James Fortune sings this great song called, "I Believe," it is a powerful song. The message is that no matter what your going through, you have to believe that things will get better for you. And then he points out not only should you believe but you should know that it's already done. Recently my pastor said that we think that the future is the future for God. Our future is God's present. The creator that knows every hair on your head, surely knows what tomorrow holds.
I love the fact that just when you are ready to give up, God shows up and reminds you that "I got you." Just when you've have done everything you know how to do, He shows up with a blessing to big for you to even understand. I want to always remember that God has always got my back no matter what it is, big or small. I guess that is why in the scriptures he says, don't worry about tomorrow for today's problem's are enough for today. So short and sweet message today.
For if you know who holds the future in his hands, then we should be able to believe, "It's Already Done!"
Friday, July 15, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Why is the question?
So I haven't posted a blog since January. I have been journaling and tonight I just felt like I wanted to share my thoughts with the world so to speak. Love is such a hard thing to grasp. Relationships are so uncertain and the mystery of them always leaves me wondering. Why is it so hard to forget the past hurts, pain, lies, different goals, wrong type, not saved and etc... you feel in the blank___________, that it makes it so difficult to trust new relationships. Why is it sometimes our emotions are so fragile like an expensive vase that we keep them on the shelves of our lives never to take them down. So they sit on the shelves, and they collect dust, sometimes we take it off the shelf if only for a little bit we dust it off but because we are too scared or fearful that it will break we quickly put it back on the shelf for it's protection, for safety. We may even go as far as to put the vase in a case, and we may even lock it, so that it makes it impossible for anyone to ever touch the vase. Then we put the key away, in safe place.
My thought is that just as vases are meant to be used to hold beautiful flowers, our emotions, our hearts are meant to be filled with love for another. We were not created to live in isolation. We were not created to live in fear. I know that with my mind, and my intellect, but I cant' convince my heart to follow so easily. I think that sometimes i'm so afraid of being hurt( of my vase breaking) that i'm not even willing to give love a try. I'm not willing to risk being hurt. I'm not willing to be vulnerable with another person. What my intellect knows is that love is worth the risk, it is worth stepping out of one's comfort zone to experience the love that God has given us to share with one another. What I have been told that even if your heart gets broken, it won't be broke always, you can recover.
As I ponder these thoughts, I know that I have lots of relationships with both men and woman that I keep at a distance. I'm working on it, I'm working on letting my guard down, and I want to encourage you today that if you have taken your precious vase and put it in a case and locked it with a key. Go get your key, unlock the case, and for today at least let there be access to the vase. Let there be access to your heart. You don't have to take it off the shelf immediately but you do have to take it out of the case. The vase of life is most beautiful when those around it are free to put flowers in it. When those around are able to experience the gift that you are to the world.
I hope that as I have shared my thoughts today, that someone in this cyber world has been encouraged to try, to trust and to know that you are not alone.
Peace and Blessings,
TS
My thought is that just as vases are meant to be used to hold beautiful flowers, our emotions, our hearts are meant to be filled with love for another. We were not created to live in isolation. We were not created to live in fear. I know that with my mind, and my intellect, but I cant' convince my heart to follow so easily. I think that sometimes i'm so afraid of being hurt( of my vase breaking) that i'm not even willing to give love a try. I'm not willing to risk being hurt. I'm not willing to be vulnerable with another person. What my intellect knows is that love is worth the risk, it is worth stepping out of one's comfort zone to experience the love that God has given us to share with one another. What I have been told that even if your heart gets broken, it won't be broke always, you can recover.
As I ponder these thoughts, I know that I have lots of relationships with both men and woman that I keep at a distance. I'm working on it, I'm working on letting my guard down, and I want to encourage you today that if you have taken your precious vase and put it in a case and locked it with a key. Go get your key, unlock the case, and for today at least let there be access to the vase. Let there be access to your heart. You don't have to take it off the shelf immediately but you do have to take it out of the case. The vase of life is most beautiful when those around it are free to put flowers in it. When those around are able to experience the gift that you are to the world.
I hope that as I have shared my thoughts today, that someone in this cyber world has been encouraged to try, to trust and to know that you are not alone.
Peace and Blessings,
TS
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Stuck in the Snow.......
So the first thing I need to sayis that it's official. I have dugged my car out of the snow for the very first time yesterday. 14 inches approx..... What's crazy is that even after I had spent hours shoveling the snow, I was still stuck in the snow. It wasn't until someone came along and gave me a little push to get over the final mound that I was able to leave on my journey. Then today, day 2. ( I didn't save my space yesterday with a chair) So last night I parked in an available space one that was dugged out by someone else. One that I thought would be no problem in getting out this morning but once again today, I was stuck in the snow. I shoveled again, and again, and again. Took me forever to get out of the space...... but I perservered.
