How do you feel, when you're disrespected?

Matthew 7:12...Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, Jesus said, "do ye even so to them…" for this is the law and the prophets


Human beings are vastly diverse, however if there is one thing we all share it is a desire to be taken seriously, whether we reveal it or not it's true.) But what’s interesting is that we don’t always feel obligated to respect others.(You know--everyone, and not just the people you look up to, or the ones that can give you something). Why is that?

Is it because we think we deserve it more, or that we are better? We do deserve it, but we definitely are no better than the next man.

God created us all, no one can operate in his own power or strength. The power to think, talk, eat, sleep, and rise up again does not belong to us, but God. We can have little control. It is because of God that we can do anything. So all of us are really the same; we are all mortal, subject to error and defeat. And because of this we deserve some common courtesy. You may say, "no, I don't agree with that, some people should earn respect", and if they don't respect themselves they shouldn't expect that I will." Well that's just ignorance. When we show those who seem unworthy love, and respect it will show them the humbleness of God in us. (We'd have less defensive people, and explosive tempers to deal with, if more people would do this).


Jesus walked in compassion. He was constantly showing love and respect to those society had written off. Remember the story of the woman who was caught in the very act of adultery? She was dragged from the scene of the crime by self righteous men, and thrown down in front of Jesus to be harshly judged. (St. John 8:3-7)
Of course they did this to trap Jesus--but he taught them a lesson. "You, who are without sin", He says; "go ahead and cast the first stone?" I’m sure the woman braced her self for the many rocks that would soon come flying her way, but there were none? One by one they were forced to drop their stones and walk away!

Jesus was, and is a Hero. He convicted her accusers by placing them in front of a mirror. They too had broken laws. (And no doubt some were still guilty.) Jesus showed compassion for this woman, and respectfully told her to go, and sin no more.
He does the same for you and I today.

Jesus hold people accountable for their sins, but he is fair, and He is loving. It is far too easy to execute a harsh comment or judgment against someone without a second thought. (Yes I have been guilty of this myself.) But, if we practiced this teaching and considered how we would feel if someone were slandering our name, refusing to show us mercy, or went off on us in a fit of rage, not considering the long term affects. It would hurt us, and we would not appreciate the disrespect. So why is it that we can’t think this way when we’re doing it to others?

What if we knew for a fact that everything we did to other people; or said, good or bad would come directly back to us? Would we be more careful? I believe so. And the truth is, what we do to others does come back. We may not always notice it right away, but what we do to others, will return to our door in some fashion.

We shouldn’t think so highly of ourselves; that we’d give ourselves the right to misuse, or disrespect another human being. (By being ugly and condescending) “Who are we, but flesh;” subject to the same elements. God wants us to show love and compassion. And we need to bind Satan, and rebuke the urge to tear other people down or judge harshly to make ourselves feel better. We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, we’ve all messed up and we knew it was not a good feeling.

Does this mean, we excuse and tolerate sinful behavior? NO! God forbids us, the word tells us to rebuke and reprove (2 Tim 4:2) cry loud, and spare not (Ish 58:1) but first make sure you’re not guilty, and then consider yourself.

Let’s start practicing this more and more in our daily lives, respecting another man’s name, his words, and his space. Even when we must tell hurtful truths, we can still do it in love and with respect.

Ish. 55:10-11

I am loving this passage of scripture today. Verse 10 especially, it says; that God’s words are as the rain and snow, when it goes forth it has a purpose, and it will not return unto him; UNTIL it accomplish what it was sent after. It says it will bring forth and bud, that it will give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater!
When rain falls from the sky; it doesn’t rain just because. Rain has a command from God, and it is focused on its mission; Rain does not stop moving until it has satisfied what it was sent to do. (That it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater.) We must see this powerful comparison of rain and snow to God’s words as more than a cute passage. This verse is alive and kicking! God's word is sent to satisfy, to make full! Once God speaks a promise, once he speaks over our lives, the words can’t die. That Rain(the word)will not return unto God void, He must be satisfied, and until He says "it is good" he won't receive them back.

If you haven’t received what you were promised by God, don’t freak out, because He's not content either. (We should also remember; His ways are not our ways. Look for the fulfillment of your promise in unconventional ways.) It will not always spring up how we’d expect, but it will spring up, in the season that is best.

YOU MAKE ME LAUGH! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!




Flickr: Organize your photos

THE GOLDEN COMPASS...harmless entertainment?

