Divine Image

B.E.L.I.E.V.E.

2013-01-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

God has promised us life in abundance, to the full, till it overflows (see John 10:10 Amplified Bible). He is not going to go back on His promise. It is time to truly live in God’s economy, the Kingdom of God, and trust that He is well able to fulfill all He has promised. Don’t be concerned about the “cliff” or the storms and chaos in the nations. God is not looking at the world and trying to figure out how He can keep His promise to us, His children. Through prayer, you establish His will to be done in this earth and simply – B.E.L.I.E.V.E.

Boldly

Experience

Life

Expectation of

Victory

Everyday

The Storms of Life Swirled Around Me

2012-10-30T00:00:00.001-04:00

I’ve come to the realization that when bad things happen, and you have no one to talk to, God is the greatest comforter and constant you could ever need. You can’t see him, but when you really need it, his comfort is greater than any embrace you could receive and more warming than any hand you could ever hold. Today when I got home from school today, I needed that comfort more than anything. I ate, played Chefville on facebook, watched two episodes of a new TV show, and hugged my pillow. I even shed a few tears. And, after resting for a few hours and talking to God, I felt enormously better.

Today I saw what I think was a black widow spider hanging from the rafters in the Art Annex. First off, I do not like spiders. They’re cool to look at inside of a terrarium, but once they’re out and about and have the potential to land on me, I’m not alright. I asked a guy in my class to kill it. He wouldn’t but he was more than willing to get rid of it. But once we all got to talking about it, my teacher said, “Well this is a warehouse…Spiders are pretty rampant.” I said, “Yes, but I can’t see them,” and the Lord rebuked me. He said, “Naturally, if you do not see them, they do not exist.” How stupid does that sound? Because I can’t see these spiders, they aren’t really here. I’m convinced we treat God and his promises like this. We have to remind ourselves constantly never to allow our circumstances to dictate how we feel. There is no limit to what God is able to do and repeating this to myself when things happen that are difficult to handle has done WONDERS for myself over the years. I don’t stress about small things. I don’t freak out or get angry as often as I used to. Life goes on, and on, and on and eventually, you have to realize that life is not as bad as you make it out to be.

During this time waiting for a mate, I’ve begun to discover that the things that are important in your life really don’t matter. These patches of dark in life: car accidents, family deaths, getting fired, failing a test — are all just tiny moments of pain that we somehow maximize in our minds as things that are all consuming. We act like these things that happen to us somehow make life and ourselves less worthwhile. And, from there, we grasp at straws and strive for things that we aren’t called to. This is especially true when it comes to relationships. Somehow, we maximize not having a hand to hold as something extremely horrible. Because of this, we wear our hearts on our shoulders, and fall for any person willing to pay us any attention. Then, we get disappointed when they aren’t interested when we never really cared for them to begin with. I did that today, I’m ashamed to say; and I kicked myself because it was so moronic that I was being like that when I know better. Something my pastor has said though, is that sometimes it takes time for our emotions to line up with what we know to be true.

Here’s the truth: being single is NEVER a bad thing. Singleness opens a person’s days up for meditation on God (1 Corinthians 7). When a person is single, they don’t have to plan out their day with another person in mind and they don’t have to endure the same drama that married people do. So, to my readers, go hug a pillow and talk to God. Don’t be so consumed with having someone that you forget the Someone who promised never to leave you or forsake you. And, when you do get married, take as many pictures as you can, cherish every moment, try everything and go everywhere. We only have this life on earth and there is no marriage in Heaven. Place high value on singleness and on marriage. You only live once.

To my husband: As always,
I have loved you since today.

April Morton, Author of I have loved you since… is a writer, student and designer with a love for all things bridal.

What Kind of Fruit is That?

2012-10-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Galatians 5:22 talks about the fruit of the Spirit, what kind of fruit is that? Is it an apple fruit, a pear fruit? Let me give you an analogy: Imagine a whole orange, now peel that orange and divide the pieces. Although you’ve divided it into pieces, is it still an orange? Yes!

The fruit is the character of God and the pieces of that character are God's love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, patience and self-control. This “fruit” is how we are to interact with people as believers. Every person we meet we give them a piece (or pieces) of fruit.

I know you're probably thinking, giving away pieces of fruit is easier said then done. I would be the first to agree, but let me remind you, as I often remind myself...We are a new creature in Christ, old things have passed away and all things are new! (See 2 Corinthians 5:17) The day we confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, we got our character fruit, the task is freely giving it away. The cool thing about this kind of fruit – it is ever replenishing, you never run out of it.

Divine Life Skill™:

Fruit Give Away Action Plan:

1. Renew your mind with the Word of God. Change how you think, because how you think determines how you act. You cannot move in any of the things of God with stinkin' thinkin'. Romans 12:2, Galatians 5:22
2. Study the Word, meditate on it and confess it. What you don’t know, you can’t do. Joshua 1:8. 2 Timothy 2:15, Proverbs 18:21
3. Believe that you can truly live this way. Mark 9:23
4. Step out in faith - “I walk in the Fruit of The Spirit!” Just do it! All of heaven is on your side - you got this! Psalm 103:20, Hebrews 10:38

Now you are equipped to give away the fruit!

Eliminating Flirtatiousness

2012-10-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Something that is becoming more and more apparent to me during this season is that I have a problem with flirting. What I’ve discovered is that when I flirt, it’s really me acting out of the un-renewed part of me. My un-renewed self has a tantrum and my spirit – the continually transformed me that operates according to the word of God no matter what – is always ill at ease and understands that I must make God my all. Something that God ministered to me on this is that as I wait for you, God must become my husband because only then will I become a better version of me and a better match for you. Only then will I be able to receive all the comfort he has for me, especially when it comes to this waiting period.

There is immense power in hugging a pillow and praying for the God of all comfort to wrap his arms around you. But the most powerful thing a person can do during this time is to tell their flesh NO. When I say “flesh,” I don’t mean “flesh” as in “sexual desire” – although it can be that. In this particular situation, when I say “flesh,” I mean the burden of loneliness. Just like the way God manifests himself as the answer to any question or problem in your life, and as the fulfillment of any need in your life, the flesh can also manifest itself as anything in your life. Thinking about it now, when I said that I stopped allowing myself to become lonely, what I really should have said was that I no longer allow myself to wallow in depression over feeling lonesome. Here’s why: being flirtatious is just another manifestation of that same loneliness.

