I only have one goal this year: Punctuality!
“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19)
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Took A Family Trip!
Don't want to do that again with what I was dealt! Maybe with a different deck!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!!!
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Friday, December 22, 2006
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11)
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Why is it that I hate shopping for myself unless I absolutely have to, right until I have to go Christmas shopping. It's like the shopping bug bites me during this time of year!
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7)
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7)
Christmas Shopping!!!!
Why is it that I hate shopping for myself unless I absolutely have to, right until I have to go Christmas shopping. It's like the shopping bug bites me during this time of year!
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7)
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7)
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
I ordered some Chinese food for myself and my husband went to pick it up. Turns out, they had him pay $24 for a meal that wasn't mine. Oh course, he didn't find that out until he got home and I told him that wasn't my order. So I put on my sneakers and went back with the order, and they gave me the right order. Out of curiosity I asked them if they were going to resell it and they said "yes!" Huh! Maybe it's me, maybe I'm too cautious. But I sure as heck wouldn't want to resell hot food that someone has taken out of the store and brought back. There's no telling what that person could have done to the food intentionally or non-intentionally...not only would I NOT want to resell it, I would NOT WANT TO BUY IT! What is wrong with those people at that store? Nevermind!
"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven"? (Luke 1:76-78)
"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven"? (Luke 1:76-78)
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Speaking In Tongues
I found this information very interesting:
Glossolalia, otherwise referred to as “speaking in tongues,” has been around for thousands of years, and references to it can be found in the Old and New Testament. Speaking in tongues is an unusual mental state associated with specific religious traditions. The individual appears to be speaking in an incomprehensible language, yet perceives it to have great personal meaning. Now, in a first of its kind study, scientists are shining the light on this mysterious practice -- attempting to explain what actually happens physiologically to the brain of someone while speaking in tongues.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered decreased activity in the frontal lobes, an area of the brain associated with being in control of one’s self. This pioneering study, involving functional imaging of the brain while subjects were speaking in tongues, is in the November issue of Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, the official publication of the International Society for Neuroimaging in Psychiatry.
Radiology investigators observed increased or decreased brain activity - by measuring regional cerebral blood flow with SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) imaging - while the subjects were speaking in tongues. They then compared the imaging to what happened to the brain while the subjects sang gospel music.
“We noticed a number of changes that occurred functionally in the brain,” comments Principal Investigator Andrew Newberg, MD, Associate Professor of Radiology, Psychiatry, and Religious Studies, and Director for the Center for Spirituality and the Mind, at Penn. “Our finding of decreased activity in the frontal lobes during the practice of speaking in tongues is fascinating because these subjects truly believe that the spirit of God is moving through them and controlling them to speak. Our brain imaging research shows us that these subjects are not in control of the usual language centers during this activity, which is consistent with their description of a lack of intentional control while speaking in tongues.”
Newberg went on to explain, “These findings could be interpreted as the subject’s sense of self being taken over by something else. We, scientifically, assume it’s being taken over by another part of the brain, but we couldn’t see, in this imaging study, where this took place. We believe this is the first scientific imaging study evaluating changes in cerebral activity -- looking at what actually happens to the brain -- when someone is speaking in tongues. This study also showed a number of other changes in the brain, including those areas involved in emotions and establishing our sense of self.”
Newberg concludes that the changes in the brain during speaking in tongues reflect a complex pattern of brain activity. Newberg suggests that since this is the first study to explore this, future studies will be needed to confirm these findings in an attempt to demystify this fascinating religious phenomenon.
This preliminary study, done only at Penn, examined five subjects in a laboratory setting. The study, set for publication in the November issue of Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, can now be accessed on-line at http://www.sciencedirect.com. The article is titled, “The Measurement of Regional Cerebral Blood Flow During Glossolalia: a Preliminary SPECT Study.” Co-authors include: Nancy Wintering, Donna Morgan, and Mark Waldman.
PDF of the study and images available upon request.
Suggested caption: “From a new brain imaging study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, SPECT scans were taken of subjects while worshiping versus speaking in tongues. The speaking in tongue images primarily show a decrease of brain activity in the frontal lobes, which is what normally makes us feel as if we’re in control. There was also a decrease in activity in the left basal ganglia, which is involved with focusing attention and emotional responses. Finally, the thalamus activity increased during speaking in tongues which supports it is an active state of the brain.”
Please courtesy images: “Courtesy: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.”
Dr. Newberg is the director of the new Center for Spirituality and the Mind at PENN. To learn more, go on-line to: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/radiology/CSM/index.html or email mindreligion@uphs.upenn.edu. Through the collaboration of distinguished scholars from the University of Pennsylvania, the interdisciplinary group works to promote future research and scholarly dialogue on the mind, religion and ethics.
PENN Medicine is a $2.9 billion enterprise dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and high-quality patient care. PENN Medicine consists of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System.
Penn's School of Medicine is ranked #2 in the nation for receipt of NIH research funds; and ranked #3 in the nation in U.S. News & World Report's most recent ranking of top research-oriented medical schools. Supporting 1,400 fulltime faculty and 700 students, the School of Medicine is recognized worldwide for its superior education and training of the next generation of physician-scientists and leaders of academic medicine.
The University of Pennsylvania Health System includes three hospitals, all of which have received numerous national patient-care honors [Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation's first hospital; and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center]; a faculty practice plan; a primary-care provider network.
http://ashiana.conforums.com/index.cgi
~ Isis
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524795/?sc=dwhn
It was posted here: http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t81745.html
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)
Glossolalia, otherwise referred to as “speaking in tongues,” has been around for thousands of years, and references to it can be found in the Old and New Testament. Speaking in tongues is an unusual mental state associated with specific religious traditions. The individual appears to be speaking in an incomprehensible language, yet perceives it to have great personal meaning. Now, in a first of its kind study, scientists are shining the light on this mysterious practice -- attempting to explain what actually happens physiologically to the brain of someone while speaking in tongues.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered decreased activity in the frontal lobes, an area of the brain associated with being in control of one’s self. This pioneering study, involving functional imaging of the brain while subjects were speaking in tongues, is in the November issue of Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, the official publication of the International Society for Neuroimaging in Psychiatry.
Radiology investigators observed increased or decreased brain activity - by measuring regional cerebral blood flow with SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) imaging - while the subjects were speaking in tongues. They then compared the imaging to what happened to the brain while the subjects sang gospel music.
“We noticed a number of changes that occurred functionally in the brain,” comments Principal Investigator Andrew Newberg, MD, Associate Professor of Radiology, Psychiatry, and Religious Studies, and Director for the Center for Spirituality and the Mind, at Penn. “Our finding of decreased activity in the frontal lobes during the practice of speaking in tongues is fascinating because these subjects truly believe that the spirit of God is moving through them and controlling them to speak. Our brain imaging research shows us that these subjects are not in control of the usual language centers during this activity, which is consistent with their description of a lack of intentional control while speaking in tongues.”
Newberg went on to explain, “These findings could be interpreted as the subject’s sense of self being taken over by something else. We, scientifically, assume it’s being taken over by another part of the brain, but we couldn’t see, in this imaging study, where this took place. We believe this is the first scientific imaging study evaluating changes in cerebral activity -- looking at what actually happens to the brain -- when someone is speaking in tongues. This study also showed a number of other changes in the brain, including those areas involved in emotions and establishing our sense of self.”
Newberg concludes that the changes in the brain during speaking in tongues reflect a complex pattern of brain activity. Newberg suggests that since this is the first study to explore this, future studies will be needed to confirm these findings in an attempt to demystify this fascinating religious phenomenon.
This preliminary study, done only at Penn, examined five subjects in a laboratory setting. The study, set for publication in the November issue of Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, can now be accessed on-line at http://www.sciencedirect.com. The article is titled, “The Measurement of Regional Cerebral Blood Flow During Glossolalia: a Preliminary SPECT Study.” Co-authors include: Nancy Wintering, Donna Morgan, and Mark Waldman.
PDF of the study and images available upon request.
Suggested caption: “From a new brain imaging study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, SPECT scans were taken of subjects while worshiping versus speaking in tongues. The speaking in tongue images primarily show a decrease of brain activity in the frontal lobes, which is what normally makes us feel as if we’re in control. There was also a decrease in activity in the left basal ganglia, which is involved with focusing attention and emotional responses. Finally, the thalamus activity increased during speaking in tongues which supports it is an active state of the brain.”
Please courtesy images: “Courtesy: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.”
Dr. Newberg is the director of the new Center for Spirituality and the Mind at PENN. To learn more, go on-line to: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/radiology/CSM/index.html or email mindreligion@uphs.upenn.edu. Through the collaboration of distinguished scholars from the University of Pennsylvania, the interdisciplinary group works to promote future research and scholarly dialogue on the mind, religion and ethics.
PENN Medicine is a $2.9 billion enterprise dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and high-quality patient care. PENN Medicine consists of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System.
Penn's School of Medicine is ranked #2 in the nation for receipt of NIH research funds; and ranked #3 in the nation in U.S. News & World Report's most recent ranking of top research-oriented medical schools. Supporting 1,400 fulltime faculty and 700 students, the School of Medicine is recognized worldwide for its superior education and training of the next generation of physician-scientists and leaders of academic medicine.
The University of Pennsylvania Health System includes three hospitals, all of which have received numerous national patient-care honors [Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation's first hospital; and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center]; a faculty practice plan; a primary-care provider network.
http://ashiana.conforums.com/index.cgi
~ Isis
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524795/?sc=dwhn
It was posted here: http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t81745.html
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)
Saturday, December 16, 2006
My Curiousity Being Fed
I read an interview with Lisa Williams on Lifetime TV
Writer: I'm a Gemini and find it hard to clear my mind. What can help me learn to meditate?
Lisa: Gemini's tend to have so many things going through their heads. I would say start with guided meditation. You can find this sort of thing on the Internet and in bookstores. Once you start using guided meditation, you will start to train your brain. Most people give up after one or two tries, but it's not an overnight success. The more you keep trying meditation, the easier it gets to clear your mind.
So I looked up Guided Meditation and found this:
Visualize yourself in a safe, calm place.
You are peaceful, you are loved, and you are protected.
Bring your attention to the areas in body or life where healing is desired.
Take deep breaths and exhale. You are calm. You are safe.
Open your heart.
Begin a dialougu with your pain and listen for the answers.
Dis-ease, I send you love and gratitude for sending me this gift of awakening.
Help me to understand your purpose.
Dis-ease, what are you trying to teach me?
Why have you come to me?
How can I best heal myself?
Dis-ease, I honor your wisdom and advice and I release you.
Record your answers when done with this exercise. Reflect upon, evaluate, or act on the healing message and advice you received today.
Which books would you recommend to develop my psychic abilities?
Lisa: First you need to develop your spiritual awareness with a lot of self healing. The book "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay was an integral part of my development. Once you work on yourself, you then can start looking at your spirit guides and angels. For those who are more advanced, an excellent book is "Working With Your Guides and Angels" by Ruth White. Other books to check out are "From One World to Another" by Rita Rogers, "The Unbelievable Truth" by Gordon Smith and "Hands of Light" by Barbara Brennan.
Question from Jennifer in NY: Do spirits ever appear to the living in their dreams?
Lisa: Yes, definitely. When we dream, we have that subconscious relaxation similar to meditation. Therefore it's easy for spirits to communicate with you during this time.
