No More School....for now

Today is the last day of school for Brandon until September 3^rd. We were singing: what time it is – it’s summertime – it’s celebration (From the H.S. Musical). I have never seen the movie but hearing the song so many times in the background had left its notes in my head.

My 8 year moves up to 4^th grade. Like other moms, I thought about him being so little not too long ago and now 4^th grade. Wow.

Congrats babe!!!

He’s one happy camper and his first question was ‘can I go to bed @ midnight now that school is out?’

Earlier this week, I asked how school was going -he responded ‘the teacher let us do whatever we want except jumping out of the window’. I laughed and thought to myself – wise teacher. His classroom in on the second floor, was he really thinking of jumping out for fun? I can see it being tempting because the view from the classroom is the playground.

Did he want to get there much faster? Well – when I asked for more clarification, he said three other kids along with him thought he’d be fun. We talked about it a bit more.

On a different note...

First day of work for me Monday after 6 long months since getting laid off from my last job. I could not have asked a much better gift than to have spent 6 months with my son experiencing walking him to the bus top and afternoon pickup, taking him to track practices and meets, afternoon at the mall, play dates, movies, library trips, etc.

Lord – thank you. You had it all planned out.

I have always worked full time before and after his birth and never had the joy of being the kind of mom I dreamed of. The Lord granted me the privilege all the while taking care of me financially. I have really come to know Him as my Jehovah Jireh. I can't wait to see you what You will do next.

Thank you Jesus!

Thank you again. I can’t imagine life without You.

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Glory to God in the highest!!!

There are scriptures in the bible that are guaranteed to bring tears to my eyes because their truth touches me to the core. I pray they never lose their power in my life.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:6-7a -You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man...

John 15:16 You didn’t choose me but I chose you.

These scriptures almost always evoke the following response from me while sobbing over so great a salvation that has been bestowed upon me – Lord - Do you know anything about me, my past, and my failures -because if you did, it would have been me on the cross and not the sinless and perfect King. His response is always I created you for my good pleasure because I love you. It’s all because of His love that He bids me to enter into a relationship with Him through the death and resurrection of His Son.

Though many times, I wonder why God would risk His Son’s life over me. I don’t deserve the greatest gift that can be offered to the human race – a relationship between a human and the Divine. Not because I deserve it or anything I’ve done to merit it – It’s love. Perfect Love – that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

He has done it again in the lives of two precious people today.

I have talked to them over and over about the love of God but have been ridiculed for years but God had another plan. With the risk of being rejected, I approach my mother and one of my brothers yet again today. I am taking a course in evangelism and as the class comes to end – I am required to share the gospel with a least 3 people and write a report about it. I asked the Lord for courage to go at it again. You see, I fear rejection when sharing the gospel and somehow it hasn’t registered that it’s not me people are rejecting but God.

The good news is that they accepted Jesus in their heart and I was so nervous through it all. I welcome them into the family of God. I joined the angels in heaven in jumping up and down with joy.

Praise you Lord for saving them. Their names are now written in the Lamb’s book of life. They’ve been snatched out of the kingdom of darkness into your marvelous kingdom of light. It’s all in your timing Father God. They were yours before they ever knew it. Thank you for answering my prayers. You are so awesome -so great beyond words. You continue to allow my eyes to see wonders.

I love you Lord.

Note: Many different models were presented in class and I used the one by B. Fay in his book titled "Share Jesus Without Fear".

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Saying goodbye..

Brandon’s best buddy is moving to Florida in a few days. From the very first days of last year in September, they had quickly become best friends. There were endless phone calls, play dates, sleep over over the course of the third grade year. And now the end is in sight and I wanted to do something for them to remember and as they quickly voted for the destination – it was Dave & Buster’s (www.daveandbusters.com) where you get to eat, drink, and play. Well – no eating took place because there were too many games to play and not enough time. But drinking they did. Oh and play – not enough hours in the day – well there were hours left but we ran out of money first. Two other kids accompany the best buddies to make it even more enjoyable. All were 8 years old running around while I sat down to consume a beautiful plate of BBQ grilled chicken with greens beans and mashed potatoes. My food was very delicious. After which, I decided to chase them around to better manage the cards which were being used to pay for the games.

A great Friday evening it was. A day they are still talking about and probably will cherish for some time.

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So, So Proud...

Last Wednesday, I stood among a crowd of hundreds of people cheering my 8 year old boy on. He had ran several times for track but this time was just so much better because it was the final and he wanted a medal and he got one. There were too many children to number the kids who were on their mark, and getting ready, and set and went. Went they did for the finish line. It was just beautiful. I prayed for him because he’d been so nervous days before – I was more so. He got two medals and was proud and excited, for one because his daddy in the crowd and he wanted to show off for him.

