It's a NEW Season...It's a NEW Day!

It it with great excitement and anticipation that I approach this next phase of my life.
NOoooo...I would NEVER have dreamed I'd be going at it alone with my precious
lil' Montana but nevertheless, I AM.  (I mean I have really done it alone most of these
8 years anyway!)
AND, of course, I know that I am not totally alone.  My Jesus is with me ALWAYS!!!
For that, I am SO THANKFUL!!!!

Anyhoo,  Praise the Lord, my TEST at the studio has blessedly come to an END!!!!
I'm sorry to have to say it, but I met some of the most rude and ignorant people
during my time at Picture ME! 

It is with GREAT GRATITUDE and EXCITEMENT that I am going into my
position at Eye Care Surgery Center!! I believe many opportunities are going
to be opened up to me in the near future.  Lord help my brain to retain as I
study for my certification which will afford me higher pay!
My God has HIS hand on my life and I KNOW that HE is ordering my
every step!  I have been in Ophthalmology since 2005 and I truly love it.
Of course, the eye is exactly like a 'camera' so maybe there is some
weird connection?  jus sayin......

Have no fear, I will continue to operate my lil' ole photography business
on the weekends! So if you live in my area...CALL ME!!!

I have a whole NEW world that is getting ready to be opened up to me
at the sweet age of 44 (very soon to be 45! ssshhhhh)  I really cannot
hardly believe it!!

With every pound that I shed over the next few months I am not only
shedding WEIGHT.  I plan to let GO of alot of things along the weigh!!
(way...heeee)  The burden from these past 6-8 years is being lifted!
I see the SUN shining through!!! I feel the cool breeze of fall.....

It REALLY is a NEW Day and a NEW SEASON!!!!

Resting in Jesus

Like the Dew in the morning gently rest upon my soul....

REST JESUS!

 I wish I could say that I NEVER worry or fret but that would NOT be the truth!!

I REALLY do have FAITH in God.  Why can't I just sit back and RELAX while

I am waiting ....WAITING...and WaAaaiiiTTTing ????!!!!

I KNOW HE is up to something BIG concerning me. 

I have been spending alot of 'quiet time' (during the moments

that I can) over the past couple of weeks;

worshipping, praying, seeking and attempting to LISTEN

for His voice;  awaiting direction; needing some 'tidbit' of assurance that He

IS listening and HE IS working all things out to the GOOD for me !

Life is SO loud...work, traffic, people, media, kids, obligaitons, bills, sickness,

guilt, fear, confusion, betrayal....Sometimes ya jus gotta TURN IT ALL OFF!!!

Get in a QUIET place, b r e a t h e....and LISTEN.

 a n d .be.reminded...

'HE is the Master Builder'

'Peace in the Midst of the Storm'

'For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you'

'When you pass through the waters I will be with you &

when you walk through the fire you will not be burned....'

'TRUST and Believe that HE IS a rewarder to those who seek him diligently'

(I could go on and on!)

These words resonate within my heart and brain constantly.

So since I know all of this..what's my problem?

Why do I let the enemy plague me with fear?

God has NEVER let me down yet!

HE has NEVER failed to show up on time!

Character is developed in the presence of adversity.

O.K.

Lord, I pray today that whatever it is that You are trying to perfect in me that I

fully allow you to accomplish it!  I know that the longer I resist, question,

argue, cry and pout I am only prolonging the process.

I truly desire to EMBRACE this situation and move FORWARD.

I don't know how to cope with the fracture of a 20 year marriage!

I just DON'T. 

Speak Lord -- I'm Listening.....

Ya know sometimes, God doesn't always answer right away, but He IS listening!

I feel such a blanket of SILENCE above me right now that it's unreal.

To watch the enemy violently destroy someone whom I loved and trusted

for over half of my life is painfully unbearable.

Yet it HAS happened.  As Job so stated:

'the thing I've feared the most has come upon me'

STILL I WILL TRUST HIM

Yesterday, as I was loading my groceries in the back seat I

heard the gentle whisper of the Lord saying..

'REST IN ME'

I'm telling you, it stopped me dead in my tracks!

.........d e e p s i g h..........

HE IS LISTENING....HE WILL ANSWER

REST IN HIM

A Prayer

My mom gave me this and I thought it was great...

God You know my feelings are going haywire;
they scream and shout that this situation is
terrible and that there is no jope. God,
I hope in YOU.
I can't see what you are doing, but I trust
that you're working this situation together
for good.
Thank you that you have promised to use it
to make me more like YOU.
This is what I want; it just doesn't feel good
today! Give me the strength to focus my
eyes on YOU and not on what I can see.

My Heart for Today

WOWzers.....where do I start??!!!
My precious baby girl was filled with the
almighty power of Gods Spirit last night at
her very first youth camp!!!!

I absolutely refuse to let anything get me down today!
I am basking in the GREATNESS of God.
He truly does hear and answer prayer!!!
I feel such a PEACE and a JOY today.
I have the same feeling of WHOLENESS that I felt
the day she was placed in my arms for the first time in
the small dank room in Novercherkassk, Russia in
December of 2001. 

When I spoke to her this morning she was SO excited!
She said: 'and just because I was praying for Dad'!!!
How AWESOME is that? 

You would just have to know how HUGE it is for her
to get out of her box!  She loves God, but she is very
shy at church and NOT outwardly demonstrative at all.
She reminds me of my brother.  He used to just sit
quietly and take it all in, but when he was filled with the
HolyGhost -- LOOK OUT!!! It was quite an experience
that I will never forget. 
I expect the Lord to do GREAT and BIG things in Montana's
life.  She is going to be used in a special way in the Kingdom.
She is a gentle soul and very caring.
Anyhow, of course I could go on and on and on....

