Day By Day

Day by Day Lyrics


Day by day

Oh Dear Lord

Three things I pray

To see thee more clearly

Love thee more dearly

Follow thee more nearly

Day by day

If I Were Free…

If I were free…

I would examine my feelings and deal with the hurt

I would trust in God and allow Him to work

 

If I were free…

I would allow my heart to forgive

I would decide each day to live

 

If I were free…

I would praise Him in the aisle

I wouldn’t be concerned about my style

 

If I were free…

I would lift another when she’s hurt

I wouldn’t participate in or carry the dirt

 

If I were free…

I would love the one who couldn’t  love

I would embrace my heavenly Father above

 

If I were free

I could call a sister when she’s in pain

I wouldn’t seek lime light or fame

 

Thank God for the freedom bestowed upon my life

Blessed to be a daughter, sister, mother and wife

Thank God for the freedom to just love me

Curvaceous, quirky, loving, creative, free

 

I am FREE! I am FREE! I am FREE!

Thank you Lord. YES!!!

I have joy down in my soul

I am surely BLESSED!!!

 

Yolanda Grier©2012

 

More Than A Conqueror

A Season of Marigold

Psalm 143:10 “Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God: Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.”


At the beginning of the spring season, I wanted to grow flowers as a way to celebrate a particular area of Spiritual growth. I was quite excited about my selection of Marigolds since the bright colors always remind me of the Marigolds displayed in the front yard of my childhood home. At the change of seasons, my spouse always prepares the yard and gardens.

I love my husband’s rose and vegetable gardens. He has such a wealth of knowledge when it comes to gardening. I, on the other just, wanted to plant a simple seed.

Because frost was no longer an issue, I did not start the seeds inside. I gathered everything I would need which included the seed packet, soil, water, appropriate plant container. I located a plant container I had abandoned years ago, so there was no need to purchase a new one to go along with the nice planters my spouse used. I was ok with that. The planters were old, but very useful. Noticing my excitement, my husband decides to use the old planters. I am grateful.

The patio area provided the right amount of space and ample enough of sunshine. Over the next couple of weeks, I watched in great anticipation as my Marigolds sprinted in growth at first and then stagnated. My seedlings were growing right next to the floral transplant my husband planted. I notice the difference in size, container, and color. But I never forgot that each plant had different beginnings….mine from a mere seed. The other flowers, transplant.

Weeds did not grow in my little pot, but small flowers appeared, died, and reappeared. I found later that I was supposed to purge the dead flowers that were holding on. Finally, I did. My marigold plants never had an abundance of radiant blooms of orange and yellow. But I learned so much from this experience.

I would like to share the first lesson I learned from this planting ……

Preparation…


Right season – Become aware of your season. If you are in a winter season of your life, you may be in a period of sitting still and waiting for God’s further instructions.

Seed packet – Know your seeds by staying in the Word. Perhaps you have to start the seedling inside by sitting under the covering of someone else. Don’t make a move without God!

Soil – Give yourself an EKG and identify any issues that can impede your progress such forgiveness, anger, defiance. Once identified, stay in pray to allow God help you with your weeds of issues.

Water – Allow the Holy Spirit to irrigate your mind and heart. Be open to the people that the Lord sends to you.

Plant container – Ensure that you’re doing what you need to stay healthy (mind, body and soul)

There is something wonderful about planting good seeds! What are you waiting for??

Prayer  Thank you Lord, for the Spiritual seeds being planted in my life. I ask you Lord to keep me aware of my season. Thank you for shining your light on me so that I can be a witness for your goodness. Amen

Standing In The Land of Promise

The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Hebrews 5:6



“In my mind, this is clear,

What am I doing here?”

These lyrics are from the movie, The Wiz. Many people have memories of how this movie was fun to watch and how you could dance to the music. For me, the lyrics rang through my mind and I would sing them often out loud reflecting how deeply my heart was hurting. That was my song! And the words occupied small crevices in my life. My smile hid the pain and my laughter masked the depression.



For most of my life, I couldn’t figure it. Real joy and peace always seemed temporary. And I finally made a simple yet profound decision to do something different. My life had become a set of rules and lists in a feeble attempt to exercise control over my space. In so doing, I guarded my space, allowing nothing in and nothing out. My heart had compartments I wasn’t willing to address, forgiving, trusting, confessing, anger.



