A New Year and a New Time

 I am glad to say that I am looking forward to the New Year and what it has to offer. As many of you know this year was a very trying year. I lost a home, a job, car, child, a man I loved, money and mostly my Mother and Step Dad. Indeed I have seen great darkness. However in the midst of it all I was blessed to see light. The blinding light of the love of God.

So as we prepare ourselves to embark on our New Year rituals, let us not forget who brought us to this point. That no matter what the ailment, struggle, pain, hurt, anguish, confusion, befuddlement, no matter what was placed on our laps, there was a creator who went before us to take care of it and stood besides us as we walked through it.

Be thankful for the time that we have had and the time we may still yet to receive. Do not be frivolous with life, embrace each moment as delicately you would a newborn, for it is just that precious. Be fearless in love, the reward of true love is not for the timid it is only made for those courageous enough to dare. Forgive freely, it is not meant for us to decide the level of wrong someone has done to us or another, it is only our position to extend what has been given to us so very freely.

So to you all I say embrace the New Year, align yourself with the Divine, bask in the knowledge that you are fearfully and wonderfully made and on one can come against you, when God is for you!

My Resolution:

To relinquish the delusions of grandeur and embrace the beauty of reality no matter how bleak it may seem, while embodying all God says I am!

Thank you all and I look forward to a very prosperous New Year in 2010. Here is a link to my book about fasting, during this time of renewal I do hope it is found to be useful. http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/the-daniel-fast-guide-book-with-recipes/8151166

Until next time

Dare I Say …God

^{Lev 26: (NIV)} 

 ” ‘I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. ¹⁰ You will still be eating last year’s harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new

On the morning of Mourning

Hello all,

In keeping with this months theme we will discuss obedience. Some of you may  know that on last week my mother and step father were killed in a tragic car accident. This has led me to lean to God more than ever before for comfort, understanding and guidance. So as I was here on the eve of the funeral it was placed on me to write about how important it is to be obedient in life, so that you may obtain peace, even when faced with death.

We as people hold on to many a feeling, thought or idea of someone, something or someplace. Many a time we never think to how fleeting the moment truly is. When we lose a loved one, it is in that moment we realize just how precious time really is. We go down lists of things we should have said, could have done and would want to do if they were here. Though all of these feelings and emotions are valid, there is nothing to be gained in death of these thoughts. The God we serve is a living God and does not dwell in death, darkness, or yesterdays. He is a God of better tomorrows, forgiveness and love.

During this time of reflection I was able to have imparted on me a great sense of understanding and acceptance, now this does not mean that in the natural I do not feel some anger, resentment and grief all of these things are true of me too. I honor those feelings and know that they are of this world and in order to gain true understanding I must not lean to my own because divine I am not and ony He who is on high does understand. However when we ask for wisdom he imparts it on us freely and abundantly, so ask I did.

What I came up with, was simply this, in order to live  eternally we must obey here on this plane first. We must be willing to be living sacrifices to God and his will, even when we do not agree with his choices. I know some may think this is impossible and often times we wonder what good it will do or if it is truly real. All of these things are valid, but remember to live in faith you must know that faith is substance of things hoped for and evidence of things unseen. What this alone tells us is we must strive and hope even when it is dark, even when you can not understand, continue to hope for it will come to pass.

So you may say, ” well fine, but what does this have to do with living right in order to die well?”. Well here is what I have to say about that. Now I have never been on the other side to hear “well done my faithful servant” , but I do know that we all do or should strive to hear those words. However I have been blessed, and I say blessed because the bible tells me Mat 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted to see how obedience to God can heal those about to go into transition and those who are left behind to mourn the transition. In order to give you an example I have to give you background.

Some of you that read this did know my mother and knew her well, at least the Bridget she had grown to become. This was not always the woman that I knew. I was fortunate to watch her grow and change and morph into this woman that so many people are now here to mourn, but I would be remiss in this word if I did not say truthfully had this been a few years ago I am not sure the outpour would be the same.

This is not being cruel or vindictive I am simply stating the truth.Even with her tremendous growth and work with the outside world in many ways my mother was not obedient. She clung to her outreach and volunteer work and so many outside projects, but just could not get it right at home. She did meet a wonderful man who loved her instantly and they wed and he was wonderful to her. He loved her in spite of all flaws, any drama and was truly a wonderful caring person. For this we were all grateful.

However there was always a bit of darkness that loomed over head. I would like to think that the reason the world was able to receive such a beautiful soul was because she placed all of her energy into getting it right somewhere but just could not with family.

There were plenty of ups and downs like any other family but sometimes the wounds were deep and there was never enough salve to heal. This made for rocky times as it does with all families. I am not here to tell you everything was always rosy I am here to tell you that obedience is the only way to live.  Some of you know that my mom could have been gone a long time ago, she had battled with sickness, multiple car wrecks, abusive relationships and so much more and overcame every obstacle.

Still she had a purpose, God wanted her to get it right and in his mercy he allowed her time to do so.  You may be wondering what the point may be or what I am getting at so i will try to tell you.

Very recently there were familial problems like all families and my mother and I would go back and forth discussing loving and forgiveness and so many other things, she was my biggest fan of Dare I Say God LOL somehow the word penetrated and amends she began to make.

Upon my visit here last summer we had a wonderful healing, forgiving time,she and Sherman even traipsed all the way to NY to visit with Jaide their grand daughter just to have pizza LOL (fence Mended) My sister Andrea was here for her birthday and they made dinner and colored her hair and she said it was the best birthday she had in years. (fence mended) her sister Mary and her were building a relationship after years of estrangement they began their closeness,(fence mended) My cousin Kristen and her were not speaking and just two weeks ago she spoke to her apologized and was blessed to see her great niece and share her homemade cap (fence mended)even on the day of her death she called her Big sister Deidre who was close with her her whole life but were not speaking and said we are sisters and I love you let’s forget about this (fence mended.) Now if that is not God at work I do not know what is. I am so glad to have a God that goes before us and knows our end before we begin it.

Maybe now you can see why it is so important ot live obediently, we must be quick to forgive, to love, to care for those around us because you never know when is the last moment. You see what my mom left behind was not feelings of regret, sadness and misery, but a sense of love, forgiveness and understanding, She finally got it right through her submission and obedience to Gods word and will, and I am sure she heard “well done my good and faithful servant.” This is the legacy that she leaves with her family, that forgiveness is just on the tip of your togune and time is nipping at our heels. We must get it right because it is never promised.

We must always remember that the race is not given to the swift but to the steady. So though there may be times where we all fall down and weaken to the pressure, this is a moment, be steady in your love, be steady in your understanding, be steady in your forgiveness, but most of all be steady in your pursuit of Gods will and you will never go wrong, you will always come out on top.

Here is to my mother, a women who was always steady in her pursuit of being better, a better friend, a better case worker, a better wife, a better sister, a better Aunt, a better Grand Mother and mostly a better Mother and a better woman she was, here is to the man that found a good thing in her and loved her truly. May they rest in peace eternally and may we all take a lesson and be obediant when God speaks to us.

 

Until next time

Dare I Say … God

Pro 3:5 (NLT)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Jam 1:5 (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him

Luk 20:38 (KJV)

³⁸For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Heb 11:1

¹Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Matt 25:23 (NIV)

²³“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!

Eccl 9:11 (NIV)

¹¹ I have seen something else under the sun:

The race is not to the swift
or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant
or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.

Becoming the greater you in He

Hello all,

First I would like to say thank you for your patience. I have tried to finish writing my book and launch the website www.DareISayllc.com so I have not been diligently writing the blog, which is the precise reason this topic of obedience has been layed on me to share. Remember, when we share with others it is usually a message to ourselves, that is the best way to stay humble. Always stay in awe of what you DO NOT know, never what you do know.

So this month we are going to deal with obedience, we have all heard of this, we have an idea of what it means or maybe a full comprehension, but are we obedient? If so what are the benefits? If not what are the consequences? These are some of the topics we will be dealing with this month.

It occurred to me that often times we put off the voice of God, we hear his direction and we respond with words like “I will,” ” in a moment,” “maybe later.”  Not truly ignoring him or his instruction, but doing his bidding at our leisure, and this led me to think hmm “What if God put off our blessings the same way?” You know, when we needed comfort he said, “later” or when we needed to make it just one more day he said “maybe tomorrow.” How would we feel if he decided to not be on time? I am sure we would be sorely lacking, yet and still, many of us do not respond to God with that same urgency as he bestows care for us.

So you may ask, “If I am following Gods’ instruction, is that not being obedient?” Well, let’s define Obedient, according to the Oxford dictionary Obedient is:an adjective meaning:  willing to obey an order or submit to another’s authority. So then you have to ask the hard question, are you submitting, are you relinquishing it all, I mean in that moment are you moving? This may help,let us think back to our youth.

Seldom was a time in our youth we did not do what our parents said, I am sure most of us did not say “Hold on,” “in a minute,” “wait” or any of those out of pocket statements to our parents and if so, we suffered the consequences, be it a spanking, punishment, loss of privileges, etc, either way we were held accountable for our actions. Now a days even if you raise your voice at children you are able to be implicated of child abuse, it seems obedience and consequence has lost its impact, and we then lose our way.

The same is true with some adults of this generation, we have no true concept of what it is to obey, we are the generation “born free.” We no longer come from two parent homes, we are having children younger and younger, therefore we are losing the wisdom of the elders, Communities do not exist in the same capacity as they once did. We are told we can do what we want, say whatever comes to mind and be our own person, so who can tell us anything. Where is the reverence?

We of the “born free” era believe we can love who we want, date who we want, eat what we want, dress how we want, basically do what we WANT(defined as:have a desire to possess or do; wish for) this never comes down to what we need (defined as:require (something) because it is essential or very important.) Thank goodness we serve a God that provides all of our needs, because if not, we would all be running based on emotion and desire and not much else. Though for some it is a marvel to live in such a way, we have lost the structure that made us such a productive nation. Gone are the days where we married and stayed together, long forgotten are the times where you followed in your parents footsteps and attended their alma mater or said “I wanna be just like dad when I grow up” and go into his profession. We no longer look up to anyone and say “I want to be like you when I grow up.” We are to consumed with being ”ME” to see outside of ourselves.

As with many a movement there are positive and negatives, but I fear the negatives on this path are to grave to truly ingest. With no one to listen to, no one above you in a world of ME, there is not a higher power to hold you accountable and for you to obey. “What happens then?” you may ask, well I will tell you. Lawlessness, and that leads to chaos. Chaos is defined as total confusion. Interesting is it not. does that not describe the way we feel without direction? We feel lost, unsure, confused. Unsure of what to do, what to say, where to go. So many things fall out of balance, this is the path we chose when living disobediently.

When we align ourselves and become on one accord with the divine there is nothing we can not do. This is the only way to be free. To truthfully be ME. When we live in accordance to Gods plan he allows a safety to be who we are, but still reverence someone who is so great and wonderful that even when we want to be just ME, without him, he loves us, and waits patiently for us to realize we must all obey, we must submit our will to his above all things. When you embrace this notion you open yourself to the fullness of God, and through him you become all mighty.

In the end we must remember that, God is love and love is never selfish we must relinquish the ideology of ME ME ME ME ME  and embrace the power that is in HE HE HE HE HE. When we listened to our parents, great reward was on the other side and they were as flawed as we are, now imagine the reward that our heavenly father has for those that adhere to his word. In all his perfection, might and power, we can not even conceive of such splendor. So I leave you with this. Become a new ME in HE, and in all things you do practice your obedience to God. This will put you in the position to receive abundant blessings and serve in your proper function in all roles God has for you on earth. Be well, be kind and love above all others.

Until next time

 

Dare I say … God

 

Prov 1:7 (KJV)

⁷The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Deut 28:1 (NIV)

¹ If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.

¹⁹ For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

The One

Good Morning all,

As you know this months theme is relationships. So this morning I wanted to discuss how to discover the correct mate.

Often times we come across relationships and they are not healthy. We find that we have given and given of ourselves and the love, caring, understanding was not reciprocated. What causes this to happen? Does this mean that all Men/Women are the same? Does it mean that you have done something wrong? I say to you NO it does not.

We have to take into account that not everyone is meant for everybody. It is as simple as that. Every person that we date does not have the potential to be a mate for YOU, the way God intended.

We often have made lists of the attributes that we want in a mate, maybe you told yourself he should be tall, dark and handsome with a 6 figure income and men, maybe you said she has to have long hair, small waist and docile. I am sure everyone has their own “wish list” for the perfect mate. Fourtunatly God will step in and provide us with what we need, not what we want.

“WHAT!?, you maybe saying, “ BUT GOD GRANTS US WITH THE DESIRES OF OUR HEART!” this is true, he does, and he is able to look into our hearts and see our true desires. However, the question then comes, are you seeking with a clean heart? Are you submitting to Gods will? When you ask for these “qualities” you need in a mate, do you finish by saying “not my will God, but yours?”  These actions are key in going to God in petition.

You see, just like a good parent God knows what we really need in our lives. When our needs are met life becomes easier. If you do not believe me, go hungry for a day, or just a little while. You will realize when hunger strikes that you want a burger but really if you ate a nice healthy salad you would fulfill your need to eat and not damage your body in the mean time.

The same is true in relationships. You see, God knows what you need and will happily provide it for you. God knows that though you may want a big butt and smiles, you really could not handle the attention that may bring to you. Come on, it may be great for a moment but God knows you, and knows you well. He knows you are a jealous person and eventually the stares at your fine wife will take you away from him through your anger. The same with women, you may want the guy that has a great cash flow, but God knows that you will spend that extra on hair and shoes instead of tithing properly, which again leads you away from him.

We must be careful of the earthly things we seek in a mate, and remember that Father knows best! As we live a lifestyle of need vs want we become more aware that what we need in life surely becomes what we want. We realizes this as we see it causes us less grief and brings us much joy. Often we forfeit the eternal joy, for a moment of happiness. Why do we do this? Well I will tell you why.

In todays society we are taught that everything must come NOW, it has to be IMMEDIATE. This is evident in all we do. Gone are the days when we had to go home in order to make a phone call and take 15 minutes just to dial on the rotary, now we simply speak a name and an earpiece will dial while we are typing to another person and drinking tea. We no longer have to park our cars and go into the bank and be relational with the tellers, we have direct deposit and a card that gives us access to it before we need it. You no longer have to cook anymore, you can pop Thanksgiving dinner into a microwave if you so choose. So it should come to no surprise that people do not spend the time dating and courting to see if this person truly suits our needs or just our immediate wants. Let’s face it we live in a microwave society. How do we change?

