“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolation he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Psalm 46:1-11 NIV Continue reading
Delayed
Climbing Companions
“When Jesus saw His ministry drawing huge crowds, He climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to Him, the committed, climbed with Him. Arriving at a quiet place, He sat down and taught His climbing companions. This is what He said:
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule.”
Matthew 5:1-3 MSG
And the list continues…. we can be blessed just by changing perception, attitude and COMPANIONS!
Why companions? Continue reading
Cassiandra
Maybe I didn’t know what to do.
Maybe I didn’t know where to go.
Maybe I was too young and unmarried.
Maybe I didn’t complete my education.
Maybe the goals I set didn’t really pan out.
But one thing I know, is that when you were born you changed my world. I stared at you so much as love flooded my heart. You were so beautiful just like you are even now.
I didn’t know anything but what I had experienced as a child and I only hoped I could make it right and do good.
But that didn’t happen did it.
I made mistakes. And not just like a little but MANY.
Some were HUGE mistakes and I needed God in my life to fix it!!!
Even then, I still found myself making mistakes and it frustrated me even more.
Then I remembered His grace. None of us are perfect, no not one. We need a Savior. Someone to stand in the gap for us. And He gladly took on that position and made us WHOLE.
I remember in 2000, I petitioned to God after dropping you off at the bus stop. I treated you HORRIBLY because we were running late, and it was so not your fault. What you don’t know is that I came back home, crashed to the floor and cried profusely, deeply as my soul was in anguish. The same way it is now when I STILL make mistakes. And I am so sorry for all of that. Any hurt, frustration, disappointment or the like that I cause from being so imperfect.
Why can’t I be that perfect parent God—
He said, “BECAUSE YOU CANT BE ME! I am the perfect Parent.”
“They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one.”
Psalms 14:3 NKJV
So I will love you with a flawed love but God will love us with a perfect love. I can’t ever promise you that I will be perfect, but I can promise you this… I will always seek Him for US knowing He will make all things new and all things right.
So in 2000 I sought Him for that guidance and it truly helped me tremendously for what I did daily changed to the most minimal incidents of ill behavior. I thank God for His Spirit and that He took it all away. May the presence of God pull you in that same place He took me then in 2000… and to where He takes me now.
All things work together and I know that is with ardent prayer. There can be no other way. So let’s pray.
May you always realize how much you impact my world which is why I hold your words and actions so powerfully because of the PLACE YOU HOLD in my heart and in my hands. That is why you were named that as a vessel to speak only life…. it means Prophetess.
I love you Cassiandra…..you will always be my baby girl.
mom
Devoted December
December is our month even more so devoted to Him. A lot has happened in the last 11 months that we need to end this last month heavily in our devotional time. I know that one of the things I heavily emphasize on is the use of our time on social media. That said, I have decided to drastically decrease the time spent on the social scene so that I can focus on the spiritual means that really matter.
That is a situation for us as Christians to really consider. Is our social connection hindering our spiritual connection? We are turning to social media for answers, support, venting, words of encouragement, engagement, connectivity, friendships, followers or to share any random thing. Why not exchange that social connection for the spiritual connection we can have with God that is much more worthwhile? Continue reading
