Thursday, December 20, 2012

You've Been Faithful

My father, My Creator, God of Heaven and Earth, as we draw to the close of another calendar year, I am so thankful to you for your continued faithfulness in my life. Words cannot seem to quench my appetite in offering my thanks to you. 

You have kept my resources afloat, you have promoted me, you have kept me in good health, you have blessed my Mother in a remarkable way.  You continue to to be our guide, provider, protector, lover, friend...Our everything.  Thank you Jesus, thank you Daddy... Thank you Thank you Thank Yooooouuuuu!

As I approach this new year, there is this deep seated expectancy that I sense and I get exticed just thining about how you are going to bless me and answer my prayer.  I don't know what you have in store for me, but I know you are going to make me smile and continue to declare that My God is Awesome. 

Lord I love you more than anything else, I want to be saved in your kingdom.  I want to inherit the gift of eternal life when you return to earth to take us home.  I want to recieve your seal of salvation as the signs of the times we are living in point to your soon return.  Father please save me, please forgive me of all my sins.  Thank you for your faithfulness to me. I look forward to being even more faithful to you by investing more in our relationship.

In Jesus name I pray.  AMEN

Monday, December 17, 2012

Questions_ Answers...Solution_Preperation

Questions: For the past 3-4 days, the questions have been asked over and over again with heavy/sad hearts in various languages and expressions:  Why? why? WHY?...How, why????

Answer:

Ephesians 6:12  King James Version (KJV)
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Solution:
Ephesians 6:13-18 King James Version (KJV)
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Prepare:
Weapons and Gear needed for this spiritual Battle between Good and Evil
Ephesians 6:14-18
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Join me in Prayer:
God of heaven, God of Love, God of joy, God of peace....We take this time to lift up your holy name and the declare that you are Great and Mighty....that no weapon formed against us will stand or prosper...we are more than conquerors through you.   Cover the grieving hearts with your peace, supernatural strengh and comfort as only you know how. 

Thank you that one day very soon, you will put an end to sin, and the powers of darkness. We look forward to living in the ultimate promise of heaven and all that you have prepared for us.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

A Bruised Heart_Follow Up

Several months ago I did a post entitled, A Bruised Heart.  Since then, the 'admired one' traveled to the homeland over the summer, got married to his soul mate and has since brought his wife here to the States.  I discovered all of this from being nosy on 'social network'.

I would say about two/three months ago, I received an unexpected text message from him saying...My Friend, I just thought about you and wanted to say hello, hope you and your mom are doing well. Take care.   I read the message several times in disbelief and anger.  Why would you refer to me as your friend when you didn't even tell me of such an important occasion that was taking place in your life?????  I also discovered, on 'social network', that his mother passed away.  I met his mom and interacted with her on several occasions and don't understand why he wouldn't reach out to let his "Friend" know such a tragic thing took place in his life. Anyway, I quickly deleted this message so that I would not be tempted to respond.

Since the text message, I've had missed calls register on my phone from him and another most recent one yesterday.  I am aware that his bride is here and I think he is trying to connect with me so that perhaps myself and his wife can become friends and help her assimilate?  I don't know his motive, but I will say that the individuals he should consider friends are those who knew he was getting married and who he esteemed enough to let them know about his mom passing and any other important thing taking place in his life. 

The reality for me is that while I liked admired him deeply and was drawn to his self motivated, intelligent, ambitious, handsome characteristics, things would not work out for us due to major differences in culture, religion(we are both Christians but of different persuasions), family dynamics etc.  I know that he is a Christian and I know without a doubt that he fasted and prayed and sought counsel from his most trusted sources when the decision came to choose a wife.  I believe he made the best decision for himself.  I don't however want to be labeled as a friend for reasons of convenience.  Am I overreacting?

Friday, November 16, 2012

The Value of Time

Disclosure* The origin of this letter is unknown.
To realize
The value of a sister/brother
Ask someone who doesn't have one.

To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly divorced couple.

To realize
The value of four years: Ask a graduate.

To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize

The value of one second:

Ask a person who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.

Remember....

Hold on tight to the ones you love!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Questions_Thoughts_Choice_Decision_Allegiance

Just wanted to throw out a couple questions that are crucial at this time in history.  My personal responses includes 'food for thought'  what are your thoughts?

Who or What determines your moral compass(views,values,beliefs)?  For me, it is my upbringing and the word of God AKA the Bible. 

What about alliances?  Who or what determines the types of friends you choose, associations you join, place of worship?  For me, it is my values, upbringing, expectations,  input from a trusted source, and research.

What or Who can persuade you to change your values, beliefs, views ?  For me,  anything contrary to the word of God cannot, and by the help of God will, not persuade me otherwise. Are you aware that enemy has very subtle ways of stealing our allegiance from God?  In every way, the enemy tries to turn God's perfect plan into imperfection and trys confuse God's people.  If he is unsuccessful, he will use anyone he can in a subtle way, it may be someone of influence, who is generally respected and liked to cause a shift in opinion, beliefs and even allegiance. 

I am convinced that it is not a good idea as  bible believing Christians to support, endorse or  form alliances with someone whether through friendships, or political support, who's beliefs principles and convictions are openly out of line with God's word.  We are currently living in a time in America's history where the following phrases  "One Nation Under God" and  "In God We Trust" are being challenged in ways that are making these phrases null and void.

Have you ever heard the term that the truth mixed with error is a lie?  For illustration:  An apple tree will bear 10 different species of apples if you water it daily and ensure it gets adequate sunlight and fertilizer.  This statement is obvously false botanically incorrect, I have never heard of an apple tree or any tree for that matter bearing different species of the same fruit.

