11/01/2011

Finish strong.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So, run that ye may obtain.

9/26/2011

I wanna be where You are



If it's an oldie, is it still considered secular? At any rate, I heard this song the other day and the application was so obvious to me. Just listen, and I'm sure you'll be humming this tune all day.

I only want for me, whatever God wants for me. Nothing less. I only want to go, where He wants me to go. I want to be exactly what He wants me to be. And, oh yeah Lord, I want to be where You are.

Be a blessing

9/24/2011

A familiar scripture...

Yesterday, while driving home from work, a familiar scripture came to mind that rejuvenated me immediately.

The scripture is found in Psalms 84:11 and says "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly."

A friend of mind -that loves me, no doubt - had mentioned a certain disappointment in my life and unbeknown to her, that memory brought a bit of sadness to my day. But, thank the Lord for gently whispering those words to me to lift me back up to where I needed to be.

My safest place is in the arms of God.

Be a Blessing

9/22/2011



The Return of the Prodigal Son (engraving by
Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld)


"Make me your servant." - The Prodigal son (Luke 15:19)

After coming to the realization that sometimes it's better to wait

on our inheritance.

7/15/2011

Looking for a hiding place?

I'm encouraged today in knowing that when I hurt, or am fearful, or uncertainty has found a place in my heart; when stresses of life arise and overwhelm me or my internal navigation system has become compromised and clouded; when I am seeking a hiding place from my enemies, or I am tossed too and fro by the storms of life; when the four walls I call my shelter cease to provide me the refuge I desire, I know that...

* For in the time of trouble, He shall hide me in His pavilion, in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock (Ps. 27:5).

* He shall cover thee with His feathers and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thou shield and buckler (Ps. 91:4).

* The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and are safe (Prov. 18:10).

* God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1).

* He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Ps. 91:1).

Be a blessing

7/11/2011

the real definition of Coincidence

Coincidence (koh-in-si-duhns), noun

According to Webster's Dictionary:

the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection; It's a coincidence that I received an unexpected bonus on my pay check the same day that my mechanic told me that I needed immediate repairs on my car.

According to The Holy Bible:

the revelation that there is no such thing as coincidence but that the alleged accidental occurrence of events is actually the manifestation of all things working together for good to them that love God to them that are the called according to his purpose; Praise God! The same day that my mechanic told me that I needed immediate repairs on my car, God blessed me with an unexpected bonus on my paycheck.

Be a blessing

6/26/2011

No-thing is Impossible

It's been a long time since I sat down at my computer to write. But God is still blessing and I look forward to every opportunity to share His goodness and faithfulness with others.

I got up early this morning to take my ritual Sunday morning drive to McDonald's for a cup of coffee. My route takes me past a house that I have adored since I was very young; my dream house. I can't even remember the number of times I've driven past that house and asked the Lord to bless me with a chance to own it someday.

For some reason, this house has always seemed out of my reach. If I ever made enough money or was in a financial position to purchase it, would the opportunity ever come my way? Growing up, the house was always occupied. But, as I live and breath, here I am, years later, ready to purchase my first home. The house just so happens to be on the market. It's been empty, almost looking abandoned for several months. After contacting my real estate agent and going on a walk through, I learned that the house was lost to the previous owners by a foreclosure. The house is available at an asking price of almost half the price it would have sold for in it's "hay-day".

The house would need a little work; tender loving care, but it's an incredible opportunity that I can't pass up. Whether the house will be mine someday, I really don't know, but what I'm amazed at is the idea that with God, no thing is impossible (Luke 1:37). There's just no telling what lengths my Heavenly Father won't go through to make my impossible, possible. There's no estimating what He won't shake, rattle, turnover, twist, break, bless, bend, or up heave to bless His children.

I think of a child desiring something that's on a high shelf and alerting her loving father that she desires that thing, as she rises up on her tippy toes and stretches her arms out trying to grasp that thing. The father simply, without effort takes hold of the object and hands it down to her. God desires to give good gifts to His children (Matt 7:11). I feel my faith ignited as I think of how God cares for me. He will withhold no good thing from me (Ps. 84:11).

Be a blessing

4/19/2011

a lovely day


This is day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalms 118:24

I woke up this morning. This simple fact means that I have another day to live my life for this amazing God, my saviour Jesus Christ. Today is another day that I will have a chance to worship Him. Another day to sing praises unto Him. Mercy is new this morning.

