THE UNEXPECTED

It never ceases to amaze me how some of life's lesson and monumental moments, can happen any time.  It can happen on a day like Christmas. You don't see it coming but it shines a light brightly upon wounds that haven't mended.

I grew up with loving caring parents, who loved God deeply. I was never abused by them but loved and guided the best of their ability.  So I don't blame them.  I just know that some of things they were taught wasn't correct.

We were always taught that a girl had to be a virgin before she married.  If she wasn't then people would look down on her and talk about her.  Never mind the guy who took it. So when I was raped....I couldn't for a long time....shake that worthless feeling.

Then there's the ridiculous teaching of don't cut your hair, don't wear make up, don't wear jewelry, don't wear pants, don't go swimming, don't don't don't...I couldn't ever live up to their standards.  I tried but knew it wasn't right.

So I spent most of my child hood always trying to live up to the "Name".  Everything I did was going to affect the "Name".  

Then I married a Man that was a hot mess, and abusive.  So I walked away even more low self esteem after our divorce.  

So today when Dad opened his Christmas present, that I even took him to pick it out, and he started complaining about....made a part of me sink.  That part that says I can never please you.  No  matter what I do.  I will run like a hamster and never hear those reassuring words that the little girl in me longed to hear.  

Funny how silly things like that can make you realize how broke you still are in areas.  I guess that's why I do my best to not seek anyone's approval, but God's.  It is a certain guaranteed let down if  I seek Man's approval.  God has always qualified me, approved me, and healed me.  I guess there's a part that needs more work.

I found that God is the only Man that you can depend on.  All others will break covenants, promises, and walk out.  God isn't like that.  He is always the same.  Faithful, dependable, unconditional.  

Now I know what I need to work on.  It just caught me off guard.  So for 2013 ....more healing.and I am diving in deeper with my Lord. 

" MEN-O-PAUSE"

************************************ A Little Humor from a "Wise Woman"

Andy Rooney says: As I grow in age, I value older women most of all. Here are just a few reasons why. An older woman will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think. An older woman knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 50 give a dang what you might think about her. An older single woman usually has had her fill of "meaningful relationships" and "commitment." The last thing she needs in her life is another dopey, clingy, whiny, dependent lover! Older women are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it. haha  Most older women cook well. They care about cleanliness and are generous with praise, often undeserved. An older woman has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women. Older women couldn't care less. Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to an older woman. They always know. An older woman looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women or drag queens.  Once you get past a wrinkle or two, an older woman is far sexier than her younger counterpart. Her libido's stronger, her fear of pregnancy gone. Her experience of lovemaking is honed and reciprocal and she's lived long enough to know how to please a man in ways her daughter could never dream of. (Young men, you have something to look forward to.) Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off you are a jerk if you are acting like one. Yes, we praise older women for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coifed babe of 50 there is a balding, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22 year old waitress.  So true!  That shows their insecurity. ******************************************************************************** Male menopause is alot more fun than female menopause. With female menopause you gain weight and have hot flashes. With male menopause you get to date young girls and ride bikes. ********************************************************************************* The Change. The Change of Life. Or simply, menopause. It really doesn’t matter what you call it, the facts are the same. But why do we have them so confused? Let’s test your menopause smarts. But, before we do, why don’t we cover some of the basics. Menopause is defined as the time when a woman has her last menstrual period — a normal and healthy part of every woman’s life. The entire transition period is known as perimenopause and begins several years before a last period; a full year without a period is needed before a woman can technically say she has been through menopause. The average age for women to begin this process is 51; however, it can be eight to 10 years before most reach postmenopause (referring to the stage following menopause, lasting the rest of her life). Some women experience menopause early as a result of surgery or a natural occurrence; this is known as early or premature menopause. Every woman will be affected by menopause, but despite this it’s not a topic readily discussed. In fact, when we do talk about it, the focus is mainly on the negative perceptions of menopause, but is that really the case for the women experiencing it? Let’s test your menopause smarts. True or False? Hot flashes are normal (and maybe a little annoying): True! Hot flashes are very common. About 80 to 90 per cent of women will experience them during menopause. Hot flashes are related to the amount of estrogen in the body and can last seconds to minutes. This is the body’s way of adjusting to the hormonal changes it’s experiencing. The good news is that there are ways to help manage hot flashes, such as diet, exercise, dressing in layers, and finding a relaxing environment. *********** YEA Right....lololol

Breast Cancer Awarness

When I was pregnant with Kyle, my son, I remember going out to eat at a Mexican restaurant the night before I went into labor.  I woke the next morning and knew I was going into labor.  Went to the hospital about noon, and my water broke immediately. This was Saturday, noon.  It was Sunday, afternoon before they took me back for an emergency C-section.  Kyle had sat dry in my womb for too long, so we both got an infection.  We were very sick.