Insanity of Sameness

I desired something different and I was willing to do something different. Being comfortable and living a lie was killing me spiritually. I desired to do more than just exist. Aggravation, irritation and frustration were losing their grip. The Lord showed me through his Word, that He had more for me than a mediocre existence. I was feeding my body junk and my body was returning junk to me. I made up in my mind I wanted all He has for me!



Telling the Truth

I had to be bold in telling my story….the good, the bad and the ugly. So often, I was concerned with what the story would look like and how people may treat me differently. Yet I learned how important it is to be vulnerable. It’s a freedom to just be. I learned that my testimony helped others to refresh and come to terms with their story. My story isn’t one of shame and pain, but of hope and possibilities.



Importance of Fellowship

Many times church hurts can take you on paths that meander to places we never intended. But I have learned, there are always lessons in the valley. Church hurts are major distractions designed to steal your assignment. I realized that when I heard my First Lady Johnson say, “The devil wants your assignment!” Folk are just folk! And by giving people authority over my emotional and physical space, I had placed God in third place. I understand there are times to step back to reflect on what the Lord is saying. But leaving the fold will isolate your mind and invite activity and thoughts that are not in line with God’s word.



Embracing His Abundance

My life was changing right in front of me, yet I was holding on to the very thing I needed out of my life. A part of me felt as if I didn’t deserve anything good. It’s hard to explain just how unworthy I felt. Yet, realizing that I was made in God’s image forced me to embrace my inheritance quite differently. I look in the mirror and rejoice just because God sent His son to die for me! That’s powerful!



Quiet Time

I love my time with the Lord. I am blessed knowing He never left me. When the noise in my mind silenced, He was still there. When my body was violated, He allowed a small voice to remind me that my life was valuable and to just hang on. Through the winds blowing softly, through the trees or the sounds of waves rushing to the shore, He reminds me He’s still there.


Giving Thanks

At one point my story and I were interchangeable. I was lost in the details of the stuff. My focus was on the situation and I dressed daily in the circumstances. I could never imagine life any other way then. I didn’t fully understand the restlessness within. But I was clear when I listened to the testimonies of others and read the stories of love and lost in the Bible, my life certainly could have been worse. Therefore, even when I woke up in pain, I would remind to be thankful! And because of that, God has something for me to do.

Living on Purpose With a Purpose

I am Standing In the Land of Promise

*God’s promise to never leave me

*God’s promise to never forsake me

*God’s promise to forgive my confessed sin

*God’s love never fails, because God is love.

Can’t go wrong with God first, then people, then things!

The rip tides of life had me spinning and trying to swim back to the shore of mediocre existence. If you are ever caught in a rip tide, you should remain calm, relax, float or tread. I was fighting becoming exhausted and about to drown.

The voice I heard said,

Be still. Be quiet. Be calm.

I listened and stopped fighting. When I looked straight up and focused on the Lord first I realized I WAS STILL STANDING!!!! I looked down around me and saw the water was only knee deep! I WAS MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!!!!



I AM THE LORD’S SERVANT!!!!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for saving me from myself. Thank you for your Word that has filled my mind body and soul. Thank for healing and for making me WHOLE! I give you praise and honor. Amen

I Thank You For All That I Am by Lamar Campbell

Really feeling this song today!

Here I am Lord, my life is in Your hands

Take and use me, I am your instrument

It is Your love that keeps me through the day

And Your peace won't let me go astray

I can say, I don't know where I'd be

Without You leading me

I'm Your child Lord, I humble myself to You

For without You, there's nothing I can do

Now I know when troubles come my way

It's is Your strength that keeps me come what may

Everyday, You keep me in perfect peace

When my mind is stayed on Thee

I Thank You for all that I am

For giving me courage to stand

and when I am weak You hold my hand

to tell me what I really can

I'll praise You for all that You are

I wouldn't have made it this far

So I want to take time to say

That I really Love You

Thank You, Jesus

I really love you

by Lamar Campball

Equipped With Instructions

Exodus 14: 15-16
¹⁵ Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.

In my quest to understand the Bible at 11 years old, I began reading from Genesis with so much excitement no one could contain it. When my teachers would read at school, I felt so much inspiration from the words spoken. When I read at home I felt excitement and confusion. I asked a lot of questions and frustrated a lot of adults. I realized the lessons I received then were designed to carry me through my season as an11 year old. I  had a strong desire to just absorb the Word and to figure out what to do to go to Heaven.



