Prayer for Sandy Hook Elementary

My heart breaks for all the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Join me in prayer for the families, friends, and community.  

I grew up in a sleepy little town like Newtown, Connecticut. The tranquility of such a place leads you to have a "it will never happen to me" mentality. Having your safety violated in such a profound way is a deep wound only God can heal. The community must be in shock and horror.  

I also know the pain of unexpectedly losing a young child. My daughter,Madison Zoë, died at age 3 years 10 months and 1 day.  It has been 11 years, but there isn't a day that passes that I don't miss her.  

When I prayed this morning, I asked God to pass a message to Madison. I hope these heartfelt words can bring a little comfort to those affected by this evil tragedy . I know it is unspeakable pain which only God can heal. He once told me when I was angry with Him for taking Madison, that He knew the same pain. He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, for us all to have eternal life.  My words won't take away the pain, but maybe they can bring a glimmer hope. 

Madison: 
You have lots of new kids and a few nice teachers to help welcome into Heaven today. I bet there is a huge party. You probably volunteered to be their tour guide since you love to explore. Whisper to Jesus to send comfort to their families like he continually does for me when I miss you, my sweet girl. Mommy loves you and one day when God says it's time, I'll be in Heaven with you. Remind your new friends that soon their mommies, daddies, brothers, sisters, cousins, other families and friends can join them too. Everyone who has King Jesus as Lord of their hearts will soon come. And not to worry, let them know many people like your Mommy are spreading the good news about Jesus.  I'm sure with all our prayers and preaching, all their loved ones will go to Heaven.  Then there will be another celebration.  Until that time comes, I know you will help them have so much fun. I can't wait to meet all your friends and let you show me around. I am trying to imagine how beautiful it is.  I know you have a favorite spot, maybe near a big tree that overlooks a gentle river. I want to lay under that tree with you when I get there! 

Hugs, love, and kisses,  
Mommy

No Longer Wounded is Moving to WORDPRESS!!

Hello All!  I've decided to move my blog over to Wordpress.  It is a better fir for me and my writing.  Please continue to visit me there!  
My new website is:
http://nolongerwounded.wordpress.com

Thank you for your support and encouragement! :)

Cherished Joy

As I share my testimony, many people are saddened by the suffering I’ve endured.  Many often apologize to me.  But the other day it dawned on me, I’m actually blessed to have overcome all the trails and pain throughout my life.  I’ve been to the pit of hurt and agony so I call myself blessed. God’s joy is more precious to me than someone who has lived a good, pain-free life.  If I had not been to such extreme lows, I would not cherish the highs as much.  My point of reference would be skewed.  I would only have good and better to rate my experiences.  Though, I wish the pain I suffered on no one.  I cherish my vast array of reference from torture to triumph. 

It's time to speak!

During my quiet time with the Lord today. I read Psalm 12 and Proverbs 12. I was lead to do so since today is 12/12/12. :)
Reading those verses took me back to the wicked things which happened to me in the Air Force. But God promises to keep me safe from the wicked and overthrow the wicked. I know my novel, which is based on actual events, needs to be told. It will bring healing and awareness to many. Unfortunately,  military sexual assault and harassment is an all to common occurance which is seldom spoken about.
Despite the horror I survived, I still cherish the time I served in the military. The Air Force isn't evil, yet there is evil within the Air Force. It is time for that to change! I will do my part by telling my story. The rest is up to our government leaders. 

Walls

As I was taking my puppies on their morning walk, we passed by a condo where there is a bigger dog who we never see but always hear.  He barks loud and ferociously.  This makes my little boy bark back in a defensive way and my little girl gets scared and leaps for my arms. 

I thought about this dog and how he is enclosed by his fence.  I've never seen him out.  It made me reflect back on a quote I love.  "Sometimes we put up walls.  Not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to knock them down."  The dog had no control over his surroundings and enclosed atmosphere, but the people around us do.

I've found in my experience working with troubled youth that most people who put up walls want you to tear them down.  But first they need to know you really care.  There are so many hurting people in this world who find it simpler to build walls than to reach out for help.  Sometimes we must reach in to them.

Is there anyone in your world that you can reach today?

Don't give your crown to the fools!!

Wise advice from Ms. Irene! I love the comment one reader left:
He said "All ladies must read this so that they stop giving their crowns to the fools."

That goes out to the gentlemen too! Our bodies our the temple of God! Holy and scared. Let's start treasuring ourselves as God does instead of being used and abused by those enslaved by sexual sin. Much prayer is needed in this area! God bless you all!