It was brought to my attention that there are some christians that don't see this movie as harmful. Now I'm not one to get into these kinds of debates, like the whole Divinci code saga a while back, I think its a deversion and waste of time. But when one self proclaimed Christian stated that some christians are too serious about things like this, and its harmless enterainment I had to say something! I believe everyone needs a reminder, of what we're up against.

............
I've heard so much about this movie, and I decided early on that I would not go see it. We must Get that Satan is a trickster, He is a liar, and a theif. His job is to steal, kill, and destroy..St. John 10:10..He "decieves"... Theives, don't steal in light but they disguise themselves. And why not use entertainment, it seems harmless, and It has the largest audience?

Don't be tricked...

This is "serious" business, we are talking about our souls here, Christians(and all people) should be very "serious" about that...We only get one soul.(and I want mine to live forever with Christ!)
Satan wants us to see him as a "small threat" or not to believe he exists at all! If Satan came after you dressed in a red suit, horns pertruding out of his head, with a giant pitch fork, trying to convince you to turn your back on God, of course you'd run...Without a second thought.

Young people, (and Old), be very careful at what you entertain. Time is running out, and the enemy has stepped up his soul stealing tactics, he's going to use whatever he can to turn people against Our Creator, Our God, "Our ONLY SAVIOUR" without Christ, we're doomed. Right now we have a choice, Satan has nothing to lose.. But We Do....(please run in the opposite direction of this movie and other forms of entertainment like it!)

WE NEED EACH OTHER..

Tonight was fun! My husband decided he was going to go out with some of the brothers from church for dinner, and just hangout. So a few of us girls decided we'd do some hanging out of our own. We went to Studio Movie Grill, and watched an amazing movie ("August Rush"),and afterwards we sat down at a Chili's resturant to share desserts, and enjoy each others company. The thearpy we receive through fellowship is amazing. August Rush was so unbelieveably good, that we all wanted to cry, and some of us did! We couldn't stop talking about it as we were being seated at the resturaunt. Soon, we began to consumed our very fattening Chocolate Molten Cake and ice cream; we laughed our selves silly over simple things. The laugh-a-thon brought several glances our way; some where accompanied with a smile. Laughter brings joy. They couldn't help but shoot us a smile back!

God designed us for fellowship, yes there are times when we want to be alone, and sometimes we should be. But it is not good for a human being to be alone "All" the time. We have to nurture, love on, and revive one another. Satan has at one time or another, tried to make us believe that we don't need friends, or fellowship. But that is a trick from the pit. When we fellowship with good people, especially Godly people, it nurtures a part of our spirit that may have been sluggish due to the wear and tare of every day life. Constant neglect of fellowship can promote self-pity, and even depression. Fellowship heals.

As we all got into our cars and went our separate ways, I smiled within because I felt good about our outing. There was no competitive conversations, no big I's and little u's. No one person making it all about them; just good clean fun for everyone, and apparently this was the perscription that all of us needed to close out the week. As I continued to rehearse the night in my mind, I received a call from one of the women in our group...."Hey, I just wanted to say, I had fun. This has been a very hard week for me, and I needed this."

Well back to the drawing board! A few months ago I posted a comment regarding a scholarship Program that Darius and I were accepted into. We recently withdrew voluntarily from the program. After being apart of the forum we realized we'd have to give up the precious rights to our story. "our 11 year journey" All print rights would be theirs, and without certain guarantees of getting what we wanted, our children. And even if they were guaranteed, we just didn't think giving up the rights to "our story" which God said we'd share all over the world(media and print)was worth it. So after praying, despairing and of course counsling, I decided to pull us out. My husband was 100% in agreement. God is definitely running this entire show, because I see no way, but By Faith. We have to trust God completely. (The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen).

ITS MY 33RD BIRTHDAY!

I always look forward to my birthdays. I know most people don't like getting older, I can relate to that. It's not fun knowing that you have to work harder to keep your weight off, and keep fine lines at bay. But I enjoy getting older, it's just a reminder of how gracious God has been to me. Also my husband has been so wonderful, each and every birthday he has managed to make it feel like christmas for me! He is so sweet and thoughtful I got a new laptop to replace the one that worked perfectly fine(he just said, this one is much better, so I was like OK!) And he gave me a bottle of my new favorite perfume. I have wanted this perfume for atleast 2 years and its so expensive I just wasn't sure if D. would get it! But my husband loves me and he always goes overboard on my birthdays I don't know why I second guessed him on this one. I've got to go all out for his in February, because he definitely deserve it.

