Uncertainty

Everywhere I go, I hear people talk about how uncertain our future looks. With the rise in bankruptcies, job losses, and foreclosures many people are unsure of what tomorrow holds. Although I had not personally experienced the economic crunch, I am well aware that thousands of people have been affected and few see any signs of hope. Recently my Mary Kay director shared how little companies and vendors are closing their doors, and larger companies are affected because they find themselves without the little details that make our world a place of convenience. This started me to thinking. How should I respond when people declare that they feel the future of their lives and this country seem so bleak? It is our responsibility as Christians to encourage others and point them to Jesus as our only answer to every problem, situation, or circumstance that affects our lives. So how do we show people that the only certainty is that Jesus is Lord and He has a plan for His people and will bring us to our destiny and preplanned future (Jeremiah 29:11).

I firmly believe that America is facing turbulent times, and I am painfully aware that people are suffering and are looking for a way out. The answer to our uncertainties is wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 says that wisdom is the main thing, and we should get wisdom and while we are seeking things we should get understanding. This seems a surprising answer for people who face economic challenges. It would appear that we are in need of more money, jobs, or opportunities. But truthfully, if we seek God's wisdom we will have all that we need. Wisdom is the knowledge of what to do according to the pattern and ways that God operates. Understanding is knowing what to do with that knowledge. So, we don't need more money or an extra job. We need the wisdom that God gives so that we can see His plan unfold in our lives despite the circumstances.

Before you raise your brow in question, think about Deuteronomy 8:18. It says that you should remember the Lord your God because it is He that gives you the power to get wealth, so that He can establish His covenant that He promised His people. Isn't that amazing? God wants us to think about Him during tough times because when we turn to God, He gives us the power or the wisdom to get wealth. Now we don't always see the plan of God or how He will lead us to acquire what we need, but He is the answer. Maybe God will give you new skills that you can market, or perhaps He will give you favor and increase where you are, or it could be that Jesus will do the miraculous and reverse the curse on your debt. The Bible says that the wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous! God may just decide to use someone unexpected to bless you. I don't have all the answers but I know that there is a wealth transfer taking place. God is bringing a shift in the earth and His children will not be found lacking nor will His seed beg for the world's bread.

God truly is Jehovah-Jireh, our provider. God says that He gives His children what we need when we seek Him. What we need right now is not only wealth, but we need wisdom so that we can fulfill God's plan with what He entrusts to us. God has placed in my spirit a plan of provision for our needs. God has led me to declare a 28 day wisdom fast. Here is the call to fast:

"You shall fast for 28 days in February. The fast consists of 28 days of prayer to seek God's wisdom instead of provision. Each day of the fast, you shall read the book of Proverbs (wisdom) that correlates to the day. For example, read Proverbs chapter 1 on February 1. You shall commit to a 21 day fast:

• Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and legumes
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid - red meat, processed foods (white rice /flour), leavened bread, sugar, and sodas

The final 7 days of the month shall be recognized as fast days. You may choose one of the following:

• a complete fast from all food, just water and 100% fruit juice
• complete the reading of the remaining Proverbs (29 - 31) daily
• a one day fast from food with 6 days of praise and worship
• a complete fast from wrong thinking (turn of the tv, news, and distractions)

At the end of the fast, you will experience God in a new way. You will receive new wisdom in all areas of your life and new revelation of God's plan for your future. We are entering a season of transfer and radical miracles. Get ready to possess the wisdom that you will need to fulfill your destiny! If you decide to join me in fasting, please share your experiences here on the blog. I cannot wait to see what God will reveal in us as we journey into the place of His wisdom.

"Let this mind be in you that is also in Christ Jesus."

Waiting with Patience

I know you have been wondering where I have been or did I go AWOL. I haven't posted all week and was beginning to wonder if I would get the chance before the weekend. I wish it were simple, like I could just plug in and speak wisdom whenever I wanted to, but we all know that when God gives you a gift, He is the one that is in control. I longed to share my week's events, my prayer requests, and the blessings that I received this week. But I couldn't; it would have been me. It would not have been a blessing; you probably would have been bored or at best you would know the difference between when a person is at work versus when God is working through a person. Anyway, I take my life in Christ seriously. The scripture says that Jesus only did what He saw the Father do and He only said what He heard the Father say. And the Bible also tells us that we are joint heirs with Jesus. So what is His is ours. That means if God doesn't do it, then I don't either. And if God didn't say it, then I won't either. This is supposed to be how all of God's children live, but unfortunately there are some who disobey. I choose to be "Radically Obedient".
I don't profess to be perfect, but I work at living a life that is consistently aligned to what the word of God says and what Jesus modeled for us. So if God wouldn't do it, then neither should we;if God didn't say it, then we should not say it, paraphrase it, or sugar coat it.

