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Go Mommy, Go Mommy!

1/25/2019

Today I was reminded that everything that I do is important. Sometimes in the busyness of my daily chores, it all seems so pointless.
Mothers have a mostly thankless job and many tasks go unseen and are just expected to be done.

Today school was canceled because of severe weather. With that came the accumulation of dishes in the sink (added to the ones I didn’t feel like doing late last night). I begrudgingly went to take on the task. As I was scrubbing away, A cheer came from the background, “Go Mommy, Go Mommy”. My 2-year-old decided to plant her toddler chair behind me and be my cheerleader as I scrubbed. I was so tickled by this. At that moment, I felt appreciated and that my job is important.
Of course, I realize that I am important and appreciated, but sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the mundaneness of the day and feel invisible. Kids don’t realize their mother’s worth. They only know that they need her.

Serving all day and being pulled in many directions can make your soul weary. I’d like to encourage you today. Mommy, You ARE important and you ARE appreciated. Your children may not know how to share their gratitude, but you are displaying God’s love in every “pointless” task you perform. You are sharing God’s love just by making sure they have clean dishes to eat off of and a clean kitchen. When you are plunging the toilet, and cleaning the pee of the floor from potty training, you are displaying God’s love. Even when you leave the chores behind to rest a little longer (because it is so necessary) and spend more time with your little (or big) ones, you are doing what’s best for your family. There is a time and season for everything! You are doing great! Your children love you and need you!

You might not have an actual cheer squad behind you to give you momentum, but know that God is watching and smiling upon you. You also have a cloud of witnesses watching you (I’m sure they are cheering you on). So endure your tasks at hand and know the joy before you.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
The Race of Faith
12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Run your race well Mommy!

Father, thank You for motherhood. Forgive us for sometimes not seeing our own worth. We know that being a mother is a blessing and of great importance. Help us raise disciples and display Your love in everything that we do. Let Your Word be our motivation and “cheer squad” as we look for encouragement to run our race well. Bless our children and give them a heart of gratitude as they grow into the knowledge of You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

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Birth Story

1/19/2017

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I have never known giving birth to a child as an easy task, but for some reason I expected this time to be just that. Boy was I wrong. One would think after already birthing 5 children, that I would be a pro and know exactly what to expect. This time was exactly the opposite of what everyone expected (including the doctor).

What I’ve learned from this experience is to never assume that I got it all figured out because God might have a different plan. Always be prepared for the enemy to attack at your most vulnerable times. Push past fear and stay strong to the end because the outcome is victory if you stay focused on God.

During my pregnancy all kind of circumstances were coming against me. For 1, I am no spring chicken, being 41 and pregnant is definitely different from being pregnant in your 20’s and even 30’s! Add 2 teenagers and 3 toddlers to the mix and exhaustion is the result. Because of my age, they sent me to more frequent and thorough ultrasounds. During these ultrasounds they noticed what they saw as a red flag with my baby’s kidneys, but all of the symptoms that would confirm their diagnosis weren’t present. They kept sending me for more ultrasounds and kept getting the same results. All the while, God gave me peace in knowing that my baby was okay and I didn’t need to fear. The doctor was confused by the inconsistencies with the ultrasound picture not matching the other things that this diagnosis should cause. You see, sometimes things look one way in the natural, but God has everything lined up according to His Word! At my last ultrasound about a month before delivery the doctor consulted a colleague, and they determined that there was nothing wrong with my baby! Hallelujah!!!

Just around 3 weeks before delivery, I was taking the kids for a fun day about 40 minutes away from home. Right before turning into the street that would lead us there, a car smashed into me. This caused my car to spin out and scared me immensely. Not only was I 37 weeks pregnant, but I also had all 5 of my other children in the car with me. Before leaving on our trip, the Holy Spirit led me to pray over our travels. I pleaded the blood of Jesus over us, the car, and the roads. I asked that the angels be encamped around us. The enemy was trying to take me and all my seed out! Although we were still hit, I believe that my prayer protected us from greater danger. The air bags didn’t go off which was good for my pregnant belly. All the children were secure in their seatbelts. We all suffered neck and back pain, but had no life threatening injuries. God kept us! Thank You Jesus!

