Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Last Day of 2014

This year has been an eye opener for me. God gives us work to do by spreading the good news. I have learned to spend time in places with people who are willing to change. 

I learned to let the wrong go for the right. Yeah we know the saying , but when you have to choke up an apology and consult with God about it....you know that you are doing what's right.

Being thankful for what is and always mustering up an idea to get to the next level. I refuse to stay down! Every situation, conflict, accomplishment helped me learn  more about me. My faith is everything.

Pieces came together for me in 2014.   There is a big picture awaiting in my future. I will reach many people. I will help save lives and I am not a MD! God has given me the tools and I will continue do the work. I'm ready!!!

Life is a lesson learned daily, with God I am a student and a teacher.

Pray and believe for what you want out of life. Never give up on your dreams.





Thursday, November 13, 2014

Dear Future Husband

First and foremost  the LOVE of God has to be present. Being as one is a must! That eliminates you and me.
It's important that we live our lives in such a way that when we look back at an milestone or a simple accomplishment we can say together, " We did it!!" Personally the sound of  "POWER COUPLE" is awesomeness!! We have one another's back no matter what, enduring  knowing that you are not alone.  Considering the other's feeling and opinion with respect about anything. When one is feeling bad the other doesn't have to ask..."What's wrong?"
Being excited seeing one another at the end of a long day or business trip. Planning that date, like it's our first.

  1Peter 3 Worldwide English (New Testament)
Wives, respect and obey your husbands in the same way. Then the husbands who do not obey the word of God will want to know God. They will want to know God because their wives live good lives, even though they say nothing about God.
They will see that you live holy lives and respect your husbands.
You should not be fine on the outside only. Some women make their hair nice. They wear gold things. They have fine clothes.
But you must be fine in your heart. Have a heart that is gentle and quiet. That will not wear out. And God thinks it is worth very much.
There were holy women long ago who trusted in God. They made themselves nice in this way. They obeyed their husbands.
Sarah obeyed Abraham. She called him her master. You are her children if you do what is right and are not afraid of trouble.
Husbands, also live with your wife the way you know is right. Respect her because she is a woman. She is not as strong as a man. Also respect her because God has given her, as well as you, the blessing of life. In this way, you will not stop God from doing what you ask him to do.
Here is one thing more. You must all agree. You must care when others have trouble. You must love your Christian brothers. You must be kind. You must not be proud.
You must not do wrong things to those who do wrong things to you. You must not say wrong things to those who say wrong things to you. But ask God to bless those people. This is what you have been called to do. Then God will bless you.
10 The holy writings say,`A man who wants to live and have good days must not say wrong things. He must not say anything that is not true.
11 He must turn away from anything wrong and do what is good. He must try hard to find peace, and keep on looking for it.
12 The Lord watches over those who do good. He listens when they talk to him. But the Lord is against those who do wrong things.'
13 Who will do something bad to you if you want to do what is good?
14 But even if people trouble you because you do right, God will bless you. Do not be afraid of them. And do not be troubled.
15 Worship Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope you have. But be gentle and respect him.
16 Keep your hearts clean. Then when people say wrong things about you, they will be ashamed because they have talked wrongly about your good Christian life.
17 It is better to have trouble for doing right, if God allows it, than to have trouble for doing wrong.
18 For Christ died that once because of our wrong ways. He was good and he died for those who were bad. He did this to bring us to God. His body died, but his spirit had new life.
19 His spirit went and gave his message to people's spirits who were in prison.
20 In the days long ago, they did not obey God. God waited for them to do so while Noah was building the big house on the boat. A few people, only eight, were saved by going through the water.
21 The water of baptism is like that. It saves you. It does not save you because it washes dirt from your bodies. But it saves you because you bring yourselves to God with a clean heart. It saves you because Jesus Christ has been raised from death.
22 He has gone up into heaven. He is now at the right side of God. Angels, rulers, and governments obey him.

Love You With My Whole Heart,
Carla

Monday, October 27, 2014

I Apologize

I was always told that sometime you have to let the wrong go for what is right.

