We Deserve It All

After the divorce a daughter and mother’s relationship was deformed, for whatever reason the relationship this child had with her mother always seemed to be intricate. She had never been able to understand because the relationship she had with her other siblings seemed far from how their relationship was.

She would try so hard to please her only to have her feelings hurt in the long run. As she grew older she would expect her mother to be there for special events in her life such as giving birth to her grandchildren but no matter how many she had, the mother never made it. She anticipated that her mother would visit yet such desire never had come to pass.

Finally, the daughter realized she had to lower her expectations for her mother. Sometimes we have to lower expectations for man but with God we can expect it all.

This daughter was longing for something that only God could give her and only God can give us it all. We all want it all from our parents.

Our parents relationships are a merely images of the relationship that we as children of God have; nonetheless, the relationship we have with our biological parents are limited while the relationship we have with our heavenly Father is limitless. I know it’s immeasurable because in the book of John 14 we find Jesus talking to the disciples.

Jesus was preparing to leave and before He left He wanted to comfort the disciples He told them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled (John 14:1). Another way of saying this is, allow your heart to be held in reserve with full trust in God.

It was going to be a while before the disciples saw Jesus again and He was basically saying, I will see you later and in my place I will leave you a comforter. As Jesus continued He revealed to them that He was preparing a place for them with many rooms. Not only would they see Him later but they would live with Him.

Thomas was hurt and wanted to go with Jesus and Philip wanted to know who the Father that Jesus spoke of is. It was almost as if during the farewell speech they were trying to know how to locate Him in the future when they felt down, when they got hurt, they needed direction or when they needed no one but the Lord. Jesus on the other hand responded saying, "You have been with me all this time and you don’t know."

Further in the text Jesus answered saying, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time... Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it (John 14:9-13).

This text points out several things first it expresses how some us are with the Father daily and don’t even recognize. Second we see the cure in opposition to this dilemma of mind. It suggest that by us believing in Christ or just looking at His creditability of what He has done in our life grants us access to being comforted.

We neglect that when we woke up this morning that God worked a miracle, when we took a breath of air God worked another miracle, when we where able to go to a house at night while it was cold outside, we weren’t laying under a rock shivering, God worked yet another miracle. When we look at our loved ones and they are still there it doesn’t matter if you two are kicking and screaming at each other you are still there alive, God is yet working another miracle.

The proof is there merely because you’re still there breathing and as you as waking up each morning God is working a little on you and working a little on the other person, but we as children of God must believe in Him and not the trouble within our mind.

The next point He makes is when you believe in Christ you do the works, He has everything in place for you. In other words, you will continue the legacy of Jesus Christ but they will be even greater things. Finally, Jesus states because we recognize Him, believe in Him and continue His legacy, yielding our self, the Lord will give us “whatever you ask in my name and anything you ask for in my name I will do.”

When we ask in Jesus name we are pleading. It is by His merit and intercession that we receive such gift. This is interesting because in order to get the I want it all , which is appropriate for our condition we have to give Christ all of us. We have to deplete all the negative cruel ways of thinking, we have to be sold out to Jesus and serve Him and our reward is whatever we desire, which actually lines up with what He desires because we would have stopped thinking opposite of how the Lord thinks. We would be doing what Jesus would do, not what my flesh wants me to do, for we have the victory.

The young lady mentioned previously, might not have the relationship she desires with her mother today or even tomorrow but she has what she needs in Jesus every day. He keeps supplementing the support and relationship that her mother lacks and even what the daughter lacks but one day because this daughter believes and continues to live out the legacy of Christ Jesus she will get it all because she deserves it all and we deserve it all. We deserve to be happy, have joy, be healed, be loved, we deserve it all!

Consider our Father is the Father of all Father’s, He is Alpha and Omega and because God created this world, created all of us we have access to it all and deserve it all, in 2011 let us not fall short because we lack to believe, we lack to do the works of the Lord but let us get it all, for we deserve it all! Let not your hearts be troubled ( John 14:1).

Talk, Walk & Act

I recall seeing a family member and they asked me if I was a Pastor. I had never been asked such thing. This person went on to remind me of all the things I did in the past that was negative. I know the Spirit was controlling me because I did not say a word.

After leaving the person I thought, "I wonder why my relative can only remember the bad." As I thought more and more I was reminded of the good I did which has lead me to the person I am today. I thought of how God has been using me and continues to use me inspite of how I allowed the enemy to use me.

My mind travels to the book of Romans where it states, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:22-24

We note in the first verse it is explaining how righteousness from God comes from believing in Jesus. In other words, in order for you and me to talk, walk, and act within the condition that is acceptable to God we have to completely trust in Christ.

As we continue the next verse says why- because all of us, not just you, not just me, all of us have missed the mark, at some point and time. We have all refrained from talking, walking and acting as we ought to in the sight of the Lord, which is acceptable to God.

The final verse says we are justified freely by his grace through Christ. Because of the releasing of payment that Christ paid for us, we are seen as God wants, we are able to talk, walk and act in accordance to what is acceptable to God because we have faith in Christ.

When I was a child, I thought as a child. I did what I wanted, when I wanted but as I grew in the Lord and continue to grow in the Lord; He is being glorified.

We as children of God must be reminded that even though we let the enemy use us from time to time, there has been some high light moments for the Lord. There have been some times of ex halting the Lord. We cannot get engulfed with our mistakes and disappointments for perhaps it was not God's appointed time. We can't keep driving in reverse trying to go ahead in shame. We have to look to the heavens above and know that God looks at us through His son, our savior and that is why we are able to do things, impossible things.

I want to encourage you today to write your spiritual resume. Reflect on not allowing disappointment to bring you to a halt. Consider not looking back at what you did in the past of shame and hold fast to your hall of fame in honor of the Lord. I want to encourage you to embrace the God in you and live life to its fullest. Man might not be able to accept you as a new creation but God does. Remember what Christ did for you and me so we have the victory!

No Doesn't Mean Stop, Does It

The other day my four year old got in trouble. He decided that everything in the house was a ball and it was his goal to throw it on the wall. I have spoken to him as well as his brothers about throwing in the house but somehow that is an ongoing chant in my house with three boys. After my son was disciplined from throwing, he went on as if nothing ever happened. It was then that I realized his actions were ministering to me.

I quickly thought of the book of James, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," James 1:19.

This text is so simple to me. It is very direct and straight to the point. It tells us to respond by paying attention and listening. It tells us to not be fast to get our two cents in, don't be so quick to say all that is on our chest because we want the first and final word. Finally, don't lose control and become angry.

How is it that a child can be disciplined and go on with life as if it is a box of chocolates. Nevertheless, when some adults are told no or when adults are dealing with the consequences of their actions he/she reverts back to being a toddler. The adult has a two year old tantrum. The interesting thing is this tantrum can last for years. Life becomes postpone in their mind because of being told no or because we don't like to deal with the consequences.

Every ‘no’ is not meant for you to stop. Let me repeat that, every no is not meant for you to stop. Sometimes no means not right now, try again, give me your best. Sometimes no is there to simply test your character and see if you will focus on what God has to say about the situation and not just what you have to say.

