I have always loved the look of live plants. I certainly don’t have a green thumb. So, after a little investigation, I decided to purchase an African violet. The African violet originated from Africa and comes in a wide range of colors. They are quite inexpensive, so I found myself with 3 new plants.
I was so excited and anticipated each day looking for new growth and certainly the blossoms. I learned that the African violet doesn’t need a lot of water and actually thrives when the soil is “dry” to the touch. So, surely this was something I could do. I was expecting the most awesome plants by giving little water, little sunlight, and a little fertilizer.
Week after week, I would tend my lovely vibrant plants. After a while, I wasn’t as consistent. I stopped watering as much, thinking, “The plants look lovely, and don’t need any that much water anyway.”
Eventually, I stopped paying attention at all and noticed the plants slowly dying. The leaves would easily fall at the slightest touch and they discolored quite easily. I was so disappointed. But I already knew what had created the slow death of once lovely flowering vibrant African violets. It took a lot of effort, time, and energy to get the plants to begin to grow again. But they never really returned to their former glory.
That’s how we do our time with the Lord. Many times we hear a word or begin a study or hear a sermon and we feel convicted and committed to improve our relationship. We start out strong and energized. We pray diligently and earnestly. The Lord moves and allows changes in situations we are going through. Then we stop watering and feeding our spirit as much because things appear to be alright. The winds of life aren’t blowing as hard this week. The hail storms of the world have eased up a bit.
We began to slowing compromise and pray, but not study. Read, but not pray. Hear the sermon, but never meditate on the word. Then when became to notice there just isn’t enough to sustain us anyone. We have shunned and turned off our source and we began to slowly become spiritually sick. Our mood changes. Our focus changes. Our lives become out of balance.
But not to worry! The Lord is always there. He never leaves you. I want to encourage you to take your time with the Lord seriously. Begin your day with a special covering from the Lord in prayer. Take time to read scripture and always have a song in your heart.
By taking care of your spiritual life with some spirit filled water of fellowship with believers, the sunlight of prayer and fertilizer of the word we can certainly stay connected to the will of the Lord.
~Prayer Lord, help us to stay connected to you through your word and prayer. We ask for forgiveness when we have taken you for granted. Thank you for never leaving or forsaking us. ~Amen
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Becoming a Mother
Day light, play ground
Weekend, circus clown
Innocence of a child
Joy of a girl
The world is my oyster
Life is my pearl
Wanna skip free
Laughing, jumping
Enjoying being me
"Now I lay me
Down to sleep"
Crying just from laughing
Gonna take a leap
Life is changing
On a different walk
Someone almost took my voice
Now I gotta talk....
Puberty in the air
Boys on my nerves
Female, male drams
All for the birds
Trying to find myself
Changing the way I look
Wanting to go back
To night lights and a book
Lord, I 'm praying the right path
Got tribulations and trials
Experienced love for the first time
Now, celebrating my vows
Our Father, who are in heaven
You taught us to pray
I wanna be like you Lord,
Each and every day.
Lord, have mercy
Have mercy on me
Carrying the burden of the world
Trying to get free
Gotta take off the layers
My spirit is being stirred
I give back my children
For them, you have a word
I wanna be like you, Lord
Saving Paving
Forgiving Living
Holding Molding
Keeping Weeping
Bringing Clinging
Springing Singing
Hearing Peering
Dying Crying
Liking Striking
Shining Dining
Healing Feeling
And
Blessing
Me!
Yolanda L. Grier
Weekend, circus clown
Innocence of a child
Joy of a girl
The world is my oyster
Life is my pearl
Wanna skip free
Laughing, jumping
Enjoying being me
"Now I lay me
Down to sleep"
Crying just from laughing
Gonna take a leap
Life is changing
On a different walk
Someone almost took my voice
Now I gotta talk....
Puberty in the air
Boys on my nerves
Female, male drams
All for the birds
Trying to find myself
Changing the way I look
Wanting to go back
To night lights and a book
Lord, I 'm praying the right path
Got tribulations and trials
Experienced love for the first time
Now, celebrating my vows
Our Father, who are in heaven
You taught us to pray
I wanna be like you Lord,
Each and every day.
Lord, have mercy
Have mercy on me
Carrying the burden of the world
Trying to get free
Gotta take off the layers
My spirit is being stirred
I give back my children
For them, you have a word
I wanna be like you, Lord
Saving Paving
Forgiving Living
Holding Molding
Keeping Weeping
Bringing Clinging
Springing Singing
Hearing Peering
Dying Crying
Liking Striking
Shining Dining
Healing Feeling
And
Blessing
Me!
Yolanda L. Grier
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Effectual and Fervent Prayer
My soul is still beaming from the intercessory prayer on Wednesday. The Lord has been speaking to me over the last several months and I have experienced a sort of restlessness. I received the words that were spoken on Wednesday!!
