I was reading the Bible just to be edified, trying to keep my spiritual side satisfied. When I came to the story of Abraham almost sacrificing his son, Didn't he know Sarah was too old to have another one. So I said to the almighty, omnipotent God above, that Abraham wasn't too bright good thing he had your love. Then I read about Moses leading those people into the Red Sea. Did he think it was a wading pool that only came to his knee. So I asked God, was Moses the best you could find, what didn't anyone back then use their logical mind?
Finally I read of Joshua marching around that wall. I'm not questioning tactics, but soldiering was not his call. So I said to God, was Joshua mentally all right, I mean everyone knows the best time to attack is late at night. God said, you're reading about My children who lived to obey, the ones who waited on my voice and did it no other way. IT WAS BY FAITH that Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son. He didn't question from where he would get another one. IT WAS BY FAITH that Moses led them into the Red Sea. You see Moses believed in God, yes Moses believed in Me! IT WAS BY FAITH that Joshua marched round and round. He didn't doubt for a second that the wall would tumble down. And this is what I ask of My children today, but you can't imagine how hard it is to find a group to obey.
I have some who can walk that line a little while, I'm looking for marathoners who are consistent mile after mile. Then I have those who get on their knees and pray, asking Me to just this one time let them do it their way. What My children have got to understand is I'll call on the rocks if necessary to complete My plan. Tell them to get on with what they were told by me to do. My children know My voice they won't confuse me and you. But tell them right now to get into place, I don't want to leave anyone here when I withdraw My grace. I could tell by the words He spoke this was no joke, God is getting ready to open the heavens and retrieve His folk.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Your Word Caused A Change In Me
I came to you all down and out, looking for something yet full of doubt. I was always able to draw my own conclusion, then there came so much confusion. Blindly led by every wind and doctrine, allowing society my values to define. But then, Your word caused a change in me! Removed the scales that I might see. Now I live to do Your will, and my heart is calm and still; because in You I found a friend, for now, forever, until the end. As I grow stronger in Your word, I feel freedom, like a bird.
My every need is in Your hand; which gives me strength to take my stand, to remove those yokes and quit that game; and live to glorify Your holy name. I say, Your word has caused a change in me! Removed the scales that I might see. Now I live to do Your will, and my heart is calm and still; because in You I found a friend now, forever, until the end. That I might be pleasing to Your sight, I choose to live my life right. Love my brother as You command, follow Your every way and demand.
Give up that worldly thing and walk that walk just like I sing. Your word has caused a change in me!
My every need is in Your hand; which gives me strength to take my stand, to remove those yokes and quit that game; and live to glorify Your holy name. I say, Your word has caused a change in me! Removed the scales that I might see. Now I live to do Your will, and my heart is calm and still; because in You I found a friend now, forever, until the end. That I might be pleasing to Your sight, I choose to live my life right. Love my brother as You command, follow Your every way and demand.
Give up that worldly thing and walk that walk just like I sing. Your word has caused a change in me!
Monday, March 10, 2014
I Depend Upon The Lord To Hear My Cry
At times I wonder how my sisters have made it this far, so many abused and battered or alone with an emotional scar. I think of Sister Sally whose baby died at two; some say it was a cold, others say the flu. But there is agreement that it did not have to be; if her old man paid a doctor instead of the bar at 14th and T. As my heart wept for Sister Sally I asked, "Why still to try?" She said, "I depend upon the Lord to hear my cry." She stood boldly, strong and tall; I know my God is there whenever I call. My sister, you think womanhood means passive and meek. But child being a woman can't be done by anyone who is weak.
They talk about my old man, but he does his best; He doesn't turned to Jesus to guide him to that perfect rest. But Sister I cannot allow that to destroy what I know, I just pray that the seed I plant will take root and grow. The things she said made me think about the seeds I've sown. Will they bring life: Are they how known? My thoughts then turned to Sister Ann's son, he's the drug dealer you know the one. Oh Sister Ann claims he's so precious and fine, I thought because his profits kept her dressed in the latest design. As my heart condemned Sister Ann I asked, "Why not try?" she said, "I depend upon the Lord to hear my cry." She stood boldly, strong and tall; I know my God is there whenever I call.
