Happy New Year

Enjoy the excitement of a new year.  Explore the wonder of a new season.  Step out of your comfort zone.  You will need to do so in order to receive what God has for you.  Step away from the 'little foxes' that cause you grief. Step around the hindrances of strife, discontent, confusion.  Step into the new leg of your journey by following Holy Spirit's lead.  Happy New Year!  type to you next year.

Not About Us

The more I talk with preachers the more I recognize that we take ourselves too seriously. I mean, it is an awesome responsibility to present God's word and to represent, but we are not really all we believe ourselves to be. It is so cool that He entrust s us with such a sacred mission, but we must keep in mind it is not about us. type to you later.

Look Forward

As we look toward 2012 pause to look briefly back into 2011.  Look at the joys, the pain, the sunshine moments, the stormy moments, the people who left, those who left you, those who came into your life.  That was that season.  Now turn around, face your future, not you past.  Look forward toward the next season.  Look with hope, look with faith that Holy Spirit will guide, look with promise.  Welcome the new season of 2012. type to you later.

All Roads Lead to Detroit

I felt this was important enough to let you know.  All roads lead to Detroit July 26-29. If you have not registered, please do so now.  Please consider becoming a sponsor. For more information, please visit the website at www.livinginfullempowerment.com.

 

Living in Full Empowerment, Inc., a Michigan nonprofit, is sponsoring an economically, racially, ethnically, religiously diverse women's conference in the Detroit Metro area July 26-29,2012. We are reserving 200 seats for women at local Detroit homeless shelters and transition houses. Your generous sponsorship, which can of course exceed $2500, will help underwrite the attedance of disadvantaged women at this power, transformative conference. We have 16 workships from cake decorating, building a website to self care, sexual violence and chronic disease prevention, spiritual formation and so much more. Our opening plenary speaker is Marian Wright Edelman, Esq, the Founder/President of the Children's Defense Fund, which is the strongest advocate for women and children in the Country (Hilary Clinton was her first intern). Ms. Edelman was the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar, the 2000 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the author of many books. We are excited and want you as our partner.

Thank you. type to you later.

 

The Journey

The day after Christmas is just as significant as the day before. No, not for shopping, but that started the journey for us as believers. The star had been noticed by the Magi and they began charting what they had observed. 

Jesus was born, walked this earth for roughly 33 years, was crucified, died, rose again, and will return.  That is great news to be contemplated.  Take time with the magnitude of what it all means.  You are a part of God's grand plan.  Your journey has turned a new corner of life.  Take it all in.  Enjoy the journey.  type to you later.

There is No Place Like Home

After attending a Redskins game with family, and making preparations to continue in our visit I found myself wishing that next year I would do something totally different.  I asked my nephew where would he be, if he could be anywhere at this time of year.  His answer brought me back to my reality- To be with family.  For all the aggravations, for all of the unforeseen events- there is no place I would rather be, than with family.  The only added treat for me would be to have my son's family here.  Family is so important in my life. 

I have been blessed to have family who loves and encourages me. And I have been blessed with 'family' in other venues, church, school, work, friends.  I recognize that many people do not have or have never had such community.  If you are in a loving community, thank God for them.  If you do not have such, I encourage you to look outside your immediate circle.  God will not leave you without support.  It may be close friends or your local body of believers.  Although Joseph and Mary traveled from family they were embraced by a larger audience of angels and shepherds.   And then on to a larger body in those who embraced them in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.  And all of this, in spite of Herod's scheme. 

Allow Holy Spirit to guide you, no matter your circumstance.  Don't miss those God places in your life.  Celebrate the love of family, whether biological or surrogate.  And in the words of Dorothy, upon her realization of family, "There is no place like home."  I bless each of you love, peace and the joy of your life.  Merry Christmas!  type to you later.

Blessings

Blessings of wonder in the expectancy of the day of the birth of Jesus.  May you feel the power of the Word coming to life. May you walk in the authority of your identity in God.  May you follow the guidance of Holy Spirit in all things. Merry Christmas, peace in your spirit in spite of anything you are going through.  Rest in God's promises to you. type to you later.

Share the Love

I recognize that many people are hurting right now.  And for them to feel the expectancy of this season is very hard.   I have come to understand that we must be clear on what we are expecting.  We can not hold hope in another person, a job, a house, a situation.  at any time those will let us down.  Our hope can only be in what God has revealed, Jesus has shown, and as Holy Spirit guides.  Oh, I promise, it will be hard at times, but it is not impossible. 

My son shared with me the story of a tragic event that happened last week.   He remarked that that family was indeed going through with no joy this season.  It is hard for them to expect anything but loss and pain.  I am clear that God placed my son right where he was in order to minister to that family, not in words, but in action.  My former pastor, F.G. Sampson, used to tell us, his ministers, "presence is ministry."  You don't know how you bless another just by your presence, by your witness.  Share your excitement, your hope with another.  If your hope is fainting, contact me, let's talk.  I am clear that there is a plan, and you are in it.  type to you later.

Are You Ready?

Just a few more days . . .until the celebration of Christiandom that ushered in our chance a life more abundantly.  Oh, you thought I was going to say, "few more shopping days."  I had a few people ask me, "Are you finished shopping?" Yes.  And I had a few ask me, "Are you ready for Christmas?" Yes.  Shopping?  Is that all it means?   Really, how does one 'get ready' for Christmas?  I have tried to see as many Christmas lights as I can.  I have tried to watch all the Christmas movies.   I have reread and reread Isaiah nine, and Luke two. I preached Luke one.  How?  How does one get ready?  What does that question really mean?  How can you get ready for such a celebrated moment?