You see, something my pastor said today that I thought was absolutely powerful was, “Satan tempts us in the language we know based on the images and words we’ve been previously exposed to.” On an everyday basis, we are constantly bombarded with words and images that spark things in us that don’t need to be awakened and provoke loneliness in us when we have no reason to feel that way. This is why it is so important to be careful about the romantic movies you watch, romance novels you read, what music you listen to, whose counsel you heed, and what relationships you allow into your life. What I had to discover was that when I get bombarded with words and images, all it really is a strategic attack of the enemy to get me to doubt Gods promises in my life. But, instead of responding with the Word, I didn’t even notice that I was responding by flirting with any guy that would pay me any attention.

Pastor Mike said, “These words and images become part of Satan’s arsenal for temptation and suggestion in your life.” This temptation can come in many different forms; but when it comes to this intimacy struggle, the main forms that it can take are self-pity, loneliness, depression, low self-esteem, and the illusion of something you’re “missing,” but really, you aren’t “missing” anything. There are two separate graces required for singleness and marriage and when you allow yourself to feel any of these ways, you end up cursing your portion; you end up saying that God is not enough and that he’s somehow inept at supplying any need you may have, or at giving you the desires of your heart.

The fact of the matter is that “what you don’t have now, you don’t need now (Michael T. Smith).” I had to learn that you can’t force yourself to be in a grace you’re not prepared for. You haven’t learned yourself yet and you haven’t become the person God destined you to be yet. It’s like a little girl trying on her mother’s shoes: you aren’t ready to fill those shoes yet. I’ve tried so often to force a grace that’s not on me yet and all it’s done is scratched the insides of my soul and led to too many heartbreaks and heartaches.

So, to my readers, I leave you with this final thought: “Marriage is NOT a cure all (Creflo A. Dollar).” If you don’t take care of your loneliness and discipline your flesh when it comes to this intimacy struggle now, you will be unfulfilled in marriage.

To my husband, my commitment to you is that I will be faithful in the Grace I’ve been given. I promise you that I will be content in this waiting period the way that I will be content being married to you. I won’t settle for second best and miss out on you, and I won’t allow myself to operate in mediocrity. I promise to be a representation of God’s love and grace in your life always.

As always,

I have loved you since today.

April Morton, Author of I have loved you since… is a writer, student and designer with a love for all things bridal.

The Contract

2012-10-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

I was reading a book that my friend Dietrice let me borrow called And The Bride Wore White by Dannah Gresh; it’s an absolute MUST READ for any young woman of any age, and as I read it, I came across the Loose Lips Contract and Strategic Exit Phrases. I took the liberty of pasting my own below.

Loose Lip Contract
I will keep my lips loose on a date. I commit to do the following (Gresh):

A. I will begin each dating relationship with a “tennis-ball” load of questions. Once I have found someone who meets my “dream” list, I will date him using these guidelines for conversation (Gresh):

I will not discuss marriage to him until he romantically and lovingly makes the commitment to ask me to marry him (Gresh).
I will not discuss sex, physical contact, or my physical desires with him (Gresh).
I will keep physical contact to a minimum: the line stops at holding hands;
I will restrict our meetings to public places and remain vertical.
I will communicate a desire to live a lifestyle of purity (Gresh).

B. If I ever find myself out of bounds, I will cease immediately and point myself towards these strategic exit phrases:

Isn’t it cool that God is watching us every minute (Gresh)?
Hey, have I told you that my father dusts me for fingerprints when I get home from a date (Gresh)?
Did you know that my dad was in the military? He knows about one hundred ways to kill someone and not leave any evidence.
Did you know that my dad owns four shotguns and a Cadillac?
I think I just started my period.
I don’t feel well, can you take me home?
I recently got over a UTI and I have to pee. Can you take me somewhere?
You probably shouldn’t get too close. I have a pretty strong can of mace that can explode any minute.
Is my taser on? Let me make sure it is.
I think this is going too far, too fast. Please get off of me.

SIGNATURE: April Morton
DATE: September 14, 2012

Please be aware that this is Dannah Gresh’s Loose Lip contract but it is tailored to myself and the last eight exit phrases belong to me. This contract is not particularly formal, but it is very useful. I would encourage you to make your own following the same format as the one listed under Documents in the tabs above. I urge you, please don’t take this contract lightly. When you write your eight additional exit phrases and sign your name you are committing to walk this out through hell or high water. Commit to it. Also included on this site is a page on the levels of intimacy in relationships also found in the book. Something that the author, Dannah Gresh, advised was to write out where your line was; in other words, where you will not go in regards to intimacy, until you are married. When I was completing this activity, I had determined to have my line stop at holding hands. I vowed that I would never kiss a man again until I’d met the man that I was going to marry and he had proposed. Needless to say, this was easier said than done.

It took a while before the seriousness of my commitment sank in and I made many mistakes in relationships along the way. But when I seriously committed to this contract, I went out of the dating game for a while. When I finally did start seeing someone again, while I maintained purity, I lowered my standard. I behaved like a woman on the verge of getting married rather than what I was: a single, unattached woman of God. Neither of us had any claims on the other and our parents and even our mentors saw that neither of us was ready or mature enough for that type of commitment. We were in the throws of puppy love, not GOD ORDAINED love.

Once that relationship was over, and I had gotten past my grief at losing him, and my anger at having my heart broken, I began to discover something that I hadn’t realized about that relationship. That relationship had been so all consuming to me, that I had thought it was the ultimate, but looking back, I was willing to overlook all reason to be with him. Things had happened so quickly and I was so completely head over heels for him, that I had begun to neglect the wisdom of people in my life who I had already asked to keep me in line; and no one could say anything to me contrary to what I was feeling because how could they understand?

My lesson to you, dear reader, is don’t EVER abandon the wisdom of people in your life. Always value it because it could save you from heartache. When I was with him, No one was on board with my decision; not because my choice in who I wanted to be with wasn’t of any value, it just wasn’t what was best for me. “You have to ask yourself, how of God the relationship really is, if you have to hurt yourself or others to keep it,” these are the words my pastor said not too long ago in regards to this very issue. I was hurting myself by neglecting the wisdom that would have saved me from time wasted and from heartache.