Today is another day that I can be a blessing to those around me and share the love of Jesus. A chance for me to allow His light to shine through me. I'm given another opportunity to teach my child to - above all else - trust in God.

Another morning for me to remember all His blessings in my life. Another day jam packed with God's loving-kindness. Another chance for Him to work on me and continue to mold me into a Vessel of Honor.

One more day that I can proclaim that He is my portion.

It's going to be a lovely day.

Be a Blessing

4/17/2011

Eyes Wide Open

Our kitten, Titus loves jumping up on our aquarium and terrifying my daughter's turtle. In the wee hours of the morning, I hear the weight of his body as he grips the side of the tank and pulls himself up to take in a full view of his fishing ground. He knows I hate it and he knows he'll get a stern voice and a spray with the water bottle if he's caught in the act. Plus, the turtle has this look on his face as if he's wondering, "does anyone else see this?".

As soon as I hear Titus' gentle thud on the top of the tank, I jump out of the bed. He immediately jumps down. He's clever enough to even run to a resting position right outside my bedroom and stretch and yawn, as if he's been right there sleeping the entire time. It's gotten to the point that even if I shift in the bed a bit, or if Titus hears the creak of my mattress springs, he'll jump down instantly. This proves to me that he knows right from wrong, but the temptation is great and his feline instinct and nature has an incredible pull on him. I'm willing to bet anything that in his little cat heart, he wants to do the right thing.

What came to my mind were the words of Jesus in Matthew 26:41. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

This is the setting of scripture where Jesus is about to be betrayed by Judas and then crucified, and is praying and travailing in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had requested of the disciples that they stay with Him and keep watch. Jesus returns three times to find them deep in sleep. The scripture says, their eyes were heavy.

It's important to put on the whole armour of God afresh each day (Ephesians 6:11-18), so that we are able to stand against the wiles or schemes of the devil. Applied practically, the devil's wiles are things that are constantly being laid out before us to tempt us to doubt God or live to satisfy our carnal man. The devil's focus is to keep us unfocused, side-tracked, faithless, fearful, and complacent.

Scripture teaches us that we are not struggling against flesh and blood, but against principalities and spiritual wickedness. So when the enemy starts "messing", remember that we are soldiers enlisted in God's army and that there is a spiritual war raging. It's time to shake ourselves, take a firm stand on righteousness and bring our flesh under subjection. So, take up those weapons of warfare and fight. Let's stay awake!

Be a blessing

2/24/2011

Who are you rolling your eyes at, Christian Soldier?

Hebrews 12:14 - 15: Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;

This is such an interesting portion of scripture. I can't believe how often I coax myself down from anger by uttering the words "follow peace," while mimicking the serene flow of waterfalls with my hands.

I'm thinking of, the little snooty comments I whisper under my breath at my unsatisfiable clients; rolling my eyes at an annoying co-worker; an angry word thrown out in hostility, as I'm being cut-off by a rushed driver; participating in derogatory opinions about other people's business, a.k.a. gossip. Yikes! There are days my spirit man feels so conflicted with the world around me. This "following peace" thing is not easy, by any means.

Please say a prayer for me, BM2ers. I can see this is going to take a conscience effort everyday - and maybe even several times a day - to pull off. My being peaceful with the people that come into my path, appears to be ranked up there right next to holiness (and we all know how much we strive for holiness).

Join my effort, as I continue to press towards the mark.

Be a Blessing

1/31/2011

http://www.nol2011.com/


"Night of Love, The Encore" as presented by Kansas City native, Brooks Proctor, is truly an inspirational showcase of pure, illuminating talent. If you are a fan of the artistry of spoken word, soulful and anointed singing, or side-splitting comedy (and are anywhere within driving distance of Kansas City, Missouri) please make a point to attend this highly anticipated event,
Sunday, February 13, 2011.

Follow the link for more information and to purchase tickets.

Be a Blessing

Toya

1/30/2011

My "One Word" for 2011

http://www.gritandglory.com/one-word-2011/

I have finally settled on my "One Word" for 2011. I'm really excited about the idea of this. I have prayed and asked God what single word or idea He wants me to keep at the forefront of my mind in 2011 and it happens to be the word that I have struggled with the most in my life. The word is TRUST. I don't know why this is such a scary thought for me, but I'm throwing my "cool points" out the window and learning to lean on and trust in God, and God alone. No matter what may come my way, my life is in His hands.