Coming closer to my time of giving birth, my doctor warned me of getting to the hospital quickly. With this being my 6th child, he was concerned that the baby would come quickly. This led to I false alarm where I had to be sent home. I was so concerned because my husband commutes back and forth to work via train and I wasn’t sure if he would make it to the hospital if I went into labor. I know I was getting on his nerves with worry as it got closer. I started experiencing a weird numbing feeling in my belly that I had never felt before. Prior to this I was having consistent contractions but they didn’t really feel that strong. I didn’t know what to do. I started to fear the numbness meant that there was something wrong. My husband stayed home from work and we went to the hospital. When they monitored my contractions, the nurse couldn’t believe that I wasn’t feeling them. I was 3 centimeters dilated when I got to the hospital. The baby was fine and the contractions were coming consistently, but I wasn’t opening any further which was unusual for me because I normally go pretty quickly once I reach that point. They had me walk the hallways. The numbness left and I now felt the contractions, but I still wasn’t opening. They doctor recommended that I be induced since my due date was 5 days away, my contractions were consistent, and my husband was with me. My ultrasounds and measurements also indicated that this baby was going to be my biggest yet and it would be best to deliver now. I reluctantly agreed and expressed my want for the epidural. Understand, I have a fear of the epidural, but the pain from natural birth without meds (I experienced this twice) superseded this fear. I have a slight curve in my lower spine but it has never been an issue. This time, the anesthesiologist had a hard time getting around this curve. He punctured my back at least 5 times before achieving his target. In doing this, my spinal fluid leaked and medicine went where it wasn’t intended causing complete numbness to my lower body and extreme neck/head pain. I was completely freaking out because I couldn’t feel my toes or move my legs. I couldn’t imagine how I was going to push. They held off on giving me medicine through the epidural and waited for the effects of the leak to wear off (eventually it did). Right after the epidural my blood pressure dropped extremely low and I felt like I was drifting into death (dramatic, I know, but it is how I felt). I was explaining as I was drifting. They had to put me on oxygen and give me several doses of medicine to bring my pressure back up. It finally regulated and they started the induction meds.

I was on the induction meds for hours and still remained only 3 centimeters dilated. So much for an easy deliver with the baby slipping out! They had to turn up the meds as high as allowed and wait to see what happens. The nurse told me that they may have to send me home as a failed induction! I was NOT going home without a baby after all it took to get me there! I prayed and waited. The doctor couldn’t believe what was happening. 26 hours later, which was more than double the time that I have ever labored, I gave birth to my second smallest baby that I ever had. The effects of my spinal fluid leak were still in full speed. The neck/head pain would not let up. The fast option of curing my pain was to get a blood patch. This is when they give you another epidural, but inject your own blood into the area to stop the spinal fluid from leaking. The other option that may or may not work was to take in a lot of caffeine and fluids. I chose the 2nd option, but it didn’t work. It was Thanksgiving and I wanted to go home. They wouldn’t let me leave until I showed signs of relief. I had to endure the very thing that hurt me in order to get better. Talk about ironic. I let them do it and almost instantly started feeling better.

Everything seemed to go wrong. Everything was different then everyone expected. Nothing seemed to make sense. But at God’s perfect time, He gave me a perfect reward! He gave me His creation, a precious baby girl, my Joy! Regardless of how we feel about the way things are going, when we love God, it all works out.

Romans 8:28
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

I pray this encourages somebody that is going through a rough season. Things may look like everything is wrong, but God knows what He is doing. Continue to trust Him. Continue to press into the finish. The end result will be more beautiful than expected!

Father, we thank You for Your unfailing love. We thank You that You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You. Forgive us for seeking our own plans and forgetting to include You. Show us how to seek You first and be led by the Spirit. Help us not look at our circumstances and get discouraged or depressed even when everything looks opposite of what we think it should. Help us not to give up, but finish with prayer, courage and faith as our weapons. Help us overcome our obstacles and recover from our disappointments according to Your Word. Thank You for Your perfect timing that brings beauty to our purpose. We know we have victory in You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

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Patiently Pregnant With Purpose

