Making Pancakes

Six year old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor. He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten. Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked! Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky. And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon 's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process! That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour. Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him. But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to ‘make pancakes' for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried... I was thinking and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that need rekindling or three words needing to be said, sometimes, 'I love you' can heal & bless!

The Heart of a Woman 1

I have been reading a book called Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge - and the beginning was a bit challenging for me because it seemed a little boring and predictable. I loved the husband's writings so much that without the writer identifying themselves, I could tell who wrote each part of the book! The wife's writings were good too but it seemed to me that she had already gotten to her point and had reached her maximum at the first couple of chapters of the book. Nevertheless, I continued reading, as I MUST finish everything I start...(another problem of mine :) Anyway, the more I read, the more I fell in love with the wife's writings...and it kept me engaged. The book reveals the "unveiling of the mystery of a woman's soul". The writers focus on the strength of a woman, the essence of a woman, and the need of a woman. As a part of this book, Stasi goes on to talk about the different challenges or different encounters we have had as children or even as adults that has shaped our thinking, and our mentality. Often times, she will bring in characters from movies that possess certain personality and strengths. And then she ties them in to how we have become attached to these personalities that we watch, and how it has affected the very essence of the heart of God, which is the heart of a woman. Over a few weeks, we will talk about the different types of women that are discussed in this book. It certainly was an eye opener for me, as I could identify with some of these traits. For example: DOMINATING WOMAN: This woman is sharp, sophisticated, and incredibly controlling. She handles crisis by dominating the people around her. She needs no one, she is in charge and on top of things. (Stasi says that some of us might even admire this trait). She knows how to get what she wants. This might be a good thing if we know how to control the rush but it could be terrible, if we go to the other extreme; which is, that there is nothing merciful about a dominating woman. She is not tender at heart, and certainly not vulnerable. She has essentially forsaken every essence of her femininity. She has forfeited her femininity for masculinity! A woman who has fallen in some area of her life will pick up such an attribute. She will decide from the start that she will be the controller of all her relationships, and will never be vulnerable. And if she cannot secure a relationship, she will kill every desire for intimacy, just so she is safe and in control. She becomes a woman "who does not need anyone - especially a man". According to the book, how this plays out over the course of her life, and how the wounds of her childhood shape her heart's convictions are often a complex story, one worth knowing. But beneath and behind it all, she dominates and controls her relationships because she fears intimacy and fears her own vulnerability. This, to such a woman, would seem a perfectly reasonable way to live. Please ladies, know that this self-protective way of relating to others has nothing to do with real love, and nothing to do with deeply trusting God. It is our own gut-level response to a dangerous world. Consider this: whatever is not from faith is sin (Romans 14:23 NKJV) To be continued......

The Finishing Generation

The church has to stop living in Jesus postponement, and start living in Jesus Now! We have to come to the conclusion line. God is bringing everyong to a one-option policy. We are not just sent ones, we are actually the food of God. Our desire is to please Him and His heart. Every day we rise, we need to be desirous to finish His will. We need to be passionate to bring to conclusion the will of God; the will to go to the final end. The connection to the finished line, is the Lord's appearing. A good fight is one that you do not loose, or give up on!

5 Fingers

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty." 2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers. 3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance. 4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them. 5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

The Doers of the World

We need to hear the Word of God To know what we should do But listening is not enough Without our followthrough Just after we moved to a house in a new neighborhood, we invited my sister-in-law and her husband over for Sunday dinner. As we were greeting Sue and Ted at the door, an odd noise directed their eyes toward the kitchen. As I followed their gaze, I froze in horror. An errant hose of our old portable dishwasher was whipping about like the trunk of an angry elephant, spewing water everywhere! Sue went into action mode. Dropping her purse, she was in the kitchen before me, shutting off the water and calling for towels and a mop. We spent the first 15 minutes of their visit on our knees mopping the floor. Sue is a doer - and the world is a better place because of the doers of the world. These are the people who are always ready to pitch in, to be involved, and even to lead if necessary. Many of the doers of the world are also doers of the Word. These are the followers of Jesus who have taken the challenge of James to heart: "Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only" James 1:22. Are you doing all that you know God wants you to do? As you read God's Word, put what you've learned into practive. First hear - then do. God's blessing comes as a result of our obedience. The value of the Bible does not consist merely in knowing it, but in obeying it!