I have slowed down in order to hear . . .to feel . . .  to receive . . . to know - the blessing of God through sending that precious son that secured my full life.  I have paused to  search for God.  I have quieted to hear more of God's will.  I have shrugged off excess baggage in order to receive.  Just to know how special I am to God is indeed humbling.  So you see, the more we receive from God, the less we become.  Get ready to receive God's love over and over again, and celebrate that love through the birth of Jesus.

Are you ready?   type to you later.

Waiting

Waiting can be hard sometimes, yet, it depends on what you are waiting on.  Too many people have been waiting on the wrong thing, or the wrong one. Since we are in the season of expectancy I suggest this is a great time to check your perspective, shift your focus.  Need I say more?  Wait on the Lord, and again I say wait.  Yes it is difficult, after all, you know everything there is to know about this life.  Waiting to hear, to follow will streamline your cluttered life.  And that is a cause for celebration.  type to you later.

Celebrate

As we move toward the celebration of the birth of Jesus, take time to celebrate. Let me explain. Take time to celebrate what Jesus means to you. Take time away from the flurry of shopping, spending, wrapping to celebrate how God has blessed you. Even if you are going through, not where you want to be, not doing what you thought you would be doing, take time to celebrate your life. It may be not what you had hoped, but GOD! It may not be where you thought but GOD! You see, you celebrate what God is doing. Celebrate God's love for you. 

You are in good company, after all, I'm sure that Mary's unwed pregnancy was not what she wanted. Gabriel greeted her,"Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." And then proceed with the bomb shell that she would bear a child. After reminding Gabriel that she was a virgin, Gabriel answered, "For nothing is impossible with God. Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said."

Hold on to where you are, it is a season, celebrate, whether good, weird, or other. Celebrate that Jesus loves you, Holy Spirit guides you, and you are in God's plan! For nothing is impossible with God. type to you later.

The Wonder of the Season

This season is a season of wonder.  Too often little things get in our way, and may cause us to miss the wonder.  You know, those distractions that veer us off the path and cause us to journey slightly away from our path. That 'slightly' begins to grow and we find ourselves concerned with issues that are so trivial that they mean nothing one way or the other to our growth.  But, at that time we are all in the confusion and are tossed to and fro.  Don't miss the wonder this season.  Don't let those little things cause you to miss what is available, even now.  Feel the wonder of life! type to you later.

Do You See What I See?

As we begin conversations with others,I think it may help our point of view, if we understand that people have a different point of view.  There are so many ways to view a subject, and a few ways to 'right'.  No, right is not relative; yet, we must be sure what that looks like.  For us, the absolute Right is Divine and God grants us knowledge of Truth through Jesus.  So we have a model,  we have a frame.  No, not rigidity- that is not love.  But a precious lens to view Truth, and to learn how to share with others.  Listen, share. type to you later.

Check In

It never ceases to amaze me- people when they ask for your help, and you help; then they are excessive in or demanding more.  So, want do you do?  How can you help where it will be beneficial?  First, check in with Holy Spirit, and then follow.  If you charge in without checking with Holy Spirit, you can become drained, disgusted, disappointed, disillusioned. 

As a matter of fact, check with Holy Spirit period, then you can rest assured that you are not alone, you will make it through.  You can save precious energy by checking first.  type to you later.

The Need for Aid

I am amazed at the seasonal support for people who need food.  Although more is needed, it is still great- for this season.  Stay with me.  Aren't the people who are hungry during this season hungry in other seasons?  And if they are hungry, who comes to their aid?   Do you know what it is like to be hungry?  I mean, not because you are trying to diet, but because you cannot feed yourself, nor your family.  Think about that.  If you are contemplating that, then nothing more is needed to be said.  You really can make a difference.  Yes, it begins with you.  Make an effort to share through prayer and financial support to those who need you now. Tomorrow may be too late- for them, for you.  type to you later.

Season of Thanks

Blessings for a season of thanks.  Yes, my prayer for you is for a great Thanksgiving day with family and friends, but more than that . . . more than just one day.  I bless you with a season of thanks, a season where you can see the blessings each day, and then give thanks for them.  One where you will recognize that, in spite of your circumstances, you have reason to give thanks.  type to you later.

Peace

Life seems unfair so many times.  But 'fair from life' was never promised.  What was promised was life more abundant.  That means a life rich in love and family, grace and peace.  The mother of a friend was called on an early flight to heaven yesterday.  Yes, it is hard for my friend, not because it is at Thanksgiving, but because it is a new journey of a loving relationship that she must learn.  The joyful piece is that God has already blessed my friend with a new life in her baby daughter.  No, not to replace the one He took, but because He loves her. 

I bless with you holding on to each step that God has given.  Again, be in the present moment with God. It is another way of saying- enjoy the life God has given.  Contemplate the season that you are in, another is coming.  Blessings of joy each day. type to you later.

Hope vs. Unhope

There is so much 'unhope' in society.  So many conversations, so many deeds of corruption.  So many hurt people hurting people.  So many strange pieces of the puzzle of life.  All of these pieces for many people offer 'unhope'.  That's my word- don't try to look it up.  Yet . . . in spite of . . . there is still hope.  Actually, hope was never lost, if you are clear what report you believe. 

When the spies were sent to check out the land the Israelites were to possess most were afraid of the inhabitants, only two said, "we can take them."  'Unhope' says, "we can't do it," "too much going on," "too little resources," "not enough time" "too late."  But  hope says, "if God says so, then go."  How will you know?  How can you be sure?  Wait, listen, watch- and then trust.  Wait to hear Holy Spirit, listen to the guidance, watch God's moves in your life, trust Jesus. 

