From the bad, comes good. We had received news that we were facing another battle with cancer. That had rocked us and indeed we took a minute or more to get our faith in check. My sister who was diagnosed had her mind fixed on praise. She decided that to complain was to remain, but to praise was to be raised. So for the last three weeks we have turned our house into a house of praise.
We have met with other family members to praise for an hour. No agenda other than a song that is on our heart and a verse or three. God's name is exalted and for sixty minutes we forget about ourselves and worship HIM.
I tell you the truth, it has certainly shifted my position from the woe is me and everything is undone mind set to a God is able mentality. Now let me just state that we are still walking through the trials, but the burden is not as heavy. Week by week we are casting our cares and leaving it behind. We are growing our faith by praising our Savior. We are reminded through the wonderful lyrics and by the word of life that God is indeed Faithful.
So, yes, we have done away with the thieves of faith and truth and instead our house is a house of Praise.
I invite you to do as the song writer say and raise up your own hallelujah in the presence of the enemy. Let your weapon be a melody. Sing, in your storm so that by praise you are raised. HALLELUJAH!
In fact, go ahead and enjoy the song that has been an anthem in our hearts and church. Raise a hallelujah by Bethel Music
Friday, November 15, 2019
On the day Rosie died
I was on vacation. I remember having all kinds of plans to get some of those unfinished things done - like updating this blog page with some of the thoughts that filter through my mind daily. It's funny how a thought will be just that without action to bring it to life. Never the less, it was a day in October that seemed promising. Just a couple days prior, Canada had celebrated Thanksgiving and though different, it was a good time. We talked, discovered some things we didn't know about family members and laughed over silliness and good food.
My sister was not feeling well and we all thought it was her indulgence from the rich foods she had eaten. Unfortunately, one day became the next and the next. On the Thursday morning, we took her to the hospital. She was vomiting with nothing left in her stomach, having had a full meal almost two days prior. It presented to me like it did when she had a blockage in the intestines. So I was already dressed and waiting for her to come to the decision I had made the night before - EMERGENCY.
We got there and of course waited with all the other people who were in varying stages of ill health. It always sobers me to realize how many people are sick all at once. They took test and scans and we waited. When the news came back both of us were in shock. This was not the answer we expected. Things just got bad real quick.
Cancer. They told us she had cancer and needed to see an oncologist right away.
I am not exactly sure what I felt. I don't know exactly how she felt either. Tears were immediate. Fear gripped my heart. Unbelief that this was truly the results was also apart of the first five minutes menagerie of emotions. Are you sure this for this patient? Could it be an error we asked? No. This was what we dealt with two years ago, No, she had cancer not has cancer. The doctor did not change his report. He confirmed it again. With a gentle pat to my shoulder he told us again and I felt sorry for him.
In that moment I felt his discomfort of having to be the bearer of such a negative life altering news. I took pity on him and whispered our thanks for his help as much as he could give. His expertise was maxed and he took us as far as he could go.
We went home and while we absorbed the news as a family I looked at my messages. Rosie, a class mate from high school had lost her battle with cancer. It's funny because I had not heard or spoken to her in years. No one had even mentioned her name in conversation. Yet, here was this news on the day that we faced a diagnosis of life and death. Rosie died.
I felt that deep within. She was in the hospital and was to begin chemotherapy the next day. However, she never made it that far. Her battle was over on this earth and she enters instead into the hereafter.
Why? How? All valid questions for Rosie and for my sister. I don't believe God gets mad at any of us for asking. David certainly wasn't afraid to ask and neither should we. So, yes, that was a bad day. However, we still hope and believe in the One who is still good no matter what we face. Even in the face of death, we can still choose life.
My sister was not feeling well and we all thought it was her indulgence from the rich foods she had eaten. Unfortunately, one day became the next and the next. On the Thursday morning, we took her to the hospital. She was vomiting with nothing left in her stomach, having had a full meal almost two days prior. It presented to me like it did when she had a blockage in the intestines. So I was already dressed and waiting for her to come to the decision I had made the night before - EMERGENCY.
We got there and of course waited with all the other people who were in varying stages of ill health. It always sobers me to realize how many people are sick all at once. They took test and scans and we waited. When the news came back both of us were in shock. This was not the answer we expected. Things just got bad real quick.