What I’ve come to understand is that when the time is right, and you meet the person you believe that God intended for you, “there will be agreement from everyone that matters (Michael T. Smith)” that this relationship is God ordained. I’ve realized that struggling to find something that I never needed to piece together has been completely unnecessary. “God knows exactly what you’ll need for the correct season of life that you’ll need it in (Michael T. Smith).” You don’t need to struggle to be in God’s perfect will for your life and you don’t need to struggle to make a man fit the criteria for the man. At the end of the day, the person you have forced to fit that mold will never truly fit that mold, they’ll simply be what they were: a man. Only the person God intended for you will truly be everything you ever wanted and then some. But make sure you know what to look for, because when that time comes, the experience of it is completely beyond anything you could have ever dreamed. When that day comes, you want to be able to say with confidence, “You were worth waiting for.”
To all of you who are curious, I’ll be sure to post my list on the blog under “Documents” along with the Loose Lips Contract and the Steps to Physical Intimacy for downloading purposes.

To my husband,

Those very words are what I’ve always wanted to say to you. Pretty words in a page-and-a-half length letter would never have compared to those five words: You were worth waiting for. I’m writing today in a room next to some windows overlooking the St. Johns. I hope these words reach you well. As always,
I’ve loved you since today.

April Morton, Author of I have loved you since… is a writer, student and designer with a love for all things bridal.

I am Not a Survivor

2012-10-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

I am Not a Survivor

I am Not a survivor, but an over comer.

When sickness comes my way – even the big “C” – know assuredly you’ll leave as a loser today.

Financial destruction, loss of limb – whatever It is. I don’t merely outlast It or outlive It, I triumph over It!

I look you dead in the face and I say: “thanks be to God which always causes to me to triumph!” I am Not a survivor but an over comer. I defeat and cause to cease to exist – When I’m done it is over, ‘cause I’m an over comer.

We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the Word of our testimony-so I testify that Jesus’ blood that was shed for me that seals me in a Covenant of Blessing with Almighty God, it has made me free.

Free to overcome any destruction, harm, loss, sickness, attack, lack…

I don’t merely outlive or outlast, but I stand on top victoriously – and I testify: I am Not a survivor, but I am an over comer.

Joneen

10/9/07

...Being at the Salon with my Mom

2012-09-27T13:42:00.001-04:00

It’s amazing how you notice more and more couples with each day.

My former stylist Vicki has a significant other. She only has a little while longer until she’s married. I watched the tenderness with which her guy spoke to her and how he came with food to make sure that she ate while she’s here at work. I just smiled. It was so sweet to me. Some people would ask if that makes me feel lonely. It never does anymore. Something I’ve learned is that during this time, Satan tries to emphasize these moments in your mind and make you feel tormented about not having anyone in your life. But all I do is smile with anticipation and expectation of the harvest God is bringing into my life: You. I have nothing else to do but get excited! What reason would I have to wallow in self-pity and feel sorry for myself when I should be rejoicing for the people around me and eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises in my life? I figure if God was faithful enough to see Adam’s need without Adam being aware of any lack, he is absolutely faithful enough to grant me this. A mate is no huge thing for God. In fact, there’s so much more that he can do besides that.

The truth is I stopped allowing myself to become lonely a long time ago. I’ve come to understand that anyone that is lonely before they get married will be lonely in marriage and I don’t want to bring that type of drama into your life. I love you too much for that. You shouldn’t have to tell me fifty times before you go anywhere that you’re coming back or that you love me. Something I’ve learned is that if I am to expect God’s ideal mate for me, I have to be the woman God created me to be. I have to operate according to my original purpose and intent as a woman outlined in Genesis and in Proverbs 3 and Proverbs 31. Being clingy and irritating does not fall anywhere under that original intent.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that. As always,
I have loved you since today.

April Morton, Author of I have loved you since… is a writer, student and designer with a love for all things bridal.

Got Hope?

2012-08-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines hope as; ¹to desire with expectation of obtainment; ² to expect with confidence.

Read the following scriptures:

1. “For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.” (Psalm 71:5)

2. “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11, AMP)

3. “Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” (1 Peter 1:21)

4. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:13)

Do you have hope? In whom or what do you place that hope? Maybe you have been hurt in the past and have let go of your hope. Been there, done that, have the t-shirt! J

Let me encourage you today, to place your hope in God and you will not be disappointed. Begin to expect with confidence that God will surely comfort you, deliver you, restore relationships, prosper you, and heal you, your family…whatever you need. He is ALL that! He is El Shaddai (see Exodus 6:2-3), God Almighty!

Meditate on the above scriptures until you are convinced that...God is a God of hope! We don’t have to look to others or ourselves but only to Him. Don’t give up, have hope in God. Hallelujah!

2012-07-02T19:12:00.002-04:00

Be Divine

I am a Divine Image. That’s something we need to internalize. We are created to be just like our Daddy! We’re all Daddies’ girls.

Perhaps your relationship with your father in the natural was not great; maybe you don’t know who your father is. This is for you: your Father is in heaven and He created you to be just like Him. He made you to walk in power and authority, to master the situations and circumstances in life – not to be mastered. He made you to hold your head high and not settle for less than His best. He equipped you with His Spirit – His overcoming Spirit. He made you to get back up when you fall (or are knocked down), He’s daily calling you to know who you truly are and rise up and be Divine. He has a purpose for you and as you begin to acknowledge Him and allow him to show you who you truly are…the best days of your life will unfold before you.

Just be Divine.

Living By Faith - Part I message a Gift From the Archives: First Appearing in June 2005

