February 24

February 24 - We can't be everywhere. But God can. We can't see everything. But God can. We can't know everything. But God can. No matter what age our children are, releasing them into God's hands is a sign of our faith and trust in Him and is the first step toward making a difference in their lives. Prayer for our children begins there. (Power of a Praying Parent daily)

Thank you Father for being omnipresent (everywhere at the same time), for being omniscient (having complete and unlimited knowledge), for being our Overseer and the One in control. Thank you for giving us the peace in knowing that even though we don't know all, can't see all or be everywhere...You can! Thank you for showing us that at the point of release, where our prayer begins; You have already got our children...there is no gap in their protection. They are always covered (even when they're going through), your covering is filtering what they're receiving and it's part of the process to grow them in You. Thank you for allowing us to be part of the process. What we can't do...God can!!! Amen!

February 11

February 11 - A child is a gift to us from God and He cares even more about our child than we do.

Cast...all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
(Power of a Praying Parent daily)

The very next verse in 1 Peter 5, says "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour".

Make no mistake, the adversary is ALWAYS on his job, going to and fro trying to devour our children BUT once we do what we can as far as giving them the foundation of scripture, making sure they know who the savior is and living our lives according to God's word...the rest is up to God!

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God in him will I trust. He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." This is the security we have in our Heavenly Father. Amen!

#peace

February 6

February 9 - In Jesus' name I ask that You will increase my faith to believe for all the things You've put on my heart to pray for concerning this child. (Power of a Praying Parent)

Today it's personal!!! The enemy is trying to attack on of my biological children. I'm not surprised because I knew that if I was obedient; satan would try to distract me. I'm not surprised because it's not the first time the enemy has attacked this child, I'm not surprised because of the greatness that lies within this child. So to that I say; I wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness in this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. I'm not confused about where my fight lies, for though I walk in the flesh, I do not war in the flesh. For the weapons of my warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.

Every plot, scheme and attempt you try is canceled in Jesus name! Although you have powers, you have no authority! Jesus is the author and finisher of my faith! Because I do not war in the flesh, but through God with spiritual weapons; you satan are already defeated! My praise is my weapon, because God inhabits the praises of His people and where He is, you must submit to Him. My faith is my shield which I will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. The word of God is my weapon because the word is truth and you satan are a liar and deceiver. You have no place here. Get thee behind me!!!

#WARRIOR_AWAKENED

Promise Kept - August 13, 2018

Monday, August 7, 2017, I came home from work, trekked upstairs and stretched out on my bed.  It was about 4:30 and I was getting ready to watch the evening news.  As I'm laying there, Isaac (my 12yr old son) walks into the room.  He places his arms across his chest, Wakanda style, and says "Isaac, do you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior?"  I quizzically repeated the question and he responded "Yes!"  I then asked him if he wanted to be baptized, to which he replied, "Yes!"  I said 'ok', not realizing that the upcoming Sunday would be the day.

We went through the week and he continued repeating the question.  He never wavered.  I sure did.  I wasn't sure if he'd go through with it.  I mean, he could very well get to church and completely change his mind.  We hadn't discussed his expression or desire with anyone, so there was the whole 'protocol' of baptism ANNNND, we hadn't had the talk, with him, to explain what baptism meant.  I mean after all, Isaac has autism....how could he possibly know what it meant to be baptized.

Sunday, August 13, 2017 and we're at church.  It's a normal Sunday for us and we're going along with our normal routine.  Isaac doesn't seem anxious or different, so I wonder if he's going to follow through with his plan.  Little did I know, that it was His plan.

As the morning goes on, I ask Isaac if he's ready to be baptized and he replies in the affirmative.  I honestly thought that he would change his mind at any given minute.  I shared with one of Isaac's "aunties" that he was being baptized today and she asked me if I was sure, baptism was still happening?  I was confused.  She then shared that she thought the baptismal pool had been drained and there wouldn't be any candidates baptized.  I was horrified!  After we've come this far.  Oh, God...please don't let this happen.  After a few inquiries, we were assured that everything was a go.