Use this season to explore your thankfulness.  Start with your life, you are blessed with a connection that many people miss.  Many miss their connection with God, and it can result in 'unhope'.  You have hope.  type to you later.

You

Okay, this time look at no one else except you. What are you doing? No,really. What are you doing? Too many times we blame everyone else for everything we can or cannot do. But- what are you doing about it? How are you striving to change your situation? Oh, believe me, no one can hinder all of your trying all of the time. That's all I have - look at your self. Think a plan, make a plan, work it. type to you later.

LIve Life

Why do so many leaders in the church keep the congregation crippled?  It would be so much better to aid in the spiritual transformation of the congregants by teaching and discipling them.  Instead, leaders tend to leave the congregation in the playpen, offering a 'toy' of superficial praise of a job well done or some other acknowledgement.   Why?  Why can't the congregants see it?  What they don't understand can be damaging to them.   They can't see because many of them refuse to believe.  And so they stay in the playpen, never questioning what is beyond the playpen.  And the leaders are fine with that because many of them cannot handle your playpen questions. 

Step out, study, pray, and study again. . And then find someone else to aid you in understanding. You have an awesome opportunity to grow through the adverse conditions you presently find yourself in. There is more, life! Live it fully. type to you later!

Seasons

Don't you love the changing of the seasons?  It enforces that things don't always stay the same.  Don't you think that is an awesome thought?  You see, if everything stayed the sames then there would be no 'newness' of anything.  Enjoy the newness of the new season. Look for the newness in your season.  Cherish the time with God right here, right now, or as Jean-Pierre De Caussade calls it, the "Sacrament of the Present Moment."

In the "Sacrament of the Present Moment," De Caussade also says, “All simple souls must admire and respect one another, saying: 'Let us proceed each one along our path to the same goal, united in purpose and by means of God's order which, in its great variety, is in us all.”  It is a cool way to procede in life and then to be in 'the moment.' 

Do not let another season pass you by.  Shift your focus from 'what was' and 'what will be' to 'what is'.  Watch children how they can shut everything just to enjoy nature.  As adults we have missed the lessons of the present moment, whether good or bad. You see, even when we can be in that moment without running, without hiding, without medicating, then we can see God.  De Caussade says, “God instructs the heart, not by ideas but by pains and contradictions.”  Enjoy each season.  When you press into that season you can find peace by finding God. That's mine. Cherish the moment for each turn on your journey, each change of the season, each moment, and I promise you will find peace. type to you later.

Choose

There is so much wonder in the world.  So much to see, to do, to choose.  That is really the grand idea-choice. We make choices everyday.  So what is the big deal? We can choose to love instead of hate.  We can choose to reach out to another instead of turning away.  We can choose to accept God's love and will instead of fumbling endlessly in turmoil.  We can choose instead of being led.  We can. . .  You see, if we are listening, Holy Spirit will guide us out of and away from strange situations.  Or Holy Spirit will guide us through some rough situations. You see, it was never a promise of ease, but of one you can live with when you follow Holy Spirit's guidance.

So many are hurting because they are afraid to choose life.  Their life has been extremely difficult to this moment and they cannot see beyond their pain, their hurt, their lack of hope.  But it takes one moment to break chains of bondage, it takes one ah ha moment with God and healing begins.  It starts now.  There is so much life available for you, and it begins with your choice to live.  type to you later.

A Time of Wonder

I have spent the last week marveling with the work that God did with those who sought Him.  It was a delightful time of wonder.  And now I continue to watch what God is doing in my life.  You see, it has been a trying time of communicating with those who cannot see or hear what God is doing.  Take time today and watch. . . and obey. type to you later

Get Off

There has been so much going on and I have been trying to make sense of it.  (As best I can).  Let try to explain it.  A few weeks ago I was with my niece in PETCO.  I watched a  hamster running in the wheel.  I have never paid that close attention to watching a hamster running in a wheel.  At one point the hamster finally got off the wheel and came to me.  He appeared to be talking with me.  My niece stated that it was like he was communicating with me.  It was thought provoking.  I told him not to get back on the wheel, but to explore the area around him.  He really appeared to hear me, but then he went back to the wheel, and began running again. 

That was enough right there for me.  The hamster's actions were too much like so many people who continue to do the same thing the same way with the same result.   You get absolutely nowhere.  You may loose a little weight but you gain nothing.  If you risk getting off the wheel and explore where God has you, then you find more of who you are and your purpose.  So much of where so many people are is running.   There are so many aspects of life that causes us to want to stay on the wheel.  Get off, try God.  Explore what is there for  you off the wheel.  I know, running the wheel is safer, but the joy of accomplishment is so much more fulfilling. 

Holy Spirit beckons us everyday to take a chance, to follow His nudge away from the wheel and into the excitement of life.  Go ahead, get off and live!  more to come.  type to you later.

Pass it On

It has been a trying week for so many.  Many watched the events as a man who had not been proven guilty was killed.  I don't want to get political here, but I do want to call attention to another who voluntarily died from trumped up charges for our real junk.  Wow! Yes, there are petitions circulating for a revamping of the death penalty, and that is good.  But what about the death that gave us life in spite of ourselves?  Why are we not circulating that good news of life? 

We can start with our actions.  We can start by loving one another.  Oh yeah, it  is difficult at times but we have a choice, we have a chance - to love.  Take some time to contemplate the full spectrum of your life.  It is really is worth living and sharing.  type to you later.