10/19/2016

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I’ve been pregnant for 6 years; at least that is how it seems. I’ve been saved for 10 years and believe me, I couldn’t have survived these years of pregnancy without Jesus! When I received Christ, I was put on an accelerated path of growth and purpose. Everything that had happened in my past made sense and I knew who I was to become. I quickly learned how to yield to the Holy Spirit and understand the voice of God. God promised me many things and I was eager to receive everything that belonged to me through Him. I went through a 4-year process of being corrected, delivered, healed, and matured. Although I realize I am far from who I need to be, it was miraculous how fast I was transformed. 4-years into my salvation, I got married, then pregnant right away. I’ve been pregnant ever since! Each time that I finished breast-feeding I became pregnant right away. I am about to have my 4th baby since my marriage 6-years ago and it has appeared that my forward momentum has stopped. No more long-hours reading books to equip me while comparing them to the Word. No more up praying all night and not being tired. No more going to the church every time the doors open. No more volunteering for everything and serving on several ministries at once. It has been a task and surrender to God to have the children that He has called me to have. I love all of my babies and know that they are part of my purpose, but there is more that I was promised. It is work and sacrifice, a killing of the flesh to give yourself to your children, while often having to deny yourself of your own desires. Mommies have to be the most selfless beings created and often are not honored, especially when they have more than 2 or 3 and stay at home.

I want to encourage you mommies today that your purpose hasn’t been forgotten. Your identity hasn’t been lost. Your promises haven’t been revoked. His plans for You have not changed. The enemy wants you to lose hope. He wants you to give up and surrender to less than God’s plan, but always remember God makes everything beautiful in its time and His timing is perfect. We go through seasons and circumstances to bring us to place of destiny.

Romans 5:1-5
Faith Triumphs in Trouble
5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

We have to keep our faith because faith triumphs in trouble! God is perfecting our character for our purpose and with that comes a hope that won’t disappoint!

Sometimes I think God see’s us like we see our children. I often wonder does he get aggravated with our pleas of “When God?”
Think about when we tell our small children about an exciting event too far away from the scheduled date. How frustrated do we get with their constant question “Is today the day? Is it time yet? When? How much longer?” The younger they are, the harder the anticipation weighs on their hearts. They can’t handle the wait. But the older they get, they become more mature and understand dates and time. They look forward with excitement to the upcoming event knowing that it soon approaches.

I know God’s patience far out-weighs ours, but when we come to a place of maturity, we can also look forward with excitement that God will do what He has promised to do, even when it seems too far away. When the timing is perfect, we will no longer be pregnant with our purpose, but give birth to a wonderful miracle that launches us into our destiny.

Pregnancy isn’t easy. It brings all kinds of emotions and changes physically, spiritually, and mentally. It stretches our body, spirit, and souls. Our purpose needs to gestate to full term if we want it to function completely and fully the way God intended it. We must carry it until its time and discern between the Braxton Hicks contractions and when it’s time for active labor. While in labor we must endure the pain and use all of the strength and energy we have to push and deliver. God will not disappoint. Every time we give birth in the spirit, we are multiplying His likeness in the earth. We are birthing a blueprint of purpose that advances His kingdom and restores us to His garden. We are accessing the tree of life that brings healing to the nations!

Your pregnancy is not stagnation. Set your eyes on Him. Obey the Holy Spirit. Stand in faith. Don’t lose hope. In no time it will be time to push!

Father, we thank You for Your patience. Forgive us for not always choosing to use the fruit of patience that You have giving us in our spirit. Restore our hope as You continue to build our character and prepare us for our purpose. Help us not miss what You are doing at the moment because we are complaining about waiting for our next. Help us look forward with excitement at Your promise with patience. Make us good stewards with our time and resources. Give us joy as we fulfill every assignment that brings us closer to You. Restore us to Your garden where we can walk with You in the cool of the day. Show us how to do everything in excellence that it may bring You glory. Build our strength and endurance as You prepare us to give birth to destiny. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

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Finding An Outlet

10/12/2016

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I have been searching for an outlet to have some adult time and meet with other mommies like me. I have always worked and sometimes it is hard not being around other adults. My parents are deceased and my siblings live far away. Most of my friends work and have all older children. It is hard to make plans or even talk on the phone when you have 5 children with 1 on the way.

Proverbs 27:9-10 (VOICE)
9 The heart is delighted by the fragrance of oil and sweet perfumes,
    and in just the same way, the soul is sweetened by the wise counsel of a friend.
10 Do not neglect your friend or your parent’s friend for that matter.
    When hard times come, you don’t have to travel far to get help from family;
A neighbor who is near is better
    than a brother who is far away.