Momma came up to see me while I was in the hospital.  She told me then that she had found a lump in her left breast. I was so scared for her.

I had a very hard time after giving birth.  I was so sore, weak, and drained, but I went with the family and my new born baby to the hospital to await her biopsy to be done.  It came back cancerous.  They had to do a Mastectomy her left breast, along with alot of chemo.  It was a really rough time for the whole family.

Momma lost her hair.  I would take her to get her chemo.  Kyle and I would wait in the doctors offices for hours at a time.  Often 2-4 times a week.  She would be so sick afterwards.  She would get head aches, sick on her stomach and her white blood count would go down.  It went down too much a few times and she had to be hospitalized.

When she was in the clear.  We knew God had walked us through all of it.  It brought me and my family closer to her.  She was so fragile and yet so strong.  Momma walked through so much in her life and still found a way to put praise on her lips.

Momma's life showed me where REAL beauty is.  It isn't found in the bosom, of a woman, or on her body.  For she can lose parts, grow old and wrinkled.  But it is in her mind of intellect and her hearts that is passionate for an ever loving God.  Beauty they say is in the eyes of the beholder.  It really depends on whose eyes you look through.  Yours.....or......Gods.

******I believe strongly in examining yourself month.  Early detection matters.

http://ww5.komen.org/

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam/bse_steps

DANIEL'S FAST

Daniel's Fast is something that most Christians like to do the first 21 days of January.  Starting their NEW YEAR with a set aside heart, mind, soul and body.

WHAT IS DANIEL FAST?

Daniel Fast is a Biblically based partial fast based on two instances of Daniel’s fasting experiences

“Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.” Daniel 1:12

“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” [Daniel 10:1-2]

Based on the information that we glean from these references we understand that the Daniel Fast eating plan is vegan in nature, with additional restrictions.

In the first Scripture we see that Daniel ate only:

1. Only Fruits and Vegetables

2. And drank ONLY water

Which would also mean that he ate no processed, artificial, or chemically altered foods.

From the second Scripture we learn that Daniel’s diet did not allow:

3. Animal products

4. Pleasant/precious food, which would include all sweeteners, including honey, agave syrup, maples syrup, etc.

5. Alcohol

From studying Jewish history you will also learn that all fasts excluded

6. Any kind of leavened bread [anything made with yeast, baking powder, baking soda, etc.]

WHY DANIEL FAST?

Fasting is not a diet! Fasting is not done for weight loss! Fasting is ALWAYS done for spiritual purposes.

Fasting should be done with a PURPOSE!

Before you begin the fast you should decide on the purpose of your fast. Without a purpose, you will be simply dieting. Take the time to prayerfully consider the reason of your fast.

What is your greatest need at this time?

Can your marriage grow stronger? Are you facing financial difficulties? Do you want to learn to trust God and develop a deeper relationship with Him?

Take the time in prayer to decide on the purpose of your fast.

When you are fasting, set time aside for prayer, meditation and Bible study. Keep a journal of your revelations, of what God is speaking to you. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you and to reveal areas in your life that need purification.

WHY DANIEL FAST?

Fasting is not a diet! Fasting is not done for weight loss! Fasting is ALWAYS done for spiritual purposes.

Fasting should be done with a PURPOSE!

Before you begin the fast you should decide on the purpose of your fast. Without a purpose, you will be simply dieting. Take the time to prayerfully consider the reason of your fast.

What is your greatest need at this time?

Can your marriage grow stronger? Are you facing financial difficulties? Do you want to learn to trust God and develop a deeper relationship with Him?

Take the time in prayer to decide on the purpose of your fast.

When you are fasting, set time aside for prayer, meditation and Bible study. Keep a journal of your revelations, of what God is speaking to you. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you and to reveal areas in your life that need purification.

Body

Our bodies are most definitely going to be effected as we change our diet for 21 days. For some the change is going to be very dramatic. You might experience detoxing from food addictions, such as: caffeine, processed or unnatural foods, chemicals and sugar.