Cancer. They told us she had cancer and needed to see an oncologist right away.
I am not exactly sure what I felt. I don't know exactly how she felt either. Tears were immediate. Fear gripped my heart. Unbelief that this was truly the results was also apart of the first five minutes menagerie of emotions. Are you sure this for this patient? Could it be an error we asked? No. This was what we dealt with two years ago, No, she had cancer not has cancer. The doctor did not change his report. He confirmed it again. With a gentle pat to my shoulder he told us again and I felt sorry for him.
In that moment I felt his discomfort of having to be the bearer of such a negative life altering news. I took pity on him and whispered our thanks for his help as much as he could give. His expertise was maxed and he took us as far as he could go.
We went home and while we absorbed the news as a family I looked at my messages. Rosie, a class mate from high school had lost her battle with cancer. It's funny because I had not heard or spoken to her in years. No one had even mentioned her name in conversation. Yet, here was this news on the day that we faced a diagnosis of life and death. Rosie died.
I felt that deep within. She was in the hospital and was to begin chemotherapy the next day. However, she never made it that far. Her battle was over on this earth and she enters instead into the hereafter.
Why? How? All valid questions for Rosie and for my sister. I don't believe God gets mad at any of us for asking. David certainly wasn't afraid to ask and neither should we. So, yes, that was a bad day. However, we still hope and believe in the One who is still good no matter what we face. Even in the face of death, we can still choose life.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Growing Pains
I am growing and yes, at times it is painful. You might be experiencing pain as well and you may not realize that this is what it is....GROWING PAINS.
Let me go back. My sister and I were speaking of ministry. If you are actively involved in any ministry you would already realize that it is not easy. Challenges come in all shapes and sizes with the message to give up...QUIT. If you want to go beyond the borders of men then for sure you will experience push back and yes - pain. If you want to grow, you will experience - yes - again I will say it - pain.
I know that when my son was growing up he had pains in his legs. When I took him to the doctor I was asked if he was an active kid. Yes, he was very active. There was the issue. If he was a couch potato, then he would get taller without any pains. The fact that he was moving around in play, sports was causing his bones to grow faster than his body. Now, I must admit this was my understanding of the diagnosis and for the most part it proved itself true.
I said that to make the connection with us. When we are ACTIVELY doing things whether in church or work or home or any other arena to bring about growth we will have pains. Things don't always fall easily into place. It takes time for others around you, (the body), to catch up to where you are going (the bones). It will be really tempting and perhaps even seemingly easier to just quit. Stop doing. Stop moving. Stop growing.
However, in the long run, it will only cause everyone to suffer. Stagnant waters never produce life. We die in it and the same is true of any of us if we think that no change is good enough. I challenge you to do something new to bring about growth in you. I challenge you to sing a new song at your next event. I challenge you to learn a new verse on a monthly basis. I challenge you to learn a new subject, change your eating habit, wear a different hair style, make a new friend, look beyond the door and reach beyond the ceiling. I challenge you loved one to grow. I might have made light of the suggestions I used but you get the picture. Don't be afraid to grow - pain is temporary and will soon subside.
Let me go back. My sister and I were speaking of ministry. If you are actively involved in any ministry you would already realize that it is not easy. Challenges come in all shapes and sizes with the message to give up...QUIT. If you want to go beyond the borders of men then for sure you will experience push back and yes - pain. If you want to grow, you will experience - yes - again I will say it - pain.
I know that when my son was growing up he had pains in his legs. When I took him to the doctor I was asked if he was an active kid. Yes, he was very active. There was the issue. If he was a couch potato, then he would get taller without any pains. The fact that he was moving around in play, sports was causing his bones to grow faster than his body. Now, I must admit this was my understanding of the diagnosis and for the most part it proved itself true.
I said that to make the connection with us. When we are ACTIVELY doing things whether in church or work or home or any other arena to bring about growth we will have pains. Things don't always fall easily into place. It takes time for others around you, (the body), to catch up to where you are going (the bones). It will be really tempting and perhaps even seemingly easier to just quit. Stop doing. Stop moving. Stop growing.