Here is another meditation I found that's a little longer. This one is by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Sit comfortably erect, without leaning forward or backward, left or right. Close your eyes and think thoughts of good will. Thoughts of good will go first to yourself, because if you can't think good will for yourself — if you can't feel a sincere desire for your own happiness — there's no way you can truly wish for the happiness of others. So just tell yourself, "May I find true happiness." Remind yourself that true happiness is something that comes from within, so this is not a selfish desire. In fact, if you find and develop the resources for happiness within you, you're able to radiate it out to other people. It's a happiness that doesn't depend on taking anything away from anyone else.
So now spread good will to other people. First, people who are close to your heart — your family, your parents, your very close friends: May they find true happiness, as well. Then spread those thoughts out in ever widening circles: people you know well, people you don't know so well, people you like, people you know and are neutral about, and even people you don't like. Don't let there be any limitations on your good will, for if there are, there will be limitations on your mind. Now spread thoughts of good will to people you don't even know — and not just people; all living beings of all kinds in all directions: east, west, north, south, above, and below, out to infinity. May they find true happiness, too.
Then bring your thoughts back to the present. If you want true happiness, you have to find it in the present, for the past is gone and the future is an uncertainty. So you have to dig down into the present. What do you have right here? You've got the body, sitting here and breathing. And you've got the mind, thinking and aware. So bring all these things together. Think about the breath and then be aware of the breath as it comes in and goes out. Keeping your thoughts directed to the breath: that's mindfulness. Being aware of the breath as it comes in and out: that's alertness. Keep those two aspects of the mind together. If you want, you can use a meditation word to strengthen your mindfulness. Try "Buddho," which means "awake." Think "bud-" with the in-breath, "dho" with the out.
Try to breathe as comfortably as possible. A very concrete way of learning how to provide for your own happiness in the immediate present — and at the same time, strengthening your alertness — is to let yourself breathe in a way that's comfortable. Experiment to see what kind of breathing feels best for the body right now. It might be long breathing, short breathing; in long, out short; or in short, out long. Heavy or light, fast or slow, shallow or deep. Once you find a rhythm that feels comfortable, stay with it for a while. Learn to savor the sensation of the breathing. Generally speaking, the smoother the texture of the breath, the better. Think of the breath, not simply as the air coming in and out of the lungs, but as the entire energy flow that courses through the body with each in-and-out breath. Be sensitive to the texture of that energy flow. You may find that the body changes after a while. One rhythm or texture may feel right for a while, and then something else will feel more comfortable. Learn how to listen and respond to what the body is telling you right now. What kind of breath energy does it need? How can you best provide for that need? If you feel tired, try to breathe in a way that energizes the body. If you feel tense, try to breathe in a way that's relaxing.
If your mind wanders off, gently bring it right back. If it wanders off ten times, a hundred times, bring it back ten times, a hundred times. Don't give in. This quality is called ardency. In other words, as soon as you realize that the mind has slipped away, you bring it right back. You don't spend time aimlessly sniffing at the flowers, looking at the sky, or listening to the birds. You've got work to do: work in learning how to breathe comfortably, how to let the mind settle down in a good space here in the present moment.
When the breath starts feeling comfortable, you can start exploring it in other areas of the body. If you simply stay with the comfortable breath in a narrow range, you'll tend to doze off. So consciously expand your awareness. A good place to focus first is right around the navel. Locate that part of the body in your awareness: where is it right now? Then notice: how does it feel there as you breathe in? How does it feel when you breathe out? Watch it for a couple of breaths, and notice if there's any sense of tension or tightness in that part of the body, either with the in-breath or with the out-breath. Is it tensing up as you breathe in? Are you holding onto the tension as you breathe out? Are you putting too much force on the out-breath? If you catch yourself doing any of these things, just relax. Think of that tension dissolving away in the sensation of the in-breath, the sensation of the out-breath. If you want, you can think of the breath energy coming into the body right there at the navel, working through any tension or tightness that you might feel there ...
Then move your awareness to the right — to the lower right-hand corner of your abdomen — and follow the same three steps there: 1) locate that general part of the body in your awareness; 2) notice how it feels as you breathe in, how it feels as you breathe out; and 3) if you sense any tension or tightness in the breath, just let it relax ... Now move your awareness to the left, to the lower left-hand corner of your abdomen, and follow the same three steps there.
Now move your awareness up to the solar plexus ... and then to the right, to the right flank ... to the left flank ... to the middle of the chest ... After a while move up to the base of the throat ... and then to the middle of the head. Be very careful with the breath energy in the head. Think of it very gently coming in, not only through the nose but also through the eyes, the ears, down from the top of the head, in from the back of the neck, very gently working through and loosening up any tension you may feel, say, around your jaws, the back of your neck, around your eyes, or around your face ...
From there you can move your attention gradually down the back, out the legs, to the tips of the toes, the spaces between the toes. As before, focus on a particular part of the body, notice how it feels with the in-breath and out-breath, relax any sensation of tension or tightness you might feel there, so that the breath energy can flow more freely, and then move on until you've reached the tips of the toes. Then repeat the process, beginning at the back of the neck and going down the shoulders, through the arms, past your wrists, and out through your fingers.
You can repeat this survey of the body as many times as you like until the mind feels ready to settle down.
Then let your attention return to any spot in the body where it feels most naturally settled and centered. Simply let your attention rest there, at one with the breath. At the same time let the range of your awareness spread out so that it fills the entire body, like the light of a candle in the middle of a room: the candle flame is in one spot, but its light fills the entire room. Or like a spider on a web: the spider's in one spot, but it knows the whole web. Be keen on maintaining that broadened sense of awareness. You'll find that it tends to shrink, like a balloon with a small hole in it, so keep broadening its range, thinking "whole body, whole body, breath in the whole body, from the top of the head down into the tips of the toes." Think of the breath energy coming in and out of the body through every pore. Make a point of staying with this centered, broadened awareness as long as you can. There's nothing else you have to think about right now, nowhere else to go, nothing else to do. Just stay with this centered, broadened awareness of the present ...
When the time comes to leave meditation, remind yourself that there's a skill to leaving. In other words, you don't just jump right out. My teacher, Ajaan Fuang, once said that when most people meditate, it's as if they're climbing a ladder up to the second story of a building: step-by-step-by-step, rung-by-rung, slowly up the ladder. But as soon as they get to the second story, they jump out the window. Don't let yourself be that way. Think of how much effort went into getting yourself centered. Don't throw it away.
The first step in leaving is to spread thoughts of good will once more to all the people around you. Then, before you open your eyes, remind yourself that even though you're going to have your eyes open, you want your attention to stay centered in the body, at the breath. Try to maintain that center as long as you can, as you get up, walk around, talk, listen, whatever. In other words, the skill of leaving meditation lies in learning how not to leave it, regardless of whatever else you may be doing. Act from that sense of being centered. If you can keep the mind centered in this way, you'll have a standard against which you can measure its movements, its reactions to the events around it and within it. Only when you have a solid center like this can you gain insight into the movements of the mind.
Yet another one that I thought was interesting:
It is not I, but the Christ within
who does the work.
Words of hope eternally echo the promise of Christmas and the unconditional love of the Christ within us. Let us be aware of this love flowing within us, around us, and to one another as we prepare ourselves for this time of prayer and meditation.
In this time, we will let divine love shine through us to reveal our unity and wholeness in Spirit. Let us center ourselves in the Christ within and draw close to one another in heart and mind. As we relax in the comfort of the Christ presence, we begin to pray …
The Christ of my being fills my heart with love. I am calm and at peace.
I let the endless and unchanging peace of Christ flow through me. Every atom of my being, every thought and impulse yield to this flow. My heart is filled with peace and love.
I turn inward to the depths of my being, and in the silence, I feel the presence of the Christ. In this awareness of oneness, I let pure love and peace radiate from me.
In the silence, there is peace. I retreat to the center of my being, where I am one with the Christ.
In awareness of the Divine, I pray …
Christ is reborn in me as wisdom that guides me in all decisions.
I am secure in the love of Christ, and I trust this loving presence to guide me at all times. I am divinely directed on my path. I do not fear any obstacle as I move forward, for I know I am being guided to my good.
With the Christ as my light, I make decisions and I proceed with confidence. I live in the now and in the presence of Spirit. I am grateful as I awaken to a greater awareness and understanding of Spirit within.
With gratitude for divine light, I continue to pray …
The Christ Spirit renews me with energy and enthusiasm for life.
The light of the Christ awakens healing power within and recharges every atom of my being with pure life. I am filled with endless creative energy which gives me a new zest for living.
The Christ within me is healing power and energy that fill me with a new sense of wholeness and freedom. Let me amplify this power in my life and let it lead me into happiness.
I celebrate my oneness with the healing life of the Christ, knowing that nothing can separate me from this pure life and energy.
With strengthened faith, I return to the silence of prayer …
I am complete in the Christ presence. I give thanks for the gifts of Spirit.
I have available to me everything I will ever need or want through the light of Christ that shines through me and reveals my divine source.
As I pray now, I focus my thoughts on prosperity. My divine source reveals to me an endless abundance of gifts, always available to me. My life is complete.
My heart is filled with gratitude, and I give thanks for the in every area of my life.
With a grateful spirit, I return to the silence of prayer …
Our time of prayer is coming to an end. We gradually return to this present moment, awake, relaxed, and refreshed—united in the presence of the Christ within.
In the spirit of oneness, let us conclude this sacred time together by praying the “Prayer for Protection”:
The light of God surrounds us;
The love of God enfolds us;
The power of God protects us;
The presence of God watches
over us.
Wherever we are, God is!
“And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.” (Luke 1:46-47, 49)
Writer: I'm a Gemini and find it hard to clear my mind. What can help me learn to meditate?
Lisa: Gemini's tend to have so many things going through their heads. I would say start with guided meditation. You can find this sort of thing on the Internet and in bookstores. Once you start using guided meditation, you will start to train your brain. Most people give up after one or two tries, but it's not an overnight success. The more you keep trying meditation, the easier it gets to clear your mind.
So I looked up Guided Meditation and found this:
Visualize yourself in a safe, calm place.
You are peaceful, you are loved, and you are protected.
Bring your attention to the areas in body or life where healing is desired.
Take deep breaths and exhale. You are calm. You are safe.
Open your heart.
Begin a dialougu with your pain and listen for the answers.
Dis-ease, I send you love and gratitude for sending me this gift of awakening.
Help me to understand your purpose.
Dis-ease, what are you trying to teach me?
Why have you come to me?
How can I best heal myself?
Dis-ease, I honor your wisdom and advice and I release you.
Record your answers when done with this exercise. Reflect upon, evaluate, or act on the healing message and advice you received today.
Which books would you recommend to develop my psychic abilities?
Lisa: First you need to develop your spiritual awareness with a lot of self healing. The book "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay was an integral part of my development. Once you work on yourself, you then can start looking at your spirit guides and angels. For those who are more advanced, an excellent book is "Working With Your Guides and Angels" by Ruth White. Other books to check out are "From One World to Another" by Rita Rogers, "The Unbelievable Truth" by Gordon Smith and "Hands of Light" by Barbara Brennan.
Question from Jennifer in NY: Do spirits ever appear to the living in their dreams?
Lisa: Yes, definitely. When we dream, we have that subconscious relaxation similar to meditation. Therefore it's easy for spirits to communicate with you during this time.
Here is another meditation I found that's a little longer. This one is by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Sit comfortably erect, without leaning forward or backward, left or right. Close your eyes and think thoughts of good will. Thoughts of good will go first to yourself, because if you can't think good will for yourself — if you can't feel a sincere desire for your own happiness — there's no way you can truly wish for the happiness of others. So just tell yourself, "May I find true happiness." Remind yourself that true happiness is something that comes from within, so this is not a selfish desire. In fact, if you find and develop the resources for happiness within you, you're able to radiate it out to other people. It's a happiness that doesn't depend on taking anything away from anyone else.
