The Spirit In You By Dr. Tunishai Ford
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| Dr. Tunishai Ford Your Friend & Guide To True Happiness!! |
The Spirit In You
First part of series
This is an exciting time in the spirit, even in the midst of all the turmoil and calamity we
see in our world today. God is still moving in the spirit, and His perfect will is being
fulfilled in the lives of those who are truly in love with Him.
I am excited about the message He has instructed me to give to you; a message of hope
that will ensure the destiny of His people.I have a mandate to share it with you and I
believe and am assured that this is an end time message.
During my prayer time, I would go to the water at one of the local parks in Trenton,
Michigan.I would seek Him daily for a personal word of encouragement for my own life
and during this time, He gave me a word," Tell my people that I desire to give them a Life
Makeover."A life makeover is what I had been seeking Him for my own life but He placed
it on my heart to share this same concept with others.
The scripture in Luke 18:35-43 jumped out at me one day during my daily reading.As I
was reading this particular passage, verse 41 came alive as my eyes engulfed the word,
"What do you want me to do for you?" My spirit leaped and a message immediately came
into my heart. This passage, which has been preached many times, took on a special
meaning for me. God showed me that the beggar was not only physically blind but
blindness was prevalent in every area of his life and when he met Christ, not only did he
receive physical sight, but his entire life changed for the rest of his life.In verse 43 the
word of God states the instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God.
It is not stated whether he lost his sight or was he born blind but we know that he had a
sincere desire for change and he recognized that there was one person who could do it.
As the words from that passage of scripture leaped off that page and became embedded in
my heart,I knew that God was telling me to give the message to his people. God is asking
us today, "What do you want God to do for you?" Do you want a life makeover like the
beggar some 2000 years ago?Do you want a metamorphosis to take place in your life for
every area of your life?Can you stand for God to be seen in every area of your life. Are
you willing to surrender those areas of your life that are not holy? Do you want God to
remove the spiritual blinders for your eyes so that you can truly see?
If you answered yes to these questions, then you are ready to begin your journey to a total
transformation. You are ready for a "Life Makeover." There are five keys to receiving this
life change:
1. Recognize that there is a problem/identify areas in your life that need healing.
2. Have an earnest desire for change in your life.
3. Know that some people are going to try to hinder the process.
4. Put yourself in the position for change and healing to take place in your life.
5. Have confidence that God is going to experience your makeover with you.
Your desire should be to look in the mirror and not recognize your old self. The word of
God states in John 10:7-10 that Jesus came to give life and give it to us more abundantly.
What is the abundant life you might ask? When every area of you life lines up with the
word of God, you are then living the abundant life and you have experienced a life
makeover. If it were not possible, Jesus would not have said it. Nothing is impossible with
God.
We should live free from worry and doubt, free of toxic relationships, sickness and
diseases, free of addictions, and free of poverty and lack. There should be something
different about us because we are the King's kids. We are to set an example for the world
not vice versa. Let us continue to strive to get to that place in Him so that we can live,
therefore our lives will glorify Him. Praise Him!
First part of series
This is an exciting time in the spirit, even in the midst of all the turmoil and calamity we
see in our world today. God is still moving in the spirit, and His perfect will is being
fulfilled in the lives of those who are truly in love with Him.
I am excited about the message He has instructed me to give to you; a message of hope
that will ensure the destiny of His people.I have a mandate to share it with you and I
believe and am assured that this is an end time message.
During my prayer time, I would go to the water at one of the local parks in Trenton,
Michigan.I would seek Him daily for a personal word of encouragement for my own life
and during this time, He gave me a word," Tell my people that I desire to give them a Life
Makeover."A life makeover is what I had been seeking Him for my own life but He placed
it on my heart to share this same concept with others.
The scripture in Luke 18:35-43 jumped out at me one day during my daily reading.As I
was reading this particular passage, verse 41 came alive as my eyes engulfed the word,
"What do you want me to do for you?" My spirit leaped and a message immediately came
into my heart. This passage, which has been preached many times, took on a special
meaning for me. God showed me that the beggar was not only physically blind but
blindness was prevalent in every area of his life and when he met Christ, not only did he
receive physical sight, but his entire life changed for the rest of his life.In verse 43 the
word of God states the instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God.
It is not stated whether he lost his sight or was he born blind but we know that he had a
sincere desire for change and he recognized that there was one person who could do it.
As the words from that passage of scripture leaped off that page and became embedded in
my heart,I knew that God was telling me to give the message to his people. God is asking
us today, "What do you want God to do for you?" Do you want a life makeover like the
beggar some 2000 years ago?Do you want a metamorphosis to take place in your life for
every area of your life?Can you stand for God to be seen in every area of your life. Are
you willing to surrender those areas of your life that are not holy? Do you want God to
remove the spiritual blinders for your eyes so that you can truly see?
If you answered yes to these questions, then you are ready to begin your journey to a total
transformation. You are ready for a "Life Makeover." There are five keys to receiving this
life change:
1. Recognize that there is a problem/identify areas in your life that need healing.
2. Have an earnest desire for change in your life.
3. Know that some people are going to try to hinder the process.
4. Put yourself in the position for change and healing to take place in your life.
5. Have confidence that God is going to experience your makeover with you.
Your desire should be to look in the mirror and not recognize your old self. The word of
God states in John 10:7-10 that Jesus came to give life and give it to us more abundantly.
What is the abundant life you might ask? When every area of you life lines up with the
word of God, you are then living the abundant life and you have experienced a life
makeover. If it were not possible, Jesus would not have said it. Nothing is impossible with
God.
We should live free from worry and doubt, free of toxic relationships, sickness and
diseases, free of addictions, and free of poverty and lack. There should be something
different about us because we are the King's kids. We are to set an example for the world
not vice versa. Let us continue to strive to get to that place in Him so that we can live,
therefore our lives will glorify Him. Praise Him!
As I reflect on what I see in the world today, I see so much dissatisfaction. If you ask the
average person what would give them satisfaction and bring them happiness, they probably
could not tell you; though most of their answers would be based on things that are tangible.
A new car, a bigger house, a better paying job will be the responses you would be most
likely to hear. Now when their material desires come to fruition, they find that it just brings
short-term happiness before they are ready to desire something new.
Let's examine where happiness and satisfaction originate. More specifically from an
emotional wellness stand point. When traumatic things happen to us, our emotional stability
is going to affect every area of our lives and determine how we handle and come out of the
situation. One's emotional well being is very pertinent for overall physical and psychological
health. It is so pertinent that it affects our mortality.
Studies have found that emotional wellness or a lack thereof can be a major factor for many
sicknesses and diseases such as some forms of cancer, depression, diabetes, heart disease,
hypertension, and obesity.
I know first hand the importance of emotional wellness and how its absence will directly
affect your life. I am a cancer survivor and it has been nine years now since I was
diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. Although no one in the medical field told me this, I
strongly believe that the illness was due to stress and emotional instability. Because of
being in and out of toxic relationships, I harbored unforgiveness and bitterness in my heart.
I had a tumor in my chest the size of a large lemon (9cm). God spoke to my heart and said,
"Think it not strange that they found a tumor near your heart."
I decided to make some drastic life changes by taking control of my life from the inside
out. I have discovered that there are five keys to emotional wellness and they are the
following:
1. Eat Right, Feel Right (You are what you eat).
2. Free Yourself from Toxic Relationships.
3. "Forgive and Forgive Again". Let go of the past.
4. "Sound off". Find someone you trust to talk about your problems and concerns.
5. Love the skin you are in. "Accept who you are before you become what you can be".
Remember, emotional wellness is very important and affects every area of your life. Do
not take this area of your life for granted. If you are truly looking for peace of mind, joy
and happiness, it must start within. If your life is emotionally unstable, please, get the help
you need. You are worth it! (Isaiah 61:3)
average person what would give them satisfaction and bring them happiness, they probably
could not tell you; though most of their answers would be based on things that are tangible.
A new car, a bigger house, a better paying job will be the responses you would be most
likely to hear. Now when their material desires come to fruition, they find that it just brings
short-term happiness before they are ready to desire something new.
Let's examine where happiness and satisfaction originate. More specifically from an
emotional wellness stand point. When traumatic things happen to us, our emotional stability
is going to affect every area of our lives and determine how we handle and come out of the
situation. One's emotional well being is very pertinent for overall physical and psychological
health. It is so pertinent that it affects our mortality.
Studies have found that emotional wellness or a lack thereof can be a major factor for many
sicknesses and diseases such as some forms of cancer, depression, diabetes, heart disease,
hypertension, and obesity.
I know first hand the importance of emotional wellness and how its absence will directly
affect your life. I am a cancer survivor and it has been nine years now since I was
diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. Although no one in the medical field told me this, I
strongly believe that the illness was due to stress and emotional instability. Because of
being in and out of toxic relationships, I harbored unforgiveness and bitterness in my heart.
I had a tumor in my chest the size of a large lemon (9cm). God spoke to my heart and said,
"Think it not strange that they found a tumor near your heart."
I decided to make some drastic life changes by taking control of my life from the inside
out. I have discovered that there are five keys to emotional wellness and they are the
following:
1. Eat Right, Feel Right (You are what you eat).
2. Free Yourself from Toxic Relationships.
3. "Forgive and Forgive Again". Let go of the past.
4. "Sound off". Find someone you trust to talk about your problems and concerns.
5. Love the skin you are in. "Accept who you are before you become what you can be".
Remember, emotional wellness is very important and affects every area of your life. Do
not take this area of your life for granted. If you are truly looking for peace of mind, joy
and happiness, it must start within. If your life is emotionally unstable, please, get the help
you need. You are worth it! (Isaiah 61:3)
The Spirit In You
Third Part Of Series
As I was traveling down Eureka road, on my way to my doctor's appointment, I noticed an
elderly gentleman waiting at the bus stop with several bags near his feet. For some reason his
another soul that had the same DNA. As I pondered on this matter, I began to think about the
many situations that are so similar to what I witnessed that day. There are many people in the
world who are related to someone, yet they are all alone or they do not have anyone in their
lives for whom they can depend on.
As I passed the gentleman, I looked back at him through my side view mirror and said, "I
hope he will be okay." For the past few weeks, I have been really thinking a lot about family
and its importance. I began to think about the reason I believe God created this extremely
important entity. I came to the conclusion that it is for far more reasons than just coming
together to celebrate birthdays and family reunions.
Unfortunately, the value of families is no longer a pillar of unity and hope for society. It is no
longer the strength of the church or our communities, at least not like it use to be several
decades ago. We do not even have extended families anymore. There was an era in our history
when it was unheard of to place an elderly parent in a nursing home or allow a child in the
family to go into foster care because no one wanted to be bothered with raising that child; this
would affect his or her lifestyle. It was an unwritten rule that family stuck together no matter
what. Have we forgotten what really matters or are we just concerned with our own
well-being? Do you think the family was created just to fill up the earth? Trust me when I tell
you this, God could have placed us all on an island by ourselves with a few essentials and that
would have been the end of it. I think sometimes when He looks at what is happening to the
family, He probably wishes that He had placed us on our separate islands.
The family is very necessary because it gives an individual a sense of purpose, cohesiveness,
strength, and identity. When the bond of family is broken, the strength of the church,
community and society is no longer evident and you end up with a world that is sadly divided
and easily conquered, because we are only as strong as our weakest link, remember?
Reflecting on the family, we are grossly divided. I am sure that many family members would
argue that point but if they took a real close look at it, they would agree. There are too many
'good time' families. In other words, the only time we come together is to celebrate but if there
is a crisis or a life altering event happening in one of our lives, well, you are on your own. Oh,
yes, we will come together for funerals but everything must look good because we have to
impress our guests.
Examining my own life, I often feel very alone because I know my family and I do not have
that closeness. My greatest concern is if a crisis arises in my life, there would be no one I
could call to come to my rescue, especially since I've moved into my new dwelling. Let me
pose a question to you. How would you feel if you moved into a brand new home and family
members didn't come to see you because they felt you lived too far? What is distance when it
comes to love? But I'm sure that many people don't see anything wrong with this.
A strong wholesome family is the pillar of hope for our society, especially in America where
the family union is being destroyed daily by divorce, infidelity, substance abuse and other
social woes. We need to focus on the family and begin to build it up by coming together and
making a conscious decision not to just be an individual but be a part of a whole. We are not
'Lone Rangers'; we were not designed to be alone. We are extensions of a larger entity, we are
FAMILY!
When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he said to his
mother, "Woman, look at thy son." Then he said to his disciple, "Look at your mother." And
from that hour that disciple took her into his home and took care of her (St. John 19:26, 27,
KJV).
Third Part Of Series
As I was traveling down Eureka road, on my way to my doctor's appointment, I noticed an
elderly gentleman waiting at the bus stop with several bags near his feet. For some reason his
another soul that had the same DNA. As I pondered on this matter, I began to think about the
many situations that are so similar to what I witnessed that day. There are many people in the
world who are related to someone, yet they are all alone or they do not have anyone in their
lives for whom they can depend on.
As I passed the gentleman, I looked back at him through my side view mirror and said, "I
hope he will be okay." For the past few weeks, I have been really thinking a lot about family
and its importance. I began to think about the reason I believe God created this extremely
important entity. I came to the conclusion that it is for far more reasons than just coming
together to celebrate birthdays and family reunions.
Unfortunately, the value of families is no longer a pillar of unity and hope for society. It is no
longer the strength of the church or our communities, at least not like it use to be several
decades ago. We do not even have extended families anymore. There was an era in our history
when it was unheard of to place an elderly parent in a nursing home or allow a child in the
family to go into foster care because no one wanted to be bothered with raising that child; this
would affect his or her lifestyle. It was an unwritten rule that family stuck together no matter
what. Have we forgotten what really matters or are we just concerned with our own
well-being? Do you think the family was created just to fill up the earth? Trust me when I tell
you this, God could have placed us all on an island by ourselves with a few essentials and that
would have been the end of it. I think sometimes when He looks at what is happening to the
family, He probably wishes that He had placed us on our separate islands.
The family is very necessary because it gives an individual a sense of purpose, cohesiveness,
strength, and identity. When the bond of family is broken, the strength of the church,
community and society is no longer evident and you end up with a world that is sadly divided
and easily conquered, because we are only as strong as our weakest link, remember?
Reflecting on the family, we are grossly divided. I am sure that many family members would
argue that point but if they took a real close look at it, they would agree. There are too many
'good time' families. In other words, the only time we come together is to celebrate but if there
is a crisis or a life altering event happening in one of our lives, well, you are on your own. Oh,
yes, we will come together for funerals but everything must look good because we have to
impress our guests.
