At The Red Sea

God could have chosen to have the Red Sea all dried by the time the children of Israel arrived. They would have walked across and basically disappeared from sight. Believing in magic and mysticism, Pharaoh would have explained it away claiming Moses performed some trick. Instead God chose to allow Pharaoh to be right on their heels before making a way when no one could see a way. He allowed the enemy to view the glory and power of God at work in the lives of His people. Not only did the children of Israel experience another miracle of God's hand but the enemy also had to witness it so everyone would know that it was God and only God!

Even after witnessing the power of God, the enemy didn't stop pursuit. Had they turned back at that moment, then they would have been spared. The problem with that is that Pharaoh would have just tried to find another way to attack, harass and hurt and kill the children of Israel. God allowed them to keep coming until HE said no more. While God was preparing a way out of trouble for His people, He was also creating the trap for the enemies demise.

So if you are standing at your Red Sea with the enemy on your trail, just lift your hands to God and ask Him to make a way because you can't see a way. He is more than willing and able to not only deliver you from the enemy but He will stop the enemy from ever coming for you again.

Gotta Make It Home

I have a goal or bucket list item to run a 5k. I have even registered for one a few months away. I am using an app for couch to 5k or 0 to 5k to help me  train. It is an 8 week training to gradually get you to running for about 35-40 minutes nonstop, which is the average time it takes to run a 5k. I haven't done an intentional run since I left the military many many moons ago. The week 1 day 1 listed the program as a warm up walk and alternating 1 min run with 1 min walk. When you haven't run in years one minute can seem like an eternity.

I am determined to complete the program and run the 5k. During my walk/runs, I sometimes feel pains in areas of my legs that I did not know could hurt so badly. The program cues you when to walk and when to run. Oh what joy when it says.....slow down and walk. Sweet relief, but just momentarily because it will soon say...start running! The pain doesn't last long and after a day off, I am ready to go again.

I start out from my house and run through the park and then out to the main road that runs through the development. Strangely enough the best part for me is when it announces- You Have Reached The Halfway Mark!! You would think that could be discouraging but I get excited as I turn back and head home. The entire way I am thinking- all I have to do is make it home. I know when I get home, I can rest, relax, rehydrate and rejuvenate. When I get home it wall all be worth it.

^{Matthew 25:21}
 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Life gets hard sometimes. We will have hills and valleys, bumps and bruises, and feel some pain along the way. No matter how it hurts, keep going. There is relief at home. All we have to do is make it home and we can find rest in the arms of our Saviour. Stay encouraged, keep pressing. The race isn't given to the swift....

Just make it home.

Love Y'all  

God Knows My Name

As the youngest child, it is natural that I was never the first to do anything. Even though there are nine of us, my sibling closest in age is just two years ahead of me. All through our school aged years I was referred to as A's sister. Even as an adult people still refer and remember me as A's sister. Even when they struggle to remember a name, her name is the first one that is called. I often have to remind people that I'm the little sister...G. She is an awesome person and woman of God so it's cool. 

I moved my church membership about 4 years ago into a church in which I had one older sister join decades before. She is such a social butterfly and everyone knows her in every church we attend. Even when I moved my membership to another city, people kept welcoming me the first several weeks as though I was visiting until my sister came to speak. Well whadaya know....now I'm known as Sis. D's sister. And that's cool too because she is also an awesome person and woman of God.

I am also happily married to a pretty well known guy in our area. He knows quite a few people and many people know of him because of community activities and connections he's made through church and business over the years. I count it an honor to share this ordained covenant with him. He's an out front person and I stay more in the background, but always supporting. He honors me and lavishes me with devotion and words of love and commitment publicly.  With that, I am now referred to as K's wife. 