The symptoms that accompany detox process might be light or more pronounced: headaches, leg cramps, fatigue, and nausea and malaise [light depression]. As the body will detox the symptoms will alleviate and you will experience more energy, better sleep, clearer and sharper mind, and many other benefits.

Most people will lose weight during the fast. Many experience healings from various maladies, such as: diabetes, allergies, arthritis, high cholesterol and even cancer.

Soul

The soul is the central place of our emotions, intellect and will. It is the place where we make decisions, experience anger, fear, love, frustration and cravings.

The soul is frequently referred to as “the flesh” in the Bible.

During the fast your soul may rebel against the change in your diet. You will get an opportunity to experience and win this battle over the flesh, which might prove to be one of the most powerful lessons of the fast.

Spirit

Our spirit is the part of us that has been born again when we gave our lives over to Christ. It should be the part that surrenders to God. When we are fully surrendered we can truly abide with the Father and the Son. Our spirit is filled with the Holy Spirit if we yield to Him.

The purpose of the fast is to place our spirit in control of the other two parts of us: soul and body. When our flesh is acting out with a craving, we take control of it with our spirit (just imagine as parents would take control of a rebellious child).

PREPARING FOR DANIEL FAST

In addition to spending time in prayer to decide on the focus of your fast you should take the time to prepare your body as well.

Start easing off things that you feel you cannot live without: ease off caffeine, sugar, and processed foods. Try to do it before the first day of the fast. Otherwise you might experience strong detox symptoms: headaches, cramping, nausea, etc.

I would also strongly suggest for you not to go on an eating binge of all your favorite food the night before your fast begins! First, it really shows that your flesh is stronger than your spirit, secondly, it will be harder for you to start the fast because processed, animal and fatty foods will create a craving that will be hard to deal with for days to come.

To prepare for the fast, start drinking more water to flush out toxins faster and make the transition easier.

A WORD ABOUT WATER

If you don’t drink enough water, your body is probably used to storing water. Water retention=extra unwanted weight.

Before and during the fast you need to learn to consume enough water to stay hydrated. How much water exactly? The formula is quite easy:

HALF OF YOUR BODY WEIGHT IN OUNCES.

So, if you weigh 180 lbs, you should drink 90 oz of filtered water a day.

By increasing fluid consumption you will help your body to flush out toxins and train it not to store extra water.

You can drink warm/hot water throughout the day with a wedge of lemon to help reduce fluid retention. However, make sure that you the water you drink is without chemicals as much as possible.

DURING THE FAST

Physically, especially in the beginning of the fast, you might experience hunger pains. Before going for a snack or a meal drink some water—most people misunderstand signs of dehydration for hunger. If you drink some water the “hunger” pains might go away.

The purpose of the fast is not to simply change the foods you eat but also to restrict how much you eat, so learn to spend the time you would normally spend eating in prayer and meditation. However it is also advisable that you eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of three huge “square” meals and overwhelm your body.

Spiritually, you will experience a more successful fast when you spend time each day in prayer and communion with God. Establish a time during the day for quite time and meditation on the Word of God. Study His Word and seek His face.

Physically you might be tempted during the fast to break a few “rules” and eat/drink something you body craves. For example, you might decide not to drink water only but include herbal teas. However, think that Daniel refused to eat any pleasant food/drinks, and for the most part the herbal teas that we consume are to add a pleasant taste. There are exceptions when you might be drinking certain herbs for therapeutic reasons, such as parsley, chamomile or clover teas.

If the temptation comes, I hope you can learn a lesson by examining yourself. Ask yourself why you would want the thing you desire. If you respond in the manner that will indicate that it is because YOU WANT it, it will be a good time to exercise control over your flesh and show it who is truly in control.

DANIEL FAST APPROVED FOOD

I found a great list of foods on-line that is Daniel Fast friendly. You can print it out and take it with you when you go grocery shopping.

All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. However, you will fill much better physically if you consume fresh fruit. If you decide on canned fruit, make sure that no sweeteners of preservatives were used in the process.

Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon

All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. [Same rule would apply to canned vegetables as to that of fruit.]

Vegetables include but are not limited to all kinds of greens, artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini.

All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.

All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.

All legumes. These can be canned or dried. If canned, make sure not preservatives or sugars were used.

Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

All quality oils including but not limited to olive, grape seed, peanut, coconut, and sesame. Use oils SPARINGLY. I would strongly suggest that while on the fast not to use more than 1-2 tablespoons of oil per day. Your blood will flow freely through your veins delivering oxygen to every organ in your body.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.