So what have I been doing? The truth is learning to wait patiently. Yes, I said learning because waiting and patiently don't come easily in my vocabulary. Most of the time, I often act before I should or I wait a hot minute and then move on and "do what I have to do". This hasn't always been the best thing to do, and it usually isn't very productive; but truthfully, I have had moments where I didn't wait, didn't wait long enough, or waited with an attitude. Sometimes how we go through a situation is the reason why we haven't gotten the answer. It is possible that God allows our situations to show us how flawed our characters are. I don't mean that God puts trouble in your life, but He treats you like Job. He allows the enemy to see how well you trust, obey, and love God.
I know that God has a message for each of us, after all He is the one that gives us ideas and desires and led me to start a blog. But He had not given me one word this week. I mean nothing. There are times when God seems silent. It appears as if He isn't listening to us, or He won't answer. Neither of these ideas is true. God always answers our prayers. It is just that He doesn't respond in the way we expect. Sometimes we know right away just what He is saying or leading us to. Other times we don't have a clue or can't clearly hear what we should do, or we aren't sure. Most of the time, we aren't in a position to hear, and God waits patiently for us to get ready to hear Him. Let's face it, life can be pretty distracting or at least we busy ourselves so that we don't have a moment's peace. Our little distractions often keep us from tuning into what that little voice (our spirit) is telling us.

The awesome thing is that God works in our lives in spite of us. He usually allows us to discover His answers when we take the time to cancel our agendas and focus on Him. I am sometimes guilty of concentrating on the answers rather than focusing on my relationship and time spent with God. After all praying for stuff does not count as talking to God. The good thing is that it is during those times that I am selfish that God waits. He doesn't give in to my temper tantrums, panics, or pity parties. He waits for me to get quiet, repent (because it makes me sorry to just want His blessings without wanting to spend time with Him), and He waits for me to seek Him.

We cannot expect to have all of His attention if He gets none of ours. Seeking God costs a price. Think about Jesus and the price He had to pay to be used and blessed by our Father. It cost Him his life, both in serving and in death. We too must lose something to gain His voice, direction, and blessings. Only we can know what price we have to pay. No one else can pay your price for you. Maybe it's thanking Him more, sitting quiet just listening, fasting, saying "No" to our family and friends for certain activities, or maybe it's letting sinful habits die since we really shouldn't do certain things anyway. Whatever it is, we must all empty our minds, hearts, and plans in order to learn God's words, ways, and heart. God wants the very best for you and me, and He desires to give us His heart's desire. But we must reposition ourselves so that we can know His will and lay our plans aside in order to walk in His perfect will and plan for our lives. Perhaps, we haven't spent enough time in the secret place.

Stop for a minute. Is there something you are desperately wanting God to answer, to fix, to show you, or to bless you with? I am sure the answer to that question is yes, even if all you really want is more of Him. So, go after God with all of your heart. Clear out the cobwebs of your mind, preconceived ideas of how you think He will answer, and get quiet. Now you must realize that God loves you, and He loves spending time with you. He may not be in a rush; so, neither should you. Set aside some quality time for God alone, and watch Him share His mind and heart with you, His beloved. Yes, friends, wait patiently for God because He has waited your whole life for you!

The Secret Place

I am so thankful for today and every day. Every Sunday I look forward to the praise and worship service. It is actually my favorite part of being a child of the King. There is something about closing your eyes and turning your heart, mind, and spirit over to God that is incredible. Whenever I tune out the world, and focus on God and His great love for me I enter into a place of peace, comfort, and joy. Today was one of those days.

Every one has a favorite place. A place where they like to sit, or park, or stand, a place that they feel is just right and is made for them. Even at church ,some people always sit in the same spot or on the same pew. There is something about that place that comforts us, that helps us to focus, that makes us feel like we belong there. I don't know why we as humans connect with a certain space in God's creation but we do. When I am at church I usually sit on the third pew at the end of the row. I sit there because I like to see the preacher or teacher's mouth when they speak the word. It seems to help me grasp the true meaning of what is being said. If I cannot sit in my spot, I have to work harder at focusing and comprehending the message. Don't ask me why, I am also that way in school.