I encourage you to take time to listen to what the Lord is saying. Look to God about the bumps and curves you might be traveling today and know that even in the midst of all the chaos God is still speaking to you as His powerful, priceless and precious child of God. Remember God does not put you through anything that you cannot handle. Be sure to check out our video for our upcoming event. We welcome you to come and be blessed with a friend. If you cannot make it send a donation as HBHeart continues to reach out to the homeless and any amount will help this endeavor to be a success. You may pledge a donation on our site www.hbheart.org.Blessings!

The Blessings of Women of Excellence Conference

The Lord has shown us His grace once more and we are most honored. We had a wonderful time at our second series of the Women of Excellence Conference, August 14-15. The ladies joined us from the shelter with their children and everyone was empowered in the Lord. One lady gave her life over to Christ and we are still filled with joy! We want to thank God for blessing us with the support of Clique Connections, Dr. Michael Woods of Ministry With Excellence, Bishop Fowler of Big Miller Grove Church, Pastor Mike Lewis and the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Family of Atlanta, Minister Heddi J of Poetic Ministree, Zaxby's and Chick Fila of Lithonia, Hyatt Place, DOC Development of Conyers, Jerry Jackson, Shantell Mallard, Kenneth Morgan, Margaret of Hannah Loves Angels and Aaron Riley. We are especially grateful to all of our volunteers and your special prayers. We are looking forward to our third series to take place October 1-2. We ask that you continue to pray about the success of this event and the many blessings going forth to bless each participant!

Visionary Writer's

God has certainly moved us with the Visionary Writer's Camp this summer. Thank all the parents for allowing your children to be apart of this camp. We were blessed to have 17 students. We thank our sponsors and music instructor Shirley Partee and wonderful volunteers, Ashley Shy, Brenda Willins and Karmen Simmons. Additionally, we thank Borage Grill for our magnificent cooking camp. All the students did a fabulous job on their stories and songs! They worked hard preparing to go back to school.

Leading by Fear or Faith

Making decisions can at times be terrorizing. I recall when I had to decide to tell my parents I was having a child. I had one more year to complete college and I could imagine my father’s response before I even told him. I contemplated if my mother would be disappointed and think my life was over. My thoughts were consumed with negative thoughts and nothing positive. It was as if I made up in my mind to only highlight depressing things, instead of encouraging.

Recently, since I have been in the capacity of being a leader of Healing of a Broken Heart Ministry decisions have been a natural part of the job description. Decisions have to be made daily and some require less than 24 hour responses.

As a wife and mother, decisions must be made minute by minute and responses have to be declared as quickly, as a second, depending on the situation.

We are all leaders in some capacity which require for us to make the ultimate decision. Considering decisions, captures my mind to two leaders in the Bible that many are familiar with, Saul and David. When Saul was called to be king he was in hiding (1 Samuel 10:22-23); on the other hand, when David was called to be anointed as king he came with ease (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

Throughout the recordings of Saul he displayed not wanting to take responsibility because of lack of wanting to be held accountable. David’s recordings display him as courageous. Even as a child before he entered being a king he was practicing being courageous fighting bears and lions to secure sheep.

Some call Saul a coward because he sent a child to do the work of a man. Some call David crazy because he would do things without thinking it completely through. My perception is the difference between the two is Saul lead by fear and David lead by faith. Saul would use his own logic, while David typically used his faith in God. Saul and David made mistakes but Saul practice running from making decisions while David practiced activating his faith in God to make decisions.

We all have something we are responsible to make decisions towards and deal with the consequences. The consequences are either positive or negative, yet with each decision that is made a lesson is learned and we are to grow in our faith in God, as we seek Him to help us discern the best decision to make.

How are you leading today? Are you leading by fear? Do you have all these things in your head you know you are supposed to do but because of fear and looking at what you have or don’t have you remain stuck in life? Are you leading by faith? Do you have the courage to take a chance and step out on faith to do what you feel in your heart? Do you hear what God is saying and you move even if does not make sense logically?

Consider leading by faith. Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, acknowledge God in all thy ways and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Seeing Beyond

Often I tell my husband, “God is telling me to do something I cannot do or does not make any sense.” Recently, I spoke it but meditated on, “Why me?” Last year, God spoke to me about the many events He desired for Healing of a Broken Heart Ministry to hold, “How exciting,” I thought. I did not understand why and how I would participate. However, God knew and has always known. As this year has progressed, all I can wonder is, “what if I said no, when He said go.”

Logically, nothing that this ministry has done makes sense to the eyes of humans; simply because it appears as if, we never have what we need initially. I was always encouraged to make sure you have everything you need before you consider a date for an event. Yet God always pushes me out when I barely had anyone or the things needed to accomplish the set goal, He has had in place all along.

I recall the story of Samuel being sent off to look for the king for the Israelites. Samuel saw Eliab and thought he is the king but God said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have refused him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart,” 1 Samuel 16:7.

This text teaches us several lessons. It warns us as believer’s two things we should not focus on and reveals characteristics of our heavenly Father area of expertise.

It warns us to not look at the appearance. We are not supposed to have our eyes fixed on the exterior or outer shell of the situation.

Then it warns not to look at his stature. We can not get tangled with the size of the situation, the physique or how tall the issue is. Following, the text tells us why- because I have refused him. God has rejected and despised what He has warned us not to look at.

Next, is says because God can see what man cannot see. God can see beyond our narrow vision of today, yesterday and tomorrow. The Lord can see the whole situation, from the beginning to the end and we need Him to get to where we cannot see.

Has God called on you to do something? Are you looking at your Goliath? God has cast off that thing, why should we look to the very thing He has cast off? If God detest that issue, what is the point of us giving our attention to it? Are you stuck on your abilities and not what you can do through Christ? Have you been looking at the past? When God told Lot to leave He said, “Don’t look back.” His wife looked back for the last time.

Maybe you feel inadequate to do what He is calling you. Perhaps you feel unworthy or possibly your logic says, “None of this makes any sense.” God does not look at who we are but He looks at the potential of who we are to become. He can see our heart, the very thing we at times cannot see.

Consider trusting God with all your heart. Pray to God to help you not make decisions based solely on your own logic or first impression. Ask the Lord to forgive you when you knew Hs answer but chose differently. Call out to our heavenly Father to help you as you wait on His answer, so you can move when He says Go. For the Lord sees beyond what we see and looks out for our best interest.

Visionary Writer's Presentations

Visionary Writer's has been blessed to have 12 outstanding students. We had a wonderful time with all the students and enjoyed their presentations of all their work. The students had very creative story's, moving songs and made terrific food. We are grateful to the parents that allowed the students to participate and our sponsors, Rockdale Democratic Party, Dr. Brenda Scruggs and Mr. Graham Hugh. We thank Grace Baptist Church and Grace Cafe for allowing us to have the students at their facilities as well as Connie A Photography and Visionary Star International Records of Conyers. The children had a great time recording the song. You all all can check out a glimpse of the song at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leI8HCJg6pA. Email us today to register for our July Writing Session or to order a copy of the CD for $7 plus shipping. We welcome teens for our teen writing workshops!

Don’t Let Your Gift Go

When I was younger my father would take us to the Farmers Market. On the way to the market, he would talk to us about our gifts. I remember one trip he told me to be the best that I could be. He had a vision of my potential in writing and I could not see such vision, after all, everyone went to school to learn to write.

We would arrive at the market and get loads of fruit. As we traveled back home the car had the sweetest aroma of peaches, mangoes, plums, grapes and strawberries.
My dad would direct us all to help take out the fruit and bring it in the house. We would be excited knowing soon we could enjoy this delicious fruit, but mistakenly we left one peach behind.