As I read the book of Exodus I could relate as Moses offered up excuses to not move when God instructed him. Moses mentioned his speech impediment. I can remember being pulled out of class because of stammer. I absolutely hate speaking and felt so much anger when my teachers requested that I  read out loud. Certainly they were trying to embarrass me. I could hear the students laughing and a couple of times a chuckle from my teacher.



God never sent Moses without instructions and equipment. The task seemed enormous and Pharaoh was unrelenting. Moses saw the problem and God saw the possibility. How often do we focus on the problem? How often do you feed the problem with our lack of faith?



I know that if I am asked to speak or pray out loud there is a strong possibility that I will stammer. But I resolved many years ago I will not let that stop me. I know to stop, think, continue. When I pray I am speaking to my Father, I certainly can’t let fear get in the way of that. There are people to speak and pray eloquently. It’s a wonderful gift. I am not a speaker, orator or narrator. But I do have God’s word in me. And because of that, I recognize the possibilities of the wonders of God  in my life.



Remember this song?

I ‘m gonna pray when the spirit says pray


And obey the spirit of the Lord.



Prayer Dear Lord, I am thanking you for the possibilities of hope, love and joy in you. You never fail, Lord ; therefore I depend solely on you. I desire wholeness in you Lord knowing you can take any perceived shortcomings and use them to glorify you. For that, Lord I am grateful. ~Amen

¹⁶ Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.

God Bless Our Children, A Reward from the Lord

Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, children, a reward. Psalm 127:3

My heart is overflowing with a mixture of emotions thinking about the young life of Trayon Martin


GONE…..

Here one moment enjoying the simple pleasure of a walk to and from a store.

Here one moment enjoying quality time with his father.

NOW GONE…..

Yet another life taken and in 2012, we are still seeking justice. I wonder what my Uncle James and my Grandmother Rachael would think if they there here to witness this. This could have been any one of our sons. And it is that fact that troubles my spirit. It breaks my heart that when many look at my husband, my sons, my father, my uncles, my nephews, they appear invisible. Yet in plain sight I see the strength, perseverance, and hard work of engineers, veterans, scholars, educators, lawyers, entertainers and politicians.

I look at my young sons and appreciate yet another teachable moment. As a mother of 3 boys, my husband and I began the lessons early. It’s wasn’t always easy explaining to our sons how some of their teachers, play ground mates, principles, policeman, and coaches will see them. We stressed the importance of being true to themselves and prayed without ceasing that when confronted with racial issues, whether blatant or subtle, that they would handle the situation worthy of the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Yet the words don't always come easy when you look into the eyes of a 5 year, a 10 year, a 15 year, or even a 21 year black man whose very existence is constantly being attacked. Yet, the truth prevails. You my child were made in His likeness and many are frightened because they feel different. You, my son, always hold your head up and your chest out and be proud of who you are! Lord, Lord help us all....

We have to teach our kids early about their worth and their value. We have to show them through our lives how Great God Is. We have to instill in them purpose and positive esteem. It is our responsibility!

Another day has brought us another opportunity to help someone else, the family of Trayon Martin. We have to continue to seek justice. The media storm raining down showers to clear the dust and details are slowly being revealed.
I am praying for the families affected by this tragedy. I am praying for justice and healing and for us to continue to love one another while we can.

Justice for Trayon Martin…

Justice for a sons whose voices has been taken…

Justice for a mother and a father enduring unspeakable pain…

Prayer Dear Lord, thank you for the sun rising this morning. We ask that you be with the family of Trayvon Martin and that justice is served for yet another black boy killed. We ask Lord that we allow your word to penetrate our hearts instead of hate. We will continue to give you honor and praise. Amen

Breath of Spring Air - Wordless Wednesday

I Chose Thanksgiving, Not Complaining

Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes! 2 Peter 3:18 MSG

Have you ever been around a person who does nothing but complain? That situation can be so emotionally exhausted. Recently I found myself in the situation. I felt like standing on top of a table with a poster board with brightly colored words….Please, Please, Please, be quiet!! Then I wondered if the irritation on my face was really saying, “I want to hear more of what you are whining about!” I couldn’t get away from the feeling of wanting to scream. So, I had to stop and really pray about this situation.
I wondered if that is what I sounded like to God. I hoped not. But I know that I have whined about many things in my prayer life and in general conversations. I imagine that the audience receiving my words felt the same way….”Yolanda, can you please stop whining!”