Read James 1:19-27 Posted by Shelia, a fellow RW

A New Season of Increase and Greatness

Every day, you and I are reminded of how tough life can be. It's true that life can be really hard but don't ever give up on your tomorrows! Keep believing, keep looking ahead, keep pressing into more and more of what God has for your life. Please believe your best days are ahead. That's why so much is taught about favor. God's plan is bigger than just what He wants to do for you — it grows into what God wants to do through you. The power of God's increase is so great that there are no challenges too big and no circumstances too difficult to be radically transformed. When you keep on believing in the midst of your storm, not only will God lead you out, but He will lead you into His supernatural increase! What you see as a major setback is really a divine setup. God's working through the circumstances in your life to create an incredible moment of progress and promotion. He has pre-ordained seasons of increase in your life — not because of anything you do, but because He wants to pour out His goodness in your life. God's plan for your life is bigger than simply solving today's problem — He wants to promote you. Through His Word and the power of His Holy Spirit, you will be amazed at what God will do in your life. There's a path to this season of increase, and I want to encourage you to take it. I am believing a new season of increase like never before will spring forth in your life. Always remember that God is for you and loves to give to His children. ~From Joel Osteen Ministries

The Lord's Prayer

Me: Our Father who art in heaven. God: Yes? Me: Don't interrupt me. I'm praying. God: But -- you called ME! Me: Called you? No, I didn't call you. I'm praying. Our Father who art in heaven. God: There -- you did it again! Me: Did what? God: Called ME. You said, "Our Father who art in Heaven" Well, here I am.... What's on your mind? Me: But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty... God: Well, all right. Go on. Me: Okay, Hallowed be thy name. God: Hold it right there. What do you mean by that? Me: By what? God: By "Hallowed be thy name"? Me: It means, it means…good grief, I don't know what it means. How in the world should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean? God: It means honored, holy, wonderful. Me: Hey, that makes sense... I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before. Thanks. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. God: Do you really mean that? Me: Sure, why not? God: What are you doing about it? Me: Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control, of everything down here like you have up there. We're kind of in a mess down here you know. God: Yes, I know; but, have I got control of you? Me: Well, I go to church. God: That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money -- all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read? Me: Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church! Excuse ME... God: I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you -- for example... Me: Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others. God: So could I. Me: I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free. God: Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together -- You and ME. I'm proud of you. Me: Look, Lord, if you don't mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. Give us this day, our daily bread. God: You need to cut out the bread…You're overweight as it is. Me: Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups. God: Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called ME -- and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep praying… (pause…) Well, go on. Me: I'm scared to. God: Scared? Of what? Me: I know what you'll say. God: Try ME. Me: Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. God: What about Ann? Me: See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her! God: But -- your prayer -- What about your prayer? Me: I didn't -- mean it! God: Well, at least you're honest. But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it? Me: Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Boy, have I got some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born. God: No, you won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. You know how unhappy you are -- Well, I can change that. Me: You can? How? God: Forgive Ann. Then, I'll forgive you; and the hate and the sin, will be Ann's problem -- not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned. Me: Oh, you know, you're right. You always are. And more than I want revenge, I want to be right with you… (sigh).All right, all right . .I forgive her. God: There now! Wonderful! How do you feel? Me: Hmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven't been getting much rest, you know. God: Yeah, I know. But, you're not through with your prayer, are you? Go on.... Me: Oh, all right. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. God: Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted. Me: What do you mean by that? God: You know what I mean. Me: Yeah. I know. God: Okay. Go ahead... Finish your prayer. Me: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. God: Do you know what would bring me glory -- What would really make me happy? Me: No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you now… I've really made a mess of things. I want to truly follow you...I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me...How do I make you happy? God: YOU just did.

You are one of the GREAT ONES!