The smell of these items carried a scent like no other but after a few days we saw annoying gnats. This peach that was left behind sealed in the car without any circulation began to soften. As the days went by a development of mold formed.

After several days, when you have forgotten about the fruit but notice irritating gnats you ponder, “What is attracting these gnats?” Nevertheless, you have a molded piece of fruit that is developing all sorts of gnats and bacteria issues so your focus is magnified with removing the gnats and you can’t seem to grasp the root of your problem was caused by neglecting to make sure you collected all the fruit.

Fruit reminds me of the gifts our heavenly Father gives us. The Lord grants children with parents to help mold them into the gift that they are. Some parents have forgotten about the fruit that lies within their child and are focused on the annoying tendencies that that child has. From time to time a child can forget their gifts and it takes our Father to remind us.

My mind is captured by the book of Ephesians, it states " Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord,” (6:4).

This text gives four forms of guidance for the father. One, it tells the father to turn away from making their child mad and drive them away. This text says control your anger as the Father because the Lord does not want the child to be banned from home. After all God does not ban us from heaven but welcomes us by the covering of Christ blood.

The second form of guidance pointed out is it advises the father to bring them up, nourish the child to maturity. When a child makes a mistake he/she needs to know they are forgiven and still loved. When the child does something great remind them that you are proud of their accomplishments.

The third point made is in training-this originally means the whole training and education of children. It is saying lay the foundation for your child and help with developing your child’s mind so that the child is equipped to maturely grow into the gift that the Lord has placed upon the child. Help the child to be disciplined which will take correction of the child’s mistakes.

Finally, the last point of guidance given is it says to instruct “give the child the instruction of the Lord.” When giving the child the instruction of the Lord the father will then warn the child and discipline the child from their mistakes.

Maybe you have a gift that has been left behind like a peach rolling in the car. Perhaps you have children and wondered what their gift is. Children are gifts to each parent and the world. They are gifts stored with many gifts to blossom. Sometimes in life we neglect our gifts and they begin to soften being sealed without circulation, our gifts begin to mold with gnats flying around, the once sweet aroma begins to spoil and that gift just gets rotten from being deprived.

A child might not notice the vision but still they are excited to apply their unknown gift. It never clicked as a child that my gift was writing but one way or another my parents knew. Somehow along the way when life hits us, our path can often change gears. We can ride around with our gift like a left over peach in a heated car.

Consider, not letting your gift grow mold. Ask God to help you not neglect your gift to help develop other’s gift to their full potential. Call upon the Father to help you not lose all control with your child because he/she did not bring the proper grades home or even if they brought a child home. Pray to God to give you the discernment to notice how you can help encourage others and not drive them a part but towards their gift. For, “Where there is no vision, the people will perish, Proverbs 29:18.

Peace in Change

Change has been a condition that has occurred consistently, for the past two weeks in my life. Every day the twist and turns of a roller coaster has been so present that the only alternative I have had has been to call out to the Lord.

My husband told me, it is now a time in many lives that change is occurring but we have to push through the change. I thought, “What a timely statement," for we must be reminded to keep going forward.

As my mind contemplates pressing forward, I seek peace to endure the entwining curves. In the book of Isaiah it says, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you," Isaiah 26:3.

This text tells us if our mind is committed to the Lord we will be granted with peace. We will have peace on the inside, on the outside, peace with God, peace of our very conscience at all times, and we will have peace in every event, if we rely on the Father for that peace.

When life seems like a roller coaster, those who trust in God shall not only find in him, but shall obtain from him, strength that will carry them through to that sacredness.

Life might be pulling you one way today and another next but God is the same forever. He is looking for those who will trust Him through it all. He is looking for those who will be committed to look to Him.

Are you committed? Who are you looking at today in the midst of trails? What has your attention in life’s unwinding changes?

Consider not fretting over what is visible to the eye. Allow God to help you grow in Him. Pray to God to help you trust Him like never before. For the “LORD, You will establish peace for us, Since You have also performed for us all our works,” Isaiah 26:12.

Healing of a Broken Heart "Visionary Writer's"

The Lord has blessed H. B. Heart with a wonderful opportunity to work with children this past week to prepare students from the ages of 5 to 14 to write a song and a book. In addition, they have learned how to cook a meal! It has been most rewarding for us all. We want to invite you all to come out and support these young author's of 'Visionary Writer's Camp' Saturday, 10AM at Grace Baptist Church, Crowell Road, Porterdale, GA 30014.

Time for a New Phase

Many people are graduating during this time. It is a time for a new phase for many. For some this is a moment they have been mapping in their head for years yet after the graduation what is there.

I remember being in middle school and I had every intention to leave home. I worked hard to make sure that nothing would get in the way from me graduating and going off to college.

Interestingly, I spent six years contemplating to go to college but beyond college was not something I considered, as a teenage girl. I was not living under the awareness of the shortness and uncertainty of life. As the time drew closer for me to conclude college I thought I would continue the path that I had already began in writing in journalism. Nevertheless, life hit me and I went through a spell. I was held up in traffic for seven years trying to figure out what do I do next.

As I reminisce, my mind is captured by the expression that Moses said, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom,” Psalms 90:12.

This text points out the urgency for us to understand the discipline of prioritizing the days of our life. The statement "number our days" communicates putting in order, arranging the use of time.

Our days are numbered and we should take time in prioritizing those days to make sure we are marching towards our destiny and not away from our purpose.

The next point that is made is it says “that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom,” This phrase means to bring our souls, our inner being near wisdom of religious affairs, skill, war or ethical matters.

Each day we must arrange order within our days to good purpose, the divine appointed purpose for us and have our hearts engaged to the wisdom of our heavenly Father.If our days are prioritized then we can reflect on our works and compare them with our days. Maybe you have a child that is graduating. Perhaps you are the person graduating or moving to another phase in your life and you are mulling over, “What should I do now?”

Have you taken time to write the vision? Do you have a business plan laid out so that as you move about your days, you can evaluate your time, accomplishments and mistakes?

Consider not wasting four years, six years only anticipating getting a degree or completing a training course. However, think beyond the degree or certificate and insert time to apply seeking the wisdom of God to order each and every day of your life to complete the very purpose you are created for. Pray to God to help you not live for the moment but an eternal life. Ask God to help you live by faith and get wisdom and understanding. “Do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light,” Romans 13:11-12.

Women of Excellence Kick Off

We had a wonderful time being empowered about our worth as a woman of God! The ladies from the shelter joined us and were pampered, Praise God!! Special Shout Out to Fleur Elysee Salon and all the stylist who stepped up making this year a success. The ladies were all delighted and thankful. We thank Bizette Anthony for all of her continued support and allowing H.B. Heart to come in to continue the mission to empower women and help encourage the ladies from the shelter!

See The Best In You

After my two oldest children prepared themselves for school my son asked, “Can we watch TV?” My reply was the same today as any other school morning, “No, you can fold some clothes.” As my son gathered some items, he looks up to me and asked, “How many do I have to get and what about…” I stopped him right there, saying,” You get some clothes and your sister will get some clothes also.”

His sister then comes in from out of the kitchen to say, “Can I have some more juice like…." I stopped her and replied, “Ask for more juice because you want it not because your brother had more. Tell me what you want based on you, not your brother.” She turns her big eyes up and bashfully says,” May I have more juice?”

