL He had marinating for me. For both of us, speaking about my wonderful Man, and the blessing this Post is reflecting. It is never too late to have sincere love, to have that connection, that passion, that fulfilled happiness. Two weekends ago, we sat in church together and although the message was hitting me, both of us, square at our hearts as the teacher was saying we do not have to please others for their acceptance. Our acceptance is through Christ. I had known all too well performance based love - it is empty! I knew I was sitting next to sincere love, so I sat there fighting tears as I was thanking the Lord. WOW here I am finally worshiping with a mighty Man of God and he loves me. WOW what a gift. I don't know what the Lord has in store for us, I am not writing it out, nor planning our futures; that is in the Lords hands. But, every day I get with this Man in my life, I will thank the Lord. 

Okay, so I had been talking to him for a few weeks and wanted to meet him in person, but I was very nervous!!  One day on the way back from a Houston trip, he suggested I swing by San Antonio to meet up. I thought no, and I went home to Austin. Then as soon as I walked in my door, I changed my mind, quickly got dressed and headed right back down to San Antonio. Ladies you know sometimes we just change our minds. Well, I had been praying about it in the car the entire way home from Houston - Lord what do you want me to do - because I wanted to just listen to His direction. That is what happened, I walked in my house and the Lord dropped this overwhelming feeling, a compulsion in fact, to get down to San Antonio. I didn't check in with him, I just went, only when I was already in route did I announce, " here I come". LOL. He was a super gentlemen and directed me to where we should meet.  Still I was praying the entire way down - a little jittery and giggling the entire drive. Somehow, I just knew. So I arrived in the parking lot, My Man texted, "where are you", to that of course I told him. I was slipping my shoes on (never drive with my heals on).  He walked to where I was parked, as I finished putting my shoes on, I stood up and there he was. Huge smile, and such a gorgeous Man. I said, "Wow, Oh My Gosh" and proceeded to stumble as I walked toward him giggling. I don't know what was going through his head, but mine, I heard Its Him.  We talked the entire night, one wow moment after another, in fact I was so thrown off by it, I was out-loud saying what I was thinking. Again, oh my gosh.

So we are dating exclusively, really just enjoying learning each other, going places, going no where, talking, just the most wonderful & natural experience of my life. Thank You Lord!!

ORIGINAL & FIRST POST
[ this was written in my diary prior to starting my Blog, I had been called to Women's ministry's my entire life really. Fortunately, I have had the pleasure of teaching, speaking, and mentoring in the professional space for over 25 years; so sharing these and experiences with the world - well it is the right timing.  This post was written February 12th, 2015. I called my oldest Son and asked him to build this blog a couple of months later - the beginning of May. A lot transpired between January 12th, the day my x made his announcement and the same day my Mother was diagnosed.  Of course she didn't tell me until the day after my 50th birthday February 2, 2015 ]

Many of us today are hurting, facing lose, major change... unknown.  I have put a few HUGE thoughts for you to ponder on today. Did we face death, seriously harsh imprisonment - and NOT because we did something wrong - but because we preached the gospel?  

You see in our little protected bubble, we have forgotten what real pain is. Most of us that is. I will make a sincere exception for those living outside the US, living enslaved, as well as our Soldiers. Our military in many cases experience what Paul did - doing their job - hard yet through passion they stand tall. Then what do - do we say thank you? Or do we shame?

• Have we said thank you to the people that have been our soldiers in life, in our history, and actually in the field now so that we can live the way we choose? Not Enough In My Book!
• How can we give thanks to the Lord Father God for sending His Son, if we refuse to thank our military because of something silly. 
• How can we give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ for literally suffering and dying for our sins, all of them, all of us? If we live in hate and judgement?

I got the news a few weeks ago no one really wants to get - a double whammy actually, 1. your husband has been cheating, announces and leaves; and 2. your Mother is diagnosed terminal.  I admit - for the first time in my life I found myself stuck in bed. Just stuck there, I could not move. Now it is a big change and a big betrayal to lose a spouse the way I did; but I am thankful. I can see the road out of this life long desert. The news of my Mother, well that is heart breaking and a huge wake up call. You see everyone in her life loves her, she has given so much - being a faithful servant to the Lord. But me, I was stubborn, refused, judged because of whatever thing she was doing that I didn't see as all the way rightful.  Albeit isolated, I knew it was wrong. I think it was me not dealing with the fact that I was on Fire for the Lord before I got married. Heck my father-in-law literally referred to me as the Jesus Freak. LOL - and yet over a course of 30 years I let him shut me down. Strip away the Joy and Peace the Lord gives me. I let him shame me into putting God away.