Well, when I worship that spot changes. I feel confined and like I can't lose myself in God's presence if I stay in my seat. There is a spot, a wall, that is mine alone to wail and to worship. There is no gimmick. I know that God is omnipresent, which means He is everywhere. But I don't always feel connected to Him when I am everywhere. Often I sense His presence, but it seems like I can't press in to that sacred place behind the veil, where it is just God and me. However, when I go to my wall and I close my eyes, I enter a secret place. Naturally, I am still in the church in a room full of people, but spiritually, I enter a place in the spirit where I sense the hand of God holding me and comforting me. I feel the breath of God igniting new life in me. I feel the cares of my life and the obstacles of the world fall to the floor, and I breathe in God's presence. It is in this secret place, the place where God and I commune face to face that I desire to live. In my secret place, I pour my heart out to God, I yield my heart to Him, and I listen to His words of love and plans for my future. The things that happen in the secret place are reserved for intimacy. It holds the secrets of my love (God) and me. The secret place equates to Adam and Eve's garden. It is where God chooses to show His love.

Other people never seem to enter into my space. I notice that some worship from their seats, the aisle, some eyes are closed, others opened. Some people cry, others shout. Some raise their hands, others bow their heads. The point is that everyone has a secret place. A place where they can shut others out and be transparent before God. The scripture says that we can boldly come to the throne of grace and have access to God our Father. The secret place is real. It is that place that only you can enter to have an audience of one with God and experience Him all to yourself. God is so magnificent; He is more than enough. While He loves on me in our secret place, He has room for you in your secret place.

The grand thing about the secret place is that it is like the ark of the covenant. It is portable. It isn't stuck at church or any other place. The secret place is wherever you and God are. It may be a bathroom, a living room, a bedroom, a closet, an office, a hallway. No matter the place you can enter anytime you desire because God lives in the secret place and He is waiting for you to come on into His presence. So I challenge you this week, when life is overwhelming, or when you feel lonely, discouraged, depressed, misunderstood, or what ever lie the enemy sends to ambush you; then enter into your secret place and bask in the love and Glory of the King. His splendor is enough and His love is sufficient. Go ahead, step on in and close the door. Better yet, live out of the secret place!

Just a Coincidence?

I think I am staying in today. No plans, no to-do list, no errands just a little R & R. (I doubt it seriously though because I never stay at home.) I have to tell you about something that I have been pondering since yesterday. It was an ordinary day. Nothing major happened and everything seemed usual, at least on the surface. But one of the things God reminded me of was to look for "little" things throughout 2009 that show that He is acting in my life even when I don't see Him. Yesterday was a work day, but we didn't have students. The faculty spent the morning in professional development workshops and the afternoon in parent conferences. I think it was pretty productive and not because I was one of the morning speakers. I am always using the gift God has given me to spread positive messages, uplift, and encourage others.

Anyway after school my mom and I headed to one of our suppliers (yes, we still own a jewelry company)to fill several orders and to get a jump on Mardi Gras and Valentine jewelry. Incidentally, we were able to pick up some really cool things, and we maybe in a few days we will post a few to the blog so that you can see our wonderful work. We called ahead to let the owner know that we were leaving Opelousas and would arrive as soon as traffic and speed would allow. Whenever we need supplies for Jewelz (our company) we always call ahead because sometimes we can't get to her business before closing. Suzi, a wonderful friend among other things, was glad to hear that we were coming to "visit" and assured us that she would wait patiently for us so that we would not have to rush. We have known Suzi for about a year and she is a joy to work with. She is the epitome of a professional and makes you feel more like a family member than a friend.

When we first met Suzi, we had actually searched for her for a year prior to actually making contact but were unsuccessful in finding her. Another supplier had discouraged us from doing business with her and even portrayed her as unethical and unprofessional. Since we search for quality material for our clients, we wanted to only do business with the best. Eventually God led us to her, and we have loved her ever since. Suzi is warm and friendly. She is helpful, and she works with the utmost integrity. She goes above and beyond to satisfy her customers and she makes sure that you realize that she is a friend first and a business woman second. By the way, she owns and runs a very successful business. From the moment you arrive in the parking lot, you sense something "special" about the business and the owners.

You see Suzi is a Christian business owner. She is a true witness of the goodness of Jesus. Her light shines in every transaction. We have prayed together, eaten together, played together, and done business. And in every instance she has proven what it means to work as unto God and not to man. If you could meet her today, you would love her. Her business is an extension of her life, a dedication to the Lord. She makes sure we get the best so that you in turn will get the best from us. She is never focused on selling anything other than a pleasant smile, a friendly hug, and a helpful word of advice. For this alone we love and respect her. I no longer frequent the other supplier. Not because they misled me (that was my choice to accept the lie of an enemy), but I don't believe that is where God wants me to do business. You see the other company supports gay/homosexual lifestyles, slothfulness, and greed. These are qualities that oppose the love and word of God.