So often we whine and complain about things we can’t control. We become impatient, self reliant, and over confident. And then we immediately go to plan B without stopping to pray. Now everyone involved in plan B is the cause once again for our misery and setbacks.
“Surely, if everyone just did it my way, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

Sometimes, the Lord places people in our lives to be a mirror. I realized I had to open my heart and mind to the possibility that I have sounded like a whining 3 year old. I was refreshed knowing what to do immediately if I caught myself in the act of whining.

Whining requires a lot of emotional energy and it takes a lot of energy from the people who listen. I certainly don’t want that to be my testimony. I would rather turn my attention to the lessons learned and the people helped along lives journey. Life isn’t supposed to be easy. But life can be fruitful. Yet, whining seems to be like a weed choking the life out of many situations.

My burden is already light just being aware of my own actions and how they affect others. Thank you, God!

Prayer… Dear Lord, please forgive when I have whined and clogged your ears with endless complaining. I am sorry. Yet, now I am rejoicing Lord for your revelation of just how good you have been. I am grateful for another to share the good news of your grace and mercy. Amen

Praise Him While Enduring

Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:36 NLT



I am an emotional person. And often times I have made decisions based solely on what I was feeling. But this walk I am on has caused me to realize that is not always a good decision. By living and trusting my emotions only, I can very easily live my life in a yo-yo fashion. My emotions are a real part of who I am, but I am learning that I don’t have to try and change that. I just have to learn to work with all parts that make up my unique personality.

Over the past month I have been challenged to deal with so many facets of life. I have felt like there were mini meeting being held just for me to open the flow gates of trauma, drama, emotional conflicts. My days were beginning to always be off-beat and I was feeling irritated most days. As many of you know, that is not a good place to be. But I have been there before. And this time, I was determined to do something different.

Instead of conforming to the mood I was in and walking around with a dark cloud, I decided to continue to pray, worship and praise in the middle of it. For some, this decision is easy. For me, it hasn’t always been. On days when I have to isolate myself to kept from saying things I shouldn’t or to refrain from the desire to reach out and “touch” somebody, I have to , on purpose, stop and pray. It can be that serious. That’s my truth.


But God…..Oh my God is greater than all the craziest in my world. So, today is a day of thanksgiving for me.

I am thankful for:

The valley experiences…

The lessons in the valley…

Endurance…

Patience…

Patience…

And more patience!

God is real and I can trust Him. I know I can’t always trust my emotions. So, I will lean on Him instead.



Prayer Dear Lord, thank you for just being you. Thank you Lord for allowing me to endure the valley experiences of life. I am grateful for lessons learned and lessons shared. I can’t always trust what I am feeling. But you Lord, are real and I can trust and rely only on You.

God Is As Near As Your Next Breath

May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord's face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor and give you his peace. Numbers 6:24-26



I was speaking with a associate the other day. He was expressing how his daily schedule had changed because his family and extended families were both needing help from him. He didn’t seem stressed or overwhelmed. I was thinking about being spread too thin or the time spent running around helping everyone.

Concerned about his emotional well being I asked, “How do you feel about being pulled between two households?” He looked surprised at the question but didn’t hesitate on providing an answer. As his eyes widened with excitement, he stated, “If someone calls me to help them, that means that they believe 1) I am willing to help and 2) If I am unable to help, I can find someone to help. All they have to do is call.

I was surprised by this answer, expecting him to complain about his status as “fix it” man. But my heart quickly became warm when I thought about the people who depended on him and how they trusted him to help and take care of his extended family when needed. I smiled thinking about how his loved ones trusted that if something broke in the house, he would fix it. Or if someone needed a ride, he’ll gladly make time. And if someone came up short on bills, he would supplement.

As I thought about this brief conversation, it resonated in my spirit. You see, I have decided to commit myself to a class called Luke 1:38. This class is being facilitated by my Pastor Tacuma and First Lady Michelle Johnson. This is an intensive 6 month class dedicated to deepening my relationship with God. Since I made that commitment, my life has met many new challenges that have tested my patience, my view of the world, and even who I am.

But the blessing is realizing the Lord is as near as my next breath.

• I trust that when I cry out, the Lord will wipe my tears.


• I trust that when my heart is wounded, the Lord will massage my heart.


• I trust that when I open my mouth and speak life into a situation, the Lord creates an awakening.