Well, we begin by submitting to Gods will, that is right SUBMIT. I know this word has a bad wrap but it is truly a beautiful thing. We must give in to one that knows better. Submit your will and your ways to him and you can not go wrong. Sometimes we want something so badly we can not hear God speaking, be sure not to miss the message. When we do submit than you must become conscious that God is working, pay attention to that which you have asked for in a clean heart. Be positive that God will do exactly what he said he will do and he can not fail. Finally, be fearless in love. That s right, love is not timid “If love be timid it is not true” – Spanish proverb. We must love without fear and know we deserve it! (2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline)

In the end, we must simply know that our ways have gotten us to the point where we question, when we follow Gods direction it is perfect and without flaw, therefore how can we go wrong. You may ask “How do I know it is of God?’ simply put, TRUST, trust that God has the answers and even when you do it your way God will work it out to his benefit.( Prov 19:21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.)We must also know that we deserve it. How many times are we faced with great and wonderful things and we shy away from it or think “really, are you sure? I don’t know.”  We must remember that we are royalty, all of Gods children, and are deserving of nothing but great and wonderous gifts and pleasures. Finally we must know that there is no way to be living sinfully and become blessed abundantly. Mind your intentions, actions and expectations and you will see God move in a mighty way.

Remember obedience is better than sacrifice, and you deserve everything God has for you.

Until next time.

Dare I Say … God

1 John 4:18(NIV)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Phil 2:2-4(NKJV)

² fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Phil 4:19(KJV)

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Men and Women

Hello All,

This month we are going to deal with relationships.

That is right, relationships not merely hook ups, but caring, engaing contact between human beings. I hope you all enjoy! Let’s begin.

Last night I was privaleged to be apart of the Neko Cheri “Live” Blog talk radio audience and the discussion was on your relationship stimulus package.

Of course as topics often do this one slid a little off course. However it was great because it lead to many different views of men and women and sexuality.

One of the men panelist Johnathan Woods (13 Ways) had plenty to say on the topic and shed some light onto how men truly look at women when they  looking for in a relationship?  It was very interesting that in this day and age many of the old ways still ring true in a mans ear about a woman.

This reminded me of a post I had here a few months back and I thought it approporiate to reshare with everyone.

If we continue on a path unknowingly how will we know when we arrive?

Realationships:

How many of us seek out and we are unsure?

We continue on constantly blaming the other person for their shortcomings while never taking into account that we ourselves may need some healing, a little growth and time to really get to know ourselves.

Why do we feel this constant need to be in a relationship, why are we so ready and willing to be defined by another human being?

The answer is simple, we are humans and it is nature to want to engage in human contact.

However we tend to settle for ANY contact opposed to the right kind of human experience.

Relationships are work and need not be compounded by any extra baggage, issues past hang-ups, etc.

Before getting into your next relationship here are some things you may want to look into in order to identify a mate that is good for you.

The best kind of man has the attributes of God:

Wise: He should be able to make decisions that are in the best interest of you.

Wisdom: “Wisdom is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve these ends by the most perfect means.” In other words, God makes no mistakes. He is the Father who truly knows best, as Paul explains in Romans 11:33: “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!”

Inestimable: He is without comparison, for you there can be no other.

Infinitude: God knows no boundaries. He is without measure. This attribute by definition impacts all of the others. Since God is infinite, everything else about Him must also be infinite.

Responsible: He does not shy away from his duties, all that is under him he cares for and takes care of with out falter.

Sovereignty: This is “the attribute by which He rules His entire creation.” It is the application of His other attributes of being all knowing and all-powerful. It makes Him absolutely free to do what He knows to be best. God is in control of everything that happens. Man still has a free will, and is responsible for his choices in life.

Righteous: In all of the corruptions this world has, he stands out like a beacon of hope, he sets himself apart from other men.

Holiness: This is the attribute that sets God apart from all other created beings. It refers to His majesty and His perfect moral purity. There is absolutely no sin or evil thought in God at all. His holiness is the definition of that which is pure and righteous in the entire universe. Wherever God has appeared, such as to Moses at the burning bush, that place becomes holy just for God having been there.

Diverse: Although he may play many roles in life, Father, Son, Husband, Dad he is true to them all and provides himself wholly in all roles.

Trinity: Though the actual word is not used in the Bible, the truth of God revealing Himself in three persons is included. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all called God, given worship as God, exist eternally, and are involved in doing things only God could do. Although, God reveals Himself in three persons, God is one and cannot be divided. All are involved completely whenever one of the Three is active.

Knowledgeable: He is aware of what goes on around him and what he does not know he seeks to find out always desiring to learn more and be more.

Omniscience: “God possesses perfect knowledge and therefore has no need to learn. God has never learned and cannot learn.” Omniscience means all knowing. God knows everything, and His knowledge is infinite. It is impossible to hide anything from God.

Honorable: What he says, he does you have his word on it and he never fails. He does not sell you dreams and falsehoods; he is honest even if it hurts.

Faithfulness: Everything that God has promised will come to pass. His faithfulness guarantees this fact. He does not lie. What He has said in the Bible about Himself is true. Jesus even said that He is the Truth. This is extremely important for the followers of Jesus because it is on His faithfulness that our hope of eternal life rest

Loving: He SHOWS his love, his actions toward and for you let you know how he feels. He does not shy away from actionable caring and resides in this protection of you.

Love: Love is such an important part of God’s character that the apostle John wrote, “God is love.” This means that God holds the well being of others as His primary concern. For a full definition of love, read 1 Corinthians 13. To see love in action, study the life of Jesus. His sacrifice on the cross for the sins of others is the ultimate act of love. God’s love is not a love of emotion but of action. His love gives freely to the object of its affection, those who choose to follow His son Jesus.

Leader: His is a strong and powerful leader, who is strong enough to allow you to stand in your position and is never threatened because he knows who he is and what his job entails.

Omnipotence: Literally this word means all-powerful. Since God is infinite and since He possesses power, He possesses infinite power. He does allow His creatures to have some power, but this in no way diminishes His own. “He expends no energy that must be replenished.” When the Bible says God rested on the seventh day, it was to set an example for us and our need for rest, not because He was tired.

Self made man: He is willing to work hard on becoming the best man he could be at all times in all ways.

Self-existence: When Moses asked who he was talking to in the burning bush, God said, “I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS.” God has no beginning or end. He just exists. Nothing else in all the universe is self-caused. Only God. In fact, if anything else had created Him, that thing would be God. This is a difficult concept for our minds since everything else we will ever encounter comes from something other than itself. The Bible says, “In the beginning, God.” He was already there.

Self-Reliant: He is assured in the fact that he will accomplish all things he sets out to do, he does not waiver in his plans.

Self-sufficiency: The Bible says that God has life in Himself (see John 5:26). All other life in the universe is a gift from God. He has no needs and there is no way He can improve. To God, nothing else is necessary. He does not need our help with anything, but because of His grace and love, He allows us to be a part of advancing His plan on earth and being a blessing to others. We are the ones who change, but never God. He is self-sufficient.

Just: He should be a man of his own convictions, and even if you fall in yours he is there to guide you and bear the weight himself if necessary.

Justice: The Bible says that God is just, but it is His character that defines what being just really is. He does not conform to some outside criteria. Being just brings moral equity to everyone. When there are evil acts, justice demands there be a penalty. Since God is perfect and has never done evil, no penalty would ever be necessary; however, because of His love, God paid the penalty for our evil deeds by going to the cross Himself. His justice needed to be satisfied, but He took care of it for all who will believe in Jesus.

Constant: He remains the same, not to many ups and downs and rollercoaster rides, but a steady pace is the one he walks.

Immutability: This simply means that God never changes. It is why the Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Understanding: Though we all are not perfect, he provides understanding of your flaws and works with you to become better.

Mercy: “Mercy is the attribute of God which disposes Him to be actively compassionate.” Since God’s justice is satisfied in Jesus, He is free to show mercy to all those who have chosen to follow Him. It will never end since it is a part of God’s nature. Mercy is the way He desires to relate to mankind, and He does so unless the person chooses to despise or ignore God at which time His justice becomes the prominent attribute.

Anticipatory: He is able to see the upcoming possibilities and steer you in the right direction, things do not catch this man off guard he is always vigilant and prepared.

Eternal: In some ways, this fact about God is similar to His self-existence. God always has been and will forever be, because God dwells in eternity. Time is His creation. It is why God can see the end from the beginning, and why He is never surprised by anything. If He were not eternal, God’s promise of eternal life for those who follow Jesus would have little value.

Humanitarian: He is good to all of those around him, and encourages others to be just as good.

Goodness: “The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men.” This attribute of God is why He bestows all the blessing He does on His followers. God’s actions define what goodness is, and we can easily see it in the way Jesus related to the people around Him.

Giving: He offers all that he has to give even if you do not deserve his best that is what he gives because that is all he has!

Gracious: God enjoys giving great gifts to those who love Him, even when they do not deserve it. Grace is the way we describe that inclination. Jesus Christ is the channel through which His grace moves. The Bible says, “The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

Available: No matter what is going on he is there for you. Though life gets hectic you are always a priority.

Omnipresence: This theological term means “always present.” Since God is infinite, His being knows no boundaries. So, clearly He is everywhere. This truth is taught throughout the Bible as the phrase “I am with you always” is repeated 22 times in both the Old and New Testaments. These were even Jesus’ words of assurance just after giving the challenge to His disciples to take His message to the entire world. This is certainly a comforting truth for all who follow Jesus.

Attributes of God – The Conclusion: This is the description of the God of the Bible. All other ideas about God are, according to the Bible, false gods. They are from the imagination of mankind. By learning the attributes of God, you may praise God for who He really is and for how each of His attributes impacts your life in a positive way.

So I say to you, if he isanything else other than these attributes then it constitute a false God, and anything that deviates from this list is not a good man for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certain things in this life are givens, we must do them, and it does not give you a chance to outshine them all, and be better than the rest. So I started going down the list hmmm….  .

Okay, I cook, I keep a clean home, I dress appropriate to the situation, I attend church, I am active in ministry, I watch my language, I am a good mother(a whole other post lol) I mind my manners, you know the list can go on forever. I even tried to incorporate a male friend to get his perspective on what is the right kind of woman, but he had to tend to his own business, so that left me to my own devices.

The Right Kind Of Woman

The right kind of woman does not necessarily need to know how to cook clean and do all of the aforementioned things(though this looks really good gals on the mate resume LOL) the reason these things are not the crux of what makes a good woman, is simply because they are actions, things, elements, externals, they do not make a person, they are simply actions that the person takes.

As with the right kind of man, we are going to use the bible as our guiding light.

Proverbs 31

¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
      She is more precious than rubies.

 Valuable: You must be an able woman of high moral standing, different from the average.
   ¹¹ Her husband can trust her,
      and she will greatly enrich his life.

Honest: You are not meant to be deceitful in any way, by earning and keeping his trust you can only make his life better.
   ¹² She brings him good, not harm,
      all the days of her life.

Encourager: We are meant to enrich the lives we touch as women, not tear them down.

   ¹³ She finds wool and flax
      and busily spins it.

Diligent: Always working on positive things and not dwelling in the negative.

   ¹⁴ She is like a merchant’s ship,
      bringing her food from afar.

Strong: She bears the weight of necessity for her family.
   ¹⁵ She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
      and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

Proactive: Her life consists of planning and preparing, not just reacting to life events.

   ¹⁶ She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
      with her earnings she plants a vineyard.

Magnifier: We are meant to increase and grow the things in our lives,for the betterment of those around us
   ¹⁷ She is energetic and strong,
      a hard worker.

Vivacious: Approach life with jubilee and great expectancy, she is unafraid to earn what she wants.
   ¹⁸ She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
      her lamp burns late into the night.

Cautious: She is wise not to be in situations that do not bring her or her family glory, she is always busy for their good.

   ¹⁹ Her hands are busy spinning thread,
      her fingers twisting fiber.

Talented: She must be able to master all projects she takes on, and never become idol.
   ²⁰ She extends a helping hand to the poor
      and opens her arms to the needy.

Giving: She is always ready and available to those around her.
   ²¹ She has no fear of winter for her household,
      for everyone has warm^[c] clothes.

Provider: She gives no worries to the everyday because she has provide all of her families needs by preparation.

   ²² She makes her own bedspreads.
      She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.

Majestic: She is always frugal and forever lovely.
   ²³ Her husband is well known at the city gates,assist      where he sits with the other civic leaders.

Connected: She assesses the right moves to make to assist in his advancements.
   ²⁴ She makes belted linen garments
      and sashes to sell to the merchants.

Independent: She is never reliant on someone else to provide her needs.

   ²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity,
      and she laughs without fear of the future.

Fearless: She approaches life with all she has to give and does not give on to fear, because she knows she is covered.
   ²⁶ When she speaks, her words are wise,
      and she gives instructions with kindness.

Mindful: She watches what she says because she knows words can hurt.
   ²⁷ She carefully watches everything in her household
      and suffers nothing from laziness.

Vigilant: She tends to her home and never rests in order to keep it.

   ²⁸ Her children stand and bless her.
      Her husband praises her:

Loved: She is loved and and cared for by those that know her.
   ²⁹ “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
      but you surpass them all!”

Exhaulted: She has earned her place to be on high and adored.

   ³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
      but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

Wise: She knows regardless of all earthly affairs, there is one greater always watching, always knowing and always waiting for his glory through her.
   ³¹ Reward her for all she has done.
      Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Blessed: In the end, when all is said and done, she will rejoice because she adhered to the word of God and her just rewards are all for her.  

                         

 So in the end, we must strive to be the best woman we can be and use this as our guide, for the bible says she is more precious than rubies, do you not want to be thought of like this, don’t we all want to be thought of as precious and wonderful, something beyond compare.

Do we not want our children and husbands to look at us and say Dang I am so glad she is mine! So ladies it is high time to step up our game and stop talking and start doing!

 Until next time-

-Dare I say …  God

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jacobs Ladder

Hello all,

I am here again with the weekly word direct from the desk of Dare I Say LLc. I know we are a day behind but let us not forget we had a slow down day here in Georgia on Monday, So I took Gods advice and had a holiday Now we are back and continuing with this months theme of encouragement.

Most of you know about the horrible rain and flooding that went on here in GA. Some people lost there homes, their belongings and even their loved ones, for this we are sorry and we pray they find comfort.However, during the storms many of you may have seen on my facebook profile how I posted about being cleansed and washing away all of the past. I truly do believe in those metaphors.

While some were inside trying to avoid the downpours, I was outside on my porch writing and taking in the absolute divinity in all of the chaos. Often times we do not look at events on the proper scale. We seem to personalize major happenings or we come from a more selfish point of view and can not see how all things work according to his plan.