TODAY, I will sing with JOY, I will tell of HIS
marvelous works and GREAT mercy!!
ALL THAT I NEED COMES FROM HIM.
(I had devotion this morning with CeCe Winans
'All that I need'...awesome song....)

I will look UP...that's where my help comes
from!!!!

=)  Have a Wonderful Day!

My Thought for TODAY

God knows how to take a MESS and turn it into a MIRACLE!
If you're in a mess, don't be too upset because God specializes in
cleaning up messes.  God is saying some definite things about women
being set free and delivered to fulfill their purpose in the kingdom.

When the Lord gets through working on you, ALL your adversaries
will be ashamed.  ALL your accusers will have to take it back! 
ALL the people who contributed to your sense of low self-esteem
will have to admit they were wrong.  When God gets through
unleashing you, you won't have to prove anything.  God will prove it! 
When HE gets through showing that you've done the right thing
and come to the right place, ALL the naysayers will drop their heads!!!
T.D. Jakes

All I can say is AMEN and AMEN!!!!!

I read this today as part of my morning devotion.  It spoke to me
so deeply!!! I hope it blesses and encourages YOU too!!!!

I Bless You,
Chele   =)

Just Thankful

Today I find myself with a heart
FULL of thankfulness.

I am so grateful just for all of the little things that can
get taken for granted so easily in this busy life we live........
The opportunity to snuggle and giggle with my sweet
precious daughter;  long conversations with a close
friend; hot yummy almond flavored coffee while I
read Gods word in the stillness of the morning;
SEEING!  the gift of photography;
my home;  my mom..... s i g h
just so many things.................

I cannot truthfully say that my life is what I thought
it would be at this time,  but I CAN say that
I am SO thankful to the Almighty for breath and PEACE!

HE works in mysterious ways; who can ever understand?
I just TRUST that HE knows what is best!  I am just an
humble follower!  I know that He WILL perfect ALL things
concerning me in HIS time, HIS way!

For TODAY, I will be thankful.

Sorrow without Seed

If you are reading this today and your life has been 'RANSACKED',
I have to tell you something; the first thing you need to do is
evaluate your relationship with Jesus.

When we are in 'right' standing with HIM we have a guarantee
according to HIS WORD that HE will supply ALL that we need.
Now, we know that there is a great difference between
'wants' and 'needs'.  He is our most gracious, loving, heavenly
Father, and he LOVES to give good gifts to His children.
However, HE does know what is best for us, so there are
times when He says 'NO' and there are times when we just
have to WAIT.

Now, if you are like me, You DO NOT like that word!!!!!!
Unfortunately, because I do not like that word, HE has
taught me and IS STILL teaching me many lessons regarding
waiting on HIM!

You can forget about setting your watch or marking your calendar
with God.  HIS timing is absolutely NOT our timing. 
I have wailed and groaned until (like David) I have become
so weary with my own groanings...I make by bed to swim...
trust me, there are MANY bottles in heaven with MY tears in them!!!!

However, it is NOT NEED that moves God.  It is FAITH.
It is VERY difficult (for me) to have faith in times of EXTREME
desperation.  I don't mean the "oh my, I've got a run in
my pantyhose" kind of situations. 
I mean the out of work, overdrawn, out of gas, out of groceries, the utilities are being
cut off, the rent is due, the car note is PAST due (many times
over) and there are NO SOURCES of which to draw from;
NO ONE to turn to!!!  You've been terribly hurt by those
you deemed 'closest' to you,  relationships have gone
sour....your family is distant and doesn't understand, and your friends are
praying fervently: God PLEASE PLEASE HEELLLLLP!!!!
You are SO ALONE and literally SICK inside.....

That's when MY cry goes UP and OUT to the Almighty One.
(usually after I've had a huge pity party!)
Whom have I in Heaven besides HIM?
All that I NEED (and want) TRULY comes by and through Him.
We cannot look to OTHERS to fulfill us, to provide
for us, to 'be there' for us.....it's in those moments
that we must LOOK UP!!! 
Grab on to whatever SHRED of FAITH you have left and
just STAND and BELIEVE.....maybe you are reading this
and you don't even understand what I'm talking about...
trust me...JUST TRY IT!!!   Just say: Lord, I believe but
please help my unbelief!!!!

My point is we are not to lose our minds and stress out over
these things.  (YEAH RIGHT!!!!!)

Yesterday, was a HORRIBLE day for me, and I am ashamed
to have to admit but I was doing 'just that'.
Totally STRESSING.  I dont' know why, because
God has NEVER failed anyone yet.  (especially ME)
I was 'freakin out', pacing, literally wringing my hands...but
some how I managed to 'grab that shred'....and guess what?
The answer was right on time!!!

My life has been totally and completely RANSACKED
and RAVAGED by HELL these past several years--the
GOOD thing is that I HAVE learned to lean on
THE WORD, MY ROCK;
That's what it says right? 
When my heart is overwhelmed lead me to The Rock!
I have held it, carried it and have even slept with it on
my chest!  I have placed it on my head!
It DOES bring a peace that passes all understanding!

Anyway, yesterday it was kind of comical because,
(and I kid you NOT)
the very first scripture I set my eyes on was
Philippians 4: 6--- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything
by prayer and supplication, with Thanksgiving , let
your requests be make known to God....
hhhuummph.....and a little further down:
verse 19: and my God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory....

OKAY............

then here comes a little tidbit from Pastor
T.D. Jakes: 
If you're going to bring forth anything in your career,
your marriage, or you life; if you're going to develop
anything in your character; if you're going to be a fruitful
woman, it will come through the things you SUFFER;
You will enter strength through SORROW.

Man on Man....I wanted to send the flippin
thing sailing .....(only momentarily =// ....)