It all started back in the not-so-beautiful days of March for practice twice a week and at times three. He enjoyed going to practice because he got to see many friends and ran around a beautiful field (Lindenhurst Middle School). I even got tempted to jog a few times there during practice. Time goes by so fast and I’ve had a blast during those past six months while being unemployed to be able to be a full time mom all day. I love it.

Well- here I am to present one of the winners among many other precious and cute little young ones.

Thanks for reading about one of the days in our journey.

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‘No Other Gods’ Summer Bible Study

Today is the launch date for a summer Bible study titled “No Other Gods” - at first, I was not going for it and especially when I do not know the author. But when it’s recommended by Beth Moore in addition to being the facilitator- it was well worth a shot. I have other studies going on at the moment (Stepping Up and an in-depth study of Hebrews). Oh man I love the book of Hebrews. It can be read straight through without stopping because it’s just a glorious letter from an unknown author. Come to think of it – not unknown after all but from God.

Getting back to the point – not quite having my book for the study yet and LifeWay has graciously offered the first session and after reading just day 1 of the study – talk about conviction. It's an understatement. God knew I needed this study and for good reasons.

If you had asked if I had if I had any idols in my life –to which I would have said: are you kidding – no ma’am or no sir - not I. But it was evident after reading the author’s definition of what could be considered modern day idols that I have a few in my closets. They are so subtle and that were the danger lies. They are occupying God’s territory in my life. An idol is:

…is something other than God that we set our heart on (Luke

12:29; 1 Cor. 10:19), that motivates us (1 Cor. 4:5), that masters

and rules us (Ps. 119:133; Eph. 5:5), or that we trust, fear, or

serve (Isa. 42:17; Matt 6:24; Luke 12:4-5). … An idol can also be

referred to as a “false god” or a “functional god.

No Other Gods by Kelly Minter p 13.

Enough said. Time for some serious self reflection.

Father God, I will be on my knees before your throne begging you to reveal these creatures (though they take different forms and go by different names) and help me to rid my closets, my mind, and my life of them so that you can take back stolen territories. I stand on tiptoe anticipating your work in my life this summer.

With a heart longing to please you and making You the sole King! Amen.

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A Miracle Nonetheless!

There are times I want to tell the Lord exactly what the prophet Habakkuk had asked thousands of years ago. And it goes like this: Hab 3:2 “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known” It was uttered in a totally different era for totally different reasons. Who doesn’t like to witness a miracle? In a sense, every day is a miracle. When I take time to look around – I am standing face to face with the glory of God as He displays them in the heavens, earth, around me. He stands and asks me to behold Him every time I go to bed and wake up to a new day. He sends rains for my good, seasons to remind me that there was no big bang that can hold the universe together.

This picture is nothing short of a miracle. We don’t know what the future holds yet but we rest on the One who holds the future. Baby Marlon is 2 months and half. He’s been diagnosed as having cerebral palsy with severe brain damage and I have heard all the ‘he won’t be able to do this and that’ that come with such condition. But God has given his parents a miracle baby. He has beaten all the odds for now. He was expected not to make it. He was expected to be fed via a tube for an indefinite period of time. Not to be able to do ‘normal’ baby stuff but God had a different agenda. He always does. He made believers out of this precious little one’s parents. He’s a joy.

Behold a miracle!

God has done it again. Indeed I stand in awe of His deed. He has renewed His marvelous deeds in my day. He has done and continues to do things that amazes the doctors. There's just no explanation for what has taken place. He is so well beyond his 75 days old.

A miracle nonetheless.

Thank you for reading.

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On Becoming an author...

Well - I have kept this burning secret. Please do tell - it's writing. Writing what exactly? Don't know for sure but I have ideas. If you are an agent - please don't hesitate because I can guarantee you cats won't have my tongue. Seriously- it's a dream. We are supposed to dream, right. Dream on - girl. I might have to really check my English and plan to take courses in the future geared towards writing. As you can tell - I am all over the map so I am bound to find what I am looking for while I am full of grayed hair.
I am thinking of being the next JK Rowling. JK who? The woman who wrote the 'Happy Potter' sensation that took the world by storm. I would love to write something well organized for my baby Brandon and hopefully his children (not child) not children who will want to know their heritage. It isn't a pretty heritage but God is the big Redeemer. Praise His sweet Name - He is in the redeeming business. Add to that my addiction to the Bible - something biblically related. The truth I'd like to write anything biblically related in French or Creole for my people but I am no where fluent in either language to accomplish such a huge task but I will caress the idea.