It lead me to this thought that sometimes in life, we get stuck. What's interesting is that with no fault of our own, we did our part. But to no avail, we still aren't able to move forward. Two things that I learned the last few days
1. is that we are not meant to take this journey by ourself. See if it hadn't been from a little help from a stranger. I would still be stuck.
2. Sometimes no matter how hard we plan, or try sometimes it's just inevitable that we will get stuck again.
See I thought that just by the mere appearance of the space, that I would have different results than yesterday. But I was wrong. It doesn't matter where I park, I'm probably going to get stuck. I know your asking what's your point preacher. Sometimes in life we can't change the circumstances we find ourselves in, because what's around us hasn't change. It won't be until the environment changes that I will no longer get stuck. It also doesn't mean I will be stuck for ever. It's just for a spell. So be encouraged that if you find yourself not being able to get out of the rut. It's because your environment hasn't changed yet. You just have to take it day by day. If you carry your shovel(I mean bible) with you always, you will know that God will never leave you or forsake you. He will either send someone to give you a little push when you need it or give you the patience to press on. Either way know that the snow will eventually melt. But also know that it will snow again. So expect to get stuck it's just a part of the process of life.
It lead me to this thought that sometimes in life, we get stuck. What's interesting is that with no fault of our own, we did our part. But to no avail, we still aren't able to move forward. Two things that I learned the last few days
1. is that we are not meant to take this journey by ourself. See if it hadn't been from a little help from a stranger. I would still be stuck.
2. Sometimes no matter how hard we plan, or try sometimes it's just inevitable that we will get stuck again.
See I thought that just by the mere appearance of the space, that I would have different results than yesterday. But I was wrong. It doesn't matter where I park, I'm probably going to get stuck. I know your asking what's your point preacher. Sometimes in life we can't change the circumstances we find ourselves in, because what's around us hasn't change. It won't be until the environment changes that I will no longer get stuck. It also doesn't mean I will be stuck for ever. It's just for a spell. So be encouraged that if you find yourself not being able to get out of the rut. It's because your environment hasn't changed yet. You just have to take it day by day. If you carry your shovel(I mean bible) with you always, you will know that God will never leave you or forsake you. He will either send someone to give you a little push when you need it or give you the patience to press on. Either way know that the snow will eventually melt. But also know that it will snow again. So expect to get stuck it's just a part of the process of life.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
With The Flow of Traffic
Are you living life in the fast lane trying to zoom past those that are moving too slow in your opinion. Or are you in the slow lane, merely holding up traffic. Or are you somewhere in the middle flowing with the traffic. Your going the right speed, your not afraid to past others, and your also not going so fast that you can't let people in.
I would like to think that most of us are somewhere in the middle. However, I'm finding out that even in my own life when I'm in the fast lane, rushing to get somewhere, I'm only thinking of self. I have my own agenda, I could care less, if I cut you off. I have a destination and I have to get there and you are holding me up. My focus is on one thing and one thing only to get there. (where ever there is) I see this in my faith walk in the moments when I'm very anxious about what God will do or say. And instead of waiting to hear from God on the answer, I do the very thing that I shouldn't do. In essence I tell God, " I got this."
There are other times in life when I'm in the slow lane. I'm still only concerned about self. I don't contribute anything to those around me. I just don't want to be bothered, because I'm too hurt, or too sad to be bothered with others. It's the time when things just don't seem to be going well and instead of shaking them off, I get caught up in them. I isolate. I don't let anyone in, and I don't give anything either. I'm moving forward but I'm only doing what is necessary to get by. It is at these times in my life when I'm not productive at all. Unlike the times when I'm telling God, "i got this." It's at these moments when I'm saying absolutely nothing to God. I'm not praying, not studying and not focused on the blessings of God.
Where should I be, with the flow of traffic. I should be with the body of believers. I should be in a place where there are others around. In a position where I can help and where they can help me when needed. There are times when you must move past the group only slightly, but not so far that you become separated. There comes a time in our lives when we have to remember that this road we are on, is a journey. We've got to remember the days when we first learn to drive. We were cautious, we were always obeying the speed limit because we were just happy to be driving. It didn't matter if people cut us off because it just didn't matter. We were also too scared to go to fast because we didn't think we could keep up and it seemed just to dangerous. In life we may forget and go too fast, and there will be other times when we are going to slow, but if we just remember that in the end God is the ultimate driver. He directs our path, he orders our steps and if we just remain faithful, we will receive all that God has promised. It says in Hebrews 10:26-33
Don't ever forget those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail. When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity. Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
I would like to think that most of us are somewhere in the middle. However, I'm finding out that even in my own life when I'm in the fast lane, rushing to get somewhere, I'm only thinking of self. I have my own agenda, I could care less, if I cut you off. I have a destination and I have to get there and you are holding me up. My focus is on one thing and one thing only to get there. (where ever there is) I see this in my faith walk in the moments when I'm very anxious about what God will do or say. And instead of waiting to hear from God on the answer, I do the very thing that I shouldn't do. In essence I tell God, " I got this."