Oh and it doesn't end there.....
flipping over to Psalm 40: 1-3
God is our refuge and strength, A VERY
present help in time of trouble. Therefore, we
will NOT fear, EVEN THOUGH the earth be
removed, and the mountains be carried into the
midst of the see; though its waters ROAR and be
troubled, though the mountains shake with its
swelling.

WHEW.... Powerful stuff, huh?

That tells me that when ALL that can be
shaken IS shaking and life is in COMPLETE
TURMOIL and there just seems to be NO
REST, NO REPRIEVE, NO RESPONSE....


HE is THE CONSTANT, NEVER CHANGING
SOURCE...He is the master of the wind, the
maker and MOVER of the MOUNTAINS!!!!

SO all of this being said: Do NOT let the enemy
give you sorrow WITHOUT SEED!
The SORROW is NOT the object; it is simply
the canal through which THE OBJECT comes!
Any time you have sorrow, it is a sign that God
is trying to get something through to you!!!
You are a vehicle, an expression of blessing.
Be CAREFUL what you allow to come through you.
CLOSE the doors to the enemy. 
When sorrow is multiplied it is a sign that God is getting
ready to send something to you!
Don't become so preoccupied with the PAIN that
you forget to PUSH the baby.
When the pain is at it's peak that is when you have to
PUSH.  IT's NOT the time to give up!
Don't settle for the pain and not receive the benefit.
Hold out for the PROMISE.  Understand that God
has promised some things to you and He WANTS
you to have them, but you WILL stay on the table
until you get to the place where HE desires you to be---
Do your best to 'embrace the process'.
My Pastor recently said to me: "you don't
have time for the pity party, we will have
it later...right now you've got to PUSH!!!"

No matter what your situtation is...finances, divorce,
sickness, deliverance etc....Keep PUSHING --
After all, the PAIN is forgotten when the baby is born!!!!
 The PAIN WILL bring THE PROMISE

Hang In There!!!!
I Bless You
Chele.

P.U.S.H. I know its LONG but READ it!!!!

I have neglected my blog so much!  I am happy to say it is
for GOOD cause though!  So many doors have opened
to further my dream of photography!  I am still part-time
at the eye clinic and most of my free time I am at the computer
working on pictures! There just isn't enough time in the
day it seems!  There are so many demands on our time.
I wish I had a PAUSE button sometimes!




God has done SO many great and wonderful things in my life
and family in the recent weeks.  I want to take this opportunity
to give Him praise and honor.




My WORD for you today.......


P.U.S.H


pray until something happens


DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




The enemy is a BLINDER of the MIND and
through PRAYER we must BIND HIM.
Whatever you may be going through...
KNOW THIS:
It is NOT to HARM you! HIS plans for you are
perfect.  You are NOT being punished, you
are NOT cursed!!!!  I know sometimes it seems
that Gods way is just too hard. It's so much easier to
just give in and to try to do it on our own.  Sometimes
we try to push or prod things in a certain direction,
we attempt to 'make something happen' to get us out
of the quicksand that we seem to be bogged down in.
We just want the pain to stop!  We say, (maybe not out loud)
"Ok God, you are just not moving fast enough,
I'll take care of this one!"
The only thing we are really doing is making a BIGGER
MESS for ourselves and prolonging the PROCESS.





I have been in a very long and DARK storm and through it
all my Pastor would keep telling me is: 'embrace the process'
I THOUGHT I WAS!!!
I am faithful in church attendance/tithes/giving. 
I live a separated life...I pretty much figured that I was
'embracing the process'  NOT
What more do you want....what do you expect with
all I am going through?  blah, blah, blah.....I'm doing
all I can just to breathe and get up every day!!!!!!!!
Do you feel me?





Embracing the process is to walk COMPLETELY by
FAITH.  We think we have faith, but do we really?
How do we KNOW we have faith if we are not tried?
How can he be our comforter if we do not experience
pain/loss?
When storms come our way it is vital to our FUTURE
that we just EMBRACE THE PAIN!!!
I know it HURTS!!!!!  I know you feel that NO ONE
really understands!  I know your tears are MANY.
Just invest in some nice soft tissues with lotion and HOLD ON!!!





One time quite a while back, after probably about 2 yrs of
consistent crying-- in prayer as I was whining to God I asked
Him "what are you going to do with all of these tears?"
He spoke to me and said: "pour them back out on you in
Holy Anointing"  WOW...talk about stopped dead in my
tracks...I was truly speechless.  I have been places in my
journed that were so dark I could not see my hand in front
of my face.  I was a desolate human being filled with
bitterness, anger, resentment, grief, self pity, pride......
so many questions...WHY WHY WHY...please make it
stop! this is too hard....YOUR way is just too hard God!!
(I actually had the audacity to tell Him that!!!!)


Remember Joseph and his journey.  He was betrayed and
left to die by the ones he deemed closest to him.  My goodness,
for your own family to reject you..what greater pain/loss?
BUT GOD had a GREAT DESTINY for Joseph and he
had to walk through it.  His betrayal and imprisonment was
preparation for his future. 
Don't think it strange ...this thing that has come upon you!
Fall to your knees today and ask God to help you.
You are being calibrated for something GREAT.
You are being made new and ready to fulfill HIS
purpose for you. 
We go through life...I, I , I , I, I,
its' ALL about US...
(I want this, I'll do that when...., I think/feel THIS)
We MUST make it ALL ABOUT HIM.
If it TRULY becomes all about HIM (God) then we
don't care what others think. We have a mission, a
purpose, an appointment so to speak.
We are looking forward...pressing on toward what
we are really destined for.
EVERYONE has God given Gifts.  Look deep into
your heart of hearts.  Ask yourself:  "Who is the
REAL me I could really be?"  "Who is the REAL
me that GOD designed and desires me to be?"