My Sister, you think womanhood means passive and meek. But child being a woman can't be done by anyone who is weak. I know what they say about my son and me, but I had to turn that over to the Trinity.
I've given that boy everything I knew to give, I believe he will turn to the Lord when he's ready to live. The things she said made me wonder what I had to give, to make sure my sister's and brothers knew a better way to live. My thoughts then turned to Sister Carrie, the one who just can't find anyone to marry. There have been many suitors one right after the other, but none seem to want her for their children's mother.
As my heart felt for Sister Carrie I asked, "Why still try?" she said, "I depend upon the Lord to hear my cry." She stood boldly, strong and tall; I know my God is there whenever I call. My Sister, you think womanhood means passive and meek. But child being a woman can't be done by anyone who is weak. I know people have made me the talk of the town, but getting married isn't reason to accept a clown. The man that I marry must have Jesus as his source, I'm not allowing some fool to get me off course. the things Sister Carrie said were scriptural and sound, and caused me to check the solidity of my ground.
My look at my sisters lives has made me see, how dependent we are on others to define who we should be. But when you allow Christ to be your center those deceptions and misconceptions can not enter. You can stand boldly, strong and tall; knowing the Lord will hear your cry whenever you call.
They talk about my old man, but he does his best; He doesn't turned to Jesus to guide him to that perfect rest. But Sister I cannot allow that to destroy what I know, I just pray that the seed I plant will take root and grow. The things she said made me think about the seeds I've sown. Will they bring life: Are they how known? My thoughts then turned to Sister Ann's son, he's the drug dealer you know the one. Oh Sister Ann claims he's so precious and fine, I thought because his profits kept her dressed in the latest design. As my heart condemned Sister Ann I asked, "Why not try?" she said, "I depend upon the Lord to hear my cry." She stood boldly, strong and tall; I know my God is there whenever I call.
My Sister, you think womanhood means passive and meek. But child being a woman can't be done by anyone who is weak. I know what they say about my son and me, but I had to turn that over to the Trinity.
I've given that boy everything I knew to give, I believe he will turn to the Lord when he's ready to live. The things she said made me wonder what I had to give, to make sure my sister's and brothers knew a better way to live. My thoughts then turned to Sister Carrie, the one who just can't find anyone to marry. There have been many suitors one right after the other, but none seem to want her for their children's mother.
As my heart felt for Sister Carrie I asked, "Why still try?" she said, "I depend upon the Lord to hear my cry." She stood boldly, strong and tall; I know my God is there whenever I call. My Sister, you think womanhood means passive and meek. But child being a woman can't be done by anyone who is weak. I know people have made me the talk of the town, but getting married isn't reason to accept a clown. The man that I marry must have Jesus as his source, I'm not allowing some fool to get me off course. the things Sister Carrie said were scriptural and sound, and caused me to check the solidity of my ground.
My look at my sisters lives has made me see, how dependent we are on others to define who we should be. But when you allow Christ to be your center those deceptions and misconceptions can not enter. You can stand boldly, strong and tall; knowing the Lord will hear your cry whenever you call.
Learning To Multiply
The first Sunday my husband and I visited our new church, we were made to feel welcome, but something was missing. The tiny congregation, made up mostly of older people, had no children. We knew God had led us to this church. It was plain to see we were needed. Everyone longed to hear the sound of children's laughter echo through the building. What could I do to help? I already taught school during the week and worked nights at a second job. Still, I felt God's tugging. Could He be leading me to teach the children we hoped would come? Where would I find the physical strength? Most of all, where would the kids come from?
A young mother and her two-year-old daughter Sierra began attending church. Dark, tightly curled ringlets framed the little girl's warm brown eyes and irresistible smile. I fell hopelessly in love with Sierra. Each time I turned around, she had her arms outstretched, waiting for me to pick her up. God, there is only this one child, I prayed. Can we reach more? Please help us multiply into many children. The following spring a vision for a Vacation Bible School struck me. And I knew I was the only one who could direct it. And though it was summer vacation, with my second job I would still have to function on four to five hours of sleep each night if I directed the week-long VBS. I prayed for strength and we launched into the program.