2012-01-07T22:16:00.002-05:00

Title:	Living by Faith – Part I
Objective:	To provide an understanding of living by faith
What: What is Faith?	Faith is the substance of things you have hoped for and it is the evidence of things you do not yet see. · Hebrews 11:1-3 Faith is a spiritual force not a philosophical point or intellectual fact. Faith = the Word of God a. God creates with words · Genesis 1:3,6,7,9,11 b. God created everything that exists · Colossians 1:16 Because faith is the substance of things, and God created all things by first speaking them into existence we can conclude that faith=the Word of God Faith works by love · Galatians 5:6 Worketh: to be operative, be at work, put forth power
Why: Why is love important to faith?	Love is the greatest commandment · Matthew 22:36-38 All the laws (commandments) are dependent upon love · Matthew 22:40 · Romans 13:10 God is love (Greek: Agape) · 1 John 4:16 Love: brotherly love, affection, good will, benevolence Love is the distinguishing mark of a child of God · John 13:35
How: How do I develop love so that faith works?	Be born again – God’s love is placed in our hearts when we receive salvation · Romans 5:5 Study God’s love · 1Corinthians 13:4-8 · 2 Timothy 2:15 use your bible dictionary and concordance to research all references of the word love throughout the bible to gain an understanding of Gods love Renew your mind – God’s love is not the same as human love · Romans 12:2 Keep it real · Romans 12:9 Dissimulation: unfeigned, undisguised, sincere
Conclusion:	Imagine there is no electricity in your home. You plug in a lamp and turn on the switch, but there will be no light shining because there is no power, electricity, flowing. So is faith, you can plug it in (get the word) and turn on the switch (speak the word) but there will be no light shining because there is no power, love, flowing. If you do not have love, faith will not work. If we simply release love (Agape), which is in us, to everyone we meet, then everyone will know the love of God. Once they know God’s love, they can receive His goodness and God’s goodness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Let’s purpose to renew our minds and allow the love of God in us to come out so that our faith can be operative. We live in a dark world, but we are called to be the light (Matthew 5:14, 16). It takes faith to lead someone to salvation through Jesus and faith to live. Don’t let your faith be inoperative because you refuse to let the power of love flow.
Definitions taken from:	Greek lexicon based on Thayer's and Smith's Bible Dictionary plus others; this is keyed to the large Kittel and the "Theological Dictionary of the New Testament." These files are public domain.

12 Years and Counting!

2011-10-06T23:30:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we celebrated our 12th anniversary. We've had some great times and some not so great times, but I'm glad we've hung in there together. We decided before we wed that divorce was not an option, I would say, jokingly; "this is 'til death do us part, now if I have to kill you to get out than..."

Divorce not an option? Is she kidding? No, I'm serious. Trust me, I considered it many times, but I finally decided to honor our earlier decision. That just means we have to work harder to communicate, be honest, and walk in integrity with each other. We have to remember we have a covenant not a contract. It is an exchange of his strengths for my weaknesses and vice versa. So we learn about each other, adapt and grow together.

God honors the covenant of marriage and He has shown us repeatedly that He is for us. He has surrounded us with friends, family, Pastors who build us up and encourage us to hold on to the covenant.

I am grateful for the 12 years we have shared and looking forward to more!

Joneen

The best advice that I can give to a single person wanting to get married, newlyweds, or couples that have been married a while is to settle in your spirit that divorce is not an option; this closes the door to the enemy. If divorce is always your "trump card", your "ace in the hole" if things getrough, if he/she gets on your very LAST nerve, an option to divorce is an open door for the enemy to come in. 1 Peter 5:8 says, " Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Don't give any place in your relationship to the devil. Close the divorce door now.

This past weekend, we celebrated our 12th anniversary. As Jody said, we've had some great times and some not so great times, but once the big "D" card is off the table, it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Not bad work, but just work. We have to continually work on our marriage, our communication, etc. It really helps hearing the testimonies of older couples who are still learning new ways to communicate, new ways to get along, and new ways to let things that don't matter go. The first dozen is in the books and now I am expecting greater manifestation of God's goodness through our covenant in the next 12.

Keep Going Forward

Shawn

Brownie & Me II

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

When we were last together, I was sharing what I had learned from my feathered friend Brownie and her family. Brownie sat on her hatchlings for about 2 weeks, and then they arrived! I'm pretty sure I was more excited than Brownie. :) She had 4 hatchlings and it was really great to watch them grow.

So what did this feathered family teach me?

1. Brownie prepared for her future diligently. She didn't wait until she was ready to lay her eggs, but rather, she scouted the area and chose a safe, high place. "The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want." (Proverbs 21:5)

2. The place she chose was high above scavenger threats, shielded from the sun and storms - a hiding place. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1)

3. Brownie was the only source of nourishment for her hatchlings. They simply sat comfortably in the nest with their mouths open wide and waited for her to come and feed them. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

4. When it was time for the hatchlings to learn to fly, Brownie had a "little chat" with them. Actually, it was more like a coach yelling at their team, but it was effective! Brownie stood nearby, chirping loudly, as each hatchling took their first leap. "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21)

I learned a lot about my relationship with God by watching Brownie. The greatest lesson I have learned is; at times I must "Be still, and know that [He is] God: [He] will be exalted among the heathen, [He] will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)

Brownie's nest remains where she built it as a reminder; if I begin to feel overwhelmed, I only need to sit comfortably and wait for my Father to feed me.

"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" Matthew 6:26

A Child of Promise

2011-09-06T22:03:00.001-04:00

In my August Divine Letter to you I spoke about living by faith; using the analogy of faith and pregnancy and sharing how my eldest son was born after his due date. I wanted to expound on my experience with my son's birth, because I believe that it will help you, as it helps me, to walk out the faith process.

Living by faith involves:

1. Conceiving the promises of God (Mark 4:20)

2. Carrying the promises by hiding them in our hearts (Luke 2:19)

3. Nourishing the promises by guarding our hearts while continuing to hear and speak the promises of God (Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 18:20-21; Romans 10:17)

4. Birthing the promises (Romans 4:17-21; Galatians 6:7-9)

My eldest son is my child of promise. In February 2003, I was leaving out of a salon and a client's husband stopped me, saying;" I don't usually do this, but the Lord told me to tell you that you are going to have a son." I thanked him and continued on, knowing that he had heard from God, because earlier that same morning I had met with my doctor to discuss having a baby. I had conceived the promise from God and began carrying it in my heart. (See steps 1 & 2)

In March of 2003, I was pregnant! Excited does not begin to explain how I felt and I began preparing for my son. My first preparation was to read the book Supernatural Childbirth by Jackie Mize. I read that book and confessed the Word of God -His promises daily. (Step 3)

The excitement I felt learning that I was pregnant was only surpassed by the feeling of devastation when on Easter Sunday 2003 I miscarried. What had happened to the promise?!! What did I do? Doubt immediately flooded in, but living by faith requires us to believe, without doubting, the promises of God.

v Oftentimes there are huge obstacles between the promise given and the promise manifested.

I was in bed for 3 days recovering from the miscarriage and subsequent surgery. On the 5th day, I was to attend a leadership conference that I had planned. I can tell you I was in no mood to attend anything! I had cried the first and second day; by the third day I was rested and assured that I would one day have children. No one had spoken a prophetic word to me; it was just a deep knowing on the inside that the promise was still alive. At that conference, I began to praise God and then He began to speak. I left the event knowing that at the appointed time I would be giving birth to a son.

40 days later we conceived...and my child of promise is now 7 years old!