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting a MOPS meeting in my area to see if it is something that I would want to join. Mop’s stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. It is a nationwide program that has different chapters all across the country. I easily found one in my town by going to their website and putting in my zip code. You can also do this by visiting: http://www.mops.org/ MOPS is a Christian based organization. The meeting that I went to was held at a local church. They had day and night sessions available on different days of the week. They also provide childcare for your preschoolers.

Honestly, I went into the meeting with low expectations. I expected to meet maybe 5 other moms just getting together and sharing stories (which would have been fine with me). When my preschoolers and I arrived, it was pouring rain. I was struggling to walk and keep them under the umbrella. A lady with a covered golf cart came and picked us up and dropped us off in front of the church. I was shocked to walk into a beautiful facility equipped with secure childcare, several tables set up to hold the approximately 40 women attending, A buffet breakfast with coffee (which I’m so sure most of the moms needed, including me), and a podium set up with a big screen behind it, waiting to present that day’s topic.

All of this was very impressive, but this is not what makes this group so special. It was obvious that these ladies connected. They connected on a personal, relational, emotional, and spiritual level. The meeting started out as a big group. They gave away prizes, celebrated each other, and gave announcements. They shared the topic of woman who have lost a pregnancy/baby and how it affects the family and those around them. They did a devotion, gave testimonies, shared scripture, prayed, and even had a counselor come speak and offer her services to those who needed it. We all cried together. The compassion and unity in the room was amazing. After the large group was finished, they gave everyone balloons to release in honor of their baby that is with Jesus or for a baby lost by a loved one.

After leaving the large group session, we branched off into smaller groups. Once they place you into a group, it is yours for the remainder of the year. We sat in a room and discussed the topic on a more intimate level. The counselor went into each room to see if anyone needed anything. The leaders made themselves available for prayer and counsel. I never felt out of place or like an outsider. They all welcomed me and treated me like I belonged.

Often times as woman, we feel alone. We go through things trying to be strong and putting on facades to maintain our image. We think no one will understand, or don’t want to bother people with our issues. The truth is that we all go through things and there is nothing new under the sun. God wants to heal us and make us whole. The enemy loves when we keep our hurt and toxic emotions to ourselves. The reality is that God uses us and others to edify, bring clarity, wise counsel, and strength to one another. When we stay out of fellowship with others, it keeps us from using our gifts, talents, and testimony. It also keeps us from receiving the same from those that God wants to use to bring us victory.

Revelation 12:11
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

We must rebuke pride and die to our flesh. Our struggle is real. Whether we are struggling with an emotional, mental, physical, natural, or spiritual need, it is important to have like-minded people around us that can sharpen us.

Proverbs 27:17
17 As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

These ladies were amazing and I’m so glad that I decided to go.

Proverbs 31:29-30New King James Version (NKJV)
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

The woman that I met deserve to be praised. They are beautiful from the inside out and clearly fear the Lord. I can’t wait to join the group and continue to grow in fellowship with them.

Ladies, if you have been feeling alone, I encourage you to find an outlet. MOPS worked for me and I truly enjoyed it. You might not be a mom of preschoolers. Maybe you have another need that needs to be met. Please do some research and see what your church or community has that can encourage you. You are never alone. God is with you, but He also has others who you can connect with to share your struggles and victories with. The kingdom of God is relational. We all are part of the body of Christ and each of us are significant to the other. We must stay connected and lift each other up to be who God has created us to be.

Father we thank You for divine connections and friends. Forgive us for being prideful and keeping to ourselves. Help us be more relational and open up to receive the healing and wholeness that You desire us to have. Let our testimony bring victory to others as it helps us overcome. Help us be open to connections that we normally wouldn’t consider. Lead us to people that will sharpen us and help us grow. We want to excel in doing well and be praised because we fear You. Order our steps and lead us to a place that will benefit us in whatever season of our lives that we are in. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

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Well Pleased

10/5/2016

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Over this past weekend my son was the ring bearer in his uncle’s wedding. He was so handsome and wore his suit with much confidence. He has so much personality. While he can be a handful at times, he also can be very charming and compassionate.

I wasn’t sure how he was going to respond to the crowd of people watching him walk the runner to his spot. I wasn’t sure how he was going to behave standing through the ceremony. It’s at these moments when we have to trust that what we have trained them to do will lead their actions.