• I trust that when the month is longer than my funds, the Lord will make a way.






I am reassured that God is only a prayer away.

Prayer Lord, I thank you for your grace and mercy. I am praising you just for being you, for being God. I am thanking you for never leaving me. I appreciate you being as near as my next breath. You’re awesome! Amen

Let's Not Accept The Game...For Our Daughters

I remember finally arriving at the college of my choice. As I walked on the campus, I realized a whole new world had opened up for me. I was excited and nervous at the same timed. Our freshman week was designed to handle all of the mundane transactions that come along with registration and getting to know your peers. During orientation, we were given royal blue folders to hold all the contents being passed out that week. The week was filled with fun events from a pool party to lecture by the Chancellor.


The Interest Meeting

When I was a child, I spoke like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man I put aside childish things. I Corinthians 13:11

Suddenly, the tide changed. The upperclassman returned. There seem to be a lot more attention and a lot more forward introductions. The preliminary question I remember the most was, “Are you a freshmen?’” Hmmmmmmmmm how did he know? Upon reflecting on this question being asked over and over, my home girl, an upperclassman, said, “The blue folder! All of you have them!”We laughed hysterically!! It was as if we marked ourselves. This was the beginning of the The Game.

The Sign Up

The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harms. Proverbs 13:20

Now you are walking on campus , at the club, at work and you are working it my sisters! I remember the signals going out saying, “I am available.” He is hearing, “I can get that!”After hours or days of gazing, the questions pops, “What’s up Shortee! What’s up my sister? Hello, you have a wonderful smile.”After a little convo, you give him your cell number, your alternate number, your face book id, your twitter, your dorm info, your apartment infor. He gives you his number. Your heart is racing because you have committed to the game. You saw him for the first time today. He saw you when you arrived.

The Practice

They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lies and deceptive hearts. Psalm 12:2

The days are sunny even when the sky sends showers and you can’t wait to hear his voice. You’ve had endless conversations for days. But you haven’t considered you are the one calling, texting, calling some more. He is actually only returning your calls or text messages. Something in your spirit is uneasy, but you chalk it up to the excitement of something new.

Finally, alone…He makes you laugh. But you never think that each time you laugh, no one else hears your hearty laughter. “I love the way you walk.” Yet no one sees you walking together. And though the compliment was sincere, you hear, “Girl I want to see you walking down the aisle!”And it is that message that drives your behavior. In your mind, you picked a date, had a ceremony and named the kids.

He is occupying a lot of your time. He brings up sex, but not directly. He is feeling you out and cautious about rejection. The elephant is in the room and moving. He won’t put a label on the relationship. You won’t either, waiting on him. “Let’s chill and see what happens.”

You keep reminding yourself how fine that boy is! And your girlfriends chime in, but with caution. You are thinking “They are haters.” The girlfriends are thinking, “I saw that boy crawl out of Gloria’s room”.

He is loving your company and joins in the laughing sessions. Your mind says, “Did I see the back of him coming out of Gloria’s room. If so, he already said that’s his home girl.”

He can’t move past how good you look, how your hips move and how soft your skin is. At this point Note to Self “You knew that anyway!” The way you dress informs him of what is important to you. Therefore if you are dressing like a lady and he acknowledges that that’s a good thing. Though, this areas reflect low self-esteem, he notices that as well.



The Scrimmage

Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous never changes. Proverbs 13:15

The room is uncomfortably quiet. You have finally arrived to his room or apartment. Though he has been undressing you with his eyes for days or weeks, he is caught off guard you came tonight. He moves swiftly through the living room and fast track to the bedroom. He talks more to kill the silence to put you at ease. The room is void of pictures.

The lights are dim. Dim lights cause people to stand 40 % closer. Less talking. TV on and music playing. His phone rings. He doesn’t answer.

He catches your gaze and won’t let go. You smile and immediately look down. Your spirit has a moment to intercede.

“Grab your coat of many colors and run!”

Then the kiss! Omg! The Kiss! Your bodies are now closer. You feel a bit uncomfortable. Yet you tell yourself it’s too late to push away. Your insides are screaming, “No!” Your body is shaking from nervousness. He believes it’s his prowess. All ego! Nothing to do with him.

Your spirit “We shouldn’t be here. He has been MIA for the last several days.”

This moment is nothing like you imagined. The air is still. Your eyes are closed so that you won’t feel. The room is dark…..