I'm sharing this blog to encourage you, as well as myself. As believers we never stop living by faith, there is always a promise, a victory to be achieved and a testimony to share to help others.

"(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." Romans 4:17-21

Brownie & Me

2011-08-22T17:43:00.002-04:00

I watched day by day as she carried a few items to her new home; confidently preparing for her future. At times, she would drop a few things, but I knew she didn't want my help, so I silently watched. Two weeks passed and there she was...my brown feathered friend. Ordinarily, I'm not a bird watcher, but what drew my attention to this bird is how she diligently built her nest. She'd fly off and come back each time with more twigs, branches, feathers etc. I thought to myself; "she leaves, not wondering if she'll find material, but expecting to find it."

"Behold the fowls of the air: ..." Matthew 6:25

So, I beheld. Another few weeks passed; lying in bed late one night, I heard this odd sound. It sounded like a bird and a frog! "She must be laying her eggs!" I thought excitedly. The next morning I was at my window at first light, to see my brown feathered friend ("Brownie") seated in her nest; and so I beheld, waiting for the hatchlings arrival.

What I learned while I watched and waited:

I had several weeks with Brownie; she and her family taught me many things. Visit us next week as I share more of Brownie & me.

Make a Change

2011-07-12T00:00:00.003-04:00

Look at all the chaos, hate, death and foolishness in the world, it seems like Satan has full rule and reign; but looks can be deceiving. You want to see the real picture? Follow after God whole-heartedly and exercise your authority as a believer and do what you know to do.

Stop allowing the powers of darkness and the rulers and principalities of this world to rule when you, BELIEVER, have the authority! We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony... yet I hear very few of us testifying, while the Devil and his crew testify 24/7 on TV, radio, and internet. (Read Revelation12:11)

You want to see the world change? Be a world changer - stop giving your God given authority away (read Luke 10:19) by being passive, lukewarm, "I don't know if I can" believers. Hear, believe, act and testify of His wonders & works.

The Dirty Little Word in Marriage

2011-06-30T18:39:00.001-04:00

After 12 years of marriage, I’ve finally heard it. People had told me about it, they said it was something I should have known about from day one. I guess I missed it all these years; that dirty little word in marriage: submission.

You may be thinking that you should stop reading now, but don’t! I’m going to share with you about me and submission; and I think it will entertain you because it’s amusing to me.

My husband, Shawn and I married in 1999; I was 29 years old. Now, to me, when I heard teachings on submission, I understood it. No more explanation needed; "I got this. I’m not actually going to do it, but I got it.” You see, it was my husband who had the issue, of course it wasn’t me. Shawn wanted me to submit to…what? I needed a vision, a mission; submission means to come up under the mission of another; so I’m looking at him like – what’s your mission? Ah, but no worries, my years of singlehood had taught me well. "I got this, I don’t need any help ~ I will define your mission.” Is there any question in your mind how this has fared over the years?

Shawn and I have a good marriage, but Jesus did not die for our lives to be good, average or mediocre. He came to give us life and life more abundantly (Read John 10:10). So, after 11 years and 3 months of marriage, God is helping me to understand that dirty little word. Here is what I am learning:

First, submission is not a dirty word! It is God’s divine plan for the Body of Christ so that the will of God is established on earth as it is in heaven. God only has goodness for us and submission is part of that goodness.

Second, submission to God is first before you can submit to your husband. My obedience is to God and therefore I willingly submit to my husband. Finally, whether my husband submits to me or not (Read Ephesians 5:21-33), provides a mission for me or not, I don’t have the liberty to disobey God.

The fact is Shawn has his own personal relationship with God and He is able to work in my husband just as He works in me. My obedience to God demonstrates more to my husband than my demands, attitudes and sarcasm.

I’m still in the baby steps of submission, the little things: Get Shawn a drink if he asks, help him work on his resume, etc. Not that I wouldn’t do those things before, but in my heart I would be grumbling. Note: grumbling is not a mark of submission. Submission is not just getting under the mission; it is a willingness to get under the mission. It’s an attitude of the heart. Again, I am learning, so it’s a process and sometimes I mess up. I’m fortunate to have a loving, forgiving heavenly Father and a loving, forgiving husband. I’m pressing in for the abundant life in our marriage.

Onward and upward in Him!

Joneen

As Joneen stated, we got married in 1999; I was also 29 years old. That’s 11 years as an adult, learning and forming my opinions as to what marriage is all about. 11 years deciding what kind of husband I wanted to be and what kind of wife I wanted. Some of my thoughts lined up with the Word of God and some didn't.

Our former Pastors would preach about submission and get lots of applause and Amen’s from the men in the congregation. Of course they would teach that the men should also submit themselves to their wives. I can’t speak for the other men, but my un-renewed mind didn’t receive that part of the teaching. I would think: "What is wrong with this woman?” Because at times, it seemed like I was in a fight with Mike Tyson (the 20 year old Mike Tyson). I felt like no matter what I said or did, there was always a counterpunch, a comment, or just plain resistance; so I would eventually just shut down. This went on for many years; I now realize this is not how to lead or submit.

God doesn’t contradict Himself, His word says, "Whoso findeth a wife, findeth a good thing and obtaineth favour of the Lord.” (See Proverbs 18:22) I didn’t see my favor or my good! I knew enough to know that God wasn’t the problem and that His word is the truth, so it had to be me.

As I have matured as a Christian, I have realized that obedience is not optional. As a husband that wasn’t totally submitted and obedient to God first, I was struggling to lead my wife and family. I’m sure she felt like she was being led over a cliff. God to the rescue!

As I commit myself wholly unto God’s will, God’s plan for my life, He is continually leading and guiding me. Teaching me to be the Husband, Father, the man of God He has called me to be. I can now submit myself to my wife, taking no thought of protecting myself or my authority as the "Head of the Household.” I am submitted to God first, so I can receive my wife as the blessing that God gave me and partake of the favor that is already set aside for me.

Joneen and I have a good marriage, but we are pursuing great. We will not settle for anything less than what God says our marriage can be.

Keep going forward!

Shawn

For All Have Sinned...