I just attended a family reunion and by the end of the weekend, my oldest cousin (83) finally remembered who I was upon sight. I thought it was cute and funny because I have seen him around town and at other family events several times. He always re-introduces himself. Well after the family worshiped together he came to me and said he was so happy to have looked up and saw me there. I asked who I was and without hesitation he replied.....DOC'S GRANDDAUGHTER!(That's a new one..lol)

Luke 10:19-20

…19"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. 20"Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven."

When I stand before God, He won't reference anybody else. He won't judge me base on anyone else. In my spot in the Lamb's book of life there will only be My Name. The plans for my mansion aren't labeled A's sister. God loves me and He knows My Name. He will call me by My Name!

Love Y'all!!!

SEVEN THIRTEEN

Where do you live? I live at 713. There is a lot of daily activity at 713. With a husband, wife, a teenager and a dog on the daily, there is bound to be lots of activity. Sometimes that grows by two more little boys and a college student. My husband and I like to entertain so there are also times that our home can barely hold another person comfortably. With all of these people around and everything that we encounter in a day, there is never a shortage of conversations for pillow talk at then end of the day.

Being the counselor that I am, I tend to want to know the why behind people's actions. I often try to resolve and solve things, mend and restore things that should very well be left alone. My husband reminds me that sometimes you have to leave people to their own devices.

1Thessalonians 4:11
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.

So my husband and I have developed a code as a reminder to each other to mind our own business and not concern ourselves too much with what other people have going on....Especially if it doesn't affect us.
713
When either of us brings up or begins to go into that 'zone' of other people's business, we just say Seven Thirteen. That reminds us where we live and what we need to be concerned about.
We have found that staying out of other people's business helps keep other people out of ours.
Make your life more peaceful and quiet, live at your home.

Love y'all!!!

The Hairs On My Head

There are times in life that we encounter events that aren't catastrophic and to most may seem very minor. I have heard people say that God has more important things to deal with than the seemingly insignificant things in one's life. One thing that we must first understand is what may seem insignificant to some, may be the thread that starts the entire blanket to unravel.

The truth is that most times when people ask how you are or if everything is okay, it is just a formality and they are not really concerned about the small things and maybe not even the big things. You may get a caring response or the person may seem annoyed that you actually began to share something that was bothering you.
With God, we never have to wonder what His response will be. He desires that we bring everything to Him, no matter how insignificant it seems.
Matthew 10:31-32
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
 

I have had many stylist try to count the number of locs in my hair to determine what they should charge for the services. Each time they lost count before completion. The best guess was over 300. God cares enough to know this number and so much more about me. As the elders say....Lord you made us and You know all about us.

So the next time it feels as though no one cares about what you have going on, remember God cares...

Ce Ce Winans sings a song entitled He's Concerned. Some of the lyrics remind us.....

He knows
He cares
He sees
He's there
And He'll carry you
He's concerned about you

Love Y'all

God Knows!!!

God Knows- been having a pretty rough week. I have been working lots of overtime which the job in itself isn't taxing but just the extra hours takes a toll after a while. Got mental stuff going on with some things I'm working on and changes I want to make. Still gotta be a good wife and be all that my hubby needs while he deals with his own mounting stresses. 

Mentally drained I stopped in cvs to get batteries before heading home. Coming out I hear the sweetest voice yell  HEY!!!

I looked into the face of a pretty little girl about 4 years old, smiling and waving at me while waiting for her guardian to complete the redbox transaction. I returned the greeting and continued to my car. She yells out-GIMME A HUG!

Shocked I asked her what she said. GIMME A HUG!

I asked the guardian if it was okay(who seemed more interested in the redbox than the child summoning strangers).

She had no idea how much I was the one who really needed that hug. That made my whole day alright. 

How can you bring a smile to someone's day?

Love  Y'all!!!

Looking For A Sign

In the counseling field it is very common to encounter many reasons as to why things are the way they are. You can be flooded with justifications for any and everything done wrong and going wrong. It can also be that same experience in everyday encounters with friends and family and fellow believers. I have heard many people say- I know what I should do but I'm waiting on God to tell me- I know it is the right thing to do but I'm waiting to hear from God- I know I should go but I'm waiting on God to move me. This may come as a surprise to someone waiting on a word from the prophet, God is speaking to us daily. God has already spoken .....