I took Isaac to the dressing room area.  He was completely normal...walking around smiling and hugging me.  He said 'hi' to a few of the Deaconesses.  He was calm.  I, on the other hand, was totally freaking out!  As the moment of truth drew nigh, I was still not sure he was going to go through with it.  Honestly, I thought he would put one foot in that water and say, 'no baptism'!  BUT GOD!!!

I decided to go out to the sanctuary and make myself visible to Isaac.  I'd stand in the chapel where we sit, so he could see me and hopefully that would help him overcome any 'fear' he may have.  Isaac was looking for me when he finally stepped into the water...but Isaac had no fear.  BUT GOD!!!

You've probably figured out that Isaac was baptized on Sunday, August 13, 2017.  What you need to know, is that he was able to answer the minister when he asked "Isaac Jones, do you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior?"  He was able to answer with a resounding "YES!", when the doctor said that he may never speak a work.  BUT GOD!!!

Pastor Troy was supposed to be out of town, but he shared that something wouldn't let him leave town.  He shared that he began feeling this 'tug' early in the week...Monday to be exact.  It was Monday when Isaac initially said that he wanted to be baptized.  BUT GOD!!!

I sat and watched, over and over, boys, young men and men, being baptized.  I wondered when the day would come that Isaac would be in that place.  God assured me that I would see it.  I kept envisioning Isaac in the pool, when each young man went in...I imagined seeing him...I imagined him saying 'YES'...and on that day, it happened.

The ultimate beauty of this promise kept, is that I remembered when I had gone through a trying time in my life and I wanted to recommit my life.  I was baptized...wait for it...on Sunday, August 13, 2006.  BUT GOD!!!

HE IS A PROMISE KEEPER!!!

The effect of Parental Love...or lack thereof

Three years ago, after a series of tragic events; I was led to pray for children for a year.  It was challenging, exhausting and sometimes hard, but God blessed our obedience.  When I read the post from March 17, 2013, it blessed me all over again with a new revelation.

The post talked about what a parent should do when raising children.  Listed in the post was/is content from a wonderful article on Parents and Children in the Full Life Study Bible that say, "In bringing up their children, parents should show no favoritism, encourage as well as correct, punish only intentional wrongdoing, and dedicate their lives in love to their children with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12-14)."  As I reflected on this post, I immediately thought; "what if a parent doesn't possess any of that to give"?  I'm referring to the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Now I'm sure that you're probably saying, 'of course, a parent has that to give to their child, but I'm not talking about your typical parent.  I'm talking about your not-so-good parent.  The drug-addicted parent; The work-a-holic parent; The absent-because-I-missed-my-childhood-parent; The I-never-got-over-the-relationship-so-I'm-going-to-punish-you parent...any of these sound familiar?  Can you see how easy it would be for one of these ill-equipped parents to not have anything to give to their children?  Hence, the challenge we have with so many of our children and youth.  All you have to do is stand outside watching a group of young people playing basketball and there's bound to be cussing or fighting.  Those young people probably didn't receive a lot of kindness or patience.  As I go about my day in the school where I work; I see the children who have not received parental compassion, so it's no wonder they have none to give.  And let us not forget that the lack of kindness and gentleness undoubtedly breeds bullies to keep the cycle going.

We have to pray for those parents that are not equipped, for whatever reason, to raise and love their children.  When a child/young person doesn't receive the parental love that he/she needs, they end up being hurt people--who hurt, people...most likely your child or my child.

Dear Lord, we acknowledge that there are some parents who may not win 'Parent of the Year', but that's why we have You as the ultimate example.  We believe that even now, You can still renew and redeem those parents...show us how to love them and pray for them.  Thank you for Your grace and mercy that says every child, no matter who their parents are, has greatness inside of them.  Help us to see that greatness, pray for that greatness and cultivate that greatness.  In Jesus name, Amen!