Examining my own life, I often feel very alone because I know my family and I do not have
that closeness. My greatest concern is if a crisis arises in my life, there would be no one I
could call to come to my rescue, especially since I've moved into my new dwelling. Let me
pose a question to you. How would you feel if you moved into a brand new home and family
members didn't come to see you because they felt you lived too far? What is distance when it
comes to love? But I'm sure that many people don't see anything wrong with this.
A strong wholesome family is the pillar of hope for our society, especially in America where
the family union is being destroyed daily by divorce, infidelity, substance abuse and other
social woes. We need to focus on the family and begin to build it up by coming together and
making a conscious decision not to just be an individual but be a part of a whole. We are not
'Lone Rangers'; we were not designed to be alone. We are extensions of a larger entity, we are
FAMILY!
When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he said to his
mother, "Woman, look at thy son." Then he said to his disciple, "Look at your mother." And
from that hour that disciple took her into his home and took care of her (St. John 19:26, 27,
KJV).
Although God wants us to concentrate more on spiritual things to have a personal
relationship with Him and understand His purpose for our lives, we cannot neglect the
physical body that He has given us. The average person today suffers with some type of
illness. It can be as serious as having a high cholesterol problem or as simple as being
10lbs overweight. Understand though, both things I have mentioned can lead to more
serious problems.
Our country alone has the highest rate of insidious diseases than any other nation, even
with all of our technology and knowledge. You cannot turn on the television without
seeing a commercial advertising some type of diet, exercise machine or vitamin to improve
every part of your bodily functions. Therefore, we are without excuse. So then why are
we so abusive to our bodies? Why is the mortality rate so high in the age group of those
between 45-55 years old, the baby boomers? Why is there an outbreak of type 2 diabetes
among children today in the 21st Century more than any other time in our history? People
are smoking more than ever before and abusing on the street drugs and prescription drugs.
There are fast food restaurants popping up everywhere offering super size menus and
fatty foods that are guaranteed to destroy our bodies, yet we continue to patronize them.
What is going on America?
Are we deliberately trying to destroy ourselves? No, I do not believe so. I believe it is due
to a world that is just not satisfied with life and have entered into a self-destructive mode.
There are people who are dissatisfied at the work place, in their relationships, in their
business dealings, and the list goes on and on. It is a never ending battle with self and
unfortunately it is the physical body that suffers for all the trauma we face in this life.
Whether it is an emotional, psychological or spiritual battle, its scars are always displayed
in the physical body.
What is the solution? I do not think the problem can be solved by just one action alone, but
I do believe that one action should be implemented to start the process. It is called a
"Deliberate Choice to Change". We may not be able to change our job situation, our
relationships or even our business dealings right now, but we can change our own
mindsets. Begin by telling yourself that you are going to be healthy no matter what. You
are not going to allow external or internal turmoil to affect your physical body anymore.
You have to make a deliberate choice to live life to the fullest and you need a healthy, fit
and strong body to do it. Make a deliberate choice to begin eating correctly and exercising
for maximum health. Give your body enough rest to function properly during a long and
stressful day, and drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids to flush out toxic particles
from your body.
It saddens me that the graveyard is full of very young people who died prematurely
because they did not take care of their physical bodies. I personally do not want to leave
here before my time. I have too much to do and so do you. Therefore, let's start a health
and fitness campaign today, and let it begin with you. Let's finish our course strong with
no regrets and remember your body is a temple that was fearfully and wonderfully made
for God's purpose in your life. He is going to hold us responsible for how we have taken
care of it and used it.
Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was
given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself (I Corinthians 6:19, NLT).
How you made me is amazing and wonderful... (Psalms 139: 14, NIRV).
relationship with Him and understand His purpose for our lives, we cannot neglect the
physical body that He has given us. The average person today suffers with some type of
illness. It can be as serious as having a high cholesterol problem or as simple as being
10lbs overweight. Understand though, both things I have mentioned can lead to more
serious problems.
Our country alone has the highest rate of insidious diseases than any other nation, even
with all of our technology and knowledge. You cannot turn on the television without
seeing a commercial advertising some type of diet, exercise machine or vitamin to improve
every part of your bodily functions. Therefore, we are without excuse. So then why are
we so abusive to our bodies? Why is the mortality rate so high in the age group of those
between 45-55 years old, the baby boomers? Why is there an outbreak of type 2 diabetes
among children today in the 21st Century more than any other time in our history? People
are smoking more than ever before and abusing on the street drugs and prescription drugs.
There are fast food restaurants popping up everywhere offering super size menus and
fatty foods that are guaranteed to destroy our bodies, yet we continue to patronize them.
What is going on America?
Are we deliberately trying to destroy ourselves? No, I do not believe so. I believe it is due
to a world that is just not satisfied with life and have entered into a self-destructive mode.
There are people who are dissatisfied at the work place, in their relationships, in their
business dealings, and the list goes on and on. It is a never ending battle with self and
unfortunately it is the physical body that suffers for all the trauma we face in this life.
Whether it is an emotional, psychological or spiritual battle, its scars are always displayed
in the physical body.
What is the solution? I do not think the problem can be solved by just one action alone, but
I do believe that one action should be implemented to start the process. It is called a
"Deliberate Choice to Change". We may not be able to change our job situation, our
relationships or even our business dealings right now, but we can change our own
mindsets. Begin by telling yourself that you are going to be healthy no matter what. You
are not going to allow external or internal turmoil to affect your physical body anymore.
You have to make a deliberate choice to live life to the fullest and you need a healthy, fit
and strong body to do it. Make a deliberate choice to begin eating correctly and exercising
for maximum health. Give your body enough rest to function properly during a long and
stressful day, and drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids to flush out toxic particles
from your body.
It saddens me that the graveyard is full of very young people who died prematurely
because they did not take care of their physical bodies. I personally do not want to leave
here before my time. I have too much to do and so do you. Therefore, let's start a health
and fitness campaign today, and let it begin with you. Let's finish our course strong with
no regrets and remember your body is a temple that was fearfully and wonderfully made
for God's purpose in your life. He is going to hold us responsible for how we have taken
care of it and used it.
Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was
given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself (I Corinthians 6:19, NLT).
How you made me is amazing and wonderful... (Psalms 139: 14, NIRV).
Fifth Part Of Series
On June 5, 2002, while her parents and siblings slept, Elizabeth Smart was abducted from
her bedroom at gunpoint; the incident occurred in Salt Lake City, Utah. The news went
Most Wanted. Almost a year later, she was found alive and unharmed in her hometown.
Someone the family employed in 200l, a drifter, who did work on the roof and racked
leaves for the family, took her. At the time of the abduction, I did not pay a lot of attention
to the report for whatever reason. Maybe it was because of where I was at that particular
time in my life. I recall the incident but I just did not follow it closely.
A week ago on an episode of The Investigators on Court TV, the Elizabeth Smart case
caught my interest and held it. I was amazed at the facts that they revealed and it made me
sad and equally angry. Angry because I felt that the child was gone too long and it did not
have to be that way. Now most people who followed this event were elated for her return
and all the blame went towards her abductors, but my mind went into another direction. I
began to think about what could have been done to prevent it or bring her home sooner;
not only this victim, but also the other children who have been abducted and will be
abducted.
Now I am not an expert on law enforcement, but I am a mother and grandmother. I
believe that there should be some preventative measures taken to prevent our children
from being harmed like this. Our children can be taught how to get out of a situation like
this; they are smarter than we give them credit. Just as children are taught how to escape
a fire and not to talk to strangers, they can be taught how to possibly escape if abducted.
Our children need to be given tools for survival in such situations. The children should be
taught in the homes, the schools, in community organizations as well as the churches. We
should teach our children how to avoid being abducted or how to get away from their
captor. They should be taught to look for opportunities to escape or try to look for ways
to communicate with someone that they have been taken.
One of the facts that disturbed me about Elizabeth's case is that she walked around in
public with the couple that kidnapped her. She saw posters in public places, and there was
a time when police officers were just a few feet away from her and she made no effort to
communicate with anyone. This went on for almost a year. She was so intimidated and
afraid that she made no attempt to escape, and she was fourteen years old. I stated her age
because she was old enough to open her mouth and say something or even run away. I
am not blaming the child because I am sure it was a horrific experience for her, but I do
believe that if she was given certain instructions from her parents and other adults in
authority, she may have responded differently in that situation.
Let's teach our children to respect adults and authority but also teach them that if these
adults are hurting them, those rules no longer apply. Instruct your child to tell someone
even if the perpetrator threatens them and their family. If there is the slightest opportunity
to get away, take it. Remind the child that if the villain is apprehended, they will not be able
to hurt anyone. Therefore, tell them to ignore the threats and concentrate on getting help.
Empowerment is the key to stopping our children from becoming victims and it starts at
home, Mom and Dad. Kidnapping is an unthinkable crime, but it happens all the time.
Maybe by educating our children we can get them home safely and/or possibly prevent it
from happening. Our children need us to protect them and sometimes that starts with
teaching them how to avoid and get out of dangerous situations. Maybe if Elizabeth had
those instructions, she would have been home sooner.
On June 5, 2002, while her parents and siblings slept, Elizabeth Smart was abducted from
her bedroom at gunpoint; the incident occurred in Salt Lake City, Utah. The news went
Most Wanted. Almost a year later, she was found alive and unharmed in her hometown.
Someone the family employed in 200l, a drifter, who did work on the roof and racked
leaves for the family, took her. At the time of the abduction, I did not pay a lot of attention
to the report for whatever reason. Maybe it was because of where I was at that particular
time in my life. I recall the incident but I just did not follow it closely.
A week ago on an episode of The Investigators on Court TV, the Elizabeth Smart case
caught my interest and held it. I was amazed at the facts that they revealed and it made me
sad and equally angry. Angry because I felt that the child was gone too long and it did not
have to be that way. Now most people who followed this event were elated for her return
and all the blame went towards her abductors, but my mind went into another direction. I
began to think about what could have been done to prevent it or bring her home sooner;
not only this victim, but also the other children who have been abducted and will be
abducted.
Now I am not an expert on law enforcement, but I am a mother and grandmother. I
believe that there should be some preventative measures taken to prevent our children
from being harmed like this. Our children can be taught how to get out of a situation like
this; they are smarter than we give them credit. Just as children are taught how to escape
a fire and not to talk to strangers, they can be taught how to possibly escape if abducted.
Our children need to be given tools for survival in such situations. The children should be
taught in the homes, the schools, in community organizations as well as the churches. We
should teach our children how to avoid being abducted or how to get away from their
captor. They should be taught to look for opportunities to escape or try to look for ways
to communicate with someone that they have been taken.
One of the facts that disturbed me about Elizabeth's case is that she walked around in
public with the couple that kidnapped her. She saw posters in public places, and there was
a time when police officers were just a few feet away from her and she made no effort to
communicate with anyone. This went on for almost a year. She was so intimidated and
afraid that she made no attempt to escape, and she was fourteen years old. I stated her age
because she was old enough to open her mouth and say something or even run away. I
am not blaming the child because I am sure it was a horrific experience for her, but I do
believe that if she was given certain instructions from her parents and other adults in
authority, she may have responded differently in that situation.
Let's teach our children to respect adults and authority but also teach them that if these
adults are hurting them, those rules no longer apply. Instruct your child to tell someone
even if the perpetrator threatens them and their family. If there is the slightest opportunity
to get away, take it. Remind the child that if the villain is apprehended, they will not be able
to hurt anyone. Therefore, tell them to ignore the threats and concentrate on getting help.
Empowerment is the key to stopping our children from becoming victims and it starts at
home, Mom and Dad. Kidnapping is an unthinkable crime, but it happens all the time.
Maybe by educating our children we can get them home safely and/or possibly prevent it
from happening. Our children need us to protect them and sometimes that starts with
teaching them how to avoid and get out of dangerous situations. Maybe if Elizabeth had
those instructions, she would have been home sooner.
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The Spirit In You
Sixth Part Of Series
What does Christmas mean to you? Does it mean spending time with your family? Is it
getting your grandchildren for the Christmas break because you will not get to see them
again until the summer? Does it mean getting your favorite items on sale and wearing your
favorite outfit? Or better yet, it is the time to travel, and get away to some exotic place?
Since we started celebrating Christmas, it has become a time when retail merchants make
their greatest profits and Santa Claus becomes more popular than Michael Jordan. It has
become so commercialized and self-centered that I wonder if we really know why we
should be celebrating Christmas.
Every year, various organizations try to provide toys and clothing for needy children and
there are probably more charitable events for the homeless and disadvantaged than any other
time of year. People travel near and far to visit family members they have not seen all year.
All of these wonderful things are practiced during this time, but as soon as Christmas is
over, everything reverts to the way it was. Those same children are just as needy throughout
the year but who is concerned? The homeless and disadvantaged are still in need of food and
shelter, but are often turned away. The family members that you do not see all year are just
as much your family when it is not Christmas, but yet, the exchange of hellos may very
seldom take place between you and a loved one who lives nearby.
I do not know about you, but I see something wrong with all of this. Christmas is the day
that we are to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and commemorate his life and teachings. It
is the time of focusing on exemplifying what he taught us throughout His lifetime by
displaying it to others all year round not just for a day or one month. He is the only one I
know who has a birthday and does not get a gift. What can we give Him you ask? He would
like to have the hearts of His people focus on Him and to display His love through us for
others every day. He would like us to meet the needs of children and other needy people
without it always being a special occasion. He wants us to be concerned about family, to
love and cherish them all year round. He does not want us to wait until Christmas to make a
visit. You see, it not hard to please Him. You do not have to go into debt trying to please
Him, and you won't have to concern yourself about Him returning your gift. If you give Him
what I stated, He will love it.
If we are going to celebrate Christmas, let's celebrate it to its full extent. Let charity begin at
home and then spread abroad. Lets give to the needs of children, and not just give them
toys. Help those who have genuine needs and remember your loved ones. As we look into
the sky to see that bright light we call a star, who knows, we might just see our reflection
and His smile letting us know that He is grateful for His gift and He is well pleased.
Sixth Part Of Series
What does Christmas mean to you? Does it mean spending time with your family? Is it
getting your grandchildren for the Christmas break because you will not get to see them
again until the summer? Does it mean getting your favorite items on sale and wearing your
favorite outfit? Or better yet, it is the time to travel, and get away to some exotic place?
Since we started celebrating Christmas, it has become a time when retail merchants make
their greatest profits and Santa Claus becomes more popular than Michael Jordan. It has
become so commercialized and self-centered that I wonder if we really know why we
should be celebrating Christmas.
Every year, various organizations try to provide toys and clothing for needy children and
there are probably more charitable events for the homeless and disadvantaged than any other
time of year. People travel near and far to visit family members they have not seen all year.