Then all of a sudden, I was captured by a scripture I was going over yesterday, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load,” Galatians 6:4-5.

The Apostle Paul was basically saying everyone has an accountability to prove their work. When we are aware of our own heart and ways, then we will not spend time being jealous of another yet rejoice because we know who we are in Christ. We rejoice appreciating the gift God created in the other, without spending time despising others and we are most apt to help them when they are struggling.

As we face each day we should be most concern about our self and the work we are doing. Eah of us are all a work in progress. At the same time we are children of the most high. Let us hesitate to compare our self to another because when we take an interest in our self then we can see the ‘Best’ in us that the Lord see’s.

Consider not searching the web for what someone else is doing, how somebody else made it and search your heart with the scripture. God has a plan just for you. Today I encourage you to embrace who God created in you. Allow the Lord to show you how valuable you are in His sight and rejoice, forever more!

Standing in Gloomy Skies

The other day I looked at the clouds and on one side of my house was bright skies, on the other side the sky was gloomy. Then all of the sudden the side that was gloomy began to stretch out over the sunny side and as the gray clouds covered the sunny area there was a beaming ray of sunlight, slightly beaming through the gray clouds.

Later,I saw a squirrel in the road. I began to slow down and the squirrel was confused as ever. He ran right then left, then right a second time and decided to go back the way he came. It was at that moment the visual of the clouds and squirrel captured my mind to the book of James.

James said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind,” James 1:-6.

This text is pointing out that when we go to God about an area in our life that we lack knowing and we ask Him for His divine wisdom the Lord is going to give His wisdom to all liberally. This word liberally means-simply, openly, frankly, sincerely. God is going to tell you how to do the thing you have been hesitant of doing by making it plain and simple. It continuous saying, the Lord is not going to criticize you;nothing you ask will be a stupid question.

The next verse gives two points, it says but let him ask in faith, with no doubt. This means we have to believe what we are asking God for and have no uncertainty.

The prior descriptions let me see how we are from time to time bright and sunny skies when it is all going well but the moment the eviction notice comes in we get gloomy skies. We run from side to side just like the squirrel and often times we go back the way we came instead of leaping out on faith.

Maybe God has been speaking something in your heart for years yet because you lack wisdom you hesitate. Perhaps, you feel in your heart you do what God says but all you can see is the Goliath and not the David in you.

Have you been sitting on a dream for years? Did God bless you with a gift that has been stored away far too long? Where does your faith stand today? Is your faith tossing in the wind or standing tall?

Consider God’s word never returns void. Allow the Lord to prepare you for the blessing, let Him help your unbelief. Pray to God to pour His wisdom continuously. Shout to the Lord to make it plain so you can get it and press forward. Don’t grow faint my friends, stand strong and believe Him for the impossible. Call upon the Lord and say, “Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus,” Acts 4:30.

H.B.Heart Ministry Giving to Others on Mother's Day

Thank you all for your support and prayers. The ladies at the shelter were blessed and pampered from head to toe.

Kicking and Screaming in Change

For Mother’s Day I reported to my family, “I want a new Bible!” I grew very comfortable with my old one but the pages were now falling out. While on a road trip, my baby decided to rip out the first few pages and it was then that I knew I really had to let go of my favorite Bible.

As the day began, I forgot about my declaration but my family did not. Lying on the table was a card, a dozen of roses and a green embroidered covered Bible with silver pages. I was excited and eager to get to church.

When it was time to follow along with the reading of the scripture, I noticed this new Bible was a bit different. The words were a different version than what I was used to reading. I frantically thought, “were are the devotionals, this Bible doesn’t have encouraging devotionals?” Then I said, “Oh well, I will have to get used to this one.” Later my husband asked me, if I liked the Bible and I curiously said, “yes, it is a different version than I am used to.” He insisted I took it back and I said no the change is good, I will keep it. At that moment God ministered to my heart.

My mind thought of the book of Luke and Jesus was talking to a group of people.He told them I came to bring division not peace. He told them from now on there will be division in the house of five, father against son, mother against daughter. He continued to say to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, 'A shower is coming.' And so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, 'There will be scorching heat,' and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?" Luke12:52-59

In the text Jesus was telling the crowd you can predict the weather but you hypocrites you cannot discern what you are prophetically going through.

‘Ooch that hurt’, when we get to a point in life and we have to choose something new it never means there will not be heartache, anguish or sorrow about letting go of the old. There are countless stories in the Bible of faithful people of strife and division, stories of disruption caused by the choice to letting go of something that is most familiar, what is comfortable or accustomed to in exchange for a new and more faithful way that God has for us. Grief escorts a change of a rainbow. Our heavenly Father expects more of us, He has given us so much proof yet we stand in negligence.

Have you been told to let go of something old? Has God pressed upon you to stop doing some negative things and you feel like you are wrestling?Are you kicking and screaming? Do you have things falling apart as you try to hold fast of the old?

Maybe you have to make a change today but you are still looking at how it was ‘Back in the Day.’ Perhaps something has been kicking your behind as you go against the grain because you won’t let go of the old to choose the new.

Choosing the new way can cause pain, it can cause some discomfort. When Abraham followed Jesus it caused some chaos. He had to take his family somewhere and he did not know where. When Peter followed Jesus it caused pain and division for he left his family. He left his job of being a fisherman that supported his family that he abandoned. Today you might feel like the tables are turning upon all that is familiar but our God sent us a Savior who is a healer. He sent a healer that healed the uncertainty in Abraham’s family and the brokenness in Peter’s family making their names great.

Perhaps the flames you feel are meant so our God will heal all the brokenness of division, of discomfort of the usual and old ways turning to new. Consider allowing the Father to do His job as you follow His path. Pray to God to help you be more discerning of the changes that He is allowing to take place. Pray to endure the change with grace. Call upon the Lord and thank Him for bringing you through the change of the old into the new. God has set us apart placing His hand on us for a specific purpose. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end," Jeremiah 29:11.

Not Becomes Possible

The other day I found myself looking at what I have not done and wondering when I will have time to do those things. I thought, “God why did you ask me to do all of this? You know I can’t do all of this, it is impossible. I have many responsibilities at this house, my husband needs me to do this, my children need me to do that and my church needs me to do this. I don’t have, I can’t get, but what about..." I heard Him all so clearly say,"Who Am I?"

I felt like a little kid in trouble with my head hanging low. I turned in everything that night and said I will try again another day, "Lord forgive me. I will do what you ask of me." When I woke up a great friend emailed me and his message read

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God," Mark 10:27.

In this text Jesus looks at the disciples considering their statement to assure them that if you are relying on a human being rather male or female, animals or plants or if you are relying on another source it is without strength, powerless, weakly and disabled.

However, if you look to the Father, God, Alpha and Omega, all things -each individual thing, each and every whole thing. He says, if you rely on God every collectively thing is able. It is possible to move forward and have all power, wealth and might with God.

This shook me up because God reminded me as He is reminding all His children today, with God it is possible.

What are you hoping for today? Who are you looking to to get that thing done? Are your desires aligning with God? Maybe you are trying to do something quick that’s not legit. Perhaps you are just considering how to get for yourself or get money for the moment.

Consider seeking God about how to help the kingdom of heaven. Pray to God to help you set your eyes on what He desires for what He has willed for you is where the power is. Remember, "all things are possible through Christ," Phil 4:13.

