They say we as parents will mold the way our children think and the way they will see the world.
I am however, amazed at the way our children can mold US everyday:
The way you read a book, or watch a movie with children in it; how you automatically related it to, or place your child(ren) in that situation and feel the joy, or pain associated with the experience they are faced with.
The way you take an extra look (both ways) before going thru an intersection when they are with you.
The way you simply don't care about things, that used to seem SO important, so vital, seem so trivial and even pointless to you now. As all you want to do is share YOU with this little one(s).
What was deemed as fun before, is now an after thought; to the fun (with them) you want to have now!
The way you approach your relationship with God. It seems so much weightier and fulfilling, knowing that you don't just directly affect one soul but two (or more), by the simple choices you make everyday, to either follow Christ, or reject His Precious Word!
The way you value those morning's the whole family (wife and kid(s)) all stay cuddled in bed together, long after responsibility would deem necessary!
The way you take a few extra peeks in the rear view mirror to watch as their countenace changes, as they view the world thru their window
The way you drink in every "I wuv you dada!"
..."what's da?"
..."is dat mamma's (dada's)?"
..."hold you dada (mama)?"
The tremendous, overflowing joy, love and contentment that captures you every time you see them sleeping.
The way they laugh...tiny bursts of joy and love from a heart of complete innocence at every joke we make as if that moment was all that matters.
The way they trust and believe every word mommy and daddy say with a wholeness that will literally mold the way they see the world.
The way they can change your mood with a smile and a kiss.
They say we mold our children! In so many ways, I've learned it's the other way around...they are molding us.
....To my Emma Rose
Monday, August 9, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
His Presence
I am again reminded today of the sweet blessings of The LORD, as He woke me early to seek His Word - yet I desire to not only love His blessings, but more so to love His Presence!
Oh! To know Your face LORD and not just Your Hand!
Oh! To know Your face LORD and not just Your Hand!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Renewed Passion
Arictle taken from the Youth Newsletter Quarter One (Jan. to March) - 2010:
The New Year is always a time of refection (a look back) and even introspection (a look within).
Both are good in that they can help us to recognize the good things we’ve accomplished, as well as identify areas we must continue to grow.
Never is this practice more important, then in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
As the Psalmist said: Psalms 139:23-24 (KJV) 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
It’s a time to reflect on the prior year and perhaps the goals you determined to reach, and did, or the ones you didn’t.
No matter where you come out on that self analysis, or time of reflection; realize that with the passing of everyday (and year), comes a renewed opportunity to reach new heights and depths in the Lord that you never have before.
Paul said, Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV) 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth 14 unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
What a powerful statement of reflection; but also a sense of renewed passion that comes from the great Apostle Paul.
He decided that whether good or bad (of which he could testify to both), he was going to go forth in a renewed passion, hunger and determination for the Kingdom of God and the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
We too, with the passing of each day, month and year; must work to renew that same passion, hunger and determination to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
That said: My challenge to all of us, with the New Year already at hand, is to work, pray, fast and live like never before, to win the lost in this Last Hour of the Church!
The New Year is always a time of refection (a look back) and even introspection (a look within).
Both are good in that they can help us to recognize the good things we’ve accomplished, as well as identify areas we must continue to grow.
Never is this practice more important, then in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
As the Psalmist said: Psalms 139:23-24 (KJV) 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
It’s a time to reflect on the prior year and perhaps the goals you determined to reach, and did, or the ones you didn’t.
No matter where you come out on that self analysis, or time of reflection; realize that with the passing of everyday (and year), comes a renewed opportunity to reach new heights and depths in the Lord that you never have before.
Paul said, Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV) 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth 14 unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
What a powerful statement of reflection; but also a sense of renewed passion that comes from the great Apostle Paul.