All of these wonderful things are practiced during this time, but as soon as Christmas is
over, everything reverts to the way it was. Those same children are just as needy throughout
the year but who is concerned? The homeless and disadvantaged are still in need of food and
shelter, but are often turned away. The family members that you do not see all year are just
as much your family when it is not Christmas, but yet, the exchange of hellos may very
seldom take place between you and a loved one who lives nearby.
I do not know about you, but I see something wrong with all of this. Christmas is the day
that we are to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and commemorate his life and teachings. It
is the time of focusing on exemplifying what he taught us throughout His lifetime by
displaying it to others all year round not just for a day or one month. He is the only one I
know who has a birthday and does not get a gift. What can we give Him you ask? He would
like to have the hearts of His people focus on Him and to display His love through us for
others every day. He would like us to meet the needs of children and other needy people
without it always being a special occasion. He wants us to be concerned about family, to
love and cherish them all year round. He does not want us to wait until Christmas to make a
visit. You see, it not hard to please Him. You do not have to go into debt trying to please
Him, and you won't have to concern yourself about Him returning your gift. If you give Him
what I stated, He will love it.
If we are going to celebrate Christmas, let's celebrate it to its full extent. Let charity begin at
home and then spread abroad. Lets give to the needs of children, and not just give them
toys. Help those who have genuine needs and remember your loved ones. As we look into
the sky to see that bright light we call a star, who knows, we might just see our reflection
and His smile letting us know that He is grateful for His gift and He is well pleased.
The Spirit In You
Seventh Part Of Series
Many churches are doing a corporate fast this year because they want to take their ministries
in a new direction and/ or receive a greater anointing and blessing than their present one. I too
decided to go on a fast along with a few of my staff members. It is a new year and I want to
see new and exciting things happen for me. If this is also your desire, let's make a
commitment together. I have already started my fast, but it is not too late for you to get
started. If you take this spiritual challenge, and embark on this journey, you will never regret
it.
Allow me to give you a little history about fasting and the benefit of it. First of all, it was a
Jewish practice that started as far back as the Old Testament. It was a sacrifice that they
gave to God to obtain purification, forgiveness of sin, and answers to prayers (Nehemiah 9:1,
Isaiah 58: 6 - 12, Daniel 9: 3). Fasting was also a practice for those who wanted to receive
the anointing of God on their lives. There is a historic passage in the book of Matthew when
Jesus fasted in the wilderness before He officially started his earthly ministry (St. Matthew 4:
1 - 11).
There are several types of fast, but the fast that most people are familiar with is the one
without food, taking in only water, broths and natural juices. The fast that is becoming more
popular today is the "Daniel Fast." This fast consists of sacrificing the intake of all meats,
breads and sweets. You can consume fruits, vegetables, lentils, juices and purified water.
This is the fast that Daniel offered God when he needed direction and answers. He fasted for
21 days (Daniel 10: the entire chapter). See Toni's Kitchen in this issue for more details about
the Daniel fast.
I am on the Daniel fast for 21 days because I want a breakthrough in my life. I want answers
to prayers and direction for my life this year. If this sounds like something that you want too,
then what are you waiting for? What is forty days or twenty-one days to give to an awesome
God that can bring you a breakthrough for your life? What are a few hours of not watching
television so that God can speak to your heart and bring clarity and direction?
I strongly suggest that you take the challenge of giving God the ultimate sacrifice-YOU.
Allow Him to become intimate with you this year, reveal to you His perfect will for your life,
and show you mysteries of things to come. This is the year of breakthroughs and new
beginnings.
Seventh Part Of Series
Many churches are doing a corporate fast this year because they want to take their ministries
in a new direction and/ or receive a greater anointing and blessing than their present one. I too
decided to go on a fast along with a few of my staff members. It is a new year and I want to
see new and exciting things happen for me. If this is also your desire, let's make a
commitment together. I have already started my fast, but it is not too late for you to get
started. If you take this spiritual challenge, and embark on this journey, you will never regret
it.
Allow me to give you a little history about fasting and the benefit of it. First of all, it was a
Jewish practice that started as far back as the Old Testament. It was a sacrifice that they
gave to God to obtain purification, forgiveness of sin, and answers to prayers (Nehemiah 9:1,
Isaiah 58: 6 - 12, Daniel 9: 3). Fasting was also a practice for those who wanted to receive
the anointing of God on their lives. There is a historic passage in the book of Matthew when
Jesus fasted in the wilderness before He officially started his earthly ministry (St. Matthew 4:
1 - 11).
There are several types of fast, but the fast that most people are familiar with is the one
without food, taking in only water, broths and natural juices. The fast that is becoming more
popular today is the "Daniel Fast." This fast consists of sacrificing the intake of all meats,
breads and sweets. You can consume fruits, vegetables, lentils, juices and purified water.
This is the fast that Daniel offered God when he needed direction and answers. He fasted for
21 days (Daniel 10: the entire chapter). See Toni's Kitchen in this issue for more details about
the Daniel fast.
I am on the Daniel fast for 21 days because I want a breakthrough in my life. I want answers
to prayers and direction for my life this year. If this sounds like something that you want too,
then what are you waiting for? What is forty days or twenty-one days to give to an awesome
God that can bring you a breakthrough for your life? What are a few hours of not watching
television so that God can speak to your heart and bring clarity and direction?
I strongly suggest that you take the challenge of giving God the ultimate sacrifice-YOU.
Allow Him to become intimate with you this year, reveal to you His perfect will for your life,
and show you mysteries of things to come. This is the year of breakthroughs and new
beginnings.
The Spirit In You
Eighth Part Of Series
Well, it's that time of year when fine jewelry, cards, candy and flowers will be given to
celebrate the love we feel for that special someone, usually a romantic love. But what if you
do not want to keep with tradition and you do not have a romantic love in your life but you
want to celebrate your love for life and your appreciation for all that it has given you?. There
is such a day, and it is called Black Love Day, which is celebrated on February 13 or the day
before.
The concept of Black Love Day was established in 1993, by Ms. Ayo Kendi. She wanted to
strengthen the desire and need for expression of "black love" in the community. Ms. Kendi
organized the first Black Love Day public observance in Northeast, Washington, DC. Her
idea, vision and effort were widely accepted by the public. The following year, BLD became
an official day of recognition, observance and celebration.
Black Love Day is meant to be a celebration of all Black relationships...from self-love, love for
the family, for the community, the race, and finally love for the creator. Instead of the
trademark colors or red and pink for Valentine's Day, people should wear or display the color
purple for spirituality or black which is the blend of all of the colors.
The objectives of BLD are as follows:
1. To establish a day to focus on love in order to rejuvenate all of our relationships.
2. To demonstrate love in action and service by performing specific love acts.
3. To create new traditions that are based on our African and African-American culture
to provide an alternative to Valentine's Day.
Black Love Day is intended to offer more than romance and tokens of affection as on
Valentine's Day. On this day, love is demonstrated through service, celebration, rituals of
forgiveness and public reconciliation. This is an event that should be celebrated for the entire
month of February to celebrate the "color of love." It should be a mindset that should be
embedded in all of us to observe all of the time. We should desire to be all that God has
intended for us to be as we show love, not only for ourselves but also for all people,
especially for people of color.
Eighth Part Of Series
Well, it's that time of year when fine jewelry, cards, candy and flowers will be given to
celebrate the love we feel for that special someone, usually a romantic love. But what if you
do not want to keep with tradition and you do not have a romantic love in your life but you
want to celebrate your love for life and your appreciation for all that it has given you?. There
is such a day, and it is called Black Love Day, which is celebrated on February 13 or the day
before.
The concept of Black Love Day was established in 1993, by Ms. Ayo Kendi. She wanted to
strengthen the desire and need for expression of "black love" in the community. Ms. Kendi
organized the first Black Love Day public observance in Northeast, Washington, DC. Her
idea, vision and effort were widely accepted by the public. The following year, BLD became
an official day of recognition, observance and celebration.
Black Love Day is meant to be a celebration of all Black relationships...from self-love, love for
the family, for the community, the race, and finally love for the creator. Instead of the
trademark colors or red and pink for Valentine's Day, people should wear or display the color
purple for spirituality or black which is the blend of all of the colors.
The objectives of BLD are as follows:
1. To establish a day to focus on love in order to rejuvenate all of our relationships.
2. To demonstrate love in action and service by performing specific love acts.
3. To create new traditions that are based on our African and African-American culture
to provide an alternative to Valentine's Day.
Black Love Day is intended to offer more than romance and tokens of affection as on
Valentine's Day. On this day, love is demonstrated through service, celebration, rituals of
forgiveness and public reconciliation. This is an event that should be celebrated for the entire
month of February to celebrate the "color of love." It should be a mindset that should be
embedded in all of us to observe all of the time. We should desire to be all that God has
intended for us to be as we show love, not only for ourselves but also for all people,
especially for people of color.
The Spirit In You
Ninth Part Of Series
Allow me to tell you a story that was taught to me many years ago. In fact I was so
fascinated by it, I would often tell it to my friends. Many of you readers probably know the
story, because it is a fable you may have learned while you were in school. This fable is
called "Stone Soup." This story depicts the importance of giving and the right attitude it takes
to display it. Here's the story.
Once upon a time in a little village far, far away, a stranger arrived with only the clothes on
his back. He had traveled a great distance, and he was very tired and hungry. He had not had
a good hot meal in days. When he arrived in the little village, he noticed that the people were
not very friendly at all, because they would not speak when he addressed them.
His stomach began to growl and he felt weak because of his lack of nourishment. So he
decided to ask the villagers for food. One by one, he went to each door asking for food and
no one would give him anything to eat. Finally, he sat and he pondered for a while and he
thought to himself, "I must get nourishment soon or I will die." Suddenly, he saw an old
kettle pot and there was a large smooth stone on the ground near his feet. He had an idea.
He placed the stone in the kettle with water and lit a fire under it. He stirred it with a big stick
he found. As he stirred it, he began to sing a song. As the villagers heard him singing, they
came out of their homes to see what he was doing. Someone asked him what he was doing
and he told them that he was making stone soup. Soon, all of the villagers were standing
around the kettle and they watched him cheerfully stir. He said aloud, "This soup would be
great if I had some potatoes to go in it." Therefore, a woman replied, "I have potatoes and I
will go and get them." He put the potatoes in the pot and continued stirring and singing. Then
he said, "Oh, this soup would taste even better if I could just add some carrots." Then an
elderly man said, "I have a bundle of carrots I can spare." The carrots were added to the
soup, and the stranger continued to stir and sing.
Soon after, the villagers were bringing tomatoes, celery, herbs and spices, and meat. The
man was so elated. The soup had everything it needed to make it a hearty meal.
All of the villagers brought plates, and other eating utensils. They welcomed the stranger and
they all partook of the soup. The stranger was invited to stay and became a very prominent
leader in the village. He and all of his new friends lived peacefully and happily ever after.
The moral of this story is simple and clear. When everyone decided to give, they not only
met the needs of the stranger, but they were also feed, and not just naturally, but emotionally
and spiritually too. Although they may have been tricked, the outcome was good. The
villagers gave and that was probably the best meal they all had in a long time.
God does not want us to be deceived into giving, but He does want us to realize how
rewarding giving can be. Everyone in that village was taught a very valuable lesson and I
believe they learned it well. When you have an opportunity to give, are you going to close up
your bowels of compassion because you want to keep all of your resources to yourself?
You will all have an opportunity to give one way or another. For some of you it may be
monetary and for others it may just be your time, but what ever it is, give it with a pure and
sincere heart and allow God to bless you. When you give, He will greatly reward you and
give you more to be an even greater giver to others (2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 11).
Ninth Part Of Series
Allow me to tell you a story that was taught to me many years ago. In fact I was so
fascinated by it, I would often tell it to my friends. Many of you readers probably know the
story, because it is a fable you may have learned while you were in school. This fable is
called "Stone Soup." This story depicts the importance of giving and the right attitude it takes
to display it. Here's the story.
Once upon a time in a little village far, far away, a stranger arrived with only the clothes on
his back. He had traveled a great distance, and he was very tired and hungry. He had not had
a good hot meal in days. When he arrived in the little village, he noticed that the people were
not very friendly at all, because they would not speak when he addressed them.
His stomach began to growl and he felt weak because of his lack of nourishment. So he
decided to ask the villagers for food. One by one, he went to each door asking for food and
no one would give him anything to eat. Finally, he sat and he pondered for a while and he
thought to himself, "I must get nourishment soon or I will die." Suddenly, he saw an old
kettle pot and there was a large smooth stone on the ground near his feet. He had an idea.
He placed the stone in the kettle with water and lit a fire under it. He stirred it with a big stick
he found. As he stirred it, he began to sing a song. As the villagers heard him singing, they
came out of their homes to see what he was doing. Someone asked him what he was doing
and he told them that he was making stone soup. Soon, all of the villagers were standing
around the kettle and they watched him cheerfully stir. He said aloud, "This soup would be
great if I had some potatoes to go in it." Therefore, a woman replied, "I have potatoes and I
will go and get them." He put the potatoes in the pot and continued stirring and singing. Then
he said, "Oh, this soup would taste even better if I could just add some carrots." Then an
elderly man said, "I have a bundle of carrots I can spare." The carrots were added to the
soup, and the stranger continued to stir and sing.
Soon after, the villagers were bringing tomatoes, celery, herbs and spices, and meat. The
man was so elated. The soup had everything it needed to make it a hearty meal.
All of the villagers brought plates, and other eating utensils. They welcomed the stranger and
they all partook of the soup. The stranger was invited to stay and became a very prominent
leader in the village. He and all of his new friends lived peacefully and happily ever after.
The moral of this story is simple and clear. When everyone decided to give, they not only
met the needs of the stranger, but they were also feed, and not just naturally, but emotionally
and spiritually too. Although they may have been tricked, the outcome was good. The
villagers gave and that was probably the best meal they all had in a long time.
God does not want us to be deceived into giving, but He does want us to realize how
rewarding giving can be. Everyone in that village was taught a very valuable lesson and I
believe they learned it well. When you have an opportunity to give, are you going to close up
your bowels of compassion because you want to keep all of your resources to yourself?
You will all have an opportunity to give one way or another. For some of you it may be
monetary and for others it may just be your time, but what ever it is, give it with a pure and
sincere heart and allow God to bless you. When you give, He will greatly reward you and
give you more to be an even greater giver to others (2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 11).