When we have been through a long
dark storm, persistent problem, prolonged sickness,
financial trial, heartbreak, suffered loss, shock, betrayal
etc....it begins to take a toll on our minds and
hearts .(even our bodies)
But it is when we come to the END of ourselves
that we find HIM.  When we stop asking the
questions and just listen.
When we FINALLY surrender we will find
peace.  PEACE that surpasses ALL things...
ALL pain....ALL confusion!!!!
Its through troubles and stuggles that we find out what
we are really made of. We see what is REALLY
in our hearts.  Our TRUE character is revealed.
It is not revealed to God. HE already knows us!
He knew us before we were formed in our mothers
womb.  It is so it can be revealed to US!!!! 


God cannot use someone who is
not broken---
who is filled with pride, arrogance, vanity, self pity,anger,
bitterness, resentment,  depression, and all other manner
of spirits and things that go against the HOLINESS of
Gods spirit.


I'm sorry to have to tell you this...but there are
NO SHORT CUTS with the Lord.  It will be
HIS way and HIS timing. (which we know absolutely
do not match up with ours!)
Before God allows  us to come out on the stage of
life with him --so to speak. HE MUST know that
He can trust us! --- That we are commited!
We must come to the END of OURSELVES
and ABIDE in HIM.


Don't listen to the LIES of the enemy. FAILURE
is NOT final!  Gods mercy is everlasting and NEW
EVERYDAY! 
...Rejoice not against me oh mine enemy, for when  I fall
I will ARISE.  Michah 7:8


Don't let the wilderness only be a place of judgement for you!
Let it be a place of mercy and grace!  Sometimes He
just lets us sit in the wilderness for a bit to get our
attention!  It's in THOSE times that we see our NEED for
HIM.  Don't let the devil talk you into having a
SLAVE MENTALITY.   The sun WILL shine again!!!
This too shall pass....its up to you how long it lasts!!!!


We tend to think/feel/believe that God has forgotten
all about us when he is SILENT for a while. 
Its sort of like this: we train and teach our children
all of these things like manners, consideration,
sharing, and so on....its when they are away from
us that we hope they are APPLYING it and actually
using it!!! How proud and pleased I am when someone
compliments me on Montana's behavior, manners etc...
I guess what I am trying to say is.. we put it out there and
then we have to step back and watch ....lets see if she will
follow through, if whe will remember what I told/taught her....
We hold our breath, we cross our fingers so to speak...
We don't want her to fall off the bike, but we have to give
that last gentle push and just hope she stays upright!!!!!
and Oh that smile of jubilant success!!!! The bursting
in my chest as my heart pulsates with LOVE :)
My point:
I think God does that with US.  His Word is our guide book.
Sometimes He just steps back and watches.....He is NOT
ignoring us.  He is just observing and hoping we will
pass the test THIS TIME!!!!!! He sees us fall and just
waits for US to GET UP!!!!  (picture HIS smile and
his heatbeat of unconditional LOVE)


When we are in a WINTER season in our life
it leaves us feeling betrayed and bewildered!
DEAD-- COLD -- DESOLATE
but SPRING ALWAYS FOLLOWS
Thought:
When you prune a plant/tree,
it is not to KILL or HARM it...it is to HELP it!!!


Know This:
We cannot hurry God. (Lord knows I sure have tried!)
We cannot hurry HIM but we sure can slow things down!
Its in the WINTER that we learn to TRUST.
Its in the WINTER that we learn to really BELIEVE.
Dry seasons in our life promote GROWTH.
Nope, its not any fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DO NOT MISS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
It is vital to the productivity of the NEXT season.
It is preparation for something GREAT.


I know you don't see it, you don't believe it, and you
surely don't feel it.  In a storm we DO NOT see
things clearly.  It's dark, the winds are fierce,
the lightning is stiking on every side, the boat is about
to tip....call on the PEACE SPEAKER.
J E S U S!


I challenge you TODAY,
to just TRY to view it through HIS perspective.
God IS going to answer. He is just saying....NOT YET...
he is not really saying NO....and if he does say
NO it is only for our better good.
Don't you desire to give good gifts to your own child?
Don't you desire to do what is BEST for them?
How much MORE do you think that the ALMIGHTY
desire to give you?
He died for YOU. It is His will that you prosper, be in
good health, and ultimately fulfull the purpose you were
created for!!!!
The weapons formed by the enemy against you
will NOT prosper!  (unless we let them!)


Here are few tips to help you through the process:
1. be thankful in everything
2. FORGIVE God for the loss and pain etc....
3. Accept it as His will
4. Remember good times
5. Carry on!


Remember that Jobs ENDING was GREATER than
his beginning!  He suffered tremendous loss. 
He held on and it was worth it! 


MAGNIFY HIM
to magnify means to MAKE BIGGER....
Make HIM bigger than your circumstance!
Stop telling him how bad your famine is!
Speak to your famine and let the enemy know
how BIG your God is!!!
Do not view your situation, sickness, problem
etc..from Earth to Heaven
View it from HEAVEN to EARTH!
What I mean is this:
View your present REALITY from
Gods perspective!!!!!
Where you are is NOT the be all--END all!!!


If you see it...
Believe it...
You CAN BECOME it!!!!!


Use the OBSTACLES as STEPPING STONES!
Step right over the enemy into your God designed
DESTINY!!!!




I Bless You
Michele

Songs That I Love

PURE and HOLY PASSION
Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after you


To know and follow hard after you
To grow as Your desciple in the the truth
This world is empty, pale and poor
Compared to knowing You my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after you.....


WORD OF GOD SPEAK
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say


Word of God Speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see, Your Majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In your holiness


I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music beyond the the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

Made Me Glad
I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust him at all times
He has delievered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock
I will not be moved and I'll say of the Lord


You are my shield, my strength
My portion, deliverer
My shelter, strong tower
My very present help in time of need

When I Speak Your Name
Jesus, the most beautiful name of all names
Jesus, the only name that brings healing and strength
When I speak Your name, mountains move, chains are loosed
When I speak Your name, darkness flees, it has no hold on me


Jesus, the most beautiful name I that I know
You're the exalted One
Jesus, You have the power alone
You lift the lonely one.....