While watching the seven long days of gloom and torrential rains, I was amazed, simply amazed at the awesomeness of the creator. It began me to thinking of so many things in my life and I was able to shift the paradigm. I saw how the rain may help someone who needed that for their crops, or maybe someone was up to their neck in home repairs and the house was worth more when it was washed away, one never knows what can be going on outside of yourself, unless you try.

I continued on with this line of thought as the rains beat relentlessly on Georgia and I payed close attention to the complaints, and gripes and all of the woos that people had and it made me laugh because a week before they were doing the same because it was to hot. I thought “Can we be pleased?”

As some of you know on Monday 21 September most of the schools here in GA were closed along with some work places, clubs, bars and other establishments were closed as well. Lowe and behold, on that Monday the sun was out and shining bright and has been ever since… and yes I am one of those “it is too hot” complainers LOL. Although, I was forced to think even deeper into all of the poetry that surrounds me because the great Architect knows exactly what to build even if it is in your mind.

The thought that came to my mind was, isn’t it amazing how even out of all of  the devastation, inconvenience and strife that the rain brought he can turn it around in an instant! That Monday was bright and beautiful everything was washed away and fresh, new and clear, a bright and warm day was here and it has been this way ever since.

So I thought again about him creating all of the universe and constructing the very happenings of life, surely God is and artist, and art imitates life therefore what God was saying during the 7 long rainy days with immediate and continuous sunshine following was definitively this: ” Though you may see the storm, and you are being torn and tossed back and forth, even though all things are gloomy and you can not stop from getting wet, remember this. There were days just before this that were sunny and you played freely with out thought and even complained of too much sunshine. Not only that, you needed to be cleansed a little, you need to learn to appreciate the sunlight a bit and I wanted to know did you believe the sun would come out again.” This is what God said to me.

Now, what I say to you is this. “In the midst of your storm I need for you to be just as sure that God will bring you out of your situation. The same as he makes the sun shine after the rain. To go even further, rest in the fact that when it becomes sunny again he makes it increasingly so.”

There  is a great story in the Bible about a man who wrestled with God in order to get his blessing. He refused to turn back with out it. Because of his perseverance and determination and mostly his Faith that told him God is going to bless me, That is exactly what happened. God took something from him, gave him something back and altered another.

Allow God to be the architect of your life. You too can lose that old name they call you, God can alter your walk and your path, and he will give you a promise on your life where you can never fail. Believe and continue your faith walk no matter what the weather looks like.

Remember, without the rain, how could you appreciate the sunshine.

Until next time

Dare I Say … God

Gen 32:22-31 (NLT)

²² During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons and crossed the Jabbok River with them. ²³ After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions.

²⁴ This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. ²⁵ When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. ²⁶ Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!”

But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

²⁷ “What is your name?” the man asked.

He replied, “Jacob.”

²⁸ “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel,^[a] because you have fought with God and with men and have won.”

²⁹ “Please tell me your name,” Jacob said.

“Why do you want to know my name?” the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there.

³⁰ Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.” ³¹ The sun was rising as Jacob left Peniel,^[b] and he was limping because of the injury to his hip.

Footnotes:

1. Genesis 32:28 Jacob sounds like the Hebrew words for “heel” and “deceiver.” Israel means “God fights.”
2. Genesis 32:31 Hebrew Penuel, a variant spelling of Peniel.

Joy is eternal

Hello all,

We are back and holding strong to our theme of the month which is encouragement.

So many times on this road we tread, it becomes difficult to continue on. Not for lack of faith, non belief or mistrust in God. Simply because we are human and waiting for our desires and his promise is not high on the JOY list. We want what we want and preferably NOW.

What I am here to say to you is happiness is fleeting and joy is eternal.You may ask “what does this mean?” Well once a question was asked of a person “Do I make you happy?” and they said, “No, you bring me joy and that is eternal”  The poetic sound alone brings comfort, however there is always a need to delve deeper.

As I did I noticed that happiness is defined as simply a state of being which means it is a condition, which leads me to believe that this state can be altered by external sources. Where as joy has a source which means origin, and this lead me to see that if the source is within me it can not be changed, so in fact happiness is momentary and joy truly is eternal.

As we continue on daily, we get a bit tired and frustrated. The routine seems the same and nothing looks different. Sometimes you may wonder ‘What am I doing this for?” it seems there may be no end in sight. I am here to say that “YES there is” all things through faith. I speak to you today to simply say, that though you may feel as if you are working diligently and persevering through all of your trials and tribulations are you sure? Can you truly say you are working on the Lords plan for you, or are you toiling in vain? Do you simply throw away your hard work on a happy moment or are you seeking Gods eternal joy?

When we are going through the storm and working in the will of God we have to know it is necessary to stand tall, resist all of the things that distract us. You know how it is, the spirit is telling you no, and though the spirit is willing the flesh is so weak.  We often give in to our base desires, for example: that extra drink, that lustful night or  just one more pair of shoes (whatever your vice) may make you happy momentarily, however this is not the design of God.

As we travel we must remember the God we serve is beyond measure. He knows we are more deserving than a fleeting moment, a small token to please us. God has greater plans for us. All he asks is we do not give in to temptation, stand on his word and simply step back.

Most of all, believe what God has promised you, stay focused on the goal and remember, what is for you is for you and with God as the source, the creator, the origin. It can only bring you joy  and that is eternal.

Until next time

Dare I Say … God

Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NIV)

26For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Gal 5:22(NIV)

2But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

2 Sam 7:28 (NIV)

O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.

Strongholds

Hello all,

Today I would like to give you some tools to continue to stay encouraged. As you know we here at Dare I Say have a monthly theme and in demonstrating obedience we are committed to God’s word and his work.

As we all traverse down our daily paths we are faced with numerous challenges. A loss of job, children moving away to college, some going to jail, death, hardship, or just the day-to-day struggle of trying to continue on. We are soon confronted with our own level of belief, do not be mistaken we are always being tested to see if we can continue on and know we will be triumphant.

The days can become long and arduous and no one ever promised that it would be easy to walk on this battlefield but there was a promise that you would be redeemed! We must stand on the word of God even in the darkest of hours. Though it may seem you have not a friend to turn to a your word, prayers and cries fall upon deaf ears, always know there is ONE and he and only he can make the difference.

We are going to be attacked in various ways. At times we tend to forget we are merely humans made of flesh. Flesh is wicked and desires many things, these things are not just physical pleasure. Flesh represents our baser human desires, you may want to curse or drink or fight anything that  does not allow you to operate on a higher level of conscienceless. We must remain strong, stay lifted through the times of turbulence and not give in to the desires of flesh.

Hold on just a little while longer your breakthrough is just on the  other side. Be patient ask for Gods guidance, lean not to your own understanding and just watch how God will show up and show out.

Rest people because he is the foundation in which all things are built. Just trust and believe and you will see the fruit of your labor.

Until next time

Dare I Say … God

---

Rom 9:33 (NIV)

just as it is written, “BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” (for this to make sense “Zion” means dry place,so whatever is holding you back, whatever is not yielding to you)

Zech 8:3(NIV)

³ This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.” (Zion”Dry Palce/Stronghold historically” Jerusalem”Rain of Peace” Do not miss the meaning of Gods word)

Psl 54:2-4 (NIV)

² Hear my prayer, O God;listen to the words of my mouth.³ Strangers are attacking me;ruthless men seek my life— men without regard for God. Selah ⁴ Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me

Cafe Yahweh A Christian Night Experience

A Christian Night Experience Press Release Café Yahweh, a Christian Night Experience connects the Christian Community in a positive way

Atlanta, GA, September 10, 2009: On October 24, 2009 in Atlanta, GA opens the new Christian night spot, Café Yahweh. Café Yahweh, the official place in Atlanta for Christians to hang out and experience an ambiance of mature, sophisticated and savvy individuals that love God and want to enjoy live entertainment, comedy and culture without the structure of secular night life. This is an opportunity to experience Neo Gospel, Contemporary Christian and Urban Inspirational artists live along with food and the soothing sounds of Café Yahweh’s house band. Café Yahweh is a great experience for your single, professional and married ministries to enjoy themselves outside the four walls of the church.

Tickets are on sale at www.CafeYahweh.com . Advance ticket holders receive reserved seating and many other amenities for purchasing their tickets online. The event will make a huge impact within the community to where potential attendees are asking the visionaries of Café Yahweh to host the event in their home towns. Nationally acclaimed artists have shown interest in performing at the event which will provide an intimate setting for the fans of these artists to get to know them on a different level versus in a concert setting.

Press that are interested in covering the event: •Alana Sanders, Marketing Coordinator, Alana@YourMarketPro.com •Please respond by : September 21, 2009 (media spacing limited)

Wanting and Waiting

Hello all,

Today I wanted to continue on with the theme of encouragement. Many of us in our lives have desires that we have put to God and are now waiting on an answer, fulfillment, or just a close. We anxiously wait for things to turn in our favor and do not realize that all things come in time and usually not our own. 

You see when you are going through the prayer and petition phase you have a strong conviction that NOW would be the best time for your breakthrough, when the truth may be you are simply not ready for the true blessing that God has for you. What we as humans do is ask for the simple things, and our God being so awesome sees our desires and magnifies them, therefore he is unable to bring that to fruition because you can not handle it.

Think back to a time in your life when you were younger and you wanted a particular toy, dress,game… fill in the blank. You wished for it, prayed for it and begged your parents to get it, you needed it right then and now please, please, oh please! However being good parents and not submitting to your impetuousness they waited, maybe until Christmas, your birthday or just when you least expected it as a surprise for all your hard work. Not only did they get you the dress, the game the toy …fill in the blank, but they also got you the accessories or you were told “I saw the (Blank) that would go well with this and when I see you can take care of (blank) I will get (blank) for you.”

This same theory applies to our father above. He truly knows when we can handle our blessing and definitely wants to exceed our expectations, but are you ready?

When God opens the windows of heaven to poor out a blessing he is not stingy. He wants his children to be blessed and blessed indeed. The real test is, do you believe? Do you feel worthy of what God intended for your life? Will you be a good steward over all of his gifts? Many of us believe that we can, but you have to truly KNOW.

In reality waiting on God is difficult, but in truth God is waiting on us. Waiting on us to know that even though we do not deserve all of his blessings, grace and favor he still lovingly lavishes us with them and all we need to do is be patient, give him glory and rejoice because it is already worked out.

In closing I want you to keep in mind the expectant mother and waiting  father. It took time to plant the seed and for the fruit of the labor to be seen. While they go through the 38-40 weeks they are pretty confident there will be a child on the other end of this journey boy or girl they may be unsure, but they know we are going to have a child, a responsibility, a tie  with something for the rest of our lives if we just hold on the baby is coming. No one expects for a miscarriage or still born they expect and prepare for abundant , joyous life!

If you live with the same expectancy in your prayers and petitions, you will see it born as well. Begin to prepare for your born season. 

One night two people came together and sometimes unknowingly created life it was an unspoken desire and prayer lifted up and it bore life.

Come together with someone in prayer, plant your seed today and expect for it to be born into abundant life. Just wait, and live with expectancy. Walk around preparing for that dream, wish or prayer to come through because the baby is coming!

 

 

Phil 4:6 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Mar 11:24 (NIV)

²⁴Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours

Isa 54:1-6 (The Message Bible)

^1-6 ”Sing, barren woman, who has never had a baby. 
   Fill the air with song, you who’ve never experienced childbirth!
You’re ending up with far more children 
   than all those childbearing women.” God says so!
“Clear lots of ground for your tents! 
   Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big!
Use plenty of rope, 
   drive the tent pegs deep.
You’re going to need lots of elbow room 
   for your growing family.
You’re going to take over whole nations; 
   you’re going to resettle abandoned cities.
Don’t be afraid—you’re not going to be embarrassed. 
   Don’t hold back—you’re not going to come up short.
You’ll forget all about the humiliations of your youth, 
   and the indignities of being a widow will fade from memory.
For your Maker is your bridegroom, 
   his name, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!
Your Redeemer is The Holy of Israel, 
   known as God of the whole earth.
You were like an abandoned wife, devastated with grief, 
   and God welcomed you back,
Like a woman married young 
   and then left,” says your God.

GOD what’s in a name

Why is that I can go smooth off in a grocery store cussin, and fussin, and no one will think twice about it?

People will walk around on their mobile phones and bluetooth devices discussing things that I am more than sure should either 1. Never be discussed in it’s entirety or 2. Never be discussed in public.

Trust me know wants to know what you did with who, and we certainly do not care about if he paid you this month or not?

However, if I mention that God has changed my life, or he is real people act as if I  offended their precious character?

Someone speak out,I am interested in your thoughts.

 

-Dare I Say … God

2 Timothy 1:7-8: (NLT)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

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Our Youth

Tools ‹ Dare I Say’s Blog — WordPress.

Hello all,

This morning I heard some pretty disturbing news and it got me to thinking, so I decided to share with you all.

So, I am in my car to take our daily trek to commute my child to the best school choice we could possibly make for her. (26 mi. one way)

During our morning devotion with the one and only Bishop Secular on praise 102.5 fm in Atlanta LOL.

Jaide and I were discussing the parameters of her new face-book page. I know, I know… She is to young, what about all the crazies yada, yada, yada, anywho.

We were discussing the proper on-line etiquette and who she could or could not become friends with. We came to an agreement (not that she had a choice LOL) That I would occasionally log on to her account to see what others are posting and what she may be posting.

So as I was feeling quite smug about my excellent communication skills and abilities to “Bridge the Gap” between myself and my teenager, I heard the news: Jaheem Herrera, 11, hanged himself after coming home from school on April 16. 

I do believe in that very moment that my heart hit the floor and I could not even breathe!

How is it that a child who has not even begun to touch the simple pleasures in life has already found this world unbearable?

My heartfelt sorrow went out to this mother instantly as I looked over to my own 12 year old and could not fathom losing her let alone her taking her own life.

I really thought and prayed over all of this and I could not help but wonder who do we actually blame? There is an epidemic of child suicides going on lately and it needs to be addressed. (The Surgeon General says that youth suicide in the US has become a national crisis, For young people 15-24 years old, suicide is the third leading cause of death.http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calltoaction/fact3.htm)

In a society where everything is tied into some form of bureaucracy and/or political correctness it seems that we can not do our jobs to protect the children in our lives.

As teachers or  religious leaders or physicians, a stigma has been placed that the children cannot trust them or they are bound by codes and ethics to not discuss certain topics, it has gotten really out of hand. What happened to the days where the local fireman or priest was the one to call on or confide in? It is sad that they are long gone.

What about the controls placed on parents? Are they kidding!?

The children have more rights to be out of control that mom and dad!

How are you going to arrest me, because so and so did not come to school? I’m sorry I am busy busting my butt to take care of my family and all I know is I put him/her on a bus TO school, after that I too have work to do.