It was his moment. He stepped on the runner to start his walk, and a loud cheer and applause overtook the room. It was like a well-known, respected, celebrity-status person had entered. In my mind it didn’t make sense on why they were cheering him, but my spirit knew. I immediately teared up.

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

It is these moments that sometimes seem insignificant on a larger scale, that sometimes give us a glimpse into God’s plan for their future. God knows who our children are ordained to be. He has knitted their purpose into their DNA before they were ever conceived. While every person doesn’t carry out their purpose, every baby is born with one. This is why life is so precious. God doesn’t make any mistakes.

My son is a leader. People are drawn to him and are often fascinated by his presence. He thinks logically and is very vocal about his thought process. People always remember and ask about him because he leaves a mark wherever he goes. I know that he is called to greatness!

Because of his ordained leadership, he is often attacked and tempted to do the wrong things. I always tell him that it is his job to make good choices because he is a leader. If he makes good choices, then other people will follow; but if he makes bad choices, other people will follow too.

He’s bound to make a lot of mistakes (he is only 5), but as he gets older, he is making better choices. Watching him get such a positive reaction to literally doing nothing but walking into the room gave me much pleasure. It reminded me of How God announced His pleasure with Jesus after getting baptized just for being His son. Jesus hadn’t done any ministry yet. He hadn’t worked for God’s approval. He only showed up as Himself.

I’m happy to say. That the applause and cheering didn’t distract my son’s mission. He walked down the aisle confidently and stood in his position obediently. When it was all over, he walked out side by side with the pastor (who amazingly looked like he could be my son when he grows up). My heart melted as I saw this as a prophetic glimpse into my son’s future. Set apart to do and fulfill the purpose that God has placed inside of him.

I encourage you today to notice the little things. As parents, there is often so much distraction and frustration in guiding our children into moral, God-fearing adults. We can sometimes get caught up in in the negative, while forgetting that they have a purpose that the devil wants to derail them from. Take a step back and evaluate their strengths. See where they are being attacked and fight back. We have to keep praying. We can’t give up or give in to the devil’s process. We must celebrate our children’s progress and praise God that they have been ordained before they were even in our womb.

Father, we thank You for ordaining our children with purpose. Forgive us for agreeing with the devil, and focusing on their weaknesses. We are pleased with our children because they belong to us. We choose from now on to focus on their strengths and battle their weakness with prayer and guidance given by the Holy Spirit. Lord, help us lead them in the right direction. Help us always point them towards You. Help us celebrate their progress and notice the small moments that mark a milestone in their purpose. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

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Unusual Restoration

9/21/2016

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Last week my 3-year old daughter got a wad of bubble gum stuck in her hair. My threat to her has always been that if she doesn’t keep it in her mouth and it gets stuck in her hair, that I would have to cut her hair off. This piece of gum was smashed in there good from her trying to get it out herself instead of telling me. It was also closer to the top of her head than the ends, so I really didn’t want to cut her hair that short. I decided to go with the old home remedy of using peanut butter. Somehow peanut butter breaks down the gum and slowly allows the gum to be removed with much patience.

I would have thought my decision not to cut her hair would have pleased my daughter. Instead, she was terrified and disgusted that I wanted to put peanut butter in her hair. She threw the biggest fit that I have ever seen. She screamed, cried, and pulled away. I had to get my husband to hold her in place so I could work the process without puling all of her hair out. If my neighbors could hear her, they probably would have thought that she was being tortured. I couldn’t understand her response. It was all in her head. There was nothing painful about the process.

Of course, this made me think on a spiritual level. First, she knew that she was wrong and didn’t want to get in trouble, so instead of coming to me, she tried to fix it first but made it worse. How many times have we done this with God? We do something out of His will and mess up, but instead of bringing it to Him so that He can fix it, we make things worse by acting in our own strength.

Then her response was over exaggerated because of her own guilt of knowing that she didn’t follow the rules. She was mad at herself because she knew if she had listened, that she wouldn’t have to go through the uncomfortable process of restoring what was damaged. Don’t we always get more made at ourselves when we know that we didn’t yield to the Holy Spirit and obey the voice of God? The enemy loves to bring in condemnation which causes an irrational emotional response.

She was out of control! All of these things caused her to fight with super strength. She was manifesting and it took her father to hold her to calm her down. Sometimes we have to stop fighting, stop complaining, and let Daddy God wrap us in his arms and calm us down, so that we can submit to the process.

