Don't Live In a Glass House and Throw Stones

There is way too much control in the body of Christ when folks want to tell people what to watch on TV.

While I am all about order and holiness- I am believe that the power of the Holy Spirit is greater than man-made rules.

I've watched people who watch Scandal criticize people who watch LA Preachers. Are you kidding me? Hello pot. This is kettle. Over.

Do I watch these shows? No. Have I watched something that may be questionable to others? Yep. Will  people going to hell for watching them? Nope. We are to workout our own salvation with fear and trembling. I refuse to personally watch LA Preachers because the producers are looking to produce drama- not show the redemptive work of Christ. Tried to watch Scandal, but I'm just not cool with condoning a marital affair. But that's my thoughts. I can't push that on others......and NEITHER should any other leader.

Now...we should guide and help follk, but Christ's leadership on earth is not the holy police- at least I'm NOT going to do it. I am a firm believer that if you teach folks to hear the Holy Spirit and move out of the way.....they will move forward in greatness.

It is something to be said about what you watch, but we have to remember that these are still adults. The main reason why the body is still on milk is because some of the leaders need to shift them!! Present consequences and let them take responsibility for their own actions. They will have to be the ones answering for them anyway.

No Limits!

The transformational power of Jesus is unlimited! He can and has brought people out of the darkest places, every sin imaginable, and recovered those that many had deemed lost.

How do I know? Because I am one of them....

With God, all things are possible and nothing is impossible. So glad to serve a God who doesn't give up on us even when people (including ourselves) given up.

I never want to hear of someone being too far gone...as long as there is breath, there is hope. God is a God of handling tough cases...

My advice to those who look upon people and say..."I don't believe they have been changed, or can be changed, etc" is for you to take a look in the mirror. If He can change you....surely He can do it again. Besides your job is to show them the light and pray to God that they get it right!

#nolimits

My Family Shoutout..

I am so proud of Shaquir, Mike, and Faith! They all started the school year out strong and brought in excellent grades. An excellent gift to their father...no fussing on his special day! ;)

This is where I am so blessed to have my husband. He stays on them. He visits the schools and stays involved. He humbled himself and became a servant and provider to his family in a non-traditional way, but it was the way God required for our family.

I know that God is going to bless Him beyond measure for his obedience and standing when he himself didn't understand and did the right thing in spite of harsh criticisms spoken or unspoken....I am extremely proud of him. I decree uncommon favor and redeemed time over his life in Jesus name! Priceless blessing!

A Source of Rejuvination: Family Hangout!

This weekend, our family went to the local Golf and Stuff. We played 18 holes of mini golf and 30 minutes of laser tag as well as some arcade games. It was fun. I had some hole in one putts and I think I lost weight running around after my husband and kids in the 6,000 sq ft. laser tag arena. Perhaps I should have stretched before I started. Lol.

After four hours of hanging out- I realized that I hadn't thought about the affects of the government shutdown, personnel issues, chaos or any of the issues (or people) that try to take control of my life. We normally set aside a night for family game time at least once a week, but we've been missing it a lot lately due to a myriad of issues...It was beginning to turn into a distant memory. My kids dropped not so subtle hints that they missed their nights. And we all promised to do better.

This weekend served as a reminder that we need times of rest, relaxation and quality time as a unit...a time to get away from it all. It doesn't have be expensive or cost anything. We've had many family nights at home playing Monopoly or Uno or the Wii.

Let this serve as a reminder that we can all use a little time out of the "Matrix" of our normal lives. Set aside a time to hang with your family and protect it as sacred. Rotate who chooses the activities. It's okay to hang out and have fun..especially as a family. We only get one shot at their childhood and as this phase starting to come to a close in our childrens life...I wanted to be sure that we created some memories that they could carry with them forever.

Starting out may be awkward, but press through it. Everyone will be better off for it. ♡♥♡♥♡♥

God factors it all in....

There are so many people feeling like they have lost their way.Often we hear people say that we miss God here or we missed God there. And it may be true...

However, our Father is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. Did we not think that He is smart enough to factor our mishaps and mistakes into the plans for our lives? 

~His ways our not like our ways.

~He always keeps His promises.

~He is our Source; NOT our circumstances.

~He is too big to be missed!

~He works it all out for our good!!!

Do not let the past mistakes tell you that your life is over or that His plan for you will fail...Do not let condemnation or guilt rule you.....God is faithful and will keep His word. Dust yourself off, get up, and keep moving my brothers and sisters in Christ! The beginning may have not been great, but everyday is a new day to rise up and finish strong! Be blessed on purpose, overcomers of God! 

Shutdown Thoughts and Prayer

For those who will be affected by the goverment shutdown, know that I am praying for you.

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber...." Psalms 121:1

For the ones who have just recovered from furlough and are now entering another version of it....just as He has already proven- you shall live and not die! Know that God has you in His hands.

For the ones who are mandated to work and are receiving the "we'll pay you when a decision is made" letter, trust that God is the ultimate source.

For those that are in a holding pattern and may be working until funding is exhausted, trust that God is in control!

I am sure that there are other scenarios that I have missed, but in all of them, God's words states: "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." -Psalms 37:25

Stressing and worrying will only make you sick. Do what you need to do to make it through. If that includes calling creditors and making them apprised of the situation, so be it. If that means cutting back. So be it.

Look out for each other. Check on each other. I have heard about one suicide already. Be mindful of family members that may be going through this and do what you can to help. Don't wait for them to ask. I am so grateful to those of you who have called to check on me and my family today already.

Remember that God's words states that: ""When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." Isaiah 43:2 (KJV)

It may get a little hot, but you'll come out as pure gold! Remember I am praying and if I can help, let me know. Love you all to life for life!

 

A prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we lift up the people in this situation up to you. We know that You sit high but You look low. Your word states that You will perfect those things that concern us. We lay this situation at Your feet. Although man thinks he is in control, we know that You are in control. There is NOTHING that has escaped Your eye. We trust that all things will work out for the good of those who love You and who are called according to Your purpose. Though the government has failed, You never fail us. We thank You Lord, in advance for strategies, tools to reduce and restructure, as well as opening the door for different streams of income and provision. By the power of Jesus, we take authority over the spirit of suicide and release Your word! We declare that Your voice is the voice that we will follow and that of a stranger we will not. We pray that the eyes and ears of believers are closed to the enemy in the name of Jesus. We do not look onto our situation as the final say! You are the author and finisher of our faith! We will stand strong in You, In Jesus name, amen.