So now I must pay for the bad choices of my child and I can’t punish,spank,yell or display-any outrage toward the child, for fear of imprisonment…. Get outta Here!

Now most of the child suicides are caused from bullying? I am sorry explain….

I am well aware we can not take it back to when the nuns would give you a good  ol’ wrap on the knuckles or sit you in the corner, but this is out of hand!

We have become so complacent with the rearing of our youth, it is no longer okay for authorities to chastise and tell the child: This will NOT be tolerated! for fear a parent will take up in arms and have a law suit about discrimination against the school.

So, the officials have to, take a slow but steady progressive view at the situation and see how it may develop over time.

My goodness are you for real?

It is no different now a days for parents. Okay okay so we are not going to take it to the playground and let them rough it out (though I kinda like this idea, it allows them to fight for themselves) But do we simply sit by and leave our children in the hands of an external entity and hope all goes well? Yet another absurd idea!

As for me I thought on it, and looked back in my own parenting career and had to see what I have done and would do in the future.

Now I am all for following protocol and I will do so happily as a good example to my child that we must obey certain things in life. However if I see the pattern is continuing I will have to take it into my own hands?

So I wonder, did his mom call the police? Child services? Did she contact the parents of the bully(ies)? What efforts were made by her to protect her child from this harsh and cruel world, besides contacting the school? 

I am not trying to bash or take away her time of despair, but my goodness people, what happened to talking to your kids, asking how was your day?

In the story it stated her daughter told her what was going on in school and when she confronted him he said he was fine and she sent him to his room to calm down.

I am more than sure at this point, she wishes she took a little more initiative to make him discuss this.

People we can not leave it up to the world to raise, nourish and protect or children. It is our God given right to do so and we must!

Take time with your kids, ask them what is going on, meet there friends, visit their school  and for God sake never dismiss them when something is going on in their lives.

We are adults and life ways on us, we mask it but it gets heavy. Imagine their poor defenseless selves.

All of my condolences and prayers go out to this mother, and all of the other families that have lost children in such a tragic manner.

Allow this to be a wake up call to us all!

Do not be afraid to parent your children!

 2 Corinthians 12:14: Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don’t want what you have—I want you. After all, children don’t provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children. 

-Dare I Say… God

Here is a site for suicide survivors http://childsuicide.homestead.com/


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Ethics in todays world

Well well well, 
Many things are going on these days in my life and sometimes I want to scream. I have to admit though not this time.

Today my poor car broke down and this is my only mode of transportation here in GA and any of you who have been here knows it is a must. 
Even though it is not the greatest of situations I do my best to keep my resolve in God.
I am sure all of these things are test. During my frustration a friend of mine sent me a text which was right on time, it read: 

WHEN YOU HAVE A SET BACK, DON’T STEP BACK, GOD IS PREPARING YOU FOR AN ULTIMATE COMEBACK!
So though I may sit here Liberated (unemployed LOL) Car less and I am almost down to penny less LOL I have to just trust and know that this is a part of the test and I must submit and wholeheartedly trust that my heavenly father because he will provide. 

So my idea today is in this world where so many things can go wrong and drive you to the brink, how do you stay ethical, Godly, and pleasant? Share your thoughts.

-Dare I Say… God

Psalm 112: 1 -2 I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God, 
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

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Love… how do we know, what do we do while in it?

This topic is an interesting one. How many of us believe we are in love with a person? What are the signs ? What do we do in love? How do we keep our relationships Godly? I am really interested in the mans point of view…. 

This morning on faceook Demetrius Terrell asked:  When do u know u r n love?; when u start getting butterflies n ur stomach, when they say that they love u or when u start doing stupid stuff? Writing research paper for class & FBF’s I need ur opinions. THANKS

  

9:08am · Comment · Like

Jeri Ellis at 9:11am April 23

When you start doing things (stupid or otherwise) that you wouldn’t do for ANYONE else!

Delia Perez at 9:17am April 23

When you can see yourself talking to the person for the rest of your life, old and wrinkled, sitting on a porch somewhere telling your grandkids to stop running amuck and talking about the “good old days”

Jeri Ellis at 9:19am April 23

um…I already talk about “the good old days”. you know when you didn’t worry about your kids walking home from school, etc, etc. “amuck” – I love that word almost as much as I love “all willy nilly”

 Desiree B Lawrence at 9:32am April 23

Love is simply not that regimented, I am sure that it is different for everyone. The basis of love is an emotion, a feeling those are fleeting, soon the butterflies subside, the stupid stuff becomes annoying, and at times you don’t want to talk. Being in love is being able to COMMIT. A suppression to ones own selfish needs and a true desire to another. The commitment lasts, not always the fuzzy stuff. Being in love is about going beyond and loving the unlovely!
-www.DareISay.wordpress.com

Jeri Ellis at 9:44am April 23

Well said, Desiree. Demetrius, above all remember this:  

Love is always patient; love is always kind; love is never envious or arrogant with pride.Nor is she conceited, and she is never rude; she never thinks just of herself or ever get annoyed. She never is resentful; is never glad with sin, but always glad to side with truth, whene’er the truth should win. She bears up under everything, believes the best in all, there is no limit to her hope, and she will never fall. (1st Corinthians 13)

Delia Perez at 9:48am April 23

Oooh! If we’re putting down quotes – here’s my favorite love quote:   

“Love does not consist into simply gazing into each others’ eyes, but looking outward together in the same direction.”

Demetrius Terrell at 9:55am April 23 via Facebook Mobile

Thanks ladies y’all are the best. FBF’s more opinions pls.

Kinnik Sky at 10:02am April 23

Love is the most unexplainable feeling. It’s complicated yet so simple. It’s hard yet easy. It’s hurts just as much as it feels good. It’s a scary emotion but if it’s reciprocated …. there is nothing like it!

 Desiree B Lawrence at 10:03am April 23

And thank you Jeri for sharing… However I am intrigued as to why no men responded to this????? Hmmm

Melissa Reynolds Gusby at 10:11am April 23

Its all the above. When you can get the words out to express how you feel. When you start thinking about them when you need to do your work.

 Desiree B Lawrence at 10:12am April 23

Okay we all have an idea and it all is personal but again …. WHERE ARE THE MEN … I AM CALLING THEM OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

Sex and the new found freedom….

Today I wanted to discuss sex. It is a topic that most of us are familiar with and lord knows we talk about in some way or another.

Mainly I want to ask, have we gone to mainstream with it? 

It seems that everywhere you turn there it is. You can not help but constantly be inundated with thoughts,ideas, pictures, texts and all sorts of sexual innuendo. 

These actions have taken sex out of it’s sacred form and placed in the realm of just something to do. This is evident by the term(s)  we  use to define our sexual relationships or actions such as: Hook up, booty call, F@#* buddies and all the others ones out there that need not be mentioned. 

How in a world where it is okay to be promiscuous, and acceptable for kids to wear color bracelets to “advertise” what they will or will not do, can we raise our children to be respectful of their bodies and someone else?

How in a society when mom acts as if it okay to have “boyfriend” after “boyfriend” and “sleep overs” can we then tell our daughters to respect themselves and not sleep around? How do we tell our sons that he should find a good girl with morals, and you have none?

The Same for fathers, if you are parading women in and out of your children’s lives what are you telling them. Believe me Dads, your little girl think the world of you , so if you are parading around with trashy women she will not mind growing up to be one herself. After all her favorite guy in the world likes ‘em loose! Your sons too you have to be a leader, and show them how to treat a woman with respect and honesty, so if he sees Jeanette on Saturday and Susie on Monday but they don’t know about each other, Somebody wants to be just like his dad and be a player.

We only get one shot in this world, it is not a dress rehearsal and we MUST do what we can by our children. Even if you are flawed you can make a change!

 1 Corinthians 6:18 (The Message)

 

 16-20-There’s more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, “The two become one.” Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never “become one.” There is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others. In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for “becoming one” with another. Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.

 

Dare I Say… GOD


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Living your dreams

Last term my professor Ms Kemp gave us all a story. I believe this is where a lot of my shift started making sense. the story went like this:

WHAT WOULD YOU BE IF __________ NEVER HAPPENED TO YOU?

At first needless to say we were perplexed by the question but intrigued to go on.

Somerset Maugham, the English writer, once wrote a story about a janitor at St. Peter’s Church in London. One day a young vicar (priest) discovered that the janitor was illiterate and fired him.

Jobless, the man invested his meager savings in a tiny shop, where he prospered, bought another, expanded, and ended up with a chain of stores worth several hundred thousand dollars.

One day the mans banker said “You’ve done well for an illiterate, but where would you be if you could read and write?” (NOW DON’T MISS THIS) “Well,” replied the man. “I’d be the janitor of St. Peter’s Church in Neville Square” (from Bits and Pieces, June-24, 1993, p23) (Story told by Steve Klein, Bulletin of the Church of Christ at NEw Georgia, April 1, 2007)

I was inspired by this story because many times we get caught up in our everyday needs and we have given up on our dreams. In my opinion we forgo our childhood passion(s) and replace them with adult lifestyles.

I am sorry, I cannot believe this is the intention or purpose of life. God has a greater desire for you and a greater purpose than to plod along in life wishing you were doing something else.

Find your purpose, ask God to reveal it to you and he will, do what you must to attain his approval and do not worry about anything else.

When we are children fantasizing about our futures and what we will do, it was pure, true and real. We are meant to stay that way.

You have to trust in that same fashion, that no matter what your situation or circumstance, God will work them out for you! His word is on it and he can not fail!

So today I would like to leave you with this question:

“If you could do anything, and not fail, what would you do?”

Whatever your answer is, just know that with your faith and GOD, YOU CAN’T FAIL! Step out and do not be afraid Faith like a child is all you need!

Dare I Say … God™

Hebrews 11 (KJV)

1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Matthew 6 (NLT)

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

Luke 18:17:(Douay-Rheims)

17Amen, I say to you: Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a child, shall not enter into it

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What’s in a Name?

Today I would like to discus our reputations! Yeah I said it! That’s right! 

Many of us remember when your reputation actually meant something and you would do your very best to not have it tarnished. My my my, how long ago that feels.

It seems at this time in our history, reputation is inconsequential or at least this is the consensus. Well I beg to differ, and if that is so I feel we need to change it.

When people hear your name, what do they say? Are they thinking, ” oh there she goes, watch out for her she is trouble” or ” Dang did you hear…” or maybe “There goes that skank she slept with my …”
LAdies carry yourself better!

The same goes for the men, though it seems they act as if they are above reproach. So sorry brotha, you too have to worry about these things! 

When someone hears your name do they automatically think ” Oh that thug with his pants half off his A#@” Or “Who that guy with 3 baby mammas” what about “That dude who is always on the corner”

Now I know these things are sometimes unfair but unfortunately we are judged by our actions, If theses are the things you do, people you roll with, places you go, it is a representation of WHO and WHAT you are.
Professor Leah Hughes, said, “Content is indicative of form,” Simply put, what it seems to be on the outside, is what it is most likely to be on the inside.

Think about it, If you saw a poor peasant looking person, scruffy, bearded, worn sandals in burlap rolling with 12 other dudes you would probably think they were a bunch of degenerates. However people would seek these 13 men in hopes to just TOUCH the hem of one of there garments! 
This is because his name preceded him! Jesus had a following and a level expectancy from people then and now because he was of good character and his reputation was stellar. Even when people spoke against him, many more kept his truth.
Even if you do not believe he is the savior of your soul you have to admit that he had an iron clad rep because we are still talking about him today!

So today I leave you with this: Never let anyone else tell your story better than you! Your name is all you have in this world, make it count for something!

Dare I Say … God™
Proverbs 22 (NLT)
1 Choose a good reputation over great riches;

being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

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The Right kind of man

What are we looking for in a relationship? How many of us seek out and we are unsure?

We continue on constantly blaming the other person for their shortcomings while never taking into account that we ourselves may need some healing, a little growth and time to really get to know ourselves.

Why do we feel this constant need to be in a relationship, why are we so ready and willing to be defined by another human being?

The answer is simple, we are humans and it is nature to want to engage in human contact.

However we tend to settle for ANY contact opposed to the right kind of human experience.

Relationships are work and need not be compounded by any extra baggage, issues past hang-ups, etc.

Before getting into your next relationship here are some things you may want to look into in order to identify a mate that is good for you.

The best kind of man has the attributes of God:

Wise: He should be able to make decisions that are in the best interest of you.

Wisdom: “Wisdom is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve these ends by the most perfect means.” In other words, God makes no mistakes. He is the Father who truly knows best, as Paul explains in Romans 11:33: “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!” (http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Inestimable: He is without comparison, for you there can be no other.

Infinitude: God knows no boundaries. He is without measure. This attribute by definition impacts all of the others. Since God is infinite, everything else about Him must also be infinite. (http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Responsible: He does not shy away from his duties, all that is under him he cares for and takes care of with out falter.

Sovereignty: This is “the attribute by which He rules His entire creation.” It is the application of His other attributes of being all knowing and all-powerful. It makes Him absolutely free to do what He knows to be best. God is in control of everything that happens. Man still has a free will, and is responsible for his choices in life.
(http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Righteous: In all of the corruptions this world has, he stands out like a beacon of hope, he sets himself apart from other men.

Holiness: This is the attribute that sets God apart from all other created beings. It refers to His majesty and His perfect moral purity. There is absolutely no sin or evil thought in God at all. His holiness is the definition of that which is pure and righteous in the entire universe. Wherever God has appeared, such as to Moses at the burning bush, that place becomes holy just for God having been there. (http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Diverse: Although he may play many roles in life, Father, Son, Husband, Dad he is true to them all and provides himself wholly in all roles.

Trinity: Though the actual word is not used in the Bible, the truth of God revealing Himself in three persons is included. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all called God, given worship as God, exist eternally, and are involved in doing things only God could do. Although, God reveals Himself in three persons, God is one and cannot be divided. All are involved completely whenever one of the Three is active. (http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Knowledgeable: He is aware of what goes on around him and what he does not know he seeks to find out always desiring to learn more and be more.

Omniscience: “God possesses perfect knowledge and therefore has no need to learn. God has never learned and cannot learn.” Omniscience means all knowing. God knows everything, and His knowledge is infinite. It is impossible to hide anything from God.
(http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Honorable: What he says, he does you have his word on it and he never fails. He does not sell you dreams and falsehoods; he is honest even if it hurts.

Faithfulness: Everything that God has promised will come to pass. His faithfulness guarantees this fact. He does not lie. What He has said in the Bible about Himself is true. Jesus even said that He is the Truth. This is extremely important for the followers of Jesus because it is on His faithfulness that our hope of eternal life rest(http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Loving: He SHOWS his love, his actions toward and for you let you know how he feels. He does not shy away from actionable caring and resides in this protection of you.