2011-05-31T00:00:00.003-04:00

Title:	For All Have Sinned…
Objective:	A explanation of Romans 3:23-24
What: Definitions	Romans 3:23-24, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Sinned: to err, to miss the mark, to not share in the prize Short: come behind, fail, lack, suffer need, be in want Glory: dignity, honor, praise, worship Justified: to render, show or regard as just or innocent Freely: without a cause, for nothing Grace: benefit, favor, gift, liberality Redemption: ransom in full, riddance Christ: Anointed Jesus: He Who saves. Translated verses Romans 3:23-24: For all have missed the mark and so not shared in the prize, and lacked or been in want of the dignity, honor, praise and worship of God; being rendered and shown and regarded as just or innocent freely (without cause, for nothing) by His favor, benefit, gift and liberality through the Anointed One Who saves.
Why: Why is it important to understand these verses?	Traditional teachings of some verses, not in proper context, has led some to believe two points 1. we are all sinners · Romans 3:23 * once the definitions are given and the first few chapters of Romans have been studied, the understanding is; we were all sinners before our salvation through Christ. 2. we are all "filthy rags” · Isaiah 64:6 * this was one person speaking about the rebellious Israelites and how "[their] righteousnesses” (i.e. the works they had done to obtain righteousness with God) were as filthy rags. (read Titus 3:5) The truth sets us free 1. we are saved and no longer sinners · Romans 5:18-6:2 · Romans 8:10 2. we are still capable of committing sin, the choice is ours to make · Romans 7:22-8:4 3. we have a right to seek God’s forgiveness every time we miss the mark · 1 John 1:9 · Romans 8:1
How: How do you get a better understanding of verses?	Ask God, seek godly counsel · 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 · James 1:5 · Proverbs 4:7 Study by cross referencing verses, using dictionaries and concordances · 2 Timothy 2:15 · 2 Timothy 3:16-17 · Romans 15:4 When studying scripture, we should determine who was being spoken to or about in the verses. · It aids in our understanding to know the speakers of the verses. Be quick to believe the love of God. · God is not trying to punish us, but rather perfect (make complete) us, study the Word through the eyes of love, not condemnation. Don’t think that God is trying to make you feel guilty when you read His Word. · Romans 8:1 Meditate · Joshua 1:8
Conclusion:	Each of us at some point has fallen (or will fall) short of the mark (sin). But thank God, He is not expecting perfection in deed, but a heart that is perfect towards Him and therefore quick to recognize, admit and repent of our sins. We have all missed the mark and are all freely regarded as innocent through the ransom that was paid in full by the Anointed One Who saves. We are not sinners (devoted to sin, not free from sin, preeminently evil), but rather the righteousness of God (1 Corinthians 1:30). So when we miss the mark, we can go to our Father with a heart or repentance, receive His compassionate forgiveness, and keep going forward in the life He has designed for us.
Definitions taken from:	Greek lexicon based on Thayer's and Smith's Bible Dictionary plus others; this is keyed to the large Kittel and the "Theological Dictionary of the New Testament." These files are public domain.

Hearing God

2011-05-24T00:00:00.003-04:00

Title:	Hearing God
Objective:	To give an understanding of how to hear from God
What:	Our success depends on spending time in the presence of God. Prayer (communication) with our Father is one way we spend time in His presence. Prayer is a dialogue. We speak-God listens, He speaks we-listen, it’s hearing God’s instructions, reproof, correction…that enables us to live a successful life.
Why:	Why is it important to hear from God? · God judges those who refuse to hear Jeremiah 13:6-17, 25 · God is faithful to the repentant Jeremiah 33:3, 7-9, 11 · Success depends on hearkening to God Matthew 7:24-27, Proverbs 3:6
How:	How do I hear from God? 1. Be expectant Acts 3:5; Isaiah 30:21 2. Practice the presence of God so you will know His voice Pray without ceasing, pray in the Spirit , be quiet, John 10:27,1Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 8:26-27, Psalm 46:10, 1King 19:12 3. Balance and confirm what you heard with the teaching of scriptures you have received 2Timothy 3:14-17 4. Wait for the peace of God Colossians 3:15 5. If you doubt you’ve heard, then don’t act on it until you’re sure Romans 14:23, what is not of faith is sin 6. Seek Godly counsel Proverbs 24:6 7. Boldly obey Matthew 14:27-29 5 keys to know that I have heard from God 1. When God speaks, it goes against the reasoning and rationalizations of this world Isaiah 55:8-9 2. When God speaks, it requires faith for us to do Genesis 12: 1-4 3. When God speaks, it requires courage to do Joshua 1:9 4. When God speaks, it lines up with His written Word Numbers 23:19 5. When God speaks, you have peace Colossians 3:15
Conclusion:	Hearing from God is not only for those who have been called into the five fold ministry, but for every believer. We all have an assignment as ambassadors for Christ (2Corinthians 5:20) and we cannot represent our God in this earth without hearing from Him what we should be doing. Spend quality time each day, reading, studying , praying , talking with God. Just as you invest in your relationships with those in your life, even more you should invest time into your relationship with God.
Definitions taken from:	Greek lexicon based on Thayer's and Smith's Bible Dictionary plus others; this is keyed to the large Kittel and the "Theological Dictionary of the New Testament." These files are public domain.

Change Your Mind...Change Your Address

2011-05-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

Title:	Change Your Mind…Change Your Address
Objective:	To give an understanding of the importance of renewing the mind.
What: What is a renewed mind?	Renew: a renewal, renovation, complete change for the better A renewed mind is a mind that has been made new through the Word of God.
Why: Why should I renew my mind?	How you think either sets or removes limitations in your life · Numbers 13:33 "…and we were in our own sight asgrasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” Your thoughts determine your behavior. · Proverbs 23:7 A renewed mind is evidence of a changed life · Romans 12:2 Transform: to change in character or condition You are a new person, it’s time to get rid of the old thinking · 2Corinthians 5:17 · Ephesians 4:24 · Colossians 3:9 · Romans 6:4
How: How do I renew my mind?	Read the Word · Isaiah 34:16 There is not one Word that God has spoken that has/will not be fulfilled Meditate on the Word · Joshua 1:8 "Bible meditation is a God given process that produces a spiritual experience that causes a permanent change in our thinking. It transforms what we believe about ourselves and situations in an accelerated manner.” (Pastor Bill Winston, World Dome, 2/2002) Act on the Word, Do What the Word says · James 1: 22-25 · John 8:31 Take authority over your thoughts by speaking the Word · 2 Corinthians 10:5 Example: count silently (in your head) to ten, when you get to 5, open your mouth and say "Hallelujah.” What happened to your count? It stopped, whatever you were thinking at the moment you spoke that thought was ended. Be planted and rooted in the Word of God · 2 Timothy 2:15 · Psalm 92:13
Conclusion:	We can locate you by your thoughts. As a [wo]man thinks, so is [s]he. If your present circumstances are not where you want to be, it’s time to move to a new address! You have to first see yourself (think, imagine) as the Word of God says you are. Then continue reading, meditating, and acting on the Word until your thoughts have changed and become one with God. Your thoughts cannot be changed by will power, but rather by consistent, diligent communion with God and His Word. Your changed life will be a testimony to others. I used to use profanity all the time, but I learned from the Word that blessings and curses could not come from the same mouth. I spent a lot of time, reading and meditating on Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:8, James 3:10, Psalm 141:3 and 1 John 1:9. It took some time, but that old cuss woman is gone. And if she ever tries to visit, I remind myself that I’m the righteousness of God, I repent and I go forward, because my thinking has been totally changed in that area. You can no longer find me at the corner of "Cussin’ you out and Having No mercy”; I changed my address!
Definitions taken from:	Greek lexicon based on Thayer's and Smith's Bible Dictionary plus others; this is keyed to the large Kittel and the "Theological Dictionary of the New Testament." These files are public domain.