Also my absent biological father, sent me $200.00 bucks via western union for my birthday early this morning YES!! I was so happy to get this money. Then, my sister n law, brother n law, and mother n law are adding to my birthday blessings on tomorrow! God is so good because we are going to Miami on vacation, and I didn't have much spending money for a 5 day trip. But now we will have! I love birthdays, no matter what the number...it truly is the best time of the year for me! Go 33!!

WOW, I learned an interesting lesson today. It was how to hold your peace when you are the special guest of a character bashing party! Note to self: Very hard, didn't like it, began to second guess my own character. You know people can have you feeling pretty evil for speaking the truth, and sometimes speaking what they are feeling but lack the boldness to say. So I'm apart of this message board for all the women who were chosen for a scholarship for IVF. As you saw in one of my previous postings I am pretty excited about that. Well after we were chosen we found out a few days later that before ivf cycles or clinic matching could begin we had to help raise a few thousand dollars in partnership with the non profit that is giving us the scholarship. Immediately I thought, "okay we have to help them raise money before they will give us what they said we'd been chosen for already." It felt like we had won the lottery with a disclamer attached it. I was some what skeptical at first about that just a little. I was looking forward to getting started right away. But my husband and I definitely could understand why it was important to be apart of this fundraiser since it was an issue that is dear to our hearts. They also said they would help all scholarship recipients raise their money. So I thought that's not bad at all! Ivf is very expensive this is a small price to pay and it is for a very important cause. LIFE! So I immedaitely began to think of how I could get the ball rolling for donations. I soon began to notice several post from young women who had been trying to raise their money for 4 months? And they were voicing their frustrations with it on the board. They were saying they had stalled in their efforts, no one was donated as much or as quickly as they had hoped to the fundraiser and all and all they sound very disappointed and somewhat defeated. I thought, what a let down? These women have waited many years, (as I have) to become parents. Some had given up hope of ever becoming a parent, and they get the news from the program that they have been chosen for the scholarship and they are overjoyed! But now, 4 months down the road they are still waiting(that's 4 periods, 4 more months of crying,4 more months of pain if you have endo, 4 more months of avoiding family functions and outings, kiddie birthday parties etc). because they haven't been able to raise all of their money???? BOOOOO, where's the help? I didn't like that. So I posted to the board that I'd be praying for all of those who were having problems. I also wanted to know some of the women's feelings about this waiting period. I also said this almost feel like a tease. In my opinion it really dos. Not saying that they were actually teasing us with the opportunity to become parents, but it "felt like a tease". Well the founders were not happy with my comment at all, they said they were hurt by it, and felt like I was wrong to say what I did, they also proceeded to list a long resume of thyeir efforts and cost to make this thing happen, and proceeded to say if this isn't for me maybe I shouldn't be apart of it? WOW, so much for being open about infertility struggles within a group that understands?? I understand they must jump through massive hoops and make sacrifices to make this dream a reality for so many families who otherwise would not have a chance. But excuse me? Is this not an open forum for women with similar struggles to talk about their feelings along this journey? One where we can be open and honest? What I said was not derogatory or belittling in any way,nor was it rude. I simply posted an honest feeling. The founders posting was soon followed by a ton of other emails from women who were backing her up, one woman asked, "Why would you say that" Some thought I was not appreciative of what I was getting and the list goes on and on. I so wanted to shoot an email back! Here I was trying to relate to the struggles of these women who have waited all their lives to have children and were denied, they recently get a break but its dangling in front of them like a carrot on a string! And they can't have it because they are not finished raising money, when the program offered to help support them in the fundraiser? So I had a simple question. When do they offer help or has that happened, and that this feels like a teaser. Only one very courageous woman came to my defense and admitted that she understands where I'm coming from and she admitted that it felt like a tease to her as well, and she commended me for speaking up, she also said even though she has almost finished her commitment that it was very hard, she also said its about time somebody was for real, she said these emotions are real emotions it doesn't take away from what the founders are doing at all, and if we can't post our real emotions(good with the bad) on the board then why are we on there?. My husband also made a similar post on my behalf. (which they have not published yet) When I read all of those negative comments towards me, I thought wow. When people feel like someone has all the butter to their bread, they will eat cheese and make pretend like all is well until they can get what they want from them, and I have never been like that EVER. I was very respectful. I sent an apology to the founders out of respect because they said my comment hurt them, but I did not take back the comment. I didn't say "oh that's not what I meant, because it was what I meant?" I apologized that they were hurt and that may way of trying to relate may have been inappropriate(to them) I thank God that I didn't have to defend my self, God did it for me. Truth and being bold is never popular, I learned today that when we venture out to make a bold statement, its a risk ( because you never know what response you'll get) , and if we take the risk we better be sure that we can stand our ground when the bullets come flying back. If you know that your motives were right and you spoke the truth in Love..There's no reason to take it back? You can apologize for their hurt, but its still true. Those women on that board tried to make me seem ungrateful and like an evil person for saying what I said, all while making them selves look really good.(hum) But I know what they are really feeling, And I didn't have to say a word God did it for me! Thanks Darius and Thanks Alison R. And Thank you God.