THROUGH IT ALL
You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness
And I look to You
And I wait on You


I'll sing to you Lord
A hymn of love
For your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all.......

Just me RANTING!

I'm amazed more and more each day at the mercy of God.
That's one reason I love the song 'ya make ya mercy new
every day, you changed my life in so many ways....'
ooohh, I gotta pull that cd out....it's old but who cares....!I'm just
a little tire of it all....'it's old, it's traditional....WHO CARES????
God sure don't!! Nobody wants to be on top of things more than me.
Nobody wants the latest and greatest more than me!!!!
I just wanna have CHURCH. I find myself lately craving a good ole
devil stompin....dancing on the grave of the enemy shout down!!!!
Anybody with me? I get so weary sometimes with everything having
to be 'proper' and orderly....what happened to the days when the
power literally shook the house and the bobby pins went flying!!!???
We just had church! What's so wrong with that? It must have worked,
because I'M STILL HERE!!!!!!!!!!! Nowadays, if you break out it's almost
frowned upon because we might 'scare somebody off'....I'm sorry,
I don't believe that the power of God is gonna scare off a TRUE, hungry
searching heart!!! This world is so full of hate, disappointment, pain,
sorrow, darkness....people need something REAL...something DIFFERENT
...something POWERFUL!!!! Its' like FIRE shut up in my bones....
I realize we all have different personalities and 'expressions of worship'
I don't expect everyone to be like me! But come ON....lets get with
it people!!!! Are we really Apostolic ? I think WE have been refined,
transformed into mannequins....
Cuz, what I see in churches today ain't too apostolic.....It's been a long
time since I've seen someone REALLY transformed by the HOLYGHOST.
God hasn't moved, HE hasn't changed...WE HAVE!!!! Society dictates
what is acceptable....what is 'up to date' ....where are the MEN?
Men should be the LEADERS!!!! Not just in the home....but in prayer,
in WORSHIP, in PRAISE!!!!! When I was growing up it was the MEN
that were always in the isles. I know, I know, THAT was THEN.....
THINGS are different now....blah, blah, blah,.......
I was telling someone this week in a rather strong discussion...there is
ONE main thing that I need to leave with my daughter and that is the
ability to TOUCH GOD...that she may KNOW how to touch THE
THRONE when trouble comes is ALL that matters to me!!!
I'm so past what kind of home I live in, what kind of car I drive,
I'm so past materialism and vanity!!!! (probably could stand
to be just a little more vain these days...ha)
Thank God....how did any one tolerate me all those years
I was finding myself!!!!???
I was so prideful and arrogant...SO, SO critical and judgemental!!!!
OH THE STINCH in the nostrils
of the ALMIGHTY!!! I am SO thankful for HIS everlasting
mercy!!! I don't know why I am ranting like this....but it's my
blog and I'll rant if I want to!!! lol....heeeee
I just want the PEACE of God to reign in my heart, life and home.
That my girl might know that no matter what: God is ALWAYS
in control. If she doesn't learn to pray it's no ones fault but my own.
I have failed in A LOT of things in my life. In this, I MUST NOT--
CANNOT fail.

Drained Woman

I did NOT write the following....
I read it this in my morning devotion and once again I wanted
to pass it on....Be Blessed!

I don't know anything about the woman with the issue of blood.
She could have been any woman. She could have been every
woman. Perhaps the Lord referred to her in such a generic manner
so that any woman could relate to her and put her name in her
place.
An issue of blood is normal for a woman. This woman's problem
was that her issue of blood lasted too long. It didn't go away.
Have you ever had a problem that stayed too around too long?
Have you ever said, "I'll surely be over this by such and such a date.
I'll have come out of this by then. I'll surely have had children, I will
have entered fully into my ministry, I will have accomplished what
God created me to do"?
Problems that linger too long are problems that drain away your life.
That's what happened to this woman. She had had an issue of blood
for 12 years, and her life had drained away from her.
When a problem stays around too long, you end of with 2 problems
instead of one. You've got your original problem, and then you've
got the problem that your problem won't go way. The fact that
you've had the same problem for so long begins to grate on you.
Your problem will begin to speak to you: "I'm here to stay.
You might as well get used to me because I'm not budging.
Everything you've tried has failed. Nothing is going to work. I am
your problem for the rest of your life!
Your problem will remind you of a pattern of failure in your life.
It will remind you of how you grew up and give you all the details
of every negative thing you have ever experienced. That's because
it is engineered by the devil. The enemy loves to brag about
how long he has been around. Your issues may not be blood.
Whatever it is, however, it is like this woman's problem if it is
draining the life out of you, diminishing your vitality, your sparkle,
your energy, your enthusiasm for living. If it isn't money, it's
the children. If it isn't the children, it's your marriage. It if isn't
your marriage, it's your lack of a marriage. It is isn't that, it's
something else. Your issue may be a secret that involves somebody
you want to keep secret. Your issue today may be a NEED---
a need to touch Jesus for salvation. It may be a need to touch Him
for healing in your body, for your marriage, your family, or your ministry.
I don't know what your issue is, but I know this: EVERY woman
has one. There's always something. Look long enough, listen hard
enough, be sensitive enough....you'll discover it. You may be in
denial about your own problem.
Look deep into your own heart, listen to your own talk...and you'll find it.
It is your life-draining issue that JESUS wants to heal.