So now spread good will to other people. First, people who are close to your heart — your family, your parents, your very close friends: May they find true happiness, as well. Then spread those thoughts out in ever widening circles: people you know well, people you don't know so well, people you like, people you know and are neutral about, and even people you don't like. Don't let there be any limitations on your good will, for if there are, there will be limitations on your mind. Now spread thoughts of good will to people you don't even know — and not just people; all living beings of all kinds in all directions: east, west, north, south, above, and below, out to infinity. May they find true happiness, too.
Then bring your thoughts back to the present. If you want true happiness, you have to find it in the present, for the past is gone and the future is an uncertainty. So you have to dig down into the present. What do you have right here? You've got the body, sitting here and breathing. And you've got the mind, thinking and aware. So bring all these things together. Think about the breath and then be aware of the breath as it comes in and goes out. Keeping your thoughts directed to the breath: that's mindfulness. Being aware of the breath as it comes in and out: that's alertness. Keep those two aspects of the mind together. If you want, you can use a meditation word to strengthen your mindfulness. Try "Buddho," which means "awake." Think "bud-" with the in-breath, "dho" with the out.
Try to breathe as comfortably as possible. A very concrete way of learning how to provide for your own happiness in the immediate present — and at the same time, strengthening your alertness — is to let yourself breathe in a way that's comfortable. Experiment to see what kind of breathing feels best for the body right now. It might be long breathing, short breathing; in long, out short; or in short, out long. Heavy or light, fast or slow, shallow or deep. Once you find a rhythm that feels comfortable, stay with it for a while. Learn to savor the sensation of the breathing. Generally speaking, the smoother the texture of the breath, the better. Think of the breath, not simply as the air coming in and out of the lungs, but as the entire energy flow that courses through the body with each in-and-out breath. Be sensitive to the texture of that energy flow. You may find that the body changes after a while. One rhythm or texture may feel right for a while, and then something else will feel more comfortable. Learn how to listen and respond to what the body is telling you right now. What kind of breath energy does it need? How can you best provide for that need? If you feel tired, try to breathe in a way that energizes the body. If you feel tense, try to breathe in a way that's relaxing.
If your mind wanders off, gently bring it right back. If it wanders off ten times, a hundred times, bring it back ten times, a hundred times. Don't give in. This quality is called ardency. In other words, as soon as you realize that the mind has slipped away, you bring it right back. You don't spend time aimlessly sniffing at the flowers, looking at the sky, or listening to the birds. You've got work to do: work in learning how to breathe comfortably, how to let the mind settle down in a good space here in the present moment.
When the breath starts feeling comfortable, you can start exploring it in other areas of the body. If you simply stay with the comfortable breath in a narrow range, you'll tend to doze off. So consciously expand your awareness. A good place to focus first is right around the navel. Locate that part of the body in your awareness: where is it right now? Then notice: how does it feel there as you breathe in? How does it feel when you breathe out? Watch it for a couple of breaths, and notice if there's any sense of tension or tightness in that part of the body, either with the in-breath or with the out-breath. Is it tensing up as you breathe in? Are you holding onto the tension as you breathe out? Are you putting too much force on the out-breath? If you catch yourself doing any of these things, just relax. Think of that tension dissolving away in the sensation of the in-breath, the sensation of the out-breath. If you want, you can think of the breath energy coming into the body right there at the navel, working through any tension or tightness that you might feel there ...
Then move your awareness to the right — to the lower right-hand corner of your abdomen — and follow the same three steps there: 1) locate that general part of the body in your awareness; 2) notice how it feels as you breathe in, how it feels as you breathe out; and 3) if you sense any tension or tightness in the breath, just let it relax ... Now move your awareness to the left, to the lower left-hand corner of your abdomen, and follow the same three steps there.
Now move your awareness up to the solar plexus ... and then to the right, to the right flank ... to the left flank ... to the middle of the chest ... After a while move up to the base of the throat ... and then to the middle of the head. Be very careful with the breath energy in the head. Think of it very gently coming in, not only through the nose but also through the eyes, the ears, down from the top of the head, in from the back of the neck, very gently working through and loosening up any tension you may feel, say, around your jaws, the back of your neck, around your eyes, or around your face ...
From there you can move your attention gradually down the back, out the legs, to the tips of the toes, the spaces between the toes. As before, focus on a particular part of the body, notice how it feels with the in-breath and out-breath, relax any sensation of tension or tightness you might feel there, so that the breath energy can flow more freely, and then move on until you've reached the tips of the toes. Then repeat the process, beginning at the back of the neck and going down the shoulders, through the arms, past your wrists, and out through your fingers.
You can repeat this survey of the body as many times as you like until the mind feels ready to settle down.
Then let your attention return to any spot in the body where it feels most naturally settled and centered. Simply let your attention rest there, at one with the breath. At the same time let the range of your awareness spread out so that it fills the entire body, like the light of a candle in the middle of a room: the candle flame is in one spot, but its light fills the entire room. Or like a spider on a web: the spider's in one spot, but it knows the whole web. Be keen on maintaining that broadened sense of awareness. You'll find that it tends to shrink, like a balloon with a small hole in it, so keep broadening its range, thinking "whole body, whole body, breath in the whole body, from the top of the head down into the tips of the toes." Think of the breath energy coming in and out of the body through every pore. Make a point of staying with this centered, broadened awareness as long as you can. There's nothing else you have to think about right now, nowhere else to go, nothing else to do. Just stay with this centered, broadened awareness of the present ...
When the time comes to leave meditation, remind yourself that there's a skill to leaving. In other words, you don't just jump right out. My teacher, Ajaan Fuang, once said that when most people meditate, it's as if they're climbing a ladder up to the second story of a building: step-by-step-by-step, rung-by-rung, slowly up the ladder. But as soon as they get to the second story, they jump out the window. Don't let yourself be that way. Think of how much effort went into getting yourself centered. Don't throw it away.
The first step in leaving is to spread thoughts of good will once more to all the people around you. Then, before you open your eyes, remind yourself that even though you're going to have your eyes open, you want your attention to stay centered in the body, at the breath. Try to maintain that center as long as you can, as you get up, walk around, talk, listen, whatever. In other words, the skill of leaving meditation lies in learning how not to leave it, regardless of whatever else you may be doing. Act from that sense of being centered. If you can keep the mind centered in this way, you'll have a standard against which you can measure its movements, its reactions to the events around it and within it. Only when you have a solid center like this can you gain insight into the movements of the mind.
Yet another one that I thought was interesting:
It is not I, but the Christ within
who does the work.
Words of hope eternally echo the promise of Christmas and the unconditional love of the Christ within us. Let us be aware of this love flowing within us, around us, and to one another as we prepare ourselves for this time of prayer and meditation.
In this time, we will let divine love shine through us to reveal our unity and wholeness in Spirit. Let us center ourselves in the Christ within and draw close to one another in heart and mind. As we relax in the comfort of the Christ presence, we begin to pray …
The Christ of my being fills my heart with love. I am calm and at peace.
I let the endless and unchanging peace of Christ flow through me. Every atom of my being, every thought and impulse yield to this flow. My heart is filled with peace and love.
I turn inward to the depths of my being, and in the silence, I feel the presence of the Christ. In this awareness of oneness, I let pure love and peace radiate from me.
In the silence, there is peace. I retreat to the center of my being, where I am one with the Christ.
In awareness of the Divine, I pray …
Christ is reborn in me as wisdom that guides me in all decisions.
I am secure in the love of Christ, and I trust this loving presence to guide me at all times. I am divinely directed on my path. I do not fear any obstacle as I move forward, for I know I am being guided to my good.
With the Christ as my light, I make decisions and I proceed with confidence. I live in the now and in the presence of Spirit. I am grateful as I awaken to a greater awareness and understanding of Spirit within.
With gratitude for divine light, I continue to pray …
The Christ Spirit renews me with energy and enthusiasm for life.
The light of the Christ awakens healing power within and recharges every atom of my being with pure life. I am filled with endless creative energy which gives me a new zest for living.
The Christ within me is healing power and energy that fill me with a new sense of wholeness and freedom. Let me amplify this power in my life and let it lead me into happiness.
I celebrate my oneness with the healing life of the Christ, knowing that nothing can separate me from this pure life and energy.
With strengthened faith, I return to the silence of prayer …
I am complete in the Christ presence. I give thanks for the gifts of Spirit.
I have available to me everything I will ever need or want through the light of Christ that shines through me and reveals my divine source.
As I pray now, I focus my thoughts on prosperity. My divine source reveals to me an endless abundance of gifts, always available to me. My life is complete.
My heart is filled with gratitude, and I give thanks for the in every area of my life.
With a grateful spirit, I return to the silence of prayer …
Our time of prayer is coming to an end. We gradually return to this present moment, awake, relaxed, and refreshed—united in the presence of the Christ within.
In the spirit of oneness, let us conclude this sacred time together by praying the “Prayer for Protection”:
The light of God surrounds us;
The love of God enfolds us;
The power of God protects us;
The presence of God watches
over us.
Wherever we are, God is!
“And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.” (Luke 1:46-47, 49)
Friday, December 15, 2006
Today is an Awesome Day!
My photography business has been keeping me going, going, going. And by no means is that a complaint, that is a blessing! I know there are many self-starters out there and they are sitting around looking at the four walls! On top of me running my business, I had my son with me since Wednesday with a high fever, and today about 15 mins. after Laila gets to school, she throws up, so she was with me too! My hectic day lasted until my last picture drop-off at 3pm and then I felt much more relieved! At the very end of the day, I got a phone call from one of my pastor's with a great blessing to our family! Too big to share on the Internet, but my husband and I are very, very grateful! My father and step-mother are also in town for my sister, Tia's graduation! They are gone to the graduation tonight, and hubby and I are going to a Christmas party, so I will see them tomorrow morning.
Yesterday was a monster day as well. I had an interview in the morning and two meetings in the afternoon.
The day before yesterday, I received a 15-page script to learn for Monster.com as a speaker for them. I'm excited to do it, but my goodness! We have to learn that thing by heart! This will be a serious challenge for, especially since I have never learned a script without cheatsheets before. It's a challenge I'm ready to step into!
“But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33)
Yesterday was a monster day as well. I had an interview in the morning and two meetings in the afternoon.
The day before yesterday, I received a 15-page script to learn for Monster.com as a speaker for them. I'm excited to do it, but my goodness! We have to learn that thing by heart! This will be a serious challenge for, especially since I have never learned a script without cheatsheets before. It's a challenge I'm ready to step into!
“But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33)
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Happy Birthday Laila!
My baby girl turned 5 today! Wow, I'm so excited for her and so proud of her at the same time!
“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.” (Deuteronomy 18:15)
“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.” (Deuteronomy 18:15)
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
Laila's 5th Birthday Celebration!
Today we celebrated Laila's fifth birthday at her school. Hubby couldn't make it because he suffers from migraines, and he has been home in the bed for two days. I got her a wonderful Barbie cake from Sam's that had her picture on it. Her actual birthdate isn't until Sunday, but I will try to post pictures of her party before Monday.