However, in the long run, it will only cause everyone to suffer. Stagnant waters never produce life. We die in it and the same is true of any of us if we think that no change is good enough. I challenge you to do something new to bring about growth in you. I challenge you to sing a new song at your next event. I challenge you to learn a new verse on a monthly basis. I challenge you to learn a new subject, change your eating habit, wear a different hair style, make a new friend, look beyond the door and reach beyond the ceiling. I challenge you loved one to grow. I might have made light of the suggestions I used but you get the picture. Don't be afraid to grow - pain is temporary and will soon subside.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Still Not Forgotten - The Aftermath of 9/11
For me, it was not the calendar that turned over to remind me of what happened some years ago on Sept 11th. It was not the posting of updated social media pages nor the news reports from varying stations. It was reading a fictional novel that started out with an attack of terror on American soil.
I felt inside of me such sadness, that I have still not been able to go behind the first chapter.
This was no fiction. This was not another who done it novel that I could pretend for the hours it took to read that I was the agent or detective working the case - solving the mystery and getting the back guys. I was only too able to recall scenes from this day of lives lost over a cause I still am unclear about. I am able to still see bodies plunging from buildings to escape a fiery grave that threatened them. I am only too aware of the explosions from planes crashing into buildings.
I threw that book aside and wept. I wept as you might have, for all those people that are still remembering those loved ones. I wept for those where years have not faded the pain. I wept for a nation that has never quite recovered and every day live and breathe the stench of 9/11. I wept for all of us who have not forgotten and never will for as long as God gives us breath.
Today, as the calendar has finally caught up to my thoughts, I am remembering with a soberness that life is fragile. Loss is guaranteed to come to all of us. I remember also the God I love and serve and who is able to COMFORT all us in our sorrow. He heals the wounded hearts that are still bruised and battered from what is now our "history".
Can you pray with me for all of us today?
Father, please wrap us up in your comforting arms and bring comfort to us as we once again mourn the loss of loved ones, our freedom, our yesterdays that can never be returned. Father bring to our nation a reason to celebrate life and infuse us with Joy Peace and Hope that comes from you only. Father, we need you. Everyday, every hour, every second we need you desperately. Father in the midst of this, we remember those that are still committed to serving in the defense of a nation they love. Keep them safe Lord and I pray a swift reunion with loved ones. Keep them in soundness of mind I pray and hide them from the enemy's eyes and hands. Lord thank God for North America. Bless this land in Jesus Name, Amen.
I felt inside of me such sadness, that I have still not been able to go behind the first chapter.
This was no fiction. This was not another who done it novel that I could pretend for the hours it took to read that I was the agent or detective working the case - solving the mystery and getting the back guys. I was only too able to recall scenes from this day of lives lost over a cause I still am unclear about. I am able to still see bodies plunging from buildings to escape a fiery grave that threatened them. I am only too aware of the explosions from planes crashing into buildings.
I threw that book aside and wept. I wept as you might have, for all those people that are still remembering those loved ones. I wept for those where years have not faded the pain. I wept for a nation that has never quite recovered and every day live and breathe the stench of 9/11. I wept for all of us who have not forgotten and never will for as long as God gives us breath.
Today, as the calendar has finally caught up to my thoughts, I am remembering with a soberness that life is fragile. Loss is guaranteed to come to all of us. I remember also the God I love and serve and who is able to COMFORT all us in our sorrow. He heals the wounded hearts that are still bruised and battered from what is now our "history".
Can you pray with me for all of us today?
Father, please wrap us up in your comforting arms and bring comfort to us as we once again mourn the loss of loved ones, our freedom, our yesterdays that can never be returned. Father bring to our nation a reason to celebrate life and infuse us with Joy Peace and Hope that comes from you only. Father, we need you. Everyday, every hour, every second we need you desperately. Father in the midst of this, we remember those that are still committed to serving in the defense of a nation they love. Keep them safe Lord and I pray a swift reunion with loved ones. Keep them in soundness of mind I pray and hide them from the enemy's eyes and hands. Lord thank God for North America. Bless this land in Jesus Name, Amen.
