“Yet even in the discomfort of transformation, my Good Father gave me clues as to what He was getting me ready for. Even as the remnants of my old life lay in shreds at my feet, the glory of my new life was illuminated before my eyes.”
Author Archives: LaShawnda Jones
Questioning the “equality” of “marriage”
What is in a name? The promise of character and the hope of destiny….. So, I’m questioning why the push to call same sex committed relationships “marriage”? If same sex couples are already forging their own way to a lifetime commitment, why not name their relationship in a unique way to express what they hope to achieve with their commitment? Why insist on calling it “marriage” if their relationship is by nature the antithesis of what marriage was created to be?
An oxymoron in teaching about sin: “Love the sinner, hate the sin.”
A heart that loves God completely has no room for hate of any kind. Jesus instructs us to love everyone as we love ourselves. We are to love people (patiently treat them with gentleness, kindness, mercy and grace)– yes, even those consumed in their sin – and pray for them. That’s it.
Song & Verse: Getting Reacquainted with James Ingram at Duane Reade
Talk about a blast from the past! While making a quick pit stop at Duane Reade before hopping on the subway, I was surprised to hear “I Don’t Have the Heart” by James Ingram on over the speaker. It’s been so long since I’ve heard that song, I started singing along while walking through theContinueContinue reading “Song & Verse: Getting Reacquainted with James Ingram at Duane Reade”
Central Park – Looking West
As we debate rather spring has actually sprung or not, I thought I’d share one of my favorite views (any season) in New York City. This is taken from within Central Park on the east side of the Reservoir, looking west. I enjoy walking in Central Park during all times of the year, but the springtimeContinueContinue reading “Central Park – Looking West”
Talk to the hand…
I love the messages people have been writing on hands and posting to the internet. So much so, I’ve started a collection. If you have some to add, please share in the comment section. Today’s lesson: Throwing up your hand(s) is not always a sign of giving up. Sometimes it’s an emphatic command to haltContinueContinue reading “Talk to the hand…”
Romans 8: Life in the Spirit…, God’s Everlasting Love
I needed this today. Be blessed, Shawnda Life in the Spirit There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.[a] 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you[b] free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his ownContinueContinue reading “Romans 8: Life in the Spirit…, God’s Everlasting Love”
What I Learned About Grace from a 1st Grader. (Alternate Title: Some Christians Have Big Buts!)
The grace of God is a mine whose treasures can never be exhausted and whose depths can never be reached. As a pastor of 10+ years, a Christian of 20+ years and a soon to be seminary grad I must admit that I often struggle with the idea of grace. It seems too good to…
The Grace to Receive
There’s a fundamental difference between receiving and taking. A receiver is someone who accepts something that has been freely offered. A taker is someone who claims possession of something that doesn’t belong to them nor was it freely offered to them. The first couple of years I lived in New York City, God put me inContinueContinue reading “The Grace to Receive”
It’s the willingness that counts
In overcoming some challenges in relationships that my stubbornness has contributed to, I’ve noticed that the situations did not get better when I got my way or when the other person got theirs. For me, the situation always got better when I became WILLING to set aside my pride, my wants, my point of view,ContinueContinue reading “It’s the willingness that counts”
Harvest Life 