I accepted the challenge the other week and intensified my devotion. I needed to focus more on Effectual Fervent Praying. That decision alone has been life changing. I received yet another confirmation when our assigned reading for our Deaconess meeting was “A Prescription for Effectual Fervent Praying.” I was so excited about that chapter I was about to burst in the meeting.
I felt I needed to go deeper and decided to meditate on a specific scripture. On Sunday, the Pastor asked that we meditate on God’s word this week. Confirmation! If the answer to my prayer is in the Word, I will certainly be in place. I was truly ecstatic about that directive!
I have realized the anxiousness in my spirit is a process. I also realized that there should be “nothing between my soul and my savior.”
I ask that you all pray for me so that I can stay focused and not so easily distracted.
Thank you God for saving me!
I accepted the challenge the other week and intensified my devotion. I needed to focus more on Effectual Fervent Praying. That decision alone has been life changing. I received yet another confirmation when our assigned reading for our Deaconess meeting was “A Prescription for Effectual Fervent Praying.” I was so excited about that chapter I was about to burst in the meeting.
I felt I needed to go deeper and decided to meditate on a specific scripture. On Sunday, the Pastor asked that we meditate on God’s word this week. Confirmation! If the answer to my prayer is in the Word, I will certainly be in place. I was truly ecstatic about that directive!
I have realized the anxiousness in my spirit is a process. I also realized that there should be “nothing between my soul and my savior.”
I ask that you all pray for me so that I can stay focused and not so easily distracted.
Thank you God for saving me!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Heeding the First Signs
Heeding the First Signs
From my desk at work I have a clear view of the first aid kit that sits on a cabinet outside a Team manager’s desk. I often wonder about the contents. Or if they have been replenished? I imagine there are adhesive bandages, instant cold compresses, antibiotic ointments, and gauzes. If there is a minor medical issue, the first aid kit will be a welcome sight. Often times if the first signs of a medical are handled correctly, major consequences can be lessened or eliminated.
When we apply this to our Spiritual lives, we can arm ourselves in a mighty way to avoid many issues that continue to make us sin-sick. Dr. Michelle Johnson, in her blog , http://alabasterwoman.squarespace.com/ reminds us “Give no place for the Devil. Ephesians 4:70 and Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7.”
My twins are going off to college soon and we have to make sure their immunizations records are in order and up to date. Vaccines help to resist some diseases. But in order for that to work, you actually must get vaccinated. To resist issues that can make us sick, such as anger, worry, gossip, emotional pain and the like, we must protect ourselves.
Four ways to do this….
1. Have a song in your heart.
There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place
And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord
The lyrics of this song have often taken me from the depths of depression to the heights of praise. What is your song?
2. Scripture on your mind.
Matthew 6:33
Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
When I focus on this scripture, the cares of the world and circumstances in which I have no control are put in their rightful place. God is first in my life. And though I don’t always get it right, the Word leads me back to the right path.
3. Testimony in your mouth.
God is greater than anything we go through. And we all have a testimony. But we must give it away. It’s not ours to keep. We are to share and testify about the blessings and the goodness of the Lord. I can remember a time in my life when I cried myself to sleep almost every night. I cried through the day. I cried watching certain events on TV. I heard this song, “Tears are a Language God Understands”. The song helped lead me to a deeper reliance on God.
4. Prayer in your life
We encounter so many challenges in our lives that can derail us. Yet, none is greater than God. But we must clear the things in our lives that are blocking God. We must clear the clutter of deceit and jealously. We must downsides our “too busy” schedules and make time to communicate with God.
Having a prayer life helps to center us. Prayers remind us that we are not in control. Prayer helps us to be patient.
5. Praise in your heart
Psalm 100:1-2
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him for his son. Praise Him for life, health and strength. Praise Him for your life experiences. Praise Him for forgiveness and another chance to get it right.
Place these 4 points in your Spiritual first aid kit along with God’s word. Guard your heart and stay in earnest prayer.
From my desk at work I have a clear view of the first aid kit that sits on a cabinet outside a Team manager’s desk. I often wonder about the contents. Or if they have been replenished? I imagine there are adhesive bandages, instant cold compresses, antibiotic ointments, and gauzes. If there is a minor medical issue, the first aid kit will be a welcome sight. Often times if the first signs of a medical are handled correctly, major consequences can be lessened or eliminated.
When we apply this to our Spiritual lives, we can arm ourselves in a mighty way to avoid many issues that continue to make us sin-sick. Dr. Michelle Johnson, in her blog , http://alabasterwoman.squarespace.com/ reminds us “Give no place for the Devil. Ephesians 4:70 and Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7.”