Taken from the Woman Thou Art Loosed NKJV Bible....TD JAKES

....BUT GOD

I am of a thankful heart today and feel privileged to see another
beautiful day!
I have awaken today to the realization (once AGAIN) that I can
do NOTHING without God. I AM NOTHING without God!
The only way I can get through each day successfully is to
COMPLETELY rely on Him for strength and guidance.
HE IS MY PEACE.
I am determined today to identify my 'Peace Stealer's' and
remind myself (once AGAIN) that God has a PLAN for my
life and that the enemy is seeking to see that plan ABORTED.
I must not and will not give any room to the enemy to allow
that to happen! I cannot allow my mind and my life to be
polluted by negativity and doubt! I have also realized that
although I claim to be 'thankful' for all that I have yet I am
at times clinging to the memory of things that I now NO longer
possess and that my focus is TRULY on ALL that I DO NOT
have. Is that genuine thankfulness? It was brought to my
attention this morning in devotion that IT IS NOT.
I have been allowing myself too much liberty in COMPLAINING
and murmuring, which is a pollution of my mind, spirit and
LIFE! Therefore, I cannot move beyond or rise above where
I am currently in God .(or in life)
I will seek refuge today in the ALMIGHTY...He will hide me in
His pavilion...I will count my BLESSINGS...I will remind myself
that No Weapon Formed Against Me Can Prosper because as
long as God is FOR me so WHO (or what) can be against me?
I must remain determined that NOTHING shall seperate me
from God!
Circumstances may seem overwhelming and hopeless...
Finances may be lacking...
Family may distant....
Friends can be too busy...
and on and on it goes!
I must be 'KINGDOM MINDED' and keep the 'God FACTOR'
in place at ALL times...add BUT GOD to the end of the
above thoughts and EVERYTHING CHANGES!
....BUT GOD is my HOPE AND MY ROCK!
....BUT GOD is my PROVISION and my HELP!
....BUT GOD is ALWAYS by my side!
....BUT GOD is a FRIEND that sticks close at all times!

I leave this with you today and pray that you are
encouraged in YOUR heart & life and/or current circumstances.
Don't look AROUND...DO NOT LOOK DOWN!....Look UP

Have a Great Day! I Bless You!
Michele

Where Do I Go?

I have been reminded this week of the old song
"I Go To The Rock"
The verses pose these questions:
where do I go-where do I go? when there's no one else to turn to....
who do I talk to? when the winds of sorrow blow....
is there a refuge in my time of tribulation?
where do I go - where do I go? when there's no foundation stable...
who do I lean on?
well, my mind is bad...the memory is going...I have botched it
pretty good but you get the gist I hope!
the point is ... we can talk and talk and talk to people, friends,
family, co-workers, preachers etc....the ONLY one we can
get a TRUE answer and direction from is THE ROCK...
His name is JESUS!!!!

I find myself almost six months into this year 2009 STILL weary!
This journey of life is taxing to say the least. To be a true Christian some
days is a real challenge. When the fiery darts from the enemy
pierce our hearts it's not easy to always offer the other cheek also!
I have been put to the test more than once in the past couple of
weeks, and I am proud to report that I have FINALLY learned
to 'temper' myself. (some anyhow :)
But I will admit that the ALWAYS POSITIVE - LOOK AT THE BRIGHT
SIDE perspective that I possessed early in the year has WANED just
a bit!!!!!!!

I'm sorry, NO-- I'm NOT ....I am human and I am STRIVING DAILY
to maintain and possess those wonderful Fruits of the Spirit....
I don't ALWAYS make the mark. Who does?
I don't apologize for that....The important thing is that when I am
KNOCKED DOWN...I might be winded at first...take a moment to
process/filter....but do not fear... I WILL GET UP!!!!!!!!

The Word says not to be weary in well doing...I don't know exactly
what that means...but I AM weary...I am tired...I am stressed...
I am TIRED of being TIRED and STRESSED!!!!

Pastor preached this past Sunday about how we are in Gods Hands...
Those hands are loving and protective...caring...forgiving....but OH
when they begin to SQUEEZE our lives....NOT SO LOVING it seems!!!!
We just want to be let go and left alone.
I am in a contemplative state at this moment. I have so many questions
that need answers....everything pretty much in my life that can be shaken
HAS been shaken...I have been SQUEEZED painfully....
I have been lied to and betrayed by those dearest to my heart....
Where Do I Go? Where Do I Go? I feel no foundation is stable!

I WILL GO THE THE ROCK...I KNOW HE IS ABLE.....

God In A Box

Do you keep God in a Box?
We had the most awesome service yesterday at POM!
Pastor Kerry Grant brought such an amazing and
powerful word from God!
"GOD IN A BOX"
There were card board boxes placed all over up front....interesting.....

The point being: do we keep God in a box or do we REALLY believe
that HE is able to do ALL things?
It's true....we DO sometimes forget that HE IS the Great I AM and
with HIM NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE!
Bro. Kerry had a jack-in-the-box toy and it was humorous but true....
he would wind the box and when jack would pop out he would shove
him back in the box and say 'not now God...I've got this...' and so on....

How many times in our everyday lives do we do this to God?
Sometimes when we have been through long droughts spiritually
or severe storms its SO easy to become STUCK there.
We just get used to the mundane...we don't EXPECT anything
to change or get better....we figure God knows where we are
and when HE gets ready He'll do something about our
situation/circumstances!
But it's OUR lack of FAITH that keeps God BOXED in!

Well, I want to let you know that my husband and I danced
all over one of those cardboard boxes together!
We are unleashing our FAITH and letting God OUT....
We KNOW that there are GREAT things in store for our future!

