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
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 voice to sing your Word;
Lord, I'm available to you. My will I give to You,
Now, I'm giving back to you all the tools you gave to me -
Use me Lord,
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.
12/19/2010
Little Drummer Boy
My all-time, favorite Christmas carol is Little Drummer Boy. I'll share the part that never fails to bring me to tears - "pa rum pum pum pums" omitted, of course.
Little baby
I am a poor boy too
I have no gift to bring
That's fit to give our King
Shall I play for you
On my drum
And, here come the water works. I can relate to the boy's sincerity when he admits that he feels he has nothing to offer the King; nothing that's worthy to present to the King; nothing within himself that would be considered -by any stretch of the imagination - as being good enough.
I am nothing within myself. I'm at the mercy of God's strength and grace. Not until I allow God to take this lump of clay and form it into His image, will I experience true success and produce an offering that is worthy to present to our King. God in me, makes me able to do "all things".
I imagine an unexpected relief washing over the drummer's face, as he grasps his drum sticks. Almost, as a second thought, the child remembers the one thing that he is able to do, however small; playing his drum. So he takes that talent, that gift of God that he has become so familiar with and plays his little heart out.
I hope this encourages someone to stir up the gift of God, which is in thee (2 Timothy 1:6) and use that thing to bring Glory to God, throughout this holiday season and everyday.
Little baby
I am a poor boy too
I have no gift to bring
That's fit to give our King
Shall I play for you
On my drum
And, here come the water works. I can relate to the boy's sincerity when he admits that he feels he has nothing to offer the King; nothing that's worthy to present to the King; nothing within himself that would be considered -by any stretch of the imagination - as being good enough.
I am nothing within myself. I'm at the mercy of God's strength and grace. Not until I allow God to take this lump of clay and form it into His image, will I experience true success and produce an offering that is worthy to present to our King. God in me, makes me able to do "all things".
I imagine an unexpected relief washing over the drummer's face, as he grasps his drum sticks. Almost, as a second thought, the child remembers the one thing that he is able to do, however small; playing his drum. So he takes that talent, that gift of God that he has become so familiar with and plays his little heart out.
I hope this encourages someone to stir up the gift of God, which is in thee (2 Timothy 1:6) and use that thing to bring Glory to God, throughout this holiday season and everyday.
12/04/2010
Jehovah-Rapha, God our Healer
Everything I need, God is. He is Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord that healeth thee.
Why me, God? I've asked this question before when disappointment knocked at my door. No, not just knocked, but disappointment took the key from underneath the doormat, helped himself into my home, went into the kitchen and fixed a sandwich. Then, sat down in front of me and bragged about his superior sandwich making skills. This actually happened to me.
I'm reading this great book called Healing for Damaged Emotions, by Pastor David A. Seamands. Funny, writing the book title in it's entirety, made me feel a bit embarrassed to admit that I'd purchased such a book. At any rate, please don't judge me. I'm simply recognizing lately an area in my life that needs the Balm of Gilead applied. Pastor Seamands talks extensively about God's desire to heal our "infirmities". Infirmities are deep-rooted, emotional pains that are the result of some life-altering hardship, disappointment or failure - possibly even, encounters with physical, mental or sexual abuse.
Pastor Seamands makes a point that clergy, ministers, etc., however well-equipped to minister to our flesh or spirit man, aren't always given the opportunity to minister to the emotional needs of individuals within their congregation. A prominent reason being, that the inflicted person has not yet come to a place where they are aware that seeds of bitterness, unforgiveness and low self-worth have taken root within their heart. In many of us, these emotional deficits may lie undetected and dormant for many years, awaiting their next opportunity to torment our mind. So, we press on, bandaging our afflictions by placing our hands to the plow and working feverishly in whatever role of ministry we may be able to fulfill.
I realize, it's acceptable for me to be honest with myself and recognize that, like many people, some things in my life have wounded me deeply and thereby, held me captive for many years. No matter how deep my commitment to service in the Kingdom of God, these little foxes still seem to rear their ugly heads at the most inconvenient moments, stagnating me at times. I am the only one that can identify these dark places for what they really are. Then, God promises total deliverance and healing.
I believe it is important that we lean on Christ as not only a healer of our physical bodies, but a healer of the heart and mind.
Why me, God? I've asked this question before when disappointment knocked at my door. No, not just knocked, but disappointment took the key from underneath the doormat, helped himself into my home, went into the kitchen and fixed a sandwich. Then, sat down in front of me and bragged about his superior sandwich making skills. This actually happened to me.
I'm reading this great book called Healing for Damaged Emotions, by Pastor David A. Seamands. Funny, writing the book title in it's entirety, made me feel a bit embarrassed to admit that I'd purchased such a book. At any rate, please don't judge me. I'm simply recognizing lately an area in my life that needs the Balm of Gilead applied. Pastor Seamands talks extensively about God's desire to heal our "infirmities". Infirmities are deep-rooted, emotional pains that are the result of some life-altering hardship, disappointment or failure - possibly even, encounters with physical, mental or sexual abuse.