The Spirit In You
Tenth Part Of Series
I recall when Tyler Perry's movie, Daddy's Little Girls, came out I was very anxious to see
it. I wanted to see how Mr. Perry was going to depict the struggles and rewards of being a
single father, especially raising little girls. Well, as it was not my favorite Perry movie, but
I appreciated the plot and the outcome of the plot. The man was able to keep his family
intact and get the woman of his dreams at the same time.
It warms my heart when I see a man operating in the role that he was intended to hold,
because like our heavenly Father, he is a provider, protector and nurturer. The man,
although he may be masculine, is the one who can be both mother and father. Remember,
that the woman was taken from man because he was complete in himself. It is his nature
and divine design. Now ladies, do not get upset with this statement. I know that many of
you have raised children alone, and you have done a great job, but the man has both
masculine and feminine qualities that equip him for the task. Just like a lion protecting his
den with his mate and his cubs looking up to him, the man is given that ability. In addition,
among the penguins, the male spends most of his time hovering and nurturing his young
one. The men also possess this quality.
I know that it is possible for families and our communities to be in tack if men would take
their rightful positions and responsibilities. I believe that women would not be so hard on
them if they saw them taking the lead, and I mean more than we see going to prison and
selling dope.
We want to look up to you and we want to place our hope in you as our men. Do not
allow the cares of this world to deter you from properly loving us and respecting us. Do
not get discouraged and become complacent with life. Be like that lion that protects and
defends his home and nurture your children and love them like the penguin. Lastly, let God
also be your example of having fatherly characteristics. He is our guide, provider,
protector, nurturer, and lover. Those are the qualities of a husband and a father; those are
the qualities in our men.
Tenth Part Of Series
I recall when Tyler Perry's movie, Daddy's Little Girls, came out I was very anxious to see
it. I wanted to see how Mr. Perry was going to depict the struggles and rewards of being a
single father, especially raising little girls. Well, as it was not my favorite Perry movie, but
I appreciated the plot and the outcome of the plot. The man was able to keep his family
intact and get the woman of his dreams at the same time.
It warms my heart when I see a man operating in the role that he was intended to hold,
because like our heavenly Father, he is a provider, protector and nurturer. The man,
although he may be masculine, is the one who can be both mother and father. Remember,
that the woman was taken from man because he was complete in himself. It is his nature
and divine design. Now ladies, do not get upset with this statement. I know that many of
you have raised children alone, and you have done a great job, but the man has both
masculine and feminine qualities that equip him for the task. Just like a lion protecting his
den with his mate and his cubs looking up to him, the man is given that ability. In addition,
among the penguins, the male spends most of his time hovering and nurturing his young
one. The men also possess this quality.
I know that it is possible for families and our communities to be in tack if men would take
their rightful positions and responsibilities. I believe that women would not be so hard on
them if they saw them taking the lead, and I mean more than we see going to prison and
selling dope.
We want to look up to you and we want to place our hope in you as our men. Do not
allow the cares of this world to deter you from properly loving us and respecting us. Do
not get discouraged and become complacent with life. Be like that lion that protects and
defends his home and nurture your children and love them like the penguin. Lastly, let God
also be your example of having fatherly characteristics. He is our guide, provider,
protector, nurturer, and lover. Those are the qualities of a husband and a father; those are
the qualities in our men.
The Spirit In You
Tenth Part Of Series
This month we celebrate Mother's Day and although it is officially May 11, the entire month should be
devoted to our mothers. Personally, I believe that they should be given an entire month of presents, and a
lot of hugs and kisses. Also, house cleaning services, a cook and a chauffeur.
This month I want to honor my mother, Corliss, who was my heroine and the wind beneath my wings.
She was my biggest fan. I wish that all of you could have met her, because the first things she would have
done is give you a genuine smile and tell you a joke. Oh, she loved to tell jokes. But the thing that you
would have remembered the most about Corliss was her youthfulness. At eighty-five she still had a great
zeal for life although her body was frail and sickly.
I always told my mother that I would not trade her for anything or anyone in the world, and I meant that.
We had a bond that was indescribable and a love that was unshakable. Corliss was exceptionally unique
because her inner and outer beauty illuminated the world and anything and everyone she touched was
greatly affected, and blessed.
She was a woman of integrity and great strength and no matter what her plight may have been, she always
came out on top. She was a great example for me because she was genuine and straightforward. I never
saw her back down or give in to anything she didn't believed in. Above all, I honor her for literally nursing
me back to health when I was in the fourth and last stage of Hodgkin's disease. She was seventy-eight
years old at the time. She sacrificed much and demanded little to do it. If it were not for her unselfishness
and love for me, I probably would not be here today.
I will never forget her. Corliss died, April 4, 2006, and that day became the beginning of the rest of my
life. I made up my mind that I would not give up on our dream and with her heavenly eyes, she will see
me reach the pinnacle of success. I will always remember my precious mother, but I no longer mourn. I
know she is with God, probably telling jokes and singing with the angels.
If you are blessed to still have your mother, cherish her, and do not just honor her on one day. Let every
day she lives be Mother's Day and let her know how much you appreciate her and love her.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and
faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the
bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her (Proverbs
31: 25 - 28).
Tenth Part Of Series
This month we celebrate Mother's Day and although it is officially May 11, the entire month should be
devoted to our mothers. Personally, I believe that they should be given an entire month of presents, and a
lot of hugs and kisses. Also, house cleaning services, a cook and a chauffeur.
This month I want to honor my mother, Corliss, who was my heroine and the wind beneath my wings.
She was my biggest fan. I wish that all of you could have met her, because the first things she would have
done is give you a genuine smile and tell you a joke. Oh, she loved to tell jokes. But the thing that you
would have remembered the most about Corliss was her youthfulness. At eighty-five she still had a great
zeal for life although her body was frail and sickly.
I always told my mother that I would not trade her for anything or anyone in the world, and I meant that.
We had a bond that was indescribable and a love that was unshakable. Corliss was exceptionally unique
because her inner and outer beauty illuminated the world and anything and everyone she touched was
greatly affected, and blessed.
She was a woman of integrity and great strength and no matter what her plight may have been, she always
came out on top. She was a great example for me because she was genuine and straightforward. I never
saw her back down or give in to anything she didn't believed in. Above all, I honor her for literally nursing
me back to health when I was in the fourth and last stage of Hodgkin's disease. She was seventy-eight
years old at the time. She sacrificed much and demanded little to do it. If it were not for her unselfishness
and love for me, I probably would not be here today.
I will never forget her. Corliss died, April 4, 2006, and that day became the beginning of the rest of my
life. I made up my mind that I would not give up on our dream and with her heavenly eyes, she will see
me reach the pinnacle of success. I will always remember my precious mother, but I no longer mourn. I
know she is with God, probably telling jokes and singing with the angels.
If you are blessed to still have your mother, cherish her, and do not just honor her on one day. Let every
day she lives be Mother's Day and let her know how much you appreciate her and love her.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and
faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the
bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her (Proverbs
31: 25 - 28).
The Spirit In You
Eleventh Part Of Series
When I reflect back on my relationship with my father, I must say that I have pleasant memories. My
father played a vital role in my life and not to mention we had a very good relationship. Although I was a
product of a single parent home, my father was still very much involved in my life.
What I remember the most about my father was that when he made me a promise he kept it. On the flip
side of that, when he told me he was not going to do something, he didn't do it. There was no bribing him.
I could have come home with all A's on my report card and kept my room cleaned for a whole year. If he
told me, "No," that's what he meant. I never recall my father lying to me. Of course, my mother would
tell you a different story, but my father was always true blue to me.
I recall an incident when I asked my father for a stereo system and my father told me, "Yes." One day
soon after, when I thought he had forgotten about it, I asked him again. He told me in a very stern voice,
Those words stuck with me for the rest of my life. It was because of those words that I had the utmost
respect for my father. Integrity was very prevalent in our relationship, and this is what I judge every man
by that comes into my life. I expect them to say what they mean and mean what they say. Do not make
me promises that you do not intend to keep. This is what my father taught me.
Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
He taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will
live" (Proverbs 4: 1,4, NIV).
A father should be a girl's first love and a boy's first super hero. My father was definitely my first love
and he validated me as a little girl, and later a young woman. I knew my father loved me and cherished
me. He also protected me. I thank God for my father. Although he died when I was nineteen years old, I
still remember the things he did as if it were yesterday.
As you read this article, think about that special man that played the role of father in your life, whether
it's an older brother, uncle, step-dad or your own biological father. Thank God for his contribution to
your world and bless him. It's not easy being a father and all of the men who stepped up to the plate and
did their best, I salute you, I honor you and I bless you. Keep up the good work!
Unfortunately, every child cannot give this testimony nor can they say that they had a great relationship
with their father.
Eleventh Part Of Series
When I reflect back on my relationship with my father, I must say that I have pleasant memories. My
father played a vital role in my life and not to mention we had a very good relationship. Although I was a
product of a single parent home, my father was still very much involved in my life.
What I remember the most about my father was that when he made me a promise he kept it. On the flip
side of that, when he told me he was not going to do something, he didn't do it. There was no bribing him.
I could have come home with all A's on my report card and kept my room cleaned for a whole year. If he
told me, "No," that's what he meant. I never recall my father lying to me. Of course, my mother would
tell you a different story, but my father was always true blue to me.
I recall an incident when I asked my father for a stereo system and my father told me, "Yes." One day
soon after, when I thought he had forgotten about it, I asked him again. He told me in a very stern voice,
Those words stuck with me for the rest of my life. It was because of those words that I had the utmost
respect for my father. Integrity was very prevalent in our relationship, and this is what I judge every man
by that comes into my life. I expect them to say what they mean and mean what they say. Do not make
me promises that you do not intend to keep. This is what my father taught me.
Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
He taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will
live" (Proverbs 4: 1,4, NIV).
A father should be a girl's first love and a boy's first super hero. My father was definitely my first love
and he validated me as a little girl, and later a young woman. I knew my father loved me and cherished
me. He also protected me. I thank God for my father. Although he died when I was nineteen years old, I
still remember the things he did as if it were yesterday.
As you read this article, think about that special man that played the role of father in your life, whether
it's an older brother, uncle, step-dad or your own biological father. Thank God for his contribution to
your world and bless him. It's not easy being a father and all of the men who stepped up to the plate and
did their best, I salute you, I honor you and I bless you. Keep up the good work!
Unfortunately, every child cannot give this testimony nor can they say that they had a great relationship
with their father.
The Spirit In You
Twelfth Part Of Series
If you ask the average person what will make them happy, the average response would be a lot of
money. In fact, when you go into the convenience stores and gas stations, you will find the lottery line
longer than the gas purchasing line. Let's face it; most of us equate money with happiness. It is as it
should be, because money is indeed the answer to all things (Ecclesiastes 10:17). Although money carries
you a long way, it should not be, in totality, our primary source of happiness.
Allow me to tell you a true story to illustrate how many people allow money to be their primary source
for happiness. A young couple had a beautiful baby boy and he was healthy and happy. The husband
was a salesman and enjoyed living an extravagant lifestyle. Spending more money than the couple earned,
sent the husband into a panic. Two months before the infant turned five months old, he took out an
insurance policy on the child.
One night the child began to cry for its feeding and the mother got ready to get up to feed the child as
usual, but the husband insisted that he would do it. Now this was strange to his wife because he never
offered to do it before, but because she was very tired, she welcomed his gesture. As she listened to the
activity going on in the nursery on the baby monitor, she heard a strange noise that bothered her. Because
she was disturbed by her cats who wanted to eat too, she did not immediately go to the nursery. After
attending to the cats, she then went to the nursery to check on her infant son. When she went into his
room, she discovered his limp body and he was not breathing. She frantically ran to find her husband and
they called the police. Her son was rushed to the hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival. They
concluded that the child died from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Unfortunately, she did not
feel that was true, she suspected that her husband killed him for the insurance money. Many years later,
after an extensive investigation, the husband was found guilty of murdering his infant son.
Now this was a tragic story of desperation and greed, but this story is not uncommon at all. Now many
of you may say to yourselves that I would never murder anyone, but many other awful offences are
committed for the sake of financial gain (I Timothy 6: 10). You cannot turn on the television anymore
without seeing the lifestyles of the rich and famous being flashed in your face and many of the television
evangelists' sole messages preached to you are about financial security. It also saddens me to see so many
people working on jobs they hate but may possibly pay well.
Now I do not want to come across as being against money, because I am not, but I am against the over
emphasis being placed on it. I believe we are loosing our perspective of what real happiness is and I am
concerned that money is ruining our sense of integrity and values. Until we understand that money is
only a means of exchange, we are walking on very dangerous ground. The things that matter most, such
as, a family, a wholesome and loving relationship, and the fulfilling of one's purpose in life should be the
emphasis we place on pursuing true happiness in this life. Having money should just be a part of
happiness but by no means should it be what we value most in pursuing it. Take a moment and ask
yourself, and be honest, what is truly important to you and make a list by prioritizing their importance.
See what you are made of and what drives you to thrive. Examine your motives for doing everything that
involves money and see if you need to rearrange your priorities. When a well-known actress was asked
what was more important to her, this is how she prioritized her list--- her career was first, her husband
was somewhere in the middle and God was at the end of the list. Several years after that list was made,
she no longer is in the limelight, she has divorced her first husband, but is now remarried, and well, I do
not know where God fits in, but I hope you get my drift.
Twelfth Part Of Series
If you ask the average person what will make them happy, the average response would be a lot of
money. In fact, when you go into the convenience stores and gas stations, you will find the lottery line
longer than the gas purchasing line. Let's face it; most of us equate money with happiness. It is as it
should be, because money is indeed the answer to all things (Ecclesiastes 10:17). Although money carries
you a long way, it should not be, in totality, our primary source of happiness.
Allow me to tell you a true story to illustrate how many people allow money to be their primary source
for happiness. A young couple had a beautiful baby boy and he was healthy and happy. The husband
was a salesman and enjoyed living an extravagant lifestyle. Spending more money than the couple earned,
sent the husband into a panic. Two months before the infant turned five months old, he took out an
insurance policy on the child.
One night the child began to cry for its feeding and the mother got ready to get up to feed the child as
usual, but the husband insisted that he would do it. Now this was strange to his wife because he never
offered to do it before, but because she was very tired, she welcomed his gesture. As she listened to the
activity going on in the nursery on the baby monitor, she heard a strange noise that bothered her. Because
she was disturbed by her cats who wanted to eat too, she did not immediately go to the nursery. After
attending to the cats, she then went to the nursery to check on her infant son. When she went into his
room, she discovered his limp body and he was not breathing. She frantically ran to find her husband and
they called the police. Her son was rushed to the hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival. They
concluded that the child died from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Unfortunately, she did not
feel that was true, she suspected that her husband killed him for the insurance money. Many years later,
after an extensive investigation, the husband was found guilty of murdering his infant son.