“Apologizing does not always mean that you’re wrong and the other person is right. It just means that you value your relationship more than your ego.”—Positive Outlooks
It’s not about me. It’s not about me. It’s not about me.
I repeated the mantra in my head over and over again. I set it to a tune. I hummed it in my mind. But it still wasn’t sinking in. It felt like it was about me. In fact, it felt like I was under attack. Being falsely accused of something I didn’t do.
But, it didn’t matter.
It’s not about me. It’s not about me. It’s not about me.
It wasn’t about me. There was a larger story at play. The one of my family, especially my children, suffering the consequences of an argument that I didn’t start, and couldn’t seem to end. It had gone on for years, and my attempts to get anyone to even acknowledge my viewpoint, were futile.
David struggled with this as well. In Psalms 69, he calls out to God in the midst of his accusers:
“Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.”
He was forced to restore what he did not steal. Accused of things he did not do.
Relationships are messy. And Jesus clearly understood. In fact, he specifically instructed us on what to do should we find ourselves in a disagreement with others. In Matthew 5:23-24, He said:
“This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.”
I love how this doesn’t specify who is at fault. To God, who is at fault is not the question. It is about making things right, regardless of who is at fault. It doesn’t mean that we are taking the blame, but instead, taking the initiative to live in peace with that person. I know—it seems impossible. But, as believers, we are called to a higher standard. Called to love others as we would like to be loved—not as we are loved. A much different thing.
The truth is, there is an art to disagreeing. And, like most art, it’s not always easy to understand at first glance. The meaning, and the methods used, may not be clear in the beginning.
When it’s time to apologize:
  • The relationship with the other person is one that has lifelong potential, such as a family member, spouse, or long-time friend, and you value the relationship in spite of the disagreement.
  • You have approached them in love, and been refused.
  • You have tried to find a common ground, willing to give in, and been refused.
  • When you approach the person who has offended you, there is a rehashing of what happened—as if it just happened—instead of a willingness to find resolution.
  • The matter is affecting other people who were not part of the original disagreement.
  • You avoid gatherings where the person might be.
  • You have prayed about the situation and don’t feel the need to create a permanent boundary (you should not compromise in situations that involve physical or mental abuse of any kind).
  • You feel certain that if you apologize, the matter will end.
How to get your mind around apologizing when you’ve done nothing wrong:
  • You can show regret for the feelings the other person has incurred as a result of the situation without taking blame for the situation itself. This assumes that you did not intend to hurt feelings, or that the original action was intended for good and had unforeseen consequences for which you were not responsible. When doing this, make sure that you apologize with no caveats. Instead of “I’m sorry if you were offended by something I said” (putting the reaction back on them), say something like “I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you” (putting the responsibility on you).
  • Decide what you are apologizing for, and state it plainly. An open-ended apology that makes you feel exposed to accepting something you did not do, will not end the disagreement. More than likely, it will cause bitterness that may escalate it. Instead, you can show grace to the person who offended you, and apologize for the part you played in the situation that followed the offense (such as: isolation from that person, bad feelings towards that person, etc.)
  • Don’t dwell on the truth. In many cases, the truth will lie between you, the offender, and God alone. In long standing disputes, the truth doesn’t matter as much as the separation it has caused.
  • Don’t make excuses for the person who caused the offense. Instead, offer mercy, knowing that you are freeing yourself as much as you are freeing them. They don’t have to answer to you for their actions, but you do have to answer to God.
  • Agree not to discuss it again. When both parties have been hurt, and an agreement of wrongdoing cannot be settled, it is best to let the situation go. In order to move forward, both parties need to agree that it is forgiven, and that it is best not to discuss it for the sake of the relationship.
In long standing disagreements, it’s not really about who is right or wrong, but who is willing to listen to the other person, and show understanding toward them. Most people don’t want conflict between themselves and others, but pride keeps them from admitting wrongdoing. Often, the person who suffered the mistreatment will be the one who is forced to end the argument with no apology from the other side. Showing grace and mercy to another who has offended you is not only an incredible gift to that person, but a living testimony of how your Savior would treat you. And, that alone, sisters, is enough to break the silence.
Article taken from LauraPolk.org.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit

Before I was saved I use to be a HELL RAISER. I thank God for taking the fight out of my life, that behavior of strife and bitterness.

Today I will avoid any kind of confrontation. I will do all I can to reason with you without it turning into a full blown out argument. I have learned to listen and talk to people, that's called a conversation. Having self-control is must in my life.