Did you hear that? There is your promise, there is your direction, there is your comfort, there is your guide, there is your hope! The Bible, the Holy Scriptures has it all. Please don't be caught with your work undone and your To Do list is collecting dust.
It is very easy to justify a wrong, but will you have the courage to do what you already know is right?

Love Y'all!!!

If That's What You Want

Don't worry about what you can't control. You may be able to influence the thoughts, actions and deeds of others but never will you control them. We were created with free will and designed to make our own choices. By the same token our consequences for our decisions are ours too. 

I am learning to leave people to their own devices. Some people don't want to be different or what you may see as better.  The desire to change starts from within each of  us.  If your surrounding situation has not changed  over time  and you are stlill stressing over the situation, may I encourage you to stop worrying about what you can't control  and control what you can. Your thoughts, your reactions, your  peace. 

Roman 1:28

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

If it seems as though you have been beating your hands and head against a brick wall, trying to show someone a better way and it's causing your more stress and pain than doing them any good,  give yourself a break. As heartbreaking as it can be sometimes, you can't continue to worry about what you can't control. 

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.

Love y'all!!!

How Will You Make It?

I decided to try a new nail salon in the area for some pampering services. As I sat relaxing, the nail tech began a conversation when he noticed my wedding ring set.
Tech (Mr.Thomas)- How long have you been married?
Me- Just 13 months now.
Tech- Oh you are still honeymooning.
Me- Yep!! We sure are!
Tech- You know they say you have to make it 7 years before you can say you have made it.
Me- I can't focus on 7 years. I just have to make it through today.

He began to ponder what I said and responded- If only more people thought that way.

The reality is that we are not promised 7 more years. I thought about this when I read a post from a friend that is two weeks into the journey of being smoke free. How awesome!!!
James 4:14
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

The only way to make it is One Day At A Time. Every day you are given, focus on your goal for that day. I want a happy marriage TODAY. I want to remain clean TODAY. I want to be sober TODAY. Before you know it, many TODAYS will add up to many weeks, months and many years.
In the words of an old familiar song....
 One day at a time, sweet Jesus. That's all I'm asking of you. Give me the strength to do everything, that I have to do. Yesterday's gone, sweet Jesus and tomorrow may never be mine. Lord for my sake, help me to take....One Day At A Time.
Love Y'all to life!!! 

Resist Resist Resist

James 4:7

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Please understand that he will flee but he's the devil, he's gonna try to come back again! Somebody will keep agitating and aggravating you. He or she will keep calling or texting after you have finally found the strength to say it is over.  Quick schemes will continue to present themselves. I believe in you. You believe in you. God believes in you! The devil is gonna keep trying you to prove you wrong.

Be  strong in The Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

It Is In Your Hands

I sat in earshot of my father talking to a young man as he revealed some trouble he had encountered. The nature of the trouble was seemingly repeated by the young man and this baffled my father. In his wisdom my father spoke very simple but true and powerful words- You know you can change anytime you want. He humbly answered....Yes Sir.
Often times in life, we make the poor choices repeatedly, forming bad habits and and begin to believe that is just who we are- that is just what we do. Even in counseling, we know, there is a large population of people that quit smoking, drinking and using illegal drugs just because they choose to. They never see a counselor, attend any meetings or take any medication assistance....they simply choose to change.

The Bible tells of a man possessed by a legion of demons. Jesus saw the man's desire to change. After an encounter with Jesus, the man was then seen clothed and in his right mind.
Mark 5:1-5
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.² When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. ³ This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. ⁴ For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. ⁵ Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
No matter how grim it seems, you can change. No matter what it is, you can change. Negative attitude, addiction, lying, cheating, stealing, immorality....you can change.
Rember the words of the wise...You know you can change any time you want.