Small Things

It is the big things that we wish for- but it is the small things that give us much joy.  Recognize your joy. . . search for the small things.  type to you later.

Take Note from Paul

" . . . for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Phil. 4:11 NIV).  Come on Paul, to be content - do you know how hard that is?  I'm talking -to be content in any circumstance.  It is hard to be content when we think things are going fine.  Oh but- when things do not appear to go as we want- HOW can we hang on? 
Okay, so we agree that it is indeed difficult to be content -but it is doable.  Paul continues, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Phil. 4:12,13 NIV). 

You can do it, in spite of others or other circumstances, in spite of yourself.  Your first move is to watch what God is doing.  Back in the day, they used to  say- count your blessings.  When you begin to count your blessings you can see how numerous they are.  When you see that, then why not chill out?  That is the 'being content'.  It is difficult, but it is doable.  I've seen it work too many times in my life. Try it.  Take note from Paul, you can do everything through Him who gives you strength.  type to you later.

Look. ..Watch. . .Wait

Looking out. . . watching for. . .waiting on.  Pretty much that is what I am determined to do.  Looking out for Holy Spirit's guidance.  You see, this is not a head thing but a heart thing.  Watching for the way as Jesus has already shown. It really is doable. Society will confused you and cause you to lose your way.  Waiting on God.  After waiting and getting clear instructions you can indeed proceed.

Oh I know that you need help.  Life is no joke.  And with all the stress, the trials, the little things that combine to make big things, it gets rough.  The enemy will have you believe that no one has gone through what you are going through.  Not true.  That no one can help, no one understands. Not true.  You are more than a conqueror through Jesus.  Hold to that. 

Look. . .watch. . .wait. Where do you need guidance?  What is still tripping you up? Take it a step at a time following Holy Spirit. Oh, try, try this time.  type to you later.

Merton on Solitude

Join me in contemplating one of many pieces on solitude by Thomas Merton:
"I ought to know, by now, that God uses everything that happens as a means to lead me into solitude.  Every creature that enters my life, every instant of my days, will be designed to wound me with the realization of the world's insufficiency, until I become so detached that I will be able to find God alone in everything.  Only then will all things bring me joy."
type to you later.

Cleanup Is Rough

Cleanup is rough.  After entertaining hurricane Irene, we are seeing in some areas that cleanup is indeed rough.  Storms will surface in our lives.  They happen. What matters most is how we handle them.  Too often you can get so disrupted over your storm.  If you can step back and analyze the matter you will find that your overwhelming, hurricane level trouble is really just, "a storm in a teacup." (I didn't make that up, a friend from Bermuda came up with that one.)   With a better perspective you can find options; whether to move out of harm's way (evacuate), or hunker down to face the storm head on.  Often, you must hunker down.  You prepare for the worse and hope for the best.  Your preparation must involve receiving instructions from Holy Spirit.  Don't wait until the storm.  Listen now.  When the storms arise you will be prepared.   And you will be ready after the storm to pickup, cleanup, move away from whatever dislodged.  It may be ideas that need to go.  It may be people that are disruptive to you.  It may be a situation that has runs its course.  Look around, be ready.  Sometimes cleanup is rough because you don't want to let go.  Let it go!  Move toward  your resolve.  type to you later.

Getting Ready

I am amazed at the press for Hurricane Irene.  One news reporter stated that she could not imagine anyone on the street, then she paused, except the homeless.  Hello.... the homeless. No one appears to be concerned about the everyday life of the homeless.  We get excited only on special occasions - you know at Thanksgiving - when we feed them, at Christmas when they may get a blanket. I guess what I am saying is  that we have so many of our priorities socially backwards. 

Think about it.  I am going to prepare for Irene.  Pray and then wait.  type to you later

Earthquakes

Our area just experienced a 5.8 earthquake. Wow!  It has caused quite a bit of stir in the D.C. area as earthquakes are not normal. It is very interesting that everyone is talking about it; yet we experience earthquake monumental experiences in our lives and we don't want to talk about it. With this earthquake people are checking for cracks and other stress issues to buildings, bridges, and rightfully so. What about the stress issues we face in our lives and do not get any type of help because we do not reach out?   How can we get help if we don't call out. And how can we help others if we can't recognize the stress signals?
We have been so stressed that what is abnormal appears normal.  Take a deep breath and try to listen.  Examine the earthquake level issues in your lives, and get help. type to you later

Rock Steady

Whew!  Navigating the waters of life can be difficult.  If your moral, ethical, spiritual compass is not functioning it can be brutal.  You see, it is always something and it can come in so many ways at one time.  How on earth can you make it?  Glad you asked (as F.G. Sampson II used to say).  Learn to listen for God's directions.  Watch what is going on.  Do not react to everything.  You see, many things are just a distraction on the way to your destiny.  Stay focused!  Rock steady.  type to you later.

Live!

Day to day occurrences should be somewhat a teaching moment, an experience. It should not be so overwhelming that we cannot make it. Life is what it says-life-alive with possibilities. Enjoy yours. type to you later.

A friend's grandson committed suicide. That was devastating as there are so many questions, so much pondering. And the comments have been "rest in peace." I am beginning to wonder "is that all we got?" No! There is more. When we,as a community of believers can embrace, can support one another, then that 'one anothering' that loving one another will result in more "living in peace." I bless you with looking out for your sister, your brother. Live in peace! type to you later.