I can't wait to see all the places this mind transformation will take me and to then share my testimony with others.


This is a great concept. I've included the link in case anyone wants to join the movement. Please, feel free to share your comments and testimonies in the comment box.

Visit the link above for more information on the One Word movement from it's originator and author of the blog "Grit and Glory."

God Bless







1/14/2011

Somebody Ought to Testify: A testimony of a Heart's Desire fulfilled



This is one of my favorite testimonies. I always think of it when I become "weary of waiting". God is so incredible. He will give us the desires of our heart, but we first have to make sure that our foremost desire is in doing the will of God. Please enjoy the song "Live in Me", as recorded on the Randall Fears', "Blessed Through Christ" album. This is the song the Lord impressed Catina to write, as a covenant of the following testimony.

Be Blessed

Toya


The year was 2002. My husband and I had been trying to conceive a child. I can't tell you how much money I had invested in pregnancy tests and ovulation kits. For two years this went on; each negative result causing more heartache than the one before. I had been diagnosed with thyroid disease and one of the many concerns my doctor had was that I may not be able to conceive. We were unable to control my thyroxine levels.


I had been talking to everyone; seeking any advice I could get as to what I needed to do in order to have a baby. It seemed, at that time, that everyone around me was having babies. I began to ask God why, why did He not deem it so for me. I finally gave up, and came to the resolve that I wasn't meant to bear a child. So, I invited Him, the Lord, in and told Him that I was alright with the idea of never conceiving. If He did not want to bless me with a child, I would accept His will for my life. If no life would ever dwell in my womb, I wanted the Lord to come and live in me. That day, He blessed me with a beautiful song, which I later recorded on Randall Fears', "Blessed Through Christ" album.


Even though I allowed myself to accept God's will, the blessing is that He still knew my heart's desire. I had no idea, but when he placed that song in my spirit, I was already pregnant. My son, Cooper is now six years old. And praise God, I've since had another son, Christian who is now two.


What I learned is to be patient. He already knows what He has for you and His design is to prosper and elevate you. I truly believe that once you give up (or let go of your will)....that the blessing is right around the corner. The Master likes to get us to a point where we can only depend on Him. It is then that he shows up and shows out, and reminds us why we call Him God.


Catina Graham, Grandview MO

1/09/2011

Lord, I'm available to You.

My inspiration for today has come from the lyrics of a song written by Carlis Moody Jr. I'm not going to post the video, music, etc. - so that only the disclosure can be heard.

You gave me my hands to reach out to men;
to show him your love and your perfect plan.
You gave me my ears. I can hear your voice so clear.
I can hear the cries of sinners, but can I wipe away their tears?

You gave me my voice to sing your Word;
to sing all your praises to those who've never heard.
But, with my eyes I see Your need, for more availability.
I see hearts that have been broken, so many people to be free.

Lord, I'm available to you. My will I give to You,
I'll do what You say do. Use me Lord,
to show someone the way, and enable me to say,
my storage is empty and I am available to you.

Now, I'm giving back to you all the tools you gave to me -
my hands, my ears, my voice, my eyes; so You can use them as You please.
I have emptied out my cup, so that You can fill me up.
Now, I'm free and I just want to be more available to you.

Use me Lord,
to show someone the way, and enable me to say,
my storage is empty and I am available to you.

1/01/2011

Read the Bible through, in 2011

Time spent in God's Word is time spent with God. This is a great way to start a new year and navigate through the Bible.

Blue Letter Bible offers an incredible Bible Reading Program. The program allows you to read the Bible through in it's entirety, by providing PDFs (downloadable and printable) of one and two year reading plans, your choice. Simply go to www.blueletterbible.org, scroll along the right column to the "featured items" section and choose Daily Bible Reading Programs. The link to Blue Letter Bible, can also be found in the Links of Note section at the bottom of this home page.

There are several plans to choose from. For example, you can choose a plan that reads completely through from cover to cover - called Canonical order; read based on the actual Chronological order of events (my personal favorite).; read in the order in which the Bible was written or Historical order; read the Old Testament and New Testament simultaneously -helping you understand God's message to the churches. Just choose one that you feel is right for you, click and save, or click and print and you are on your way.