To my sisters in the Lord... There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it. She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection. Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look.. A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger. Think of all the great women in the Bible: Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, the woman with an issue of blood, and Esther, to name a few. Mary was a prostitute, a very uneasy woman. But by the time Jesus was done with her, she was His closest follower. Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man, but by the time God was done with her, she had married one of the wealthiest men in the land. Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up. Before you wonder, ' What's up with her?' ask yourself, 'What's up with me?' That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker, etc. That woman could be ME. Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi. Shared by a RW - Debra King-Cooper

Moods and Emotions

Psalm 107:29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still Self awareness is not an attention that gets carried away by emotions, overreacting or amplifying what is perceived. On the contrary, it is a neutral place that maintains self-reflectiveness even in the midst of chaotic emotions. In short, self awareness means being aware of both our moods and our thoughts about those moods. It really can be non-reactive, and non-judgmental. This process will allow us to internally re-evaluate each situation and how we respond to it. It allows us to be sensitive to our thoughts; hence, thinking more about it and as a result, reacting differently. We tend to fall into different styles for attending to and dealing with our emotions: Self Aware: Those of us in this category are aware of the moods as we are having them. When we get into a bad mood, we do not spend a whole lot of time obsessing about it; we are able to get out of it sooner by being mindful in managing them. I know some of my friends who time themselves, on how long they'll stay in that space...and they literally come out of it, when time is up! Engulfed: Those of us in this category are often swamped by our emotions, and we are helpless in escaping from them...as though the emotions have taken complete charge. We are typically not aware of the feelings we are having; and as a result, lack any kind of perspective. So we do very little to try to escape from the bad moods. This process leaves us completely overwhelmed and emotionally out of control. Accepting: Those of us in this category are often clear about what we are feeling and we actually accept the moods and do absolutely nothing about changing them. This style usually brings out two different people: 1) the ones who are usually in good moods and so have little motivation to change them and 2) the ones who, despite the understanding on their moods, are susceptible to bad ones but accept them with a nonchalant attitude, therefore, doing nothing to change them...even though its a distressful situation. This pattern is often labeled as depression, as we tend to resign to the despair. Ladies, it is important that we know who we are and how we handle our emotions. Our goal is to grow and be stronger, in all aspects of life. Please re-read this and consider doing things differently. Psalm 107:29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still

Learning to Commit

Commit Everything to God (Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths - Proverbs 3:5-6 Commitment involves trusting - trusting the One who has proven Himself to be trustworthy. What does it mean? Commit means to pledge to do something, to make a binding declaration, to be bound, to trust. Commitment involves trusting in God and placing everything and anything that would distract you, or be an obstacle to you. Acknowledging that everything you are and everything you have belong to Him. Why do we do it? Committing everything means to put all you have in its rightful place and adjust your perspective. Turning over all you have to God will keep you growing, it’ll cause you to experience rest and you’ll ultimately shine His light to those around you. If I leave everything I have in my hands, I’ll get my results; if I leave everything I have in your hands, I’ll get your results; but I if I leave everything I have in God’s hands, I’ll get God results. How do we do it? The test: 1. Distractions: what are certain distractions that move us away from the Spirit? 2. Obstacles: what obstacles keep us from moving forward in the Spirit? 3. Assaults: what areas are being used by the enemy to assault you and keep you away from the Spirit? The process: 1. Revelation: ask the Lord to show you where to start 2. Repentance: repent for those things you’ve made an idol or put as priorities before God 3. Release: begin to exercise faith; and trust God in those areas and make a choice to release them to His care Begin by choosing to trust Him. Let yourself lean upon His ways as they are revealed to you in His Word. Acknowledge Him by bringing your life - everything you face - before Him, and allow Him to direct your walk on His path to fulfill His perfect plan. Commit daily; moment by moment and practice thankfulness. It’s an ongoing process!