This is a test of the Emergency Self-Talk System

Coming soon Part II The game

Lord, It's Too Much

Crying out in silence

Pain through the night

Lord, it’s too much


Arms stretched out to you

Please relieve this hurt

Lord, it’s too much


Tsunami of emotional wars

Ripping through my soul

Lord, it’s too much


Waves of neglect and rejection

In foster homes abound
Lord, it’s too much


Noise in my mind

Trying to silence your voice

Lord, it’s too much


Behold my child

I’ve parted the Red Sea

Because I loved you that much!



Be still my child

I have calmed the storm

Because I loved you that much!


Rejoice my daughter

I have healed the leper

Because I love you that much!


Praise my beloved

I sent my son to die for your sins

Because I love you that much!


Be thankful my child

I sent the clouds in your life to place the Son in your heart

Because I love you that much


SMH

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Lord!


YOU ARE JUST TOO MUCH!!!!!!



~Yolanda Grier

Courage to Make a Change

Do not be afraid of the enemy; remember the Lord and imprint Him(on your minds), great and terrible, and (take from Him courage to)fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes. Nehemiah 4:14




This month promises to be filled with challenges that are designed to help me grow as a person, emotionally, physically, spiritually. I have decided to simply do something different. We all have been at a cross road where we had to make that very decision. The decision comes sometimes while going through a crisis and at times when there is silence. Either way, decisions made at cross roads are important. We can chose to turn right, left, go back or stand in fear and simply not move. We can chose to travel the road alone, pick up someone alone the way, drop some folk off or go back and dip in our past.

I am blessed because the Lord is the answer of prayers. And he is equipping me with the courage to do what I need to do so that I can be used even more in the building of the Kingdom. I know this because the distractions of the week have confirmed I am on the right track.

*Health issues, more appointments no answers

*School started, no books

*Love one, family members preparing for the worst

Yet I recognize all of these as blessings from God reminding me He is still in control and that He is still my source! My heart is racing and my soul is stirring at such a wonderful revelation! Thank you , God!

Saying “Yes” to something is always saying “No” to something else. And often letting go doesn’t mean grabbing something else. It means just that…Let Go.

When I envision my life, I can see me digging and drilling for the gold of peace and forgiveness. The hardness of the mountains and caves wore me down. Finally, I was able to see the gold. But I couldn’t touch it. Its glow was so radiant. Yet I couldn’t reach it. None of the tools I had could get me pass this point. Stuck, but still searching, I soon realized I was wasting too much time and energy on something only God can do. So, God told me to “Let go of the tools I have been using.” I submitted...I need God!

That is a simple instruction. Yet, sometimes I wasn’t obedient. My impulsive decisions many times don’t bring good results. I have learned to go to God in prayer about decisions in my life. I don’t get this right every time, but I have certainly changed over the years. Most times I know the right thing to do. I just need courage to do it. That’s where I am.

I read this passage from 101 Faith Notes by Pauline Creeden.

Is your problem bigger than the Earth, or more impossible to break than the creation of it? If God is powerful enough to create the heavens and the earth, isn’t He powerful enough to help you overcome your sin?


Sometimes change can be scary. But I have faith in God that he will carry me through this process. I am already praising Him in advance.



Prayer Dear Lord some mountains seem so high. I am not asking you to take the mountain away, though. I am asking you to help me to climb this mountain. I am asking for strength and courage to do the right thing. I am praying for direction when I am lost. I am leaning on you Lord to lead and guide me every step of the way. Amen

Know Where You Are In Your Season

The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? Psalms 27: 1


Yesterday, I found myself preparing for doctors appointment. I had to travel to another city. My mind was racing, my heart pounding and hands nervous. You see, I have no sense of direction, so traveling nearly paralyzes me. I am slowing conquering this fear, but not there yet.


I couldn’t find my directions from the previous trip so I decided to use Mapquest. To my surprise the directions were different. It’s simple. Here I AM! Here is where I want to be. I did this 2 or 3 times. The old directions wouldn’t come up. I was getting frustrated, knowing I had less than 5 minutes to leave.

Finally I decided to take the directions and head to my appointment. To my amazement, not only were the directions easier, but the time shorter. Interesting! Yet, I was still anxious, because the directions to the office within the hospital were in the folder with the travel directions. The garages were color coded and I remember my instructions to park in Green.

I reached for my phone. Screen black!