Just Come

In my family Sunday is like a big event. My children pop up with great expectations to go to Sunday school. You would think they are going to a theme park. However, this past Sunday was different. We did get to Sunday school and all were jumping like jelly beans and as church concluded I gathered our belongings and I picked up a form that my daughter filled out. I glanced over it and noticed she checked the boxes that read- I am interested in being baptized. I would like information on How to become a Christian and I would like to speak to a minister.


I melted because I knew that moment that my 9 year old daughter had made a decision on her own to accept Christ as her Savior. As I traveled home I was filled with such joy.

My mind was captured by the book of Mark. “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them,” Mark 10:13-16 (NIV).

It is interesting that this text says the disciples first thought to reprimand the little children and their actions annoyed Jesus. The Lord followed by saying don’t stop them from coming to me; don’t put brakes on them because you don’t understand. Jesus was saying to them that the age of a person has nothing to do with the kingdom of heaven.

Many times adults react in an outraged manner simply because we don’t understand our children. We will tell them no without an explanation or even asking them why are you doing that. Perhaps you are wondering where this is leading and why a parent would need to get all that back ground information from a child.

Ask yourself this question- Do I expect a lot of background information from God? Are there times I want to be explained certain things? Am I not a child of God? No matter our age there are still times we long for answers to our question. The Lord is not saying make an appointment, He is simply saying ‘come.’ As we go He compassionately unfolds answers.

Maybe you have been prolonging coming to Christ because you think you are not ready. Perhaps you put going to the Lord on your ‘things to do list.’

Do you have a relationship with the Father? How do you respond when there is an issue in your life? Are you magnifying your problem or exalting the Most High? Do you have faith as a child?

Consider giving your life over to the Lord. Allow the Father to use you as a vessel. Commit today to serve Him as He wills. I pray that you will send your emails of prayer request, call to surrender all before the Lord today. If you just need someone to pray with send me a message, I will pray with you. Call upon the Lord to take you by the hand and lead you. The Lord is your refuge; pray to God to keep you from harm as you make a life changing decision to just serve Him. Maybe you have given your life and got off course re-commit and follow the ways of the Lord. Acknowledge Him right now, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23. Ask for forgiveness of your mistakes, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon,” Isaiah 55:7. Believe Christ as your SAVIOUR, “But as many as received him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name,” John 1:12. Proclaim that Christ is Lord, “what shall a man give in exchange for his soul,” Mark 8:37? May God bless you and be in your heart always.

Our Genuineness Shows His Love II

After reading the devotional "Our Genuineness Shows His Love" you probably realize that we at Healing of a Broken Heart Ministry are passionate about ministering to those that are in need and sharing the love of Christ with them.

The HBHeart Ministry is not large according to size. However, we have a big heart and a desire to help the homeless to see broken hearts made whole. We are a ministry that helps homeless families. We direct them to Christ and compose workshops to encourage them as they transition from being homeless. These programs cannot survive without the help of Gods people unifying to send out the missionaries, to set the programs together.

A recent study shows there are 2 billion people who proclaim to be Christians. I wonder, “Why are Gods people in such need?” If only the 2 billion believers gave $1 a month to church, a ministry, or organization that sets programs to reach out to the poor imagine the issues that could be addressed and resolved.

Do you know about the 319 homes/mobile homes damaged in Yazoo, MS Saturday, leaving many homeless? Have you heard about the minister who died in the tornado or the children who no longer have a mother? Did you know 10 people died in the tornado?

More than an estimated 750,000 homeless people are on the streets any night in the United States and there are only 250,000 shelter spaces available. This situation leaves over 500,000 people with nowhere else to be placed. God is calling this ministry to help so many and we need your assistance.

Today, I want to ask you to partner with me to reach someone who is homeless, who is motherless or who is poor. When you are without you feel like an outcast. You wonder, “Does anyone love me?” It is our responsibility to show the love of Christ to others. What great time to display our genuineness of love by giving.

I pray that you follow your heart today. I ask that you consider partnering with H.B. Heart giving monthly or bi-monthly so that we together can be a light in the world showing the love of Christ compassionately to those in need. Don’t consider what you feel you can’t do. Consider I am rich; I have a place to stay. I am rich, I have food to eat. I am rich; I have a place of employment. I am rich; I even have the comfort to read this publication on my internet.

We welcome you as partners today, you can mail your donation at H.B.Heart P. O. Box 185, Porterdale, GA 30070 or pledge a donation at www.hbheart.org. We thank you in advance may God continue to bless you.

Our Genuineness Shows His Love

As I sat before the window last night, I was in pain as I prayed for the three children in Mississippi who are blessed to have survived the tornado. I thought of the heroic mother that risked her life to save her children's life who is now homeless.

Many are mourning today from the tragic event that took place on Saturday, including myself. I did not know them but that doesn't stop me from desiring to help them in some aspect.

I read a comment posted on a blog and it said “Will you be giving as generously to the victims of the Mississippi tornadoes as you did to those in Haiti?” some replies were as follows:
“I bet nothing fell out of your pockets”
“No, America is a wealthy country and therefore your own government should help its own.”
“There were tornadoes in Mississippi????”
“Good point...I'll bet that NO Americans will donate and certainly NO foreign countries will donate...by the way, neither will I--in this day and age NOBODY looks out for me therefore I ONLY look out for myself and my family.”

This struck me and reminded me of Paul speaking to the Macedonian church about giving to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. He said to them “I am not saying this as a command but rather by means of diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love,”2 Corinthians 8:8.

He continues in verse 12 saying “If the eagerness is there it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much and he who gathered little did not have too little," 2 Corinthians 8:12-15.

Paul talked to the Macedonians about helping others in their time of need. He talks about having an eagerness to give, getting our attitudes to match our actions. Paul points out that we do not have to have a lot of money to be acceptable givers. Our eagerness is all that is needed; to give from what we do have.

As you reflect on the Scripture above, consider doing a regular “attitude check” in regard to your giving and your service. Do you feel the same as the bloggers quoted above? Or, have you felt God tugging at your heart but you are not quite sure of what to do?

In John 13:35, Jesus said:
“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. “

Let us show the love of Christ by committing to give back to God the resources He has blessed us with. Paul said you don’t have to give a lot, just match your eagerness with what you give and our heavenly Father will do the multiplying. I know that all we give will be used in bigger ways, according to the Lord, than it could be if we only use it on our own.

Get Godly Counsel

A man shared with me that he might lose his job. He starts thinking about his financial obligations, his family and things were not looking so hot. During this time a woman divorced her husband, lost her house, had no place of employment, she had many financial obligations and a family to tend to; things looked upside down. Both of these people were concern with their financial situation wondering what to do next.

In the book of second Kings there was a woman concern about the creditor coming. A widow woman was in distress because her husband died and she knew that the creditor would come to take her two sons to be their slaves. She just lost her husband so the thought of losing her two boys because of not having money stressed her so much but led her to the wise counsel of Elisha.

"So Elisha said to her," What shall I do for you? Tell me what do you have in the house? And she said your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil. Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side,"" II Kings 4:2-4.

