Saturday, January 29, 2011

Great Weather for a Great Weekend!!!

The weather is lovely down here in South Carolina. It's bright and sunny with temps in the upper 60s. This is my kind of weather....Not too hot.....Not too cold....but just right. I almost sound like Goldilocks checking out The Three Bears' porridge. :)

This weekend I will be serving at church, which I love so much. It's very dear to my heart. It gets me charged up in the spirit. Another thing I love is the fact that I get to connect and serve with my brothers and sisters in Christ. And we have so much fun!!! Instead of whistling while we work, we are laughing while we work.

It's such a blessing to be able to serve with such a great group of people. Nobody is trying to outshine anyone; Nobody is trying to be bossy or cause confusion. Everybody works as a team. And I LOVE IT!!!


So, I hope you have a bless and awesome weekend!! And If you are experiencing some great weather, take full advantage of it and have some fun!!



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Friday, January 28, 2011

A Prayer For All Families


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Since the beginning of the new year, so many families have been attacked by the enemy. It's either financial trouble, someone or the whole household has gotten sick, or someone has died. I am tired of it. I realize this is unacceptable. It's unacceptable that devil is trying to use our family and/or loved ones to wreak havoc in our lives.

The devil is trying to bring harm to our loved ones, so that we can lose focus on all the new things God has planned for us in 2011. This is his ammunition to bring about strife, doubt, anger, chaos within our homes and among our family. But, I am here to set the record straight.

I want all of my sisters and brothers in Christ to come in agreement with me in prayer to let the devil know......HE IS EVICTED!! He has no authority whatsoever in our homes, over our finances, over our family members, and over our children. We are more than conquerors in and through Christ Jesus. No weapon, no sickness, no financial trouble formed against us shall prosper in the mighty name of Jesus.

God's word says to SUBMIT to God, RESIST the devil, and he shall flee from us. The devil is under our feet. Furthermore, the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly (Romans 16:20). In addition to that, I declared by the power of the blood of Jesus, healing to those who are sick via the flu or anything else. It is not God's will for us to be sick. We live, move and have our being in Him. And we are the heal of the Lord that devil is trying to make sick. I stand on God's Word and His Truth. To God be the Glory in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.


So please continue to pray and plead the blood of Jesus of over all families, especially for families you know who are going through a rough time. And encourage them to STAND, TRUST, AND HAVE FAITH IN GOD'S WORD no matter what it looks like. And if you have a special prayer request, feel free to email it to me, if don't want to put it as a comment.

Blessings and a hedge of protection over your family,
Toia




"And the God of peace will crush
Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."
(Roman 16:20)


"No weapon formed
against you shall prosper....,"
(Isaiah 54:17)


"For in Him we live and
move and have our being...,"
(Acts 17:28)


"Because you have made the LORD,
who is my refuge, Even the Most High,
your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways."
(Psalm 91:9-11)


"Yet in all these things
we are more than conquerors
through Him who loved us."
(Romans 8:37)

"Speak these things, exhort,
and rebuke with all authority.
Let no one despise you."
(Titus 2:15)














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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Beginning A New Journey

I am officially embarking on a new journey. I am unable to give details at this time. First, I want to able to put a dent into my new endeavor. So, at least, I can understand more of what I want and need to do to make this new journey a succes. Many times when you start a new journey, people tend to want answers to questions that you don't even have yourself. All you know is that it feels right in your heart; It's what God placed on your heart to do as well as stepping out on faith.


A new journey can only begin when you are willing to take the first step (for others a giant leap) of faith. You may not have all the answers to your questions. You may even have to play it by ear, while taking one step at a time. That's why it's called faith. Faith is not having all the answers or not seeing what lies ahead on your new journey. However, it's trusting in God to bring about results that won't cause harm, but great success, while you give Him all the glory.





"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
(Hebrews 11:1)






"...Faith without works is dead also.."
(James 2:26)




Take a moment to decide or jot down a few things you would like to accomplish in life. It can be anything like starting a business, losing weight, wanting a promotion, singing in a band, etc., etc. Don't limit yourself. There's no such thing as dream too big. Besides, dreaming is the desire in your heart to start a new journey.


Beginning a new journey can be scary, but that's quite alright. It's supposed to be scary. However, you must not scare yourself out of something spectacular that God has plan for you on your new journey. You can begin and end one of your many new endeavors along the way with God.


I encourage you to put one foot forward and start something new. One step to begin your new journey and one giant step of faith in God. As you go forth on your new journey, make sure you use every opportunity to be blessing to others and let them know how great God really is.







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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Waiting

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)


There is nothing wrong with waiting. Waiting gives you strength, encouragement, and the ability to endure. I think one of the hardest thing to do is to wait. By nature, we are anxious beings. I believe in some way if it was up to some of us, when certain situations occur, instead of waiting on the Lord, we would (if we could)wave a magic wand so everything could be better in a blink of an eye.

