One of the Best Gifts You Give Yourself...

I Caught Myself Off Guard Today...

Sometimes I think God has a special way humoring my seasons of personal aches & sorrows throughout my life. It took me a very long time to finally see my own spectacles & downfalls and gave it all to Him--my past, today, and tomorrow. My rebellion of chasing over wrong desires, dreams, people & things-- rested. I no longer subscribe pragmatism, neither influenced by others' mythological/secular ideology. That's liberating & empowering.

Once you surrender to the will of God, you experience innate beauty, unspeakable joy, peace that passes human understanding, infallible love that only the power of God's grace can pour them in you; in all of us if we let Him be our Only guide. 

So, there was a moment today I caught myself remembering a special birthday. Honestly, I couldn't be happier of how things had turned out, in retrospect. I can say this now that one of the best gifts you can give yourself  is the wisdom of self-control. Saying no to fears, no to temptations and the ability to brace yourself with boundaries- is a gift in itself. Just imagine if we all practice conscientiously to not give- in to any form of infidelity, adultery, promiscuity; to the outbursts of anger & foolish pride, just to  name a few? I certainly believe that having self control would foster family relationships and most of all will save us from taunting regrets.

What would have happened if Moses in the book of  Exodus did not strike the rock with his rod?
His growing impatience that has led him to lose his self control could have been prevented. Easy for us to point a finger or judge--we weren't even there to see how Moses could have been pestered by constant complaints, squabbles, and murmurs of the Israelites. But in the eyes of God, losing control especially when He chose you to lead is not warranted by excuses. But God's love extends wide open--The Lord still let Moses see a glimpse of the Promised Land flowing with milk & honey as a result of losing his temper. 

"I Come To Tell You That Jesus Saves..."

It never ceases to amaze me how much a  song could tell a true story of pure redemption.
Have faith of what Jesus has completed at Calvary Cross. Today I come to tell you that He is alive; that He is the only Way, the Truth and the Life. Once you have accepted Jesus in your heart as your personal Savior and Lord, the Bible says that "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things are passed away; behold, all things are new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

 You may experience tribulations but these challenges will bring you assurance of victories because you will go through these trials with His grace.  Isn't that an awesome promise from our God almighty not from any man-made secular doctrines and dogmas that are volatile with multifaceted changeable meanings?
Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Today is a life-changing opportunity to make Jesus your personal Savior & Lord of your life. 

I am believing in Faith that this song ministers to your soul.

Related scriptures:
2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV  "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Lamentations 3:22-24 KJV "It is the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions  fail not, they are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him."



Have a Blessed Wednesday

"My Chocolate Lab Turns Nine Today-- in Human Years..."

         
       Nine years ago today, my Cocoa was just a puppy. She is one of the surest coincidences in my life that has become a blessing I count & treasure everyday even in my sleep. I loved her then but I love her so much more now. Never thought a dog can really be more than a guard dog-- a companion, and a good friend.

Cocoa has turned my life around...She made our "walks" at the park or in the neighborhood something to look forward to--always an adventure..She has this zest for the outdoors. I do too. The only thing I have deprived her of is taking her to the lake and swim for her pleasure. May be one day soon, I'll take her.

In human years, my Cocoa is 61 years old. That scares me to death. That means I only have a few years left with her. She has started showing less agility in every way. The only time that she really perks up is when she sees me putting my walking shoes and next will be getting her leash down and couldn't wait for us to get in the car. 

So after walking this morning, I took he to get a nail clipped at Petsmart,  bought her a new collar and gave her a nice bathe for her birthday. With that, she was so content and relaxed the whole afternoon. And that made me feel so relieved and fell asleep in the sofa. 

I and Cocoa are still building memories together. She has enamored my life with her special kennel "tricks & treats;" her loyalty & obedience to me and her unconditional commitment to love me. 
Now I truly know the truth of the saying that, " a dog is a man; woman's best friend!"


   

"I See Grace..."

    This song will definitely usher you to be in His presence. A hardened heart will be softened...Only His grace can do that. Today is an opportunity to make things right.

Have a Blessed Saturday

"What Is Your Truth?"

July has been a very good month...My sister from New York was here for a week; also my eldest sister's birthday; and to top it off--I & my mom & my four sisters were in a Women's Convention slated at our church. As I always say, "nothing can supersede the fellowship with our Lord." Your feet might take you places where they take your breath away and along the way meet people that astounds your curiosity about their culture; but when you're praising & worshiping the Lord with other women of the same faith, you know God inhabits the praise of His people and His spirit is there in the midst...

So, August is here. Celebrating its first day is a big thing for me. My hopes are in an awesome high. I went walking/jogging in the park. It felt like even the weather, the atmosphere, and the grounds are very welcoming. With the sights of clouds hovering, meaning no scorching heat from the sun and just a few walkers on the trails, I'm thinking this is really good. Walking for me "kinda" triumphs other activities I may be doing before dusk.