In this text, the woman is given instructions of how to multiply the little she has. She says I don't have anything, but I do have one jar of oil. Elisha then tells her how to multiple the little. In order to multiple the little she had to have faith to activate the little to be multiplied. She had to believe that her efforts would be sufficient to cover her debt. It also points out for her to get a lot of vessels. This implies that though she came seeking about handling the matter of the debt, Elisha was instructing her so that she would be free from this concern in the future.

Later in the text we read that the woman followed his instructions and when the vessels stopped the oils stopped flowing. "She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left,"" II Kings 4:7.

I find it interesting that after she accomplished the first task she returned to him to ask, "What do I do next?" How often do we return to God to say “I did the first thing, now what next? Do we go to him after we have initiated a plan and failed? He told her first, go sell the oil pay off your debt and then go live off the rest. This widow went from poverty to prosperity.

What is your concern for this moment? Who have you sought out about your matter? Maybe you did the first thing God instructed you to do and rushed without consulting Him afterwards? Perhaps you have been embarrassed hiding from the Lord?
This woman was experiencing a crisis like so many today with finances. However, she sought the man of God to multiply so she could pay her debt. Who are you seeking to pay your debts? Are you writing out what you owe? Have you looked at the budget sheet?

Don't disregard your finances because you say “I don't have any.” Consider seeking out the one thing you do have. Allow God to show you how to multiply it so you can pay off your debts and live happy. Pray to God to get your mind right with your money. Call upon the Lord to center your heart with Him so you all can do wonders together. Partner with the Lord today and seek His directions and plea to sincerely follow His steps. For we should “not trust in oppression And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them,” Psalm 62:10.

Are You Saving?

When I was 15 years old I had my first job. My aunt and I loved to go shopping but one time while we were out on our venture to shop she said to me, “Don't spend all you have to get all you want from one pay check." I did not question her, I decided that each pay check I would put up $10 for a rainy day.

As I developed into a young woman that same principle stuck in my head. While, I was in college I experienced my first time without employment. What a change for me but not a drastic change because I had savings.

Saving money is a crucial principal for managing money. “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has,” Proverbs 21:20.

This text points out that an intelligent household has options but the thoughtless person has no choice because he/she has demolished all the he/she has. This person has irrationally gulped down or disposed everything and options are far from them.

If we are wise we will not spend all our money. Saving for the unknown emergencies as well as potential likely needs is the sensible choice.

My husband and I decided to save to by a van prior to having our fourth child. We have an older version van that is paid for and one day a lady was getting my child out of the van and she said, “I was thinking of the new vans with the doors on each side. Oh, I am so sorry.” I happily said to her, “I am not sorry at all, don’t worry this one is paid for,” and we laughed. I was seriously happy that we have a paid for car and we do not have to make monthly bills to pay it off.

Saving money is not harmful; it does not stop you from living but allows you to live with a sense of security. Not having funds saved for the emergencies allows you to live haunted by not knowing how to make it day by day. As previously mention when I was cut from the my job it did not hit me so hard because I had a savings account with enough for three months of my rent covered.

How are your finances today? Have you been making short term decisions with your finances? Buying the car of your dreams and thoughtlessly don’t consider the possibility of a rainy day. Are you able to get repairs taken care of in your home? Do you have insurance to tend to broken appliances or automobiles? Perhaps today you have income flowing like a river. Maybe you have had a halt in your finances and you feel like you are wandering in the wilderness.

Consider the caution that is established in Proverbs. Pray to God to forgive you for past financial mistakes and seek His wisdom about money. Ask God to discipline you to put aside a portion of your money as He may prosper, so no collections are made when He returns( 1 Corinthians 16:2). Seek the Lord to help you manage what He has given you so you can do what He has for you to do without financial restraints. Pray to God to help you trust Him to trust yourself to manage your money. Four things are small on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: The ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer;” Proverbs 30:24-25.

Get Serious

My 7 year old son gets excited when he gets money. Before it is placed in his hands, this little guy has a plan for how he is going to spend it. My 9 year old daughter, on the other hand, has a plan to budget to save, spend and make more money. I am always amazed at the outcome because even when she spends she is looking for a deal while my son is looking for exactly what he wants, disregarding the price.

As a result she always has money and he is always trying to do more things around the house to make money but not to make or save money yet to spend it. My husband refers to this as “Saving to Spend.”

While seeking wisdom about finances I am reminded of the text, “Prepare your work outside and make it fit for thyself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house,” Proverbs 24:27.

In this text it cautions the leaders of the house to do three things to manage the household affairs. First it tells us to “prepare your work.” To prepare is to establish. We are advised to get settled and accomplished in our occupation first.

As leaders in the house we must desire necessaries before conveniences. If our budget says we can afford a ranch for our dwelling place we have to be content, rather than lust or go in debt for the three story house.

This is interesting because we see this exampled when God created Adam. Before he was given Eve and the children, he had a job and became established in his business affairs, Gen 2:18-25.

The second caution in this text is it says “make it fit for thyself in the field.” To make is to prepare, get it ready so that it can grow, develop in the field. In other words, prepare your finances so that they work for you and you are not working for it.

Building first, what we cannot afford is not wise. However, if we “first apply thyself to thy work” it will be wise. Many have gone in bankrupt and lost families by starting financial escapades they cannot finish. Families have been erupted by ditching out money that does not bring anything in.

This next caution is vital because it is one that many too often commit to executing out of sequence. It states, “afterwards, then, build your house.” The key word in this step is afterwards, this implies, the next step after you are set up, not before, but after you are established, then build your house.

To build your house is to establish a home containing a family. Solomon was successful in building the house of God because all was ready. His father initiated the development and Solomon was able to then build,(1 Kings 6:7).

My son is not ready to build a house. As I pray for his wife to be great at planning, I also pray for him to be wise in being content and not hasty to spend. God willing he will be attentive as he develops to a man. Many of the leaders within our world fall in managing the household because we lack knowing what the Word says about sustaining the management of the house.

Maybe you are managing fine and you feel you don’t need a budget. Perhaps you think well the money is flowing, so I don’t have to save. However, we never know when the tables will turn. As wise children of God we must want our necessities before our conveniences, and not go in debt.

Consider not rushing out to buy your self or children the $100 dress or suit at Macy’s for Easter, yet mull over shopping for less. Don’t leap to the stores to buy hasty because it is a special event. Pray to God to forgive you for spending thoughtlessly. Seek the Lord for wisdom before you go shopping and ask Him to help you get established to build. Let us strive to keep our manners, our lifestyle free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what we have, (Hebrews 13:5).

Are You Serious?

The other day while talking to my husband he made this brilliant statement, “People tell you to tithe from the day you are a child but they don’t take the time to tell you how to manage your money.” Interestingly, we sought God and found that the Bible does tell you how to manage your finances.

The first step to managing your money is found in Proverbs, “The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want,” Proverbs 12:5.

This text is saying the plans of the discipline minded person towards finances will have plenty but the one who recklessly goes about his business will want, will lack and be in poverty.

The principle being displayed here is not one that has just been implemented it is one we have heard since a child but most people do not take seriously. It points out the basic principle of having a budget for your finances.

A budget is plan for money. It paints a picture of how your finances will look. The budget says, “This is how much we have, if we use it wisely staying within our means (meaning if we live our life according to what we have) then we will have plenty. However, if we are reckless, impulse buyers, thoughtless about our finances, give it all away; we are going to always be in need of clothes for the kids, lacking food, deficient in our finances, wanting, but constantly in shortage because we thoughtlessly spend all that is given.