Love: Love is such an important part of God’s character that the apostle John wrote, “God is love.” This means that God holds the well being of others as His primary concern. For a full definition of love, read 1 Corinthians 13. To see love in action, study the life of Jesus. His sacrifice on the cross for the sins of others is the ultimate act of love. God’s love is not a love of emotion but of action. His love gives freely to the object of its affection, those who choose to follow His son Jesus.(http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Leader: His is a strong and powerful leader, who is strong enough to allow you to stand in your position and is never threatened because he knows who he is and what his job entails.

Omnipotence: Literally this word means all-powerful. Since God is infinite and since He possesses power, He possesses infinite power. He does allow His creatures to have some power, but this in no way diminishes His own. “He expends no energy that must be replenished.” When the Bible says God rested on the seventh day, it was to set an example for us and our need for rest, not because He was tired. (http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Self made man: He is willing to work hard on becoming the best man he could be at all times in all ways.

Self-existence: When Moses asked who he was talking to in the burning bush, God said, “I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS.” God has no beginning or end. He just exists. Nothing else in all the universe is self-caused. Only God. In fact, if anything else had created Him, that thing would be God. This is a difficult concept for our minds since everything else we will ever encounter comes from something other than itself. The Bible says, “In the beginning, God.” He was already there. (http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Self-Reliant: He is assured in the fact that he will accomplish all things he sets out to do, he does not waiver in his plans.

Self-sufficiency: The Bible says that God has life in Himself (see John 5:26). All other life in the universe is a gift from God. He has no needs and there is no way He can improve. To God, nothing else is necessary. He does not need our help with anything, but because of His grace and love, He allows us to be a part of advancing His plan on earth and being a blessing to others. We are the ones who change, but never God. He is self-sufficient. (http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Just: He should be a man of his own convictions, and even if you fall in yours he is there to guide you and bear the weight himself if necessary.

Justice: The Bible says that God is just, but it is His character that defines what being just really is. He does not conform to some outside criteria. Being just brings moral equity to everyone. When there are evil acts, justice demands there be a penalty. Since God is perfect and has never done evil, no penalty would ever be necessary; however, because of His love, God paid the penalty for our evil deeds by going to the cross Himself. His justice needed to be satisfied, but He took care of it for all who will believe in Jesus.(http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Constant: He remains the same, not to many ups and downs and rollercoaster rides, but a steady pace is the one he walks.

Immutability: This simply means that God never changes. It is why the Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Understanding: Though we all are not perfect, he provides understanding of your flaws and works with you to become better.

Mercy: “Mercy is the attribute of God which disposes Him to be actively compassionate.” Since God’s justice is satisfied in Jesus, He is free to show mercy to all those who have chosen to follow Him. It will never end since it is a part of God’s nature. Mercy is the way He desires to relate to mankind, and He does so unless the person chooses to despise or ignore God at which time His justice becomes the prominent attribute. (http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Anticipatory: He is able to see the upcoming possibilities and steer you in the right direction, things do not catch this man off guard he is always vigilant and prepared.

Eternal: In some ways, this fact about God is similar to His self-existence. God always has been and will forever be, because God dwells in eternity. Time is His creation. It is why God can see the end from the beginning, and why He is never surprised by anything. If He were not eternal, God’s promise of eternal life for those who follow Jesus would have little value.(http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Humanitarian: He is good to all of those around him, and encourages others to be just as good.

Goodness: “The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men.” This attribute of God is why He bestows all the blessing He does on His followers. God’s actions define what goodness is, and we can easily see it in the way Jesus related to the people around Him. (http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Giving: He offers all that he has to give even if you do not deserve his best that is what he gives because that is all he has!

Gracious: God enjoys giving great gifts to those who love Him, even when they do not deserve it. Grace is the way we describe that inclination. Jesus Christ is the channel through which His grace moves. The Bible says, “The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Available: No matter what is going on he is there for you. Though life gets hectic you are always a priority.

Omnipresence: This theological term means “always present.” Since God is infinite, His being knows no boundaries. So, clearly He is everywhere. This truth is taught throughout the Bible as the phrase “I am with you always” is repeated 22 times in both the Old and New Testaments. These were even Jesus’ words of assurance just after giving the challenge to His disciples to take His message to the entire world. This is certainly a comforting truth for all who follow Jesus.(http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

Attributes of God – The Conclusion: This is the description of the God of the Bible. All other ideas about God are, according to the Bible, false gods. They are from the imagination of mankind. By learning the attributes of God, you may praise God for who He really is and for how each of His attributes impacts your life in a positive way.(http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm)

So I say to you, if anything else, other than these attributes constitute a false God, then anything that deviates from this list is not a good man for you!

Tomorrow we can find the best woman to find

-Dare I say … God


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Meeting Mamma

Today I wanted to talk about Mom and how important she really is. Sometimes in this new way of living we tend to forget about past traditions such as holding a door, pulling out your chair, and walking on the outside of the lady. So many things no longer exsist or they do and we no longer recognize them.

Coming from up North, I have come to realize there are quite a different set of cultural norms and traditions here in the South. I am not saying they are wrong they are actually quite endearing and can give you a warm nostalgic feeling like something out of black and white movie, when men were men and women were ladies and all was good and safe with the world. Sometimes it is really refreshing and at other times it seems like… the twilight zone!

With such an influx of different cultures coming down to inhabit the Southern region I wonder how does the mixing and mingling in relationships work? How can two people from two different worlds really make a connection and bridge the gap? What is the proper etiquette of meeting the dun dun dunnnnnn, Family?

So today I would like to ask you to take a poll and answer how important is Mamma and her views? Men would yu not marry the woman you love, if Mamma did not approve? Women, if Mammma said he is no good for you would you think twice?

Looking forward to your answers.

Dare I Say… God


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Step Parenting

When embarking on the possibility of having an add water and mix sort of family what do you do?

In the beginning, it all seems well and fine, boy meets girl, girl likes boy and sparks fly. I mean everyone knows the deal, Divorce rates are up, teen pregnancy is rampid, nowadays finding someone without children is quite the difficult task.

So all of this is out on the table, we know there are children, everyone is fine with the idea and we move on from there. Time passes and all is well kids get along, you are friendly enough and you are more than sure that given the oppourtunity, you can be the best damn stepparent out there.(You know like the cool ones that no one would really know wether or not that child is yours.)So all is moving along, you even offer some advice and guidance and it seems to be recieved. Great right! WRONG!

YOU GET HIT WITH THE WORDS ,not from the child (you know the ones, we have all said, thought, or knew someone that did one or the other,) You are not my mother/father anyway! Which, when you think about it, though true, it is not very nice. But NO, not those words, these are even worse!

“He/She is NOT, your child, so don’t worry about it” From the parent(your mate) of this child. 

Excuse me…As if that was not common knowledge. What is the purpose of making such a statement? I say to you that it can only come from a place of cruelty. It is well known that you did not bear this child, any of us that have bore children know, and we will never forget.

When such a thing is said you have no other choice but to react, there is not really another option. This use of language perpetuates combativeness. What is the reply? Thank God he/she is not!, I know, thats your problem, so deal with it, I know and I am thankful? I won’t worry you right she/he is not mine? I mean there are so many but none positive come to mind, you are to thrown because it is like a sucker punch to the gut. So now the fight ensues, or at least hurt feelings and slight bitterness.

Not only that, if you as the other adult, undermine that parents responsibility and or position in such a way there is virtually no other option but for the child to feel the same, fall in line, and act accordingly. With disrespect and disregard to the position that this person plays.

It is an unfair statement of fact, that in my opinion, should never be used in the co/step parenting relationship. I do not believe that one would say such things to adoptive parents, who by all “rights” are not the child’s parents any more than a step parent. However I feel the love, caring and commitment of an adoptive or step parent can and should be looked at as just as important, if not more so than a biological parent,beacause this was a conciense decision, eyes wide open, to walk in and take on the responsibility of loving, rearing, caring for and parenting this child that is not their own.

How in a loving relationship does one make the other feel so outside of themselves as if they truly do not belong and this is an us against them team. I assure you it is not okay, simply using the reference STEP is an automatic out to the people involved let alone making an affirmation to the alternative parent.

A family consists of many different characteristics and it should not, and can not be simply defined by bloodlines. An ancient African Proverb states: It takes a village to raise a child. I believe they were on to something!

So today I leave you with the question, How do we allow Step parents to be the involved loving parents they chose to be without making them feel a step removed if you do not like their view?

 

Dare I Say …God

Esther 2:7 (ESV)

⁷He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther,the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.

There is no mention of step, he simply took her as his OWN. The love and bond between them was so strong that later Esther risked her life to save her people and this man that was not her “Father”


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Standing out

Who dares to step out and be who they are on the inside? Who cares to share their own thoughts and feelings? Who is unafraid to be the true vision of their dreams? – Desiree Lawrence

As we all know for every rule there is an exception, so today I would like to speak on being that exception. There are many ways in this world to stand apart and free yourself from the everyday norms and illusions that the majority subscribe to. Some of us chose to volunteer, some of chose to live more frugally opposed to the materialistic ways of most, more of us have chosen “green” living. Either way you can and  you should, strive to be the best person you can be in spite of the possible consequences. (news flash, the consequences are rewards)

In my experience those brave few that like to “Take the road less traveled” (my favorite poem since the 6th grade: The Road not Taken-Robert Frost) are faced with quite the challenge but I believe they never live to regret it.

You see it does not take very much for a person to follow along behind the pack in some odd heard like mentality,conforming to the masses of societies delusions of grandeur and their version of reality. 

However it takes someone of great character, strong will and high morals to stand up and say NO I will be the difference. What the truly memorable people of our history have are convictions, they believed in something outside of themselves for the betterment of all rather than one. By their example, we can see great feats accomplished, whole generations changed irrevocably simply by ONE person doing what is right and not following along.

I commend such behavior. In this world where so many values are twisted and contorted to benefit and uphold the weak moral fiber we now try to  hold on to with clenching fists and bleeding knuckles in the hopes of calling ourselves civilized, there are far to few real individuals. I will admit it is defiantly not the easiest path or the one with all of the fun. On this road you will face plenty of adversity, side ways glances and snide comments. One should never allow that to even put a stumble on their most righteous path. 

When you make a decision to stand out from the rest and not be like every one else you make the choice to be great. It is no longer wondering or questioning wether or not you are going to become a better person, you already have begun to set the wheels in motion from which you will never be able to go back from. You are the exception the anomaly , you are the ONE  Neo (LOL Matrix joke) Never worry about this grand choice you have made never question your individuality, contrary to what few will say and many will think you are in good company, here are some examples:

Siddhartha Gautama better know as The Buddha: Here was a man born into privilege and prestige and choose to let all of that go in search of a higher level of life.

Jesus christ: Who by faith we believe is the salvation of our souls and he was condemned for our redemption, though he could have freed himself.

Martin Luther King Jr: Put his life and that of his families on the line daily in oder to show people there was a better and different way.

Rosa Parks: She sat down so we could all get up.

Hilary Clinton: She refused to believe that she was any less qualified based on her sex

Our President Barack Obama who did not feed into the myth that because he was black, different or from the wrong side of money he could not hold the highest office this country can offer.

These few are known as leaders, it is a wonderful thing to see these grand things go on all around us, however, I say it is even better when we can bear witness to the everyday unsung heros in our lives. The ones who do not falter under the weight of individuality, who do not cower under the scrutiny of others, the ones who bask in the separateness. I say to you all who dare to stand out, forge ahead, do not be timid, live with intention daily and be yourselves. This is what sets you apart from the rest, this is what makes you, you. Embrace  that you’re different, own it, nurture the path and honor your choices.

Dare I Say … God

Phil 3:19 (NIV)
19-Their destiny is destruction… and their glory is their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
Isa 40:31 (NIV)
31-But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint

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Being the right kind of woman

Hello all,

A few days ago I had a post about the right kind of man and I see many people enjoyed this post. I also had wrote that I would have the right kind of woman the following day, sadly I could not figure it out, therefore I could not post. 

I had to take a deep look because it disturbed me that I could not pinpoint what a good woman was, but I would be quick in an instant to tell you “I am a good woman,” I am sure that I and many of you are, but what does that consist of.

Certain things in this life are givens, we must do them, and it does not give you a chance to outshine them all, and be better than the rest. So I started going down the list hmmm….  .

Okay, I cook, I keep a clean home, I dress appropriate to the situation, I attend church, I am active in ministry, I watch my language, I am a good mother(a whole other post lol) I mind my manners, you know the list can go on forever. I even tried to incorporate a male friend to get his perspective on what is the right kind of woman, but he had to tend to his own business, so that left me to my own devices. 

It was not until just yesterday that it hit me, in the midst of life taking it’s natural  course, all of a sudden, I woke up and GOD said, yep that’s it right there. It is so funny how those things happen. So now that I have it sorted I can bring it to you and you can do with it what you chose but here it goes:

The Right Kind Of Woman

The right kind of woman does not necessarily need to know how to cook clean and do all of the aforementioned things(though this looks really good gals on the mate resume LOL) the reason these things are not the crux of what makes a good woman, is simply because they are actions, things, elements, externals, they do not make a person, they are simply actions that the person takes.

As with the right kind of man, we are going to use the bible as our guiding light.

Proverbs 31

¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
      She is more precious than rubies.

 Valuable: You must be an able woman of high moral standing, different from the average.
   ¹¹ Her husband can trust her,
      and she will greatly enrich his life.

Honest: You are not meant to be deceitful in any way, by earning and keeping his trust you can only make his life better.
   ¹² She brings him good, not harm,
      all the days of her life.

Encourager: We are meant to enrich the lives we touch as women, not tear them down.

   ¹³ She finds wool and flax
      and busily spins it.

Diligent: Always working on positive things and not dwelling in the negative.

   ¹⁴ She is like a merchant’s ship,
      bringing her food from afar.

Strong: She bears the weight of necessity for her family.
   ¹⁵ She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
      and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

Proactive: Her life consists of planning and preparing, not just reacting to life events.

   ¹⁶ She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
      with her earnings she plants a vineyard.

Magnifier: We are meant to increase and grow the things in our lives,for the betterment of those around us
   ¹⁷ She is energetic and strong,
      a hard worker.

Vivacious: Approach life with jubilee and great expectancy, she is unafraid to earn what she wants.
   ¹⁸ She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
      her lamp burns late into the night.

Cautious: She is wise not to be in situations that do not bring her or her family glory, she is always busy for their good.

   ¹⁹ Her hands are busy spinning thread,
      her fingers twisting fiber.