They have been so many times when I have wanted an instant gratification instead of a delayed one. But, I knew what I wanted and what I needed are totally two different things. One thing I know for sure in everything I go through, I must trust in God and His plan for my life. And most importantly, I must WAIT.


In the midst of wait, there are going to be times when you feel strong; And there are going to be other times when you feel so weak. At your weakest point, when you feel you have nothing else to give, God will give you the strength and the wind beneath your wings so that you can soar over all that try to burden/weigh you down.
And I give God the glory and praise!!!


If at anytime, you get discouraged while waiting, don't be dismayed. God is closer than you think working the bad for your good!!!! "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose," (Romans 8:28)




"Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!" (Psalm 27:14)


"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." (Psalm 37:7)











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Monday, January 24, 2011

Great Words of Wisdom






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"Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding."
(Proverb 4:7)


"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so."
(Proverb 3:27)


"For the LORD is your security. He will keep your
foot from being caught in a trap."
(Proverb 3:26)



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"A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,"
(Proverb 1:5)


"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction."
(Proverb 1:7)




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Saturday, January 22, 2011

Psalm 42 and Psalm 43







Psalm 42
AS the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, "Where is your God?"

When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.

O my God, my soul is cast down within me; Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, And from the heights of Hermon, From the Hill Mizar.

Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me.

The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me— A prayer to the God of my life.

I will say to God my Rock, "Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"

As with a breaking of my bones, My enemies reproach me, While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Psalm 43
VINDICATE me, O God, And plead my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!

For You are the God of my strength; Why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your tabernacle.

Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.


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Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 are considered to be one in the same. Psalm 42 is about Yearning for God in the Midst of Distress. And Psalm 43 is about Prayer to God in the Time of Trouble.

In very discouraging and distressful situations, God can seem very far away, especially when under so much ridicule. Many times we may feel oppress, hopeless, fearful, weary, and alone. However, we must remember that our only hope is in God. We must seek Him through prayer, praise, worship, daily bible reading, and devotional time.

In the midst of your dreadful storm, remember God's promises and focus on them. This will keep you strong in faith.




"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
(Romans 10:17)


Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 are perfect examples for giving God a "YET" praise. God even though I am having marital problems, Yet - I will praise You. God, even though I am in a desperate financial need, YET - I will praise you. God, even though I am having issues with my boss or co-workers, YET, I will praise you.




"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,For the help of His countenance."
(Psalm 42:5)





"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God." (Psalm 42:11)






"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God."
(Psalm 43:5)



No matter what kind of adversity you are facing or what kind of distress you are experiencing, give God a YET praise. God is moved by our "YET" praise. He loves it when we take our eyes off of our circumstance and focus on Him.


Giving God a "YET" praise in the time of distress, can give you an opportunity to take your mind off your problems. Sometimes when you take all of your energy and time and focus on everything that seems to be going wrong in your life, it can drain you dry, which can possibly lead to depression. Because the more you focus on problems, the more you can become weighted down by them.



Note from The Life Application Bible:
Depression is one the most common emotional ailments. One antidote for depression is to meditate on the record for God's goodness to His people. This will take your mind off the present situation as you focus your thoughts on God's ability to help you rather than on your inability to help yourself. When you feel depressed take adavantage of Psalms 42 and 43 antidepressant. Read the bible's account of God's goodness and meditate on them.



Heavenly Father I pray for everyone who are facing adversities or going through a distressful situation that they focus on your goodness and mercy. I pray they will give you a "YET" praise in the midst of their storm. And power by the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus, I rebuke any inkling of depression. I put all my hope in You. In the name of Jesus, I pray....Amen.




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Sunday, January 16, 2011

A Breath of Fresh Air

We are going into our third week of the New Year and already I have heard of many of my close friends going through very hard trials an tribulations. They are people I know of whom have lost a loved one, house caught on fire, sick, got into a major car accident, and so much more. Even dealing with myself being sick and my son in the hospital due to pneumonia for the last couple of weeks, was not as bad as compare to some of things other people had to endure. Nonetheless, it was still a stressful time.


I know that the bible says we should count it all joy when go through various trial and tribulations. But at the same, it really does feel good to take in a breath of fresh air. Though we go through storms that seem a bit more than we can bear, it feels so great to have a moment to be able take in a deep breath and then.....ahhhhhh.....exhale!!


During that breath of fresh air, we should be able to bandage all or any wounds....consider it to be recovery and restoration time....a time to assess what you have been through, what you learned from the whole ordeal, and how did it make your relationship with God stronger.


Being able to breathe in between trials, instead on trial after trial, would be great. Wouldn't it??? Unfortunately, we don't have a say of how many trials we go through or when we go through them. Rest assure that no matter how many or the time of day we go through such various trials and tribulations, God will be there every step of the way leading us and guiding us; And all the while, God will be breathing a breath of fresh air on us everyday!!