Now this was a tragic story of desperation and greed, but this story is not uncommon at all. Now many
of you may say to yourselves that I would never murder anyone, but many other awful offences are
committed for the sake of financial gain (I Timothy 6: 10). You cannot turn on the television anymore
without seeing the lifestyles of the rich and famous being flashed in your face and many of the television
evangelists' sole messages preached to you are about financial security. It also saddens me to see so many
people working on jobs they hate but may possibly pay well.
Now I do not want to come across as being against money, because I am not, but I am against the over
emphasis being placed on it. I believe we are loosing our perspective of what real happiness is and I am
concerned that money is ruining our sense of integrity and values. Until we understand that money is
only a means of exchange, we are walking on very dangerous ground. The things that matter most, such
as, a family, a wholesome and loving relationship, and the fulfilling of one's purpose in life should be the
emphasis we place on pursuing true happiness in this life. Having money should just be a part of
happiness but by no means should it be what we value most in pursuing it. Take a moment and ask
yourself, and be honest, what is truly important to you and make a list by prioritizing their importance.
See what you are made of and what drives you to thrive. Examine your motives for doing everything that
involves money and see if you need to rearrange your priorities. When a well-known actress was asked
what was more important to her, this is how she prioritized her list--- her career was first, her husband
was somewhere in the middle and God was at the end of the list. Several years after that list was made,
she no longer is in the limelight, she has divorced her first husband, but is now remarried, and well, I do
not know where God fits in, but I hope you get my drift.
The Spirit In You
Fourteenth Part Of Series
Throughout my adult life, I have experienced the pain of seeing friends come and go. As much as I
would not like to admit it, it saddened me. My greatest loss was when my marriage to my husband of
two years ended. It was not my husband that I missed; it was our friendship that was torn apart that I
cherished so much. I experienced a loss for our friendship and mourned for it.
I was too young to appreciate a mate as a lifetime companion, but I was not too young to recognize a
true friend. He was full of knowledge and well-read. I would sit for hours just listening to him tell me
stories of his many travels. By the time he was 20 years old, he had already traveled half way around
the world. I was in awe of the stories he would share with me. As a young man he was very ambitious
and he was willing to support me in all of my endeavors. He wanted me to be successful and he was
always encouraging me to live my dreams. He would have done what ever it took to help me achieve
them.
When we divorced, he left and went back to his country, Nigeria, and I only saw him a few times
afterwards. But a part my life seems so empty, because I miss our friendship and his wealth of
knowledge and support. I often think about where would I be in life if he were still apart of it, and just
how much we could have accomplished together. Well, I may not ever know but I am grateful for the
time he was a prominent part of my life and the friendship he bestowed upon me, for that I will be
eternally grateful.
Reflect back on your life and think about the friend that got away from you and how they blessed your
life, because unfortunately my friend was attached to a marital status. So when I lost one I also lost the
other. I think about what if we never got married, but we met and just stayed friends and somehow fate
would have brought him back to me. Well, fate may bring him back and I hope that we can be that
which we did best, be friends.
When you reflect back on that friend you let get away because of a misunderstanding or a few spoken
words not meant or just because time and space may have separated you, maybe you can take a
moment out of your life's busy schedule to try and locate them, because they're probably thinking
about you and missing you too. Also, for the ones that are still in your life, cherish them and do not
ever take them for granted. Do not let the small things ruin a good friendship. If you make a mistake
with your friend, apologize. If you have a misunderstanding, take the time to talk about it. Friends are
not easy to come by and if you have a few, make every effort to keep them. When we elect to have a
personal relationship with Jesus, he calls us friends and he proved his loyalty to us by giving his life. So
through his unselfish act of love, he gave us life (St. John 15:13). We are not necessarily required to give
our lives, but we are required to give our hearts and our best (I Samual 18:1,3).
Fourteenth Part Of Series
Throughout my adult life, I have experienced the pain of seeing friends come and go. As much as I
would not like to admit it, it saddened me. My greatest loss was when my marriage to my husband of
two years ended. It was not my husband that I missed; it was our friendship that was torn apart that I
cherished so much. I experienced a loss for our friendship and mourned for it.
I was too young to appreciate a mate as a lifetime companion, but I was not too young to recognize a
true friend. He was full of knowledge and well-read. I would sit for hours just listening to him tell me
stories of his many travels. By the time he was 20 years old, he had already traveled half way around
the world. I was in awe of the stories he would share with me. As a young man he was very ambitious
and he was willing to support me in all of my endeavors. He wanted me to be successful and he was
always encouraging me to live my dreams. He would have done what ever it took to help me achieve
them.
When we divorced, he left and went back to his country, Nigeria, and I only saw him a few times
afterwards. But a part my life seems so empty, because I miss our friendship and his wealth of
knowledge and support. I often think about where would I be in life if he were still apart of it, and just
how much we could have accomplished together. Well, I may not ever know but I am grateful for the
time he was a prominent part of my life and the friendship he bestowed upon me, for that I will be
eternally grateful.
Reflect back on your life and think about the friend that got away from you and how they blessed your
life, because unfortunately my friend was attached to a marital status. So when I lost one I also lost the
other. I think about what if we never got married, but we met and just stayed friends and somehow fate
would have brought him back to me. Well, fate may bring him back and I hope that we can be that
which we did best, be friends.
When you reflect back on that friend you let get away because of a misunderstanding or a few spoken
words not meant or just because time and space may have separated you, maybe you can take a
moment out of your life's busy schedule to try and locate them, because they're probably thinking
about you and missing you too. Also, for the ones that are still in your life, cherish them and do not
ever take them for granted. Do not let the small things ruin a good friendship. If you make a mistake
with your friend, apologize. If you have a misunderstanding, take the time to talk about it. Friends are
not easy to come by and if you have a few, make every effort to keep them. When we elect to have a
personal relationship with Jesus, he calls us friends and he proved his loyalty to us by giving his life. So
through his unselfish act of love, he gave us life (St. John 15:13). We are not necessarily required to give
our lives, but we are required to give our hearts and our best (I Samual 18:1,3).
The Spirit In You
Fifteenth Part Of Series
There are some things you just cannot place a price tag on and one of the intangible honors is the favor
of God. I would much rather have the favor of God than all the riches and the fame in the world.
Because as we can see, placing our faith and confidence in a job, intelligence, or the government is not
going to suffice, and it certainly won't save you from the turmoil our nation is about to sustain. It's
going to take more than a man and his cabinet to rescue us from this economic plight and it certainly
won't be by his power that our sins will be overlooked. It's going to take the Spirit of a living God to
rescue and heal our nation.
For this reason, I have already placed my stake in a sure thing. I am starting now to believe God for
favor in every area of my life, because it can get worse before it gets better. Like me, I am sure many of
you are in need of immediate change, and you cannot wait four years to see it come to fruition. I need a
'right now' miracle and a 'right now' change. When I pondered on this topic, God told me what to do to
see change come into my life immediately. It is so simple but yet complicated, because it takes
discipline to do it on a consistent basis. It is a paradigm switch in one's heart and mind. It is a change
of lifestyle and choices. It is the attitude of "Thanksgiving and Praise".
I recall a conversation I had with my second oldest sister, Diana, and she was telling me how she often
starts off her day and ends it by giving thanks to God for all that He has already done in her life, which
is much. As she made that statement, my spirit was pricked because I know that I was guilty of not
giving thanks on a daily basis. In fact, what I did was complain about the things I did not have and the
opportunities I had not yet experienced. I felt saddened because I know that God has blessed me and
has opened many doors for me, and now because everything seems to be at a stand still, I am thank
Me for what I have already done in your life. Remind Me of what I have done, say it out loud. I want
to hear you say it and then after you thank Me, begin to praise Me. It does not have to always be in
song. It can be having your mind on My goodness. During your conversations with friends and family,
when I come up in those conversations, honor Me in everything you do with gladness."
Yes, it is just that simple. He wants us to walk in His favor in everything we do. If we want to see the
favor of God on our nation, then we must come together corporately and humble ourselves, repent,
and give thanks and praise to God (II Chronicles 7:14). But until we truly get that revelation, God is
still willing and more than able to give you as an individual, favor and open up doors of opportunities
that you cannot even imagine. Therefore, begin to thank God daily for your life and "being above
ground" as my mother would always say, and start off with the simple things such as a roof over your
head, food in your refrigerator, and good health and strength. I bet if you try, you can add one more
item to your list each day, and then praise Him by keeping your mind stayed on Him and watch the
favor and blessings of God overtake you.
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath
prepared for them that love him (I Corinthians 2: 9, KJV).
Fifteenth Part Of Series
There are some things you just cannot place a price tag on and one of the intangible honors is the favor
of God. I would much rather have the favor of God than all the riches and the fame in the world.
Because as we can see, placing our faith and confidence in a job, intelligence, or the government is not
going to suffice, and it certainly won't save you from the turmoil our nation is about to sustain. It's
going to take more than a man and his cabinet to rescue us from this economic plight and it certainly
won't be by his power that our sins will be overlooked. It's going to take the Spirit of a living God to
rescue and heal our nation.
For this reason, I have already placed my stake in a sure thing. I am starting now to believe God for
favor in every area of my life, because it can get worse before it gets better. Like me, I am sure many of
you are in need of immediate change, and you cannot wait four years to see it come to fruition. I need a
'right now' miracle and a 'right now' change. When I pondered on this topic, God told me what to do to
see change come into my life immediately. It is so simple but yet complicated, because it takes
discipline to do it on a consistent basis. It is a paradigm switch in one's heart and mind. It is a change
of lifestyle and choices. It is the attitude of "Thanksgiving and Praise".
I recall a conversation I had with my second oldest sister, Diana, and she was telling me how she often
starts off her day and ends it by giving thanks to God for all that He has already done in her life, which
is much. As she made that statement, my spirit was pricked because I know that I was guilty of not
giving thanks on a daily basis. In fact, what I did was complain about the things I did not have and the
opportunities I had not yet experienced. I felt saddened because I know that God has blessed me and
has opened many doors for me, and now because everything seems to be at a stand still, I am thank
Me for what I have already done in your life. Remind Me of what I have done, say it out loud. I want
to hear you say it and then after you thank Me, begin to praise Me. It does not have to always be in
song. It can be having your mind on My goodness. During your conversations with friends and family,
when I come up in those conversations, honor Me in everything you do with gladness."
Yes, it is just that simple. He wants us to walk in His favor in everything we do. If we want to see the
favor of God on our nation, then we must come together corporately and humble ourselves, repent,
and give thanks and praise to God (II Chronicles 7:14). But until we truly get that revelation, God is
still willing and more than able to give you as an individual, favor and open up doors of opportunities
that you cannot even imagine. Therefore, begin to thank God daily for your life and "being above
ground" as my mother would always say, and start off with the simple things such as a roof over your
head, food in your refrigerator, and good health and strength. I bet if you try, you can add one more
item to your list each day, and then praise Him by keeping your mind stayed on Him and watch the
favor and blessings of God overtake you.
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath
prepared for them that love him (I Corinthians 2: 9, KJV).
The Spirit In You
Sixteenth Part Of Series
I would like to tell you a story that happened over two thousand years ago. Now you will not find
this story in the bible, but it is true. It is true because the character I am about to tell you about is
everyone of us. The story that I am about to share is where most of us have been at one time or
another in our lives. The miracle that took place is what we all need.
Journey with me back in time to the town of Bethlehem, when life was quite hopeless for many
people, and there was much poverty and sickness. During this time, a young girl, about the age of
sixteen was born with a crippling disease and she was tormented with pain day and night. Because her
family was extremely poor, she was abandoned by her parents and left alone to be at the mercy of
others. Many people were cruel and few were kind to her. Month after month and day after day, she
would lay on the city streets begging for someone to help her. After many disappointing experiences
of apathy, she became very bitter. She never smiled and there was no joy. All she did was curse
everyone that walked by her, swinging her stick at them, hoping to provoke someone to attack her to
put her out of her misery.
One rainy day while she was lying on the ground, she heard a loud cry from the villagers announcing
the visitation of a holy man. There was a great crowd that followed him as he rode into the city on a
donkey. She sat up to get a glimpse of this holy man and wondered why he would visit on such a
dreary day. As she looked at him, he motioned to his disciples to bring her to him. They brought her
You". Her eyes wailed up with tears and tears of joy flowed out of them. She embraced a peace that
she never experienced before, and she felt for the very first time in her life that she was not alone.
Suddenly the rain stopped and the sun came out, and the most beautiful clouds appeared in the sky.
As the holy man proceeded to walk away, she continued to watch him until she could no longer see
him.
One of the villagers placed her back on her mat as she cried with joy, then she laughed and sang praises
to God for hours. Someone in the town gave her something to eat and drink as she continued to thank
and praise God. She was no longer bitter or in any pain. Her parents even came to restore her back
into their family. Oh, what a wonderful gift she received from the holy man. She asked someone what
was the man's name. Someone then told her that his name was Jesus who was born in Bethlehem
where his family still lived. He was a carpenter that called himself the "Son of God".
The miracle that took place will forever be attributed to a holy man who changed the heart of a bitter
girl. Though she never walked, she was forever changed. Some will ask the question, "Why didn't he
heal her physical body?" Well let me answer that question like this, where she went (Heaven), she did
not need it anyway. He healed her heart and gave her the character of God and left her with love,
peace, happiness, and joy (I John 4: 18).
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy
Spirit, whom he has given us ( Romans 5:5, NIV).
Sixteenth Part Of Series
I would like to tell you a story that happened over two thousand years ago. Now you will not find
this story in the bible, but it is true. It is true because the character I am about to tell you about is
everyone of us. The story that I am about to share is where most of us have been at one time or
another in our lives. The miracle that took place is what we all need.
Journey with me back in time to the town of Bethlehem, when life was quite hopeless for many
people, and there was much poverty and sickness. During this time, a young girl, about the age of
sixteen was born with a crippling disease and she was tormented with pain day and night. Because her
family was extremely poor, she was abandoned by her parents and left alone to be at the mercy of
others. Many people were cruel and few were kind to her. Month after month and day after day, she
would lay on the city streets begging for someone to help her. After many disappointing experiences
of apathy, she became very bitter. She never smiled and there was no joy. All she did was curse
everyone that walked by her, swinging her stick at them, hoping to provoke someone to attack her to
put her out of her misery.
One rainy day while she was lying on the ground, she heard a loud cry from the villagers announcing
the visitation of a holy man. There was a great crowd that followed him as he rode into the city on a
donkey. She sat up to get a glimpse of this holy man and wondered why he would visit on such a
dreary day. As she looked at him, he motioned to his disciples to bring her to him. They brought her
You". Her eyes wailed up with tears and tears of joy flowed out of them. She embraced a peace that
she never experienced before, and she felt for the very first time in her life that she was not alone.