There are other times in life when I'm in the slow lane. I'm still only concerned about self. I don't contribute anything to those around me. I just don't want to be bothered, because I'm too hurt, or too sad to be bothered with others. It's the time when things just don't seem to be going well and instead of shaking them off, I get caught up in them. I isolate. I don't let anyone in, and I don't give anything either. I'm moving forward but I'm only doing what is necessary to get by. It is at these times in my life when I'm not productive at all. Unlike the times when I'm telling God, "i got this." It's at these moments when I'm saying absolutely nothing to God. I'm not praying, not studying and not focused on the blessings of God.
Where should I be, with the flow of traffic. I should be with the body of believers. I should be in a place where there are others around. In a position where I can help and where they can help me when needed. There are times when you must move past the group only slightly, but not so far that you become separated. There comes a time in our lives when we have to remember that this road we are on, is a journey. We've got to remember the days when we first learn to drive. We were cautious, we were always obeying the speed limit because we were just happy to be driving. It didn't matter if people cut us off because it just didn't matter. We were also too scared to go to fast because we didn't think we could keep up and it seemed just to dangerous. In life we may forget and go too fast, and there will be other times when we are going to slow, but if we just remember that in the end God is the ultimate driver. He directs our path, he orders our steps and if we just remain faithful, we will receive all that God has promised. It says in Hebrews 10:26-33
Don't ever forget those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail. When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity. Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Rebuilding The Walls Of Our Lives Together
Just this week I've started studying Nehemiah. He was a great leader of people. However, even though Nehemiah was a great leader the one thing that he understands is who God is. Why do I say that, when Nehemiah found out that his ancestors were not doing well in Jersuleum. He didn't complain, He didn't get angry. He weeped. He felt the pain of the people that were suffering. Then Nehemiah began to pray and fast, that God would prepare him to help his people.
Nehemiah 1: 3-6a I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem. They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer!
It is said that before he made a move he stayed in prayer for 4 months waiting to hear from God. He was diligent in preparing his self by confession that not only did he know that he had sin, but even his family had sin. But he asked God to remember the promises that you have given your people to bring them back to the promise land.
It is my desire to be like Nehemiah. To wait for God, to not rush God. To be the type of Chrisitian that just doesn't pray after I have been disobediant to God. Then I have to ask God to fix my problems when I know I shouldn't have done it in the first place. I want to be the type of Christian that is also willing to tackle the impossible. I have to be willing to step out on faith to rebuild the wall.
The wall represents the weakness in my life. It's the places that if not protected or strengthen can in essence destroy me. It's the things in my life that I know are no good for me, but I continue to do them anyway. It's the places in my life where I have been hurt and even though I am healed and recovered. I still walk through life as if nothing has change and I am still hurt. For example, there is a senior saint that I know that fell about 4 months ago and has been in the hospital for most of that time. She desires to go home, but because she fell 4 months ago and hasn't walked in a while, she is afraid to walk. Her body has been healed, her muscles are able, but in her mind, she can't do it. I think that is a great example of how I operate in some areas of my life. Everything points to being healed. But I have made up my mind that I can't.
God desires for us to rebuild. He wants us to pray, fast and wait. He will then give us favor in the places we need to rebuild. He will send people that can help us through the process. Because in most cases, we can't rebuild the wall by ourselves. We need each other. I need you to help me rebuild, and I will help you rebuild and together, the wall will get built.
Nehemiah 1: 3-6a I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem. They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer!
It is said that before he made a move he stayed in prayer for 4 months waiting to hear from God. He was diligent in preparing his self by confession that not only did he know that he had sin, but even his family had sin. But he asked God to remember the promises that you have given your people to bring them back to the promise land.
It is my desire to be like Nehemiah. To wait for God, to not rush God. To be the type of Chrisitian that just doesn't pray after I have been disobediant to God. Then I have to ask God to fix my problems when I know I shouldn't have done it in the first place. I want to be the type of Christian that is also willing to tackle the impossible. I have to be willing to step out on faith to rebuild the wall.