Written by Irene Gladu

DEAR READERS, esp. Ladies,
Sex is NOT love. Love is not sex. You can have sex and not be in love. You can be in love and not engage in sex. A man/woman may hate you and still have sex with you. Be wise.
Ladies, using sex to manipulate a man will eventually fail. It is self-deception to think that giving him sex will make him love you. True Love will never force you to engage in sex. A man who does

n’t love you will not change his mind because of sex. If he tells you to ‘prove your love’ by having sex with him. He is only using you. If he is in for the sex, ‘better sex’ will take him away from you. Making yourself his ‘sex slave’ is foolish.
Love will never shame or degrade you. If you have made the mistake of trying to use sex to buy this man, now is the time to re-assess your relationship and build it on the right foundation. If he gets married to you because ‘the sex is good’, it will be fatal to your marriage. Let him get married to you because he loves you, honors you, feels a strong emotional, mental and spiritual connection with you and wants you to spend the rest of his life with you.
THINK ABOUT.THIS VERY SERIOUSLY..

1 Corinthians 6:18 NLT

Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.

Love Your Neighbor as Yourself :/

Mark 12:30-31 NIV

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

 

The other day as I was walking my dogs, I got a test in the greatest commandment of all! We often hear Mark 12:30-31 proclaimed as the greatest commandment of all. It is even declared in the Bible that it is. The first part is easy. Love God. Loving Someone who gave His Son's life to save us is pretty easy. After all, He loved us first and He loves us unconditionally. It's a no-brainer.

But then there's that pesky second part. Love your neighbor as yourself. First, we must accept Christ's love, see ourselves as He does, then we love ourselves as Christ intended. Yet, the neighbor part is still there. Some neighbors are easy to love. I have one that waters my plants when I'm away and even calls if something seems suspicious. He's great and easy to love. Yet, he's not my only neighbor. I have many because I live in a townhome community.  They are everywhere, hundreds of them, so I have many opportunities to show my love.

 

Back to the dog walk, my little boy dog is zealous. As his mom, I can tolerate him and love him despite the belief he has that he owns the entire common grounds on the property. I cannot get him to understand that not every tree and bush is his personal property. Most of my neighbors think a squeaking 5 pound Chihuahua is cute, especially when I pick him up and cover his mouth with him still trying to yap. It provides comic relief to the dog owners with large breeds, especially the ones with German Sheppards and such. They respect my dog's passion, but not the lady in the middle unit. On no!  She had a very different take on us!  My dog started yapping and I immediately grabbed him to ease the tension as I always do. But she started yelling and swearing. She took the Lord's name in vain and said a few words I hadn't heard since I worked in the inner city with juvenile delinquents. At first, I was shocked and caught off guard since I live in a peaceful community. I had a choice to make right then. I could either get offended and lash out or realize this woman was really hurting and it had nothing to do with me or my dog.

 

I chose to remain calm and remember Mark 12:31. Seeing her temperament, I knew I couldn't just have a cup of coffee and chat with this lady. Instead I prayed, I asked the Lord to show me what to do to help her and He did. He instructed me to mail her a card, from Him not me. In the moment I could feel His pain when she took His name in vain. I felt her pain. I did as He asked. I handwrote a card describing the Lord's pain that she was hurting and reassured her He was there and He loves her and will help her through these troubled times. I enclosed a teaching cd entitled "You are God's Masterpiece" from my pastor and a invitation card to attend my church. Then as God requested I mailed it off.  I do not know how this lady responded to my note. She may not have even opened it. But the point is, I followed God's instructions. I did what He asked. He will do the rest. I use to get all wrapped up in wanting to know every little detail of God's plan. But now, I see that's not my place. God asked me to plant a seed for Him. He'll take it from here. If He needs my help again, He'll ask. It was hard to love the unlovable neighbor but I did by asking God to lead me. I have learned usually the ones who come across the most unlovable, need our love the most.

 

Have you loved your neighbor today? Imagine if we all did a little to show God's love, what a big impact that could have in our neighborhoods! J

We are the hands and feet of Jesus not just typing fingers! :)

We are the hands and feet of Jesus not just typing fingers! :)

by No Longer Wounded Minister on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 4:42pm ·

 

In 2 Timothy 1:4 (Amplified Bible) the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy stating he longs to see him.
4And when, as I recall your tears, I yearn to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
When we read verse 3 he says 3I thank God Whom I worship with a pure conscience, [a]in the spirit of my fathers, when without ceasing I remember you night and day in my prayers.