The process often doesn’t make sense. My daughter couldn’t understand why I wanted to put food in her hair. She perceived it as some weird punishment. She didn’t believe that it would work. I’m sure the blind man that Jesus healed thought it strange that He mixed spit and mud to rub on his eyes, but he submitted to the process and it worked. How many times have we forsaken our own healing or deliverance because the process presented before us seemed untraditional? As a matter of fact, many won’t even submit to a traditional process as simple as answering an altar call! We act like stubborn 3-year-olds who put God in a box limited to our own understanding. If we can’t make sense of it in our natural minds, we automatically reject it and think that it is not God.

It is time to free our minds from the bondage of this world and be transformed. God wants to bring change, but we must first let Him embrace us and show us the unusual miracles that He wants to perform in us and through us. We are in a time when obedience is a must. We can’t fix things on our own. We have to be quick to repent and willing to submit to the process that He wants to take us through. Even if it means that it seems strange and useless to us, we must know that God has a purpose for doing things the way that He does and He will get all of the glory.

Isaiah 55:8-9
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Ephesians 3:20
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

When we give him our minds and accept that He is limitless in everything that He does, we will truly live in the power of the Holy Spirit that lives within us. We must come out of our pride and take on humility. We must rebuke intellectualism and submit to the mind of Christ. We must admit where we have been wrong and repent. We must let the Father Hold us, calm us down, and bring us through our process of restoration. It won’t be as bad as the enemy has made it seem. God’s soothing balm of healing will gently rub the hurt away just as the peanut butter gently took out the gum once my daughter calmed down.

Father, we thank You for healing and restoration. We thank You that You always know best even when we don’t understand. Forgive us for putting You in a box and not submitting to Your process for our lives. We want to operate with the mind of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. We want and are ready for unusual miracles signs and wonders. We are in great expectation of change that brings healing and deliverance to us and through us. Let Your healing balm saturate our hearts and work its way through every hurt and broken place. We resist the devil and submit to You. We know longer care what the world calls strange and know that you do the simple things to confuse the wise. We trust You and want You to get all of the glory in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

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Have You Been Stuck In Diapers?

9/14/2016

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My youngest child is 2-years-old and it is time for the dreadful potty training days. Even though I have done it 4 times before, it still is a struggle for me. All of my children are leaders and don’t like to be told what to do. It becomes a battle of the wills. The decision is ultimately theirs. I can put them on the toilet, but I can’t make them go potty. Nevertheless, I am 7 months pregnant, and I need her to be trained before this baby gets here!

In my frustration, I begin to think about her frustration. All her life, all she has known is a diaper. She has been using it as she pleases with no complaints until now. Why should she have to do it different now?

This made me think of all the times I’ve encountered situations when there was a system in place that didn’t seem to function properly. Many times when you ask someone why they do something, they will tell you because that is the way it has always been done. Many times they are opposed to change. This will cause whatever the situation is at hand to become idle and no longer useful for the next season.

In order to be successful in maturing into a new season. We must be willing to do things differently. What use to work in our old assignment, won’t be enough to sustain us in the next level. We have to be willing to take our diapers off and use the potty! We have to be confident and independent in transition, using all of the tools God as already equipped us with. Babies don’t need anything tangible to learn to use the potty. God already equipped them with the ability to go. We as parents just need to train them in that ability. So it is with ours. God has been training us. Now it is time to use what He has given us! The Holy Spirit is like our pull-up that keeps us from having a messy accident. We must stop acting like stubborn 2-year-olds and let the Spirit lead us into change that will elevate us into our next season. We can then put our big girl panties on knowing that God is with us and we can embrace change and live in whatever season God transitions us into for our growth.

Philippians 4:12-13 (NKJV)
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:12-13 (VOICE)
12 I know how to survive in tight situations, and I know how to enjoy having plenty. In fact, I have learned how to face any circumstances: fed or hungry, with or without. 13 I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength.

Philippians 4:12-13 (AMP)
12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

God gives us strength for whatever change that we face. The process might seem grueling at the time, but the benefits of the results far outweigh the annoyances of the process!

