The Long Distance Race Part 2





Hebrews 12:1b Let us run with patience the race that is before us..

In Part 1, we talked about putting off the weights that would hold us down, while running our race of becoming more like Christ, as well as the person and purpose he's called us to. Once we’ve decided to put off all the baggage and lay down everything to follow Christ whole heartedly, we must go on to run a steady race. Folks it's going to take patience.. We live in a microwave society, everyone wants what they want, and they want it yesterday. When we are seeking for spiritual blessings in God, developing a ministry, and spiritual maturity, it doesn’t come overnight. We’re going to have to be faithful to the Lord and endure many hardships, and indulge in spiritual disciplines on a consistent basis before we start to see some of this fruit. In other words, you have to be made; you must be proven by God. And this takes patience and endurance.

You and I both have seen how those races turn out. The winner isn’t always the strongest person, or the one who comes out of the blocks first. But, the person who properly prepared to endure “throughout” wins the race. Maybe they took the time to learn different running and breathing techniques, or maybe their endurance training was a very dedicated and rigorous one. They were also wise enough to know that in a long distance race, you can’t take off too fast or they’d used too much of their energy resulting in self destruction half way through. But as you watch the wise runner, it appears that every one is getting ahead of him and he appears to be weak or falling behind but he’s consistent he’s keeping a steady pace. And, as the race gets down to the last two laps you notice him kicking it into third gear, and then 4th and 5th gear. And before you know anything they began to pass those that started out too fast,(those that didn’t take time to learn, and be made) and before you know anything they’ve won! And the one that you thought for sure would make it is has fallen behind. They were not conditioned for a Long Distances Race, so they failed. And a lot of Christians today fall into this same situation spiritually. They are not prepared, they don't expect things to get so hard, so, they we give up.

In this Race we must expect ups and downs, but we have to keep going. We must anticipate not understanding God. We aren't going to understand why God would allow us to go through certain things but we must keep going. And, sometimes it will appear as though we are losing, and we just want to quit, but we MUST KEEP GOING!

Saints, too many of us want to be great, without going through great things, and going through the right way. We want to jump over all the grooming, chastising, the trials, and real endurance it takes to win this race. (And there are so many different legs, but that’s another post!)

Children of God- know this… there is no easy way through. We are going to have to suffer.. God’s word said if we suffer with Him, then we are going to also reign with Him. (2 Tim 2:12) If Christ suffered in the flesh, then we must arm ourselves as well, this is scriptural! So let’s not fret or become discouraged when it seems you are constantly going through struggle, because struggle is a part of the race! Peter said; think it not strange the fiery trials that are to “TRY” you as though some strange thing happened to you?(1 Peter 4:12) It’s all apart of the training! So just as you would pump your self up to get through a natural race, or a phyisical fitness workout, or whatever it is that you accomplish for yourselves naturally, do the same thing for God. And you WILL finish your race strong! Stay on track, obtain your prize, remember God is with you, and more of Him is at the finish line!

The Long Distance Race




THE LONG DISTANCE RACE: Part 1

I was interested in breaking down this Scripture and what God revealed to me proved very helpful for where I am in life right now. I pray that it bless you as well.

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

(let's begin with the first part of the scripture)

We’re compassed about refers to our Heroes in Chapter 11 they’ve gone own before us and now they are implied to be looking in on us as we fight, and if you're like me, you don't want to let them down? After all they paved the way they fought the hardest of battles and they are our encouragement our strength. They are a testimony to all Christians that will follow after them, as we seek God and the external home that he has for us all..

let us Lay-aside every weight and the Sin that so easily beset refers to the snares, traps, and things leading to ungodliness. Some things we give up may not be a sin within in itself but Christians should not take them up because it hinders or weakens our witness, it slows us down. Just as an Athlete must deprive himself and stay away from certain foods to be at the top of their game, the same and much more is required of a child of God.

We must constantly check ourselves of dangers habits and slothful practices which could lead to no growth and sin, which separates us from God. Our lives are often to unchecked and before long we’re wondering what in the world happened. Sin separates us from God, and the weights keeps us from going any a higher. Don’t seem to be getting anywhere in God, study or pray like you could in the past? Check your baggage. What all are you carrying and ask your self. Could I stand to be little lighter here? And if your answer is yes, consider laying down those weights that are keeping you from achieving God's best for your life. Ask for God's spirit to deal with you, and trust me He will! If you're serious about running this Christian race and winning, these things must be addressed.