My twins are going off to college soon and we have to make sure their immunizations records are in order and up to date. Vaccines help to resist some diseases. But in order for that to work, you actually must get vaccinated. To resist issues that can make us sick, such as anger, worry, gossip, emotional pain and the like, we must protect ourselves.
Four ways to do this….
1. Have a song in your heart.
There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place
And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord
The lyrics of this song have often taken me from the depths of depression to the heights of praise. What is your song?
2. Scripture on your mind.
Matthew 6:33
Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
When I focus on this scripture, the cares of the world and circumstances in which I have no control are put in their rightful place. God is first in my life. And though I don’t always get it right, the Word leads me back to the right path.
3. Testimony in your mouth.
God is greater than anything we go through. And we all have a testimony. But we must give it away. It’s not ours to keep. We are to share and testify about the blessings and the goodness of the Lord. I can remember a time in my life when I cried myself to sleep almost every night. I cried through the day. I cried watching certain events on TV. I heard this song, “Tears are a Language God Understands”. The song helped lead me to a deeper reliance on God.
4. Prayer in your life
We encounter so many challenges in our lives that can derail us. Yet, none is greater than God. But we must clear the things in our lives that are blocking God. We must clear the clutter of deceit and jealously. We must downsides our “too busy” schedules and make time to communicate with God.
Having a prayer life helps to center us. Prayers remind us that we are not in control. Prayer helps us to be patient.
5. Praise in your heart
Psalm 100:1-2
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him for his son. Praise Him for life, health and strength. Praise Him for your life experiences. Praise Him for forgiveness and another chance to get it right.
Place these 4 points in your Spiritual first aid kit along with God’s word. Guard your heart and stay in earnest prayer.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Accepting God's Love
The teenage years can be filled with insecurities, lack of self-esteem and emotional roll-coasters. I remember not feeling worthy and not being able to receive compliments. It was a very interesting period. It was very hard to accept that people could love unconditionally.
But that is how God’s love is. His love is unconditional and abundant. It is ours for the receiving. And the Lord leaves that decision to us. It is not forced.
So consider how life looks when you have accepted God’s love. It’s a newness and freshness like after a Spring rain. The words we speak should be different. We should be more considerate of people. We should exercise patience with people going through difficult times. And more importantly, the love we receive should be freely given to others.
Some of life’s experiences can make us close our heart to the goodness and love given by the Most High. Pray daily for a clean heart, an open heart and forgiving heart so that we can continue to give God our best.
1 John 4:7 (New International Version, ©2011)
God’s Love and Ours
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
But that is how God’s love is. His love is unconditional and abundant. It is ours for the receiving. And the Lord leaves that decision to us. It is not forced.
So consider how life looks when you have accepted God’s love. It’s a newness and freshness like after a Spring rain. The words we speak should be different. We should be more considerate of people. We should exercise patience with people going through difficult times. And more importantly, the love we receive should be freely given to others.
Some of life’s experiences can make us close our heart to the goodness and love given by the Most High. Pray daily for a clean heart, an open heart and forgiving heart so that we can continue to give God our best.
1 John 4:7 (New International Version, ©2011)
God’s Love and Ours
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Letting Go!
My spouse and I were talking about our early college years the other day. I arrived at college a very hurt, confused, closed off, and quiet girl. I had carried the burden of hurt, shame, and an unforgiving spirit. I spent most of my nights crying and most of my free days sleeping. I was an emotional mess. I lived for years in this state. I tried wearing a brave, strong face, but my inside was ripped and my soul was sad and my spirit severely hurt. For years, I never knew there was another way to live….or another way to feel.
In order to keep myself safe, I blocked people from my life. But in doing so, I blocked the bad things and blessings meant for my life. I began to seek God in a deeper way. I heard a sermon at a women’s day celebration about 20 years ago and the speaker kept saying, “You have to get on your knees and stay on knees and agonize with God!” Those words resonated with me and I instantly changed my prayer life. I was suffering and going deeper and deeper into a depressive state.
That was the beginning of the Lord guiding me out of such a dark tunnel. There were so many people and events I was holding on to. I was holding on to actions, words, dates, etc. All of these things had me bound. I tried over and over to forgive and forget. And so often, I thought I had. But events in my everyday life reminded me that I had not been freed.
Finally, I let God have His way! I was trying to give pieces of myself on my terms to the Lord. How many know that didn’t work! I had to know where the line was. I had to be committed to the change I was seeking. And when I got it wrong, I had to GET UP and allow God to renew my spirit. There are days still, when I don’t get it right. But the difference is I have learned to stay on my knees and cry out to the Lord.
I experienced a freedom in the Lord so deep and so real, that I am getting to know myself all over again.
Thank God!