“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Just Asking
So I have this friend that called me this morning and asked what I was doing. I told her that I was listening to the Tom Joyner Morning Show to try and win one million dollars. She asked me how, so I gave her all the instructions, the first cash call number I had and all the envelope numbers that she can choose from. I shared with her the envelope number that I wanted to pick as well. At this time, I am gathering my kids up to take them to school and I tell my friend I will have to talk to her later, I can't talk to her in my van, because it routes the call in the speakers and I won't be able to hear the radio. Minutes go by and while I am listening for the cash call numbers, my friend calls in. I'm pissed, because I told her that I canNOT talk and listen to the radio, because it won't let me. So I pick up the phone and she asks for the second number. I asked her, "weren't you listening!!????" I can't pull over and look for the numbers right now, I'm trying to listen for the next cash call number and your interrupting my radio." So I hung up, and yes, she had the rude nerves to call me back. Now let's pause for a minute. This tells me that she's thinking, "if I don't have the second number, then I don't care what other numbers you don't hear."
Okay, let's continue: so I'm ignoring her calls and I get all the numbers. I don't get through to the line, but the caller that did get through picked the same number that I had in mind. She lost. So I called my friend, and we were laughing at the fact that my envelope only had a $100 in it and not the million. So I asked her, what envelope would she pick and she refused to tell me. I felt offended. Maybe I should not have, but I figured: 1. It's just a speculation; 2. I have my own envelope number in mind (other than the one that wasn't the winner); 3. I shared all the information I knew to get you in the game, the least you can do is tell me what your speculations are. Or at the very least, tell me that you'll tell me after they find a winner. But don't just flat out tell me "No!" With an attitude, like I'm going to call Tom Joyner and give him your number. AND if I was, I would have the courtesy to share the money with you.
I told my friend that I was not going to try to persuade my reasons on her as to why she should tell me what envelope number she THOUGHT was the winner, and it wasn't worth what it was turning into, and I know where her heart is. So we left it at that.
Okay, now think about your opinion of my feeling on the situation (should I have felt offended), and should my friend have told me her number given the fact that I shared all that information with her to get her in the game.
Now, is your response the same if "the friend" was my sister?
“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25)
Okay, let's continue: so I'm ignoring her calls and I get all the numbers. I don't get through to the line, but the caller that did get through picked the same number that I had in mind. She lost. So I called my friend, and we were laughing at the fact that my envelope only had a $100 in it and not the million. So I asked her, what envelope would she pick and she refused to tell me. I felt offended. Maybe I should not have, but I figured: 1. It's just a speculation; 2. I have my own envelope number in mind (other than the one that wasn't the winner); 3. I shared all the information I knew to get you in the game, the least you can do is tell me what your speculations are. Or at the very least, tell me that you'll tell me after they find a winner. But don't just flat out tell me "No!" With an attitude, like I'm going to call Tom Joyner and give him your number. AND if I was, I would have the courtesy to share the money with you.
I told my friend that I was not going to try to persuade my reasons on her as to why she should tell me what envelope number she THOUGHT was the winner, and it wasn't worth what it was turning into, and I know where her heart is. So we left it at that.
Okay, now think about your opinion of my feeling on the situation (should I have felt offended), and should my friend have told me her number given the fact that I shared all that information with her to get her in the game.
Now, is your response the same if "the friend" was my sister?
“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25)
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
“Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:7, 9-10)
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Bachelor's of Science in Theology!!!
I finally did it!!!
“Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
“Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
Thursday, November 30, 2006
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:10-11)
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
Bob Parson's 16 Rules For Success In Business & In Life In General
1. Get and stay out of your comfort zone
I believe that not much happens of any significance when we're in our comfort zone. I hear people say, "But I'm concerned about security." My response to that is simple: "Security is for cadavers."
2. Never give up
Almost nothing works the first time it's attempted. Just because what you're doing does not seem to be working, doesn't mean it won't work. It just means that it might not work the way you're doing it. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, and you wouldn't have an opportunity.
3. When you're ready to quit, you're closer than you think
There's an old Chinese saying that I just love, and I believe it is so true. It goes like this: "The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed."
4. With regard to whatever worries you, not only accept the worst thing that could happen, but make it a point to quantify what the worst thing could be
Very seldom will the worst consequence be anywhere near as bad as a cloud of "undefined consequences." My father would tell me early on, when I was struggling and losing my shirt trying to get Parsons Technology going, "Well, Robert, if it doesn't work, they can't eat you."
5. Focus on what you want to have happen
Remember that old saying, "As you think, so shall you be."
6. Take things a day at a time
No matter how difficult your situation is, you can get through it if you don't look too far into the future, and focus on the present moment. You can get through anything one day at a time.
7. Always be moving forward
Never stop investing. Never stop improving. Never stop doing something new. The moment you stop improving your organization, it starts to die. Make it your goal to be better each and every day, in some small way. Remember the Japanese concept of Kaizen. Small daily improvements eventually result in huge advantages.
8. Be quick to decide
Remember what General George S. Patton said: "A good plan violently executed today is far and away better than a perfect plan tomorrow."
9. Measure everything of significance
I swear this is true. Anything that is measured and watched, improves.
10. Anything that is not managed will deteriorate
If you want to uncover problems you don't know about, take a few moments and look closely at the areas you haven't examined for a while. I guarantee you problems will be there.
11. Pay attention to your competitors, but pay more attention to what you're doing
When you look at your competitors, remember that everything looks perfect at a distance. Even the planet Earth, if you get far enough into space, looks like a peaceful place.
12. Never let anybody push you around
In our society, with our laws and even playing field, you have just as much right to what you're doing as anyone else, provided that what you're doing is legal.
13. Never expect life to be fair
Life isn't fair. You make your own breaks. You'll be doing good if the only meaning fair has to you, is something that you pay when you get on a bus (i.e., fare).
14. Solve your own problems
You'll find that by coming up with your own solutions, you'll develop a competitive edge. Masura Ibuka, the co-founder of SONY, said it best: "You never succeed in technology, business, or anything by following the others." There's also an old Asian saying that I remind myself of frequently. It goes like this: "A wise man keeps his own counsel."
15. Don't take yourself too seriously
Lighten up. Often, at least half of what we accomplish is due to luck. None of us are in control as much as we like to think we are.
16. There's always a reason to smile. Find it
After all, you're really lucky just to be alive. Life is short. More and more, I agree with my little brother. He always reminds me: "We're not here for a long time; we're here for a good time."
-written by Bob Parsons
“ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)
I believe that not much happens of any significance when we're in our comfort zone. I hear people say, "But I'm concerned about security." My response to that is simple: "Security is for cadavers."
2. Never give up
Almost nothing works the first time it's attempted. Just because what you're doing does not seem to be working, doesn't mean it won't work. It just means that it might not work the way you're doing it. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, and you wouldn't have an opportunity.
3. When you're ready to quit, you're closer than you think
There's an old Chinese saying that I just love, and I believe it is so true. It goes like this: "The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed."
4. With regard to whatever worries you, not only accept the worst thing that could happen, but make it a point to quantify what the worst thing could be
Very seldom will the worst consequence be anywhere near as bad as a cloud of "undefined consequences." My father would tell me early on, when I was struggling and losing my shirt trying to get Parsons Technology going, "Well, Robert, if it doesn't work, they can't eat you."
5. Focus on what you want to have happen
Remember that old saying, "As you think, so shall you be."
6. Take things a day at a time
No matter how difficult your situation is, you can get through it if you don't look too far into the future, and focus on the present moment. You can get through anything one day at a time.
7. Always be moving forward
Never stop investing. Never stop improving. Never stop doing something new. The moment you stop improving your organization, it starts to die. Make it your goal to be better each and every day, in some small way. Remember the Japanese concept of Kaizen. Small daily improvements eventually result in huge advantages.
8. Be quick to decide
Remember what General George S. Patton said: "A good plan violently executed today is far and away better than a perfect plan tomorrow."
9. Measure everything of significance
I swear this is true. Anything that is measured and watched, improves.
10. Anything that is not managed will deteriorate
If you want to uncover problems you don't know about, take a few moments and look closely at the areas you haven't examined for a while. I guarantee you problems will be there.
11. Pay attention to your competitors, but pay more attention to what you're doing
When you look at your competitors, remember that everything looks perfect at a distance. Even the planet Earth, if you get far enough into space, looks like a peaceful place.
12. Never let anybody push you around
In our society, with our laws and even playing field, you have just as much right to what you're doing as anyone else, provided that what you're doing is legal.
13. Never expect life to be fair
Life isn't fair. You make your own breaks. You'll be doing good if the only meaning fair has to you, is something that you pay when you get on a bus (i.e., fare).
14. Solve your own problems
You'll find that by coming up with your own solutions, you'll develop a competitive edge. Masura Ibuka, the co-founder of SONY, said it best: "You never succeed in technology, business, or anything by following the others." There's also an old Asian saying that I remind myself of frequently. It goes like this: "A wise man keeps his own counsel."
15. Don't take yourself too seriously
Lighten up. Often, at least half of what we accomplish is due to luck. None of us are in control as much as we like to think we are.
16. There's always a reason to smile. Find it
After all, you're really lucky just to be alive. Life is short. More and more, I agree with my little brother. He always reminds me: "We're not here for a long time; we're here for a good time."
-written by Bob Parsons
“ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
I plead the blood of Jesus...
Over my husband and children, our property, our mind, body, and soul!
Today in a silly rush (while on the phone), I left our front door slightly ajar!!! Oh lawdy. Blessfully no one came up to the door or inside! Thank you for watching over us JC.
“ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Today in a silly rush (while on the phone), I left our front door slightly ajar!!! Oh lawdy. Blessfully no one came up to the door or inside! Thank you for watching over us JC.
“ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
So there's a Curse on Me?
Hummm?! I'm honored to know that I mean just that much to the Christian world and the conversion of others that someone has actually spent their hard-earned money to put a curse on me.
“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,” (1 Peter 3:18)
“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,” (1 Peter 3:18)
Monday, November 13, 2006
Hubby Bought Me A New Laptop Today!
I hate to sound like an old fogey, but I like my flatscreen iMac, yes it's from 2001, yes it slows my work progress down, and yes it crashes on me, and YES, I DO believe I need another computer...here's the BUT. I need to warm up to the idea of having a "laptop." I've only had it plugged in and open for 30 minutes, and already the keys on the left-hand side where all the plugs are are "very warm" to the touch! I REALLY don't think that should be... I ran my hand up and down the left-side panel and already there is a bulge there, it's a little bulge, but there's a bulge. What will that bulge be in the years to come??? I'm appreciative, I really am, I'm just need to warm up a little.
“For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:15-16)
“For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:15-16)
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
R.I.P. Gerald Levert
He was only 40!
R&B singer Gerald Levert cut his writing chops on Detroit's west side.
He spent his summers in the city — his grandparents lived on Prairie and Seven Mile Roads — and instead of partying with the bad boys, he wrote his first songs.
It was a great start for an R&B singer, songwriter and producer who ultimately went on to gain songwriting acclaim, crafting works for some of the best crooners in the business.
Earlier today, at age 40, Gerald Levert died.
His record label, Atlantic, confirmed that the Cleveland-born singer died of a heart attack at his home in Ohio.
“All of us at Atlantic are shocked and deeply saddened by his untimely death,” reads a statement released by Atlantic. “He was one of the greatest voices of our time, who sang with unmatched soulfulness and power, as well as a tremendously gifted composer and an accomplished producer.”
Levert garnered national acclaim as a member of the group “Levert,” which was comprised of his brother Sean and friend Marc Gordon. Among others, they recorded the No. 1 R&B/No. 5 pop hit “Casanova” in 1987, followed by three more R&B chart-toppers, “Addicted to You,” “Just Coolin’,” which featured rapper Heavy D and “Baby I’m Ready” in 1991.
In 1991, Levert went solo, releasing “Private Line,” which grabbed the No. 1 R&B spot that year. He earned a second No. 1 R&B single with “Baby Hold On To Me,” the next year.