We can see Timothy was very dear to Paul. Paul prayed for Timothy night and day. He thanked God for him! In these two verses Paul sets the standard for Christian friendship. He shows us how to be a good friend in just two verses.

Writing encouraging letters was not good enough for the Apostle Paul. He longed to wipe tears from his dear friend Timothy. He wanted to have face to face genuine fellowship. That brought him joy. He wanted to be there, really be there, in person for his dear friend!

Please my fellow ministers! Do not get so consumed that we disregard those in front of our very eyes who need a touch, prayer, or hug! Technology is wonderful! It allows us to reach the masses in minimal time! However, there is no substitute to face to face fellowship, prayer, or communication. Don’t' avoid your friend or neighbor that is right beside you because you are so consumed with writing your an inspiring blog. in hopes of "saving the world". Make time for both. It's the human touch that will make all the difference.

Today, I send out a prayer request to some dear friends and prayer warriors. For several months I have been going through a fiery trail. Today, I declared that enough is enough! I cried out to the Lord! I prayed the situation would end and the lady coming against me (the enemy) would be blessed and her heart turned to God. All for His glory! A dear friend of mine, a wonderful minister, send a quick text back saying "I am praying". This is someone very dear to me, my best friend. Yet, am I her best friend? Our communication through this trail has been hit and miss (mainly miss). This is my iron which is supposed to sharpen me. I cry out to my Sister Friend "Help Sister I am drowning, I need you!” Do you hear me above the clicking of your keys blogging to sweet strangers? Will you get to me before I sink? Heeelllloooooo.....

I am not trying to condemn my sweet friend! By no means. This miscommunication today showed us both that the Apostle Paul had it right! Long to be with your dear friend. Call me and pray for me. Better yet, drive over and hold my hand and wipe my tears as we pray. Then give me a big hug!

Remember: We are the hands and feet of Jesus not just typing fingers! :)

Love and Healing!

Abra Abra Cadabra

During my workout class at the gym, I was stunned by nostalgia. The song Abra Abra Cadabra played. I immediately thought back to my childhood dancing in the hallway to that song. I loved it. No idea why at the time. In my childhood innocen...

ce I never thought much of the meaning of the song. I just thought it sounded cool and loved the chorus:

Abra-abra-cadabra
I want to reach out and grab ya
Abra-abra-cadabra
Abracadabra

I could sing that for hours on end.

First, let me say I have no idea of the message The Steve Miller Band wanted to convey with this catchy hit. (Obviously sexual temptation may be a good guess). But today as I heard this popular 80s song God showed me that sin works just like the lyrics of the song. It can indeed reach out and grab ya as you’re all mesmerized by its appeal, the way it looks, feels, or sounds. And it will take you down in flames...... as the song states:

Every time you call my name
I heat up like a burnin' flame
Burnin' flame full of desire
Kiss me baby, let the fire get higher

Yet there is HOPE! In 1 Corinthians 10:13 God promised a way out of temptation. And no matter if you messed up once or a million times, God mercies are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:22-23) He is always willing to forgive. So anyday can be your new start! Praise God for His incomprehensible Greatness!!!!
Thank you Jesus for giving me this revelation to share with others.



1 Corinthians 10:13AMP
For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Watch Out For "Falling Blessings"

January 5, 2011

I am an avid Rockets fan and have been to several games. I always enjoy the games no matter where I sit. But of course I always wondered what it would be like to sit court side; right in the midst of the action. I joked with my friends that if I was ever blessed enough to sit court side the odds would have it that a player would crash into me.  But, I went ahead and declared one day God would bless me with court side seats. God’s blessings sometimes come as a shocking surprise. Today, out of the blue, I got a call and was invited to the game with court side seats. I sat there as an honored guest and received special treatment, uninhibited view, catered food from a private suite, the works. It was very nice. I had one of the best seats in the house. That’s what God wants for each and every one of us...His best. He doesn't want us to settle for less in any area of our lives whether it is a mate, home, job, children, finances, etc.  Once we receive and accept God’s love and acknowledge we are worthy of His best we will not want to settle for less! Just as I stated as I sat court side  the very front row...the best view...It will be hard to watch the game from the higher sections. I had a taste of the best. I accepted it and embraced it.  I knew I was worthy because I know who I am in Christ.  I am a child of the Most High God!  And, yes indeed, Kyle Lowry even crashed into me in the 4th quarter.  Don’t get me wrong, God’s best isn't necessarily material items. The bottom line is God wants us to have His very best because He loves us.  When you accept and embrace His best and have the view and experience of His best you will not settle for less.  Just like watching the game in the very front without anything blocking my view when we live by God’s favor and have His anointing upon us our view and judgment is clear—nothing is in the way to inhibit our view or cloud our judgment. The game seats show the contrast so well. God’s best could be the right mate, job, friends, a bargain of the shoes you wanted ... or even amazing seats at the Rockets game.  So let’s all bind our minds to the will of God and accept His best in every area of our lives!  We are Royal Heirs in Christ!  Be Abundantly Blessed!

