August 30, 2007

Who I Am

What makes me weak? My fears.
What makes me whole? My God.

What keeps me standing? My faith.
What makes me compassionate? My selflessness.

What makes me honest? My integrity.
What sustains my mind? My quest for knowledge.

What teaches me all lessons? My mistakes.
What lifts my head high? My pride, not arrogance.

What if I can't go on? Not an option.
What makes me victorious? My courage to climb.

What makes me competent? My confidence.
What makes me sensual? My insatiable essence.

What makes me beautiful? My everything.
What makes me a woman? My heart.

Who says I need love? I do.
What empowers me? My God & Me.

Who am I? I AM AN AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN!

--Author Unknown

August 29, 2007

Opened and Closed Doors

*The following text was sent to me by two of my buddies in Christ*


OPENED AND CLOSED DOORS

We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors just as much as we do for open doors.

The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us.

If he didn't close the wrong door, we would never find our way to the right door.

Even when we don't realize it, God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. When one door closes, it forces us to change our course. Another door closes; it forces us to change our course yet again. Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessing. But instead of praising God for the closed door (which kept us out of trouble), we get upset because we 'judge by the appearances.' And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right.

We have a very present help in the time of need who is always standing guard.
Because He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble down the road
and HE sets up road blocks and detours accordingly.
But through our lack of wisdom we try to down the roadblocks
or push aside the detour signs.

Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying "Lord how could this happen to me?"
We have got to realize that the closed door was a blessing.
Didn't He say that "No good thing will He withhold from them that love Him?"

If you get terminated from your job - don't be down, instead thank God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves - it might be a better job, or an opportunity to go to school.

If that man or woman won't return your call - it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go). One time a person had a bank he had been doing business with for many years tell him "NO" for a $10,000 loan. The Lord led him to call another bank. That bank approved a $40,000 loan for him at a lower interest rate than his own bank had advertised.

I'm so grateful, for the many times God has closed doors to me, just to open them in the most unexpected places.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." (Psalms 37:23)

The mountain top is glorious, but it is in the Valley that I will grow!
Always Remember God gives you...
Enough Happiness to keep you Sweet
Enough Trials to keep you Strong
Enough Sorrows to keep you Human
Enough Hope to keep you Happy
Enough Failure to keep you Humble
Enough Success to keep you Eager
Enough Friends to give you Comfort
Enough Wealth to meet your Needs
Enough Enthusiasm to make you look forward
Enough Faith to banish depression, and
Enough Determination to make each day a better day than the last.

Life must be lived forward but can only be understood backwards.
Commit to the Lord in whatever you do and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3)

If you love God share this. He will continue to open and close doors for you.

-Author Unknown-

August 22, 2007

My Testimony


Christians by Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

August 21, 2007

Today I Smiled...

Today I Smiled

Today I smiled, and all at once things didn't look so bad.

Today I shared with someone else, a bit of hope I had.

Today I sang a little song, and felt my heart grow light,
And walked a happy little mile, with not a cloud in sight.

Today I worked with what I had and longed for nothing more,
And what had seemed like only weeds, were flowers at my door.

Today I loved a little more and complained a little less,
And in the giving of myself, I forgot my weariness.

*Author Unknown - This poem was emailed to me by one of my cousins*



August 17, 2007

A Prayer for the Miners in Utah


Father God,
I come before you today asking for mercy and grace for the miners trapped at the Crandall Canyon Mine in Utah. Lord, your Word tells us that all things are possible through Christ. I ask for safe passage of the trapped miners and protection for the rescuers. Lord, I ask that you send your angels to bring comfort and peace to them, their family members, and friends. Lord, I ask that your Holy Spirit flow in this situation speedily. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

August 14, 2007

Good Advice

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.

You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.

You'll fight with your best friend.
You'll blame a new love for things an old one did.
You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and
you'll eventually lose someone you love.

So take too many pictures,
laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.


*Author Unknown* - The photo and text above was sent to me by one of my email buddies.

August 9, 2007

Motivation for Today

Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

August 4, 2007

Motivation for Today

Proverbs 4 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Proverbs 4

Wisdom Is Supreme
Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,
he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands and you will live.

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, [a] get understanding.
Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.
Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level [b] paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.