I support Suzi's business for two reasons. She is a Christian and works diligently always. She shines the light of Jesus Christ no matter what the cost. I believe that God sends people into our lives for us to bless or for us to receive a blessing. By these relationships, God develops and connects love nets that allow others to share the message and love of God. For you see, when we purchase supplies from Suzi we pass on her quiet and loving spirit to our customers. I believe that people who have purchased our jewelry made with material from Suzi's company have been set up by God for an extra blessing that they are not even aware of. By the same token, the enemy sets up ambushes for the God-sent people that arrive in your life. I know it was not a coincidence that the other company spoke falsely against Suzi's business. The enemy wanted to discredit her life and her business. Sadly enough, I did not seek God's will in that area of my business. I walked according to a false word sent by the enemy rather than praying and discerning God's plan. I have learned a valuable lesson:

• always judge a person by their own fruit
• try every spirit by the spirit (check the source of the word/advice)
• beware of the company you keep (sometimes we bring curses into our finances and lives because we choose to do business with the enemy)
• never take a "little" thing for granted
• work with a spirit of integrity on your job (some people will judge God by his children - you)
• Recognize opportunities to show God at all times (that is not just your job)

There are so many things that I didn't share about Suzi as a person, like how she lays her life aside to bless others. When we left her shop, we stopped at a restaurant that Suzi recommended. I could tell when we stepped into the place I knew this was a God-cident (God arranged incident rather than a coincidence). The owners seemed surprised to see us, I am not positive why. But they were wonderfully friendly and served us with a spirit of excellence. They offered us free drinks while we waited and assured us that they would know our order the next time we came back. If I didn't recognize God's hand on my life, I would suspect that this visit was insignificant or just a coincidence but I know that God is not done with that newly formed relationship. I am not surprised of the quality of the service or the spirit of the owners, after all Suzi and God sent me there. But I can't wait to see what "small" thing God will do with us and them.

As you go about your day, look for the little things God is doing in your life. Observe who smiles at you or says something "ordinary". Watch out for the people in your life who you have come to trust but may say terrible words that could alter God's future and plan for your life or someone close to you. Separate from those who speak against the relationships God fills your life with. Pray for those who are being used by the enemy to bring you a wrong word that God has not spoken for your destiny. Remember they don't know that they are lost, and you may just be their God-send!!

Wait a Minute

Wow! I can't believe that it has been three days since I last posted. It wasn't that I was super busy nor was it that I wasn't inspired with pearls of wisdom to share. The truth is that I have been aggravated. My kids at school have officially returned to "normal". I knew it wasn't going to be long before they showed their true colors. There are the usual list of excuses:

• I forgot my homework.
• My mama or grandma didn't know how to do my homework.
• I forgot my ________ at home.
• I left my book / tablet at school.
• I didn't know we had homework even though you wrote it on the board and I copied it into my assignment planner.

And my all time favorite: We had to go somewhere (as if they couldn't carry their books along for the ride to Aunt Somebody's house)

Here I am trying to prepare them for the state test that will make or break their lives for the next year, and they are a little perturbed that I am so stressed over their performance.

Plus it did not help that as of Tuesday morning, Nay walked out to a flat tire just before she was about to leave for school, which meant I had to drive her to school. This ticked us both off because I hate having to get ready earlier (not that I wake up any differently) and she hates to be seen as the senior who is leaping from the back seat of her mom's car. Needless to say when I got home it was too cold and too late to change the flat so she needed another ride today but I had bus duty, and after school I had more duty and errands so the tire is still on a flat. Why is it that when everything is going wrong it all goes wrong at the same time?

I forgot to point out that she couldn't figure out why she couldn't just drive my truck even though she never drove it before and thought it would be great to experiment with how awkward it probably is. Don't get me wrong, I trust her, and even when I don't, I trust God. But somehow doubt got the best of me and I figured it was better and wiser to inconvenience my schedule than to potentially need my insurance agent. Now that I have a moment to reflect, where was my faith?

I mean it's not that I was worried about material things or even that I think she is a poor driver, but I must admit that I lacked the confidence that things would go smoothly, after all I had already seen the domino effect that one wrong thing had catapulted into my week. It had to be a lapse in faith, I am sure.

Have you had a point in your life when your faith did not measure up to your usual level of heavenly expectation? Let's admit it; sometimes life bombards us with minor obstacles okay even major problems, and we let our faith fly out the window. We hit the panic button and begin to wonder why we are failing or how could this happen to us. We allow the enemy to press us into thinking that we must have done something wrong because bad things shouldn't happen to us especially since we are God's kids. Shouldn't He have seen this coming and prevented it or at least warned us? The answer is absolutely NO! God is aware of our circumstances. He knows that we are facing a time of struggle or that we don't see a way that we can work things out. Just like the children of Israel in the wilderness, we question God's ability, plan, and purpose. The Israelites loved God and His wisdom when the Red Sea swallowed their enemies the second they were attacked, but when they had to totally trust Him to provide for them in the wilderness, their faith begin to wane. They even assaulted Moses' character and questioned if he had brought them there to die. I must admit even I wonder at times where is God in the circumstances of life or has He changed His mind and left me to die. Surprisingly enough, the answer is YES! He wants me to die every time I face a problem. God wants our flesh and independence to die, and our spirit and faith in Him to live. Remember when we serve God we give Him total access to live through us. God does not panic, and He never frets when things seem impossible. He waits for our faith to come alive, and then He manifests the provision that was always there waiting for us to lean on Him.

