Sunday, May 20, 2012

Dare to Share

Dare to Share. . . Recap

Living a Righteous Life means that you desire to do what is right by honoring GOD with making mostly righteous choices, and when you mess up, and you will (none of us are perfect that is why we all need a Savior), so be convicted, not rebellious, or self-righteous, repent, and ask for forgiveness, and others can actually be blessed by what you have learned when you Dare to Share.

That's it? Lord you mean the mistakes of my past can be used for a righteous purpose?
Seriously GOD that is Totally Awesome!

If I Dare to Share, then I can serve as a warning sign, so that others can avoid a Total Wipe Out!

I can warn them of the danger that lies ahead, because I too headed off in the wrong direction. I walked with the crowd, and ran away from Christ. I did not understand that GOD's ways were a blessing to keep me from danger and destruction, so I danced in the shadows, and did not know what I was missing by being in the Son's Light.

Dare to Share . . . okay here goes. . .

One of the mistakes I did in my college days was to co-habitate, aka live in sin with my boyfriend. We of course thought that this was going to be Totally Excellent. It seemed to make such great practical and rational sense, because Christopher and I spent all our free time together, and he was practically living with me, and my two other roommates. In fact they thought since he was pretty much living with us, he might as well chip in and pay part of the rent. Living together seemed like such a good idea!

Think of all the money we were going to save, because he wouldn't have to drive back and forth, and for him to move out from his parent's home into his own separate apartment, well that was just crazy then we would have two rents instead of just one. At this time in our life Finances trumped Family Values. We were college kids paying for college barely getting by, so we had no money to get married. We promised each other that as soon as we graduated from college we would get married and make it official with a ceremony, and everything, but for now we will live faithful to one another as a husband and wife would, and be married in the eyes of GOD.

Well all I can say is that you don't know what you don't know. And it is okay not to understand everything GOD tells us to do, but when we trust GOD we can know that He says things for a reason, not to control us, but to bless us, and keep us from messing up our lives, and the lives of our children and future generations. GOD loves us, that is why He sets rules to guide us. His Holy Precepts leads to Wonderful Promises & Blessings. His Holy Word & Ways are not for restriction, but for protection. They are not a burden, they are a blessing. I did not understand this back then, but I understand it now through trial and much error. 

Our lives, and the lives of our loved ones not only become messed up and dysfunctional, but they can be destroyed when we reject GOD's Guidance, and go the way of the world. As the saying goes, Misery loves Company, and when we make a mess out of our lives, self-righteous selfish messed up people feel better about their own lives. Many people in this life would rather bring you down, and keep you down where they are rather than boost you up, so that you can have a better life. In the Land of Dysfunction there is a hidden happiness when others stumble and fumble and fail to improve their lives. There is much gossip, secret and sometimes not so secret celebration over the other person's wipe outs.

If you have taken a wrong turn, and headed down the wrong path it is not too late to make a U-turn, and have the life that GOD has waiting for you. It will take courage, because some are going to want you to stay with them as they keep heading the wrong way. The wrong way does not get better, it only goes from bad to worse to unimaginable destruction and devastation. Those who have been down the wrong road can testify that they would have never imagined it could ever get that bad. That is the enemy's plan to take you farther than you ever thought you would go.

For example, cohabiting is the wrong way, one wrong choice that leads to other and another. In fact the wrong choice did not begin with living together, it began with having sex together, and since we are acting like a married couple we might as well as live together like a married couple. And even though you didn't plan it, you find yourself pregnant, and of course the world's view is to have an abortion, because you are not ready to be parents. Many people make the worst mistake of their life and murder their unborn child, and then are wounded by what they have done, and seek ways to numb the pain. Then there are the courageous women who chose their baby's life over a life with a man who will not marry her, yet claims to love her. These brave women now raise their babies all alone. Most babies born out of the sanctity of marriage do not have their fathers in their lives, and those that do most of their father's are not dependable, and are a bad example.