Monday, September 2, 2019
Ask Me Who I AM
I recently watched the movie Overcomer, a Kendrick Brothers production and was so inspired by them to do two things. I had to go to Ephesians 1 & 2 and see for myself what the Word of God said about me. I don't know about you but I so needed a re-write of my definition of me. Secondly, I was inspired to help my youth know this truth as well. I wanted them to see for themselves that God's identity map will be crisis free, unlike today's world view that brings utter confusion to everyone.
So here it is, my spoken word based on one scene from this wonderful, highly recommended must see movie (I really hope you run out and support them).
So here it is, my spoken word based on one scene from this wonderful, highly recommended must see movie (I really hope you run out and support them).
Ask me who I am
By Engada Robinson
Ask me who I am
Go ahead,
Ask me who I am!
Not going to boast
Don’t have to lie
His truth gives me freedom
Tells me just who I am
The God definition of me
Is better than anything else I could find
He defines me
Yes His words about me
Is what makes me confident
It gives me the pep in my step
And the smile on my lips
So go ahead,
I want you to know
Ask me who I am!
I am blessed.
Blessed with every spiritual blessings
In Heavenly places through Christ.
I am chosen.
Chosen by God to be holy and blameless
Before Him in love
I am adopted.
Adopted as “son”. That’s
right son to the Father
I am an heir to the inheritance.
I am wise.
Wise in spite of my years, having the mind of Christ.
I have insight and I am in the know because of Him.
I am redeemed.
Redeemed through the blood of the Lamb.
Oh yes, that’s who I am
I am forgiven.
Forgiven of every sin because of His grace.
God’s rich grace!!!
I am alive.
Alive as in no longer dead in my sin
That was my yesterday’s self.
I am loved.
Loved by my God who made me in His image
I am His masterpiece, on display for His glory to be seen
I am His child.
Child of the Light, refusing to be anything else but
Who He says I am
I want you to know
Ask me who I am
The Best Me
Today is my friend's birthday. She turns 40 today and she said I am going to work on being the Best Me. I turn 45 in a few weeks myself (side note of Happy Birthday to ME!) and I also want to be the BEST ME that I can be. I was sitting in my living room watching a movie called the Intern while wondering to myself how can I do that? How do I become the best me?
To be honest, I was a little teary eyed because even now I have no answer. I don't know what the best me looks like. I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing to get to where I need to be that is "best". I asked my sister what is her version of the Best Me - confident, encouraging, non-judgmental, giving, faithful, a good friend and reliable were a few words that she spoke about. Those all sound great, doesn't it? As a matter of fact, she kept going long after I typed this sentence and is even now still listing the qualities that would define the Best Me.
How do we get there? How do we become the best version of ourselves without compromising ourselves, our beliefs, or hurting others? I can't begin to tell you the answers, I just don't know. well, that is not entirely true. I do know that I can't be the BEST ME outside of the BEST HIM. Yes, I am going there so you might as well not roll your eyes.
The Best of ME is not within my own version of good better best. It is not even within my own abilities. I cant be the Best Me without having the only one that is Good. God alone is good. I need Him to change me. I need him to help me become all the things my sister listed and more. I need him to bring out the good, better, best. I need Him period.
So, I guess I will dry my eyes. I will stop having the pity party that I like to entertain with me myself and I as guests of honors. I will stop wishing for change and actually start investing time with the only ONE who can change me for the best. Here is my big sigh of relief. Pressures off and pity party over. So here is looking towards a happy birthday and a great year of becoming all God intended in Jesus name!
To be honest, I was a little teary eyed because even now I have no answer. I don't know what the best me looks like. I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing to get to where I need to be that is "best". I asked my sister what is her version of the Best Me - confident, encouraging, non-judgmental, giving, faithful, a good friend and reliable were a few words that she spoke about. Those all sound great, doesn't it? As a matter of fact, she kept going long after I typed this sentence and is even now still listing the qualities that would define the Best Me.
How do we get there? How do we become the best version of ourselves without compromising ourselves, our beliefs, or hurting others? I can't begin to tell you the answers, I just don't know. well, that is not entirely true. I do know that I can't be the BEST ME outside of the BEST HIM. Yes, I am going there so you might as well not roll your eyes.