God is not calling His children to poverty. He is not calling us to be idle about our finances. The Bible says, “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich,” Proverbs 10:4.

“The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute,” Proverbs 12:24.

“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat,” Proverbs 13:4.
“Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger,” Proverbs 19:15.

My friends, our finances matter to God. He blesses those that He can entrust to be diligent with finances so they can bless others. Why should our Father give to a fool with finances? Should you pray to God to give you money so you can go out to buy the house you lost last year because of mismanaging? Should you pray to God to give you money so you can give it away over and over to others and neglect to give to Him? Should you pray to God to give you money to buy another car like the one they just repossessed? Should you pray to God to bless your finances to get your business right and you will not even be diligent with the little you have?

God is serious about our finances are you? Consider allowing God to direct your steps. Pray to God to help you manage the money He has blessed you with today. Call upon the Lord to guide you with what you do have to be disciplined as He desires. Beseech the Lord to send someone to show you how to budget. Ask the Lord to forgive you for being reckless with what He blessed you with in the past. Forgive you for being an impulse buyer, thoughtless, stingy and not disciplined. Declare today I am not going to mismanage what the Lord gives me anymore. You are a child of God. He is observing you today, right now. Seek the Father to be diligent, for He rewards His faithful child over the little with the rewards of plenty.

Processing the Leader

When I was a young girl my mother would tell me, "I am a leader." I would not know what she was talking about so I would continue playing as if she said nothing. When she met my husband she told me, “Both of you are leaders...hum this is going to be interesting,” as she sighed saying, “give it at least four years before you all get engaged.”

I still did not know what this woman was talking about. After all the love was poured in our relationship the initial years, we found that we did wait four years as she suggested. Afterwards we had a daughter. Today as I look at the development of my daughter, I say, “she is a leader,” and I laugh sounding just like my mom.

Being a leader is an anointing that God places on an individual. I believe each person has something they lead. The most crucial part is identifying when to apply your leadership abilities because every situation does not call for your leadership; sometimes it calls for your pursuit after another.

David was a young man when the prophet Samuel came to the house of Jesse seeking the one that God had anointed as king, next in line to King Saul. Samuel was instructed by God to anoint David. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that Day forward,” (1 Samuel 16:18).


In this text oil is used to anoint David as king. David did not become king until he was 30 years old. The time in between he went through a preparation process and much pressure was incurred to molding him to be the king God called him to be.

Oil has a preparation process as well. Before an olive becomes oil it goes through several phases. First, it has a Cleaning Phase, during this process all stems, leaves, twigs and other debris is removed to get rid of all the dirt and pesticides. Next, the Grinding Process takes place. The olives are crushed to paste tearing the flesh cells to facilitate the release of the oil. This procedure is a 20-45 minute process that requires much pressure. Stone mills, metal tooth grinders or hammer mills are used to crush the olives. Following the grinding, the Mixing Phase takes place. This is called malaxing the paste. The paste that is formed from the grinding procedure is mixed creating small droplets of oil that forms big drops of oil. Finally, they separate the oil and vegetable water and solids, to seclude the oil from the rest of the olive components.

As I look at my daughter, I am reminded of David. I know she too will have many phases to follow as God processes her.

Do you know a leader today that is going through? Perhaps you are the leader. What phase are you in pertaining to the leadership procedure?

Maybe you are being cleaned and have to let go of past relationships, let go of past thoughtless ways of thinking against the Lord. Possibly you are going through the grinding process and feel a tremendous amount of pressure as if a double hammer is pounding you. Probably you are going through the mixing phase and you are being allowed to facilitate bits and pieces of your leadership role. Or could it be that you are being separated from others, as you are being formed as a distinguished leader.

We all have a certain place that we lead in life. Consider going through the process of being molded to the person God is calling you to be. Pray to God to remind you of the strength that He has already endowed within you. Call upon the Father to bring you through as you stand in confidence in the Lord. Thank the Lord for His wisdom and might, for the Lord is upon you.

Forgetting Former Things

As spring has pushed forward I feel like a flower in a garden pushing its way through a handful of surrounded weeds. I find myself asking for strength to focus on God and not the ongoing things of the past. I hassle with time because moment by moment something continues to pop up distracting me to move about.

Yet I look to the Lord and He reminds me of what He told the Israelites to, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert,” Isaiah 43:18-19.

In this text it says don’t stay focus on things of the past. God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians in an astonishing way. However, the Lord God was telling them, “you ain’t seen nothing yet.” You think your former deliverance was glorious but when I send the Messiah all other things of the past will not be worthy of your remembrance and consideration.

It continues saying, “I will do a new thing, “a work that has never been seen before. As we look further it says “making a way in the wilderness.” The wilderness is a desert, a dry land that is uninhabited, and abandoned. In the desert only a few things sprout, the ground is cracked from having no moist.
If we have our eyes fixed on the aches and pain of yesterday we won’t see how God is making a way out of what society calls recession. We will be in depression in a slump, if we keep our eyes off of the Lord.

The text continues stating in the “rivers in the desert," not only will God go to the abandoned place but He is going to the desolate, underground streams, a place of waste.

God today has something for us that He is working new but He is saying to His children, “don’t live in the past because the past is just that, it is the past.” God is a forward moving God. As He moves forward we have to go with the flow and move right along with the Lord.

How are you living today, is it in the past? Are you consumed with ancient memories? As long as we keep our mind frame of what happened long – ago, it is going to be hard to see where He has for you to go.


If we stay in the past too long we will miss what God is doing in the present and in the future.

Consider letting go of the past and moving with the thrust of the Lord. Ask God to forgive you for holding on to the things of yesterday. Beseech the Lord to help you study His Word so you can be renewed in your mind. Pray to God to create in you a new Spirit that thrives after His heart. Call upon our heavenly Father to help you evaluate yourself so you can discern what He has to say as you move forward.

In Distress

There was this noble man that took his staff in prayer daily. As he prayed for them he began to look at them as more than people that worked under his supervision. He looked at them as his family. Years passed and this noble man began to blossom. His staff was being asked to make adjustments with the company yet they became radical. They formed many allegations in effort to get their boss fired.

Their boss whom had spent years in prayer for them, who had spoke out about keeping his staff whenever cut backs were brought up; their boss who looked at them as family, was being attacked by those He prayed for. Now this man’s feelings was low and he would rather remove himself than be attacked in such malice way by those he grew to have such compassion for.

This situation captured my attention to Jesus being in distress. Sometimes in life we feel betrayed, abandoned and full of distress. Jesus prayed in the garden in distress.

“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me. He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will,”” Matthew 26:36-38.

Jesus knew what was before Him, the betrayal of Judas, being torched by the people, denial of Peter and He felt sorrow knowing He would have to leave the disciples. His heart was heavy and it seemed as if no one that surrounded Him could understand the distress that He felt. He went to pray and asked the disciples to look out but they kept falling asleep.

He was so hurt that He called out to God saying, let this cup pass Me. In this text Jesus was implying to just stop this all and get it over with; however, when Jesus said “nevertheless” to God He was saying I will be obedient unto your will not my will.

Sometimes in life we get in so distressed and our will says put the brakes on, but God has a plan for all we are going through. The Lord desires for us to desire His will over our fleshly will. God desires for you to be obedient so that He may prepare us for the destiny He has on your life.