In addition to his group and solo work, Levert produced and wrote for his father’s legendary group, the O’Jays and also for performers including Barry White, Stephanie Mills, Teddy Pendergrass, the Winans and Patti Labelle. “This is terrible,” said Pastor Marvin Winans, who created music with Levert for his group’s 1994 album “All Out.” “He was a great voice and a great talent. And my condolences go out to Eddie and his brothers and the Levert family.”
Even though Levert called the Atlanta and Cleveland area home, he maintained ties to Detroit. A regular stop for the performer was Shantinique Music, a mom-and-pop music shop on the east side.
The news hit co-owner Josie Beal hard, she and Levert’s Uncle Reggie, who still lives in Detroit, went to Kettering High School together. She also was a fan of his music. The last time Levert was in her shop, he had his dad Eddie Levert Sr., boxer Tommy Hearns and Emmanuel Steward in tow with him. “He was an icon,” Beal said. “I was just saying all of the real singers are gone now. Gerald Levert. Luther Vandross. Barry White. Who do we have to look up to now? His dad is still with us now. As long as Eddie is still here, Gerald will be here in our hearts. The voice is still there.”
On one of his later projects, 2004’s “Do I Speak For The World,” Levert changed his tune slightly, straying away from the sexy vocals that brought him much pop music acclaim in the 80s. His album, “Do I Speak For The World,” was a way to address social issues that he’d never allowed himself to sing about before. “It’s a socially conscious thing,” he said then to the Free Press of the album. “There are some love songs, but not the sex-you-down-type songs. It’s more love relationship, break up and getting back together type songs. I have some religion stuff and some state-of-the world type stuff too.
“Folks are kind of tripping out on it and that’s what I wanted. I wanted the shock factor. The war and the president and the school systems — all these different things that are happening that I think needed to be addressed and I’m talking about it. It’ a departure from what I would do mainly on a record. It’s time,” he said. “… And I’m willing to take that chance right now in my career and my life.”
“God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.” (Job 37:5-6)
R&B singer Gerald Levert cut his writing chops on Detroit's west side.
He spent his summers in the city — his grandparents lived on Prairie and Seven Mile Roads — and instead of partying with the bad boys, he wrote his first songs.
It was a great start for an R&B singer, songwriter and producer who ultimately went on to gain songwriting acclaim, crafting works for some of the best crooners in the business.
Earlier today, at age 40, Gerald Levert died.
His record label, Atlantic, confirmed that the Cleveland-born singer died of a heart attack at his home in Ohio.
“All of us at Atlantic are shocked and deeply saddened by his untimely death,” reads a statement released by Atlantic. “He was one of the greatest voices of our time, who sang with unmatched soulfulness and power, as well as a tremendously gifted composer and an accomplished producer.”
Levert garnered national acclaim as a member of the group “Levert,” which was comprised of his brother Sean and friend Marc Gordon. Among others, they recorded the No. 1 R&B/No. 5 pop hit “Casanova” in 1987, followed by three more R&B chart-toppers, “Addicted to You,” “Just Coolin’,” which featured rapper Heavy D and “Baby I’m Ready” in 1991.
In 1991, Levert went solo, releasing “Private Line,” which grabbed the No. 1 R&B spot that year. He earned a second No. 1 R&B single with “Baby Hold On To Me,” the next year.
In addition to his group and solo work, Levert produced and wrote for his father’s legendary group, the O’Jays and also for performers including Barry White, Stephanie Mills, Teddy Pendergrass, the Winans and Patti Labelle. “This is terrible,” said Pastor Marvin Winans, who created music with Levert for his group’s 1994 album “All Out.” “He was a great voice and a great talent. And my condolences go out to Eddie and his brothers and the Levert family.”
Even though Levert called the Atlanta and Cleveland area home, he maintained ties to Detroit. A regular stop for the performer was Shantinique Music, a mom-and-pop music shop on the east side.
The news hit co-owner Josie Beal hard, she and Levert’s Uncle Reggie, who still lives in Detroit, went to Kettering High School together. She also was a fan of his music. The last time Levert was in her shop, he had his dad Eddie Levert Sr., boxer Tommy Hearns and Emmanuel Steward in tow with him. “He was an icon,” Beal said. “I was just saying all of the real singers are gone now. Gerald Levert. Luther Vandross. Barry White. Who do we have to look up to now? His dad is still with us now. As long as Eddie is still here, Gerald will be here in our hearts. The voice is still there.”
On one of his later projects, 2004’s “Do I Speak For The World,” Levert changed his tune slightly, straying away from the sexy vocals that brought him much pop music acclaim in the 80s. His album, “Do I Speak For The World,” was a way to address social issues that he’d never allowed himself to sing about before. “It’s a socially conscious thing,” he said then to the Free Press of the album. “There are some love songs, but not the sex-you-down-type songs. It’s more love relationship, break up and getting back together type songs. I have some religion stuff and some state-of-the world type stuff too.
“Folks are kind of tripping out on it and that’s what I wanted. I wanted the shock factor. The war and the president and the school systems — all these different things that are happening that I think needed to be addressed and I’m talking about it. It’ a departure from what I would do mainly on a record. It’s time,” he said. “… And I’m willing to take that chance right now in my career and my life.”
“God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.” (Job 37:5-6)
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Juanita Bedford
“Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
My Hip Joint Hurts
What's up with my left hip joint? It hurts, and is getting progressively worse as the day passes.
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
My Great-Great Grandfather
So last night I was on the phone with my brother, who told me that my California Aunt told him that my great-great grandfather made a living telling people their fortune, or rather what was their past, present, and future. So I called my great grandmother this morning and asked her to tell me about her father and she told me that he was what they called a "Wise Man." I asked if he was a Christian, and she said that he "certainly was." She said that she clearly remembers a lady asking him for help looking for money that her husband said someone had taken, she went to my great-great grandfather and he prayed with her and told her that she would find the money in a top drawer in her dresser, and that's where she had found it, by the hand of her own husband! TBC...it's my bedtime.
We need to make more time for God!
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
We need to make more time for God!
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
Monday, November 06, 2006
The HS Presence
God has been asking, "If He could show me a reminder of His prescence, what would I like it to be?" Well it's be a few months now, and I haven't come up with anything yet. I guess mainly because I know that God is always present, and I don't want to think of something and now I see that something all the time. For instance, I met this lady last year that shared a story with me of how she had told Jesus, when He is with her, she wants to see a cross. Well now, everywhere she goes, He'll reveal a whole bunch of crosses in her clothes and in all kinds of fabric. So she always sees them. I want something a little more specific, like when the Holy Spirit is talking to me something happens. Does that make sense? Whatever.
“And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” (Ephesians 1:9-10)
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Back From Destin!
Hubby and I had a great time with each other! It was a really good, and much-needed get-a-way! At the conference, they talked about the correct way to communicate with your spouse, making time for your spouse (actually scheduling talks, intimacy, and agruments). Going there, I realized that I need to invest time, money, and energy into getting relationship dvd's and books.
“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.” (Romans 13:6)
“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.” (Romans 13:6)
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Another 5!
No kidding, I found another five dollar bill today, just laying on the main walkway of a high school homecoming after-party. Okay, what I was doing there is besides the point. The point is, this is the third time within days of eachother that I have found money. Seriously, this is a sign! Thank you JC. Hubby and I are off to Destin in a few hours, he told me to catch some sleep because I was driving the first leg. I better not let him catch me on the computer!!! Gotta go! Love ya!
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6)
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6)
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
I Just Love What Dove Did Here!
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,” (Ephesians 1:18)
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
5 or Seven?
Okay, yesterday I found ten dollars on the floor in a store, today I found $5 on the floor in the main walkway of the mall while trick-or-treating with the kids. Thank you Jesus, I gave it to my daughter. Then while trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, a lady gave my son a dollar and my daughter a dollar! Who gives money like that to trick-or-treaters? Well in my neighborhood that is very unusual. Thank you JC again! Who's good with Christian numbers? What does 5, 7, and 10 mean?
UPDATE:
5-THE NUMBER OF GRACE. Redemption. Israel came out of Egypt 5 in rank (Ex 13:18). David picked up 5 smooth stone to fight Goliath (1 Sam. 17:40). The Holy Anointing Oil was pure and composed of 5 parts (Ex. 30:23-25).
7-THE NUMBER OF SPIRITUAL PERFECTION. Seven days in a week. Seven colors in the spectrum. Seven of the 10 commandments begin with the word "not." There are 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 parables in Matthew, and 7 promises to the churches. There are 7 "eternals" in Hebrews which are: A priest for ever (1:6); Eternal salvation (1:9); Eternal judgment (6:2); eternal redemption (9:12); eternal spirit (9:14); eternal inheritance (9:15); and everlasting covenant (13:20). Jesus said 7 things on the cross: 1) Luke 23:34 "Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots; 2) Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise"; 3) Matthew 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" -- which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"; 4) John 19:26 "When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son"; 5) John 19:28 "Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." 6) John 19:30 "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit"; and 7) Luke 23:46 "Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last." "Hallelujah" occurs 28 times or 4 x 7. "Hosanna" occurs 7 times. "Milk" occurs 49 times or 7 x 7. "Abaddon" occurs 7 times. "After the order of Melchizedek" occurs 7 times.
10-THE NUMBER OF DIVINE PERFECTION. There are 10 commandments (Ex. 20); 1/10 of your income is a tithe; the were 10 plagues on Egypt (Ex. 9:14ff); 10 x 10 silver sockets formed the foundation of the Tabernacle (Ex 38:27); There are 10 "I AM's spoken by Jesus in John: 1) I am the Bread of Life (6:35); 2) I am the Bread of Life which came down from heaven (6:41); 3) I am the Living Bread (6:51); 4) I am the Light of the world (8:12); 5) I am One that bears witness of Myself (8:18); 6) I am the Door of the sheep (10:7,9); 7) I am the Good Shepherd (10:14); 8) I am the Resurrection and the Life (14:6); 9) I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (11:25); and 10) I am the True Vine (15:1,5).
I also found basic numerology here:
5-Character traits: Versatile and resourceful, clever and amusing. Good company, good with words, optimistic. Lively, inquiring and outgoing. Someone who makes friends and money easily. Lives for excitement and sensation. Loves adventure and travel, change and anything new. Hates to be tied down, impatient with rules, laws and conventions.
Negative tendencies: Attracted by everything, an opportunist and sensualist. Erratic, irritable, untidy, not punctual. Jack of all trades, master of none - good at many things, but not real good at anything. Boastful, sarcastic, rebellious.
Male sexuality - attracted by everything, but held by nothing which equals impatience, impulsiveness, ready to seize opportunity, a lover of change and excitement - bold and aggressive. Hates to be tied down. The five elements / five senses (Earth/Touch, Taste/Water, Sound/Air, Smell/Fire, Sight/Light). Spirit resurrected from or exalted from the body. Man as the microcosm (miniature image) of the universe.
Historic References--Five Elements/Five Senses, 5 Fingers, Planet Mars, Pentagram, Man (2) + Woman (3), 5 wounds of Jesus. Five petaled flower (lotus)
Qualities and Traits--New directions, excitement, change, adventure.
Interpretation--Exciting, changeable and always seeking new things.
7-Character traits: The Mystic, philosopher. Introspective thoughtful and somewhat aloof. Quiet, intuitive and meditative with a global perspective.
Negative tendencies: Aloof, isolated, solitary. May be secretive, sensitive but not openly and sometimes pessimistic.