Father, we thank you for the process of change. Help us embrace the change for the maturity that it brings for us and for the stages in our children’s lives. Forgive us for acting like babies who want to be fed and changed instead of becoming independent and sufficient in Your sufficiency. We know that You have equipped us for every good work. Show us when we need to do things differently to get to the next place that You want to take us. Help us be sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit’s instructions. We know we can do all things through Your strength. Show us how to train our children using the same patience and mercy that You have given us. Let our children not only easily embrace change, but also be the change that this world so needs! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

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My Only Son

9/7/2016

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My son and I were sitting together talking when he put his hands in my face blocking my vision. I immediately told him to stop which brought on the frequently asked question “Why”. I told him because I didn’t like anybody putting their hands in my face because it is rude. His response took me by surprise. He said, “I’m not just anybody. I’m your only son”. What? He always amazes me how he thinks and processes things.

This made me think of Jesus being God’s only son. God did not give Jesus different rules because He was His only son. Jesus had to obey, even unto death, to fulfill God’s plan for His life. God has given us all a plan that is buried in our spirit. Our children are born with one too. It is up to us to dig it out and obey the instructions to stay on the right path. We help our children find their purpose by giving them rules and boundaries rooted by the Word of God to keep them safe from their adversary that wants to destroy them. Without a proper set of rules and instructions to follow, they will be wandering aimlessly trying to figure out who they are and why they are here.

Proverbs 25:2
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

As parents, we must search our children’s gifts, talents, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Then we have insight on how to train them on which way that they should go. We have to do this without forsaking correction and rebuke. Just because I only have 1 son, it doesn’t mean that I should let him get away with doing things that wouldn’t be unacceptable for any other child. God favor’s us not because we are special, but because we are His. In order to get to a place of fulfilled purpose, we have to obey. If our children don’t learn to obey us first, then they will have a hard time obeying God. Obeying parents is 1 way to honor them. This will ensure children a long life to fulfill their purpose.

Exodus 20:12
12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

Being a mother of 5 children, I know how hard it is to stay consistent with the rules. Sometimes it is easier to let them have their way. Although there might be exceptions due to unique circumstances, we can’t give in to laziness.

Matthew 7:13-14
The Narrow Way
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because[a] narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

A life of obedience is difficult. It is an ongoing learning process. If we don’t train our children to do things the right way and not the easy way, it will lead to their destruction. None of us want that for our children.

I’m sure that it would have been easier for Jesus not to be crucified. That’s why He asked God to take it away, but He obeyed knowing the greater cause and victory that would come from his obedience.

Luke 22:42
42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”

We want the will of God to be manifested in our children’s lives whether we have 1 or 12. Each one will play a significant and unique part in advancing God’s Kingdom. Let’s get back to the basics of pleasing God and not being concerned about pleasing our children’s flesh. They may not like it now, but they will appreciate it as they mature.

Father, we thank You for Your wisdom and instruction. Thank You for favoring us just because we belong to You. Forgive us for sometimes taking the easy way out instead of sticking to the boundaries of Your Word. Help us train up our children according to the purpose that You have uniquely put on the inside of them. Thank You for giving Your only son so that we may also be Your children. We choose the narrow path that leads to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

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Not Too Young

8/31/2016

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This past Sunday at church my 13-year-old daughter graduated from children’s church and will be entering into youth church. During the graduation, they prayed for each child individually and released prophetic words over them. It is always a blessing to see the children get ministered to and exciting too hear what the Lord has to say about them. My daughter received a very accurate word about one of her gifts and what she will be doing with it.

My daughter is an artist and loves to operate in different realms of creativity. We had already created a website for her but haven’t launched it yet. While it is still a work in progress, I would like to take this opportunity to share it with you. I believe the prophetic word she received was a right now word and not one that needs to wait until she’s older.

1 Timothy 4:12
Take Heed to Your Ministry
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit,[a] in faith, in purity.

There is nothing in the Bible that says that our children have to wait until they are old to do what God has called them to do. If God has placed a desire to do, with an ability to do it, as long as they are being an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity, then we should encourage them to do it. Of course, we must closely monitor their progress and maturity levels. We have to teach them to be good stewards over their gifts and the fruit that it bears. We must constantly help groom their character and integrity. We must help push them to new levels and help stretch their gift.

Jeremiah 1:4-8
The Prophet Is Called
4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
6 Then said I:
“Ah, Lord God!
Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”
7 But the Lord said to me:
“Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’
For you shall go to all to whom I send you,
And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8 Do not be afraid of their faces,
For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.