Who Threw that Stone?

2011-05-10T00:00:00.001-04:00

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like unto it thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [1]

Calling Sin A Sin

Let’s define a few terms here:

Sin: miss the mark, err [2]

Mark: a goal [3]

Perfect: being entirely without fault or defect, satisfying all requirements [4]

As Christians, how should we respond when a fellow believer confesses her sin to us? We should definitely speak the truth about the matter, yet do so in love. We are exhorted to "confess our faults one to another, and pray for one another that ye may be healed…” [5]Talking to someone about their sin is embarrassing and uncomfortable, yet if we can’t help each other when we have missed the mark, who will help us? Call sin what it is – sin, then it’s time to move on to forgiveness, repentance and restoration.

There is no ranking system of sin. Murder does not outrank lying, stealing does not outrank complaining and fornication does not outrank not walking in love. The problem that many people face is the ostracism and mean spiritedness they encounter when they actually share their mistakes with someone. When someone is involved in sin, we shouldn’t pour salt into the wound with our mouths and actions, but rather lovingly rebuke, reprove and pray for them to bring them back into the will of God for their lives. Simply put, show compassion. When Jesus died for our sins on the cross, it was for our past, present and future sins, because frankly, we’re all going to make mistakes. The good news is, we are the righteousness of God, we are not sinners (those who habitually practice sin), but redeemed by grace and have the right to call out to our God for forgiveness and He faithfully, always forgives us. [6]

"And this commandment have we form Him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.”[7]

Known by Love

What does the Body of Christ demonstrate to the world? Is it love, or bitter backbiting, finger pointing, judgment ridden hypocrisy? Are we attacking our own body or being the balm that heals? Jesus said they would know us by the love we have one to another. [8] However, sin seems to have been universally adopted by the Body as the acceptable occasion to not show love towards one another. That should not be so. We should share the love that God has poured inside of us [9]and bring our brethren home. We don’t minimize or trivialize sin, but only God has the power to forgive us. And if God forgives all sin, who are we as His children to hold others (or even ourselves) to a higher standard than what He has set?

Build Up, Not Tear Down

"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”[10]

As believers, we are to live by the standards God has set in His Word. A Christian is not perfect but rather being perfected, it is a process. Because it is a process, we are apt to make many mistakes along the way. Sin is when you miss the mark and the mark is God’s will as described in His Word. What if every sin committed received just punishment [11]instead of the mercy, grace and compassion of God, where would you be?

Before you cast that stone, pick the mote out of your own eye, [12]repent and then help your sister to her feet.

[1]Matthew 22:37-39

[2]The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

[3]The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

[4]Merriam Webster Online Dictionary

[5]James 5:16

[6]1 John 1:9

[7]1 John 4:21

[8]John 13:35

[9]Romans 5:5

[10]Ephesians 4:15-16

[11]Hebrews 2:2

[12]John 8:7, Matthew 7:4

Equipped with His Grace

2011-05-03T12:32:00.005-04:00

When I was pregnant with my son, I felt that I could not complete anything I had started. The everyday tasks of cleaning, eating and showering that would normally have taken 20 minutes to do seemed to take all day. I felt very overwhelmed and doubted if I could handle being a wife and mother! Then I heard a message on Gods’ Grace. I knew then that Grace was what I needed to make it through each day.

Grace is God’s unmerited favor[1]. What I discovered through prayer and bible study is that grace is also divine influence (His power) upon the heart, and its reflection in life; joy; pleasure; beauty and much more.[2] I wanted His power upon my heart and shown through my life. I wanted to be a joyful wife and mother who took great pleasure in the fact that I was married to a wonderful man and bringing forth a child to impart into the ways of God. I wanted bliss in the midst of cleaning the toilets!

I began to entrust God with every minute detail of my life…Lord what should I do today? What should I wear? Where should I go? This may sound extreme, yet it is what God wants.[3]Not because He is a God looking for robots, but because He is a Father who wants the best for His children and since he created the world and everything in it He truly knows what is best for us. [4]I began to pray, before I rolled out of bed, "Lord what will You have me to do today? What do I need to do in the house? What do I need to do for my husband? Whom should I contact regarding my business...? I know that whatever You have me to do today, I will have Your grace to do it.” I found that He would tell me when to do the laundry, go grocery shopping, pay bills, rest… You know what? Every time I followed His plan, my days were awesome - I completed every task, I felt happy and peaceful while doing them and I went to bed satisfied that my day was not wasted but fruitful.

Spending time doing what God did not tell you to do is a waste of time, effort and energy, because His grace is not there to assist you.[5]His power upon your heart and shown in your life is not there. If your child was involved with something and you knew, it was not what they should be doing; would you give them your "power” to help them do it? God created us, and before the world was formed, He knew what He would have us to do in this life from our birth until our death.[6] Rather than idling in life, why not ask the Manufacturer, the Creator what would You have me to do today? He can flip to that page in the book of life and tell you your agenda.[7]Then you will be able to boldly, confidently do whatever needs to be done because you know that you will be equipped with His grace.

