Perhaps sabbatical is a more applicable term for what is
going on; nevertheless of what you call it I will be taking a leave from the
blog (ministry updates, blog postings, contests, etc).
What perchance will I be doing? Well to be honest (as trite
as it may sound) I am going to complete the 31 days as laid out in the book
(hits shelves in roughly 90 days, online sooner). Although yes, I did write it,
I have never carried it out as it has been set forth (so how can I really promote it with a clear conscious?). For me, some of the
things I feel (or have been feeling) the past few weeks/days I know are in
there, and as it was originally compiled when I was going through various circumstances/feelings,
I have confidence that it will provide the same benefit again. I might be the
only one who goes on repeat mode sometimes, but alas as with patience, some
lessons just take a bit of time to grasp 100% (though I think I will be working on patience until I die). ;) In addition, I have an
extended vacay planned for me to spend (some much needed quality time) with my
momma during Thanksgiving and I will be focusing on the December holiday
efforts for the weekly ministry and Christmas Possible 2012.
May you each have a wonderful Holiday season (as I will probably
resume at the start of 2013 – wow where did this year go), so MERRY CHRISTMAS
(don’t forget the reason for the season!) to you all and all your loved ones. Feel free to find my on one of the social
media sites above and I look forward to coming back refreshed, rejuvenated and even
perhaps with an array of new and helpful devotionals lined up and ready to share
in the New Year.
A few of you may know, some may not be aware, but for the past year I have been working on putting together a devotional book for publish which has come to be titled "31 Rays of Hope". We have now reached the final phase of the process in which the book is being printed and marketing (gah) is coming about. Stay tuned for details on how you can purchase the book and book signing events =D
In what seems to be, at the time of it happening, an almost crippling
blow to my psyche (perhaps I am the only
one), I have been known to (on occasion) not pick the right choice when it
comes to a pitfall area. Of course, this could be a thought-process, an action
or just a simple phrase, but it is sort of “thorn in the side” that we all
carry with us (something we struggle/have struggled with in our lives or a
pattern per say).
So I feel a bit stick on stupid when I realize what I allowed to
play out. Something I may have had “under control” (with God’s help) for months
or even years, but a situation presents itself, if which a part of me (perhaps even
realizing it) says “let’s just see where this goes”. Of course with all
choices, there is always an after effect. It may be nothing tangible, just
something that sticks in your memory bank, but nonetheless are we not glad that
God’s mercies renew every morning (Lamentations 3:23) and that we know – that He
knows – we are not perfect (Romans 3:23)?
I am.
Likewise, I am grateful that He is always apt to forgive us (1
John 1:9) and very much thankful for the correction and help with the Holy
Spirit (John 14:26). You see, over the past few months I have really began to
understand how God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8), and what is labeled
as “right vs wrong” in society does not always line up with “right vs wrong” in
God’s eyes (Ephesians 6:12). So it is important to look toward Him for the
answers, rather than the people around you.
This world would have you believe that some people are more
deserving than others, that those who have the most wealth are the better
man/woman, that you should seek to cast out those who are in need of help
(various forms), that you should look out solely for yourself and a host of other things. However, each of the
ones mentioned here are directly in contradiction to what the Bible says.
Jesus himself was an outcast, labeled from some as a loon, who
sought to break down on all of the barriers of class within society walls, who
sought and wanted nothing more than to please His [the] Father and share the
message of truth to all those who would listen.
So in the same token of being stuck on stupid to your own devices,
don’t be stuck on the stupid of this world aka Satan’s playground. Regardless
of where you were born, how you were raised or what you have done/experienced
that may make you feel like some sort of rag-a-muffin, you were created with a
divine purpose by God Almighty and He wants nothing more than to see you
accomplish what you are meant to.
As I have said it before and won’t quit saying it, we are all
beautiful, special and loved.
One day this world … all of our trials/pain … we won’t even remember, so
may we each do our part sharing the TRUTH, so that we might all be together in eternity,
peaceful + pleasant and praising the King.
“Then I saw “a
new heaven and a new earth, ”for the first heaven and the first earth had
passed away,and there
was no longer any sea.I saw the Holy City,the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from
God,prepared as a bridebeautifully dressed for her husband.And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with
them.They will be his people, and God himself will be
with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.There will be no more death’or mourning or crying or pain,for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelations 21:1-4
Now, I'd like you to check out this track, a musical melody that just radiates this message in a personal way we can all appreciate/relate to. Try to listen and not feel a little tug-tug on your heart strings (aka it's not possible), ONE CREATION:ONE FAMILY:ONE LOVE!
So I just realized that I haven't officially posted anything about the current initiative on here yet, so that just had to be changed! Some of you (who are on my twitter, fb or tumblr) may be like "why are you talking about it so much?" To that I reply, because the thought of being able to help 25 Atlanta homeless youth have the BEST CHRISTMAS YET just makes me all sort of giddy (as it should to you as well) and everyone deserves to feel loved (especially on Christmas).
All of the details are listed here at the fundraiser page, and props to Youcaring for being free of charge! Some of the updates so far is that Publix is going to help out with the food (specifics unknown at the moment) and the first gift (a remote control car that can go on the ceiling) has been donated.
Trust me, I know, it is a ROUGH economy that we are living in, but if you could please find it in your heart to donate $1, $5 or even $25 it would be very much appreciated. So often we take for granted the things that we have .. whether it be a warm bed, food on the table, having a car or even a variety of clothes to wear, but this people have known a life without ANY of that at one point of the other. Likewise, please share this with your friends! We are all a community (a family) and the more the merrier I say. However, if you are unable to donate, then I do understand, please keep this in your thoughts and prayers.
All donations are to be received by December 5th, so as of today (11/1/12) we have 33 days and counting down!