Other: soy sauce, vinegar, seasonings, salt [sea or Himalayan salt preferred, see below for a detailed explanation], herbs and spices.

SALT

Table Salt is highly processed, and most of the times not vegan in nature [which means it has some sort of animal residue in it]. Oftentimes, to bleach salt it is processed through crushed animals bones. Not only that, but since it is highly processed it has NO nutritious value and is sure to raise your blood pressure.

For most health benefit buy salt that still has minerals in it, such as Sea or Himalayan salt.

FOODS TO AVOID ON THE DANIEL FAST

All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.

All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.

All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.

All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.

All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.

All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.

Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

MEDICATION AND SUPPLEMENTS DURING THE FAST

You should seek the advice of your health care practitioner about medications you might be taking. If you depend on them for any serious reason DO NOT discontinue them without first advising your doctor. Supplements are food for the most part and can be safely taken during Daniel Fast.

DANIEL FAST RECIPES

EVERY recipe on my blog, save a few that are baked or have sugar, is Daniel Fast approved   You can make daily menus, print recipes and enjoy yourself with one stop here.

You can also visit a site of my good blogger friend for great Daniel Fast approved recipes.  She started it when she embarked on a Daniel Fast.  What was amazing is as a result of it, the Lord made a way for her to publish a book on the topic.  So, check it out at Ultimate Daniel Fast. You can add her blog [along with mine  ] to your RSS feed.

http://pinterest.com/hayleymcroft/daniel-fast-recipes/


http://www.ultimatedanielfast.com/

Chars Chateau of Pensées: PRO LIFE.....

Why do I stand so firmly against abortion?

When you truly understand that there is more here, than just little girls making mistakes and changing their minds. There is a history that keeps repeating it's self. Go Back to Exodus 1:15 Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah: ¹⁶ “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver.^[c] If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.” 
They did not want the children of Israel to become strong and powerful. They enslaved them. They were killing the little boys and throwing them into the Nile River.

Then go to Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,

¹⁸ In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Herod had heard that there was a King coming to the Israelite and he wanted that King destroyed. 

In both situations they stooped to whatever they had to do to bring damage to God's Kingdom and people.

You must understand that no child is an accident. A young girl may climb in the back seat of car and get pregnant out of the timing of the will of God, but that baby is not an accident. Just premature in being born. 

God has a plan and purpose for each child that is created in the womb.  You can see it over and over in the bible. 

So when I hear of abortions, I see a direct attack on purpose. There have been many great people of purpose, aborted. Think of all the preachers, teachers, singers, missionaries, doctors, lawyers, nurses, etc...that never had the chance to grow up and become all who God had intended for them to be. It is a great attack on the generation to come. I stand strong against the enemy killing PURPOSE.

Galations 1:15
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

Jeremiah 1:5

Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁵ Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

Ps 22:10-11
                                         For thou art he that hast drawn me out of the
                                         womb: my hope from the breasts of my mother.
                                         I was cast upon thee from the womb. From my
                                         mother's womb thou art my God, 

Psalm 139:13

The Message (MSG)

^13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
    you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
    Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
    I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
    you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
    how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
    all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
    before I’d even lived one day.

Genesis 25:

^21-23 Isaac prayed hard to God for his wife because she was barren. God answered his prayer and Rebekah became pregnant. But the children tumbled and kicked inside her so much that she said, “If this is the way it’s going to be, why go on living?” She went to God to find out what was going on. Godtold her,

Two nations are in your womb,
    two peoples butting heads while still in your body.
One people will overpower the other,
    and the older will serve the younger.

(God knew them then and their future even in her belly)

OK....as a Woman, I am not threatened by abolishing abortion. If Women want control of their Bodies....(word up) it starts in the bedroom. BIRTH CONTROL.!!!!!!!! If you want control... Take birth control and you won't have babies. If you get pregnant while you are on birth control, that is a consequence (blessing) to playing. Old rule of thumb....If you play you pay. Killing an innocent baby doesn't give you more control of your body but shows how little control and together you are by not being responsible with your body.

Here is a story that will help bring light to what abortion is......

Stand Against Abortion. Abortion is killing God's purpose. Purpose is in your womb.