Suddenly the rain stopped and the sun came out, and the most beautiful clouds appeared in the sky.
As the holy man proceeded to walk away, she continued to watch him until she could no longer see
him.
One of the villagers placed her back on her mat as she cried with joy, then she laughed and sang praises
to God for hours. Someone in the town gave her something to eat and drink as she continued to thank
and praise God. She was no longer bitter or in any pain. Her parents even came to restore her back
into their family. Oh, what a wonderful gift she received from the holy man. She asked someone what
was the man's name. Someone then told her that his name was Jesus who was born in Bethlehem
where his family still lived. He was a carpenter that called himself the "Son of God".
The miracle that took place will forever be attributed to a holy man who changed the heart of a bitter
girl. Though she never walked, she was forever changed. Some will ask the question, "Why didn't he
heal her physical body?" Well let me answer that question like this, where she went (Heaven), she did
not need it anyway. He healed her heart and gave her the character of God and left her with love,
peace, happiness, and joy (I John 4: 18).
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy
Spirit, whom he has given us ( Romans 5:5, NIV).
The Spirit In You
Seventeenth Part Of Series
What does your image say about you? How do you want others to perceive you? Do you like what
you see in the mirror? These are the questions we all should ask ourselves daily before we leave our
homes, because this matter is just that serious. We often think that when we leave the house that no
one is observing us, especially if we dress down and we carry ourselves inconspicuously. On the
contrary, there is always someone checking you out-- be it favorably or unfavorably (II Corinthians 3:
2). In fact, did you know that a person can assess at least 12 facts and/or an opinion about you just
by the way you dress and carry yourself? For example, a person observing you can conclude whether
you are classic, dramatic, natural or romantic just by the way you dress. This is called fashion better
than others.
Many years ago, I was an image consultant with a company called Beauty Control Cosmetics, and
they specialized in helping women to perfect their images. The services ranged from providing a skin
care line and cosmetics to determining your fashion personality; knowing your body type and what
colors would best compliment your skin tone. I liked the concept of total imaging because this is what
we all need. We need to know how to package the product, which are us. I discovered that I had a
"classic" fashion personality type, and I was a little dramatic too. Many people have a dual fashion
personality type, but one is more pronounced than the other. In my case, the classic was much more
dominant.
I am no longer with that company, but I believe that their concept of imaging was quite impressive. I
wish that everyone would take a course in total imaging to learn how to bring out their best qualities,
and convey a positive, radiant and godly image. I believe that we are to be examples to those who do
not understand the importance of putting their best foot forward; the messages we send are based on
how we present ourselves.
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you
have in us (Philippians 3:17).
I want to share with you a situation that was very disturbing to me. I attended a church in Southgate,
Michigan for about a year and a half, where I always enjoyed the praise and worship music. One day
I noticed the pastor's son who sung with the praise team, wore something that really bothered me. He
was wearing a ring in his lower lip near the corner. I could not believe my eyes. Now here is a young
man who is supposedly a leader in the church, and who held a high position in the ministry, in the
pulpit with a ring in his lip. I am not passing judgment on whether he serves God, but I will tell you
the truth, he will have an extremely difficult time convincing many people that he does, especially
those who are not in the church. He wore nice slacks and shirts with ties, so that ring looked out of
place. I wonder how many others questioned this young man's motives. He did not look any different
than the men on the street who are in hard rock bands and who act rebellious. I am sure he is a very
nice young man, and you may say to yourself that he just wants to draw in the young people. Well,
my response to that is that young people need what is real and true. They need role models who will
show them how to come up in their attitudes and well-being. They do not necessarily need someone
they can relate to, if he or she will cause them to stumble. Because of this piece of jewelry in his lip,
people formed a certain opinion about him (I Corinthians 8:9). I know I did.
Ask yourself, who do you want people to see when they look at you? You should want them to see a
child of God, and someone who properly represents Him (Hebrews 12:14). You do not want your
attire to be misconstrued. Let your appearance reflect who you are. If you are a rebellious person then
let your image portray that, but if you are not that kind of person then do not dress like it. Remember
clothes may not make the man, but they help and your image reflects what lies in the soul.
Seventeenth Part Of Series
What does your image say about you? How do you want others to perceive you? Do you like what
you see in the mirror? These are the questions we all should ask ourselves daily before we leave our
homes, because this matter is just that serious. We often think that when we leave the house that no
one is observing us, especially if we dress down and we carry ourselves inconspicuously. On the
contrary, there is always someone checking you out-- be it favorably or unfavorably (II Corinthians 3:
2). In fact, did you know that a person can assess at least 12 facts and/or an opinion about you just
by the way you dress and carry yourself? For example, a person observing you can conclude whether
you are classic, dramatic, natural or romantic just by the way you dress. This is called fashion better
than others.
Many years ago, I was an image consultant with a company called Beauty Control Cosmetics, and
they specialized in helping women to perfect their images. The services ranged from providing a skin
care line and cosmetics to determining your fashion personality; knowing your body type and what
colors would best compliment your skin tone. I liked the concept of total imaging because this is what
we all need. We need to know how to package the product, which are us. I discovered that I had a
"classic" fashion personality type, and I was a little dramatic too. Many people have a dual fashion
personality type, but one is more pronounced than the other. In my case, the classic was much more
dominant.
I am no longer with that company, but I believe that their concept of imaging was quite impressive. I
wish that everyone would take a course in total imaging to learn how to bring out their best qualities,
and convey a positive, radiant and godly image. I believe that we are to be examples to those who do
not understand the importance of putting their best foot forward; the messages we send are based on
how we present ourselves.
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you
have in us (Philippians 3:17).
I want to share with you a situation that was very disturbing to me. I attended a church in Southgate,
Michigan for about a year and a half, where I always enjoyed the praise and worship music. One day
I noticed the pastor's son who sung with the praise team, wore something that really bothered me. He
was wearing a ring in his lower lip near the corner. I could not believe my eyes. Now here is a young
man who is supposedly a leader in the church, and who held a high position in the ministry, in the
pulpit with a ring in his lip. I am not passing judgment on whether he serves God, but I will tell you
the truth, he will have an extremely difficult time convincing many people that he does, especially
those who are not in the church. He wore nice slacks and shirts with ties, so that ring looked out of
place. I wonder how many others questioned this young man's motives. He did not look any different
than the men on the street who are in hard rock bands and who act rebellious. I am sure he is a very
nice young man, and you may say to yourself that he just wants to draw in the young people. Well,
my response to that is that young people need what is real and true. They need role models who will
show them how to come up in their attitudes and well-being. They do not necessarily need someone
they can relate to, if he or she will cause them to stumble. Because of this piece of jewelry in his lip,
people formed a certain opinion about him (I Corinthians 8:9). I know I did.
Ask yourself, who do you want people to see when they look at you? You should want them to see a
child of God, and someone who properly represents Him (Hebrews 12:14). You do not want your
attire to be misconstrued. Let your appearance reflect who you are. If you are a rebellious person then
let your image portray that, but if you are not that kind of person then do not dress like it. Remember
clothes may not make the man, but they help and your image reflects what lies in the soul.
The Spirit In You
Eighteenth Part Of Series
I would like to give honor to a very extraordinary and special friendship. When I think about it, I
cannot even believe that it exists because I have never experienced anything like this. I have never
met anyone so giving and so unselfish. The power of this love is so sobering and humbling. I do not
even feel worthy of it, yet I am honored to embrace it. Daily I give thanks to God for it.
My mother use to tell me as a child that you are blessed if you can count your friends on one hand. I
know that I am blessed because I can truly do this, but there is one in particular I want to honor
because she has gone beyond the call of duty. Unconditionally she loves me for me, even when I do
not feel worthy of loving myself. The encouragement I receive surpasses all the wealth and riches
that I could ever receive because she gives it with such intensity. I believe that if she had to bet her
life on my success, she would gladly do it with a smirk on her face because she knows in her heart
she would win.
I know that there is a God when I spend time with her because I experience His love through her.
The fruit of the Spirit lives in her and she transforms this likeness to me. My life has been so
enriched with her kindness and gestures of generosity. She has invested in my life's purpose with her
time and her resources. She has invested her life and hope into my divine calling and in this, my path
is not to be journeyed alone. I am certain she will walk with me.
Many dreams have been fulfilled because of our long walks, during which I would share my ideas. I
saw many of them come to fruition and many more are on the way. I look forward to tomorrow
knowing that I am not alone. I know that someone truly cares about me, my life and my dreams. I
pay tribute to this friendship; I pay tribute to my friend. Toni, I pay tribute to you.
Eighteenth Part Of Series
I would like to give honor to a very extraordinary and special friendship. When I think about it, I
cannot even believe that it exists because I have never experienced anything like this. I have never
met anyone so giving and so unselfish. The power of this love is so sobering and humbling. I do not
even feel worthy of it, yet I am honored to embrace it. Daily I give thanks to God for it.
My mother use to tell me as a child that you are blessed if you can count your friends on one hand. I
know that I am blessed because I can truly do this, but there is one in particular I want to honor
because she has gone beyond the call of duty. Unconditionally she loves me for me, even when I do
not feel worthy of loving myself. The encouragement I receive surpasses all the wealth and riches
that I could ever receive because she gives it with such intensity. I believe that if she had to bet her
life on my success, she would gladly do it with a smirk on her face because she knows in her heart
she would win.
I know that there is a God when I spend time with her because I experience His love through her.
The fruit of the Spirit lives in her and she transforms this likeness to me. My life has been so
enriched with her kindness and gestures of generosity. She has invested in my life's purpose with her
time and her resources. She has invested her life and hope into my divine calling and in this, my path
is not to be journeyed alone. I am certain she will walk with me.
Many dreams have been fulfilled because of our long walks, during which I would share my ideas. I
saw many of them come to fruition and many more are on the way. I look forward to tomorrow
knowing that I am not alone. I know that someone truly cares about me, my life and my dreams. I
pay tribute to this friendship; I pay tribute to my friend. Toni, I pay tribute to you.
The Spirit In You
Nineteenth Part Of Series
One of the primary concerns that we have as a nation is our health and having health insurance, and
in case we are succumbed by an unexpected illness, we also need sufficient finances. There are a
couple of questions that you should ask yourself. If sickness comes upon me, will I be able to
handle my bills? Will I have health insurance to help me get better, if I became ill? Right now, at
least 45 million Americans are already saying 'no' to these questions. But what about the rest of the
Americans who have insurance? Do you also have the finances to take care of the other concerns
such as household expenses and other bills?
Well, let me share with you a personal story about an unexpected sickness and what I learned from
this horrific experience. When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease in January of 1998, I was
$3000.00 per month. I was able to meet all of my bills comfortably plus take care of a then,
adolescent son. At that time, I only had medical insurance, Total Heath Care, which was an HMO.
After a few months being out on medical leave, my ill bank ran out and I had to apply for FIA
(Family Independence Agency). I received less than $150.00 in food stamps and less than $350.00
for household expenses. Now don't forget, I still had the same expenses I had when I was working.
In fact they increased because now I had to also be concerned about my caretaker, my 78 year old
mother at that time. She had her personal needs such as toiletries, and of course the food bill went
up. Oh, it was a great struggle for me. Not only did I have to work on getting through this illness, I
was still responsible for maintaining my home and meeting other expenses. If only I had used some
wisdom and made a small investment in myself every month.
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do. And whatever else you do, develop good judgment
(Proverbs 4:7, NLT).
There was a financial cushion that I could have relied on, if I would have taken the time to put it in
place. I am talking about "Short term disability insurance." Yes, this gesture would have been the
answer to all of my problems. For just a few cents a day, I could have had all of my needs met and
that would have taken such a burden off of me during that time. I could have been stress free in
terms of taking care of my financial obligations; instead, I was so burdened with getting well and
paying bills.
If you are employed full time with benefits, ask your employer if they have a contract with an
insurance agency that offers short term disability insurance. You can arrange to meet with an agent
and the premiums can be taken directly out of your paychecks and you will never miss the money.
These few cents a day can literally be a life saver tomorrow in case of unexpected sickness or an
accident that causes a serious injury. It is important to have something in place during these
perilous times, because you never know when the unexpected will happen. You can also do this on
your own if your employer does not offer the service. Those of you working part-time, you can do
this too. Two of the insurance companies I am familiar with are Colonial and Aflac. I am certain if
you do some research you can find other insurance companies who offer this service.
I suffered greatly because I did not have anything in place during my illness. Although my medical
expenses were covered, I was still burdened with other financial concerns. During this economical
crisis that we are facing, prepare yourself for the unexpected even if that means having a savings
account in which you pay yourself a certain amount out of every paycheck. If you are living from
check to check, then you are most likely living above your means and down sizing may be a good
idea at this time. Do what you need to do.
Yes, I came through my crisis, but it was very difficult. You know the old saying, 'an ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure.' This is true and you can be prepared for the unexpected.
While we are waiting for our president to execute change with his plan, let's do what we can do for
ourselves. I know I cannot tell you what to do, but I strongly suggest that you think about making
some changes, if you have not already done so. I did not have anyone in my life at that time to give
me advice, so I feel somewhat obligated to do something to help others. I do not want anyone to go
through what I experienced. I want to impart wisdom to you and ask you to sincerely do what ever
you can do to help yourself, and my suggestions are to save for the unexpected and get insured for
those unexpected mishaps.
If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to
suffer (Proverbs 9:12, NLT).
Nineteenth Part Of Series
One of the primary concerns that we have as a nation is our health and having health insurance, and
in case we are succumbed by an unexpected illness, we also need sufficient finances. There are a
couple of questions that you should ask yourself. If sickness comes upon me, will I be able to
handle my bills? Will I have health insurance to help me get better, if I became ill? Right now, at
least 45 million Americans are already saying 'no' to these questions. But what about the rest of the
Americans who have insurance? Do you also have the finances to take care of the other concerns
such as household expenses and other bills?
Well, let me share with you a personal story about an unexpected sickness and what I learned from
this horrific experience. When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease in January of 1998, I was
$3000.00 per month. I was able to meet all of my bills comfortably plus take care of a then,
adolescent son. At that time, I only had medical insurance, Total Heath Care, which was an HMO.
After a few months being out on medical leave, my ill bank ran out and I had to apply for FIA
(Family Independence Agency). I received less than $150.00 in food stamps and less than $350.00
for household expenses. Now don't forget, I still had the same expenses I had when I was working.