He decided that whether good or bad (of which he could testify to both), he was going to go forth in a renewed passion, hunger and determination for the Kingdom of God and the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
We too, with the passing of each day, month and year; must work to renew that same passion, hunger and determination to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
That said: My challenge to all of us, with the New Year already at hand, is to work, pray, fast and live like never before, to win the lost in this Last Hour of the Church!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Name of Jesus - A STRONG TOWER
Proverbs 18:10 (KJV)
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe"
Thru the perfect sinless life He lived and sinless sacrifice He made at Calvary, Jesus Christ made a way for Grace. And by His Grace through faith we have access to the power of His Name.
The Name of Jesus is not just a name; but a PLACE of refuge; a PLACE of protection; a PLACE to receivce whatever we need - Healing; deliverance; salvation; anointing; power over temptation. As The Lord told Moses, when he asked God, His Name, He said: "I AM, THAT I AM". I AM the I AM you need.
If you need a healer - I AM your healer. If you need a saviour - I AM your salvation...all thru my Name!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
There is only ONE KING
I'm sorry but this has really bothered my spirit for some time now....
Have we traveled down the road of idoltry in this country so far that we spend more time and more energy on our sports figures then our God.
Has our attachment to those that seem to be able to elevate themselves above the natural into the "seemingly" supernatural, that we've actually made these figures into "supernatural" men and women.
Have we allowed ourselves to become worshippers at altars of pig-skin, leather and twinded yarn? To gods of men that seem to be able to defy human limits all in the name of competetion?
(Now before you furrow your brow at such STRONG language and accusations...THINK ABOUT IT!)
"king James"! I'm sorry folks but whether you try and justify it by way of lineage, or elevation thru man's rank of authority....He is no king!
As much as many may just say, "Its just a name!" I say to you: "Is Nazi, JUST a name?" No! With it comes many strong emotions; thoughts and images! It is not just a name! It's a delcaration, an identity of the belief system and lifestyle of a people.
Now likewise when I say, "Jesus"! It invokes power, virtue, joy, peace, hope and a limitless stream of other emotions!
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
The words that we speak bring with them the power and authority of life and death! Likewise, the names, or titles we put on things, places and people, will with it, DEMAND the power and authority that word brings!
Let us be carefeul with the words we speak, the titles we give and the names we put on each other! For by way of simply speaking these things we place upon them (in our lives) the power of those titles and names!
There is ONLY ONE KING! Remember Him! He died for your sins! He is our King! Not some sports figure.
Have we traveled down the road of idoltry in this country so far that we spend more time and more energy on our sports figures then our God.
Has our attachment to those that seem to be able to elevate themselves above the natural into the "seemingly" supernatural, that we've actually made these figures into "supernatural" men and women.
Have we allowed ourselves to become worshippers at altars of pig-skin, leather and twinded yarn? To gods of men that seem to be able to defy human limits all in the name of competetion?
(Now before you furrow your brow at such STRONG language and accusations...THINK ABOUT IT!)
As much as many may just say, "Its just a name!" I say to you: "Is Nazi, JUST a name?" No! With it comes many strong emotions; thoughts and images! It is not just a name! It's a delcaration, an identity of the belief system and lifestyle of a people.
Now likewise when I say, "Jesus"! It invokes power, virtue, joy, peace, hope and a limitless stream of other emotions!
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
The words that we speak bring with them the power and authority of life and death! Likewise, the names, or titles we put on things, places and people, will with it, DEMAND the power and authority that word brings!
Let us be carefeul with the words we speak, the titles we give and the names we put on each other! For by way of simply speaking these things we place upon them (in our lives) the power of those titles and names!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Emma's World
There is something beautiful about the view in which a child see's the world!
Look out Princess Diana, here is a lady-in-the-making!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
A Great Heritage
And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD. Exodus 6:8
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh... 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:15-17, 39
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4
From the time God made a covenant with Abram, to the words of the prophet Joel, to the Day of Pentecost when the promise of The Comforter was first poured out: We have been privileged to be a part of a great heritage! 3,000 received the promise of The Holy Ghost on that first day! What followed would be a series of signs, wonders and miracles the world had never seen before that point in history! A marvelous and powerful move of God’s presence at the hand of His Apostles swept through Israel and the surrounding countries, “unto the utter most parts of the earth”, to what would become known as the former rain of Pentecost!