Next time Part 2 will address How to run your race with patience!

Have you touched Jesus?




In Mark 5:25-34 The story is told of the woman who had the Issue of Blood for 12 years. Jesus was on his way to one of the rulers of the synaguouges house to heal his dying daughter, when this woman who was band from society because of her "uncleaness" took notice that Jesus was in the vecenity, and knowing he was her only way out, she got in the press. This woman who was not allowed to be in contact with anyone because of her situation, secretly blended into the crowd and said "but if I could just touch the hem, of his garment I will be made whole' and there were many people around Jesus, bumping into him, pulling and tugging him this way and the other, he was being pressed upon by every one. But, when this woman reached out and touch his "garment" he said, who touched me?

His disciples not understanding why Jesus would ask such a thing because there were people all around him, touching him. And so they said Jesus what do you mean who touched you, are you serious? But Jesus was not speaking of a casual touch, He was speaking about a faith touch!

Faith is noticed by God, and it speaks out louder than anything else that we can do. This, woman who knew she was forbidden to be out in public not alone touching people. But, this woman knew that she had to make contact with Christ some how, and if she couldn't touch him, she'd settle for the Hem of his garment, What Faith! This also means that this woman had to be on her knees. And doesn't life circumstances have the ability to do just that? The trials and hardships of this life can put us in a desparate state literally bringing us to our knees, but what do you do when you're down there? Do you grovel and complain, do you throw a private pity party, or do you reach out and touch Jesus? My loves, when we are at our lowest, we can't give up. Jesus is very near to those who are of a broken spirit and a Contrite(or remorseful) heart. Psalms 34:18 When we are at our lowest we are in a perfect position to be noticed by God, So reach out in Faith and touch Jesus. Ask for His forgiveness, His healing, His power to press on, ask in Faith. Only believe it, and you will be made whole.

If we don't have anything else in this world, to be thankful for, this right here should be an awesome reminder.. Enjoy and be thankful that our creator cares for you!

You shalt have no other God's before me....

Exodus 20:3


This is the first commandment given by God, to the Children of Israel, when they were rescued from slavery in Eypt. When God establish relationships He wants us to understand up front that He will not take a back seat to anything or anyone in our lives. When we Love other things more than we do God, His statues and commandments will not drive our actions, because they do not hold a superior position in our lives. When we move God to the back seat, It becomes easy to make God ways "positive thinking" or a pick me up, instead of a way of life.

The Lord's Commandments are given to us for our own protection. When you put Him first, do you notice that everything else in your life seems easier to tackle? Are you less flustered or frustrated about situations? The word of God, says the peace of God will pass ALL understanding. When God is first in our lives we are able to handle things with His Widsom, and in His strength which leads to a more victorious life in Him..

It's time to make every moment count.

In our last church service our Pastor gave us a prophetic word from the Lord; and in part that word was "tell my people I really am soon to come,let there be no more wasted days." And all I could say was Amen, because if the truth be told on every last one of us. We really have not taken every moment to do the work of the Lord. It is so natural to get lost in our everyday lives just trying to make a living or to try and fulfill our own dreams that we lose sight of why God created us. There is so much that need to be done in so little time that we can't afford to be relaxed with God's time. God created us to bring glory to His name, and win more people into the Kingdom of Heaven. But what has God called you to do specifically, do you know what your ministry is? Do you want to find out? Then I say seek his face, search the scriptures and God will make it known to you. And if you are like me, and know in part what that is, seek the scriptures for wisdom and patience to perfrom what it is he has called you to do. We have to stay busy doing what it is that we know to do. Too often we spend time concerned about what we don't know. I've found out that there is enough going on with what we do know to keep us busy until Jesus comes, or until he is ready to take us to the next level in Him.