My Flower

You're my flower.  I have tenderly watched over you since you were a tiny seed.  I've watered and nourished you.  I've been there through each day of your life, caring for you, providing your needs, and helping you through difficult times when the ground was dry or the sun was hot or those passing by stepped on your delicate petals and leaves.

I love the color of your petals and how they sparkle and shine when the dew of My love settles on them.  It makes My heart glad when you open your blossom to absorb the sunshine of My love and the warmth of My Spirit.  Keep soaking up the water of My Word so your leaves will stay green and healthy.  Keep opening up to the light and warmth of My sunshine, and keep absorbing My rays so your colors and fragrance can cheer others.

If fills Me with joy when I see you giving off that sweet fragrance that makes others happy, encouraging them and lifting their spirits.  You have so much to give, My little flower.

From Jesus with Love for Women

My favorite flower is the Lily.  I had them in my wedding bouquet, I love to receive them, I think they're beautiful and love the fact that there are several kinds of lilies.  They come in different shapes, sizes and colors.  "The Lily flower symbolizes purity and refined beauty.  Based on the color or type, the Lily flower can convey different meanings" (theflowerexpert.com).

When I read these words...calling me His flower, initially I didn't get it.  But then I searched for information about my favorite flower and it hit me.  HE CARES FOR ME!!!  If you think about the time, patience, love and effort it takes to grow flowers, you already know.  Not only do you have to make sure the flower has the proper nourishment; you have to protect the flower, you have to remove any weeds from around the flower, you even have to occasionally move the flower to ensure it has the proper climate to thrive.  SPEAK LORD!!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me Your flower!  I see that You delight in me and have taken time to fuss over me so that I grow and produce and bring joy to those around me.  You have covered me and made sure that what I thought would kill me...DID NOT!  "When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell."  I've lost a few friends/weeds along the way in the pruning and purging process.  When I thought I knew better, You blocked it for what was best.  I am Your flower and I thank you for helping me see the bloom.  I lift my praise to You...let it be a sweet aroma to You.  Amen!  

My special love for you

I love you, My darling!  I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I will love you always.

How do I love you?--I love you unconditionally.  I love you completely.  I love you eternally.  I love you like a father loves his child.  I love you like a husband loves his wife.  I love you tenderly.  I love you passionately.  I love you perfectly.

Why do I love you?--I love you because you are Mine.  I love you because you love Me.  I love you because you are beautiful in My sight.  I love you because you are a part of Me.

When do I love you?--I love you when you're in ecstasy, and I love you when you're in despair.  I love you when you're successful, and I love you when you feel you've failed.  I love you when you do what's right, and I love you even when you make mistakes.  I love you when you feel like giving up, and I love you when you hold on.

How long will I love you?--I will love you always and forever!

From Jesus With Love for Women


What stands out in this message to me, is the contrast of our love to Jesus' love!  For every way, reason and length of time this message uses to convey the Jesus' love for us (women), we have undoubtedly contradicted that love in some way.  Jesus' love for us is not hard to fathom or conceive, but us loving ourselves...well now the rubber is meeting the road.  Women have been deceived into believing that if/when they love themselves; they are being selfish, thoughtless and inconsiderate.

I will be transparent and say that I did not love myself every day this week.  I have not loved myself unconditionally and completely.  Not having my father around has left that void and I'm often suspicious of my husband's love.  I sometimes feel out of place in this world, so belonging to Jesus and loving Jesus should make sense, but recently I have even questioned that.  Jesus sees my beauty...why can't I?!?  He loves me when I'm up and when I'm down; when things are good and when they're bad, whether I'm happy or I'm sad.  So why can't I?

Dear Lord, open the eyes of my heart so that I may see me, the way that you see me.  Help me to love me for me.  Help me to love me in an unapologetic way.  I thank you for loving me and for all of the others in my life that love me.  I need to love myself...really love myself in order to reciprocate that love.  Just as the father said in Mark 9:24 "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief".  Lord I love You:  help thou my self-love!  Amen.