Off I am to those two sites which contain excellent tips.

http://wannabepublished.blogspot.com/

And

http://www.cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/

Thanks for reading my blawg.

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Salvation is near!

• I am extremely excited to be part of this generation as I witness history in the making and the great thing is ‘I got to see it.’ An African American (I prefer to say black) has won the democratic nomination and if there was ever a time that a person of African descent has ever come closed to become the next president of the United States – it is now. Hallelujah!!! I would have rejoiced for Hillary as well because she’s a woman. I am living in historic times and whether my offspring decides to become the next president or not is his choice but the road has been paved. It’s possible. It’s within reach. Glory to God. God is not surprised because he knew it all along. Long ago before He uttered the world into existence. Dream big!!!

• There a number of other important issues looming on the horizon as well. We also live in an unprecedented economic trying times and I know a thing or two about that. Praise you Lord for being my Jehovah-Jireh!
  

• The ‘dollar’ is worth 20% less right now in the open market. The Euro is worth more and is the currency in Europe used by many countries. Who cares, you say? We are so dependent on many other countries for a lot of commodities. Foods at are their highest. Gas price – man oh man. I am one who needs oil to warm my shelter and it was $2.65 last year for a gallon and now I hesitate much to sign a contract where it will cost close to $5.00 a gallon. With a tank of 250 gallons – should not be a hard math to do = 250 x 5 = $1,250 and I will need about 3 fill-ins for the winter season. Compare that to just a year ago 250 x 2.65 = $662.50. Is that shocking or what – it sure is to me. Every time, I take a trip to the food place, it seems to cost more and more and that’s happening at a record time – faster than I can blink.
  

• As I write this, I am listening to McCain on CNN and just said ‘the best days are ahead of us’. I beg to differ. Wait – I don’t just beg -I differ. Well, I just might be alone in this line of thinking but a survey of world news will tell us plenty. There is a worldwide famine ravaging many countries. People are dying of hunger. True that it has not yet hit close to home. But for those who call Haiti home, it’s a truth that the inhabitants have to face daily.
  

• A few biblical facts worth remembering as the Bible is not silent at all on the subject of what is going on in the world. My Lord said Matthew 24:34 “I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.’ What things? Read on…

1. FALSE PROPHETS

Matthew 24:5 "For many will come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and will mislead many."
Matthew 24:11 "And many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many."

2. WARS
-Matthew 24:6 "And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end."
-Matthew 24:7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes."

3. FAMINES
Matthew 24:7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes."

4. TRIBULATIONS
Matthew 24:8-9 "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of my name."

And much, much more can be said from the writings of Daniel and Revelation regarding two countries that will play super important roles in the future 1.China 2. India. And not to forget the European Union that is composed of currently 27 countries and you no doubt have heard of a ‘one world currency’ or should I say the Euro which is already here and all nations under one head of state – one world government. A Roman empire in the making as prophesized by Daniel. Are we blessed or what?

Luke 21:28 "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." My Redeemer is drawing near. And I join forces with the Apostle John and I say “Amen. Come Lord Jesus’ Rev 22:20.

Thanks for reading my blog!

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Indiscretion

I do not hate You, God.
please understand.
You are OK, A-One,
the Very Best,
second to none I know,
great and beyond
my criticism so
I say Amen
to You and all Your good
intentions---but
I might be right about
Your indiscretion in
forgiving folks
gladly and shamelessly
upon the least
evidence of regret.
I think
You carry love too far.
By T.J. Carlisle, You! Jonah!

Indiscretion – I had to look up the meaning and it didn’t say much (to me). I proceeded to do what I normally do when I can’t quite get the meaning of a word after looking it up and often looking up the opposite of a word helps greatly. As such, I typed in ‘discretion’ in the www.dictionary.com site and the result is: ‘the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment’. Bingo! Excuse my childish way of getting the meaning – now indiscretion is: ‘the power or right not to decide or not act according to one's own judgment’.

What grabbed me the most about this masterpiece penned by a human that so beautifully illustrates God’s heart towards mankind is the last line ‘you carry love too far’. I came across this poem tucked in a study that I am doing called ‘Secrets Jesus shared, kingdom insights revealed through the parables by Jennifer K. Dean. I read it several times and all I could say was ‘whoa’. I was at a lost for words and so taken by the love of God not to act according to his righteousness compelled by love, so great a love because He so loved the world – world made up of humankind.

Hope you feel love today by the One who is constantly pursuing you. I sure do. It’s a love that won’t let us go!!!

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