The Best of ME is not within my own version of good better best. It is not even within my own abilities. I cant be the Best Me without having the only one that is Good. God alone is good. I need Him to change me. I need him to help me become all the things my sister listed and more. I need him to bring out the good, better, best. I need Him period.
So, I guess I will dry my eyes. I will stop having the pity party that I like to entertain with me myself and I as guests of honors. I will stop wishing for change and actually start investing time with the only ONE who can change me for the best. Here is my big sigh of relief. Pressures off and pity party over. So here is looking towards a happy birthday and a great year of becoming all God intended in Jesus name!
Monday, August 26, 2019
Expect nothing and you will not be disppointed?
I read a quote recently that had everything in me going NO WAY that is not right. It is said "Expect nothing and you will not be disappointed." At first glance, it doesn't seem to be a bad thing. It seems rather harmless doesn't it? Actually, it appears to even be a good thing. Oh yes, this is a perfect guard against disappointments and failures. It seems perfectly logical to live by such a decree and perhaps even to get a verse or two to make it more spiritual. It is written, some may add, that we should "guard our hearts..."(Prov 4:23). Amen the congregation shouts in hearty agreement.
However, I have come to challenge this way of thinking. I have come to say NO WAY to this erroneous, life killing, faith destroying, and God denying words of thought. AM I being a bit dramatic? Perhaps, but don't dismiss me just yet. Hear me out. To expect nothing may keep you from being disappointed but it also keeps you from being fulfilled. It keeps you out of the race and out of the loop for the best things God has to offer you. It keeps you from reaching out and taking what God wants to give to you if you would only expect Him to do so.
Doesn't it say in the bible that we ought to wait for and hope for and expect the Lord (Psalm 27:14)? He says when we expect from Him, He will even exceed our expectations (Eph 3:20). He wants to go beyond what we even imagine is possible? He wants us to be of good courage and with stout hearts expect Him to do not just the possible but the impossible. He wants us to leap by faith, using the net of expectations in Him. He, God, says you can trust Him. Those whose hope and trust is in Him will not and I repeat, will NOT be disappointed (Isa 49:23).
So dear friends, I want to inspire you to expect from God again. Don't think for one minute that the safe route of having no expectations from anyone is the best route. I want to tell you that it isn't. It is a lie from the father of all lies - the Devil himself (John 8:44). He wants us to be dissatisfied in this short life here on earth as well as disqualify us for the life hereafter. However, God says no. He offers you the abundant life and it doesn't start at the door of Heaven. It starts right here and right now. So go ahead and dream, anchoring your expectations in a God who is faithful and will do all that He promised to do and more.
Here are some good verses to amp up your Expectation in God. Enjoy the read.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Expectations/
However, I have come to challenge this way of thinking. I have come to say NO WAY to this erroneous, life killing, faith destroying, and God denying words of thought. AM I being a bit dramatic? Perhaps, but don't dismiss me just yet. Hear me out. To expect nothing may keep you from being disappointed but it also keeps you from being fulfilled. It keeps you out of the race and out of the loop for the best things God has to offer you. It keeps you from reaching out and taking what God wants to give to you if you would only expect Him to do so.
Doesn't it say in the bible that we ought to wait for and hope for and expect the Lord (Psalm 27:14)? He says when we expect from Him, He will even exceed our expectations (Eph 3:20). He wants to go beyond what we even imagine is possible? He wants us to be of good courage and with stout hearts expect Him to do not just the possible but the impossible. He wants us to leap by faith, using the net of expectations in Him. He, God, says you can trust Him. Those whose hope and trust is in Him will not and I repeat, will NOT be disappointed (Isa 49:23).
So dear friends, I want to inspire you to expect from God again. Don't think for one minute that the safe route of having no expectations from anyone is the best route. I want to tell you that it isn't. It is a lie from the father of all lies - the Devil himself (John 8:44). He wants us to be dissatisfied in this short life here on earth as well as disqualify us for the life hereafter. However, God says no. He offers you the abundant life and it doesn't start at the door of Heaven. It starts right here and right now. So go ahead and dream, anchoring your expectations in a God who is faithful and will do all that He promised to do and more.
Here are some good verses to amp up your Expectation in God. Enjoy the read.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Expectations/
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