May 31, 2007

Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31

The Words of King Lemuel’s Mother
The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:

What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink; Lest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of heart. Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his misery no more. Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

The Virtuous Wife

Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil. All the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.
She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
“ Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

*Excerpted from www.biblegateway.com*

May 24, 2007


I will not die an unlived life.

I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire.

I choose to inhabit my days
to allow my living to open me
to make me less afraid,
more accessible...to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise.

I choose to risk my significance
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom
and that which came to me as blossom
goes on as fruit.

---Written by Dawna Markova (excerpted from O Magazine)

May 20, 2007

Today' Prayer: May 20, 2007

*The following prayer and text is excertped from http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/pages.asp?pageid=7898 and an email circulated by the Ephesians Four Ministries*

Oh God, You're an awesome God.
You reign over us with mercy, grace, and love.
Your mercy endures forever and Your love is deeper than any other we could know.
I praise You this day for Your provisions for me and for every member of my family.
Thank You for watching over your children.
Thank You for chastising us when necessary and for rescuing us so many times.
You work behind the scenes and through so many people and circumstances to bring things full circle and bless us in spite of our choices and the paths we take.
Please forgive us of our sins. You work all to good for those who love You.
Please continue to guide us, direct us, protect us, and work through us to accomplish your purpose for us in this day and age.
May You receive all the glory for great things You do.
In Jesus' name, amen.

Becoming a Mighty Man (TGIF) Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. - 1 Samuel 22:2
Have you ever felt that you could accomplish a whole lot more if you had more talented people around you? Perhaps you are in an office and think that some of your fellow workers don't quite measure up. Imagine what David must have thought in the years following his anointing by the prophet Samuel as the next king of Israel. He spent the next many years running from King Saul. Now God was beginning to bring men to support David. But what kind of men? The down-and-out. God gave David not the elite or the sophisticated; He gave him those who were in debt and discontented with life. David turned those men into the best fighting men of their day. In fact, David never lost a battle during his entire reign as king of Israel-quite a feat for a bunch of no-name, lowlifes! Some of those men became an elite group known as David's Mighty Men. These were the elite of the elite, the Navy Seals, the Few Good Men, the Green Berets. Whatever you call them, they were exceptional warriors.Jesus took a few men who weren't exactly the cream of the crop either. He built His life into these men, which resulted in 12 men who turned the world upside down. Are you one of God's mighty men or women? Are you investing your life to build other mighty men or women? David and Jesus set the example of what can be done when we invest in others. God does extraordinary things through men who have an extraordinary God. Ask God to use your life to be a mighty man or woman for a cause greater than yourself. He delights in such prayers.

May 16, 2007

Yolanda King: November 17, 1955 - March 15, 2007

*The following text was excerpted from http://www.yolanda-king.com/Yolanda-King.htm *


Yolanda King, founder and CEO of Higher Ground Productions was the first-born daughter of Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was Yolanda King's mission to encourage personal growth and positive social change through her work as an actor, speaker and producer and led to her founding Higher Ground Productions.

Yolanda King's innovative lecture-performances have been experienced throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Africa and Asia. She was co-creator of a book entitled Open My Eyes, Open My Soul, demonstrating her commitment to raise awareness and enhance understanding about the importance of diversity. Her commitment to personal empowerment is evidenced in the Higher Ground Productions publishing of Embracing Your Power in 30 Days, a step by step, daily tool for personal growth based on her very personal experiences, co-authored by Ms. King and Wanda Marie.

After receiving a B.A. degree with honors from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, King moved to New York to earn her Masters degree in Theatre at New York University. During this time, she directed and performed in productions in New York and the Tri-State area. She honed her teaching skills while working with young people at the King Center for Non-Violent Social Change. Ms. King premiered her theatrical production "Achieving the Dream" where she portrays several characters in the movement for civil rights during the Olympics in Atlanta. As a seasoned and respected actor, many of King's stage, television and film credits reflect her commitment to social change and include portrayals of Rosa Parks in the NBC-TV movie "King," Dr. Betty Shabazz in the film "Death of a Prophet" with Morgan Freeman, and Medgar Ever's daughter, Reena, in "Ghosts of Mississippi" directed by Rob Reiner.

King's speaking accomplishments included presentations at Fortune 500 corporations; religious and civic events; educational and professional conferences, and universities. Sharing her message on the importance of embracing diversity and our common humanity, she has sounded the call from the halls of the United Nations to venues in Moscow and Munich. King has been acclaimed for her ability to inspire people from all walks of life to reach higher ground; to motivate people to move forward, and to empower people to make a difference.

King has been honored with numerous presentations, awards and citations by organizations around the country and was named one of the Outstanding Young Women of America. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. (the official national memorial to Dr. King) and was founding Director of the King Center's Cultural Affairs Program. She serves on the Partnership Council of Habitat for Humanity, is a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a sponsor of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and holds a lifetime membership in the N.A.A.C.P. She is the recipient of two Honorary Doctorial degrees.