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said: 'Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 year old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together. So th e doctor said: 'Ok and what do you want me to do?' She said: 'I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.' The doctor
thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady: 'I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.' She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request. Then he continued: 'You see, in order for you not to have to take care 2 babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms. The lady was horrified and said: 'No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child! 'I agree', the doctor replied. 'But you seemed to be OK with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.' The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb. The crime is the same!

If you agree, please SHARE. Together we can help save precious lives! "Love says I sacrifice myself for the good of the other person. Abortion says I sacrifice the other person for the good of myself..

PRO LIFE

PRO LIFE WEBSITE

PRO LIFE ACTION

NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE

NOT UNTIL.....

Often we fail to see the greatness in what God is doing in our lives.  What we view them as hard times, trials, disappointments, failures, loss.....God sees them differently.  They are not always God sent but God will take things and use them to better us for HIS purpose in our lives.


Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

It is when you walk through some "STUFF" that you begin to understand who God is and what he can and will do for you. 

It isn't until you are sick, that you truly see how Jesus is your Healer.
It isn't until you have sinned and been lost, that you understand Jesus as your Redeemer.
It isn't until you have suffered loss that you really understand God is your Restorer. 
It isn't until you have been rejected that you understand Jesus is the Lover of your Soul.
It isn't until you have loss your job, car, home.....that you understand Jehovah Jireh is your Provider.
It isn't until you have been betrayed that you understand that Jesus is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
It isn't until you get lost in your mess, that you will find that the Lord will be your GPS back to the cross.
It isn't until you feel afraid, and fear for your life that you understand that God is your hiding place and protector. That he places Angels to guard you day and night.
It isn't until you have no answers to the many questions you have that you realize in Christ alone lies your answers.
It isn't until you are lonely, that you can grasp that you are never alone with Jesus at your side.
It isn't until you have someone die that come to know that the Holy Spirit is the Great Comforter.
It isn't until your world gets rocked apart that you find out that The Lord is the Prince of Peace to you.
It isn't until you walk through depression so deep you don't think you can ever get out, that you find the Lord will bring Joy in the morning.
It isn't until you have divorced or lost a companion to death that you begin to feel how much Jesus will be your Companion, your Husbandmen.

It is in our lack....that God brings miracles, wonders, and the supernatural to reveal himself to us.

Look for him in all you walk through.  He is there waiting for you to call upon him and trust him.

NOTHING WASTED

Song - Psalm 18 by: Pastor Clint S. Brown

Many wonder what their purpose in life is.  Most times it is connected with, associated with, whatever you have walked through.  That is why you may see someone who has lost a parent to sickness, become a Nurse.  The things we walk through may hurt, be stressful, and draining, but it is packed full of experience that you must learn to operate in your calling.

Never begrudge a small beginning, takes on a new meaning when you understand that your beginning may start with some trials, tests, and hardships.  Everybody wants the blessings, and anointing, but few want to walk through what it takes to acquire that great measure desired.

I remember Bishop TD Jakes preaching about how the olive has a hard shell.  It isn't until it is crushed that the oil (anointing) can come out.

When I was walking through divorce, loss, hurt, abuse, rape, poverty, betrayal and then again some more loss....I never dreamed that deep inside me, passion was being formed to help the...hurting, abused, poor, etc... I just knew that what I was walking through hurt and was very uncomfortable.

Now I see fully that God was creating a heart for those I would one day, love and help.  He wanted me to not only have compassion, but empathy for those that I would reach out to.  I couldn't if I had never walked through those times.

Song - "There You Are" by: Pastor Clint S. Brown

God wanted me to learn to trust in a greater form.  Believe me, I thought I trusted him, but it wasn't until there was nothing to eat, and no money....that I had to say "Abba you promised to be my Jehovah Jireh". I am counting on you to bring it forth and then watch him fulfill his word.  Now I know that I know that I know....he will keep his promise of his word.  He had to fully gain my trust for all he had laid before me.

I encourage whoever is reading this, to ask God, right where you are, to show you what you are meant to learn in your situation.  To help you to not just go through, but grow through each experience.  I pray that God builds passion for the ministries he is preparing you for.  That a light of clarity comes on to help you understand the journey and path you are on.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

You were made even in your Momma's womb, with purpose.  God has a plan for your life.  :Look around and watch how God will use you.

Psalms 139:13

For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Jeremiah 1:5
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Your test and trials will not be wasted.  You are walking through them with purpose attached to you. Everything you walk through can be turned for good if you let God. He makes all things beautiful in HIS timing.

Song - "I'll Worship You" by: Pastor Clint S. Brown