We can look back at the turn of the prior century and the events that transpired in places like Wales, England and throughout Europe: eventually reaching Topeka, Kansas and finally Azusa Street. We can look back at these points in history and find that they are landmarks to which God began to reignite the fire of Pentecost as it was at the beginning!
God used men like William Seymour and Charles Parham to lead what God was wanting to do. While men such as Charles Mason, Frank Bartleman, William Durham and Ernest Williams gave eyewitness accounts of what took place.
William Durham: “Nine years ago I was deeply convicted of sin, through the Bible and the Spirit moving upon me, which He continued to do till I truly repented of my sins, and earnestly sought the Lord, finally yielding all to Him, and pleading His mercy. He revealed to my heart Christ dying on the cross, and His voice whispered to me, “Christ died for your sins.” Instantly my heart believed, and His peace flooded my soul, and the joy of His salvation was wonderful to me. Later I saw and grasped by faith the truth of sanctification, and the Spirit witnessed to my heart that the work was done, and the Holy Ghost wonderfully wrought in my life.”
Frank Bartleman: “Friday, June 15, at “Azusa,” the Spirit dropped the “heavenly chorus” into my soul. I found myself suddenly joining the rest who had received this supernatural “gift.” It was a spontaneous manifestation and rapture no earthly tongue can describe. In the beginning this manifestation was wonderfully pure and powerful.
In the beginning in “Azusa” we had no musical instruments. In fact we felt no need of them. There was no place for them in our worship. All was spontaneous. We did not even sing from hymnbooks. All the old well-known hymns were sung from memory, quickened by the Spirit of God. “The Comforter Has Come,” was possibly the one must sung. We sang it from fresh, powerful heart experience. Oh, how the power of God filled and thrilled us. Then the “blood” songs were very popular. “The life is in the blood. “Sinai, Calvary, and Pentecost, all had their rightful place in the “Azusa” work. But the “new song” was altogether different, not of human composition. It cannot be successfully counterfeited. The crow cannot imitate the dove.”
Today we can look back at our Heritage knowing that our foundation is secure that it was established on Jesus Christ The Righteous. We mustn’t let it be just our heritage alone! We must hear the call of our forefathers in Christ! We must follow the example they set and become part of what Jesus referred to as the Latter Rain Church! Know your heritage; but more than that BECOME APART OF YOUR HERITAGE!
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh... 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:15-17, 39
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4
From the time God made a covenant with Abram, to the words of the prophet Joel, to the Day of Pentecost when the promise of The Comforter was first poured out: We have been privileged to be a part of a great heritage! 3,000 received the promise of The Holy Ghost on that first day! What followed would be a series of signs, wonders and miracles the world had never seen before that point in history! A marvelous and powerful move of God’s presence at the hand of His Apostles swept through Israel and the surrounding countries, “unto the utter most parts of the earth”, to what would become known as the former rain of Pentecost!
We can look back at the turn of the prior century and the events that transpired in places like Wales, England and throughout Europe: eventually reaching Topeka, Kansas and finally Azusa Street. We can look back at these points in history and find that they are landmarks to which God began to reignite the fire of Pentecost as it was at the beginning!
God used men like William Seymour and Charles Parham to lead what God was wanting to do. While men such as Charles Mason, Frank Bartleman, William Durham and Ernest Williams gave eyewitness accounts of what took place.
William Durham: “Nine years ago I was deeply convicted of sin, through the Bible and the Spirit moving upon me, which He continued to do till I truly repented of my sins, and earnestly sought the Lord, finally yielding all to Him, and pleading His mercy. He revealed to my heart Christ dying on the cross, and His voice whispered to me, “Christ died for your sins.” Instantly my heart believed, and His peace flooded my soul, and the joy of His salvation was wonderful to me. Later I saw and grasped by faith the truth of sanctification, and the Spirit witnessed to my heart that the work was done, and the Holy Ghost wonderfully wrought in my life.”