Philippians 4:6 tells us "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;"

This message is easy and clear. You were not made to worry nor were you created to solve any problems that the enemy sends your way. You were made to pray in faith and praise God for the answer before you even ask Him to handle your life. So, let's face it, our task is simple. Let go! Let God. Make a list of everything that has come at you in 2009. I mean it write it down. Then tear it up and lay hands on it and pray. This may seem silly but it works. You are letting go of every vain imagination (thought) that has risen against your mind and faith and against the plan that God has for you. Then start to thank Him. I mean radically, so your neighbors think you are crazy, kind of praise. And watch God change things. I don't mean sit and count the minutes or baby-sit the situation by reminding God that even though you know He said it is finished you still see remnants of it. Forget it and go bless somebody and watch Him work in your life. This is the remedy to bouts of faithlessness. Go ahead, I dare you. Reactivate your faith!

Good Intentions

I am behind in my posts to the blog, not because I have been lazy but because I've been busy. I have not stopped since last Sunday and this weekend was no different. I actually feel a little tired, and I tried to think of a good excuse for not posting now but I know that this is a work of love and I never know who God has hand selected to receive some love and encouragement from the pearls of wisdom He pours my way.



Exhausted. That is exactly how I feel after a weekend spent in church. Since Friday, we were in service in Lake Charles and having an awesome time praising God. It is so good when our clan gets together because we have church all by ourselves. Of course there were non-Murphy's attending services, but it is said that you can always tell when one of Willie's (or Irma's or Aunt Ethel's) are in the building. We are not quiet- sit in your seat- kind of Christians. We take an active or more of an interactive part in the service but that is the way we were brought up.



When I was a kid, my grandparents would wake us before 5 a.m. and we would have church. I mean singing, praying, and reading the Bible until my grandpa knew we had reached Heaven. On Friday night, I had the pleasure of bringing a word on the legacy of prayer. I shared how when you are brought to the knowledge of who God is and the significance of a personal relationship you have a hope and a surety in the power of God that others simply don't have. It is not that you are better than anyone else; it is that you know who you are and whose you are. You know that God is and that He is a rewarder to them that diligently seek Him. You realize that through prayer and intimacy spent in worship that God knows you and pours His love out on you and your family and your circumstances. You are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus and you want others to experience that awesomeness of our King!



Many people have good intentions in having a relationship with God. They feel like they love God and so if they attend a weekly worship service that they have served Him. Some believe that if they try to do good and give to the church or help those in need, then they are on their way to Heaven or at least stand a chance. But the scripture says in Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. This means that if you acknowledge that you were born a sinner and that you cannot stop sinning unless you believe that Jesus died for your sins and if you accept His death in your place, then you are saved. Saved from what you ask? Jesus died to save us from the penalty or consequence of sin, which is eternal death or Hell. If you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior then you trade lives with Him. He already accepted and redeemed you from death, and now you must let Him lead and guide your life. It is your free choice, and no one not even your parents can choose this for you, unlike your religion. This means that you stop sinning, or doing things that Jesus would not do, and you begin to do what He does. The difference is without Jesus as your savior, we do not have the power to change. With God, all things are possible and He gives us the strength to leave sinful acts alone and cling to Him.



Being nice and kind is fine. Giving to the church or the needy is noble. But turning away from sin and toward Jesus is more than a good intention. It is the key to knowing that when you die you will spend eternity in Heaven. Anyone who does not accept Jesus as redeemer and Savior will not enter into the kingdom of Heaven because the Bible says that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and that if any one wants to live in Heaven with the Father then there is no other way to get in.



If you are saved, then I pray God's blessings as He continues to fill your life and I ask that you pass today's blog to people on your email list so the gospel is spread. However, if you are not or are unsure, then pray and ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and come into your heart and lead you and guide you into His perfect will and plan for your life. God will do the rest!