"The Spirit of God has made me,
And the breath of the Almighty
gives me life." (Job 33:4)








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Friday, January 14, 2011

Seeking God First!!

During my blog break, I realize that I don't spend enough time studying God's Word and spending time with Him. I realize in order to go full force on the path that God has planned for me, it's going to take more than a few minutes here and there, as if God is some sort of pit-stop. OUCH!!!

There are some things that I have before the Lord (My Faith List), which I won't share at this present time. I know many of you understand. But anyway, I realize more than ever that my FAITH list can become a REALITY list. There is nothing too hard for God. And I know He is more than able to give me the desires of my heart as long as I commit my work and my ways to Him.

In addition to that, I must SEEK God FIRST!! Even though I have goals set, a FAITH list drawn out, no matter what God should be the first and the last in my life. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you," (Matthew 6:33). That is pretty much a done deal!! As I seek God, His Kingdom, His righteousness, all things, my heart's desires, goals, my faith list, and God's plans for me shall be added, given to me. No questions ask!!

This what gets me excited.....God's Word....His Promises...His Truth!! God's Word is bond!!! So as I go on my quest to seek God, I hope I will be able to put into words and share with you all that God is doing in my life so that it can be a blessing and an encouragment to you...spirit, soul, and body.


Giving God all the Praise,

Toia




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Thursday, January 13, 2011

Thankful Thursday




First let me say that it feels so good to be back!!! This past two weeks made me realize I would have been taking a blogging break rather I had wanted to or not. So, when God placed upon my heart to take a blogging break He knew the trials and tribulations that lie ahead.

Let me explain: For the first week of my two weeks sabbatical, I had the flu or (flu-like symptoms), which many of you know is not a picnic at all. Then, as I was starting to get back on my feet, my middle son (Michael - age 12) was beginning to feel sick. At the beginning stages, Michael seemed to have had the same flu-like symptons like I did. The only difference is that he had a fever of 102.5 and I really didn't have one. My fever was more like a low-grade, running at about 100.

Anyway, I gave him some over-the-counter cold and flu cough medicine to break his fever and it did. This was the weekend right before my children were scheduled to go back to school after the Christmas Holidays. At first Michael seemed to be getting better by Wednesday. I thought, if anything, he could go back to school Thursday (Friday the latest). But then by Wednesday night around 7pm, I noticed he was breathing heavier than normal. So to be on the safe side, I decided to take him to the emergency room. I thought (if anything) Michael was very congested. The doctor would give him a few breathing treatments to clear things, give me prescription or two, get them filled, give it to Michael when we got home and he would feel better.

However, it didn't work that way at all. The doctor ordered x-rays to be taken and came to found out Michael had pneumonia. The ER doctor was ready to give me a couple of prescriptions to get filled that would have helped clear up the pneumonia. But as part of the procedure, they had to check Michael's oxygen in his blood.

At that time, Michael's oxygen in his blood was very low. We are talking about between 80 and 84. Whereas, it suppose to be at least 95 to 100. The doctor said that wasn't good, which was the reason why Michael was breathing so heavily. So the doctor try several things to bring his oxygen level back to normal, but nothing worked. Now it's 2 o'clock in the morning (Thursday morning) and the doctor informed me that they would have to transfer Michael to MUSC hospital which is about 30-35 minutes from where we live.

MUSC is the only hospital in my lowcountry area equipped to handle cases such as Michael, especially with pneumonia. After the ambulance came to transfer Michael to the hospital, I zoomed home to get a few things (more like an overnight bag) and high-tailed it to MUSC (downtown Charleston) at around 3 in the A.M. Larry (my DH) was home with our other two children. Finally, I get to MUSC about a quarter to 4. By the time I filled out paperwork and Michael was ready, it was almost 6:30 in the morning.

The nurses immediately put Michael on oxygen at about 6 liters. Of course, by this time, Michael and I were exhausted. We were able to get at least an hour of sleep before Michael went for another x-ray. This was when the doctor realized that Michael pneumonia was more severe than they anticipated. All of it was on his lower right lobe of his lung and directly on his air sac.....Not good at all.

I prayed and declared Michael's healing in the name of Jesus. One night in the hospital turned into 6 days. Each day I thanked God for his healing, even though the healing process seemed very slow. But I am proud to announce that Michael has fully recovered. He is back in school (after missing a whole week). The oxygen in is blood is right on target!!! Hallelujah!!!

So...what am I thankful for??? You guessed it!!! Michael's healing and the strength God gave me through Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit to be by my son's side every day and minute. I am also thankful for my dear husband, Larry, who was more than capable of holding down the fort at home and taking care of our other two children. He brought me dinner and anything else I had needed, while I was in the hospital with Michael.

Even though the New Year got off to a rough start, I am more than thankful. It could have been worst. With that in mind, I definitely count it all joy!!!


"BLESS the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,..."
(Psalm 103:1-3)




For more Thankful Thursday, please join Lynn @ Spiritually Unequal Marriage




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