I am also in awe of God's greatness. He is truly faithful and I am so grateful to Him for never forsaking me. This week I loaded pictures of myself from when I was a teenager and a young adult. This was an important process for me for my healing. Many people from my hometown responded with memories of time spent hanging out and remembering my smile. Of the 306 people who graduated with me, only one person knew how sad I was inside. Only one person knew I cried myself to sleep almost every night. A teacher or two noticed I cried in class sometimes, but they dare not ask.
It had been years since I viewed the pictures. That was on purpose. I always saw the broken heart and broken trust whenever I looked at my childhood pictures. This time I saw the little girl the Lord has been waiting on! This time I saw the hope in my face. I realized that the Lord never, ever left me. He brought me to my knees so that I can depend on Him and to seek His face.
I can barely finish this note at my desk, tearing and the presence of God is all over me. I thought I was just going to write about a simple experience. But it's more than that. I am free! I am free from the pain! I am free from the mistrust! I am free from the anger! And mostly I am free from an unforgiving spirit.
Lord, I thank you! Lord, I thank you! Lord! Lord! Lord!
Please sisters pray with me! Hallelujah!
Lord I need you! Lord, I praise you! Lord, I thank you just for being you and never leaving me!!!
I encourage you to let go and let God! There is freedom in Christ when you release people and events that have represented themselves as strongholds in your life. Take some time daily to meditate on the word and allow God to fill your heart and flood out things that shouldn’t be there.
In order to keep myself safe, I blocked people from my life. But in doing so, I blocked the bad things and blessings meant for my life. I began to seek God in a deeper way. I heard a sermon at a women’s day celebration about 20 years ago and the speaker kept saying, “You have to get on your knees and stay on knees and agonize with God!” Those words resonated with me and I instantly changed my prayer life. I was suffering and going deeper and deeper into a depressive state.
That was the beginning of the Lord guiding me out of such a dark tunnel. There were so many people and events I was holding on to. I was holding on to actions, words, dates, etc. All of these things had me bound. I tried over and over to forgive and forget. And so often, I thought I had. But events in my everyday life reminded me that I had not been freed.
Finally, I let God have His way! I was trying to give pieces of myself on my terms to the Lord. How many know that didn’t work! I had to know where the line was. I had to be committed to the change I was seeking. And when I got it wrong, I had to GET UP and allow God to renew my spirit. There are days still, when I don’t get it right. But the difference is I have learned to stay on my knees and cry out to the Lord.
I experienced a freedom in the Lord so deep and so real, that I am getting to know myself all over again.
Thank God!
I am also in awe of God's greatness. He is truly faithful and I am so grateful to Him for never forsaking me. This week I loaded pictures of myself from when I was a teenager and a young adult. This was an important process for me for my healing. Many people from my hometown responded with memories of time spent hanging out and remembering my smile. Of the 306 people who graduated with me, only one person knew how sad I was inside. Only one person knew I cried myself to sleep almost every night. A teacher or two noticed I cried in class sometimes, but they dare not ask.
It had been years since I viewed the pictures. That was on purpose. I always saw the broken heart and broken trust whenever I looked at my childhood pictures. This time I saw the little girl the Lord has been waiting on! This time I saw the hope in my face. I realized that the Lord never, ever left me. He brought me to my knees so that I can depend on Him and to seek His face.
I can barely finish this note at my desk, tearing and the presence of God is all over me. I thought I was just going to write about a simple experience. But it's more than that. I am free! I am free from the pain! I am free from the mistrust! I am free from the anger! And mostly I am free from an unforgiving spirit.
Lord, I thank you! Lord, I thank you! Lord! Lord! Lord!
Please sisters pray with me! Hallelujah!
Lord I need you! Lord, I praise you! Lord, I thank you just for being you and never leaving me!!!
I encourage you to let go and let God! There is freedom in Christ when you release people and events that have represented themselves as strongholds in your life. Take some time daily to meditate on the word and allow God to fill your heart and flood out things that shouldn’t be there.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Remember Me!
I was thinking about the lives that crossed mine at the church I attend, Greater First United Baptist Church. Some are sick in their bodies, other gone home.This poem was born out of thoses memories.......
Remember Me
“Remember me!” I say to the rafters
While praising my Lord
I greeted you with a smile
As I opened the church door
Some were never touched through the week
I greeted you with a kiss,
I sat with white socks gleaming
‘Til service was dismissed
My hair grayed, bones weakened
I marched to the choir’s beat,
Sunday school, moist cakes, Bible study
The Lord blessed me to speak
With squinted eyes and a jolly heart
I always stopped to play
For the child in me reminded me
Of the blessing of a new day
Red hats, yellow hats, blue hats,
That added charm to my cane
Body given in, spirit rejoicing
While I called out His name
Sweat glistened on my brow
While I fervently praised in song
Shoes off, hands raised
Worshipping and singing along
“Remember me!” Whether going home
Convalescent or going through
Thank the Lord for life and health.
Remember we once shared a pew.
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