Stay Focused

Do you understand how easily you can get distracted?  I mean - on your path- moving along- and bam! Just like that and you are on a different trail.  The scary part is you don't even know it until you can't recognize anything.  So what can you do about it?  Constant communication with God with keep you focus.  No, really, it will.  And you thought it prayer was all about you.  You see, prayer can keep you directed toward your destiny.  It will strengthen you against the many distractions.  Take care. type to you later.

Do you know how hard it is to let go of pass hurts?  Well, it is not as hard as we make it. The hurt has past.   That's the crazy part.   Do you know how much precious time is wasted because we are still holding on to things that have past?  Don't let me talk about the people who have wronged us. They have gone on about their business, and we are caught in something in the past.  What a waste of precious time!   We have life to live and time is too precious to miss this journey. 

What hurts you?  What pass hurt have you continued to nurture?  Don't you think it is a good time to let it go?  If so, let's begin.  Examine what the incident is; what hurt you. Then list what this holding on of the hurt costs you.  Lament that.  And we will talk more.  type to you later.

Unclutter

How many times do we 'busy' ourselves with everything else, just to avoid what needs to get done?  Oh, every bit of the everything else may be important . . . but not for this moment.  Unclutter your 'busy' life by uncluttering your 'busy' mind and heart.  No, that does not mean too 'blank out' everything; but to begin cleaning out stuff that has occupied to much space in your mind, your heart. 

Where can you start?  Oh allow me - Unforgiveness takes up a large portion.  It partners with bitterness and can cause more serious implications in your life.  Do you suffer with high blood pressure?  Hmmm.   Could be that unforgiveness.  It has a way of causing so many issues for us.  The really sad part about it is that it is only hurting you.  The person, place or thing that you hold in contempt has probably moved on. You are being controlled. 

How do you get started?  Take that issue,  write down what it has cost you,  then lament it.  Tell God everything you can about it, as bold as you can.  When you are finished, leave it there.  I didn't say forgive, I just said leave it.  Now rest.  When there is no longer any pain, then forgive and move on. 

Okay now that is more space in your heart to hear God's direction and then to follow. Too much clutter will cause you to miss your direction.  Go ahead, start uncluttering.  One step at a time.  Let me know how you progress.  type to you later.

Check Yourself

I have come to the conclusion that many "lose faith" because they "had faith" in the wrong thing.  Oh yeah.  I am pretty clear.  You see,  people are hurting because they placed faith in their jobs, in their spouses, in their mates, in their looks, in their money, in their abilities, in their _________ you fill it in.  Every last one of those things will fail.  Oh yes.  But when your faith is in God. . . God will not fail you. 

Search your situation.  What ever did not give you what you needed probably could not give you what you needed.  Let it go. You have wasted too much precious time. You have been hurting for too long.  And the sad part is that it really does not have as much power as you have given it. Grieve the hurt from the misplaced faith and let it go, shake it off.  How? Shift your focus from what was, what could have been to what is as God had planned. Now breathe.  Watch- listen- and trust.  type to you later.

Cherish the Love

How do we love others as God loves us? How do we begin to see the joys of life? How do we find peace? We love others by exploring the many ways that God loves us. Search the scriptures for His love. Start with John 3:16, step into1 John 3:1, rejoice in 1 John 3:16, rest in 1 John 4:9, travel to Luke 15:11-32, and gain strength from Romans 8:38,39.

Start there. When we are clear about God's love for us - we can handle what life throws out.  And we can pour out the love we have received.  Cherish the love.  Go ahead, try it. type to you later.

You Are Special

Do you know how exciting it is knowing that you are in God's will?  Yes!  I keep reminding myself to continue watching what God is doing.  It is so revealing, enlightening.  So take some time and look around, listen, and marvel at the specialness of your life. And rejoice!  type to you later.

Out of the Playpen

I had a conversation with a prayer partner a few days ago. It is awesome how when God's people come together big things happen. "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" (Matt.18:20 NIV). Anyway, it was really an awesome day for me. We discussed our walk as believers and why it is that so many believers cannot progress beyond where they are. I saw then that many leaders keep the people stuck in the playpen. Why? Because the leaders can handle the playpen questions.   Ah, but when we, as leaders get you out of the playpen and guide and encourage you to walk spiritually transformed- whoa!  That is indeed growing a strong believer.   Get out of the playpen,  ask the questions, search for the truth. type to you later.

Favor

A Diffferent Season

It is a very different season.  And we must be able to bend and not break.  To hold to what we believe and to stand on that.  To know what truth looks like and then act on it.  There is so much happening,  don't get confused.  Don't be distracted by the quest.  Get directions from Holy Spirit and follow.  God is doing so much, watch.  type to you later.

Stop Trying

It is exhausting - trying to keep up with the demands of society.  You find yourself running after stuff you don't want, things you don't need, and blocked by only your missteps.  So how can you slow it down?  Refocus.  Retreat.  Use this day to shift your focus to what Holy Spirit is guiding.  Yeah, He is guiding, but you may have been too busy to hear.  Take one day to practice a spiritual discipine of silence, solitude, or fasting.
SLOW DOWN. . .BREATH. . .LISTEN. . .FOLLOW. 

Try it.  I promise you can learn so much about yourself.  You will find in the 'listening for God' that your way is already laid out.  It cuts down so much of your 'rat race' running.  Enjoy the joys of this day! type to you later.

Can you Afford It?

"If we are fools enough to remain at the mercy of the people who want to sell us happiness, it will be impossible for us ever to be content with anything" (Merton 2005, 33). 