I began again, to study the Gospels Matt,Mark,Luke and John. The ministry of Christ is very encouraging and I find it always helps to find out what Jesus has to say about the work of our God.(smile) Today, what stood out to me, is that he said: He who find his life will lose it, and he who lose his life for my sake will find it forever!" What is our life, and who does it really belong to? Jesus paid the price, we are no longer our own but we are bought with a price! Lets make every moment count!

Year 2010!! Wow..
I made it!And I haven't written here in a while! But this is a new year and I have a new motto "Just get started" I use to make new years resolutions and set timelines to have my goals finished, only to be disappointment at the beginning of every new year. I decided my goal from here on out will be to walk in Joshua 1:8 I want to gain success God's way, and walk in his strength. I believe that if we can just get started, and get started every single day that one day, when the time is right we will finish.

In 2009 I started school again, and that was a big step for me, and I finish my first semester strong with an A in my first class back so I'm encouraged and I'm continuing on with school, as well as many other things that are important to me. This year I will begin again, to take care of my body, physically with workouts and I will make the best choices of what I put into my mouth on a regular basis. I will work hard to stay busy in everything I was called to do. In 2009 I was given the New members ministry and along with my husband appointed as our church's youth Pastor. Took me by surprise, seemed like too much responsility but, God knows what He is doing. I will do my best to set the write examples and to stay on the right track! Welcome to year 2010!

WOW! It has been a long time since I've blogged here. We are half way through 2009! I have not written in my book at all (ugh, not proud of that) but I have had several personal journal entries, and I've been doing various articles for our church newsletter, and am currently working on a church manual. The things that really define who I am inside I guess I should say, I have not given much diligence to so far this year, and I am on a mission to change that. Something has to change and I know it starts with me making different choices. Life has a way of just forcing you into float mode,especially when you are in the midst of hard trials. (You know, the "well I seem to be making it okay" mode}Playing it safe and not living too far above mediocrity. I hate that place. And it's no body's fault but mine I've got to push harder for the things I really want, and it will take some sacrafices. I've done some things this year that I'm proud of, but none of them were on my personal aspirations list. (I never wrote that out, but I knew what they were and are) I will be 35 years old this year and there is some things that I need to start working more diligently towards. I do not want to look up at 40 years old, and hate my self because I have not been working towards, or have obtained what I think I should have obtained by that age, and trust they are not based on what people think I should have obtained. I said at the end of last year that my front lets would be Joshua 1:8 God's recipe for success. I will start practicing that on a daily basis. Because I don't care how people view you and your success. Real success is obtained through God and by him. Promotions, wealth, wisdom, and all good things come from above. "And God told me that he would not hold any good thing away from me!" It's almost June first...Let's finish this year strong!

Okay it's that time of year again. A time of reflection and new aspirations for the up coming year. This year, I have not been blogging, journaling, or writing as much as I'd hoped. Although I did start out strong, and through the summer I had some strong periods but overall it's been so so. I've been in some instances embarrassed to call my self a writer this year because I just haven't been doing it. I was so determined too write more, and finish a book that I've been wanting to complete for five years now. But as always I let life's responsibilities, trials, and disappointments disable me. Sometimes if we're not careful life can snuff out some of the greatest desires in our heart. I don't want my life to be a long list of.."I wish I would've or could've?" There is more to me than what I let others see. There's more to me than what I let my self see! I constantly feel it knocking down the door trying to get out, but I have been in some ways too afraid or lazy to open the door, and leave it open. (I will admit that.) I am 34 years old, and like most people my age I've rehearsed over and over in my mind where I am in life, and where I am with God, and if this is acceptable.

I think about everything that I've gone through, I analyze how I've dealt with the things I've gone through,the choices I've made through my experiences, and if they were God's choices for my life. Sometimes you can never be too certain. But I really do my best to acknowledge God in everything that I do. Nevertheless, another year has almost ended. It's the day after Christmas, and it feels as though this year was a sprint for me. And I did as much as I could to stay in the race without getting knocked down. I can't say flat out that I "feel" more accomplished this year than what I felt on last year? I do have some tangible accomplishments but many are missing. I need to reflect on it a little longer, I have not sat down to fully evaluate all of the specific goals that I set for myself back in 2007. (I've actually been a little afraid to do that.) Although I did not finish one of the more important goals that I set for this year, I will not beat my self up about it. I'm mature enough now to understand that it is a waste of time to pout and stress over things that I didn't do. What is done, or not done is in the past,and can not be changed. But what I do in the present will determine what my future past will be.
What is it that solidifies success for us? Is it a simple check list of goals that we've completed by a specific date? Is it a certain income level that we had hoped to reach? Is it an elite level of social status, or tangible acknowledgements for our work? It could be all of these things, or none depending on who we are as individuals. But Lord knows a little from each of these areas couldn't hurt!