• Where am I going with this?  Don't let all of these little things that Satan will surely find steal your joy. Steal Your passion, your purpose, or your ministry in life. First hand I will tell you, its hits HARD!
• I have raised my children with them hearing me say, manage your regrets. Meaning, always give it your all. It doesn't matter the result, win, just okay, or miserable face plant = they are ALL Wins = they ALL represent success-fullness. Why because you gave it your all and you learned something. 
  • The definition of failure is NOT Trying at all;
  • The definition of success is Just Going For It, give it your all with pure heart. No matter the result that                         = THAT IS SUCCESS!!

Here is some inspiration for you, it was for me. Thank you for letting me share - smiles !-)

The verses I pasted in at the bottom are taken out of 2 Timothy, as Paul spoke to his son Timothy. You will notice the entire chapter, or book will bring tears to your cheeks and fill your heart w joy. You can feel Paul's love for his son, moreover Paul's joy that his son is serving the Lord as Paul's does.  It is the biggest blessing to have a pupil go forth and be amazing at what you mentored them in, add the layer of a father and you can see how immense his joy is. How cool is that right!!!

The message to me is what about our Heavenly Father, how much greater does He rejoice upon seeing His creation, His children stand up and go forth pursuing our gifts and being successful. WOW right, well today I ask that you say Thank You Lord for all that you have given me. Let today be a day of thanks and praise!! In fact this entire weekend!!!

If you need some help jumping into that thankful and praise mode let me peel this back a little further for you.  The right to pray and receive the answer is given to every believer!  (John 14:13, 14). The ministry of healing was given to the 70 who represented the future workers of the church (Luke 10:1, 9,19) It was given to all " them that believe" the gospel, them that act on the gospel, and the doers of the word. [ this means it IS GIVEN TO YOU, if you choose to take it ]

Further, you will discover It is committed to "the elders" of the church. (James 5:14). The gift of healing, is put upon the whole church as one of its ministries and gifts until Jesus comes ( 1 Corinthians 12:9, 10). Remember the church is the body of believers, and where two or more are gathered in His name. Not an actual congregation of a specific church.

Jesus never commission anyone to preach the gospel without including healing for the sick. To preach is not exclusive to being at a pulpit... Think about that.  He said "whatever city you enter, heal the sick that are there (Luke 10:8,9) That Command still applies to gospel ministry today, again this can be you too, any of us! Broaden your minds here and follow me, verses allow yourself to start drawing conclusions, okay.  ((Heal (Rapha) me, O Lord, and I shall be healed (Rapha); save me, and I shall be saved. Jeremiah 17:14)). 

The nature of God is such that his heart intensely yearns to heal and repair his creation. [ That is All of Us ]  Mankind has become so terribly marred by sin, sorrow, evil and the countless disorders which plague the physical, emotional, mental, behavioral and spiritual components of our beings. All creation in general the human race in particular is groaning and travailing over the complex burdens which resulted from sin. Those burdens include sickness, birth defects, emotional illness, compelling behavioral dysfunctions, death, a host of inexpressible heart aches, alienation,loneliness, famine, Bereavement, loss, futility and everything else which is contrary to God's design and desire for His people.  

• It is for God's own sake that He steadfastly desires to repair those blotches on his beautiful handiwork so today let Him repair a blotch in you. Let Him heal you. And choose to believe it is done you're healing is done, it is underway, except His love and His grace and say thank you. Thank you Lord, hallelujah!!