There are many 7 references throughout ancient religion: 7 sacraments, 7 virtues, 7 sins, 7 petitions, 7 'gifts of the spirit' - wisdom, understanding, cooperation, strength, knowledge, holiness. Seven is associated with the moon and therefore a number of reflection (symbolically from the reflection of sunlight from the Moon. Overall the implication is that this is a magical number; the person or thing referred to may be mystical and 'all-knowing' or desiring knowledge beyond all other things. A completeness which is gained only from true insight, but at the expense of an inward focus, aloofness and isolation. This completeness is symbolized by 7 as well as 3 and 9.
Historic References--The Sabbath - seventh day (rest/worship), 7 Virtues, 7 Deadly Sins, Holy (3) + Mundane/Earthy (4)
Qualities and Traits--Spirituality, completeness, solitary, isolation, introspection.
Interpretation--Mystical, scholarly, a philosopher and recluse.
10-Character traits: Exceptionally powerful and dominating personality. Individualistic and intensely original and creative. An inspired and inspiring leader and a pioneer. Efficient and determined and good at initiating new projects.
Negative tendencies: Stubborn, rigid especially about their own ideas. Depressed if caught up in the small details of life. May be jealous.
The number of completion in most systems, number 10 represents perfection, completion and fulfillment. 10 in the Kaballah is equal to Malkuth = Kingdom in the Tree of Life which indicates that this number represents the entire kingdom or the completion of a kingdom. Because it represents completion it also symbolically is indicative of closure. Since a 10 is really a perfect combination of the 1 and 0 energies, you should also see the chart for 1 and 0 above.
Historic References--1 + 0 Energy, hand of God, destiny, perfection, fulfillment, eternity.
Qualities and Traits--Independence, loneliness, creativity, originality, dominance, leadership, impatience, spiritual essence.
Interpretation--Ambitious, daring and self-reliant. Pioneering, independent and creative.
Whew, that's a lot of reading!
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)
UPDATE:
5-THE NUMBER OF GRACE. Redemption. Israel came out of Egypt 5 in rank (Ex 13:18). David picked up 5 smooth stone to fight Goliath (1 Sam. 17:40). The Holy Anointing Oil was pure and composed of 5 parts (Ex. 30:23-25).
7-THE NUMBER OF SPIRITUAL PERFECTION. Seven days in a week. Seven colors in the spectrum. Seven of the 10 commandments begin with the word "not." There are 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 parables in Matthew, and 7 promises to the churches. There are 7 "eternals" in Hebrews which are: A priest for ever (1:6); Eternal salvation (1:9); Eternal judgment (6:2); eternal redemption (9:12); eternal spirit (9:14); eternal inheritance (9:15); and everlasting covenant (13:20). Jesus said 7 things on the cross: 1) Luke 23:34 "Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots; 2) Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise"; 3) Matthew 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" -- which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"; 4) John 19:26 "When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son"; 5) John 19:28 "Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." 6) John 19:30 "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit"; and 7) Luke 23:46 "Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last." "Hallelujah" occurs 28 times or 4 x 7. "Hosanna" occurs 7 times. "Milk" occurs 49 times or 7 x 7. "Abaddon" occurs 7 times. "After the order of Melchizedek" occurs 7 times.
10-THE NUMBER OF DIVINE PERFECTION. There are 10 commandments (Ex. 20); 1/10 of your income is a tithe; the were 10 plagues on Egypt (Ex. 9:14ff); 10 x 10 silver sockets formed the foundation of the Tabernacle (Ex 38:27); There are 10 "I AM's spoken by Jesus in John: 1) I am the Bread of Life (6:35); 2) I am the Bread of Life which came down from heaven (6:41); 3) I am the Living Bread (6:51); 4) I am the Light of the world (8:12); 5) I am One that bears witness of Myself (8:18); 6) I am the Door of the sheep (10:7,9); 7) I am the Good Shepherd (10:14); 8) I am the Resurrection and the Life (14:6); 9) I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (11:25); and 10) I am the True Vine (15:1,5).
I also found basic numerology here:
5-Character traits: Versatile and resourceful, clever and amusing. Good company, good with words, optimistic. Lively, inquiring and outgoing. Someone who makes friends and money easily. Lives for excitement and sensation. Loves adventure and travel, change and anything new. Hates to be tied down, impatient with rules, laws and conventions.
Negative tendencies: Attracted by everything, an opportunist and sensualist. Erratic, irritable, untidy, not punctual. Jack of all trades, master of none - good at many things, but not real good at anything. Boastful, sarcastic, rebellious.
Male sexuality - attracted by everything, but held by nothing which equals impatience, impulsiveness, ready to seize opportunity, a lover of change and excitement - bold and aggressive. Hates to be tied down. The five elements / five senses (Earth/Touch, Taste/Water, Sound/Air, Smell/Fire, Sight/Light). Spirit resurrected from or exalted from the body. Man as the microcosm (miniature image) of the universe.
Historic References--Five Elements/Five Senses, 5 Fingers, Planet Mars, Pentagram, Man (2) + Woman (3), 5 wounds of Jesus. Five petaled flower (lotus)
Qualities and Traits--New directions, excitement, change, adventure.
Interpretation--Exciting, changeable and always seeking new things.
7-Character traits: The Mystic, philosopher. Introspective thoughtful and somewhat aloof. Quiet, intuitive and meditative with a global perspective.
Negative tendencies: Aloof, isolated, solitary. May be secretive, sensitive but not openly and sometimes pessimistic.
There are many 7 references throughout ancient religion: 7 sacraments, 7 virtues, 7 sins, 7 petitions, 7 'gifts of the spirit' - wisdom, understanding, cooperation, strength, knowledge, holiness. Seven is associated with the moon and therefore a number of reflection (symbolically from the reflection of sunlight from the Moon. Overall the implication is that this is a magical number; the person or thing referred to may be mystical and 'all-knowing' or desiring knowledge beyond all other things. A completeness which is gained only from true insight, but at the expense of an inward focus, aloofness and isolation. This completeness is symbolized by 7 as well as 3 and 9.
Historic References--The Sabbath - seventh day (rest/worship), 7 Virtues, 7 Deadly Sins, Holy (3) + Mundane/Earthy (4)
Qualities and Traits--Spirituality, completeness, solitary, isolation, introspection.
Interpretation--Mystical, scholarly, a philosopher and recluse.
10-Character traits: Exceptionally powerful and dominating personality. Individualistic and intensely original and creative. An inspired and inspiring leader and a pioneer. Efficient and determined and good at initiating new projects.
Negative tendencies: Stubborn, rigid especially about their own ideas. Depressed if caught up in the small details of life. May be jealous.
The number of completion in most systems, number 10 represents perfection, completion and fulfillment. 10 in the Kaballah is equal to Malkuth = Kingdom in the Tree of Life which indicates that this number represents the entire kingdom or the completion of a kingdom. Because it represents completion it also symbolically is indicative of closure. Since a 10 is really a perfect combination of the 1 and 0 energies, you should also see the chart for 1 and 0 above.
Historic References--1 + 0 Energy, hand of God, destiny, perfection, fulfillment, eternity.
Qualities and Traits--Independence, loneliness, creativity, originality, dominance, leadership, impatience, spiritual essence.
Interpretation--Ambitious, daring and self-reliant. Pioneering, independent and creative.
Whew, that's a lot of reading!
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)
Monday, October 30, 2006
Ten For Me!
Real crazy today, I had a thought this morning of finding money, and this afternoon I did. A fat 10! I should think bigger!!! Thanks JC!
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Friday, October 27, 2006
I've had an interesting quite day to myself today. It hasn't rained here in a few weeks, but today...it rained all day! Last night I was taking braids out Laila's hair, I washed it, and blew it dry for her to take school pictures today! I went to her school this morning, and she looked so lovely with her denim outfit, embellished with pink sparkling stuff and her hair style that she has been begging me for two years! Laila has been wanting to wear all of her hair straight down with just a bump at the ends, and of course I've been refusing her. Well last night we did a mock hair style and I put a ponytail at the top center and left the rest of the hair out. I told her that she looked six years old, and I would like her to look four years old by putting some more ponytails and barrettes in her hair, of course she loved the big-girl hairstyle so much that she didn't care to hear what I liked. So today when she walked in class everyone noticed and gave her wonderful compliments. If I remember, I will post her school picture here.
"“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
"“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
Thursday, October 26, 2006
I Need My Brother To Get a TV!
How do you get booked for television shows and commercials and you have no tv to watch yourself on! Well it makes for a good True Hollywood Story (I'm referring to VH1)!
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
I Am My Weight At 7 Months Pregnant 4 Years Ago!
I was reading back to my pregancy journal that I kept online in 2001 and I was the same weight I am now when I was seven months pregnant!!!! Oh, the journal is on www.ThaisandVaughn.com, click on the top graphic, find About Laila, and you're there!
Oh well, I'm just thicker and finer now!
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
Oh well, I'm just thicker and finer now!
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
Monday, October 23, 2006
My Fourth Day Test!
So I was done with my shopping at Wal-Mart, got in my van and was driving down the right side of the aisle to leave. Out of NO WHERE, comes a pick-up truck that made it VERY OBVIOUS they were going to back out of their parking space without giving an ounce of care as to whether someone was just a half-car away from being behind them. So I brake and have a confused look on my face, thinking perhaps this person didn't see me coming because of the tint on the windows, but then...she backs up, barely enough to properly go around me on the left side, instead she is CLEARLY making a point to squeeze through me and the parked cars on the right, I noticed she was doing this, not to squeez through, but to make me backup. Oh boy, here it goes. This is the first opportunity I have to go ahead and let this arrogant woman get her wrong way, or sit there and see what she does next. So I chose the latter.
She begins waving her arms in the air, rolling her neck, and mouths, "I ain't got no where to go." She puts her truck in park and turns it off, now it's my turn...I put my van in park, turn it off, cross my arms, and smile! It is obvious that she is burning up, because she is yelling every curse word I know. I'm just sitting there with this smile thinking, "Lord, you've given me an interesting fourth day." I'm also thinking, "what is going on in her life that she would turn herself into such a monster from something so small; Look at that attitude; She is crazy, Ut oh she's getting out the truck." I'm sure from just reading my thoughts, you know that she then got out of the truck, she started yelling at the other Wal-Mart people sitting outside on their break telling them to get someone. So I'm still sitting there like I'm watching a movie, thinking how stupid has this whole thing become. I guess it's her two managers that come out, and the way the two vehicles are parked, it looks as if we crashed or something, so they are examining it from a distance and they see that nothing has happened, so one of the guys looks at her and says, "All you have to do is backup a little more and go out that way," she then says something else and the other manager gets in the truck, backs up and drives off. I start my van, drive up to her and the manager and said, "I'm sorry you had to become part of this pride fight, I guess she doesn't know how to drive a truck." Then I looked at her and told her to have a blessed day, she said for me to do the same.
I'm driving off thinking, what in the world was that all about, and how could I have avoided that? Huuummm, I handled it as best I could without cursing, talking back, getting out my van and acting up. I know the right thing to do was for me to just get out of her way, but JC has cleverly revealed to me another area that he's working on.