Tribute to Donna Maricelli

Wow....where do I begin?
Donna Maricelli has impacted my life in an
unforgettable way! I will be forever indebted
to her.
You see, during the DARKEST time of my life
she stood by me and with me. Many times she sat
for hours and just let me talk. (like she didn't have
anything else better to do! ) There were times when
the pain was SO GREAT and my despair was seemingly
more than I could bear -- She would stand with me in
church and literally just hold my hand! I cannot
begin to convey my deep felt gratitude. I know
without any doubt that I was placed in her hands
for that specific time in my life.
She is such a woman of beautiful grace and wisdom!
Her heart is completely devoted to PEOPLE and her
love for souls is unsurpassed.....She herself at that
dark time in MY life was also going through a
tremendous storm and life changing experience.
Yet, she NEVER wavered in her commitment to
God or to the people she so dearly loves.
She looked beyond my selfishness and spiritual
immaturity (Thank God) and just LOVED me
and kept encouraging me even when things
really seemed hopeless.
I can honestly say that I never felt truly loved
by anyone (except my husband) until I met
Donna Maricelli.
These words still echo in my mind/heart:
'Don't abort the mission!' -- 'Keep Believing' --
'I Believe in you' -- 'There is greatness inside of you'
'You're an encourager of women' -- 'There's greatness
in Rodney' -- NO criticism, NO 'you must have done
something bad/wrong to cause this to happen' --
Nope, just love, prayer, guidance, support and
encouragement!
I must emphasize on the PRAYER. Many times
she warred against the enemy in prayer for me
and with me.
This lady knows how to pray! She knows The
Word of God and uses it!
She was the first person in my life to ever look
me in the face and say: "I Believe in You"
That alone, is priceless to me! She was the first
person to ever ask me what my passions/giftings
were. Passion? Giftings? ???????
Needless to say, at that time, I was clueless!
Because of her, I realize how vitally important
it is to validate my daughter. (and others)
(I don't want Montana to be in her late 30's
before she feels of any worth!)
Thank you Donna Maricelli for being who you
are and allowing God to use you.
I know you will never change because you are
commited to the journey and always striving
for Excellence!
I Love You and you will always have a special
place in my heart. Your price is far beyond
rubies.....

Many daughters have done well, but you
excel them all. Charm is deceitful and
beauty is passing,but a woman who fears
the Lord shall be praised.
Proverbs 31: 29-30

The Dawning

I love to pass these wonderful tidbits on to you....
I hope they encourage and strengthen you as they
do me.
I have been heavy hearted these past few days...
(awww poor me!)
I have been forced into situations that I cannot
control and that has caused me tremendous frustration
and agitation!

But once again, my friend and comforter "Jesus"
spoke to me through his word this morning :)
and I am encouraged that all will be well and
that in HIS time HE will perfect all that concerns
me and my life.
I BELIEVE.

So....if you are in the funk today or just slightly
weary, I hope you receive a little pep from this
Or, if all is just 'rosy posy' in your world and this
doesn't speak to you, trust me, keep living, ONE
DAY it will...so copy it down and tuck it away
safe somewhere or hey...do a good deed and
just pass it on!

HERE GOES:

You are a woman of excellence. You are strong and powerful
in your own right. Occasionally, if God so wills, He sends to
an excellent woman an excellent husband who has the grace
to be a lover and the anointing to be a friend.
Occasionally, He will send a strong arm to wrap around
a weary body and give you a moment of rest and tranquility.
But none of these experiences will ever take the place of the
ultimate experience. For the greatest MORNING you will
ever know is the dawning of faith in Jesus.
No matter what sorrow life has brought to you, don't stop
until you see morning, because morning DOES come!
It is at the end of every tragic divorce, but it does come.
It is at the end of setbacks, betrayals, delays and denials,
but when they are all over, MORNING DOES COME!
I challenge you, my sister and my friend, hold out for the
morning. It DOES come.
Do not allow the tragedies of life to so depress you that you
lose your hope. do not allow the bitter disappointments and
losses you face to rob your expectations of daybreak.
Wake up singing hallelujah in the morning.
Breathe in the fresh air, expel the stale air of your past and say
"I can fee the breaking of day." And it WILL come.
Overcome obstacles with confidence. Rise above trauma with
triumph. Feel solace through sorrow. Know comfort in the
midst of crisis. The MORNING DOES COME!

Psalms 57:1-3
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
for my soul trusts in you; And in the shadow of Your
wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have
passed by.
I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs
ALL things for me, He shall send from heaven and save me!

I Bless You!

now i gotta go to work!

Happy Anniversary to Me!

Rodney and I celebrated our 18 year wedding anniversary
yesterday! WOO HOO -- YEE HAH
We have been together a total of 20 years!
It was a great day...Tan went to Nannys and
we had some great quality time together.

NO, it has not all been easy...the last 6 years have been
a tremendous, stupendous, mountainess (is that a word?)
challenge! We are dukin' it out with the enemy!
It's easy to walk away...so many people do.
I like to refer to the saying:
When the going gets tough -- the tough get going!
What we do not allow to destroy us only makes us
stronger and better! Right?
We have had many great life experiences together.
We have had 3 homes and have had LOTS of GOOD times.
We also have a beautiful God-given angel for a daughter!
I greatly anticipate the AWESOME things that God has
in store for us.

No Weapon Formed Against Us Will Prosper

Women Celebrate!