Talented: She must be able to master all projects she takes on, and never become idol.
   ²⁰ She extends a helping hand to the poor
      and opens her arms to the needy.

Giving: She is always ready and available to those around her.
   ²¹ She has no fear of winter for her household,
      for everyone has warm^[c] clothes.

Provider: She gives no worries to the everyday because she has provide all of her families needs by preparation.

   ²² She makes her own bedspreads.
      She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.

Majestic: She is always frugal and forever lovely.
   ²³ Her husband is well known at the city gates,assist      where he sits with the other civic leaders.

Connected: She assesses the right moves to make to assist in his advancements.
   ²⁴ She makes belted linen garments
      and sashes to sell to the merchants.

Independent: She is never reliant on someone else to provide her needs.

   ²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity,
      and she laughs without fear of the future.

Fearless: She approaches life with all she has to give and does not give on to fear, because she knows she is covered.
   ²⁶ When she speaks, her words are wise,
      and she gives instructions with kindness.

Mindful: She watches what she says because she knows words can hurt.
   ²⁷ She carefully watches everything in her household
      and suffers nothing from laziness.

Vigilant: She tends to her home and never rests in order to keep it.

   ²⁸ Her children stand and bless her.
      Her husband praises her:

Loved: She is loved and and cared for by those that know her.
   ²⁹ “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
      but you surpass them all!”

Exhaulted: She has earned her place to be on high and adored.

   ³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
      but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

Wise: She knows regardless of all earthly affairs, there is one greater always watching, always knowing and always waiting for his glory through her.
   ³¹ Reward her for all she has done.
      Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Blessed: In the end, when all is said and done, she will rejoice because she adhered to the word of God and her just rewards are all for her.  

                         

So in the end, we must strive to be the best woman we can be and use this as our guide, for the bible says she is more precious than rubies, do you not want to be thought of like this, don’t we all want to be thought of as precious and wonderful, something beyond compare. Do we not want our children and husbands to look at us and say Dang I am so glad she is mine! So ladies it is high time to step up our game and stop talking and start doing! Until next time-

-Dare I say …  God


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Baggage

Now matter the situation or story line, when you meet  a person, and you have the potential of creating a relationship with them friendship or otherwise you must fight the battle through all  of their emotional stuff.

How is it possible to move past all of the internal baggage? What can we do in order to lay the past hurts and ailments away so we have a fighting chance at having healthy, progressive relationships?

How do you learn to trust again? Remember once upon a time when all it took was one word and you believed? Now even if someone jumped in and out of flaming hoops you will still question the motives. How do we get back to a place where there is no longer the damage from relationships past.

How do we erase or simply bury the past hurts,guilts,actions and betrayals? How can we become whole and move on from that place into a territory of honesty, trust, and admiration?

It is in my opinion that we all believe we are just fine how we are, and most of us are not willing to change, out of fear of compromising ourselves one person at a time until there is nothing left of the original you. This is understandable, but impossible, we all must bend to a certain degree, because if you are not flexible, then you are breakable.

When faced with the possibility of loving someone or being loved we must learn to be fearless. If we are not then we are bound to the past and can not move on, we have all heard the sayings and my favorite is Once bitten twice shy but how do we get away from that, how do we break the stronghold of fear choking our every move?

It is simple and the answer is plain, trust God. If you truly allow God’s will in your life you can and will be able to put all things behind you. When you truly trust in him you know that even if it does not workout how you planned it all works for the greater good.

In this life, God makes no mistakes and all that he has placed in our lives, good bad or indifferent has a purpose, seek that purpose with all of your might, question him and he will answer this way you do not have to rack your mind and rehash all of the issues and past hurts. Live with great faith TRUST in God he will see you through.

Just know that no matter what befalls your life you can make it out with him. Until next time.

-Dare I say … God

Rom 8:28 (NKJV)

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.


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Trusting again

Learning how to trust again is one of the most difficult tasks we will face in this lifetime.  The saying “once bitten, twice shy” comes to mind in dealing with past hurts and the baggage from the past. Many of us do not know how to come back from such a place of pain and hurt. Some of us are able to forge ahead and hope for the best. While others are trying and do not know how to make the transition, but hope they will. No matter the category you may fall in regarding trust, you must know that it is a vital part to any relationship you have in this lifetime, be it physical, mental,emotional or spiritual. They all involve a level of trust.

Trust: 1.firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. 2.acceptance of the truth of a statement without evidence or investigation. 3. the state of being responsible for someone or something.(Apple dictionary)

Some other ways to say trust: confidence, belief, faith, certainty,assurance, conviction, credence; reliance.

What happens when all of these are shattered and you no longer can believe the truth even when it is coming from a reliable source? How do you give credence to the words being said? What certainty do you have? Where is the assurance? How do you heal?

Well I believe that you must first recognize the need for trust. There is no way on this earth you can have a relationship without trust. Even your relationship with God himself is based on faith, and trust and you must truly believe he will not let you down.

You must accept the fact that it hurts like hell and you are entitled to be afraid, but either way you have to deal. 

Broken trust can be irrevocable, you have placed all of yourself, time energy and love into this person at all costs and in a moment what feels like an eternity it is all vanquished by one act, one word, one betrayal. Own that, it is fine but do not dwell in that space. 

Realize you do still have the ability to trust. Just because you have been betrayed do not believe you will trust no one ever again. Most of us trust people everyday, we trust that the fast food place did not poison us, we trust that the bus will get here eventually, we trust that our friends will keep our secret hurts, and we trust that if I work I will get paid on Friday, and in this economy that is a huge gamble LOL.

So acknowledge that you can and do actively trust everyday, now you have to build upon that.

Start with the small things Matt 25:21 says: His master said to him, “Well done good and trustworthy servant; you have shown you are trustworthy in small things; I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master’s happiness.

When someone has proven this, grant them more access. We must know that not one person is going to restore your faith, this is an impossible task and unfair to even believe. We get different things from different people. Think of it this way, we all need food and some of us actually enjoy it. However not just one restaurant, or one family member will make everything you like just how you want it. 

Trust is the same, it is built by many so you have to make a conscience effort to allow people in. Expect disappointment but do not look for it, when you do it will come even without intention.

In the end, I know it can be hard to put aside all of the hurts and memories, or as a friend of mine puts it, the recordings of your past, but you must be willing to move forward and forgive all involved in order to create new and lasting memories. It is a chance to take, but wouldn’t you rather the chance to love and be loved, or the certainty of being closed and unavailable? Until next time

-Dare I Say … God

Pro 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Col 3:12-14(NIV) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Pro 19:21(Douay-Rheims)
There are many thoughts in the heart of a man: but the will of the Lord shall stand firm


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Race Matters

What makes race such a big issue in relationships? Now a days, we as people are so intermingled and interracial that it is hard to find the “same” race to make a perfect couple.

We all claim that race does not matter and continue on living a politically correct life. We watch what we say, how we address “delicate” situations, and we do our best never to offend someone with our opinions. That by the way are ours and we are entitiled to.

Well, I am here to say that relationships are hard enough work without adding extra issues into it.

Coming from a culturally diverse background myself, I know firsthand how difficult certain aspects of life can be. I myself have been questioned, is that your real mother or are you guys really related. The sad truth is you are never truly apart of a race or group.

As humans we all long to belong to something greater than ourselves. This is evident in all we do. Even at school age we have groups that people fall into pacts if you will. At church there are comittes that are grouped by common interests, we create book clubs, and bowling teams all in an effort to group those together with common interests and similarities. Even in the animal kindom they stay in their respective species, it is not to often you see a duck hanging with a dolphin, you know what I mean.

Now I am not saying I think it is immoral or I am an advocate of sepratism and race purification. I am merely suggesting that should you chose to date outside of your race you must be willing to deal with all that comes along with it. There are going to be looks and stares, questions and talk. 

Children from such a union makes it a little more difficult. I know many will not like this but it is simply a view point, you must realize that these children never truly belong, there are to many intricacies and to many factors that others can not see. I am sure that the parents of these children do all they can to make it all better but it does not change the world view.

In my own home I did not feel any different, my family did not make me an outsider and all was normal with my world. however when you step out into the world you are beholden to their views of what is and is not acceptable. So my topic for today is more a question to you all.

Does race matter and if so what about the kids?

-Dare I say… God 

2 Cor 6:14 (KJV) be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”

What are we choosing

In an era were sex has become so rampid, and days have long since past where we are in committed caring relationships, and it has become the norm to pass from bed to bed,  we are creating an epidemic.

My original post was going to be in regard to abortion but I could not find enough information to uphold my point of view, that we now use abortion so freely, almost like birth control. I realized that in order to speak about abortion, it really does have to come from a personal and moarl stand point, as for myself I am no one to judge, so I have to take some time to truly see where I sit in regard to this issue.

However in duing the research I was led to discuss the true and real consequnces of our sexual revolution. Yes all generations have had their own mark on history, but we are doing is incideious.

I was moved the other day when I saw on facebook a post: “90 people get swine flu, and everyone wants to wear a mask, A million peoples have AIDS and no one wants to wear a condom”

Now if that is not a word I do not know what could be. I am so thankful to who ever started that.

What if I were to tell you that every 9.5 minutes someone is diagnosed with HIV?  What if I said that the rates are highest amongset hetrosexuals ages 30-39 Would you feel any different.

What about if you knew that HIV/AIDS was not the only STD to worry about? And that rates are rising in all aspects of disease,  That 19 million people become infected yearly with some form of  STD?

Would that change your point view of this freedom of sex. Would that make you take a second look, thought, before you decide to lay down withsomeone you do not know? I always have found it interesting how we as people feel so comfortable to apeak about all of our bedroom actions, or to ask all sorts of questions of people, but can not asks for test results. How is it that you are cautious about who you bring to your home, have around your family or your friends, but you allow them into your most intimates of places with little to no information. This astonishes me!

We must get better about our choices in life. Now I know that abstinence is not for everyone and that is a personal decision. However I know we must start taking an active role in protecting ourselves from the preventable.

Us as women will make it to the hair salon to touch up roots, brighten highlights, get a trim, we go get facials, manicures, pedicures, we go to pilates, yoga, take walks, we call friends so we don’t go off on our children,men or bosses we may even try to eat well, all in the effort to prevent something. Think about, what the hell are we doing to ourselves? What are we teaching our children, adn where does that leave your self esteem?

How dare you ask or wonder why he does not commit or why he does not respect you or care. I assume he sees in you exactly what you see, not much of nothing that you are willing care for or protect.

We must raise our level of conciesness and protect what is ours, so we have something to pass on besides pestillence, hurt, dieased hearts, bodies, and minds. Until next time.

-Dare I say … God

Wis 3:1(Douay-Rheims)

 But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them.

Humanity

Hello,

I want to apologize about yesterday, I have been really caught up, and my desire is to put a blog up daily. I am working on my organizing now LOL

Today I wanted to discus humanity, it seems to be yet another lost concept in this world or at least to the last few generations.

I was recently in a situation where the opposite person thought it necessary to try to belittle and humiliate me, simply because I was in need. I could not believe it, I had not been treated so terribly or  inhuman like in quite sometime.

I was appalled that people would do this, simply treat another person as if they were just and object not looking deep in to see or realize there may actually be soothing worth knowing or hearing or gaining from this person.

I promise that if we each took the time out to really embrace another person it would never be fruitless. There is always something to gain from human contact.

Daily we pass people by with our a second thought or glance, we do not give people the time of day anymore. Would it really kill you to have a smile, or be courteous?

The sad part about this situation is many of these same people would comfortably call them selves Christians or claim some form of higher power. Wow, if this is the case why are we not living up to the leaders of said beliefs. I am sorry I am more than positive Jesus was not nasty without cause or just plain rude. I am sure these behaviors would not be pleasing to him.

The funny thing is, you truthfully do not know what you are passing by. What happened to the times when you longed to hear stories your grandma would tell, or the guys on the corner play dominoes and having a drink actually had some words of wisdom. I am not sure if they fell by the wayside or it exists and we are just to self absorbed to really give a damn. It is truthfully a sad reality we are embarking on people. We are truly living the butterfly effect. I am sure you have all heard the saying or some variation of:  a butterfly flaps it’s wings in China and a monsoon happens in New york. This is all true, one variation in  a system can cause major imp-actual damage. What are we doing, where do we want to go, what is the goal?

I ask you all today to simply live with expectancy, approach the next person you hear, see, look at, touch, encounter. Expect that they have something to offer you, wether it be good bad or indifferent. I promise if we approach life this way, you will save plenty of disappointment, because then everyone will fulfill their duty of giving of themselves to others.

 Remember to take time and enjoy what is around you, it is not a right it is merely a privilege given to you by one who is higher. Respect the gift, and the giver. Until next time.

-Dare I say … God

Phil 2:1

¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.


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Love

Love sometimes feels like two different people are living in separate worlds, its sad. This was said by Sean Geer in regard to my poem moving day.
Little did she know she became an inspiration to this blog.

I want to express that though two people may be in separate places of love this does not make it sad,  it depends on your perspective of the journey. It becomes a sad story when only one is committed to loving and is willing to give their all, but the other person selfishly takes what the one gives and does not reciprocate. Do not get me wrong the other party may not give how you see fit, but you must determine this by getting to know each other.

We must try to understand it is not always an unwillingness to love that some have, but people all come with something, and it is not always easy to let go move on or even trust again.

In all things we involve ourselves with, we have to ascertain the risk. Let me ask you what is truly sad? The one who is there present and strong in love, and not willing to wait for the other WILLING …  participant to come around to your side of love?  Or the one who is willing, ready and trying, but just may not know how to cross the barriers?

We have to be careful how we view many things, we can miss out on some of the greatest things in our lives because we refuse to change our vantage point. We can not go into all of  life’s experiences with only our view it is to narrow and completely bias. Understand the person open and available in love  makes a conscience decision to be in that place and space, while the other is struggling to find there way. Isn’t there supposed to be caring and understanding in love?  So why do we become so unforgiving and want to believe the worst? There is always bitter sweet  irony in love, it is never as pretty as people portray it to be.

Many of us complain about our relationships and I am constantly amazed how people will blame some one else for their emotional state. Daily we go around blaming others for the way we feel. How do you allow someone else to control your whole existence. Your feelings are your own and all you can do is sort out for yourself if the other person is giving honestly, not by YOUR standards, but by there own, if so be patient and wait to reap the benefits.Until next time.

Dare I say … God

Psalm 145:8 (KJV)

 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

^{1 Cor 3-7 (The Message)}

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

   Love never gives up.
   Love cares more for others than for self.
   Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
   Love doesn’t strut,
   Doesn’t have a swelled head,
   Doesn’t force itself on others,
   Isn’t always “me first,”
   Doesn’t fly off the handle,
   Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
   Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
   Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
   Puts up with anything,
   Trusts God always,
   Always looks for the best,
   Never looks back,
   But keeps going to the end.