In fact they increased because now I had to also be concerned about my caretaker, my 78 year old
mother at that time. She had her personal needs such as toiletries, and of course the food bill went
up. Oh, it was a great struggle for me. Not only did I have to work on getting through this illness, I
was still responsible for maintaining my home and meeting other expenses. If only I had used some
wisdom and made a small investment in myself every month.
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do. And whatever else you do, develop good judgment
(Proverbs 4:7, NLT).
There was a financial cushion that I could have relied on, if I would have taken the time to put it in
place. I am talking about "Short term disability insurance." Yes, this gesture would have been the
answer to all of my problems. For just a few cents a day, I could have had all of my needs met and
that would have taken such a burden off of me during that time. I could have been stress free in
terms of taking care of my financial obligations; instead, I was so burdened with getting well and
paying bills.
If you are employed full time with benefits, ask your employer if they have a contract with an
insurance agency that offers short term disability insurance. You can arrange to meet with an agent
and the premiums can be taken directly out of your paychecks and you will never miss the money.
These few cents a day can literally be a life saver tomorrow in case of unexpected sickness or an
accident that causes a serious injury. It is important to have something in place during these
perilous times, because you never know when the unexpected will happen. You can also do this on
your own if your employer does not offer the service. Those of you working part-time, you can do
this too. Two of the insurance companies I am familiar with are Colonial and Aflac. I am certain if
you do some research you can find other insurance companies who offer this service.
I suffered greatly because I did not have anything in place during my illness. Although my medical
expenses were covered, I was still burdened with other financial concerns. During this economical
crisis that we are facing, prepare yourself for the unexpected even if that means having a savings
account in which you pay yourself a certain amount out of every paycheck. If you are living from
check to check, then you are most likely living above your means and down sizing may be a good
idea at this time. Do what you need to do.
Yes, I came through my crisis, but it was very difficult. You know the old saying, 'an ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure.' This is true and you can be prepared for the unexpected.
While we are waiting for our president to execute change with his plan, let's do what we can do for
ourselves. I know I cannot tell you what to do, but I strongly suggest that you think about making
some changes, if you have not already done so. I did not have anyone in my life at that time to give
me advice, so I feel somewhat obligated to do something to help others. I do not want anyone to go
through what I experienced. I want to impart wisdom to you and ask you to sincerely do what ever
you can do to help yourself, and my suggestions are to save for the unexpected and get insured for
those unexpected mishaps.
If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to
suffer (Proverbs 9:12, NLT).
The Spirit In You
Twentieth Part Of Series
In our society, people are becoming grandparents at an early age, in fact as young as thirty and
thirty five. The fact is their grandchildren are being born to their adolescent sons or daughters. Is
this a generational fad that plagues our society or is this something that just happens to happen?
Personally, I think it has a lot to do with the lack of moral fiber and the immoral values of our
society which is just a sign of the times. Because many of our youth are exposed to sexual stimuli
at such a young age, they engage in the activity to satisfy their curiosity and their lust.
The exposure to sex is an issue that we as parents need to try to curtail, because if we don't we will
have many unwanted pregnancies, and ill equipped parents to raise a generation who will not be
prepared to carry the mantle of responsibility for their predecessors. If we do not get this epidemic
under control, we are going to have a huge social economic problem that all the spending of our
governmental and bailout strategies will not be able to handle. These young people are going to
seek government assistance and they are not going to have the emotional, psychological or financial
tools to raise their children properly.
Parents who allow their teenagers to knowingly date someone while they are still in high school are
doing their children a great injustice. You are promoting early sexual activities. They are more than
likely not going to abstain from having sex. Begin to expose your children to other activities so that
they can develop other interests and spend time doing them. As soon as that child gets old enough
to talk well, start getting the child involved in sports, music lessons, and dance. Expose them to
science and historical and archaeological adventures. Travel with your children, even if it is just
going to a zoo outside of your city. Take them to museums and expose them to golf. Hey, there are
a lot of good things you can get them involved in. If the only activity your child has is watching
TV after school or talking on the phone with their friends and playing video games, making
positive choices for their lives will be limited for them, and they will more than likely start sexual
activities early and outside of marriage.
As Dr. Phil said to one of his guests who stated that her teen was out of control, "You are
responsible for your teen's behavior." You are responsible. If you are involved in activities or
working long hours that take you away from playing an effective role in your child's life, then
something needs to go or drastically be altered. Nothing should be more important than the welfare
of your child, especially when they reach adolescence. Because they are going to start making vital
choices for their lives, they are going to need your influence and guidance. You can not just give
them a bunch of rules to follow, and then walk away and expect them to follow them. They need
to be enforced and enforced again and again. When it comes to sexual activities, teenagers are going
to want to engage in it unless you can give them a reason why they should not, and do so by
example. We have to guide by example and enforce by repetition (2 Thessalonians 3:7). Let's not
assist our youth in throwing away their futures by unwanted pregnancies and deadly STDS that
may lead to an early death. Don't assist your youth in turning their backs on the institution of
marriage because they think it doesn't matter anymore. If they can have the milk without buying
the cow, why should they marry.
We truly have a serious problem on our hands, but we can still save our youth. Start now and be
the parents God called you to be. Stop chasing the dollar and start chasing down your children to
help them become healthy, and purposeful human beings. You have a job to do, therefore, do not
bail out.
Twentieth Part Of Series
In our society, people are becoming grandparents at an early age, in fact as young as thirty and
thirty five. The fact is their grandchildren are being born to their adolescent sons or daughters. Is
this a generational fad that plagues our society or is this something that just happens to happen?
Personally, I think it has a lot to do with the lack of moral fiber and the immoral values of our
society which is just a sign of the times. Because many of our youth are exposed to sexual stimuli
at such a young age, they engage in the activity to satisfy their curiosity and their lust.
The exposure to sex is an issue that we as parents need to try to curtail, because if we don't we will
have many unwanted pregnancies, and ill equipped parents to raise a generation who will not be
prepared to carry the mantle of responsibility for their predecessors. If we do not get this epidemic
under control, we are going to have a huge social economic problem that all the spending of our
governmental and bailout strategies will not be able to handle. These young people are going to
seek government assistance and they are not going to have the emotional, psychological or financial
tools to raise their children properly.
Parents who allow their teenagers to knowingly date someone while they are still in high school are
doing their children a great injustice. You are promoting early sexual activities. They are more than
likely not going to abstain from having sex. Begin to expose your children to other activities so that
they can develop other interests and spend time doing them. As soon as that child gets old enough
to talk well, start getting the child involved in sports, music lessons, and dance. Expose them to
science and historical and archaeological adventures. Travel with your children, even if it is just
going to a zoo outside of your city. Take them to museums and expose them to golf. Hey, there are
a lot of good things you can get them involved in. If the only activity your child has is watching
TV after school or talking on the phone with their friends and playing video games, making
positive choices for their lives will be limited for them, and they will more than likely start sexual
activities early and outside of marriage.
As Dr. Phil said to one of his guests who stated that her teen was out of control, "You are
responsible for your teen's behavior." You are responsible. If you are involved in activities or
working long hours that take you away from playing an effective role in your child's life, then
something needs to go or drastically be altered. Nothing should be more important than the welfare
of your child, especially when they reach adolescence. Because they are going to start making vital
choices for their lives, they are going to need your influence and guidance. You can not just give
them a bunch of rules to follow, and then walk away and expect them to follow them. They need
to be enforced and enforced again and again. When it comes to sexual activities, teenagers are going
to want to engage in it unless you can give them a reason why they should not, and do so by
example. We have to guide by example and enforce by repetition (2 Thessalonians 3:7). Let's not
assist our youth in throwing away their futures by unwanted pregnancies and deadly STDS that
may lead to an early death. Don't assist your youth in turning their backs on the institution of
marriage because they think it doesn't matter anymore. If they can have the milk without buying
the cow, why should they marry.
We truly have a serious problem on our hands, but we can still save our youth. Start now and be
the parents God called you to be. Stop chasing the dollar and start chasing down your children to
help them become healthy, and purposeful human beings. You have a job to do, therefore, do not
bail out.
The Spirit In You
Twenty-First Part Of Series
There is not a day that goes by that I do not find myself talking to my friend about the Kingdom
of God and the role I believe He has mandated me to fulfill in these end times. Actually, it is not
really the end but the beginning, the beginning of a Government (kingdom) fit for royalty, you and
me. Yes, I said royalty. That was not a misprint. Although it hardly seems like anyone is actually
walking in the life of privilege, appositionally, this is our right.
I ask you, "What did Jesus mean when he said that he came to give us life more abundantly?" Did
He mean that we would be saved and heaven bound? Or maybe it just meant that our sins would
be forgiven, if we accept what he did on the cross. Is this abundance supposed to be experienced
on earth or must we die a natural death to inherit it? He said seek ye first the kingdom of God and
these things will be added onto you (St. Matthew 6:33). What does it mean to seek the kingdom
of God and what are the things that will be added to you? Well I know I have asked a lot of
questions, but I just wanted to get those brain cells to operating and get you to put on your
spiritual thinking caps. Because the kingdom of God is real and it exists right now, what must we
do to partake of it? I want to explain to you the meaning of seeking God's Kingdom.
The Kingdom of God is a physical place that reflects God's glory and wondrous ways. It is the
place where He is actually rules over a government, the real government. It was by design that
Jesus walked the earth when the Roman Empire was the most powerful government on earth. He
illustrated the kingdom to be a government where people would be a part of it by changing their
hearts and minds. Force would not be used to overthrow their existing governments.
During the time of Christ, the Roman Empire and its governmental rule grew because they
infiltrated the world through indoctrination. Its empire grew so large because once people
migrated to that region of the world they took on the mindset of the Roman Empire, both Jews
and gentiles. Jesus often spoke of the kingdom of God as it related to the Romans. They did not
enslave their inhabitants, but they did impose their customs on the people. The Kingdom of God
is very much like the Roman empire in that it was set up to change the customs of people through
indoctrination of the knowledge of God's plans for those who accepted Christ.
In God's kingdom everything is good and exists in harmony, so much so that God wants this same
lifestyle model replicated right here on earth (St. Matthew 6: 10). To seek God's kingdom is to
acknowledge that the customs of His government are what is good for mankind and to
acknowledge that He wants us to have a life that is truly fit for royalty. I asked God many years
ago what did it mean to live the abundant life, and He responded by telling me this statement,
"When every area of your life lines up with my word, (kingdom principles) then you are living
the abundant life. St. Matthew 4: 4 says, "But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall
not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."' You see it is
not enough just to exist and wait for heaven. God wants us to live the kingdom lifestyle down
here, right now. To ensure this, He has given each and everyone who is in the "Body of Christ" an
assignment to assist in bringing His word to pass.
And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech
the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest (St. Luke 10: 2, NASB).
There is a lost and dying world full of people who do not know that they are entitled to live a life
of privilege and they are part of a royal family. God wants those who have gotten a hold of this
truth to tell others. It is not His will that any man, woman or child perish yet everyday we hear
reports of pre-mature deaths, divorces, sexual immorality, famine, and other catastrophes (2 Peter
3: 9). These things ought not to be. In God's kingdom these things do not exist and He wants to
establish its likeness right here on earth. Will you carry your mantle and do your part to establish
God's kingdom?
Twenty-First Part Of Series
There is not a day that goes by that I do not find myself talking to my friend about the Kingdom
of God and the role I believe He has mandated me to fulfill in these end times. Actually, it is not
really the end but the beginning, the beginning of a Government (kingdom) fit for royalty, you and
me. Yes, I said royalty. That was not a misprint. Although it hardly seems like anyone is actually
walking in the life of privilege, appositionally, this is our right.
I ask you, "What did Jesus mean when he said that he came to give us life more abundantly?" Did
He mean that we would be saved and heaven bound? Or maybe it just meant that our sins would
be forgiven, if we accept what he did on the cross. Is this abundance supposed to be experienced
on earth or must we die a natural death to inherit it? He said seek ye first the kingdom of God and
these things will be added onto you (St. Matthew 6:33). What does it mean to seek the kingdom
of God and what are the things that will be added to you? Well I know I have asked a lot of
questions, but I just wanted to get those brain cells to operating and get you to put on your
spiritual thinking caps. Because the kingdom of God is real and it exists right now, what must we
do to partake of it? I want to explain to you the meaning of seeking God's Kingdom.
The Kingdom of God is a physical place that reflects God's glory and wondrous ways. It is the
place where He is actually rules over a government, the real government. It was by design that
Jesus walked the earth when the Roman Empire was the most powerful government on earth. He
illustrated the kingdom to be a government where people would be a part of it by changing their
hearts and minds. Force would not be used to overthrow their existing governments.
During the time of Christ, the Roman Empire and its governmental rule grew because they
infiltrated the world through indoctrination. Its empire grew so large because once people
migrated to that region of the world they took on the mindset of the Roman Empire, both Jews
and gentiles. Jesus often spoke of the kingdom of God as it related to the Romans. They did not
enslave their inhabitants, but they did impose their customs on the people. The Kingdom of God
is very much like the Roman empire in that it was set up to change the customs of people through
indoctrination of the knowledge of God's plans for those who accepted Christ.
In God's kingdom everything is good and exists in harmony, so much so that God wants this same
lifestyle model replicated right here on earth (St. Matthew 6: 10). To seek God's kingdom is to
acknowledge that the customs of His government are what is good for mankind and to
acknowledge that He wants us to have a life that is truly fit for royalty. I asked God many years
ago what did it mean to live the abundant life, and He responded by telling me this statement,
"When every area of your life lines up with my word, (kingdom principles) then you are living
the abundant life. St. Matthew 4: 4 says, "But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall
not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."' You see it is
not enough just to exist and wait for heaven. God wants us to live the kingdom lifestyle down
here, right now. To ensure this, He has given each and everyone who is in the "Body of Christ" an
assignment to assist in bringing His word to pass.
And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech
the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest (St. Luke 10: 2, NASB).
There is a lost and dying world full of people who do not know that they are entitled to live a life
of privilege and they are part of a royal family. God wants those who have gotten a hold of this
truth to tell others. It is not His will that any man, woman or child perish yet everyday we hear
reports of pre-mature deaths, divorces, sexual immorality, famine, and other catastrophes (2 Peter
3: 9). These things ought not to be. In God's kingdom these things do not exist and He wants to
establish its likeness right here on earth. Will you carry your mantle and do your part to establish
God's kingdom?
The Spirit In You
Twenty-Second Part Of The Series
I was asked the question, "When is it not wise to reconcile in a relationship and can true
forgiveness exist without the reconciliation?" Usually the one, forgiveness, often leads to the
other, reconciliation. Of course, that's the perfect situation. The word forgiveness means "the act
of excusing a mistake or an offense." Reconciliation means "the reestablishing of cordial relations
and getting two parties to correspond." You see, in forgiveness there is an act of excusing that
takes place which should lead to a re-establishing, reconciliation; excuse then re-establish.