Every woman who walks with God walks through storms,
winds, and rain. O woman of God, your life is filled with
challenges and victories, smiles and tears. You are like a
sweet salve mixed by an apothecary You are a careful blend
of life's many spices. Your personality is a potpourri of so many
different things that years of knowing you will not reveal everything
that makes you who you are. You are carefully concocted and
slowly simmered, stirred patiently by the Lord.
It is amazing how deliberate God is in preparing you for your destiny.
He knows exactly how long it will take. He knows who to send into
your life. He knows what events it will take to bring you to a place
of maturity in Him. He is your Lord.
It does not take long to realize that though you may have many
admirers, friends, and family, none will ever take the place of your
Lord. His place in your life is the foundation of every success you will
every enjoy. He will be there in every moment of pain and glory.
He is the force that brings all the pieces of your life together.
It is His tender love for you that keeps your mind from breaking under
the stress of life. And when all is said and done, no one can comfort you
or hold you like He can.
You may be prosperous in your business, secure in your relationships,
confident in you who are, but it is all because of HIM. It is knowing Him
that gives you the grace to endure transitions, to withstand opposition,
and to deflect the ammunition of the enemy. He enables you to know
when the day is at its end. He will watch you through the night and
His kiss will bring you out of your sleep come dawn. He is your Lord.
So know Him and love Him and worship Him.
Of all the men on earth no one can ever speak to your spirit or heal
your heart like your Lord.
T.D. Jakes

I know that I cannot do ANYTHING without the Lords help!
I cannot be the mother, wife, employee, friend, or Christian
that I should be with out His guidance, help and strength!
I cannot build my photography business without HIM!

Little is much when God is in it and I BELIEVE.....

Why I Go To Church

Yesterday in our Sunday morning worship my Pastor
posed this question to the congregation:
"What are you doing here?"
So, it got me thinking about why I really take
the time week after week to get dolled up and
drive 25 miles to attend church every Sunday
and Wednesday. (not to mention special events/
prayer meetings etc...)

Well, first of all the Bible plainly states in the book
of Hebrews chapter 10 verse 25, that we should
"forsake not the assembling of ourselves
together..."
I guess that's reason enough right there!
But it goes beyond that for me....

I go to church because I know that when I arrive
I am going to be greeted, hugged/kissed and loved by
sincere God fearing people who genuinely care about
me and my family.
I go to church because I love to sing and worship God.
I go to church because I love The Word of God.
I go to church because I BELIEVE The Word of God.
I go to church because I receive strength.
I go to church because I feel better when I leave than
when I got there!
I go to church because there is NOTHING like a loving
church family to support you and cheer you on during
difficult trials!
I go to church because it brings me joy!
I go to church because it brings God joy!
I go to church because God is the peace that passes
all understanding!
I go to church because there is POWER in PRAISE!
I go to church because when praises go UP - the glory of
God comes DOWN!
I go to church to Bless the name of the Lord because of
HIS EXCELLENT GREATNESS!
I go to church to Give THANKS!
I go to church to repent and ask forgiveness for my
sins & selfishness!
I go to church to try to help someone else along life's
journey...
I go to church to GROW...
I go to church because the Bible says in Psalms 22:22--
"I will declare Your name to my brethren; in the
midst of the assembly I will praise You! "
I go to church because I was taught as a child to do so!
I go to church to set an example for my daughter.
I go to church because there is no where else I'd rather be....
I go to church to see people baptized in HIS name!
I go to church to see people receive the gift of Gods Spirit!
I go to church so that my daughter can have wholesome
friends and social activities!
I go to church because it is my 'reasonable service' unto God.
I go to church because I was fearfully & wonderfully made and
created for the sole purpose of worshiping HIM.
(Psalms 139:14)
I go to church because HE is the giver of all things good.
I go to church because HE is my burden bearer.
I go to church because HE is my heavy-load sharer.
I go to church because HE is my Rock!
I go to church because HE is my Friend!
I go to church because HE is my Provider!
I go to church because HE is FAITHFUL to ME....
I go to church because HE is an ever present HELP in a time of trouble!
I go to church because HE is my Deliverer...
I go to church because HE is my Healer.
I go to church because HE is the re-newer of of spirit.
I go to church because ONLY HE can rejuvenate my soul....
I go to church to make a DEPOSIT into my Heavenly account!
I go to church to seek direction and guidance!
I go to church to support my Pastor and other leadership.
I go to church to help build GREATER the Kingdom of God!
I go to church because 'heaven & earth will pass away'
and ONLY
what we have done for Christ will remain!

If you live on the North Shore and you are looking for
that 'special place' -- We Have a Place For You!
I can say with calm assurance that
at The POM, (Pentecostals of Mandeville)
you will find a loving congregation -- anointed,
lively praise, worship & singing, and powerful/
inspirational/life changing messages....
Come check it out!!! You won't be sorry....
visit our website:
http://www.pentecostalsofmandeville.org/

and just in case you didn't know it--
HE, HIM, HIS = JESUS!

A Word For You Today

Make a decision TODAY to bury anything that has you
pulled down, held you back, kept you in despair, limited you,
deceived you, or made you vulnerable. Throw it into the
coffin! Lower it into the ground! DECLARE it FINISHED
in your life!
T.D. Jakes

I read this this morning and it spoke SO directly to me so I
wanted to pass it on to you. We walk sometimes through
each day with a spirit of heaviness upon us that most times
we don't even realize it's there. We have grown so
accustomed to it's company that it has become a part of
us. I think at times we may even nurture it! How? With
thoughts of hopelessness, despair, doubt, negativity,
fear.....feelings of anxiety, resentment, anger,
confusion....do I need to go on....? I know it's not just
me! If we are really honest with ourselves, I think we
can agree that life has become such a challenge that to
be challenged or confronted with anything extra is
just simply too overwhelming and exhausting!

I am one that usually sees the glass 'half-empty',
and I am challenging myself, (a DARE so to speak)...
to CHANGE--
To weigh my speech--To speak more positively--
To refuse doubt/negativity/defeat and anything
else that weighs me down! --and ya know what?
I have been feeling SO MUCH better!
I can do ALL things through Christ as
he strengthens me, Right?
That's what His word says! Philipians 4:13

I am CHALLENGING YOU to do the same!
Life is going by so fast. We have no promise of
tomorrow! Lets be ALL that we were created to be
by Gods DIVINE DESIGN!
Striving for EXCELLENCE, not perfection.
Let's pass on to our children a promising way of life!

I DARE YOU..... :)