[1]King James Amplified Bible

[2]The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

[3]Proverbs 3:5-6

[4]Colossians 1:16

[5]psalms 127:1

[6]Psalms 139:16 King James Amplified Bible

[7]Psalms 139:16 King James Amplified Bible

Getting to Know Him

2011-04-02T18:29:00.000-04:00

How do you get to know someone better? Do you spend hours talking on the phone, face to face, via Facebook? Are there activities you both enjoy together? When in a relationship, what do you do to maintain and encourage it to grow? How has trust been established?

Well, whatever you do in your relationships to know people better is what you do in your relationship with God to know Him better.

Knowing Others	Knowing God
What do they write? Check them out on Facebook; follow them on Twitter, email…	What did He write? Read your bible daily. See John 8:31-32
Talk to them often: Phone, Video Chat, face to face.	Talk to Him often: Prayer. It’s a dialogue between you and God. See Luke 18:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Hang out where their friends hang out. You gain insight about people by the company they keep.	Church. That’s where some of His friends hang out. You gain insight about Him by the company he keeps. I’ll give you a hint on this one: He loves everybody! See 1Corinthians 12:18
Hang out with them in small groups. Spend time together in mutually enjoyable activities.	Fellowship. Hanging out with other people that know Him well. Hebrews 10:25
Help them out. Do something for the others to make their life better.	Ministry. Help others as He has helped and equipped you. Hebrews 6:10

It’s that simple. God eagerly awaits us knowing Him- because then we will know He is love and goodness always. Our trust in Him is established when we know Him.

“Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.” (James 4:8, NLT)

Freedom on a Budget

2011-03-29T01:00:00.004-04:00

Freedom on a budget? Can that really happen? Freedom is supposed to be liberating; while budget indicates restriction! So how is freedom on a budget possible? Real freedom comes with the responsibility of self control.

At the start of 2010, I had a huge amount of credit card debt. Honestly, the mountain seemed impossible to remove. I thought I would have had to "penny pinch", eat ramen noodles and stay in my house all the time. Well, with a little wisdom I was able to travel, buy some new shoes (my favorite thing), and pay off all of my credit card debts and save some money. Using a few biblical principles, I enjoyed life and paid my bills. The bible gives us many details on how to handle our finances; it instructs us to give (See Malachi 3: 10, Luke 6:38 and Proverbs 28:27) save (see Proverbs 21:20,13:11) and spend (Romans 13:7). Here are few suggestions that I personally used to enjoy freedom, while living within a budget.

1. Write a list of your expenses including your tithes and offerings.

2. Ask yourself after you have paid your bills, how much money you can realistically save. (ex. 10% of your net income)

3. Make a list of your debts. Set a realistic timetable to get out of debt.

4. Write down a list fun things you want to experience. Do you enjoy shopping? Do you like to travel?

Okay after seeing your list of bills, debts and goals, you are probably thinking; there is no way to enjoy my life. Remember self-control is the magic word. Leave room in your budget for one weekend a month. Don't attempt to hoard your income by trying to save every extra penny you have earned. Leave room for a splurge. If you do not create a fun weekend, most likely you will only end up bored and frustrated; spending the money on something less purposeful. So go ahead and live a little! Also, name your savings account. Is it for something short-term or long term? Do you desire a new car? Do you wish to travel to a foreign land? Or are you thinking of your retirement? Specific goals create a lasting sense of motivation. You will be more likely to save if you can determine a reason for saving.

Jesus came that we might have and enjoy life, (See John 10:10) He wants us to live balanced lives giving, saving and spending money. So go ahead and create your plan for living a life of freedom on a budget.

The Perfect Date

2011-03-22T01:00:00.001-04:00

By choice, I haven't dated anyone since 2005. Yes, it has been six years and I am completely okay with that. However, I have been on many dates, with a great person with excellent qualities. That person is ME! :-) Sounds weird, but I have been dating myself for a few years now. Why, you ask? Well, quite frankly I feel as the child of the King, I deserve the best and so do YOU.

As single women, we often live in the,"one day when I get a man"fantasy. "One day when I get a man"… I am going to go on a European excursion. "One day when I get a man"… I am going to wear the nicest dress and Christian Louboutin shoes and be taken to a 5 star restaurant. Well, my question is, why wait? If there is something you want to do, someplace you want to go; why must you wait for a man? If you have the resources, why not date yourself?

When was the last time you treated yourself to fine dining in some of your best clothes and afterwards experienced an evening of some quality entertainment? Or the last time you had fun at an amusement park or a picnic. So what if you don't have a date, you can date yourself! Being single does not equate to boredom and loneliness. You can have a very fulfilling single life. I have treated myself to some pretty exciting dates. I have even bought new outfits and shoes to see a musical. I have cooked candlelit dinners for myself. It is during singlehood, you can spend quality time with God, and have great fellowship time together. The possibilities are endless.

In dating yourself, you begin to discover the qualities that God placed in you. You learn what it is that you desire in your future mate. I discovered that I have a great sense of humor and I am a tad bit of an adventuress. With that being said, my future mate must have a sense of humor and be open to new and exciting exploits. So what is your idea of The Perfect Date? What are some of your good qualities? What are some qualities you want in a mate? Instead of waiting on a man to take you on a date, why not become your own Perfect Date?

Someone is Waiting On you

2011-03-15T01:00:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been told that God has a plan for your life and you were specially created to do a particular work? Well, it is true. Before you were born, God already approved of you and chose you for a special work. (See Jeremiah 1:5) The irony of this is God chose you for someone else. Yes, your destiny, your purpose is more about others than you.

Jesus came for our benefit; our lives depended upon His purpose. Likewise someone else's life depends upon you completing your purpose. God may not require us to die a physical death; all He asks is that we forgo our selfish desires to complete His work. Someone somewhere is waiting on you! They are waiting for you to step out and begin to work toward the vision God placed inside of you. Believe it or not you have an audience; some client, or some patient that is waiting on you to step up and find your purpose. They are waiting on your book, your business, your invention and the only person that may be able to reach them is YOU.

To further simplify, there are roughly 6 billion people in the world. Rather you are assigned to one million, one hundred thousand, one thousand, one hundred or ONE. There is someone somewhere that needs for you to find and fulfill your destiny. There may be several people that do the same type of work as you do, but they are unable to reach the specific group that you are assigned to.

So, what are waiting for? Are you afraid? Imagine if Jesus had been fearful and did not complete His assignment. It would have been a tragedy for us all. God sent His son so through Him the world might be saved. As a child of God, you have a specific assignment that will be a blessing to someone. You are someone's reward. I encourage you today to pursue your purpose. It's a must, because someone is waiting on you!