Some said we couldn't do it, but our church's grandmas and grandpas showed up in force to go door knocking, them mustered their energy, skills, and do what was needed. Kids came. We were successful. At the end of the week, we had a church school promotional picnic. Next came the question: who would teach the Primary/Junior class? We didn't even have teaching materials. Feeling nudged, I committed to six months. I dug remnants of teaching materials out of storage and poured my heart into the program. Before long we averaged fifteen to twenty kids each week. Less than a year later, I watched six eager Juniors and one older brother tell of their love for God and be baptized. I was so happy I cried and thanked God.
Now the once-quiet halls of our church ring with children's laughter after worship. And when I feel that familiar tug at my skirt, I gather little Sierra into my arms. I can hardly wait for the day she is old enough to join my class, for I will continue teaching. With God's help, not only the children, but my commitment to love and teach has multiplied.
A young mother and her two-year-old daughter Sierra began attending church. Dark, tightly curled ringlets framed the little girl's warm brown eyes and irresistible smile. I fell hopelessly in love with Sierra. Each time I turned around, she had her arms outstretched, waiting for me to pick her up. God, there is only this one child, I prayed. Can we reach more? Please help us multiply into many children. The following spring a vision for a Vacation Bible School struck me. And I knew I was the only one who could direct it. And though it was summer vacation, with my second job I would still have to function on four to five hours of sleep each night if I directed the week-long VBS. I prayed for strength and we launched into the program.
Some said we couldn't do it, but our church's grandmas and grandpas showed up in force to go door knocking, them mustered their energy, skills, and do what was needed. Kids came. We were successful. At the end of the week, we had a church school promotional picnic. Next came the question: who would teach the Primary/Junior class? We didn't even have teaching materials. Feeling nudged, I committed to six months. I dug remnants of teaching materials out of storage and poured my heart into the program. Before long we averaged fifteen to twenty kids each week. Less than a year later, I watched six eager Juniors and one older brother tell of their love for God and be baptized. I was so happy I cried and thanked God.
Now the once-quiet halls of our church ring with children's laughter after worship. And when I feel that familiar tug at my skirt, I gather little Sierra into my arms. I can hardly wait for the day she is old enough to join my class, for I will continue teaching. With God's help, not only the children, but my commitment to love and teach has multiplied.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Once A Teacher, Always A Teacher
Mom found her many years of teaching elementary school invaluable even after she retired. She saw examples for life in even the smallest incidents. One day our large orange and white cat clawed at the screen door and meowed. Mom went to see what he wanted. There stood Felix (who in no way resembled the cartoon cat) proudly displaying his hunting prowess. Mom gingerly disposed of the dead mouse, patted Felix, and exclaimed, "What a good cat you are!" He trotted at her heels, wearing a satisfied cat-smirk on his babyish face.
The next day Felix summoned her to view a dead mole, the results of his hunting in the vacant lot next to our house. Mom was impressed and said so. The third day Felix went through the same rigmarole. Mom was beginning to tire of his rodent offerings. Which would it be today? Mouse or mole? She took one look and shook with laughter. Mighty hunter Felix had brought her a long and wiggling night crawler! Mom didn't have the heart to erase the self-satisfied smile from his smug face. The cat got his petting and praise.
When she told me about it that night, she held her sides from laughing. "Isn't that just like some people?" she gasped when she could get her breath. "As proud of a tiny achievement as a large one." I thought of times I had visited Mom's classroom. I'd seen shocky-headed urchins walk away from their teacher's desk, heads high, eyes shining. "Yes," I agreed. "But remember, you always praised your students' efforts equally, the same way you praised Felix for his mouse, mole, and night crawler.
The child who showed the slightest improvement received the same warm approval as those making A's. And that's why they all loved you." Mom just smiled. The orange and white cat in her lap shot me a triumphant glance and purred louder than ever.
The next day Felix summoned her to view a dead mole, the results of his hunting in the vacant lot next to our house. Mom was impressed and said so. The third day Felix went through the same rigmarole. Mom was beginning to tire of his rodent offerings. Which would it be today? Mouse or mole? She took one look and shook with laughter. Mighty hunter Felix had brought her a long and wiggling night crawler! Mom didn't have the heart to erase the self-satisfied smile from his smug face. The cat got his petting and praise.