Don’t panic!

Remember where you parked.

Breathe!

Finally, I am inside this enormous place. There are arrows and color bars everywhere!. This is too much! So, I stopped and said a prayer to calm myself. I got on the first elevator. Up one floor.

Familiar, but not sure which direction I should choose. Then I noticed a very tall man standing waiting on the elevator. He had a rugged yet soft look about him. His hair was seasoned with grey and his face with soft smile lines.

“Hello, Sir”

Well hi there!

Can you direct me “here”?

The elevator opens……

Why of course, I will do better than that. I will take you there!

Oh, by the way, don’t park in Green any more, park in Orange.

New instructions, hmmm. Sermon notes....
OMG! I couldn’t hold back my excitement and relief. He could have pointed me in the direction and got on the elevator waiting on him.

He not only walked me to the office, but to the check in station. The man, “Gary”, was talking with such joy the entire way. I was listening, laughing and making mental notes of directions.

I thanked Gary and sat down in front of the checkin desk. The young lady’s face looked at if Denzel had just walked out of the room. Then she finally said, “Do you know who that was?”


Yes, an angel sent to me when I was lost in this maze.

She laughed, Then stated, “He is the head honcho of this entire department for the hospital!” She seemed to have been blessed just by small conversation he had with her before departing. She couldn’t say enough about how thoughtful and kind this gentleman was. I agreed.

I am seeking God for wholeness in my life and He has revealed a map quite unfamiliar to me. Reprinting the instructions probably won’t change that. But I am certainly ready for the journey. I am not sure what this would look like or who would be at the finish line. What I am sure about is that I am not alone.


The Lord would never lead you on a path to nowhere. And more importantly, if you are seeking Him, he will send you someone to help guide you. It may not be the person you chose or the event you select. Perhaps your cell phone won’t be available to call yet another friend about your issue.

You have to trust and believe. I have decided to do just that.

There are certain emotions I am expecting to experience. At the same time, I know some emotions will surely amaze me. But with each step, I know I won’t be alone.

I am ready. I know where I am, caged but ready. And most importantly I know where I am going…Soaring!

I have decided to follow Jesus


No turning back, No turning back


Prayer Lord, I have come this far by faith lending on you, Lord. Thank you for allowing me yet another chance to get this right. Thanks for being real and true. Thanks for the angels you have kept in my life to remind me of your awesomeness! I am offering up a thankful spirit today because you didn't have to do this for me. I am ready for this year of transformation, Lord. When I was lost, you sent new instructions. I have received! Amen

Embracing My Winter Season

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.” Isaiah 40: 28-29 NKJV




Over the holiday season, we were blessed with sweet potatoes and carrots from our garden. My husband plants and tends the garden and added root vegetables this year. I remember him turning over the soil and harvesting the last of the vegetables in the fall. I actually forgot about the vegetables that were left. The cold weather forced me indoors more than out.

Once I saw the bounty, I was so excited and  found myself cooking pies and adding vegetables to poultry dishes. As I was cleaning and preparing the veggies, I thought about how sturdy a food this was. I was so excited I began to wonder about what other plants grew well in the winter. I quickly realized that these plants were not planted in the winter. They were planted midsummer. So, after the harvest of the collard greens, berries, cucumbers, and green beans the root veggies still remained in the ground. The soil around it was allowed to rest.

Over the past month or so, I have been in a winter season. The Lord has kept me still and many days quiet and resting. I have learned not to fight, but to receive.

Webster defines "root" as the underground part of a seed plant body who functions as an:


• Organ of absorption

• Aeration

• Food storage

• Means of anchorage and support

Therefore, regardless of what can be seen with the natural eye, the Lord is working on my roots. It is not time for me to till soil. The next six months I am to:

• Absorb and sit under the Word


• To aerate and speak life


• To store the Word in heart


• To seek God and accept that all that I am anchored in Him and I am to lean on Him for support.


We can be new in Christ. I believe that and I have an expectation that God is going to deliver me from the things that hinder me.



Prayer “Dear Lord, I recognize that some times we need to be still and sit under the Word. This is such a time. I am asking you Lord for guidance and strength to endure tests I have not had to endure before. I am asking you to give me the strength in my winter season to deal with anxieties and thoughts that would have me believe I am not worthy of your love and your presence. I know Lord you are mighty and powerful! I am holding on to your unchanging hands!”Amen