August streamlines summer fun as it prepares us to September. The most pivotal event may be "back to school" here in the South for grade-schoolchildren and also for university/college students.That's in three weeks before a week of teachers preparing the classroom for the children. I am looking forward to meeting new children/ staff members and what this brings to all of us as a part of fostering educational needs in a public school setting. May others' ability and willingness to step up in confidence & servitude be everyone's truth. Because I do believe that in order to serve children rightfully so; that fire of passion in making a difference that sometimes flickers be ignited fully... There's so much stake when it comes to teaching the children. We have to realize that they are the primary source of where best inspirations spring in teaching with good intentions.We have to remind ourselves why we are educators. I tell you, I think I am ready to do what it takes to come in full circle--teaching in essence. I had the whole summer to contemplate...

Thus, while waiting for August 18, (big day for new students & parents) I am more mindful now than ever of living in the present. When you enter in the spirit of gratitude and forgiveness, your perspective in life becomes so illuminated that yo want to activate that positive energy. Blessings come your way in different forms. And with what we receive, we are commanded to help others in any way we can. You see blessings are anointed favors from the Lord-- our hands should be outstretched and wide open to give...Know what God has steward you for...This could be your truth--stepping out of your tedious comfort zone and stand up for what you believe in even when you find yourself standing alone. But we are never really alone...because "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 (KJV)

Love you all with the love of the Lord.

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Today's Source Of Delight...

 An answered Prayer

In my closing prayer this morning, I ask the Lord that may I'll be a blessing to someone today; that I would be ready to step out of my comfort zone... An hour after that, I got a call from a dear friend needing me to fill out a letter of recommendation. I knew without a doubt that this a confirmation to my prayer.

So I told her that I would be more than happy, elated & celebratory to vouch for her amazing work ethics; her time management skills; her kindred spirit working above & beyond the teaching goals for special needs children and her aura of confidence implementing SKILLS' Program. It doesn't matter whether or not she's only subbing for the day, a week or for long-term assignment, she still brings forth her best.

No wonder, her eyes are set for bigger goals for herself and her baby girl. I never doubted that one day she'll finish her Master's degree in Social Work and become an advocate, a strong voice for children who can't defend themselves. I told her to never lose sight of who's holding her real future or tomorrows; and to guard her heart from the pangs of compromise & deceit.

Seeing my friend & her 6-month old daughter this afternoon at Starbucks was a pure delight to my heart. The joy, the bond emanating between them has made me wishing a future grandchild soon. Holding her beautiful baby in my arms with that radiant smile has summoned my psyches to be more thankful of what God is able to do exceedingly on anyone's life. It is truly a miracle how a little new creature could be your greatest gift from above. 

And my friend can never ask for anything more beautiful, more precious than her baby girl, Kourtney. I'm just so thrilled to see both of them exuding beauty & health at its peak. Gorgeous pic, by the way! 

"What I Take Away From Our Women On Fire Empowerment Conference..."

It's funny how things turn out for you sometimes. At first I wasn't that committed to be on a three-day women's conference. I was just doing it for my mom & my sisters' sake. I thought that since I've heard so many famous women that preached empowerment all these years, then why should this one any different? And I don't need one anymore. But the holy spirit has convicted my thoughts...I knew I spoke so soon & I was wrong.Because later, the benefits that I reaped during and after the conference is, "I'm Better Now."
 I've been listening to Joyce Meyers, Paula White, Beth Moore & etc. on t.v.; and read their books, too--Pride may have been a stronghold that simmers the importance of my fellowship with women of the same faith. I don't know where that seed of doubt in me sprung. But I know that the spirit of the Lord is more powerful in me than any principality of darkness. 

All of the women speakers had ignited faith, inspired hope, instilled virtue in their message. Each of these women may have had come from different cultural, educational background & spiritual experiences--however, one very thing they have in common is their unquenchable fire on empowering women from their plight through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love the culmination of events today which is the last day of the women's conference. Praise & worship was very moving. There was instant physical healing; hearts total surrender to God for the first time was inspiring to witness;, tears flowing because broken spiritual shackles were made free; saw lot of praying on their knees that may have opened the windows of grace in heaven--all of which had led to the in-filling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of the speaking in tongues. Beautiful, glorious atmosphere. God has poured out a river that never runs dry in our hearts. More rain should be coming soon, if only we believe.

I simply take the joy of my heart's strongly reaffirmed that the way to focus on what's before us is certainly cutting off some thorny people in the past as well as present and their memories in our life. And to do that, ask God to show you how...After all, "women are not a one-time wonder but a "forever wonder" to those who know her heart.  There is no need to be feeling defeated, depressed or lonely. I think that when you discover that you're worthy and so much more, you invite the right kind of people to be in your life; the ones that will build you up and put a smile on your face; the ones that know how to lead your walk closer to God...