The wall represents the weakness in my life. It's the places that if not protected or strengthen can in essence destroy me. It's the things in my life that I know are no good for me, but I continue to do them anyway. It's the places in my life where I have been hurt and even though I am healed and recovered. I still walk through life as if nothing has change and I am still hurt. For example, there is a senior saint that I know that fell about 4 months ago and has been in the hospital for most of that time. She desires to go home, but because she fell 4 months ago and hasn't walked in a while, she is afraid to walk. Her body has been healed, her muscles are able, but in her mind, she can't do it. I think that is a great example of how I operate in some areas of my life. Everything points to being healed. But I have made up my mind that I can't.
God desires for us to rebuild. He wants us to pray, fast and wait. He will then give us favor in the places we need to rebuild. He will send people that can help us through the process. Because in most cases, we can't rebuild the wall by ourselves. We need each other. I need you to help me rebuild, and I will help you rebuild and together, the wall will get built.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Words of Encouragment from a Greeting Card
My birthday was a few weeks ago and my dad sent me the best birthday card ever. It was so thought provoking and timely. You may have noticed that many of my past blogs are about searching and wondering what is next. Trying to hold tight to God's unchanging hands and moving forward at the same time. When I got the card, I was once again reminded that my personal journey was created with me in mind. The Potter has carefully picked out just the right clay, and as I go spinning on the wheel into my new creation. He's got is hands all around me. When the Potter creates he uses his hands and takes time to gently mode us and then he bakes us in the oven for a bit to make sure that the finish product will last.
So be encourage as you read these words sent to me in a greeting card.
You are the author of your own life.
It's up to you to dream it, imagine it, sketch it, shape it,
build it, go after it, and make it happen.
And then color it in with bright, shining shades of joy and deep,
lasting shades of meaning that are yours and yours alone.
No one else can know the dreams you dream
or the strengths yo uhave within you that will help you make
your dreams come true.
No one else needs to.
Because they're yours. And so is today.
So be encourage as you read these words sent to me in a greeting card.
You are the author of your own life.
It's up to you to dream it, imagine it, sketch it, shape it,
build it, go after it, and make it happen.
And then color it in with bright, shining shades of joy and deep,
lasting shades of meaning that are yours and yours alone.
No one else can know the dreams you dream
or the strengths yo uhave within you that will help you make
your dreams come true.
No one else needs to.
Because they're yours. And so is today.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
To be passionate or to be gifted that is the questioned?
Tonight I was watching a show that Steve Harvey the comedian was on with Donnie McClurkin. It was such a powerful show, because I hadn't seen Steve Harvey share his testimony about how good God has been to him. One of the things that he said is that we have to take the scriptures that we know and put them in to practice. Which means that you have to believe that He has come so you can have life and have life more abundantly. You have to believe that God has a plan for your life. You have to believe that He will give you the desires of your heart. You have to believe that you are a joint heir with Christ. You have to know that your worth it. God already loves you.
The thing that I truly desire to share which is simple and to the point that was stated on the show was this:
We all have passions that tend to inspire us to move forward, however it's not the passion that God gives you that should propel you forward it is your gift.
What unique gift has God given you that not only are you good at it, you enjoy doing it? If you discover what gifts God has given you and pursue those things, then you will begin to use the tools that were given to you and you will begin to experience the fullness of your life in Christ. Now I am not saying that you can't be passionate about your gift. But I agree with Steve Harvey that sometimes the things that we are passionate about are not necessarily the gifts that God has given us. Just to drive home the message, Steve Harvey said that when he was younger he was very passionate about being in the NBA. However, not only was he not good at basketball, it was not his gift.
In my life I know that I am passionate about many things, but I have to admit that some of my gifts have nothing to do with what I'm passionate about. The statements I heard where the kind of statements that make you go UMMMM..........maybe........ And I leave you with that idea, maybe.............
The thing that I truly desire to share which is simple and to the point that was stated on the show was this:
We all have passions that tend to inspire us to move forward, however it's not the passion that God gives you that should propel you forward it is your gift.
What unique gift has God given you that not only are you good at it, you enjoy doing it? If you discover what gifts God has given you and pursue those things, then you will begin to use the tools that were given to you and you will begin to experience the fullness of your life in Christ. Now I am not saying that you can't be passionate about your gift. But I agree with Steve Harvey that sometimes the things that we are passionate about are not necessarily the gifts that God has given us. Just to drive home the message, Steve Harvey said that when he was younger he was very passionate about being in the NBA. However, not only was he not good at basketball, it was not his gift.
In my life I know that I am passionate about many things, but I have to admit that some of my gifts have nothing to do with what I'm passionate about. The statements I heard where the kind of statements that make you go UMMMM..........maybe........ And I leave you with that idea, maybe.............
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