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Self worth

Hello, today I wanted to discuss loving ourselves. So many times we allow externals to gauge our feelings of self worth and I believe it is high time that we must stop. How dare we give anyone or anything outside of ourselves the power to determine our worth?

Are we not aware of who or what is truly inside of us?

Often enough we complain about a relationship that we are just not happy in. It drains us, takes control of our emotions, monopolizes our time giving in to fear and worry. Those feelings are not of God. He would never want you to question every motive and step you take, we are meant to walk in confidence.

We also spend time griping about a job that we can not stand, and we know we are undervalued, under payed and definitely under appreciated. Yet and still we stay and continue on unhappy, waiting for it to get better all because we need a check. How is it that we compromise our very beings in order to be some where we don’t care for?
How many of us are guilty for hanging on to friendships,men,women,ex’s,jobs,relationships, etc. knowing they are no good for us, knowing they are slowly, however surely tearing us apart little by little to the only thing that is left is a former idea of who you once thought you were.
I say we STOP, do you not know that you are of God, that you are more valuable than that. If you can not find it in yourself than look toward him. How dare you maintain in a situation that is harmful to you, especially when it disturbs your spirit. Everywhere you go you are carrying God with you and how dare you bring him into such murky, dull places.
God wants for us to be happy and fulfilled in life. He places a light inside of us and wants it to shine bright so the whole world will see. When you allow this light to shine honestly and truly you bring God himself to light and give him glory. There is nothing more powerful than when faced with adversity, and trying times, when one can maintain in their joy because they know God will bring them out. Imagine how God feels when you are still loving,honoring and cherishing him through action. He loves when we say “No, I can not be here,continuing on this path any longer, because I am worth more” This tells him you believe in his word and God delights in that.
So even when things are not so pleasant and you feel all hope has gone and you are unsure what path to go down, just know that Gods love is with you always. This should give you the strength to never allow anyone to treat, speak, or deal with you how they deem appropriate. All must deal with you how God sees fit and to God you are priceless. Never ever for get this and you will always be able to know when you have to leave a situation.

When you go into a store to make a purchase the creator of that product has already deemed the value of that item, there is no haggling and no exceptions, you will not pay what you feel it is worth. The same goes for us, we have a preordained value and should never allow something (one) else other than our creator to determine what they will pay. So today put up your No solicitations, no haggling signs and revel in your worth! Until next time

-Dare I Say … God

Matt 5:14
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Eph 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
2 Cor 4:7 (NIV)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.


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Sisterhood

I would simply like to ask today, What are some tools we could use to help build, trusting,uplifting,healthy,encouraging relationships between women?

I will be back later to give my point of view. Thanks

Delayed

Good morning,
I am so sorry about not posting, this is finals week so I am kind of caught up. I will be back though, thank you in advance for your understanding.

Trusting God

Well all I am back and I thank you for your patience. I had to get through finals… wish me luck LOL Anywho. I wanted to speak today about walking away from God.

Many of us have a hard time just standing in his will. We want all of the desires of our heart to be granted and we believe it should happen as we see fit.
What we must realize is that when we go to God with a petition he already knows what we want, but more importantly he knows what we need, and all of our needs shall be supplied! We believe because we ask God for something and do not receive it that he must not care for us,love us, hear us, we even start to question the existence of Our Awesome God.
This saddens God so much. How is it because you do not get what you want you no longer believe. Many of us have a hard time separating our voice from Gods. We believe that he has said, it is going to be this way, or that shall come to pass, when the truth is, our own selfish desire has crept into our hearts, minds, and ears to speak louder than the One who knows us well.
It is not our place to decide what or who is best for us Many are the desires of a mans heart, but Gods will shall prevail(pro-19:21). We must turn all things over to Our Heavenly Father and allow him to work in our lives, He knows our end before we even begin so why not trust him?
I say the path that we begin to walk with out God in doubt and fear is a terrible road to tread. It brings madness, discomfort, sickness and a world of pains that we are not equipped to deal with. The one considered the wisest who ever lived, knew this to be true. When he turned from God he began to question his purpose in the Lord, and he cursed the very blessing that made him who he was.
We must accept Gods calling in our lives, we must learn to call on him and trust in him only. The only way to do this is to build a relationship with God. How can you learn to trust him when you do not know him? When we meet someone, sometimes we click and wind up chatting for hours, you may tell this person some personal things and they give you advice and you may walk away from that experience feeling quite nice and comforted. Then later you realize how their advice really did apply and it worked, you may think to yourself “Humph, I may call on this new friend again” and when something goes wrong you do and the same thing continues. Now this may not be a person you trust because you really do not know them, but they have provided you with good advice and listening ears, so you are happy with them. This is our relationship with God.
Many of us call on him only when we need something. As always, his words or comfort is applicable and we say “Humph, I will call on him again,” but this is no way to build a trusting relationship with Our Father.
The only way to truly learn to let go and let God, is by creating a bond a true relationship. Talking to God daily as you would a friend, a parent, a significant other. How is it you devote so much time to everything and everyone else that is not guaranteed to be there for you, but you can only come to God when all of those things let you down.
The only way to live a truly fulfilled, happy and joyful life is by leaning on God for all answers. This is a true freedom from our daily chaos and time wasting habits of questioning the unnecessary. The only way to gain this freedom and absolute power over your life is by creating a relationship with God.
He does not want to be so far removed from our lives that he becomes unapproachable, talk to God about your hair, outfit, the cat, the kids all of the stuff that is on your mind great and small, he longs to hear from you and in return you will hear from him.
He will begin to call you as well, it is then that you will know what true love, acceptance and caring feels like and you will never again question, and even if you do, as we are prone to do. You will have gained an unshakable knowledge that Our God is always there and his will is better than ours any day. So trust him and never leave his side! Until next time.

Dare I say … God

Job 13:13-15(ESV) Job trusted against all odds!

13″Let me have silence, and I will speak,
and let come on me what may.
14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth
and put my life in my hand?
15 Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
yet I will argue my ways to his face.
16 This will be my salvation,
that the godless shall not come before him.

Living your Dreams

At night when we lay down, the days events seem to plaugue our mind. We have restless nights that lead way into frustrated days. In the evening it seems more of lifes events, joys, mishaps, desires,cares and worries seem to weigh on our spirits. We can not truly settle in and rest.

We lay in bed, we toss and turn, giving worry to things that we have no effect over and in our dreams all of these feelings and emotions good bad and indifferent manifest themselves.

Sometimes we wonder what these dreams mean we seek answers from friends, or mediums or anyone who will liseten. However the answers to your dreams, theorhetical or actual, all lie in your communication with God. When we seek answers from him there is no way we can go wrong.

There are multiple accounts in the bible where people sought answers, their path and even generational blessings in their dreams. Look at some of the accounts in Gen.37:5-10 Joseph  foretold of his impending rule as General of Eygypt,  Gen.41 Joseph interperts the Pharohs dream, Judges 7:13-14 Gideon was told of his victory over the Midianites, Matt. 1:20-21 Comforts Joseph about Marys’ pregnancy with our Savior . Take a look at the wisest man who ever lived, 1Kings 3:5-15 He was given his greatest blessing in a dream, When he asked for his wisdom to guide Gods people righteously, God saw him fit to be blessed with riches and power as well beause of his noble choice. What all of these people have in common, is there belief and dedication to doing the will of God and not their own.

Dreams are simply your higher self connecting with God if you allow that flow in you. Even when we daydream we are simply stepping out of our physical being and connecting with our heats desires, feelings and the energy that abounds within us. Make sure you are right in the Lord so that what you bring forth is always to the betterment of He who is on high.

I say ,that you should take this time and cultivate an even higher and greater relationship with the One who Designs everything, because he can make no flaws.

In this most unattached state you are able to recieve great insight and light from God. However you must seek a relationship with him in the wake hours in order to cultivate such deep understainding. The One who knows all things, is the only one that can provide a doorway to all knowledge albeit through insight or manisefestation of your inner desires, but we must seek him first. Until next time.

Dare I Say … God

 

1 Thess 5:17(KJV)

¹⁷Pray without ceasing.

Psalm 55:22(NLT)

²² Give your burdens to the Lord,
      and he will take care of you.
      He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Matt 6:33(KJV)

³³But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you

Pushing Through, The Decisions we make

Decisions, during the normal course of our days and lives many  occasions will present themselves and we are faced with a decision, this is as normal and necessary as breathing. We can not live life without information, filtering it in and making a choice. These are the basic functions in order to survive.

There are times however that we are faced with some truly challenging choices, not the everyday, what to wear, should I take this route or use the alternate and the basic mundane choices we make arbitrarily.

No, what I speak of today is that decision that has generational impact! Major flux in your existence, sometimes this seemingly small decision can have such a grand, and major impact on all that we know, have know or others will know about us. There are the few instances where the decisions we make are irrevocable, and in turn have a momentous impact on our lives, they change our story. When faced with such choices our basic instinct of flight or fright tends to arrive and we have to decide on a course of action however,no matter the choice the outcome is indelible.

So my thought for today was to share that in life we have many decisions to make, the ones that truly take effect and will grab hold of your life and change everything that you know or have known.

When you know you are at the point of no return and no decision you make is without a highly impacted consequence. Take your time. Don’t rush, breathe deep, and allow God to guide you.

We tend to want life changing answers in minutes in todays world. Some things have been terribly advanced by speed and the desire for here and now. Although this works in some case, there are certain places and situations that this need for expediency must not be indulged. 

So in the end we must be willing to take time, reconnect, reevaluate and just hold on, no matter how you feel and what you think be still, absurd and ask God for guidance. There is a time for everything. Until next time.

Dare I Say … God

Pro 3:5-6

 ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.

  ⁶ Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Eccl 3:1-8(KJV)

¹To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  ²A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;  ³A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;   ⁴A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; ⁵A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;  ⁶A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; ⁷A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;  ⁸A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Prayer

Today I charge all of you to create your own prayer be it of

1 Adoration

2 Expiation

3 Love

4 Petition

5 Thanksgiving

The choice is yours, when you have done this post it here or at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dare-I-Say-God/70166219870?ref=ts  and create a sitution of prayer amongst all of us. No matter the language or spelling just lift it up to God. This is mine. I hope you enjoy and have a blessed day! -Desiree B Lawrence

Honor my past, live in the present, and create my future 

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as it was in the begining, is now and shall always be, world without end. 

I come to you today oh Holy Father for I am lost and in need guidance. I do not know where to turn or which way to go . I seek your everlasting love and shelter to aid me in my choices. I come to you as a humble servant wanting only to do your will.

My Father in heaven who I know surely watches over me hear my prayer. 

Rock. allow me the strength to carry what decisions are being made on my behalf. Give me the power and the resolve to forgive all past transgressions against me. Grant the ability to me to honor all things that have come to pass as my rites of passage, for all of those things brought me to this moment and all things work together for your good Lord.

Elohim, I prostrate myself to you, cover me, give my body rest, ease my mind. Let me live in this moment and embrace it as a testament to your strength and will inside of me.

Jehovah Shalom, I come to you with hopes that you grant me peace in my time of this storm, grant me the ability to be still, let me cast my eyes upon the hills for that is where my help comes from.

El Shaddai, give me understanding and rest knowing that your will and works are being done, for you are the all powerful and all mighty.

Jehovah Jireh, Provide for me the existence you see fit, mold me into what you need me to be, Allow me to glorify you and strengthen in your light. Create me to become what you need, make me vessel so that your love outpours and all will know it is because of you.

Sovereign Lord, with all of the authority that not even one can come against you to question, not even I of my own life. I come to you in this petition, make me that when men, women, and children look upon me they see that I am blessed! 

In your mighty name, Yahweh, I beg for all of these things, I cast my all of my fears aside and await on a word from you.

You are Righteous, and through you there can be no mistakes, I GIVE MY LIFE TO YOUR HANDS and though you know the desires of my heart, may your will be done! 

This is my petition today oh Heavenly, Gracious Lord.

I ask for this in your Son Jesus’ name 

In the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, Amen

 

Until next time.

Dare I Say … God

1 John 5:14-15(KJV)

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him”

Riding the Fence

Why is it that we as humans tend to want things as we see fit? Always questioning and never really making a full on choice. You know the sayings, we have all herd them: Cake and eat it too, riding the fence, crap or get off the pot, you can’t have it both ways, lukewarm, I mean the list goes on forever as a testament of our indecisive ways in life. 

As we become adults we have to face many obstacles and along with those road blocks come decisions, it is a true and very steady reality for us. Gone are the days when Mom and Dad made our choices and all we had to do was follow. Now it is our turn to think, process and form our own opinion and choice.

Why is this so hard for us though?  Some of us embrace this new found way of living, allowing the freedom of choice to cover us like a warm blanket on a chilly fall evening. Others of us shirk the responsibility and lay it on anyone else. Why would you allow someone else to make decisions for you? 

I personally teach my child that responsibility is the true freedom!

What, how is that so, you ask? Well take a look at it this way, we  all have a choice and in her case she has chores to do. Now if she takes care of her responsibilities she will never here me say anything to her about them. On the other hand is she decides to not take care of her chores she has placed her choice into my hands and therefore relinquished her freedom. Now she is at the mercy of my choice for her and she must hear what I have to say and adhere to the consequences.

Many adults live like this. Here are some examples: At work you are truly not happy, there is no room for growth and you know more is out there but you do not seek out other opportunities or maybe you do not look to further your training or education, you are not taking responsibility for your life and therefore you are now subjected to what this job has to offer and you must accept it, that is the loss of freedom.

In relationships, we play ping pong back and forth as to who should make the choices on where are we going, what are we doing, what course is this relationship taking? How can you give another person this much control over such an intimate part of your life. Take responsibility, ask yourself what am I doing, look to you and see if here is where you want to be, what good is it if they want to be somewhere you do not a relationship can not be bore by one person and it can never be contingent upon what the other is doing. Be responsible to know what you want and what you are doing in it this is how you find freedom from all things and feelings. 

In life, anything that you desire you should have a zest for and want to grasp it by the horns and refuse to let it go if this is what you need. Sometimes this is not a possible thing to do, even then we must take inventory and responsibility and see where we stand .

The term LUKEWARM got a bad rap in the bible, when it was spoken about, many felt the proper determination was that  you were either on fire for God  or cold towards him. However this may not be the case, when you look at the location of the Church of Laodecia. Laodecia was an aqueduct between two cities Hieropolis which had lovely (and still does) hot springs and Colossae which had pure free flowing cold water. By the time the two bodies merged the water was of no use because it was lukewarm.