I believe what makes most of us successful has little to do with what we believe it to be. God's idea of success and our idea of success is so vastly different, and much more profound! If we could just adopt God's idea of success for our lives, we'd be more fulfilled.

I believe Joshua 1:8 should be the vehicle to which we use to become successful. In it God encourages Joshua as he impends on the largest calling of his life. The Lord, in a way was letting Joshua know that his success will not lie in how many miracles he could perform vs how many he allowed Moses to perform. Joshua's success wouldn't be judged on his leadership skills vs Moses leadership skills, no not by God. But the only thing he would need in order become successful is the knowledge, and love of God's word, and then to act on what God's word says..that's it? No 7 or 10 step program, no complete series of this cd, book, or seminar, and the other. We can make success so complicated by trying to keep up with the world's idea of success. We can get so wrapped up with what others think we should be doing that we forget to strive for the only success that counts, and that is success with God. We should care less about what people think, and more about what God knows. We should be more concerned with looking good in the eyes of the Lord, than trying to appear successful in the eyes of man. Because the bottom line is.. it doesn't matter what it looks like God knows the truth, and his assessment of us is the real one. It is the one that will stand in the end! So on this year I'm not going to do my typical list of things that I want to accomplish, I am simply going to use Joshua 1:8 as my vehicle and see where it takes me!

Make a Smilebox greeting

2 Tim 3:1 this know also, that in the last days perilous (dangerous) times shall come.



A hurricane tears through Galveston and Houston, causing thousands to evacuate fleeing for higher and safer ground. Businesses and Homes were severely flooded and damaged. There were stranded vehicles and reports of uprooted trees. Families who stayed behind calling out in despair for help in the middle of the night as the floods take over their bedrooms. This is starting to sound like déjà vu; year after year, as we become inundated with stories about tragic hurricanes and other natural disasters. Just this morning two freight trains were reportedly found derailed in a head on collision. 18 people have been reported dead and the death toll is expected to rise. And this is just a snippet of tragic stories being reported on today alone! I’m not a media junkie, but whenever I do decide to watch the news it is a constant reminder that we are in the last days. Jesus Christ “is” soon to come.

As we attempt to live a “normal” or the “good life” as we often call it; we are exposed to the reality of what the bible says would happen. “In the last days perilous times shall come. There will be wars, and rumors of wars. There will be earthquakes in several places, and there shall be trouble, and this is the beginning of sorrows.” We roll from one tragic story right into another; before we can digest what we’re seeing there’s another breaking story of something else that is so devastating, so repulsive that we can’t even repeat it! Friends I believe it is clear that we are in the “end times” God is not slack concerning his promises. The bible is the truth. When people hear of such tragedies they often say, “Where is God in this? How could He allow these things to happen to human beings? These statements are clearly recited by people who do not know God, or what His word says.

People God is here, and He is on his Job; but what about you? Do you know what God requires of you? If you want to be on the right side of these “perilous times” pick up the bible and read it, and ask God to give you understanding, as well as the power to live what you’re reading in His word. Check out what the Bible says about what we are experiencing right now, and how we should view it, and respond. If you have not repented of your sins, and asked Jesus Christ to be Lord of your life, you should do that now.
May God’s grace and mercy cover us all.

Luke 21:11 and great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Mark 13:8 for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these [are] the beginnings of sorrows.