Pastor Seamands makes a point that clergy, ministers, etc., however well-equipped to minister to our flesh or spirit man, aren't always given the opportunity to minister to the emotional needs of individuals within their congregation. A prominent reason being, that the inflicted person has not yet come to a place where they are aware that seeds of bitterness, unforgiveness and low self-worth have taken root within their heart. In many of us, these emotional deficits may lie undetected and dormant for many years, awaiting their next opportunity to torment our mind. So, we press on, bandaging our afflictions by placing our hands to the plow and working feverishly in whatever role of ministry we may be able to fulfill.
I realize, it's acceptable for me to be honest with myself and recognize that, like many people, some things in my life have wounded me deeply and thereby, held me captive for many years. No matter how deep my commitment to service in the Kingdom of God, these little foxes still seem to rear their ugly heads at the most inconvenient moments, stagnating me at times. I am the only one that can identify these dark places for what they really are. Then, God promises total deliverance and healing.
I believe it is important that we lean on Christ as not only a healer of our physical bodies, but a healer of the heart and mind.
11/14/2010
What God has for me, it is for me.
My thoughts for this weekend centered around this one hope - that the things that God has in store for me are already spoken in Heaven. I'm just waiting for them to be brought to fruition in the earth. Although I, in my impatience and lack of trust, can cause these things to be hindered - ultimately if God has ordained it, then though it tarry, I will wait for it, because it will surely come (Hab. 2:3).
Thank God that He does not give us what we want, when we want it. Yet, He uses situations to reveal our true nature, so that He can dig around our roots and fix us, so that we are fit for His use.
In those times when I feel as though I have been passed over or forgotten by God, I'll allow the scriptures to remind me differently. For God knows the plans He has for me, and they are plans for prosperity and are not intended for my demise. This eliminates the fear that may arise in me at times, knowing that if I let God make the necessary adjustments in me and trust in Him, then He will bring His will to pass in my life.
Remember all things are working together for our good and towards that future that is in the heart of God concerning us.
In Numbers 9:8, Moses instructed his people to stand still, and he would hear what the Lord commanded concerning them. So with this new sunrise, I ask the question of God, "What will you have me to do?". Then, I will listen for His direction. I will trust Him that my steps are ordered. I will believe, that with all gentleness, He is placing my feet step by step in the direction they ought to go.
Thank God that He does not give us what we want, when we want it. Yet, He uses situations to reveal our true nature, so that He can dig around our roots and fix us, so that we are fit for His use.
In those times when I feel as though I have been passed over or forgotten by God, I'll allow the scriptures to remind me differently. For God knows the plans He has for me, and they are plans for prosperity and are not intended for my demise. This eliminates the fear that may arise in me at times, knowing that if I let God make the necessary adjustments in me and trust in Him, then He will bring His will to pass in my life.
Remember all things are working together for our good and towards that future that is in the heart of God concerning us.
In Numbers 9:8, Moses instructed his people to stand still, and he would hear what the Lord commanded concerning them. So with this new sunrise, I ask the question of God, "What will you have me to do?". Then, I will listen for His direction. I will trust Him that my steps are ordered. I will believe, that with all gentleness, He is placing my feet step by step in the direction they ought to go.
11/07/2010
Welcome, Summer!
I wrote this poem three years ago; back when I only wrote when the exact mood struck me. My immediate family had decided to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with the in-laws in Arkansas. From that day until this, I can honestly say that 2007 is the coldest winter I have ever lived through. That particular winter began in October and went well into March. Our winter clothes had literally worn out by the end of that unbelievably, long freeze.
There I sat, entertaining myself in the backseat of my father's truck, as we rolled down the heavy highway. My headphones placed snug around my ears, as I prepared to be captivated by the soulful and anointed vocals of Yolanda Adams. I was singing along to the live version of The Battle is the Lord's.
There's no pain, Jesus can't feel.
There is no hurt, that He cannot heal.
All things work according to the Masters purpose and His holy will.
Love it! I was thanking God for all the many undeserved blessings in my life. I say undeserved, God says it is His pleasure to bless us. Things don't always work out the way we plan but all things do work together for the good of those who love the Lord.
I always tell the Lord, that He and I have known each other a long time. We have been through so many seasons of life together. The memories of our experiences just allowed a bittersweet smile to wash over my face. I can't help but think God just smiled at me with a somewhat similar thought.
Now, I've been told I have this backwards and that the Fall or Autumn season actually represents new beginnings, therefore, I'm going to post this in the Fall. Apparently, my interpretation of life's seasons are a bit different from the rest of the world. If I change it now, the poem would be called "Welcome Fall". That just doesn't resonate the same with me. It loses something in translation. Just go with me on this one.
Summer, in my opinion, represents fullness and prosperity. We know that to everything there is a season and nature itself teaches us that the change of seasons will surely come. For this reason, I will enjoy every interval of my life, no matter how bitterly cold. God is allowing me to reside in that season for a purpose.
I penned the following on November 23, 2007 with great anticipation of what God had in store for me.
Welcome, Summer!
I greet you with opened arms.
I can finally feel
The warmth of the Son
As I lift my hands.
My hope is revived
Through your mercy.
My strength is increased
By your love.
Fall came and brought
Fear and lifelessness.
The bitter cold of winter
Followed close behind.
Spring applied healing
To a wounded heart,
Leaving only the scars
Of war upon my cheeks.
And now, the pain
and loss left by Winter,
Only a memory.
I emerge victorious
By your grace.
But, oh! Summer
Welcome. I embrace you -
As I march forward
Victory to victory.
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