Church today was good. It started out with me being in pain and ended with me being in pain , physically that is. But Church was still good. I was asked to teach the infant and pre-k Sunday School class for the second week in a row. I really enjoy those kids they are all so wonderful and they know more than what many adults will give them credit for. As the kids begin to come in I sat in a chair against the wall and smiled and talked with other adults that were standing near by. I tried to appear normal but it was very hard. The pain in my lower abdomen was very distracting. It felt like stabbing, throbbing,aching pain and it was not letting up. It was hard for me to ignore it. I thought God how do I teach? How can I be me? How can I get up enough energy and physical strength to teach and play with these babies today? I’m in pain! But, I thought what else is new? I’m tired of being the sick chick and self pity isn’t pretty. So, I tried not to complain even though I’m sure it was probably obvious that I wasn’t my usual self. Class soon began, and as always God stepped in and gave me what I needed to do my job. The pain didn’t leave, and I was still very much aware of it, but the needs of those kids were greater than what I was experiencing in my body. After the class was over it was time to go sing with my praise team group. My lower abdomen screaming..as I headed towards the pulpit area and grabbed my mic. I fought to appear normal, the music started and once again, God gave me what I needed to make it through singing in praise and worship. The pain wasn’t gone, I was well aware of it, but the need of the congregation, and my own need to praise God was more important. The painful truth is, the world doesn’t stop just because you have a problem. So what do you do? You can’t stop operating in the world or within your calling because you are in pain, and that’s mentally, emotionally, financially, or physically. You simply have to pray and trust God. But even though you’re aware of this truth it’s hard not to throw up your hands and say okay? I’m done! But, I know I can’t do that? What will the outcome be? It’s not crystal clear yet why I was chosen for this but, I’ve been chosen. And if it’s going to help anybody I guess I’ll have to go through it. I ask for God’s mercy and Grace often with tears streaming down my face. I often feel hopeless (even though I know its not true). No one understands, and if they did, there’s nothing they could do to change my situation. This is obviously between Me, and God. I’m glad we are on good terms. :)

Journey with From Inciid the Heart is beginning. Now that we've been chosen. We have to fulfill a fundraising commitment of 3000.00 before we can begin our cycles. My sister n law has her own non-profit and she's going to help us get started. We should have this knocked out in no time.

CHAN..(that's me!)IS FINALLY GOING TO BE A MOTHER! (This is my little cousin in this picture).
My husband and I are so excited,and so is our entire family..My husband received the call from Inciid the Heart last week that we were chosen for their Scholarship program that provides IVF treatment to infertile couples that can't afford it. This news was like a breach of light for us. Finally...a glimpse of light meaning we're almost at the end of the tunnel.. We submitted the application back in Nov 2006 and finally we have our answer. God is so Good, I give him All the Glory for this and I can't wait to see how this entire journey will play out. Go God Go!!!!

Without IT we're:

shallow
insensitive
boring
ignorant
fearful
useless, and
weak...

It can be, and is our greatest oppourtunity to become great in EVERYTHING....
It motivates, enlightens, it teaches patience, and endurance. It gives us compassion for others. Over time, it brings with it a increasing wisdom, unbelievealble strength, and courage; yet, we do not welcome it, most of us run from it, we cringe at the thought of it, and we associate it with pity and shame.

What is this most misunderstood, and prevelant commodity? Its called:

PAIN

We've all experienced it, in some form, some more than others> Our world is in no shortage of pain. Yet we fail to understand or take full advantage of what we can become if we embrace,learn,perservere,endure,and overcome while IN IT.

Why do we fear and complain about the things that will make us what we dream of becoming, and what we're destined to be?