Whether you are a boy or a girl growing up without a Daddy is devastating, but you keep that pain hidden away from your Mom, because you don't want to hurt her, and you know there is nothing she can do to change that, so you and Mom convince yourselves that you don't need a Dad, and you push down, and deny the pain and the longing, and search for ways to replace the need for a Dad, and/or medicate the wound that an absent Dad has left. There are countless problems that come out of the painful consequences of our mistakes of not following GOD's Guidance & Rules that were established not to control us, but to protect us, and to bless us.

So the next time someone tries to tempt you to take a wrong turn that goes against GOD, just tell 'em That's Totally Bogus Dude!  Remember that GOD has a Totally Awesome Plan for you. GOD has put His Promise in writing, you will find it in Jeremiah 29:11

Will following Christ mean that all your days will be filled with sunshine? No. Storms will come, and harsh waves will wipe you out Dude, but they will not destroy you. It is the Life Storms that water our faith and make it grow. The Blessing in the Storm is GOD's Embrace that brings you closer than ever before. I would rather be in the storm with Christ, than on the sandy shore without Him.

GOD is Totally Awesome! GOD can transform our worst day into the best day ever, but that's another story for another day.

How can the worst day in our life become the Best Day EVERRR! Click Here to find out!

To sum it up, Life is about Progression not Perfection. We can be an Excellent Example when we choose to live a Righteous Life. Have a teachable mind, heart, soul, and spirit. Be humble not prideful and be willing to learn, heed the warnings of those who have gone before us.

Learn or Lose. 
Ride the Wave of Righteousness or Wipe Out!
When we follow Christ it is Totally Awesome Dude!


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Totally Awesome!

Big hair and a peach ball gown.
What in the world was I thinking?

As far as the peach ball gown I was thinking I could get one more use out of this bridesmaid dress.
As far as the big hair -- well it was the 80's!

Remember the 80's?
A time where you heard phrases like, Totally Awesome! Excellent! and Totally Righteous -- Dude!

I remember when Christopher and I where a young married couple, and his little sister 15 years his junior told us that her high school was having a retro-party. I was so excited for her. I asked her, so what are you all going to dress up as? What is the theme? Roaring 20's with Flappers & Zoot Suits, 30's & 40's Sophisticated Couture, 50's Poodle Skirts & Ponytails, and guys with slick back hair, 60's Outrageous Color & Pattern Combinations, Crazy Psychedelic Patterns, Flower Power, and Hippy Outfits, or 70's Disco Outfits with the Farrah Fawcett Feathered-Hair Style?

She said no, we are going to do a Retro 80's Party. 
Since when did the 80's become Retro? When did the decade of our youth become vintage?
That is Totally Not Awesome!

This was Life's way of giving me my reluctant rite of passage from the Youth Group into the Adult Group. The transition from a young person searching for her way to a young adult responsible for showing the way for the next generation. Yikes! I barely started figuring things out myself, and I made my share of mistakes along the way. How can I be a good example when I messed up? How can I encourage others when I have not lived a perfect life?

My family background was horrific, a complete nightmare not the things of fairy tales that would inspire or encourage young people.

And the LORD softly spoke to my heart saying, you can be an Excellent Example without having lived a perfect life.

What I have learned thus far in my Journey with Jesus is that being Righteous does not mean that you are totally perfect. Think of it this way. To get an A on your report card means that you did Excellent, it does not mean that you got everything correct, just [most] of the things.

As Christians, Christ followers we are called to live sanctified lives set apart from the world. We are to standout from the crowd not blend into it. The way we stand out is to be an Excellent Example by making righteous choices ordained by GOD, and dare to reject what we know is unrighteous.

Living a Righteous Life means that you desire to do what is right by honoring GOD, and you have learned that GOD's Way is the Best Way, because it brings about countless & priceless blessings, not only for you and your loved ones, but for generations to come. Righteous Living is intelligent living, because it is making wise decisions by choosing right over wrong. A Righteous Person is not a perfect person, but it is a courageous person by making mostly righteous choices, and when you mess up, and you will (none of us are perfect that is why we all need a Savior), be convicted, not rebellious, or self-righteous, repent, and ask for forgiveness, learn from your mistakes, and share your mistakes, so others can actually be blessed by what you have learned when you Dare to Share.

That's it? Lord you mean the mistakes of my past can be used for a righteous purpose?
Seriously GOD that is Totally Awesome!