Wow! Think about it.  Examine the price you have paid for 'happiness',  and then look at the 'no fee' attached to joy and peace.  Crazy, isn't it?  type to you later.

Flashbacks

Over the last few days, I have had flashbacks over the places I have been, the things I have done, the lessons I have learned.  And I have been amazed at the joys, the wonders of the journey.  So now, why can't I see that I am still on a journey?  I am.  And while it may not be the path I'd rather be on, it is a great adventure wherever God takes me, up or down, through trials and on great slides of life, it is the path of my journey.  Yes, sometimes I wonder why some things; but you see- it is still the 'all things plan' of God. 
We can't misinterpret- it's not 'all good things', but all things work together for good for those who love the love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose.  So - whatever - however- whomever- whenever- it's all good, as long as we in the plan.  Enjoy each day of the journey.  Learn what you can, and don't forget to say thanks.  type to you later.

Don't Share

Yes, I am excited about the events of the last few days.  Please allow me to say, "Ding, dong the witch is dead."  Okay.  And yes, it happened on Barack Obama's watch.  Yeah!  But let's move on. What does this mean to me?  Oh I love how cool President Obama was.  I just want to say- there are some things you just cannot share.  That is what I am getting to- you can't share everything with all people.  My mother, my father, my former pastor, F.G. Sampson, all used to say, "You can't share your dreams with everyone." 

When God gives you a vision, a revelation, a word, it is for you.  Allow God to show you what to do with what has been given.  Then work your work, right under the radar of others, of friends, of the enemy.  And when it comes to fruition then you can say. "Look at God."  During the progession you keep saying, "yes God."  Don't let anyone coerce you into their journey.  If your journey winds along with another's journey, let Holy Spirit do the winding. 

Write it down, make it plain, stay the course. and wait on it.  type to you later.

Get Help

I've been watching, waiting, and eliminating.  I am still watching God's moves in my life.  I continue to wait on and follow Holy Spirit's guidance through all things.  I continue to eliminate stuff that keeps me from my commune with Jesus.  And that really is some stuff.  The more I see me -the less I see you- the less I see you- the more I "feel" you.  I have learned that we can only keep up with our stuff.  When we do that, we have no time to keep up with your stuff.  When we don't keep up with your stuff we can begin to understand better why your stuff causes you grief.  In order to help yourself, and to help others, get help yourself.  type to you later.

Walk, Watch

Happy Resurrection Day!  The events of this day long ago gives each of us a chance to begin anew- everyday.  On this day consider what the resurrection means to you.  What things should die in your life?  How do you rise from the deadness in your life?  How can you live in the power of this day?  Take it one day at a time. Allow the thrill of each new day to fill you with wonder with what God will do.  Jeremiah says God's mercies are new every day. 

There is a song we sang at my former church, "Walk in the light, the beautiful light.  Come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright.  Shine all around me by day and by night.  Jesus, the light of the world."

I invite you to walk in that light, even more than you have before.   Let  the next few weeks be a time of watching God's moves in your life.  Trust God with whatever you need, whether you are coming or going.  Try - and send me a note.  Ohhhhh I promise you will be surprised.  Amazing love.  type to you later

A Week of Challenge

At my former church we celebrated this week as "The Week of Challenge."  We walked this week considering Jesus' last walk on earth.  That is a great way to consider this week for us.  Let me give it a little twist, "What is your challenge?  What keeps you from communing more with God?  What keeps you from accepting God's love?"  Try walking this time considering these issues.  Consider a spiritual discipline for this week.  There are a few- I suggest, silence, solitude, fasting, or study.  Give it a try.  Consider your issues and see what God has in store for you. type to you later.

Rejoice

As we embark upon the Palm Sunday celebration I rejoice for so many reasons.  I am clear that "my Father is rich in houses and land," I am His beloved child - He just decreased my allowance.  Enjoy all that God has planned for you TODAY.  Seek His will for your life.  You have tried it your way and you know how that turned out.  Try for the next 30 days to strive to hear God, to watch His moves in your life.  You will be so surprised to see how peace is waiting, even in the day to day stuff.  That is that shalom of God.  If you are not clear-ask, if you can't see or hear-call, if you feel rushed-wait.  Try it.  type to you later.

Let Nothing Disrupt

Yesterday I allowed a schedule to disrupt me.  Think about it.  The schedule was printed on a piece of paper by people who have no concern for me.  It should have never been printed; yet I was UPSET- about something printed on a piece of paper. I allowed something printed to disrupt my life.  Can you feel me? 

When I calmed down I started laughing.   Me, God's Beloved, upset about man's planned disruption of my plans. How absurd!  I forgot for a moment who was really in charge.  Now let me say it another way.  How often are we bent out of shape because someone threw an obstacle in our path?  And instead of working around it we stop and cry - never progressing any farther?

And the word? Keep in mind that no one, nothing, can stop God's plan.  You can hinder yourself by forgetting who you are.  Do not allow others to dictate your path. Allow yourself the freedom to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Stay focused, move on, move around, move over.   type to you later.

Brand New Day

Everybody look around

'Cause there's a reason to rejoice you see
Everybody come out
And let's commence to singing joyfully
Everybody look up
And feel the hope that we've been waiting for

Everybody's glad
Because our silent fear and dread is gone
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it out

Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?


The lyrics are from "A Brand New Day" from the movie, The Wiz.   The munchkins were freed from the wicked witch, and that was a reason to rejoice.  But what about us?  We are freed everyday from the clutches of evil. 