You see each had it’s purpose, it was and still is very popular to take hot baths in natural springs for it’s natural healing power, and the cold pure water was what was needed in order to be refreshed in the strong heat of the area. So when it came together the lukewarm water was of no good use. 

Now with the basic little history of that, what I charge you with today is to make choices in life that will leave you either Hot or Cold not lukewarm. Everything God puts together is in pairs and each works in accordance to their own purpose, and when they are being misused they both become useless. So either side you chose is fine because it has it’s purpose on both ends however the in-between is useless and good for nothing.

World, take responsibility and free yourself from the yolk of others and their weight. Until next time.

Dare I Say … God

Rev 3:16 (DRV)

¹⁶But because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold, nor hot, I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth.

Revenge

Revenge ahhh how sweet the sound. However not to a true Christian soul. 

Many times we all come up against a situation that we have been truly hurt by another person words or actions towards us. Some times this hurt is extremely deep and the flesh side of our body tells us to get even, make them feel it to. These are feelings that must be dealt with. 

While you are tangling yourself up in such emotions you are robbing yourself of happiness, calm, peace and joy, you have got to let it go. Many time these emotions are actually misplaced, the real feelings you are truly having are that of betrayal, hurt, disappointment and a range of other negative emotions. We feel these things because that person or persons were close enough to us to cause harm and that makes us feel vulnerable and violated which in turn leads to anger for being so foolish and what we do is shut people out because of this. 

I say to you this is no way to live. It is not the makeup of us as humans to be emotionally barren and shut off from the world. We are meant to love care and be of good cheer. We are made in the image of God and as we know God is love, so we should never lose love for when we do we separate ourselves form God and invite the enemy in.

We have to make the choice when people hurt us and betray us. We must remember that no matter what there are no mistakes therefore no regrets because all things work according to His plan. So do what you must to come to an understanding with your past and settle your present so that you may live truthfully fulfilled and joyously in your future, the way it was intended. Let go and let God, and remember there is someone out there that feels the same way about you, wouldn’t you want their forgiveness? Until next time.

 

Dare I Say … God

1 Thess 15(ESV)

  ¹⁵See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Matt 7:5(NLT)

⁵ Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye

Mar 11:25(DRV)

²⁵And when you shall stand to pray, forgive, if you have aught against any man; that your Father also, who is in heaven, may forgive you your sin

 

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Skeletons

Today I want to discuss dealing with the skeletons that seem to arise from past relationships in the midst of new ones. I do not mean just intimate ones, but all relationships past, be it friends, parents, or loved ones.

I am going to share with all of you a word picture, this is something that I wrote which encapsulated a very real and wonderful but turbulent time in my life. This is written in hopes to free myself from the past and allow me to embrace my future. 

It seems that no matter how long we separate from a a person they are still there. Not a terribly strong presence but somehow the memory remains. We continue on with our regular lives and all may go along steady but then there is a trigger, just that one little hair size issue that can bring about all of those old feelings in an instant.

Many of us try to move on from divorce, and considering the divorce rates these days by the time we are ready to be married chances are it will not  be his or first. We try to forge through all of the ugly residue and debris left behind from broken promises and dreams that never came to fruition. No matter who you are or how you felt when a marriage ends it is a death, and you must mourn. 

Now how is it that you heal? Heal to a point that the past does not direct your present? Many of us have found good things in people but because of past hurts, and pains we can not trust it to be true, how do we go on from that point? 

Well in this thought that I had a recalled a reader had made a comment about my Revenge article and she stated that on her revenge piece she used 1 Cor 13:5 now when I looked it up, for me it was beautiful, but did not fit my message. However because all things work according to his plan, and God will speak a word in to you before you even need it so you can find comfort I realized that is just the word I needed today, so the only way to truly move on past all of the hurts and pain, is to reside in the word of God, allow it to give you comfort and no that anything can be defeated in the mighty name of God!

With that being said, I want to share this poem with you all in hopes of freeing myself form my past and moving onward. Until next time. (Word Picture)

Dare I Say … God

1 Cor 13:4-6(NLT)

 ⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

Eph 4:2

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love

Col 3:12 

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.

A world in mourning

Good morning all, We are back!

 

I wanted to take this time and focus on a subject that seems to be near and dear to all of the world at this particular moment. It is very difficult to find a topic that the mass can actually relate to at the same time, so I will use this opportunity to reach many.

As the world takes a look and reminisces about all of the accomplishments of this one man Mr. Michael Jackson, they mourn for him and share feelings of disbelief. MAny are shocked and some in a proper sense because it was unexpected, at least to us the outsiders and strangers. Many simply can not wrap their head around the idea that  “MICHAEL JACKSON” Died. My question to this is: “Why Not?” Is he not a man simply made of flesh and blood? Yes we can all admit his talents, and contribution to the world in his own way were great, however he was a man nevertheless. Not only was he a man, but he was tortured, he lived a life that most of us did not or would not deem “normal” he was trapped in a world that he could not release himself from. He was unhappy with himself and did all that he could to alter that, he had unhealthy relationships with people, children included and for the most part was pretty estranged from society and the world. Michael Jackson lived a very tortured misunderstood existence.

I say this is not to bash the mans memory, I am simply stating that in time of passing many of us forget facts and we focus on what we chose and we as a nation tend to idolize people and forget the main factor they are PEOPLE. 

It disturbs me that in lieu of Michael’s death that Farrah Fawcett’s death just got blown over. I am sorry is she not important enough to grab the headline, because I am sure her family grieves just like the Jackson’s. I believe the young woman who just lost her father on yesterday does not share the same grief you do over strangers. We as a people need to learn to take a closer look at the ones around us who are so precious and remember time is fleeting and tomorrow is promised to no one.

We must do better as a people in recognizing that the stars we place on a shelf are simply human, flesh and blood like you and I. I do believe it is wonderful that they stepped out and became such a contributing factor to our pop culture, that we will be altered by them for generations, however I must impress that they are people from dust we cam and to dust will shall return.

I have a proposal for all of you today, because the majority of us live the everyday life in the privacy of our own circle and not in the spotlight, I want you to ask yourself this. Who do you think MIchael would rather be right now you or him? I am sure the envy is misplaced. I believe this man would have traded places with anyone of us everyday people just so he can have normal everyday interaction.

Imagine living a life where you do not know who loves you for you or your name? As much as we all look in the mirror and do what we can to conform to a standard of beauty, imagine if you felt you had to be that standard? What about when you feel your best is not good enough, now imagine the world feels the same and has no problem expressing it directly to you?  The life led by these people are not to be envied or desired, with Michael it was even worse this was a tortured soul who now can find rest in his masters arm. I believe we should have mourned his difficult, abnormal life and now we can celebrate his death in him finding rest.

Imagine if the whole world could mourn the sacrifice the living God made for us, what a world that would be! Until next time.

Dare I Say … God

Matt 5:4 (KJV)

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted

Lam 5:15 (NIV)

Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.

Heb 2:14-15(NIV)

Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he likewise shared in their humanity, so that through death he could destroy the one who holds the power of death (that is, the devil), 15-and set free those who were held in slavery all their lives by their fear of death

Obedience

Hello all, today I wanted to discuss obedience. I feel it is a long lost word that many of us correlate with childhood, and our parents. It seems as if when we grow up there is no longer a need for this action or word to be in our life or vocabulary. It often gets replaced by the idea of “I am Grown” Yes this is a fact, you are an adult and are therefore entitled to do many things you were unable to do as a youth, however obedience is a quality that should last throughout a lifetime. 

As we are all children of God throughout our journey in life there is never a point in time where we have the luxury to tell God “Well I am grown, and I can do what I want” and though you have the choice to do so, thanks to the gift of free will, you are walking into a destructive path.

Now, by all means I am not saying that being obedient is the easiest action in the world to take, it really is not. However it is not difficult because it is a rockier path, it becomes a struggle because of our flesh. We become so distracted by the world and the things in it that  people tend to forget that there desire is meant to be to God and not man. 

This weekend I was blessed to hear a testimony at my church’s’ 2009 Missionary Event (Berean Christian Church stone Mountain GA) and I feet the need to pass it on.

This gentleman got up and testified of how one day he came home and told his wife “God called me to go to Africa” she said “Africa?” and he began to pack and 2 weeks later the two of them were off on a mission. You see he never questioned God and she never questioned her husband. Obedience. He continued on about their relationship to say that she asked for twins and he said “Yeah I’ll give you twins” and today they have to lovely twins one a Dr and the other a missionary, and he gave praises to God and because of his obedience they were blessed. 

The story continued through her, she stood to speak and told us of how she received the word at 17 that she was needed to do missions overseas in Japan, at that time she and no one around her knew how to break into that sort of work. So instead of being deterred she obeyed her calling and decided to become pen pals with people over seas and tell them about how good our God was!

It so happened that she came across someone in her work that passed her letter on to a young man and their correspondence continued for over two years, when she had the opportunity to finally go to Japan she spoke to this man and he told her “No, you can not go you are meant to be my wife!” She had never seen him or he she but his obedience to God led him to her. After much questioning and the approval of her father (again obedience she said had her dad said no she would never had gone.)  This young woman boarded a plane to go to Jamaica to marry a man, sight unseen; save some pretty bad pictures, according to her LOL.

The two of them have now been married for 51 years. I am sure the road was not always blissful and grand but their obedience to God led them to a life that they have touched so many, their children are blessed and so is their ministry. I shared this story today because it truly touched me and made me long for that sort of obedience in my life.

I crave the sort of obedience that would lead me across oceans unsure what awaits on the other side, but knowing that I am obeying God all will be okay, This is what we should all long for.

When we chose a life of obedience, we are then able to reach our full potential in God, because he sees that we can conform to his will and do so happily , he is pleased with us and wants to give us more like a loving parent that he is.

Lets take a brief look at the word.

Obedience: The act or practice of obeying; dutiful or submissive compliance

Obey: To comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of

Now, at one point or another we were all young children and we longed to obey our parents because we knew there were consequences, and we liked to please them. They would be oh so happy and reward you in some sort of way. This pattern never ceases, you see God is eternally our parent and as we can all attest to there are consequences when we do not obey and great reward when we do.    So on today I just ask of you to think about what is it that God has asked of you that you refuse to do? All you are doing is holding up your blessing. The Lord God your provider can not provide for you if you bind him with your disobedient ways. Let loose the true glory and potential God has for you by simply obeying his word, even if it is one thing a day. Until next time. Dare I Say… God James 1:22 -25 (NIV) 22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. 1 Sam 15:22(NIV) 22 But Samuel replied:         “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices         as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ?         To obey is better than sacrifice,         and to heed is better than the fat of rams. Luke 5:5-7(The Message) 5-7Simon said, “Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I’ll let out the nets.” It was no sooner said than done—a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity. They waved to their partners in the other boat to come help them. They filled both boats, nearly swamping them with the catch. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License

Limitations

Today I would like to discuss limitations. I was blessed on last night to be apart of the Berean Christian Church women revival that is going on this weekend. We had a great time and they spoke of releasing the limits that we have in life. 

Many of us do walk around, captured, trapped and enslaved by our own limitations, restraints that we place upon ourselves. We are not truly aware of our potential and we are so guarded we can not get to it anyhow. 

We must learn to free ourselves from the strongholds so we can truly walk into the purpose and power that God has for us. God never intends for us to live with limits. he is a limitless God and we are created in his image, so he wants us to triumph in leaps and bounds.

Okay, so that all sounds great right, but how do we do this?  Where is the great divide between limitless living and the bondage most of us are in now? 

I will tell you it is in Gods word. The only way to truly free yourself from living such and average life is by stepping out of that comfort and stepping in to purpose. You must walk in God, by learning his word and creating a personal relationship with him.

 Often times we get so caught up in our earthly obligations and desires that we tend to miss out on heavenly purpose and the blessings God has in sore for us. In life we are often blinded by our own desires and do not or can not decipher what God wants us to do our, his plan. Our focus must be on Gods will and his alone. There are times where this is not pleasing to us and we do not answer to his call,  that is okay to because we serve a loving and forgiving God, but you must still obey. When we do obey we unleash the bonds that tie us to others, to places, to actions that we no longer need to have in our life. We then unleash what it is God has in store for us.

What we fail to realize in this life, is that truly your life is not your own, we are here for a greater purpose and that purpose will always be fulfilled albeit peaceably or forcibly. So today people I would like to say, free yourself, begin to live your life with no limits! No limits in love, no limits in prayer, no limits in worship, no limits in warfare, no limits in praise even when it is bad, and mostly no limits in life. This is a precious gift we have been given and we must exert our best at all times, as long as we are being the best we can in any given moment then we are living limitlessly. Until next time.

Dare I Say … God

Prov 19:21 (NIV)

 ²¹ Many are the plans in a man’s heart, 
       but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

Eph 1 15-18 (NIV)

¹⁵For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. ¹⁷I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints

Encouragement

Hello all,

Today I wanted to speak on the idea of encouragement. Many of us go through an array of difficult happenings, people are having homes foreclosed, losing loved ones, losing jobs, cars, spouses and suffering many different hardships.

During these times we often look to a higher power in order to gain understanding, meaning or just plain comfort in our situation. Often times we find it is very easy to thank God for all he is doing in our lives and praise him for bringing us through and seeing us out. However when faced with the task of going through the storm we falter and our praise becomes less and our doubt creeps in like poison to our souls. 

Why is this? Did you not hear Gods promise to you? Do you think he misled you or lied? God is not a man that he should lie nor the son of man that he should repent…. remember that? So why do we question? The true question is not of God, but of yourself. 

In life we all must endure, I am not saying to seek out hardship or a difficult path. What I am saying is that while you are going down that treacherous road though you may cry stumble and fall, always know that your father in heaven is watching over you he will not allow you to fail. It is similar to when we learn how to ride a bike or cook our first dish, yes you will fall and get scraped and bruised, you may make a mess, get burned and undercook the food all with your parent watching, because they know how much you can take and they are right there for you should it overwhelm you.

We must stand strong on the word that God gave us. The bible is filled with stories of those that had to endure in order to prevail and receive the full blessings of God and though they all did not walk the same path and they all went through their own difficulties and all had their specific struggle, the one thing that they all shared equally is the blessing that God promised to them.

So as we walk on our paths on this battlefield be encouraged and lifted knowing that the victory is yours and your blessing is at the end. When it is bleak and you feel you can no longer go on remember a time where you fell off of your bike got back on and kept going and could not wait for someone to kiss your boo boo later. When we we keep pushing through that is when we find the best rewards.

Until next time

Dare I Say … God

Ps 22:24 (KJV) 

“ For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.”

Ps 27:14(KJV)

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Matt 21:21-22 (KJV)

 “… Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.