Frank Bartleman: “Friday, June 15, at “Azusa,” the Spirit dropped the “heavenly chorus” into my soul. I found myself suddenly joining the rest who had received this supernatural “gift.” It was a spontaneous manifestation and rapture no earthly tongue can describe. In the beginning this manifestation was wonderfully pure and powerful.
In the beginning in “Azusa” we had no musical instruments. In fact we felt no need of them. There was no place for them in our worship. All was spontaneous. We did not even sing from hymnbooks. All the old well-known hymns were sung from memory, quickened by the Spirit of God. “The Comforter Has Come,” was possibly the one must sung. We sang it from fresh, powerful heart experience. Oh, how the power of God filled and thrilled us. Then the “blood” songs were very popular. “The life is in the blood. “Sinai, Calvary, and Pentecost, all had their rightful place in the “Azusa” work. But the “new song” was altogether different, not of human composition. It cannot be successfully counterfeited. The crow cannot imitate the dove.”
Today we can look back at our Heritage knowing that our foundation is secure that it was established on Jesus Christ The Righteous. We mustn’t let it be just our heritage alone! We must hear the call of our forefathers in Christ! We must follow the example they set and become part of what Jesus referred to as the Latter Rain Church! Know your heritage; but more than that BECOME APART OF YOUR HERITAGE!
Just when I get inspired...
This was a text sent to a good friend that inspired me:
So I'm really upset. You inspired me to start writing more on my blog. So this morning I started to write up a comedic breakdown of my morning thus far (including a old man pushing a grocery cart) and I went out of the application on my phone in which I was writing the post and IT DIDN'T save it!! (i was about five paragraphs into it) - I'm NOT staring over! So tomorrow...I'll start again! Lol.
Ps. Actually I think I'll post this text. That's about how I feel right now! Rrrrrrr!
So I'm really upset. You inspired me to start writing more on my blog. So this morning I started to write up a comedic breakdown of my morning thus far (including a old man pushing a grocery cart) and I went out of the application on my phone in which I was writing the post and IT DIDN'T save it!! (i was about five paragraphs into it) - I'm NOT staring over! So tomorrow...I'll start again! Lol.
Ps. Actually I think I'll post this text. That's about how I feel right now! Rrrrrrr!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Blessed
I'm reminded of the Mercy of God, in the way He brings restoration to broken lives!
I'm reminded of the faithful Hand of God in the steady way He supplies the needs of His people!
I'm reminded of the patience of His Grace in the way He never allows failure to dictate His show of affection towards us!
I'm reminded of His Blessings in that I see them showered on us everyday!
I'm learning more and more that being rich is measured not in money or success according to man but in these things!
I'm reminded of the faithful Hand of God in the steady way He supplies the needs of His people!
I'm reminded of the patience of His Grace in the way He never allows failure to dictate His show of affection towards us!
I'm reminded of His Blessings in that I see them showered on us everyday!
I'm learning more and more that being rich is measured not in money or success according to man but in these things!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Jesus Paid it All
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
For nothing good have I,
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I'll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv'ry's Lamb.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
And when before the throne,
I stand in Him complete,
"Jesus died my soul to save,"
My lips shall still repeat.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
For nothing good have I,
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I'll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv'ry's Lamb.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
And when before the throne,
I stand in Him complete,
"Jesus died my soul to save,"
My lips shall still repeat.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
True contentment
Is when you are in the midst of a storm yet sleeping peacibly in the hull of the boat.
Is facing financial ruin not knowing when or where the provision will come yet not living in fear but victroy.
Is struggling with fear, doubt and failure yet hid securely in His love, joy and peace.
Is being surrounded by the enemy yet living safe in the arms of The Master.
Is facing financial ruin not knowing when or where the provision will come yet not living in fear but victroy.
Is struggling with fear, doubt and failure yet hid securely in His love, joy and peace.