At Home

It seems that we live in an age where convenience is in vogue. Many people don't have to fight the daily grind of traffic to get to the office. No, in the climax of PDAs and the infamous use of the Blackberry, homes have conveniently been transposed into the home office, complete with full teleconference capabilities. Flat screen TVs easily convert into video conference mediums, and it is commonplace for everyone to own a home fax/copier/photo printer. Students no longer leave home and head to college; they simply leave the great room and enter their private boudoirs to sit face-to-face, I mean screen-to-face with their professors. The simplicity and ease of working from home or online degrees from home have given new meaning to being at home.

American homes are not just living quarters nor are they their earlier counterparts in which the 2.5 family and a dog exchanged minor pleasantries because they were too busy with work, and play, and doing life to actually enjoy the elaborate sanctuaries that we strive to perfectly create. I remember when we lived more out of our vehicles, thus the need for SUVs because more of our lives consisted of outside of the home activities. Now our homes have definitely changed from trophy pieces to works of art to interactive living spaces. We have mastered the final frontier - we have learned to bring the outside world in and have forced our two worlds to meet in a happy marriage that we call, ________ -at-home. You can fill in the blank with whatever fits your fancy or current situation.

I positively believe that is truly living the American Dream. I mean who doesn't want to get smarter by staying at home or get more work done with less hours and more money all from the comfort of being at home. It is sheer genius to work the ground where you are planted, and this is also true of our spiritual lives. We must continuously strive to merge our "everyday" lives with our spiritual lives. God does not expect us to just be Saturday or Sunday Christians. It is his will for us to "live" as Christians everyday, everywhere not just at church. Think about Jesus, everywhere he went he was the same. He spoke to crowds about the love of God whether he was in the temple (church), on the fish bank, on a cruise (boat), on vacation (other towns), with close friends (disciples), or before large groups (multitudes). Jesus did not stop to pray only when He entered the temple. The Bible says He even prayed while He journeyed from town to town or while He was in the wilderness. The point is Jesus didn't act spiritual when He was with his church buddies, or when He was around people he wanted to impress, or when He needed the Father to deliver Him. He said that His only will was to do what pleased His Father, God.

The truth of the matter is that Jesus invented the work from home concept. His life was His ministry and no one could ever separate when He was at work from when He was at home. If we say that we love God and that we live for and serve Him, then we should be like Jesus. People should see us whether at home, at work, in the store, at church as the same person. Do people see you at church and become shocked that you actually go or even know how to pray? Would your co-workers be startled to find out that you, the one with the foul jokes or inappropriate comments, actually go to a church? Are you often cross and rude with the cashiers at your local supermarket? Would your bank teller refuse to visit your church if they found out you attend?
These seem like silly questions, but the real question is what impression do others have of your spiritual life? Are you like Jesus, the same yesterday, today, and forever? or Do you find that you are Roman - when you are with certain people you lay your church personality aside? Do you find it hard to be loving, merciful, giving grace, or even praying in front of certain people? If you relate more to the latter questions, then you need to repent. You need to ask God to forgive you for living a double life, one of which seems like a lie. You must ask God to give you a spirit of boldness so that you are not ashamed to live like Jesus. So whether you work at home or in the market place, you must merge your two realms and be an everyday, everywhere kind of Christian. So tomorrow, as you go about your daily life, check to see if your light of Christ is shining or whether it has been turned off while you do business. This doesn't mean that you have to be a fanatic or that you must speak in Churchese (Hallelujah, be blessed, you have reached the Johnson house of prayer). It just means that you must be loving, show mercy, be encouraging, refrain from gossip and let prayer fall from your lips. It is then that people see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.

Not Fair But Equal

My two children often complain that I show favoritism with each maintaining that the other is the object of my affection. Although I know that their claims are ludicrous, after all parents don't have favorites, I understand why they think the way that they do. Cranay believes that I allow Tre to get away with things that I never let her when she was his age, and she thinks that I do way more for him than I ever do for her. For instance, she thinks that it is insane that he has owned a cell phone since the end of 5th grade when we made her wait until she was in the 8th grade to get a cell phone, and she was only given one because she was starting sports and needed to contact me to pick her up when she left away games. Tre thinks I let Cranay get away with murder, and he is absolutely sure that I only had him to be my personal slave.

The truth is that I do have separate standards for each of my children and rightfully so. But before you shake a finger at me, understand that each one of my kids is different. They have different personalities, different needs, and different maturity levels. I don't actually show any more favor to one or the other, but I do what is necessary for each child which sometimes is not always the same thing. My policy may not be fair, but it is equal because what one child needs the other does not require. What seems appropriate for an older child, may be inappropriate for a younger child. I mean isn't that why a 16 year old can drive, but a 12 year old better not maneuver more than a lawn mower. My dad always reminded me that the sentiment "too whom much is given, much is required" rings true.