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
She begins waving her arms in the air, rolling her neck, and mouths, "I ain't got no where to go." She puts her truck in park and turns it off, now it's my turn...I put my van in park, turn it off, cross my arms, and smile! It is obvious that she is burning up, because she is yelling every curse word I know. I'm just sitting there with this smile thinking, "Lord, you've given me an interesting fourth day." I'm also thinking, "what is going on in her life that she would turn herself into such a monster from something so small; Look at that attitude; She is crazy, Ut oh she's getting out the truck." I'm sure from just reading my thoughts, you know that she then got out of the truck, she started yelling at the other Wal-Mart people sitting outside on their break telling them to get someone. So I'm still sitting there like I'm watching a movie, thinking how stupid has this whole thing become. I guess it's her two managers that come out, and the way the two vehicles are parked, it looks as if we crashed or something, so they are examining it from a distance and they see that nothing has happened, so one of the guys looks at her and says, "All you have to do is backup a little more and go out that way," she then says something else and the other manager gets in the truck, backs up and drives off. I start my van, drive up to her and the manager and said, "I'm sorry you had to become part of this pride fight, I guess she doesn't know how to drive a truck." Then I looked at her and told her to have a blessed day, she said for me to do the same.
I'm driving off thinking, what in the world was that all about, and how could I have avoided that? Huuummm, I handled it as best I could without cursing, talking back, getting out my van and acting up. I know the right thing to do was for me to just get out of her way, but JC has cleverly revealed to me another area that he's working on.
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Just Got Back From An Emmaus Walk!
It was a very interesting Christian Camp get-a-way experience. Of all the great things I would like to say about the camp, I can tell you that you will have a full tummy and empty tear ducts every night! The camp touches your heart and emotions in such a way that kind of sneaks up on you and allows you to gently go places that one may have been procrastinating about in their Christian life. The camp allows you to explore a multitude of emotions from selflessness, fear, shame, love, amnity, pity, envy, kindness, anger, calmness, wonder, surprise, happiness, repentance, togetherness, appreciation, hope, desire, to the number one...agape!
A lot of what was going on was very encouraging to all of us attendees in all spectrums of our walk with Christ. Some of my favorites of many are Dying Moments, Candlelight, and Love Letters. What I got out of the walk was that people exemplified Christ's love for me so that I can take that and give love to the other people that I encounter.
It's interesting, because not too long ago I prayed and asked JC to show me more of Him, and by going to the Walk to Emmaus, I have seen his face in perfect strangers.
"A man finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!" (Proverbs 15:23)
A lot of what was going on was very encouraging to all of us attendees in all spectrums of our walk with Christ. Some of my favorites of many are Dying Moments, Candlelight, and Love Letters. What I got out of the walk was that people exemplified Christ's love for me so that I can take that and give love to the other people that I encounter.
It's interesting, because not too long ago I prayed and asked JC to show me more of Him, and by going to the Walk to Emmaus, I have seen his face in perfect strangers.
"A man finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!" (Proverbs 15:23)
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Friday, October 13, 2006
I Saw My Brother on Nip/Tuck Tonight!
I have been watching Nip/Tuck every week to catch my brother's 15-seconds of visual, and I finally caught him on episode 6! Go Ez! Your sister's proud of you. When I can get my husband to optimize it for the web, I'll post it!
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Brother Nip/Tuck
Darn it, my brother was on FX's Network show Nip/Tuck tonight (Season 4, Episode 6) and I went to bed super-early and missed it! Oh well, I just did some Internet research and found out the FX will show the repeat on Friday night @ 11 and Sunday night @ 10. So I have some other chances to record it. When I do, I'm going to try to see if I can post it up here.
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.” (Psalm 62:1)
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.” (Psalm 62:1)
Monday, October 09, 2006
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
JC Lead My Way!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3)
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Knowledge Speaks, Wisdom Listens
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:9-10)
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
The Curse of The Lottery!
E! has this interesting watch. It makes me wonder what would I do when I win the lottery!
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Happy Birthday Zachary!
My baby is three years old today. Happy birthday Z!
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36)
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36)
Friday, September 22, 2006
Friday, September 15, 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
I Am Patent #7,107,638
Thais,
I wanted to let you know that we received the issue notification for your patent. Your patent is scheduled to issue on September 19, 2006 with patent number 7,107,638. We would expect to receive the original ribbon copy approximately five days after issuance. Upon its receipt, the patent is reviewed for accuracy and we will then forward the original copy to you.
But, I am NOT...
“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28)
I wanted to let you know that we received the issue notification for your patent. Your patent is scheduled to issue on September 19, 2006 with patent number 7,107,638. We would expect to receive the original ribbon copy approximately five days after issuance. Upon its receipt, the patent is reviewed for accuracy and we will then forward the original copy to you.
But, I am NOT...
“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28)
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Monday, September 04, 2006
UM vs. FSU
“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” (2 Timothy 1:13-14)
Friday, September 01, 2006
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Monday, August 21, 2006
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
God's Queen
I was crowned God's Queen yesterday!
“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)
“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Monday, August 14, 2006
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Friday, August 11, 2006
My Best Friend Afia!
I want to introduce to the thousands of my faithful readers out there to my best friend...Afia! Her name is pronounced "a-fee-a." Okay, that doesn't help much...try... "a"-as in 'the letter A.' "Fee"-as in 'I'm charging you a ten thousand dollar reading fee.' And 'uh'-as in 'duuuuuh, I don't know the answer." But without the D. Did that help out a little better?
Anyway...I'm not writing about her because she reads my blog and wonders why I write about grasshoppers and not her. Noooooo, she wouldn't ever think that! I'm also not writing about Afia because she would call to harass me about how come I haven't mentioned her in this blog. Noooo way, she wouldn't care about something so petty. I am simply writing about Afia, because she is such a wonderful part of my life and I love her very much. I know that when I tell her that I love her, sometimes she thinks I'm playing, but I'm not. I love you Afia. I know that I don't say it often, but now that I've typed in in my blog so can come visit my love for her whenever she wants to. As a matter of fact, I'll get a little fancy with it! I Love You Afia! As a matter of fact, when I become like Oprah, Afia can become like Gayle. So I can go around saying, here is "My Best Friend Afia." BTW Oprah, everyone knows that Gayle is your "Best Friend" so you can drop that part now! It sounds like that's Gayle's new first name, "My Best Friend" and her last name is "Gayle." My best friend Gayle, My best friend Gayle." Good lord, alright, already, O! I'm on the verge of pulling my hair out, all I need Gayle to say is "My Best Friend Oprah." Then we'll have "My best friend Gayle, and My best friend Oprah!" I'm tired of blogging now.
“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” (Psalm 119:14)
Anyway...I'm not writing about her because she reads my blog and wonders why I write about grasshoppers and not her. Noooooo, she wouldn't ever think that! I'm also not writing about Afia because she would call to harass me about how come I haven't mentioned her in this blog. Noooo way, she wouldn't care about something so petty. I am simply writing about Afia, because she is such a wonderful part of my life and I love her very much. I know that when I tell her that I love her, sometimes she thinks I'm playing, but I'm not. I love you Afia. I know that I don't say it often, but now that I've typed in in my blog so can come visit my love for her whenever she wants to. As a matter of fact, I'll get a little fancy with it! I Love You Afia! As a matter of fact, when I become like Oprah, Afia can become like Gayle. So I can go around saying, here is "My Best Friend Afia." BTW Oprah, everyone knows that Gayle is your "Best Friend" so you can drop that part now! It sounds like that's Gayle's new first name, "My Best Friend" and her last name is "Gayle." My best friend Gayle, My best friend Gayle." Good lord, alright, already, O! I'm on the verge of pulling my hair out, all I need Gayle to say is "My Best Friend Oprah." Then we'll have "My best friend Gayle, and My best friend Oprah!" I'm tired of blogging now.
“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” (Psalm 119:14)
Thursday, August 10, 2006
God Works Ahead of Me!
Real strange...
God placed MC on my mind today for him to take family pictures and so I thought to give him a call later, later, later...but as He would have it, I saw MC today! I mentioned it, and he said that they were wanting to do that anyway, so it's cool. Cool. Thank you God for working that out for me :)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
God placed MC on my mind today for him to take family pictures and so I thought to give him a call later, later, later...but as He would have it, I saw MC today! I mentioned it, and he said that they were wanting to do that anyway, so it's cool. Cool. Thank you God for working that out for me :)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Monday, August 07, 2006
A Good Customer of Mine
I took pictures of a interpreter for the deaf...she absolutely hates taking pictures, but felt very comfortable doing what she does on a daily basis. She always loves the pictures that I take of her. At least I can always count on this satisfied customer!
Now, I am a true believer in God-given talent, and this talent I discovered on the net, it's truly unique: Vanessajean.com
“For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.” (Isaiah 33:22)
Now, I am a true believer in God-given talent, and this talent I discovered on the net, it's truly unique: Vanessajean.com
“For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.” (Isaiah 33:22)
Saturday, August 05, 2006
The Grasshopper!
I was trying to check the mailbox yesterday and this grasshopper was hissing at me or something (okay, I could have been hearing things, but he sure was guarding the mailbox). He then hopped on my windshield and tried to bite through it. I have proof!
So anyway...
Here is my first crack at professional picture taking with kids:
Since my edge is graphics, I've added a little graphics to my images to my friend Starr:
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)
So anyway...
Here is my first crack at professional picture taking with kids:
Since my edge is graphics, I've added a little graphics to my images to my friend Starr:
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Lord Please Help Me Make A Solid Decision!
I'm torn...do I work for myself or do I work for someone else?
Update 6 days later: Ha, that's a joke!
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” (Psalm 119:114)
Update 6 days later: Ha, that's a joke!
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” (Psalm 119:114)
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Back from picking the kids up!
I came back from Miami at grandma's and grandpa's. I know there are a few things that we have to break with the kids:
1. Zach needs to get outta those pull-ups.
2. They have some "Broadway" prayer that they say at night that I know Vaughn is not havin'.
3. Zach needs to say "Yes" not "Yeah-yo" that's what his Uncle Ez taught him, Ez says it's supposed to be "yeaha."
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14,16)
1. Zach needs to get outta those pull-ups.
2. They have some "Broadway" prayer that they say at night that I know Vaughn is not havin'.
3. Zach needs to say "Yes" not "Yeah-yo" that's what his Uncle Ez taught him, Ez says it's supposed to be "yeaha."
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14,16)
Monday, July 24, 2006
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Thais With Israel Houghton
You have to see Israel and New Breed in concert! They are annointed!
Here is my picture with Israel.
“But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:15-16)
Here is my picture with Israel.
“But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:15-16)
Friday, July 21, 2006
Stepped Out On Faith!
Here I am Lord...I have stepped out on faith, totally trusting You. Where to?
“I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.” (Psalm 119:30)
“I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.” (Psalm 119:30)
Thursday, July 20, 2006
I Am Finally Free!
I quit my job yesterday and I feel soooo free! I have NEVER done ANYTHING like that before, and it felt so out of my comfort zone, so out of my element, but I knew I was doing the right thing. It's such a relief. I felt like everyday I was trying to walk through muck at work. I promise you...no one was bad at my office, there are times when we all have personal issues and personal vices that we need to deal with, I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about, when God placed you there for a purpose, and now He wants you to leave...it's time to go! and when you don't go, He will make your walk difficult. And that is what was happening.
I went to a womens conference in June, and one of the women was saying that God was telling her that there is someone who is in a position at work where God has been telling you to leave and you haven't done it. She said that this person has forgotten their purpose, and this job is not their purpose. He has been telling you it's time to go, He has been showing you it's time to go, He even has allowed people over you to treat you differently, and these people don't have a real reason to treat you like this. But for some reason you are acclimating to the pressure at work and you are not leaving! While she's talking, I'm sitting there thinking, “Huh, it sure sounds eerily similar to my situation...but no, she can't be talking about me. Lord, you're going to have to call my name out on this one!”