If I Dare to Share, then I can serve as a warning sign, so that others can avoid a Total Wipe Out!

I can warn them of the danger that lies ahead, because I too headed off in the wrong direction. I walked with the crowd, and ran away from Christ. I did not understand that GOD's ways were a blessing to keep me from danger and destruction, so I danced in the shadows, and did not know what I was missing by being in the Son's Light.

Dare to Share . . . okay here goes. . . Dare to Share!


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Friday, May 11, 2012

The What If Beatitudes

What If we changed the nature of the What Ifs in our lives?

The What Ifs that keep us trapped within our own comfort zones,

The What Ifs that keep us trapped in the past and prevent us from moving forward,

What Ifs that whisper disparaging thoughts, fuel our unbelief, create doubt, and lead to disobeying GOD, 

WHAT IF we had the power within us to change all that!

WHAT IF the What Ifs were no longer a negative force, but a very powerful positive force?

WHAT IF the What Ifs were no longer heavy chains, but Beautiful Wings!

WHAT IF the What Ifs no longer led to failure, but Success!

WHAT IF the What Ifs could be transformed into the whispers of Destiny instead of Despair?

WHAT IF the What Ifs could be transformed into stepping stones, instead of stumbling blocks?

WHAT IF the What Ifs no longer withheld us, but excelled us? 

WHAT IF we could tune out the enemy holding us back, and tune in to all of Heaven cheering us on?

WHAT IF all this could be True?

WHAT IF we lived our lives not just memorizing, but actually knowing that 
With GOD all things are possible. Matthew 19:26


WHAT IF all this was . . . Not just a cleaver concept, but a Powerful Precept.

WHAT IF I saw all my potential, instead of my problem?

WHAT IF my Backstory is for GOD's Glory?

WHAT IF my cup is not empty, not half empty, not even half full, but abundantly overflowing?

WHAT IF I could see & feel the Beauty that GOD sees in me?

WHAT IF Transformation was not just a dream, but a Reality?

WHAT IF there really is a Happily Ever After?

WHAT IF

Thursday, May 10, 2012

GOD's Freshmen


The more you know the more you know there is still so much More you need to know. 
~ Anissa Stark


Just when your mind is full of so much information that you feel like there is just no more room for anything else you discover that you have way more questions than you do answers.
Yikes!


Have you ever felt this way?

Building Character through Patience.

Waiting on GOD is never a waste of time. 

I really need to take the time to fully process all that GOD is teaching me.

My current Journey with Jesus has led me to what I refer to as. . . 

Freshmen Orientation


Along with some other courageous sisters I have enrolled in an adventure of discovery hosted by Tonia Harrison.


What deeply resonated with me is when Tonia wrote in her book on page 83 and mentioned in part 4 of her Video Series was that "While we worry how fast we grow, GOD is concerned with how strong we grow." That is very comforting when you are in your 40s discovering GOD's Kingdom Purpose for your life. There is a part of me that wishes I started this process 20 years ago, but all in GOD's time not ours right!

I feel like I am a college freshmen in GOD's Kingdom Campus searching what to major in when there are sooo many great choices to choose from. Anyone else feel this way?



Overwhelming and Exciting at the same time. 
Much like a College Freshmen stepping on to campus for the first time.

Praise the Lord for sending us Guidance Counselors such as Tonia Harrison, author of Designed With Your Purpose in Mind to help us discover what to major in based upon our GOD given skills/talents/gifts.

Are you an Undeclared Christian, hey I know how you feel!
I have been an Undeclared Christian wondering around in GOD's Kingdom Campus for the past 15 years not quite sure what my unique purpose is, or what GOD is specifically calling me to do for Him.

No matter what age or stage of life you are in right now sweet sisters this is your appointed time to discover and develop your major and master the unique skills/gifts/talents GOD has given you to successfully and joyfully serve Him by being a blessing to others.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Bridge or Barrier


Are we a Bridge or Barrier to Christ?

Are all equally welcomed, or do we select who can get close to Christ?


Bridge

bridge 1  (brj)
n.
1. A structure spanning and providing passage over a gap or barrier, such as a river or roadway.
2. Something resembling or analogous to this structure in form or function: a land bridge between the continents; a bridge of understanding between two countries.