John 1:12 (NIV) Yet to all who receive Him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Romans 12:2 (Amplified Bible)

2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Deuteronomy 28:2 (Amplified Bible)

2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God.

Ephesians 3:20 (Amplified Bible)

20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--

Happy Birthday Madison!

Happy Birthday Madison!

by Delena Richeson on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 10:53pm ·

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Ashton and I had a lovely time celebrating Madison's birthday! :) Not even death can take away memories which we have to cherish for a lifetime! Madison may have only been on this earth 3 years and 10 months but she gave me a lifetime of precious memories! Thirteen years ago today she changed my world in wonderful way when I become a Mommy! I will not understand why God took her to be with Him at such a young age until I see Him face to face but, I accept His will. Losing my firstborn makes me very emphatic and truly grateful to God for giving us His only Son to die for our sins so we may have eternal and abundant life. Losing a child is not easy, it's the biggest heartbreak I think anyone can experience. Watching someone you brought into this world leave this world is unnatural. I will not for even a second take for granted what my Savior did for me! Thank you family and friends for your support and prayers. Sorry I was not in the mood to talk on the phone. I was deep in the Spirit. God bless you all!

A Letter to my mother

A Letter to my mother

by Delena Richeson on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 8:10am ·

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On this day 37 years ago, you gave birth to me.  Although I haven’t officially met you, that I recall, I want to thank you.  You chose to give me life. You carried me in your womb for nearly a year.  I wonder if you rubbed your belly and talked to me.  What did you want to name me?  Did you read the Bible to me? Do you believe in God because I surely do!  Are you a Christian?  If not, we need to work on that! Did you sing to me?  I wonder if I look like you.  Do I have your eyes, ears, feet, or hands?  Whose smile do I have?  I get a lot of compliments on it!   Am I part Native American?  I get asked that a lot.  It would be cool to know my heritage.  What’s my father like?  Do I have siblings?  There is so much I want to know.  What was it like to give birth to me then give me away? Did you hold me? I bet it tore your heart out.  I know in my heart you did it to give me a better life.  For years I wondered about you.  It’s so strange to miss you but not know you.  But we were connected; I lived inside your body before I was born.  You are my mother.  When I was a little girl, I fantasied about who you were.  I often daydreamed I was the love child of Madonna or perhaps my Aunt’s love child because she graduated high school the year I was born.  She had dated my track coach during high school.  When I ran track he showed me a lot of favoritism and I instantly thought I was his love child.  But I look nothing like him and I guess I had pure talent so he praised me for being a gifted athlete and for my relentless determination.  I was the only first-year runner to score enough points to earn my school letter.  Did you or my father run track?  It was odd growing up and not resembling my family.  We have similar skin tone, but I didn’t have the characteristics they did.  I could see how my Mom looked like my Granny and perhaps my Granddaddy, but he died when I was 5 so I don’t remember much about him.  My Daddy had my Pappaw’s big ears and my Mammaw’s eyes.  Whose eyes and ears do I have?

I’ve wanted to meet you but I didn’t want to break my Momma’s heart.  She said I could look for you but I could tell she would have been hurt.  She raised me, loved me, tried to protect me, showed me how to be compassionate, fed me well, and taught me how to shop!  My Daddy taught me how to detail and show cars and instilled in me  a love and knowledge of vehicles that is very unique for a female to have.  I wonder if we have similar interests.