Love Y'all to life!!!

DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION VISION

A few weeks ago I went to an optometrist after about three years of not having vison insurance coverage. I wasn't surprised to be told that I would require glasses because I was wearing glasses for computer use and night. What did surprise me was the revelation that I would need transition lenses or BIFOCALS!!! What a clear sign that I was getting older! I wasn't really overjoyed about it and no frames that I tried on seemed to be able to brighten the fact that I had to wear bifocals. The first day I wore my new glasses to class, I was amazed and how crisp and sharp the powerpoints displayed on the screen. I kept taking my glasses off and putting them back on to see the overwhelming difference. I THOUGHT I COULD SEE FINE!!! On the ride home, I continued to check my vision on road signs and objects in the distance. Still amazed by how poor my vision was and I had no idea.

Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see

While walking in darkness, you don't see or feel that what you are doing is wrong. You can't see how blind you really are. It isn't until you find your way to the marvelous light that you realize that your thoughts, actions and deeds were wretched. It is only the presence of the light that exposes darkness. Looking back it is still amazing how right and justified I thought I was in my sin. Thank God for deliverance, grace and mercy! These are gifts that are available to all.
Love y'all to life!!!

Forgive.....

I frequently pass an area that often reminds me of a bad thing I did well over a decade ago. I was so haunted by my mistakes that every time I pass that area, I would whisper... Lord, Please forgive me. This action continued for several days until one day I heard a response.....I have already forgiven you, now forgive yourself. So often the enemy uses the past to keep us in bondage. We only need to understand that God casts our sins into the sea of forgetfulness for His own sake.

Luke 22:60-62
 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

God knows what we will do before we do it. He is still faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He knows our end from the beginning. There should be freedom in repentance. So accept forgiveness and forgive yourself.
Love Y'all!!!

What Will You Do?

There are going to be times in everyone's life that we face some kind of hurt or pain. We may lose a loved one, have a broken heart, be used or abused. There may be times when you are the subject of unsolicited attacks just because of who you are. Sometimes it can feel as though the enemy just has his sights set on you and you only. The pain whether physical or emotional seems that it is too much to bear.

How you  respond is your choice.
1Kings 19: 3-5   Elijah was afraid when he got her message, and he ran to the town of Beersheba in Judah. He left his servant there, then walked another whole day into the desert. Finally, he came to a large bush and sat down in its shade. He begged the Lord, “I’ve had enough. Just let me die! I’m no better off than my ancestors.” Then he lay down in the shade and fell asleep.

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

When you are faced with adversity, will you lay down and wish to die or will you continue to trust in God to see you through?
Will you turn to do evil for evil or will you trust God to vindicate and see you through?
Will you self medicate or will you trust God to comfort and see you through?

Love Y'all

Let It Go...

We have all experienced hurt and pain at the hands of others. It doesn't really matter if we invited these people into our lives or they entered through 3rd party connections. Hurt and pain is still hurt and pain. There is a great deal of disappointment when our choices result in a hurtful situation. Imagine the confusion when the hurt is inflicted by family or someone indirectly connected. That's the hurt that you just don't see coming and find it even more difficult to rationalize the cause.

Then they took him and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. 

As prime minister. Joseph had all power and authority to make his brothers pay for their betrayal. It was up to him to determine if they would eat or perish in the famine. God had elevated him in spite of their actions. Although initially infuriated. Joseph chose to let it go and restore the family. Don't let hurtful actions of others make you and keep you bitter.  Refusing to forgive  keeps you in the pit. God will bless in forgiveness.  He will elevate you above your hurt.
Let it go and heal...
Love Y'all!!!