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
I went to a womens conference in June, and one of the women was saying that God was telling her that there is someone who is in a position at work where God has been telling you to leave and you haven't done it. She said that this person has forgotten their purpose, and this job is not their purpose. He has been telling you it's time to go, He has been showing you it's time to go, He even has allowed people over you to treat you differently, and these people don't have a real reason to treat you like this. But for some reason you are acclimating to the pressure at work and you are not leaving! While she's talking, I'm sitting there thinking, “Huh, it sure sounds eerily similar to my situation...but no, she can't be talking about me. Lord, you're going to have to call my name out on this one!”
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
Monday, July 17, 2006
Our Deepest Fear
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous.
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us -- it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
-Marianne Williamson
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous.
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us -- it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
-Marianne Williamson
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)
Friday, July 14, 2006
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Kids R @ Grandparents House Far Away!
We have been enjoying this thing called ”Peace-and-Quiet” since the kids have been with their grandparents! It takes its toll on you when you always have to tell two little people what to do, what not to do, when to do it, how to do it, and where to do it. But I know that God is helping us through it, because he knows parenting ain't easy! I am truly blessed, because I have two healthy, intelligent and beautiful children!
Thank you Lord Jesus for my gifts!
“I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.” (Psalm 138:2)
Thank you Lord Jesus for my gifts!
“I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.” (Psalm 138:2)
Monday, July 03, 2006
Happy July 4th Tomorrow
Okay, something's off! But that's okay, test results say "NO!" Thank you God, I don't know if I can handle another child just yet!
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Have Faith In God
It's coming to me over and over again, to "Have faith in God," "Trust God," and "Give God a little Faith to work with."
Hummm, okay I close my eyes and ask Him to help me.
Hummm, okay I close my eyes and ask Him to help me.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Prayed For Debt To Be Paid
At church tonight, we prayed that all of our debt is cancelled and paid for in Jesus name!
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
Opened A MySpace Account Today
MySpace
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18)
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18)
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
Zachary's Being Silly
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,” (Ephesians 5:25-26)
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Friday, June 09, 2006
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Happy Birthday Thais!
“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Monday, June 05, 2006
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Thursday, June 01, 2006
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelations 21: 2-4)
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Happy Birthday Ric & Happy Memorial Day!
“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” (Psalm 103:17-18)
Friday, May 26, 2006
Monday, May 22, 2006
Many people who are constantly challenged by failure seldom realize that it is their own fault. They sabotage their circumstances because of their attitude toward life. Often they are bitter about something that happened that they never got over.
Too many people buy into the myth that life is over when they’ve been dealt a bad hand. But the truth is someone else could take the very hand you’ve been dealt, and win with it! The same man you’re thinking about leaving, the same woman you’re cheating on, the same job you’ve threatened to leave a thousand times…someone could take these same circumstances and make it work.
-Bishop TD Jakes
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
Too many people buy into the myth that life is over when they’ve been dealt a bad hand. But the truth is someone else could take the very hand you’ve been dealt, and win with it! The same man you’re thinking about leaving, the same woman you’re cheating on, the same job you’ve threatened to leave a thousand times…someone could take these same circumstances and make it work.
-Bishop TD Jakes
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
You’d be amazed by the number of people who have the potential to do great things, but their hearts are contaminated with bitterness. Unfortunately, they allow the past to bleed into their present and pollute their future.
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33)
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33)
Monday, May 15, 2006
Happy Mother's Day Yesterday!
Text Messaging From Alltel
“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”(Ecclesiastes 11:5)
“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”(Ecclesiastes 11:5)
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Pray For Thais
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6)
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Friday, May 05, 2006
Happy 5th Anniversary Honey!
Today is hubby and my 5th anniversary. Time goes so slow, yet so fast. It seems much longer than that, but yet, it seems to have gone by so fast! I'm sure it has to do with the fact that we've been together for almost nine years!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Thank You Lord for giving me such a wonderful husband, a vital part of my life.
Thank You for giving us the wonderful family, Laila and Zachary to have in our care.
Thank You for the five beautiful years that you have allowed us to have, and may You allow us 50 more years together.
In Jesus' name! Amen.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Monday, May 01, 2006
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Receive It!
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)
Friday, April 28, 2006
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8)
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Monday, April 24, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Friday, April 21, 2006
30 days
Just got back from the final day of the women's conference and Yvonne Capehart spoke. She's good! Her word from the Lord was that within 30 days, the things that we have been asking God for were going to come to pass.
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:28-30)
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:28-30)
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Our God Is An Awesome God!
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Saw Rizen!
They put on an awesome concert! If you ever have a chance to see them...GO!
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
Monday, April 17, 2006
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Happy Easter!
I have had a very long, but good weekend. I was working with the church to get the CYP (College & Young Professionals) newsletter out by Friday. CHC via CYP had its first ever sermon off campus at FAMU. We printed the magazine in time to handout at the event! Saturday...humm, I don't remember; oh! I was home all day with the kids. Daddy took Zachary to get his haircut in the morning and Laila and I went outside so I can braid her hair for Easter. As long as I have been doing Laila's hair, I've never taken her outside to do it, but I wanted to give her a different scene while she patiently waited for me to finish. I must say...Laila has gotten so much better with her tolerating me braiding her hair. I didn't hear her say "OW" one time in the two hours I was pulling and tugging...and I braid tight too! I can't help it.
While we were outside, my neighbor came by to chit-chat. She noticed Laila was a tongue-thruster, so she immediately began giving me valueable information that I appreciated so very much. She told me that she was a tongue-thruster bad! She had to have $30,000 in reconstructive jaw surgery. She said that the thrusting causes the teeth AND the jaw to shift outward, which meant not only did her teeth look bad, but she was unable to properly chew her food and developed ulcers from the big chunks of food sitting in her stomach. She suggested that I take Laila to the orthodontist immediately. I thanked God that He brought her to me to share invaluable information. The stuff she shared with me are things that I would have found out going through the medical process with Laila. I know it was nothing but God that had my neighbor come over and talk with me; too many things fell into place: I have been living here for five years and that was my second time speaking with her, and that is the first time that she's met my daughter.
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)
While we were outside, my neighbor came by to chit-chat. She noticed Laila was a tongue-thruster, so she immediately began giving me valueable information that I appreciated so very much. She told me that she was a tongue-thruster bad! She had to have $30,000 in reconstructive jaw surgery. She said that the thrusting causes the teeth AND the jaw to shift outward, which meant not only did her teeth look bad, but she was unable to properly chew her food and developed ulcers from the big chunks of food sitting in her stomach. She suggested that I take Laila to the orthodontist immediately. I thanked God that He brought her to me to share invaluable information. The stuff she shared with me are things that I would have found out going through the medical process with Laila. I know it was nothing but God that had my neighbor come over and talk with me; too many things fell into place: I have been living here for five years and that was my second time speaking with her, and that is the first time that she's met my daughter.
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Monday, April 10, 2006
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8)
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
My Wednesday Nights Lately
Wednesday nights are for refreshing my spirit. I go to church after working all day and get replenished, come home, and feel great to end the rest of the week. But lately...
My church has been getting out at 9 pm (when it's usually 8:30), and even though it's only 30 minutes difference, that's a big deal when you have a two and four year-old that you have to feed, bathe, and put to bed!
Tonight they got to bed at 10pm...and that was with me RUSHING! "Hurry up and eat, hurry up and bathe, hurry up with going to bed, sorry...can't help you with that homework tonight." I feel horrible rushing them like that!!!! Either I have to tell my pastor he should really consider the time, or I'll have to sit in the back for the "inconspicuous escape" at 8:30.
More than likely, it'll be the latter.
Good night.
My church has been getting out at 9 pm (when it's usually 8:30), and even though it's only 30 minutes difference, that's a big deal when you have a two and four year-old that you have to feed, bathe, and put to bed!
Tonight they got to bed at 10pm...and that was with me RUSHING! "Hurry up and eat, hurry up and bathe, hurry up with going to bed, sorry...can't help you with that homework tonight." I feel horrible rushing them like that!!!! Either I have to tell my pastor he should really consider the time, or I'll have to sit in the back for the "inconspicuous escape" at 8:30.
More than likely, it'll be the latter.
Good night.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Friday, March 31, 2006
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:5-6)
Monday, March 27, 2006
Kids are in the bed by 9:30
What in the world????
I finally got the kids in the bed at 9:30 after doing a non-stop routine of picking them up from school, going to the grocery store for some ready-to-eat whole chicken, get home, they wash their hands, I give Laila and banana and Zachary an apple, place them in front of the television to watch some nursery rhyme dvd, wash dishes, while I cook rice and corn-on-the-cob, play Memory cards with Laila, wash two loads of Zachary's clothes, give the kids a bath, get Zachary dressed (thank God Laila knows how to dress herself), feed them, taking special request songs like, "Mary Had a Little Lamb," "Wheels on the Bus," "Oh, Mister Sun," "Bumble Bee," "Twinkle, twinkle little star," and some "read your bible everyday song" Laila knew, and some others, all while folding Zachary's clothes (just one load), closing out his room by helping him to say his prayers, give him medicine and tucking him in the bed with a final kiss and hug, moving next-door to Laila's room to fold some of Laila's clothes that's been sitting on her bed waiting patiently for me since the weekend started, while having a 'mommy's-so-proud-of-you' talk, then listening to her say her prayers (thank God she knows how to say them--and she's quite good at it--). So I did all of this with NO ATTITUDE! It was amazing...prayer works...all praises to God, because that's usually my typical day after working eight hours, five days a week! Life has got to get better. Of course it does! Today was a perfect example. I don't know how single moms do it!!!!
“My salvation and my honor depend on God ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” (Psalm 62:7)
I finally got the kids in the bed at 9:30 after doing a non-stop routine of picking them up from school, going to the grocery store for some ready-to-eat whole chicken, get home, they wash their hands, I give Laila and banana and Zachary an apple, place them in front of the television to watch some nursery rhyme dvd, wash dishes, while I cook rice and corn-on-the-cob, play Memory cards with Laila, wash two loads of Zachary's clothes, give the kids a bath, get Zachary dressed (thank God Laila knows how to dress herself), feed them, taking special request songs like, "Mary Had a Little Lamb," "Wheels on the Bus," "Oh, Mister Sun," "Bumble Bee," "Twinkle, twinkle little star," and some "read your bible everyday song" Laila knew, and some others, all while folding Zachary's clothes (just one load), closing out his room by helping him to say his prayers, give him medicine and tucking him in the bed with a final kiss and hug, moving next-door to Laila's room to fold some of Laila's clothes that's been sitting on her bed waiting patiently for me since the weekend started, while having a 'mommy's-so-proud-of-you' talk, then listening to her say her prayers (thank God she knows how to say them--and she's quite good at it--). So I did all of this with NO ATTITUDE! It was amazing...prayer works...all praises to God, because that's usually my typical day after working eight hours, five days a week! Life has got to get better. Of course it does! Today was a perfect example. I don't know how single moms do it!!!!
“My salvation and my honor depend on God ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” (Psalm 62:7)
Sunday, March 26, 2006
A Prophet Said That God Says...
I see purple all around you. Your hands will be used for healing. Your husband will be a minister and you will be the first lady. You will have rental property.
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,” (Philippians 1:29)
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,” (Philippians 1:29)
Friday, March 24, 2006
Names of God in Judaism
Names of God in Judaism
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Your Tongue Shall Be Loosed And You Will Prophesy!
That was told to me today. Interesting, huh. That's what I thought too. So I went to the Net...looked some things up, and came across this interesting read.
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Expect Something To Happen In Your Life!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Exorcism of Emily Rose
Saw the movie, The Exocism of Emily Rose at the church with my healing ministry. It was pretty intersting. I thought it was going to be a little more in depth with the things everyone went through, but oh well. It still got some points across.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
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