Both my Momma and Daddy have passed on from this Earth and are with Jesus in Heaven.  You left me in good hands.  They gave me a worthy start and got me on track to becoming the amazing woman of God I am today.  I am a Licensed Professional Counselor.  I’ve earned a Master’s degree and am seeking to pursue a PhD.  I love to learn.  I served 5 years in the US Air Force as a Personnel Officer and was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain (O-3).  I currently work on a contractual basis for counseling and teaching when the right opportunities are presented.  I volunteer a lot at my church, Lakewood Church, as a Stephen Minister and Operations Assistant and I also do some freelance writing.  I mostly work from home because the position I am most proud of is Mommy.  My daughter will turn 13 this April.  I am so blessed God chose me to be her mother!  She is an incredibly wise and wonderful young lady!  She looks and acts so much like me.  I wonder if I look like you or have your mannerisms.  We have 2 teacup Chihuahuas, a 20 month old boy and a 14 month old girl as well as a teddy bear hamster and a Beta fish.  My daughter and I love animals.  Do you?

Thank you for giving me life 37 years ago today!  It is by far my best birthday gift ever!  Hopefully one day we can meet and discover the answers to my questions and build a relationship with you.

Love,

Delena

Forgiveness is Power!

Luke 6:27-28 "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you".

Wow!  This is powerful stuff!  As a abuse SURVIVOR (not victim) this hits home!  I wasted so much precious time being angry and bitter because of the abuse and wrongdoing I overcame.  But God showed me how to forgive and pray for those who harmed me.  I stopped wanting revenge and let God vindicate me!  I now have peace and love in my life!  When we forgive, we don't admit what was done to us was right, we release ourselves from bitterness and anger and give the situation to God!  Praying for peace and love for you all!

Love and Healing!

Words of Wisdom from Grandma Alice Jane

This morning I watched a sermon on DVD from the 2007 Women's conference which Mike's grandmother, Alice Jane Schaffer Blthye, preached. I had the honor of meeting Alice Jane this summer on her 98th birthday. We are pictured here as she pulled me into her lap and gave me a bear hug. The world needs more Alice Janes! I pray that God uses me like he did Alice Jane and I can carry on her legacy once her time on earth is up. As Mike and I start enmeshing our families and begin our journey toward marriage it makes my heart smile to know I will become a part of such an anointed family. God
is so good!

One statement Alice Jane made during her sermon touched me. She said Jesus died for us and He needs us to live for him. God stopped me right there and showed me that means to carry out His works...to finish what Jesus started.

I will leave you with a few of Alice Jane's closing thoughts to ponder:
~Everything God gives us, He plans for us to give away.
~God has given us everything we have, now what are we going to give Him?
~There is so much fussing and fighting in churches today, it's a sin...God says love your brothers and sisters. Love, forgive, give to one another...
~God is waiting on the church to rise up and  be the arm that delivers this world. He is depending and counting on us.

Which way should I go???

I have a few major decisions to make in my life; serious, life altering decisions. These decisions affect several people I love so I do not take them lightly. During my morning quite time I prayed about these upcoming decisions and decided to reread Proverbs 3:5-6. But then went ahead and read the entire chapter for more clarification.  Verse 7 appealed to me.

Proverbs 3:5-7 in the Amplified Bible reads:
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own understanding.  In all of your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn entirely away from evil.

I read the commentary written by Joyce Meyer in my Bible. She stated she believes what God meant when He said in verse 7 "Be not wise in your own eyes" was "Do not even think that you can run your life and do a good job without My help and direction!"

Then I got some revelation. God's guidance isn't just a suggestion, it is and should be my road map, the standard, the only way. I have all too often did things my way and ended up with 2nd or 3rd best. Sometimes heartache and pain. But not anymore. I'm giving up. I'm not a navigator. God is!

Then I said this prayer which tremendously helped me and I hope it helps you as well:
Thank You Lord! Thank You that You run my life! That You are in control! I give You absolute authority over me, my future, and all decisions concerning me! Show me the path You've chosen for me. Make it crystal clear so I can not mess up Your plans for my life. I am at peace knowing You are in charge. I can not live an abundant life without You! Thank You for your guidance and provision.  May I glorify You all my days! I LOVE YOU!!! <3
Amen!

Marriage and Mismatched Socks

As I was going about my chores and doing my laundry, God spoke to me.  I have a specific location in my laundry center on the shelf above the dryer for the "single" socks; for those whose mate has yet to be found in all the madness of the laundry cycle.  As I was folding and putting away clothes I saw one sock I recognized.  I knew her mate was waiting in the "singles" area.  Socks are peculiar little creations just like us.  We can force a sock to go with one that is not its ideal mate; it is "almost perfect" but it is not the right mate - the one it was designed for, made for. 
In many ways, God made us just like the socks.  He designed a spouse for each of us.  But it will come at His appointed time.  We can go through life and "force" our match like with socks.  But it's not going to "feel" right or be designed the way God intended.  Bottom line, it's not God's best.  So just as I take special care of my "singles" on the sock shelf until their ideal mate comes along; God will take care of us until our special mate comes along! 

Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him.Genesis 2:18 AMP Look in the scroll of the LORD and read: None of these will be missing,  not one will lack her mate. For it is his mouth that has given the order,  and his Spirit will gather them together.Isaiah 34:16 NIV

The similarity of Dog Training and Discipleship

The similarity of Dog Training and Discipleship

by No Longer Wounded Minister on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 11:09am ·

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My daughter and I have two wonderful puppies, Angelito and Tia.  We love these little fur balls a lot!  Recently in puppy charm school they have been learning the command COME.  They are having some difficulty with it but as they are giving up their free will and submitting to their Master's command they are mastering it.  This command is the most important command they will ever learn.  It can literally save their life once mastered.  For example if my little bundles of joy are running loose and get in the road and I yell COME before a car gets to them and they obey it could save them from being ran over.  

This command made me reflect on the life of the believer.  Isn't surrendering to God's will very important to us?  Like Angelito and Tia we must surrender our free will when our Master commands us to COME.  When He calls us to pick up our cross and follow Him.  He never said it would be easy, but just like Tia and Angelito get rewarded each and every time they follow this important command, we will too.  Hopefully our Master gives us more than cheese or hotdogs pieces.  :)

Just look below and see how God's people were called to come and rewarded when they obeyed! I listed just a few examples of scripture; there's so much more!  Let's all surrender and listen to our Master!  Be Blessed!

Genesis 6:18 (Amplified Bible)

But I will establish My covenant (promise, pledge) with you, and you shall come into the ark--you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you.

Exodus 17:6 (Amplified Bible)

Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at [Mount] Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

Numbers 27:17 (Amplified Bible)

Who shall go out and come in before them, leading them out and bringing them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep which have no shepherd.

Deuteronomy 28:6 (Amplified Bible)

Blessed shall you be when you come in and blessed shall you be when you go out.

1 Samuel 17:45 (Amplified Bible)

Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the ranks of Israel, Whom you have defied.

The Chopstick Bandit

The Chopstick Bandit

by No Longer Wounded Minister on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 9:53pm ·

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I had lunch with a dear girlfriend of mine today.  I love this lady dearly. She strenthenes me like in Proverbs when it says iron sharpenes iron. (Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose].Proverbs 27:16-18 Amplified Bible).  She and I have been close friends for many years.  She has kept me on track.  Many people think I am a bible banger, Jesus Freak, Holy Roller type.  I like to think of myself as super cool, fun loving, and fabulous all within in the confines of pleasing God and representing Him well!  Sorry if that is boring...  Anyways, my point is this lady could make me look like the devil she is so squeaky clean.  She honestly could be nominated for sainthood based on her Christain walk.  Like me; she feeds the homeless, clothes the needy, teaches the Word, maintans a household, raises Godly children, etc.  I have the highest respect for my anonymous friend.  With her explict permission and request I am going to blog about our lunch encounter.

My friend and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at one of our favorite Chinese resturants.  At the end of our meal she put the chopsticks (not the disposable kind) in her purse very casually.  I looked at her and said "I don't think you're supposed to take those."  She replied, "Really?, I have been for years.  I have a whole drawer full at home.  A little collection. Aren't they suveniours."  She was dead serious.  I told her I didn't think so.  She asked the waiter because at this point we were curious.  He tried to play it super cool and said "No, those can not be taken", in a voice where his manager could hear him.  Then he whispered to us. "You can take them if you like, I just had to say not to in front of the manager."

We laughed for awhile at her unknown reign of chopstick stealing.  This Godly lady was unknowlying doing a bad thing.  She felt horrible at first but she had no way of knowing she was wrong UNTIL she asked the PROPER AUTHORITY.  Have you ever just played by your own rules and coasted by on your self-made ethics and moral code?  Chances are like my dear friend, you will not always be right.  Sadly, more often than not the consequences will be much greater than feeling a bit embarassed and laughing about accidentally taking chopsticks from an overpriced Chinese bistro.  Thus she has been labled the "Chopstick Bandit" by yours truly.

There is no need to go around in the dark without knowing right from wrong.  The directions for life are printed for us in a 66 chapter book called The Holy Bible.  Don't guess and live your life by throwing caution to the wind.  Use the instruction manual God gave you!

Be Blessed and Informed!

Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:13-15 Amplified Bible

In all of your ways know, recongnize, and acknowleadge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6 Amplified Bible