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.”  2 Timothy 1:3-4 NIV
 
I had the privilege of attending a wonderful Shabbat at a very close friends house; There was is such harmony in His perfect WORD, and so much we have found rotten and taken for granted. If you don't know what Shabbat is, here is a brief summary: As the sun begins to set on Friday evening, the Jewish tradition calls for Jews around the world to gather in their homes and synagogues to kindle the "Shabbat (Sabbath) lights. In a moment of mysterious transition, the worries and responsibilities of the week fade away, and the joy of a day of peace and rest begins. Traditionally, the woman lights the candles and says the "brakha" (blessing), surrounded by her family, who all say, "amen" to the ancient formula, "Blessed are You, Source of Life, who has drawn us close to You in holiness through Your commandments, and commanded us to kindle the flames of Shabbat." This is truly beautiful, and of course impacted my thoughts, prayers and message for you this morning. 

SO WOW... When you listen, the Holy Spirit directs you to the set of verses that hit all the targets that He is speaking to you that moment, check out the below they will surely do that for you as you process your week and prepare for next week, next month, next season!! Amazing, Amazing, Amazing... Thank You Lord!!!

Remember our trials are good for us, but we do want them to end, right?  Well our trials end essentially when we stop being stubborn or in willful disobedience; and chose FAITH. In that a state our perseverance turns into a refinery, producing YOU A NEW YOU "COMPLETE AND LACKING NOTHING".  Resonate on those four words. WOW right, He didn't just say complete (which by itself is enough), but to make sure we get the power of it; He ADDS lacking nothing.  

Without a doubt that is enough, it is huge, powerful and glorious. Then He ADDS more, here and it is the hidden message, the key; if you lack wisdom, ask and He will give it.  Let me say it differently: if you are to stubborn, not sharp enough, lacking wisdom, have a low emotional quotient, in such disobedience you are blind, any of these things that would keep you from seeing the KEYS HE is giving us... Ask for it, He will give it no matter what!!! 

The second part of the key is just as important as the first; clear what to do and clear what not to do instructions. Once you have prayed, you have asked; plainly BELIEVE. Don't keep trying other methods, ways, consulting, or those terrible horoscope articles. Once you made the decision to ask HIM, boom if you want it answered then CONSIDER it ANSWERED!!!

• Then WaLa, it is done!  Praise God!!
• Believe me, this is real, and really powerful. So ponder, process, think on these verses... Receive His gifts and promises. Thank You Lord !!

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”   James 1:2-8 NIV

​It is thrilling that tithes and  Offering time, love, mentorships, and sowing seeds has become a happy and joyous occasion. I believe we should celebrate thatc we are starting to understand the value of sowing good seeds, amongst ourselves, others  and the church. Celebrating in your heart, be happy, be filled w joy; however be careful not to accidentally boast for the Lord says then your reward will have been collected on those that you boasted to. Meaning, if you are looking for one person to pat you on the back then go ahead, on the other hand join me, stay quiet about your details. Celebrate His Love as Your Father advises.  Keep his precepts follow his guidance and start to truly Live!!!

Thank you Lord!! Thank you for all things, good, bad, and wonderfully lovely. Praise His Holy Name!!

"The Seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people."
Zechariah 8:12

Good morning everyone, the Lord has blessed us with yet another glorious Autumn day. Thank You Lord!! 

The question I will put on your hearts this morning is, "What are you going to do this day; what will you chose to do with His Words, and with His Commands?"  

Turn to Isaiah 48, often we reference the lessons of the Israelites.  So much to learn from, so much material to pull from for various elements of our lives, even much still under debate. This morning I am thinking, how about we make it simple and direct. Each of you have areas in your life where you are, or at least where you know you were too stubborn for your own good.  Often we don't see it until it is over. Have you heard the saying it is better to be happy than right? This is the same concept.

So read this chapter, soak it in. Can you imagine the level of stubbornness to have your forehead referred to as bronze and your neck as iron. wow right.  Be careful here, the examples show the message clearly so you won't have any doubt, stubbornness is NOT OF THE LORD.  He is waiting to give you a RIVER OF PEACE!!! 

Be careful for what you might ask, my answer; don't look past those little areas of stubbornness, justifying them because for heavens sake it's not like what the Israelites were doing. Likely, it is rooted in a place of pride, you want to be right, or you don't want to be found wrong.  Pray on this today, what do you want rivers of peace, or to have no peace just like the wicked. It is your choice, totally and completely up to you. Chose to listen, take heed, obey... Chose peace!!!  And watch how He BLESSES YOUR DECISIONS!!!

Thank You Lord, Hallelujah 

“This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.”  Isaiah 48:17-18 NIV