Why do we not rejoice at the small but oh so important things?  Look at it!  It is a brand new day, each day is overflowing with God's mercies.  Rejoice! Find your joy in the new mercies everyday and you will enjoy peace. type to you later.

This Time

We make everything so complicated, so difficult, when the best things are so very simple.  It's like reducing it to the least common denominator.  Remember that from school?  I invite you today to try a simple mantra that the Lord showed me yesterday for a client. See yourself standing up as you repeat it.  See yourself coming out, moving around, walking toward.  See yourself believing and holding on to it.  Say it and believe it.   "This time, I'm going to live the life God has given me."   Let me hear you. 
How can you start?  "Glad you asked," as F.G. Sampson used to say.   At every move check in with Holy Spirit.  Ask Him to show you how, what and where.  Watch God move in your life.  Try it- go ahead.   type to you later.

No More

I had just worked with someone on how she boxed in her relationship with God.  And today, I must admit, I boxed myself in.  I made the boundaries out an unfounded loyalty to people or institutions who are not loyal to me.  No more.  I will stretch out and away.  And it feels good to understand that boundaries are what people place in order to control, to manipulate others.  God allows us a sense of who we are and that is a creative resourceful leaping, flying creature.  Break them down. type to you later.

Find the Path

Do you know how easily you can become distracted from your path, your assignment?  And it usually appears just a little off from what you have been directed. It usually falls into that 'reach out' realm.  I had a great conversation with my sister on an issue that I was trying to help remedy for a group of people.  It is not mine to remedy, but to listen for my instructions from Holy Spirit.  It definitely is not near my mission statement, nor my mission.  Soooo, I had to get back to my path.  

You see, so many times I feel I can bring E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E along to help them when many times it is for me to go alone.  So there you have it.  Search your heart, check yourself.  Have you strayed from your path?  You can't pick every flower, care for every stray animal (smile).   Find your path, and follow it.  And when your path crosses the path of others, make sure you follow your path when it separates.  I think that is where too many get confused. 

Today- on Fat Tuesday- eat it up, let it go, get ready.  May I suggest that you try any one of the Spiritual Disciplines during this Lenten Season?  You see, the disciplines are to allow you a closer communication with God.  Too often, people 'give up' something they care about, such as sweets, only to pick it back up on Easter.  But if you choose something that comes between you and God - that would be a great thing to consider.  If you choose something that hinders your health, that would be a great thing.  Ask Holy Spirit what hinders your spiritual growth, your participation in connecting to His will.   Then work toward giving that up, or taking something on.   

Soooo.  While you are considering the option, I say choose a discipline: Prayer, fasting, solitude, silence, study, meditation, service, simplicity.  These are a only a few.  Two great books to study during this season would be, "A Celebration of Discipline,"  and "Prayer, Finding the Hearts True Home," both by Richard Foster. 

Use this Lenten season to get back on your path.  Can't find it?  Then get still, and listen.  Can't hear, then wait.  Not sure?  Try a spiritual discipline.  type to you later.

Merton's "Unreal City"

Oh stop the world!   Have you seen the commercial where life comes at you fast?  I felt that way today.  So many major issues internationally, nationally, and local, that affect us all.  No, I don't want to talk about it here. I do want to share something so profound by Thomas Merton.  When you get a chance, read his writings. Although he died in 1968 this particular piece, titled "Unreal City,"  is so appropriate now.

"We are living in the greatest revolution in history- a huge spontaneous upheaval of the entire human race: not the revolution planned and carried out by any particular party, race, or nation, but a deep elemental boiling over of all the inner contradictions that have ever been in man, a revelation of the chaotic forces inside everybody.  This is not something we have chosen, nor is something we are freed to avoid.

This revolution is a profound spiritual crisis of the whole world, manifested largely in desperation, cynicism, violence, conflict, self-contradiction, ambivalence, fear and hope, doubt and belief, creation and destructiveness, progress and regression, obsessive attachments to images, idols, slogans, programs that only dull the general anguish for a moment until it bursts out everywhere in a still more acute and terrifying form.  We do not know if we are building a fabulously wonderful world or destroying all that we have ever had, all that we have achieved!  All the inner force of man is boiling and bursting out, the good together with the evil, the good poisoned by evil and fighting it, the evil pretending to be good and revealing itself in the most dreadful crimes, justified and rationalized by the purest and most innocent intentions."

'Nuff said. type to you later.

What Do You Believe?

I applaud the workers in Wisconsin and Ohio for fighting for what they believe. I applaud the Egyptians who were willing to risk it all.   Scripture is full of instances where people stood up, got out, and fought for what they believed to be truth.  The questions become, "What do you believe?"  "What are you standing on?"  It is a contradictory term, "believers"  because too many have no clue what they believe, and then many more will not stand firm in their belief.  Why?  I had to say it.  It really is time to stand on what we believe.  Hmmm.  I am clear that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.   Let's use what we have been given.  type to you later.

You Can't Do It

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money" (Matt. 6-24 NIV).


There it is - you can't do it.  Oh but we try to serve both most days.  You don't think so?  Check self out.  How many times do you place money- how you make it, where it comes from, what you will do with it, what will happen when you don't have it- how many times is it placed in top priority?  Yeah, scary isn't it.  Ahhh since Jesus opens this up for us, obviously we have a way to handle this delima.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matt. 6-25-27 NIV)

There it is- don't worry.  A command- 'don't worry'.  It does not mean that you stop living, it means that you put it in proper perspective.  It means that you make a decision to serve God and watch what happens.  It means that you stop fretting over what you can or cannot do.  Can you imagine how stress-free you can live by not worrying over money?  You can do it.  Try today.  type to you later.