Is being surrounded by the enemy yet living safe in the arms of The Master.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Apostolic Move
Apostolic preaching and prayer are the only things that will bring apostolic signs and wonders.
If we expect God to perform apostolic miracles; we must continually seek an apostolic move of The Spirit in our lives!
If we expect God to perform apostolic miracles; we must continually seek an apostolic move of The Spirit in our lives!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Love
(This was written in my creative writing class - Junior year of High School on August 11, 1996)
What is the meaning of love?
Websters Dictionary defines it as a powerful
emotion felt for another person manifesting itself in deep affection.
Others say its the total giving of someones
self to another without condition.
Some defile it to the point where they define it as just one night with another person.
LOVE
Many people don't realize the power and strength of this word.
I believe the meaning of love is-
the endless battle to save a friend
the constant worry of a mother
the tears shed for a distant loved one
the daily sacrifice of a parent for their child
the embrace from a friend through tears of joy and sadness
If I could choose but one word to describe what true love is...
One word to show the perfect example of this awesome
experience and emotion. That word would be
JESUS
What is the meaning of love?
Websters Dictionary defines it as a powerful
emotion felt for another person manifesting itself in deep affection.
Others say its the total giving of someones
self to another without condition.
Some defile it to the point where they define it as just one night with another person.
LOVE
Many people don't realize the power and strength of this word.
I believe the meaning of love is-
the endless battle to save a friend
the constant worry of a mother
the tears shed for a distant loved one
the daily sacrifice of a parent for their child
the embrace from a friend through tears of joy and sadness
If I could choose but one word to describe what true love is...
One word to show the perfect example of this awesome
experience and emotion. That word would be
JESUS
“The Call,” calls for me to go
Diligence and a steadfast attitude are great qualities to have in the Kingdom of God. This is never more relevant than in the reach for souls!
I believe Paul said it best when he penned the words, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Even though he spoke here of a determination in his own relationship with Christ and the need to continually renew this “new” (spiritual) man. We need to take heed to this declaration when it comes to our hunger and drive to reach the lost.
There cannot be delay in our burden, or lack of passion in our prayer! For the hour is late and the call to the harvest is great! We hear The Spirit saying to The Church: “The harvest is truly great, but the labors are few.”
Jesus was warning His disciples of the great gulf that would exist, between those that would need a witness and those that would be available to work in the field of labor. It wasn’t a lack of numbers Jesus referred to however; but a lack of willing vessels; to go!
We must be diligent in our hunger to reach souls and steadfast in our witness to effect souls. The harvest requires saints that will be willing to press a little; push a little; be lead of The Spirit and go into the their field of labor (family; classroom; coworkers; friends).
When you realize that no one else can reach those that you can reach; no one else can testify and influence those you can influence; it is then that we are struck with the understanding, that The Spirit is saying to us personally, “The Call”, calls for you to go!
I believe Paul said it best when he penned the words, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Even though he spoke here of a determination in his own relationship with Christ and the need to continually renew this “new” (spiritual) man. We need to take heed to this declaration when it comes to our hunger and drive to reach the lost.
There cannot be delay in our burden, or lack of passion in our prayer! For the hour is late and the call to the harvest is great! We hear The Spirit saying to The Church: “The harvest is truly great, but the labors are few.”
Jesus was warning His disciples of the great gulf that would exist, between those that would need a witness and those that would be available to work in the field of labor. It wasn’t a lack of numbers Jesus referred to however; but a lack of willing vessels; to go!
We must be diligent in our hunger to reach souls and steadfast in our witness to effect souls. The harvest requires saints that will be willing to press a little; push a little; be lead of The Spirit and go into the their field of labor (family; classroom; coworkers; friends).
When you realize that no one else can reach those that you can reach; no one else can testify and influence those you can influence; it is then that we are struck with the understanding, that The Spirit is saying to us personally, “The Call”, calls for you to go!
Peace in His arms
There is peace in knowing God is going to take care of your need. You don't always know where the answer will come from; but its an unexplainable peace and joy that comes in the arms of Jesus!
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