When she told me about it that night, she held her sides from laughing. "Isn't that just like some people?" she gasped when she could get her breath. "As proud of a tiny achievement as a large one." I thought of times I had visited Mom's classroom. I'd seen shocky-headed urchins walk away from their teacher's desk, heads high, eyes shining. "Yes," I agreed. "But remember, you always praised your students' efforts equally, the same way you praised Felix for his mouse, mole, and night crawler.
The child who showed the slightest improvement received the same warm approval as those making A's. And that's why they all loved you." Mom just smiled. The orange and white cat in her lap shot me a triumphant glance and purred louder than ever.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
I LOVE YOU SPECIAL
The first time I met seven-year-old Lacey, she stole my heart. Her long, blond ponytail bounced behind her, reflecting her bubbly personality. Her blue eyes sparkled from behind thick, heavy glasses. And I soon learned that her sparsely toothed grin is a smile that doesn't quit. Lacey has Down's Syndrome. In spite of her difficulty in learning quickly. She is curious and eager to try. She ran so fast during recess I could barely keep up. Everyone marveled at the way she performed flips and turns on the monkey bars. Friends from all classes flocked to her.
Sometimes Lacey was overwhelmed and covered her eyes until I helped her escaped from so much excitement.Before she did, she always hugged the other students, whom she genuinely loved. Unlike the other kids, Lacey never called me Mrs. Donihue or Mrs. D.; she's always called me "Teach." At times she could be stubborn. Arms and Legs crossed on the rug, she would refuse to do her work, but her pout would soon leave and her irresistible smile returned.
After three years with us, Lacey moved on to another school. I could barely contain the tears when we said good-bye. We had developed a special kind of love. Lacey still has a corner of my heart. I keep her picture up and pray for her. Occasionally, she returns to visit our class. And one of my biggest thrills is when I'm in a store or restaurant and hear her unmistakable strong, husky voice call, "Hey, Teach!" The world around us seems to stop. Lacey dashes toward me and I brace myself. Arms and legs fly around my waist and neck in a vise like hug that I joyfully return. Then I hear the words that warm and melt my heart. "I love you, Teach. I love you special."
I am here for a purpose. I came from heaven above with something great to give you: A special kind of love.
Sometimes Lacey was overwhelmed and covered her eyes until I helped her escaped from so much excitement.Before she did, she always hugged the other students, whom she genuinely loved. Unlike the other kids, Lacey never called me Mrs. Donihue or Mrs. D.; she's always called me "Teach." At times she could be stubborn. Arms and Legs crossed on the rug, she would refuse to do her work, but her pout would soon leave and her irresistible smile returned.
After three years with us, Lacey moved on to another school. I could barely contain the tears when we said good-bye. We had developed a special kind of love. Lacey still has a corner of my heart. I keep her picture up and pray for her. Occasionally, she returns to visit our class. And one of my biggest thrills is when I'm in a store or restaurant and hear her unmistakable strong, husky voice call, "Hey, Teach!" The world around us seems to stop. Lacey dashes toward me and I brace myself. Arms and legs fly around my waist and neck in a vise like hug that I joyfully return. Then I hear the words that warm and melt my heart. "I love you, Teach. I love you special."
I am here for a purpose. I came from heaven above with something great to give you: A special kind of love.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Long Distance
I dislike goodbyes, see you later's or farewell. I don't like seeing people that I care about leave me or me saying my goodbyes. I can't imagine how I these semester would have been without my dear friend and adoptive daughter. She has helped me along the way with some much. I have seen her from the bottom to now. She has grown so much and has been able to see the world through different eyes now.
It hurts me so much to see her leave but I know that she is doing it to better herself as well as her pride and joy, Aleigha. I have been blessed to meet such a beautiful Angel like Aleigha, she is a joy just like her mother in every way. I know that we will always stay in touch no matter what, I also know that if she can she will come down and visit us. We have become such great friends as well as becoming family. She is a joy as well as a blessing for both of us.
Everything good always comes to an end however I know that our relationship isn't at it's end. Just a little further then a foot away. Everyone has to understand her life like I did but they don't. They don't know the pain that she has gone through to be who she is now. I know that God has a plan for her as well as for me. My path is foggy but I know that God has my life as well as my hand in His.
I leave with one simple thing and a food for thought. If you could wear your heart on your sleeve you wouldn't be judge because people know your pain, but since we don't we are judged by our actions as well as our colors. MLK died for our color who has to die for our emotions.
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