Sometimes like children we feel that life is unfair or that God doesn't treat us all equally. The simple truth is that God loves us with our quirks, personalities, temperaments, successes, and shortcomings. Yet sometimes He allows us to experience some things that others never will or sometimes we can never get away with what others seem to always escape. That my friends is called Grace. Grace is God's favor shown to us even when we do not deserve it. It is not based on how good we are nor is it cancelled no matter how bad we are. We cannot earn grace so no matter how much of the right things you do; it will not mean more to God than one who always misses the mark. We must learn to not compare ourselves to others, and we should not question "why me" when circumstances befall us. It is funny how we never ask why us when His blessings and favor fall on us even when we know we don't deserve it.

Let's face it life is not fair, but it is equal. We are all created in God's image and have the same access to His perfect love. However, we don't all make the same choices or experience the same level of sacrifice. Admit it, you don't know what the next person had to do or went through that birthed God's measure of grace into their lives. We always see the glory in other people's lives, but we seldom recognize the cost, the price that those blessings required from them. What did he or she have to give up? Who was taken from their life? How long have they suffered? The truth is that we don't know. We only see the mark of grace on their life. So, the next time the enemy tries to defeat you or cause you to question the sufficiency of God's hand in your life, cast that thought aside and embrace God's word.

" 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."

This verse reassures us that God will show you grace and mercy when you need it, and that when you feel weak it is then that He is your strength. So be encouraged when your life seems overwhelming or out of control because Jesus in all of His power and authority will bring you through, and you will enter His perfect will. Trust God's decision and learn to walk in the cloud of grace and favor over your life!

Fresh Start

After a two week break, today was the first day back to school. I love the first day of school and the first day after a break because the kids are subdued and extremely quiet. However, after a couple of days they get back into the routine and they return to their "normal" behavior. But I must admit that the students experience some type of metamorphosis at midterm. I don't know what it is about the middle of the year, but the kids seem brighter, more mature, more responsible, more confident, and relaxed. Every year it is the same, I watch my students who seem so needy and unsure of themselves morph into self-reliant, self-confident co-teachers. They come to a realization that they can do what is required of them, and they understand that if they "don't get it" at first then they can start over or come to me for help. They are not afraid to keep trying, and they enjoy helping each other when they encounter obstacles. It is amazing to see one child leave his seat without being asked to assist another child with a reading passage or a computation problem. It is then that I feel that I have succeeded as a teacher. It is at that moment that I am most proud that they are a replica of their teacher.

Similarly, after we have spent some time in God's presence we become new creatures. The result of living and learning His word yields a child who can now reflect the teacher. When we first come to the knowledge of Jesus, we are sometimes unsure of how He fulfills His word. We worry and we give up too easily. But when we learn to trust God and praise Him in spite of what we think or see, then we are able to get out of our circumstances to help others who only see the obstacle in front of them. We don't throw a pity party, we don't wait for God to give us a sign of His faithfulness, but we stand on our faith and God's word that we can do what is required of us, and if we fall short we know that we can go back to where our faith waned and get in God's presence to go forward. God is the Master Teacher who watches His children morph into God-reliant, faith filled co-laborers with Jesus. According to Romans 12:2, we are told to be transformed by renewing our minds. So, tomorrow, start fresh. Shake off the worries, the trials, the temptations, the fear, and worship anyway; praise anyway; pray anyway; witness to someone hurting anyway; live radically obedient!
You are a new creature, tomorrow is your fresh start!

No Limits

I love Sundays. The kids and I always go to church on Sunday, and today was no different. Actually, I attended two worship services today, which is a treat because I seldom get to go to both of our churches because the service times overlap. I love both churches, and I enjoy different things about each. But I mostly only get to one because I teach Sunday School at Star Light. God knows what we need though, because today He fixed it that I was able to minister at St. Peter and Star Light. I wondered how I was going to be able to do both services within the time constraints. I don't know why I worried, but I did. I know that it is God's church and He will not fail either one, but I realize that I am human and might possibly err.

As I tried to figure out how to be in two places at once, which message to teach to which congregation, and how I would lead worship without a pause or interruption since I would arrive at SL late, God fulfilled His promise. The scripture says, "Lean not to your own understanding, and in all your ways acknowledge God." Once I decided to let go and let God work out His situation after all these are His sheep; everything worked out find. Service at SP was wonderful, the members and I were equally blessed and received the word without fail. When I arrived at SL, Sunday School was ending, and worship was about to begin. I didn't have to worry about the music because God led me to ignore my plan and to follow His. When I followed God's lead, worship was awesome and God showed up. I don't know why sometimes we struggle to work out what God has already finished.

