Who do you want to be like?

Yes, these thoughts were swirling around disjointedly in my head while I was trying on dresses and listening to my shopping buddy squeal in delight at her royal finds. And yes, I do admit to an initial twinge of feminine jealousy. I want to look like a royal too. I want my majestic and regal bearing to show through whatever I wear. And I wasn’t seeing that in the selections I tried on… until the very last dress. The most plain and unadorned dress. It was colorless and very, very simple compared to the other nine indulgent, scrumptiously succulent creations I had dragged into the dressing room. Yes, the part of me that is all worldly woman wanted grandeur. But with all my heart, I thank God for simplicity.

I Came for the Dream…

I’m going to speak to those who have been abused, mistreated or violated in any way because my old way of thinking came from the mindset of a victim – a captive. I was thinking and acting like someone in bondage who was desperately seeking freedom. All I could recognize was that I needed to reclaim what was taken from me. In my simplicity, I sought to redeem myself by casting what is sacred (my body) before swine (any man who is not my husband). However, the only way to keep the sacred holy is to set it apart. The sacred must remain clean and untouched by that which is unholy (anything not sanctioned by God). [follow the link to read the full article]

A Road I Must Travel Alone

I was changing. As we all do. Not only was God reworking me in a major way, I knew it was time for me go to another level. I was ready for a change, however I had no idea how monumentally drastic it would be. In 2005, when I decided to move to New York, I told my family and friends I would not be in contact for at least six months. I thought that was all the time I needed for my personal evolution. My knowledge then only scratched the surface, and it's not much deeper now. However, after my visit to Riverside Church, I became more accepting of whatever changes were to come in my life.

Valley of Dry Bones: Can they live again?

, “Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, ‘We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.’ Therefore, prophesy to them and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the LORD. I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done what I said."

“Beloved, your life matters to me.”

Appreciation - such a life-giving disposition. I would fly a thousand miles and back again for anyone who could so appreciate a hug. Validation - what a life-affirming response. I will be more intentional about letting loved ones know how much they matter to me.

How do you celebrate a life that was not appreciated during its lifetime?

My main goal for my visit was to sit and speak to my grandmother. And to pray over her. I wanted to hear in her own words what was going on with her. During the thirty-six hours between hearing of this traumatic incident and getting to her bedside, all I could think of was her life and the very real possibility of her death. What type of eulogy could she honestly receive? My heart grew heavier by the moment, not because of the circumstances leading to her hospital stay this time. No, what weighed on my heart like a stone and dragged me down into a sadness that was incredibly difficult to face is the knowledge that my Grandma Bessie has not enjoyed her life. There is no joy to be found in her.

New Day, New Year, New Life

Embrace your life with a fresh perspective. Greet each day with renewed hope. If you’re going through anything (difficulties, disappointments, pains and struggles) know that the God you believe in is faithful to get you to the other side. Everything we encounter in life strengthens and enables us conquer future challenges. Receive your blessings and keep walking! ! The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:24

What if today were your last day on earth?

I pray I have been a decent steward. I hope I have been an obedient servant. At the end of my time here, as my Heavenly Father look upon my life and my conduct in it, I long to hear Him say, "Well done."

Who Is This Jesus?

The Attributes of Christ A. Creator—The Son of God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Col. 1:15-17). B. Sovereign—He rules over the universe at all times (Ps. 103:19). C. Omniscient—The Lord knows all things—past, present, and future. D. Omnipotent—Christ demonstrated His divine power by performing miracles and raising the dead. E. Omnipresent—Though Jesus took a human form, today the Holy Spirit is ever-present throughout His creation. F. Merciful—Jesus is our Great High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and offers mercy (Heb. 4:15-16). G. Lamb of God—Christ was the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His blood brought us forgiveness and continues to cleanse us. H. Both God and Man—The Son took on human flesh while still retaining His deity.