Barrier

bar·ri·er/ˈbarēər/

Noun:
  1. A fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access.
  2. A circumstance or obstacle that prevents communication or that keeps people or things apart: "a language barrier".

Where Are You?

Imagine. . . 
This is a snap shot of your life.

In the above picture where are you?

Finish Painting the Picture.

Describe your surroundings.
(the environment, the atmosphere, the temperature, etc)

How are you feeling?

What are you doing?

 Is anyone with you?

What are your plans?




Thursday, May 3, 2012

Kingdom Campus

Well it's that time of year again, time to graduate!
Are you ready?
Are you ready to advance to the next level, and apply what you have learned these past few years?
Are you ready for a New Adventure? 

In GOD's Kingdom Campus here on earth there are so many wonderful choices to chose from, and it really can get overwhelming at times due to the uncertainty and lack of clarity of not knowing what should be my area of focus and concentration in this season of my life, or what is my own specific Calling, and Purpose in His Kingdom?


Once we declared Christ as Savior, became a Believer, and received the gift of Salvation we thought there was nothing left to do except continuing to attend church, read the Bible, and get involved in church activities. 


That's all there is to the Christian Life right -- or is there something more?


Yes, Beloved Brothers and Sisters there is sooo much [MORE] to the Christian Life. 


There is a higher level of education, transformation, and unforeseen blessings awaiting us!


It is essential that we discover what we are to Major in GOD's Kingdom Campus.

The Undeclared Christian can experience the same sort of stress that comes from being an undeclared college student.

The Undeclared Christian wonders aimlessly in GOD's Kingdom Campus with no specific direction or goal.

The Undeclared Christian follows the lead of his/her friend/s and signs up to do what is popular.

The Undeclared Christian faithfully attends class on a regular bases, does the assigned work, and has very good results, but is unfulfilled, because s/he remains Undeclared.

As friends select a specific area to major in based on their GOD given talents, skills, and interests, and make future plans to graduate and advance to the next level, and apply what they have learned, the Undeclared Christian becomes disconnected, disheartened, depressed, and drops out because she lacks passion and purpose.

Lord help us to take an honest, brave, and courageous look at where we are in Your Kingdom Campus.

How have I made progress these past 4 to 5 years? 
Have I declared a Major based on the unique talents that You gave me?
What am I majoring in right now?

Do I know all the different Majors available?
Did you know that there are 8 different types of Majors in GOD's Kingdom Campus? I didn't.

Go to Romans 12:4-8 
Prophecy
Helps/Service
Teaching
Encouragement
Mercy
Giving
Leadership
Administration

Each Major or Ministry Talent is equally valuable as the next.

Do you know which one you should major in?
Wouldn't it be great if there was a Christian Aptitude Assessment to help discover which major is best for you?

Well there is. There is a fairly short Christian Aptitude Assessment found in the book Designed With Your Purpose in Mind, and this test alone is well worth the price of the book. Plus the very talented author Tonia Harrison serves as a Guidance Counselor to help discover and develop your Major, as well as suggests of how to best apply your talents/skills to their best potential to be a blessing to you to those you help, and to GOD. Tonia has a great video presentation going on right now! Click Here.

"When you do the most of what you do best, you put a smile on GOD's face." ~ Max Lucado

Have you ever had a job that you were good at, but it was not good for you? It leads to burnout, because it is unfulfilling, you have no real passion for it, because it is not in the major you love. It is not utilizing your GOD given talents, skills, interests, and Divine Passion, thus it becomes mundane and meaningless. And the salary that once enticed you, now traps you.

Wouldn't it be great to do something you love and get paid for it!

Seek first the Kingdom of GOD, and all things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Designed With Your Purpose in Mind is a biblically based resource tool to help us discover what we should major in GOD's Kingdom Campus, and graduate with honors so that we may achieve the Abundant Life by answering our Calling, fulfilling our Purpose, and living in our Divine Destiny. 

The link above is where you can get your book. Please leave a comment to let us know how this resourceful tool has blessed you, and remember if it has blessed you to "Share It Forward" with your friends. Enjoy!

Love,
Anissa