When is it not feasible for this combination to take place? Are there conditions in which both can
not truly exit? God wants all severed relationships to be saved, if at all possible. It is not His
desire that anyone be in strife, but unfortunately, there are times when it is wise to let people go,
yet you must forgive them of their offense. Here is an example.
The word of God says this, "Can two walk together except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3, KJV).
Now I am taking this scripture to the extreme instance. To "agree" in this scripture means "to be
of like mind and on one accord; to be intertwined and of good rapport." So often we allow
ourselves to be involved with people who are not good for us in any respect. They are what I call
toxic, and this does not just apply to romantic relationships. It is also applicable to platonic
relationships. This concept also applies to family members, hey let's keep it real. You must
understand that everyone is not going your way, and there are people who come into your lives
just to be a hindrance. I am sure you have all heard the old cliché, "Misery loves company". Well,
this is certainly a statement of truth. There are people who are presently in your lives who do not
mean you any good and they are dead weight. Because they are just existing and they live as
though they have no real purpose, they become stumbling blocks to you (1 Corinthians 15:33, 2
Corinthians 6: 14).
Regardless of rather or not you get out of bad relationships, forgiveness is always the right thing
to do when these people offend you. I always tell people that forgiveness is for you because it
brings healing, restoration and rejuvenation to you. Unforgiveness is like having weights around
your neck. It makes you feel weighed down and it hinders spiritual growth, and it also leads to
sickness and disease, and depression. When we allow our hearts to forgive, then we allow
ourselves to go to a new spiritual level and at that time, we can grow in every area of our lives.
Forgiveness and reconciliation is the ideal solution for salvaging a relationship, because this is
God's perfect will, but there are many instances when we should not stay involved in some
relationships. Before getting involved with someone, allow God to show you the intent of that
person's heart and if you heed God's leading, and you see that this person is not good for you,
run. That's right, run, don't walk. This is my motto, "You may not be able to help who comes into
your life, but you can certainly control who stays in your life."
Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father
who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions (St. Mark 11: 25, NASB).
Twenty-Second Part Of The Series
I was asked the question, "When is it not wise to reconcile in a relationship and can true
forgiveness exist without the reconciliation?" Usually the one, forgiveness, often leads to the
other, reconciliation. Of course, that's the perfect situation. The word forgiveness means "the act
of excusing a mistake or an offense." Reconciliation means "the reestablishing of cordial relations
and getting two parties to correspond." You see, in forgiveness there is an act of excusing that
takes place which should lead to a re-establishing, reconciliation; excuse then re-establish.
When is it not feasible for this combination to take place? Are there conditions in which both can
not truly exit? God wants all severed relationships to be saved, if at all possible. It is not His
desire that anyone be in strife, but unfortunately, there are times when it is wise to let people go,
yet you must forgive them of their offense. Here is an example.
The word of God says this, "Can two walk together except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3, KJV).
Now I am taking this scripture to the extreme instance. To "agree" in this scripture means "to be
of like mind and on one accord; to be intertwined and of good rapport." So often we allow
ourselves to be involved with people who are not good for us in any respect. They are what I call
toxic, and this does not just apply to romantic relationships. It is also applicable to platonic
relationships. This concept also applies to family members, hey let's keep it real. You must
understand that everyone is not going your way, and there are people who come into your lives
just to be a hindrance. I am sure you have all heard the old cliché, "Misery loves company". Well,
this is certainly a statement of truth. There are people who are presently in your lives who do not
mean you any good and they are dead weight. Because they are just existing and they live as
though they have no real purpose, they become stumbling blocks to you (1 Corinthians 15:33, 2
Corinthians 6: 14).
Regardless of rather or not you get out of bad relationships, forgiveness is always the right thing
to do when these people offend you. I always tell people that forgiveness is for you because it
brings healing, restoration and rejuvenation to you. Unforgiveness is like having weights around
your neck. It makes you feel weighed down and it hinders spiritual growth, and it also leads to
sickness and disease, and depression. When we allow our hearts to forgive, then we allow
ourselves to go to a new spiritual level and at that time, we can grow in every area of our lives.
Forgiveness and reconciliation is the ideal solution for salvaging a relationship, because this is
God's perfect will, but there are many instances when we should not stay involved in some
relationships. Before getting involved with someone, allow God to show you the intent of that
person's heart and if you heed God's leading, and you see that this person is not good for you,
run. That's right, run, don't walk. This is my motto, "You may not be able to help who comes into
your life, but you can certainly control who stays in your life."
Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father
who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions (St. Mark 11: 25, NASB).
The Spirit In You
Twenty-Third Part Of The Series
Throughout my adult life, I have experienced the pain of seeing friends come and go. As much as I
would not like to admit it, it saddened me. My greatest loss was when my marriage to my
husband of two years ended. It was not my husband that I missed; it was our friendship that was
torn apart that I cherished so much. I experienced a loss for our friendship and mourned for it.
I was too young to appreciate a mate as a lifetime companion, but I was not too young to
recognize a true friend. He was full of knowledge and well-read. I would sit for hours just
listening to him tell me stories of his many travels. By the time he was 20 years old, he had
already traveled half way around the world. I was in awe of the stories he would share with me.
As a young man, he was very ambitious and he was willing to support me in all of my endeavors.
He wanted me to be successful and he was always encouraging me to live my dreams. He would
have done what ever it took to help me achieve them.
When we divorced, he left and went back to his country, Nigeria, and I only saw him a few times
afterwards. But a part my life seems so empty, because I missed our friendship and his wealth of
knowledge and support. I often think about where would I be in life if he were still apart of it,
and just how much we could have accomplished together. Well, I may not ever know but I am
grateful for the time he was a prominent part of my life and the friendship he bestowed upon me,
for that I will be eternally grateful.
Reflect back on your life and think about the friend that got away from you and how they blessed
your life, because unfortunately my friend was attached to a marital status. So when I lost one I
also lost the other. I think about what if we never got married, but we met and just stayed friends
and somehow fate would have brought him back to me. Well, fate may bring him back and I hope
that we can be that which we did best, be friends.
When you reflect back on that friend you let get away because of a misunderstanding or a few
spoken words not meant or just because time and space may have separated you, maybe you can
take a moment out of your life's busy schedule to try and locate them, because they're probably
thinking about you and missing you too. Also, for the ones that are still in your life, cherish them
and do not ever take them for granted. Do not let the small things ruin a good friendship. If you
make a mistake with your friend, apologize. If you have a misunderstanding, take the time to talk
about it. Friends are not easy to come by and if you have a few, make every effort to keep them.
When we elect to have a personal relationship with Jesus, he calls us friends and he proved his
loyalty to us by giving his life. So through his unselfish act of love, he gave us life (St. John
15:13). We are not necessarily required to give our lives, but we are required to give our hearts
and our best (I Samuel 18:1, 3).
Twenty-Third Part Of The Series
Throughout my adult life, I have experienced the pain of seeing friends come and go. As much as I
would not like to admit it, it saddened me. My greatest loss was when my marriage to my
husband of two years ended. It was not my husband that I missed; it was our friendship that was
torn apart that I cherished so much. I experienced a loss for our friendship and mourned for it.
I was too young to appreciate a mate as a lifetime companion, but I was not too young to
recognize a true friend. He was full of knowledge and well-read. I would sit for hours just
listening to him tell me stories of his many travels. By the time he was 20 years old, he had
already traveled half way around the world. I was in awe of the stories he would share with me.
As a young man, he was very ambitious and he was willing to support me in all of my endeavors.
He wanted me to be successful and he was always encouraging me to live my dreams. He would
have done what ever it took to help me achieve them.
When we divorced, he left and went back to his country, Nigeria, and I only saw him a few times
afterwards. But a part my life seems so empty, because I missed our friendship and his wealth of
knowledge and support. I often think about where would I be in life if he were still apart of it,
and just how much we could have accomplished together. Well, I may not ever know but I am
grateful for the time he was a prominent part of my life and the friendship he bestowed upon me,
for that I will be eternally grateful.
Reflect back on your life and think about the friend that got away from you and how they blessed
your life, because unfortunately my friend was attached to a marital status. So when I lost one I
also lost the other. I think about what if we never got married, but we met and just stayed friends
and somehow fate would have brought him back to me. Well, fate may bring him back and I hope
that we can be that which we did best, be friends.
When you reflect back on that friend you let get away because of a misunderstanding or a few
spoken words not meant or just because time and space may have separated you, maybe you can
take a moment out of your life's busy schedule to try and locate them, because they're probably
thinking about you and missing you too. Also, for the ones that are still in your life, cherish them
and do not ever take them for granted. Do not let the small things ruin a good friendship. If you
make a mistake with your friend, apologize. If you have a misunderstanding, take the time to talk
about it. Friends are not easy to come by and if you have a few, make every effort to keep them.
When we elect to have a personal relationship with Jesus, he calls us friends and he proved his
loyalty to us by giving his life. So through his unselfish act of love, he gave us life (St. John
15:13). We are not necessarily required to give our lives, but we are required to give our hearts
and our best (I Samuel 18:1, 3).
The Spirit In You
Thirteenth Part Of Series
Allow me to tell you a story that was taught to me many years ago. In fact I was so fascinated by it, I would
learned while you were in school. This fable is called "Stone Soup." This story depicts the importance of
giving and the right attitude it takes to display it. Here's the story.
Once upon a time in a little village far, far away, a stranger arrived with only the clothes on his back. He had
traveled a great distance, and he was very tired and hungry. He had not had a good hot meal in days. When he
arrived in the little village, he noticed that the people were not very friendly at all, because they would not
speak when he addressed them.
His stomach began to growl and he felt weak because of his lack of nourishment. So he decided to ask the
villagers for food. One by one, he went to each door asking for food and no one would give him anything to
eat. Finally, he sat and he pondered for a while and he thought to himself, "I must get nourishment soon or I
will die." Suddenly, he saw an old kettle pot and there was a large smooth stone on the ground near his feet.
He had an idea. He placed the stone in the kettle with water and lit a fire under it. He stirred it with a big stick
he found. As he stirred it, he began to sing a song. As the villagers heard him singing, they came out of their
homes to see what he was doing. Someone asked him what he was doing and he told them that he was making
stone soup. Soon, all of the villagers were standing around the kettle and they watched him cheerfully stir. He
said aloud, "This soup would be great if I had some potatoes to go in it."
Therefore, a woman replied, "I have potatoes and I will go and get them." He put the potatoes in the pot and
continued stirring and singing. Then he said, "Oh, this soup would taste even better if I could just add some
carrots." Then an elderly man said, "I have a bundle of carrots I can spare." The carrots were added to the
soup, and the stranger continued to stir and sing. Soon after, the villagers were bringing tomatoes, celery, herbs
and spices, and meat. The man was so elated. The soup had everything it needed to make it a hearty meal.
All of the villagers brought plates, and other eating utensils. They welcomed the stranger and they all partook
of the soup. The stranger was invited to stay and became a very prominent leader in the village. He and all of
his new friends lived peacefully and happily ever after.
The moral of this story is simple and clear. When everyone decided to give, they not only met the needs of
the stranger, but they were also feed, and not just naturally, but emotionally and spiritually too. Although
they may have been tricked, the outcome was good. The villagers gave and that was probably the best meal
they all had in a long time.
God does not want us to be deceived into giving, but He does want us to realize how rewarding giving can be.
Everyone in that village was taught a very valuable lesson and I believe they learned it well. When you have an
opportunity to give, are you going to close up your bowels of compassion because you want to keep all of
your resources to yourself? You will all have an opportunity to give one way or another. For some of you it
may be monetary and for others it may just be your time, but what ever it is, give it with a pure and sincere
heart and allow God to bless you. When you give, He will greatly reward you and give you more to be an even
greater giver to others (2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 11).
Thirteenth Part Of Series
Allow me to tell you a story that was taught to me many years ago. In fact I was so fascinated by it, I would
learned while you were in school. This fable is called "Stone Soup." This story depicts the importance of
giving and the right attitude it takes to display it. Here's the story.
Once upon a time in a little village far, far away, a stranger arrived with only the clothes on his back. He had
traveled a great distance, and he was very tired and hungry. He had not had a good hot meal in days. When he
arrived in the little village, he noticed that the people were not very friendly at all, because they would not
speak when he addressed them.
His stomach began to growl and he felt weak because of his lack of nourishment. So he decided to ask the
villagers for food. One by one, he went to each door asking for food and no one would give him anything to
eat. Finally, he sat and he pondered for a while and he thought to himself, "I must get nourishment soon or I
will die." Suddenly, he saw an old kettle pot and there was a large smooth stone on the ground near his feet.
He had an idea. He placed the stone in the kettle with water and lit a fire under it. He stirred it with a big stick
he found. As he stirred it, he began to sing a song. As the villagers heard him singing, they came out of their
homes to see what he was doing. Someone asked him what he was doing and he told them that he was making
stone soup. Soon, all of the villagers were standing around the kettle and they watched him cheerfully stir. He
said aloud, "This soup would be great if I had some potatoes to go in it."
Therefore, a woman replied, "I have potatoes and I will go and get them." He put the potatoes in the pot and
continued stirring and singing. Then he said, "Oh, this soup would taste even better if I could just add some
carrots." Then an elderly man said, "I have a bundle of carrots I can spare." The carrots were added to the
soup, and the stranger continued to stir and sing. Soon after, the villagers were bringing tomatoes, celery, herbs
and spices, and meat. The man was so elated. The soup had everything it needed to make it a hearty meal.
All of the villagers brought plates, and other eating utensils. They welcomed the stranger and they all partook
of the soup. The stranger was invited to stay and became a very prominent leader in the village. He and all of
his new friends lived peacefully and happily ever after.
The moral of this story is simple and clear. When everyone decided to give, they not only met the needs of
the stranger, but they were also feed, and not just naturally, but emotionally and spiritually too. Although
they may have been tricked, the outcome was good. The villagers gave and that was probably the best meal
they all had in a long time.
God does not want us to be deceived into giving, but He does want us to realize how rewarding giving can be.
Everyone in that village was taught a very valuable lesson and I believe they learned it well. When you have an
opportunity to give, are you going to close up your bowels of compassion because you want to keep all of
your resources to yourself? You will all have an opportunity to give one way or another. For some of you it
may be monetary and for others it may just be your time, but what ever it is, give it with a pure and sincere
heart and allow God to bless you. When you give, He will greatly reward you and give you more to be an even
greater giver to others (2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 11).