What situation are you in today? Do you feel like you can’t take it anymore and you want God to just pass this cup form you? Have you taken time to evaluate the entire situation so that you may keep your eyes fixed on the Lord?

Maybe you are being pulled on the job. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed with life itself.

Consider not growing faint and allow the Lord to heal you where you are weak. Pray to God to help you keep focused on Him in the midst of the distractions. Call upon God to bring you through with peace that surpasses all understanding. For in your hour of prayer of distress He hears your cry and has His hand out for you.

A Gift

Yesterday, I sought my prayer partners and requested that they join me in prayer of direction to get my book in the book stores. I was reminded by my husband to go in the Bible to see what the Lord has to say about my request. I was reminded to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not to your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths, (Prv 3:5-6). I continued to speak this over and over throughout the day.

As I was before God in prayer this morning about what to write, He lead my heart to the book of Proverbs, " A man's gift makes room for him; and brings him before great men, " Proverbs 18:6.

In this text "gift" refers to what has been implanted in you by our heavenly Father. Gifts include your talents and abilities, your personal significance, who you are. The phrase "makes room" is preparation of a distinct place for you. It is the appropriate moment or time where God places you, and you blossom, without failure. Finally it says, " brings him before great men." This implies you are being escorted or ushered before destinies you never imagined.

This takes my mind to being presented as a bride to be escorted to the groom. A present is a gift. In the time that God formed us He included a gift in each of us. This gift is the part that makes room for the destiny of our very purpose that God created.

You are a gift! Maybe life has tugged you from left to right. Perhaps you have felt like you have been in a ship wreck. However, God keeps His promises.

Consider allowing God to mold you through the preparation process. Give the Lord free will to bring you through makng you a resource to glorify His name. Thank God for the gift He has bestowed upon you and don't grow faint. Ask the Lord to direct you and guide you to His destiny. For God has not forgotten you!

Becoming One

I adore writing anything from poetry, essays, songs, plays, books you name it, I will write it. My husband is not so fond of writing. But he is a great singer, he is an awesome speaker and with his gift I can write songs for him to sing, I can help with speeches he presents. We become one with my gift and his gift forming the Harris team.

In the book of Genesis God told Adam, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh,” (Genesis 2:24).

To cleave in this text means to bond together. Adam did not have a father and mother to leave but he did have singlehood to leave. Adam had been single since the beginning and had no issues he was just happy go lucky in paradise. Adam had to let go of being single.

When you are single you can go out to eat when you want to, you can go as you please, all you have to consider is you. But when you get married the concept of being considerate, understanding, compassionate, and flexible to another person has to kick in. You can’t get up and go out of town without making sure it’s convenient with the family. It’s going to be some nights that you don’t have a steak, lobster tails and shrimp. It’s going to be some days you have to cook, clean, on top of other responsibilities. And you have to become one with the person to understand how to get this new thing to work. Using tactics from your parents to get your new family in order will bring about separation, not oneness. We have to let go of the old to form the new that God is forming.

In order to cleave, connect to your wife the spouse has to let go of his mentality as a single person, let go of the mentality of being a child being taken care of by their parents.

With me becoming one with my spouse requires me talking to my spouse, taking notice in his interest and incorporating his goals as well as my goals as one team. Becoming married, partners you with another to blossom that identity forming a new entity.

If my husband down played my gift of writing and never show me appreciation for what I do then it would be difficult for me to show appreciation for what he does. We would be divided, separated instead of united and dedicated.

How are you and your spouse today? Are you both showing interest in each other’s gifts? Have you incorporated them as a new entity? Perhaps you can’t see how their gift and your gift click, but God does. Maybe you are competing with your spouse instead of clinging with your spouse.

Consider leaning not to your own understanding and allow God to direct your path. God created husband and wife to be one, not separate. Call upon the Lord to help you be considerate, flexible, patient and undersanding towards your spouse. Ask God to help you to yield to His plan. Pray to God to continue to mold you and your spouse to be the one you declared to be the moment you said “I Do.” God will grant you a blessing as one flesh for when you married you became one.

Extended Outbreak

My life has been a like a storm cell moving and reacting as a single entity producing a system of tornadoes without any break just a continuous flow of days of these reoccurring F1 and F2 tornadoes with the objective to come together and form a F5 tornado.

When a tornado is born the rotating cloud base lowers. Then the lowering cloud that is hanging, forms into a funnel continuing to descend as the wind builds near the surface, kicking up dust and other debris. Finally, the funnel expands to the ground; the tornado begins causing major damage.

A tornado has the ability to destroy homes, kill people, animals, destroy crops, spread diseases, contaminate water and demolish communities.

This is how my life has appeared for the past three weeks; it looks like an extended tornado outbreak.

My life’s tornadoes recapture the story of Job when Satan attacked his character. Satan came among God, “and the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?”
So Satan answered God and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it” (Job 1:7).

This text says that the enemy paces the earth, covering all of it backwards and forwards. This says that the enemy lurks around throughout the day and night. 1 Peter 5:8 says “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

God referred to Job as a blameless and upright man. I can imagine them speaking to one another and God telling Satan, there is no other like my boy Job. He has great respect for me as his heavenly Father and my son Job turns away from evil (Job1:8) Later on Satan tells God that Job is only good because you protect him all the time. You are guarding him on every aspect of his life from his family to his business. I can visualize Satan saying, “God Job is upright because you have blessed him. But if you would just take all that you have given to him away, if you would cause him some heartache, I guarantee you Job will turn his back on you”(Job 1;9-11).

Job had some extended tornado outbreaks that occurred after that because God gave Satan permission to cause some funnels to form but he did not give him permission to put his hand on Job (vs12).

I have been commissioned to the ministry of Healing of a Broken Heart. God has directed me in holding a marriage conference, helping the poor and broken spirit. As I move forward towards this mission each time I push forward with the marriage events out breaks occur heavy. My family members get sick, threats of lost of employment and the noise builds so much that you wonder, “should I stop.” However, it is all a set up.

Has your character been attacked lately? Are you walking around with a frown on your face because someone has made false accusations about you? Do you desire to just be free of the tornadoes?

Tornadoes come in various intensity levels, FO is considered light, F1 is thought of as moderate, F2 is considerable, F3 is severe, and F4 is devastating, while F5 is incredibly powerful.

Maybe you have had some possessions taken away and you are at level F0. Perhaps you have had some relationships shaken up, lost your job, the car has been repossessed and you are at level F1. Possibly you have experienced a demolished marriage, left to be homeless, and you are at level F3. Have you lost your family, been beat, rejected, you feel like you have no one to talk to, no place to go, feeling invisible, then maybe you are at level F4. Perhaps you have had a family of tornados take place and you feel like this is the extended outbreak all combining to form an F5.


Friends today Satan still has to get permission to go back and forth. The enemy continues to prowl like a lion but we serve a God that “neither sleeps nor slumber” Psalm 121:4. The enemy is still out to attack the character of the Lord’s children. The Father delights in us as His children and will not allow the enemy to lay a hand on us.

Consider not growing faint but pour out your heart to the Lord. Pray to God to help you trust Him as He directs your path. Ask God to give you bold confidence in Him for you are His child. Seek the Lord to hear His voice for in the midst of all the commotion you will find His still small voice. “The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in. From this time forth, and even forevermore,” (Psalm 121:8).