I Didn't Hear It

I work in an area downtown that is very close to a hospital and police/fire stations. For the majority of the day, there are sirens blaring up and down the streets surrounding the building. There have been bomb scares, car wrecks, gas pipe leaks and other emergencies that occurred right outside of the window. Without a news flash across a cell phone or notification from office officials, these events would have taken place with most of us being completely unaware.  If we needed to react, it would have been too late because we didn't hear or pay attention to the warning sirens.  We don't realize the danger of not being aware of the sounds of the alarms. We hear them so much that it is just like hearing the wind blow....you just don't hear it anymore. That is until the wind gusts to dangerous speeds of  destruction and we waited too long to get out of its path.

 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Don't let the message Christ's return fade into the background noise. He's coming back and He's calling for us everyday. Please make sure you can still hear Him.....

Love Y'all!!!!

Every Word

One of my fondest memories growing up is hearing my parents recount their day or what happened in church service as the evening grew to a close.  Even though I couldn't understand exactly what was being said through closed doors, this daily routine was inspiring. It always seemed as though they were on one accord and would agree with whatever the other one stated. I have grown to treasure these times in my own marriage. How great it is to have someone to share any and everything with daily. We have the luxury to leave it on our pillows at the end of the day, trusting that it stays with us and the Lord.

So often with modern technology, we quickly text, email and post to social media. We don't stop to think that this information may as well be running across a ticker in Times Square. Tag lines of  "keep this between us", "you didn't hear this from me"....etc don't guarantee the security of your message. Deleting texts and emails and removing posts doesn't undo what was said.

Matthew 12:36-37 "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment."For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

Be mindful in your speech. Make sure your words are true......and necessary.

Love Y'all!!!

NEVERTHELESS

I recently watched a very dear person lay her husband to rest after 49 years of marriage. The pain and sadness in her eyes was almost more than I could bear. Prior to the passing of my mother in 2011, I had never really experienced the loss of a close loved one. There had been cousins and other relatives and even when my grandmother passed, I was not at an age that I fully comprehended the loss. I remember the day very vividly that she came to my house and informed me that she had been diagnosed with cancer. I can still hear the Dr say to her as me and my dad sat by....."This cancer is going to take your life". I would imagine anyone facing this would be like Hezekiah.
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, 'Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.'" Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, and said, "Remember now, O LORD, I beseech You, how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in Your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.…

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, facing His own crucifixon also prayed. Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from me, Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours, be done.

When faced with circumstance contradictory to your prayers, it is important to remember......NEVERTHELESS.
When you don't get the job, the healing, the deliverance remember.....NEVERTHELESS.
We won't always understand the sovereign moves of God but we must always submit to His will.
God is willing and more than able to deliver and heal, Nevertheless, if He doesn't He's still good and He's still God.
Love Y'all!!!

Remember Moses

There are some times in life when things happen that can make one very upset and angry.  As a Christian, you are expected to always respond with acceptance, forgiveness and a kind word.  In that moment we are expected to recall every scripture of patience. Romans 12:19-Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. Exodus 14:14-The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.

The truth is there are situations and circumstances that  will come to test your patience......repeatedly. If I am honest there are times that I don't want to be the 'nice' one. I want to be the one to yell and cuss and tell somebody off and tell them what I really feel and how upset and hurt I am. 

Moses was instructed by God to speak to the rock to bring forth water for the people. After being harassed, frustrated and angered by the people's murmuring and complaining, Moses STRUCK the rock. When he didn't get the results he desired, he, for a second time, went against God's instruction and struck the rock. The water began to flow the consequences were grave for Moses. Moses would be allowed to see it but would never be allowed to enter the Promised land. After all he had gone through, the entire mission was to lead the people into the Promised land and he would never make it in. 

In living a Christian life, our goal is to make it to Heaven and get as many people that will listen to get on board with living for Jesus Christ. That is our reward, our Promised Land. Don't let the actions of others make you disregard the Word of God. His Word is true and He can't lie. The next time the enemy attempts to frustrate you and bring you out of the character of Christ, REMEMBER MOSES.

LOVE Y'ALL!!