Recently I had a couple of family members literally turn on me and it caught me off guard, but I was not really surprised when it was all over. Thoughts ran cross my mind, but really the hurt  is what consumed me.

Ephesians 4:25-32~ Therefore, putting away lying, Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,”for we are members of one another.  “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,  nor give place to the devil.  Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.   Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.   Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

No matter what temptation comes up before you, you have the power to resist it.






Tuesday, September 30, 2014

God’s Everlasting Love

 

Romans 8:31-39
 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?   He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?   Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.   Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.   Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?   As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Are you a USER?

I thank God daily for my freedom to LIVE!! JESUS died on the cross for my SINS and today I am FORGIVEN. Grateful for His GRACE and MERCY.
If this does not fuel the soul...you are dead inside.

I've learned that we can walk around and enjoy the freedom that has been handed down, but we do not embrace it as the LOVE that God gave. We exist in this blessing of having a life and not fully living it.

When we fall into that pit of trouble .. the first thing we say is "Oh God!" Yes, we can be users when we want to be. Why call his name when you don't even praise Him daily. Oh yes, because you know He will forgive, might even help you  out once again.

For all users:

Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God." Deut 8:19,20

Re-think your actions and this time when you ask God to forgive you, be committed to keeping your promise because He will keep his.


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

I AM THE VINE

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Birthday Prayer


 
Thank you, God, for giving me another year of life.
Thank you for all the people who remembered me today
by sending cards, and letters, gifts and good wishes.

Thank you for all the experience of this past year;
for times of success which will always be happy memories,
for times of failure which reminded me of my own weakness and of my need for you,
for times of joy when the sun was shining,
for times of sadness which drove me to you.

Forgive me
for the hours I wasted,
for the chances I failed to take,
for the opportunities I missed this past year.
Help me in the days ahead to make this the best year yet,
and through it to bring good credit to myself,
happiness and pride to my loved ones,
and joy to you. Amen.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Dear Daughter

When I look at you, I can remember your younger years in a flash. Your energy, smile, loving attraction for kids and the elderly. Your will to learn about positive and productive things. I particularly recall the fact that at age 3 you could identify the states on the map just by the shape. You developed a sense of style early on and took pride in your appearance. I hardly every had to ask you to clean up or do your chores, because you usually had it done without me asking.
Being the elder child a lot was expected and you definitely set the bar high. I missed that about you. I lost you along the way. Becoming an adult has not been easy for you in the kind of world we live in today. I did my best to teach you and hoped with knowing my mistakes you would  know the do's and don'ts.
You are now 26 years old with your own child and just went through open heart surgery to save your life. I hope that you realize that life is precious and worth living and living well. Beware of those things that may come into your life that is not of God. Be led by the spirit and trust God in all that you do.
I've missed you and I pray to God daily for your salvation. God is a redeemer and can restore you physically and mentally. Let your second chance be your new beginning. Your scares will heal, but you will remember why you have the scares when you look at yourself in the mirror. Not in shame, but with victory.
Let your testimony be heard to help others and to spread the gospel. It is important to let others know how the devil deceived you and almost killed you.
You are beautiful and I love you.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Friendly Word

My walking partner gave me this bible verse a couple of weeks ago. If you have children you will understand.
We plan and dream for our kids when they are young, big and wonderful things.
Then they grow up and those plans are no longer interesting to them anymore.
They are blinded by the world and taken captive by their iniquities.


Isaiah 49:25

But thus says the Lord:
"Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away,
And the prey of the terrible be delivered;
For I will contend with him who contends with you,
And I will save your children."

Friday, April 25, 2014

A Nana's Love

Recently I have experience and unexpected situation by having to  take care of my grandson. He's a darling child and a true gift from God. This was not in my plans, but God is the planner.
"A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).

I have found that patience is the key and taking the negative factors surrounding this matter and channeling it  for good.
Children are innocent. They did not ask to be here and they certainly do not get to choose their parents.
Making sure that my grandson has the love and nurturing that he need in his young life is my job now. I thank God daily for HIS guidance.
If you ever find yourself unexpectedly taking care of a love one, lay all of your personal feelings and opinions aside and roll up your sleeves and do what you must do. That person is in need and you have a responsibility to help.