Stretch

Stretching out. That's what I am doing.  I can't stay where I am, and live.  I must continue on this leg of my journey and try God in all aspects.  I can no longer sit and wonder.  This is my miracle expecting time.  That's what stretching does.  You expect something great to happen.  What does it look like?  How does it feel? Hmmm. A little uncomfortable, adventurous, exhilarating, exciting, scary.  Why?  Because I am going where I have not gone.  I am going where others don't want me to go.  No limits, no holds, no boundaries. 

This stretch is somewhat like Paul, "Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.  Let those of us who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you.  Only let us hold fast to what we have attained" (Phil. 3:12-16 NRSV).

Have you considered the blowing up of a balloon?  You have to know when to stop blowing.  Just how far can you blow the balloon? How much can you stretch the rubber band?  You won't know what can happen unless you try. The cool part is this stretch is orchestrated by God.  type to you later.

A different view

There is a sign on a community center close to home that reads, "Closed for Renovations."  On the opposite side of the sign there is a new sign that announces an activity playing from January to March, yet the center is closed for renovations.  My sister laughed as she posed the question, "which report do you believe?"  You see, it is all in your approach.  As you go about your day to day activity try to approach it from a different perspective.  type to you later.

This Time Try God

What if you don't get the job? The tests were not favorable? The money has run out? He has left? She has left?  And you can't hear God?  You can't find God?  What then? Have you been there?  Oh you know, the place where no one really undersatnds what you are going through yet everyone offers ideas for the way out.  What then?  If you have never been there, hold on, it is coming.  It is life.

What can you do?  In spite of how you view the situation, or how you cry, scream, fret, one thing is certain- God is still God.  What does it mean for you in your situation?  Be still. . . listen. . .wait. . . Be still, don't make a move on your own- you have already done it and itt didn't work anyway- did it?  Listen for the guidance of Holy Spirit.  Wait to get the directions straight. 

Oh I know it to be true.  Been there, done that.  Had so many people offer their ideas of what I should do, and then I actually tried to follow their lead. Here's the part that baffles us all.  God knows exactly the situation and the outcome.  If we follow God's lead, then we will progress along the hard times. Yeah, it may hurt but you will emerge victorious and more aware of God's love and guidance.

I had a friend that was upset about a bad review that I had received on my book.  He wanted me to write a rebuttal, but why?  That would only give power to what was said. What was interesting was that this friend did nothing to write a positive review.  That would have helped more.  How do I feel about all of it?  I'm fine, it is not that important.  I have learned to take life while receiving directions from Holy Spirit.

Life is too short to miss the joy of life, even in the rough times.  You have tried it your way, try it God's way this time.  Take it one day at a time.  Go ahead- let me know how you are doing. type to you later.

Be Content

Wow!  Aren't you amazed at how God 'feels' your thoughts, hears your needs, supplies you peace?  

Let me see can I show you this playing out:  I was going to start by sharing that yesterday I got my zest back.  I have been too busy trying to get others to 'let me in', when God has already given me my own 'in'.  Isn't that crazy?  Those who know me understand.  One sad part of my lack of zest was my lack of writing.  I was too busy doing what was expected that I was not missing the use of my gifts, and missing complete joy from God.  I couldn't be 'content'.  You know,". . .for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Phil. 411bNIV).  Oh but that's over now.

Watch this:  Yesterday I bought "The Pocket Thomas Merton, which is a collection of Merton's paragraphs."  While I was waiting for my laptop to load I read the author's intro and - well let me share it.

"At the heart of Merton's Spirituality is his distinction between our real and false selves. Our false selves are the identities we cultivate in order to function in society with pride and self-possession; our real selves are a deep religious mystery, known entirely only to God. The world cultivates the false self, ignores the real me, and therein lies the great irony of human existence;  the more we make of ourselves, the less we actually exist" (Inchausti 2005).

I think you get it.  I was happier when I functioned in my real self.  And that is where I return.  Join me in this year, in this season of contemplation discarding the false self.  I think that is what Paul had achieved when he could be content in whatever the circumstance.  type to you later

Continue

Well I had to spend the time getting started.  How did I do  it?  I got still, and asked Holy Spirit "where"?  And - I just put one foot out there.  Since we love thinking about new beginnings at the first of the year we can begin the new leg of our journey. 

Yes, the year will take you in a different place.  Are you ready?  Good.  Let;'s back track a little.  If the new year can take you in a new direction, then why stop there?  Each new day can lead to a new adventure while following Holy Spirit.  Let this day be a day of wonder, of exploration, of no fear.  Don't look back.  You may miss a joy of today.  Each new day is your gift- go ahead unwrap the gift, and follow. type to you later.

Get Started

Where do you start?  How do you make changes?  Take time to make a vision statement, a mission statement.   You see, both of these can aid in getting and keeping you on track.  My pastor recommended you have a vision statement for every area of your life.  Work on that as soon as possible.  What do you want to happen?  Vision statement, then make a plan to accomplish, and then identify distractions to the plan and push them out of your way.  You cannot effectively remove distraction alone, but together with Holy Spirit.  Go ahead, this is your time.  type to you later.

Blessings for a Great New Year

Blessings to all for a year of new beginnngs: A time of hearing the heart of others and of understanding your response to them.  A time of getting you out of God's way in order to watch God's work in your life.  A time of releasing old hurts and unforgiveness.  A time of loving and allowing yourself to be loved.  A time of following God's will for your life.  Enjoy your journey. type to you later.