God ordains our calling before we are even formed in our mother’s womb. When God says it is time. We can move forward in confidence knowing that God is with us and will deliver us. We can’t worry about what others think our say. Our obedience will prosper us. Being young does not disqualify you from this truth.

So today, take a look at what God is doing in your own children’s lives. What is it in them that they are ready to start doing now that will advance them in their calling? Encourage them to be the best at what they do, like they are doing for the Lord. Praise their progress and build their identity based on what God says about them.

Please take time to check out my daughter, Skyler Brown. This is just the beginning, but I know God is doing something big!

http://creationsbysky.weebly.com/

Make sure to look at the about page so you can see her bio.
Feel free to comment, share, and leave words of encouragement. I’m sure it would really bless her.

Father, we thank You that You give us purpose even before we are formed. We thank You for our children’s gifts and the unique calling that You have placed on their lives. Forgive us for despising their youth and not letting them do what You have called them to do because of their age. Help us monitor their maturity and train them to be examples of Your Word. Show us how to sharpen their gifts and be obedient to the Holy Spirit. We want them to experience You for themselves. Give them a life changing encounter that will set them on the path to greatness. Do it for Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

http://creationsbysky.weebly.com/

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Keep Praying!

8/24/2016

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There are times in our journey through parenthood (and life in general), when we honestly just don’t know what to do. Life can be overwhelming with unsuspecting circumstances, setbacks, and emotions. Sometimes even when we know all the right things to say and do biblically, nothing seems to work. We can’t lose hope and give up. We still must stand on God’s promises.

God wants even more than us for our children to be obedient, successful, prosperous beings growing into their call and purpose. Most of us adults are still trying to work all of that out, so we can’t expect our children to get there just because we say so.

The devil is hovering and lurking for a place of weakness so that he may come in and try to derail them from their path of destiny and steal their God given identity. They have many challenges before them that stem from education, peers, trauma, and even dysfunction in our own households.

Some issues are simple cause and effect. For example, if they keep hurting themselves walking into a wall because they are not paying attention, eventually they will catch the revelation that if they pay attention they can avoid this pain. Some issues are more complicated and deeply rooted. Their response to issues are filtered through walls that may have been created by rejection, disappointment, fear, abandonment, word curses, generational curses, and so on. These situations are soul issues that need to be dealt with at the root and are sometimes hard to pinpoint because the effects might not show up until years later.

Sometimes there is no punishment or correction that will resolve these issues. The only answer is prayer! God is a God of deliverance and healing and only He knows the inward part of man and can deal directly with their heart. Sometimes we can preach, teach, minister, testify, and discipline our children, but they seem to be being pushed further away from everything we have taught them. We can’t give up! We must do everything that we know how to do and keep doing it. We must continue to pray even though it seems to be having no or little affect.

Some things have taken years to develop in their souls and has to go through a process to get delivered. Prayer and deliverance is like exercising and eating healthy. We want to do better, but don’t see immediate results. First we see the adverse effects like fatigue, dehydration, digestive changes, hair issues, etc. This causes some discouragement, but if we keep pressing, soon we will feel better, look better, and function better. The amount of results we see depends on how faithful we are to the new healthy routine. Our prayers put angels to work and moves things in the natural realm to align with things in the spiritual realm. Faith is believing that this is happening, even though we can’t see it. We have to stand and keep pursuing God’s will until we see results. We must be faithful to pray!

We can’t give up on our children. They may or may not be praying for themselves. I am a living witness that the years of my Mother’s prayers kept me from my own foolishness that could have caused me complete destruction and premature death. God honored my mother’s prayers, and He will honor yours too. Keep praying!

Ephesians 6:10-18
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--

Father, we thank You for Your grace and mercy that You freely give. Forgive us for not always showing that same grace and mercy towards our children. Forgive us for giving up and not praying diligently in faith, believing You for results. We know that You are a good Father who delivers His promises. We will withstand evil, even after we have done all to stand. We put on the full armor of God. Give us a new fire to pray for our children. Give us strategy and supernatural knowledge that will help reach the root of any issues causing dysfunction. Help us be gentle and loving to our children even in times of correction. We want them to prosper even as their soul prospers. Help them become everything that You have called them to be. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

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Mommy's Garden

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Bonnie Kay Rimpson

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