I pray over my grandson and speak God's words into his spirit.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Clean Heart

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)



Purge me with hyssop, with the blood of Christ applied to my soul by a lively faith, as the water of purification was sprinkled with a bunch of hyssop. The blood of Christ is called the blood of sprinkling, Hebrews 12:24. If this blood of Christ, which cleanses from all sin, cleanse us from our sin, then we shall be clean indeed, Hebrews 10:2. He asks not to be comforted, till he is first cleansed; if sin, the bitter root of sorrow, be taken away, he can pray in faith, Let me have a well-grounded peace, of thy creating, so that the bones broken by convictions may rejoice, may be comforted. Hide thy face from my sins; blot out all mine iniquities out of thy book; blot them out, as a cloud is blotted out and dispelled by the beams of the sun. And the believer desires renewal to holiness as much as the joy of salvation. David now saw, more than ever, what an unclean heart he had, and sadly laments it; but he sees it is not in his own power to amend it, and therefore begs God would create in him a clean heart. When the sinner feels this change is necessary, and reads the promise of God to that purpose, he begins to ask it. He knew he had by his sin grieved the Holy Spirit, and provoked him to withdraw. This he dreads more than anything. He prays that Divine comforts may be restored to him. When we give ourselves cause to doubt our interest in salvation, how can we expect the joy of it? This had made him weak; he prays, I am ready to fall, either into sin or into despair, therefore uphold me with thy Spirit. Thy Spirit is a free Spirit, a free Agent himself, working freely. And the more cheerful we are in our duty, the more constant we shall be to it. What is this but the liberty wherewith Christ makes his people free, which is contrasted with the yoke of bondage? Galatians 5:1. It is the Spirit of adoption spoken to the heart. Those to whom God is the God of salvation, he will deliver from guilt; for the salvation he is the God of, is salvation from sin. We may therefore plead with him, Lord, thou art the God of my salvation, therefore deliver me from the dominion of sin. And when the lips are opened, what should they speak but the praises of God for his forgiving mercy?

-Parallel Commentary

 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

THIS IS YOUR SEASON!


Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

 
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Friday, February 14, 2014

LOVE

Love yourself and be excited about everything.
Everything that you do makes for a good life.
The good in your life helps others and pleases God.
Please God by doing His will and surrendering all.
Surrendering all will not kill you, it makes you a better person.
A better person yearns for salvation.
Salvation is a promise that God promised to keep us saved.
Keep us saved is a way of protection while still in the world.
While I am still in the world I must press toward the prize.
Pressing toward the prize is our focus for what's to come.
What's to come is eternal life with Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is our savior.


 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Crushed Dream

If you have a passion for something in life, pursue it. It may be a job, education, money or relocation. Whatever it may be, do your research first. Know your options and vision it all coming together full circle in the end.

Too many times we can be persuaded by what someone else says or thinks. Well, that same unsolicited advice could crush your dream.

If you know that God has given you a definite direction in life, don't allow anyone to interrupt that plan.

Others will not always understand to share what you may have in mind for yourself. You may decide to do something, doesn't mean "I" may go about it the same way. This doesn't give me the right to be negative or opinionated about "your" decision.

Instead be supportive and ask questions. If you love that person you will try to embrace their efforts and show some love, by being positive and encouraging.


Quote: It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing their dreams. ~Gabriel Garcia Marquez



Saturday, January 25, 2014

Waiting With Patience

Have you ever been so anxious about something that you could almost bust! Then you hear a voice  tell you, "Hold On".  God wants us to wait on him. We may have good intentions, but it's all about His timing. The timing is such that it not only put us in a spiritual position, it's also for the outreach of that individual that has to be considered. That shift in the atmosphere where the Holy Spirit is using you to spread the gospel to a lost soul and believe in their salvation.

It also teaches us patience. Patience is assurance of us being ready. Being obedient is what we need so we do not go out on our own.  Being prepared is all about patience. (I hope you got that.)

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.(Proverbs 3:6)

 Patience is suffering, so we must wait. Wait on the Lord.

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (James 5:7-8)



Monday, January 6, 2014

Prayer and Fasting

So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:29)

A favorite verse of mine and one that will be my focus for this year.