D. AND ME


This Weekend My husband and I celebrated our 11th year of being married to one another. We've gone through a lot, and we've had so much fun with each other! We were married so young that we've matured together and it's been a wonderful learning experience. We got that we are on the "same team" during the first year of our marriage. IF I talk about my Husband, and put Him down, I talk about my self,and I'm tearing my ownself down.. it's as simple as that? We are one flesh, when people see Him, they see me, and vice versa. (Sure we have our fun taking shots at one another, we're joksters, but nothing serious)

There's no competion or points to prove here, we respect one another and we show our love regularly. We are truly best friends, we are so much alike in a lot of areas. (I remember when my husband first realized I could out laugh him he was shocked to silence, He'd held that trophy for a while in his family! (lol) oh-well.(smile) We don't take our selves too seriously we let our guards down and we are just goofy with one another and it makes our marriage really fun! If our walls could talk we'd have a hit comedy show on our hands! (Seriously we show out.)

Overall, Our core(our strength) has been that we love God & respect His laws and commandments. We care about what is important to the Lord. When you strive to please God, When you care about what He cares about, you can't help but to have a successful marriage.

I thank our God for blessing us to get this, and we look forward to the Lord blessings us with 11 more wonderful and exciting years! .

An act of kindess from a sister in Christ. (How Sweet!) I love it.

Beyond Sunday Morning

I was going over our Sunday School lesson for tomorrow morning, It's called: Summoned to Labor.
And the scriptures Luke 10:1-20 reveals God's primary will for our lives as Christians. Christ sent out 70 men with a command to "reap" the souls "He" had harvested. Meaning there are souls waiting to be brought in, "I" have already prepared them, all you have to do is go and get them, that's it!" (We literally have free and open souls waiting on us to get there.) So Christ says to them "GO!" The Harvest truly is Great, but the labourers are few. We, as the chosen of God, can not sit content in our own salvation, and let "The Harvest of Christ wither away, we have to go out and get them.

Would you stand by and let fresh vegtables, produce, and even finances that you've planted and invested grow up, only to be left there? What purpose would your hard work have served? Would it not be in vain?

As the Holy Spirit was revealing this to me I began to repent to Christ because I know I have not done all I should to bring in "His Harvest, and that's just a hard truth?

Christ took a huge hit for the team. He planted the seeds, as tough as that ground was He tilled it, and He got those seeds in there! And, at the end of His ministry He sacraficed His Life! And in 3 days He rose from the dead, handing off the baton to us, and with it Power! He said Go, Go and bring them in, they are waiting on you. You have everything you need to do this job!
This command of Jesus is not very difficult, because He reveals that through no power of our own do we have to convince people to be saved, or make them accept Him. God Himself has already done that work.

Some of us have fallen short in God, due to "self-reliance." We've become selectively blind to the fact that this truly is "His Work" and we are simply harvesters in "His fields."

Working for God is not getting up every Sunday Morning, and occupying a seat on the pew, for a few hours. It's not simply singing in the choir, or working as an usher. But what we do "in His fields" Mon-Sat is going to make the difference.

Church, we are behind. It is time for us to catch up and take what is ours! We Must build God's Kingdom. Christ has already done the most difficult part!

Well. Tonight is my last night to stay up late (Past 9:00 pm)

I have to go back to work. My four month hiatus is over. The company I mentioned in a earlier post made me an offer, and wanted me to get started with training, asap. The position is new, I'm the first person in it! I get to set up the guidelines and procedures for the position, and hopefully sculpt it into a department. This would be a great accomplishment. (Supposedly I may have to travel every now and then-that could be interesting)

I have mixed emotions about going back, I enjoy my freedom and being able to work on things that are important to me and my Pastor, and on my own time! But having money is important to me too! lol.. You do what you have to do? Either way I know God will be with me, in it all. I make a decision to glean "Life Long Lessons" from all my secular jobs. And each time I've been able to apply them to ministry! This one won't be any different. "Lord please bless me to love it more than any other company or position I've had" (I may as well love what I'm doing since I'll be there for most of my day!)

At least I can wear Jeans and Tennis, this will make going to work everyday, a lot less stressful!

Auntie's cute little Aryn! (1 yr birthday Party..she'll be two this April? Time seems to disappear into thin air.)