Life sometimes presents challenges that seem too big or too hard for us to figure out. It is during those times when we lack the answer to the problems or questions that we must step out of our own way, and we must seek God for His direction. When we allow Him to lead and guide our every step, Jesus shows us His perfect arrangement. God tells us that our thoughts are not His thoughts and the way we do things are not the way He does them. So if in every decision we make we pray and seek God's soft nudge we will always end up victorious. And life will be a little less stressful. This week work on taking the limits off of your mind and watch God do the unthinkable!

Wait Your Turn

Lesson for today: Learn to Wait for my Season

Last night, I tried to post to my blog and was unsuccessful. After several attempts at trying to fix problems with my server, I decided to get off the computer and read my Bible. Needless to say that must have been what I was supposed to be doing with my time because I never got the server up and running, which prevented me from posting. This morning, I tried again, but I wasn't successful. I am starting to think my computer does not like me anymore, or that is God's way of redirecting me to tasks that are higher on the priority list. I must admit I am such a procrastinator. Things that I hate to do fall into three main categories - they lack creativity, and so I am not interested in doing them; they require resources that I do not currently have, and so I would just be wasting time to only find out in the long run that I could not do them; or they are not a good use of my talents and energy, so I put better use to my time by avoiding them completely. I think that the best assessment of my dilemma is that I often spend excessive time doing things that I like to do rather than what needs to be done. My other problem is that I am extremely impatient. So every day I cipher between what needs to be done, what should be done, and what won't get done.

Even though I have not made any resolutions for this year, I do have an action plan / list of things that I will do this year. Now I know that sounds cheesy, because you probably think that is the same thing. But the difference is that I have prayed for God's direction in 2009, and the answer to those prayers fit this list:

1. Post to my blog every day
2. Pray and read my Bible throughout the day
3. Share Jesus with people I come into contact with while I am out doing life
4. Work my two businesses with diligence and integrity two days per week
5. Drink twice as much water or tea as I drink Coke
6. Use my talents to empower and teach other women
7. Live my calendar (i.e. - Plan my work, and work my plan.)
8. Demonstrate R.A.L. to my family (Random Acts of Love)
9. Share my prophecy / prayer journal with my writing group

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."

God wants us to live without being anxious. He expects us to totally rely on Him, especially when tasks seem too difficult for us. We live in a world in which we can have almost anything we want whenever we want. My dad calls this our microwave society. This is not how God intends for us to live in the Kingdom. God has a plan and purpose for your life, but it comes at His appointed time. When we waste our time with idle activities, we delay the treasures of life that God intends for us. So decide today to live each moment filled with God's purpose and plans. Avoid distracting activities and people who seek to get you off course. Sometimes before I must minister, I shut off the television, the phone, and sometimes people who want to share meaningless conversation. In order to get God's best, we must press into that still quiet voice and just wait. Wait until God speaks! This isn't always easy, but it is constantly necessary. And we wait.

Simply Live

Settled. That is how I entered the new year. Today marked a new era for me. I usually spend New Year's Day attempting to fulfill fruitless traditions that have little or no meaning for me. Not today - no resolutions, no fad diets, no cabbage. But I did model Nikki's thoughts by weaving a quilt of black-eyed peas and cornbread into 2009. These staples marked the day not so much because they are traditions that must don a proper table, but they just happen to be my favorites and I would eat them at least once a week if my kids weren't fast food junkies.

My phone wasn't bombarded with a plethora of calls, emails, or texts with wishes of wellness and prosperity. This doesn't surprise me; it just proves the fact that many of the people that usually do these things had already gotten the jump and sent me echoes of blessings yesterday. That is probably why today seemed just a tad ordinary. I did spend the day capturing glimpses of God's blessings that made it along with me into a a new year. Today I used my "real" camera and took a photo adventure with the greatest models to ever hit the runway. Mani and Dai were great sports and even when they begin to tire of my constant demands and rants; they simply hunched their shoulders and cooperated in spite of me.

God has truly blessed you and me with the dawn of another year. 2009 marks a time of supernatural favor and victory for everyone who loves God and keeps His commandments. God has whispered to me in a still quiet voice to stop and observe Him work in the little things. God is so awesome and magnificent that we often look to Him in things that seem insurmountable to us. Yet, He loves and blesses us with so many things that we often overlook or neglect to properly thank Him. Make this year a time of rejoicing; recognize God's hand on every aspect of your life. Now is a time for true intimacy because supernatural revelation is birthed out of spending time in God's presence. The more you lie at God's feet, the more of Himself is poured onto you. Seek today as a moment of refreshing. Be filled with a new out pour of continuous oil. Drip with the fragrance of worship and extravagant praise. Our Sovereign King is worthy of all glory, and the splendor of this King will change everything.