Yolanda King passed away on March 15, 2007. For more information on how you can support her legacy, visit http://www.yolanda-king.com/index2.htm, call Wanda Marie at 310.714.2421, or email Wanda@HigherGroundProductions.com. Feel free to send donations to,

Higher Ground Productions

10736 Jefferson Blvd. Suite 233

Culver City, CA 90230

I was blessed years ago with the opportunity to meet Ms. King when she spoke at my college. She had a tremendous gift that she shared with the world! Please pray for her family as they struggle to deal with this sudden loss.

MEMORIAL SERVICES:

ATLANTA SERVICES: Thursday, May 24th at Noon - Ebenezer Baptist Church located 407 Auburn Avenue NE in Atlanta, GA 30312 Phone: 404-688-7300

Hotel Accommodations can be made under Yolanda King Memorial $69/night:Hyatt Regency Atlanta located 65 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: 404-577-1234

LOS ANGELES SERVICES: Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 7:00pm - Faithful Central Bible Church/The Tabernacle located 321 N. Eucalypts Avenue Phone: 310-330-8000

Hotel Accommodations can be make underYolanda King Memorial:
Radisson Hotel Los Angeles Airport6225 West Century BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90045 Phone: 310-670-7852

Sheraton Gateway Hotel Los Angeles Airport $99/night Wed-Sun 6101 West Century Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90045Phone: 310-642-1111

May 14, 2007

Don't Pump Gas on May 15th

NO GAS...On May 15th 2007

Don't pump gas on May 15th ...in April 1997, there was a "gas out" conducted nationwide in protest of gas prices. Gasoline prices dropped 30 cents a gallon overnight.

On May 15th 2007, all internet users are to not go to a gas station in protest of high gas prices. Gas is now over $3.00 a gallon in most places.

There are 73,000,000+ American members currently on the internet network, and the average car takes about 30 to 50 dollars to fill up.

If all users did not go to the pump on the 15th, it would take
$2,292,000,000.00 (that's almost 3 BILLION) out of the oil company̢۪s pockets for just one day, so please do not go to the gas station on May 15th and lets try to put a dent in the Middle Eastern oil industry for at least one day.

If you agree (which I can̢۪t see why you would not) resend this to your entire contact list. With it saying, ''Don't pump gas on May 15th"

May 13, 2007

A Mother's Day Prayer for Those of Us Who Have Lost Our Moms

*The following prayer is excerpted from http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Mothers/*

Dear Lord, relying on your promises to us,
I turn to you in trust that my mother is with you and that she is enjoying your loving embrace. You alone know how she loved the best she could and how she faithfully endured the struggles that she faced. You know the graces you gave her and you know the grace she was for me and for so many. For all the ways she truly loved the way you loved her, please reward her, Lord. May she enjoy the communion of all her family and friends who are with you.

Lord, I know my mother still loves us who are still here on earth. I ask you that you might listen to her fervent prayers for us. Help me to grow into a new and deeper relationship with my mother now, as I long for the day when we will both meet in your embrace - freed from all that might have hindered our relationship on earth, knowing and understanding everything we did not know or understand on this earth.
I ask you this with faith in the resurrection, trusting my mother's love, and desiring that she know my love for her. Amen.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

May 12, 2007

The Message: Proverbs 12

To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.

A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones. The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous. The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm. A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised. Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food. The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.

A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit. The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!
No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness. Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find. The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.

May 11, 2007

Tangy's Song


*The following text is excerpted from www.tangyssong.com*

Produced by award-winning filmmakers, Michelle Taylor and Paul Grant, Tangy's Song! is a 20-minute documentary that chronicles the true story of Tangy Major who in the late 80's unknowingly contracted HIV from her boyfriend, became pregnant, and transmitted the virus to her baby. Seven months after giving birth she buried her son, and seven years later buried the man who became her husband. Tangy is HIV positive, widowed, and childless all before the age of 29. HIV had taken almost everything she had - but it couldn't take her faith in God and her ability to glorify Him through song.

Today, Tangy is a guidance counselor, gospel-recording artist and is married to an HIV negative man who adores her. She has given birth to a beautiful baby girl, Kayla and she ministers and sings of the promises that life holds.


To book Tangy Major for speaking engagements, email tangy@tangyssong.com or visit www.tangyssong.com.

May 3, 2007

Proverbs 3 (New International Version)

Trusting in the Lord, My child,
never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.
My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.

For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.
She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.

By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens.
By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble.
You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.
You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.
If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.
Don’t pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.
Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.
Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly.
The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright.
The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.
The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!

May 1, 2007

Psalm 1 - The Message

Hallelujah! Blessed man, blessed woman, who fear God,
Who cherish and relish his commandments,
Their children robust on the earth,
And the homes of the upright—how blessed!
Their houses brim with wealth
And a generosity that never runs dry.
Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people—
God's grace and mercy and justice!
The good person is generous and lends lavishly;
No shuffling or stumbling around for this one,
But a sterling and solid and lasting reputation.
Unfazed by rumor and gossip,
Heart ready, trusting in God,
Spirit firm, unperturbed,
Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies,
They lavish gifts on the poor—
A generosity that goes on, and on, and on.
An honored life! A beautiful life!
Someone wicked takes one look and rages,
Blusters away but ends up speechless.
There's nothing to the dreams of the wicked. Nothing.

*Psalm 1 (The Message)*


Trading My Sorrows



*This video was shared by tinberces at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSlqM_0BrHc *