2 corinthians 12:9 " for, My strength is made perfect, in weakness"

"MISSING"

Today I was involved in a community outreach program that was sponsored by MiddleKauff Ford and My sister- n- law's Non profit org, The Giving Movement. Many parents came out with their children, to have them finger printed and have their photos taken in the event their children were to ever go missing. This process records their photos,(front and side profiles), with all of their information and a device that would alert the police immediately if their children were to ever turn up missing.

It's no surprise that children are Kidnapped, its been going on since I've been on this earth. But it has definitely gotten worse. Flat out scary even! Not only for children but for adults as well!(people are kidnapping grown folks left and right! I wanted to get my fingerprints done and photo taken?)

As I watched all the kids in line, I thought they were sooooo cute, adorable and playful, so innocent. God forbid that any of these kids were to come up missing. But the sad truth is, cute little children just like these go missing every minute of the day. God what a horrible feeling that must be for a parent. I can only imagine. Lord Jesus I pray that you put a hedge around our children. Please dispatch many angels to protect them from the evil works of satan. In Jesus name, Amen.

Tonight, we are having a party to sample a new burger for a contest that my husband decided to enter. It is an orginal burger receipe. I can't wait to hear the reviews from the contest, everyone loved the burger and I believe it will be a success with Emeril and his judging board. I am so proud of my husband he is such a hard worker and I know it won't be long before we are walking in the financial status that, God promised us. Come on God, we know the rain is coming and we are preparing.

Chan, Just Write!!
I know I should be beaten. I haven't blogged on this site since last year! Mostly because I couldn't remember my user name and password, nor did I take out the time to try and locate it?(sad) When I last wrote I was going into a major surgery or coming out of one, I can't remember but last year ended in pain. I started 2007 off very strong, all of my goals were neatly written out and some typed up. One of my biggest was to get my book finished and published within the first 90 days of this year ....Yea well, that has not happened? The first 2 months I was doing pretty good, I made some good dents into my book, but then I ran into editing issues and that slowed me down, then in March my Grandfather's illness he carried over from 06 had progressed, I went out to visit him and then two weeks after that he died! I loved my grandfather so much, he was like my Father the only "real" father I've ever had. Well that ordeal really set me back, not that I was over grieving or anything but the back and forth traveling from Texas to Mississippi in March brought my writing to a screeching halt! It started with me being uncomfortable traveling with my lap top(for fear I'd lose it or it would get stolen) So I didn't write most of March. After I finally stop dealing with that and returned back to Texas, it was very hard to get back into my groove. I didn't write for an entire month and couldn't find the motivation to get started again. Then whenever I did decide to start writing again, it was only a couple pages.. Nothing major..each month end that I approached without finish a chapter in my book I started to feel more and more like a failure. Of course I didn't beat my self up too much. My original goal was somewhat unrealistic? I didn't realize everything it would take to get this book finished, edited, and published. Editing was the main thing that slowed me down. I need a professional. I read up on Strunk and White's "The Element of Style" and I had my friend who's pretty good with editing help me with my intro and chapter 1. She did a great job but she is very busy and can not consistently dedicate the time needed to completely edit my book, I haven't pushed the issue either..because she has a family and she's very busy in other areas. So I decided I'd try to at least finish the book and worry about editing later. Good idea! It could work, if I could just get started. its been 2 months since I had that idea and I still haven't made much progress because I won't write! I want to, I just don't, I don't know what's wrong with me. All I can do is shake my head and pray for God's help in this matter." And the other thing that I can do is Just start typing? Just write! I know if I just write God will take care of the rest, so I'm making a vow starting tonight..that's right, I've decided just now, that I will write something in this book that God has given to me every single day. I don't care if its only 10 minutes! I have to get this done. No more procrastination and putting it off! I am 32 years old going on 33, I've got to get some things done! So My prayer is tonight that Lord "please place a joyful burden on my heart daily to write in this book so I can finish it before my birthday Nov. 6Th! And get this book published before the end of this year! Lord please open all the right doors for me concerning this, I know I can do nothing with out you so I ask for your favor and help in this matter every step of the way, also Lord I pray that you give me the "space" to finish writing this book for You. Please fill me with the your words anoint every page and let it be filled with convicting and loving messages directly from your throne to my mind, heart, and laptop and then the pages of that Book, so that many will be lead to your kingdom, I ask and believe this will be done,in Jesus name Amen!" I love journaling its a sure fire way to put writers block and procrastination on the run!