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!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
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.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
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).
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).
Friday, July 2, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
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.
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.
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