As stated before, the bible is the basis of my beliefs and values as a Christian. If you are not sure what you believe or not sure where the bible stands on one of the most controversial issue in this election; Research the following texts and decide if you are with God and his perfect order or Man made order:

Genesis 2:21-23
Romans 1:26-27
Leviticus 18:22
Revelation 21:8

Who's side are you leaning on?  


Friday, October 12, 2012

God Favors Me....# 3

I thank God for His continued mercy, grace, protection, deliverance and FAVORS that He displays in my life.  Hence the name of this Blog 'Highly Favored' 

I thank God for having the opportunity to experience the joys of motherhood.  I have two sons. Though I did not personally conceive them and give birth to them physically,  I have been blessed to be a part of sharing in their growth and everyday experiences which include both the good, pleasant and lovely as well as the not so fun experiences as well.

I am the 'God mother' of two remarkable boys. 

Son  #1

Isaiah was born in 2001. We share the same birth month April. He was and still is handsome and sweet as ever.  His mom and I were friends from middle school through high school.  I would take him on the weekends ever since he was about 8 months old.  He enjoyed going to Sabbath School on Saturday morning and learning and interacting with the other children.  when he became about 2-3 years he would cry if we were late and he missed the children's activities at church.  I know people tend to exaggerate the qualities of people they love but in this case there is no exaggeration to say that I am honored to know and be apart of Isaiah's life who is so obedient, respectful, intelligent, loving and kind.  My mother loves him to death and she often refers to him as "A Gift from God."  People would ask her, who is this and she would say, " This is my son, a gift from God."  he got so use to hearing that phrase that there were times where my mom would say, this is my son and forgot the Gift from God part, he would tap her and say, Mama....remember I'm a gift from God and she would say oh yes...this is my son, a Gift from God. 

Both my mom and I love Isaiah very much and we are so honored and grateful to be apart of his life.  Isaiah's mom contemplated having an abortion when she found out she was pregnant. She had an appointment set and her bag ready. Her main reason was that she was afraid of her mother's response if she found out.  I begged and pleaded with her not to and told her that I would pray for something bad to happen to her if she did. I am so thankful that the holy spirit worked on her heart and she decided against this horrible decision.  I can go on and on and on about the experiences we have shared with this blessed child but all I will say is that he fills my heart with joy.  He is now 11 years old and though he does not come over as often as when he was younger, every opportunity I get I counsel him on making the right choices with friends. We talk about drugs, peer pressure, school/college, career choices, promiscuity, predators, Gods Love etc.

Son #2

Josiah was born in 2011 in my birth month April.  His mom and I became friends in College while pursuing our undergraduate studies. Josiah's personality is spunky, energetic, loving, and a quick learner. At 18 months Josiah communicates better than any toddler that I've met.  He communicates clearly and says hungry, sleepy, Yes, No (appropriately), He says Thank you for anything you do for him without prompting.  He is a unique character. 

I am so honored to be involved in his early development and I feel so privileged to be apart of his life. He is a point of prayer in my household as he has a very strong willed personality.  My mom and I are privileged to help his mom grow him in the way of the Lord and I look forward to seeing what the future holds in store for Josiah.

My Prayer

Lord, I thank you for bringing these precious boys in my life who will one day become honorable men.  Thank you for allowing me to enjoy the pleasures of motherhood in grooming, nurturing, loving and caring for Isaiah and Josiah. I pray that you will continue to use me to be a positive instrument in their lives. Please continue to help me help them be well rounded and they will grow to know you and love you.

I am Highly Favored..

Friday, September 28, 2012

God Favors Me.....#2

I thank God for His continued mercy, grace, protection, deliverance and FAVORS that He displays in my life.  Hence the name of this Blog 'Highly Favored' 

What kind of person would I have become without the Mother that God appointed for me?  I am not sure, but I am grateful for the person I am because of my Mother. 

In High school, my Senior year English class had a lesson on writing rhythmic poems.  The topic of my poem was.... 'My Mother'  It was such a beautiful and Truthful poem I wish I could find it.  I remember some but not all the words but the few lines I remember makes me smile wide and proud. I would post it but don't know where to find it..I'ts been many years since High School.

Moving forward though, there are so many notable things to write about my mom and her influence in my life especially towards God and spiritual matters.    

My Mother taught me:

How to pray, not by repeating words, but by demonstrating in her own life over the years, how to tarry in the presence of God in prayer and fasting for a breakthrough.

How to depend on God by being a faithful thither.  Even as a single mom, she was faithful in tithing at times even going above the 10%without blinking or second guessing and even now God's window of blessing continues to pour out.  I have followed her example and GOD is Faithful concerning His promises. So many testimonies.....One of which is, I never received financial aid or needed student loans nor did I get a scholarship for tuition (undergrad or graduate school).  I have up to a Master's degree and no student debt.  Praise be to God for his financial blessings and a hard working Mother who was determined that her child would not have school related debt.

How to be a Lady.  Ever since a tiny tot, my mom has always taught me how to be a lady (how to sit properly, speak properly, comport myself, etc.)  Through the years...individuals seem to be drawn to me, even as a child and the mantle of Favor has followed allowing many doors to open up for me.

Lord I thank you for the Gift of my Mother.  She has been a strong tower in my life and without her encouragement, prayers, dedication, example, tears, determination, testimony, expectations, I would not have known how to acknowledge and appreciate you.  I would not have amounted, achieved or succeeded.  Please continue to teacm me how to honor my Mother in all ways and at all times.

I am Highly Favored.