Job Hunt


Okay. I had another job interview today. This one was much better! It was a small office.(a rapidly growing family business called Veneer Stones)As I pulled up, I didn't notice any office buildings..the parking lot was graveled and there was a trailer, with pallets of custom made stone everywhere? I thought, okay? This should be interesting. I was dressed very professional(in a suit) so I didn't expect this setting at all. As I got out of my car dust was flying all around from the small trucks going in and out of the parking lot.(Did I say this one was better??(lol) just keep reading) Anyway, I though oh-kay? I did say I was tired of corporate America, but this is...I didn't know what to think!(it was a first for me) but I couldn't wait to see where it would lead! (lol)

When I walked in I could see the trailer was set up like a small business office, with smaller corner offices, and individual cubicals. Everyone was running around in jeans, and some in tennis shoes! They all seemed joyful, and the jeans? Huge plus! (I was smiling on the inside) They were transiting into another office building because their previous one had an electrical fire.(I knew something was up) But the jeans they said, has always been apart of their dress code. (Yes!!!)

I really enjoyed this interview. It was very different, more relaxed..it was real. I was interviewed by one of the Owners and Managers.(The manager shares my name!) They both were very down to earth, open and upfront about the business and the position(something corporate rarely is) The position is client services(same as my last) but definitely not corporate. They both said they liked my personality and thought I'd fit in well. The position is brand new, so I'd be the only one in it! They'd give me complete power, and said I could create procedures and build the job manuals as I went along. They repeatedly stressed that the dept was mine, do with it what I wanted as long as the customers were cared for and happy! So I thought, sounds great to me! (I hate to be micro-managed) They asked for my salary range, and I gave it to them. (We talked for over an hour-good sign I guess.) We'll see if they call me back! If they do..that's God's will; If they don't that's God's will too! I will rest in that, because it's definitely how I've been praying. All and All, I know it is God's will that I "not" be broke!

II Corinthians 4:18

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.



I love it, Everything "we see" is subject to change! Thank you Lord

Who are you looking at?

So. I got a phone call today from a fairly new saint. They called concerned, wanting to know why they hadn't seen a few of the "veteran" saints at church lately. Truth is, I've been dreading conversations like these. How do you tell new saints, trying to hold on, that those they've looked up to and admired all this time, had walk away? I had rehearsed over and over in my mind how I would answer this question without damaging people's Faith, in God. There was not enough sugar, or smoke screens that I could throw up, to make this sound any better. (I know! I've tried it before and it didn't work, my answers didn't make sense so, the questions kept coming!)

I briefly paused..and said; "They left." "They are no longer members of our church." I could hear the gasp in their voice, "What..Why?" they asked. (and this person was not trying to be messy, they were really concerned about these people. (I was hoping they didn't ask me why, only these people, and God know the real reason) So I said, people walk away or go somewhere they think is better for them. I left this person in a state of: It is, what It is, and quickly ended the call.

The phone rings again, they are back on the line. (Voice sounding a little dismayed) They say; "You know, its sad. You go all of this time looking up to people, admiring them for who they are in God, you see them as someone you'd want to be like, and then they just walk away from it? That's wrong." I quickly sighed and said, "that is very true." (You better have your eyes on God.)

WHO ARE YOU LOOKING AT??

It's natural for us to admire a person and want to be like them. (especially if they are accomplished, talented, or anointed) God wants us to be great examples. But at any time the person you admire decides to go down? You better shake it off, an keep your eyes on Jesus!

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Today was So So....

 

I had a job interview today, complete waste of time. Took up most of my morning!

 

I've been struggling with whether I should go back to work full time or not. Make no mistake, we "need" the money. But I am kind of dreading it because I am so over Corporate America.   However, it's what I'm experienced in so I'm most competitive wage wise: in this arena.  I don't want to be sucked into the ball and chain again. 

 

I was layed off from a very lucrative position in Sept. of last year,(the branch closed down) and I've been enjoying my freedom! It's given me so much time to write and focus on what I really want to do with my life.

 

 I feel, its been a waste of my time, to spend  8 hours working to fulfill someone else's dream.  However, the security it brings is always tempting, and it's enough to keep you bound.    

 

I've been applying for jobs here and there. Looking for preferably part-time work, so I won't be as tied down. (but haven't received any call backs on those.)

 

I've been praying for strong direction on this one because if I have to go back full time, I definitely don't want to be some place I will come to dread.