Gang Tactics

Subject: Ladies please take note of the following gang initiation tactic, please discuss with female colleagues who do not have email On the way to Canton , driving on Michigan Avenue , on Thursday morning, I saw an infant car seat on the side of the road with a blanket draped over it. I did not stop, even though I had all kinds of thoughts running through my head. But when I got to my destination, I called the Canton PD and they were going to check it out. This is what I was told... "Several things to be aware of .. gangs and thieves, are now plotting different ways to get a person to "stop" their vehicle. "There is a gang initiation reported by the local police department that gangs are placing a car seat by the road...with a fake baby in it...waiting for a woman, of course, to stop and check on the baby. Note that the location of this car seat will usually be beside a wooded or grassy (field) area ...and the person - woman - will be dragged into the woods- beaten and raped- usually left for dead. DO NOT STOP . DIAL 9-1-1 AND REPORT WHAT YOU SAW. "IF YOU ARE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND EGGS ARE THROWN AT YOUR WINDSHIELD. DO NOT OPERATE THE WIPER AND DO NOT SPRAY ANY WATER BECAUSE EGGS MIXED WITH WATER BECOME MILKY AND BLOCK YOUR VISION UP TO 92.5% YOU ARE THEN FORCED TO STOP BESIDE THE ROAD AND BECOME A VICTIM OF THIEVES. THIS IS A NEW TECHNIQUE USED BY GANGS. PLEASE INFORM YOUR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. THESE ARE DESPERATE TIMES AND THESE UNSAVORY INDIVIDUALS WILL TAKE DESPERATE MEASURES TO GET WHAT THEY WANT." Please talk to your loved ones about this. This is a new tactic used and I would hate for anyone to fall victim to this kind of crime. Please be safe Ian Chapman District Manager Eastern Michigan

June 26th Meeting

Location: 153 Thousand Oaks Oakland, CA 94619 Saturday, June 26, 11:30AM to 1:30PM Commitment can be a risky and fearful word for all of us. We have so many ideas on what this means. Ideas that have been developed from our past or current experiences, our emotions and our decisions. Hopefully, during this time together, we'll be able to listen to each other and help re-define what commitment truly means to us as women; and most importantly, as God-fearing women. Note: on the day of our meeting, please call 510-969-5260. Looking forward to it!

How do you stay focused?

After you have prayed and fasted, and then prayed some more and fasted a little more...then you pray one more time, hoping that the breakthrough would come....and then it doesn't. What do you do then? Staying focused on God's promises is a very practical thing. These are the times that the test is real! You know how it is....when you want God to do some particular thing in your life, you go to God with that particular request. And then after you have done what you know to do...(the praying and/or the fasting part), and the results show up....but the results are not what you were looking for! This is the time to stay focused! If God shuts a door, it is a guarantee that He is doing what's best for you! It will not feel good, it will not sound good, and it will not look good but don't get hopeless and think that God is not near. Only God knows the beginning and the end...therefore, He is your best answer! Rehearse the good things that He has done, remind Him of the victorious things that He will do for you, and in the meantime, stay in a place of worship and thanksgiving. Don't get carried away by your carnal feelings. Don't get all mixed up in the ways of men. Don't fall away from the presence of God by having non-Godly thoughts. The Lord tests us always, and we never know this until we are in the middle of it. When one door closes, God opens up another! In time, you'll see the goodness of the Lord. Be strong, and stay focused in Him!

Thoughts to Values

Keep your thoughts positive Thoughts become your words Keep your words positive Words become your behaviors Keep your behaviors positive Behaviors become your habits Keep your habits positive Habits become your values Keep your values positive Values become your destiny

The Sound of Revenge

I have found that the fastest form of revenge is deliverance. My deliverance. Deliverance from wrongly spoken words. When someone does something crazy to me, I usually eventually pray that God delivers me quickly....just as soon as I hear the accusation and right before I think of a response. God is our Rock, our Defense and our Shelter. It is to Him, we are to run to. He will lead and guide us, protect and watch over us. He is quick to show Himself faithful. And then I pray that God takes me out of the box. The box that the different people have put me in, and the expectations that have been attached to me. See, God knows our hearts when its in trouble and when it has been wounded. But we have to be willing to go to God with all of the troubles and choose to walk away from manly accusations. God is ever near and ever ready to take care of us and take care of the situation that lies before us.

Today I wait

Today I wait I wait patiently For the time of my departure The anticipation of my heart is to take off Into the world of design Surrendering myself to the hands of the creation of order So today I wait I wait carefully Carefully because others have been taken foolishly They have followed the imitation of character Torn into the music of deception Surrendered themselves into the lies of the winds of look-alikes To the waves of breaking tides So today I wait I wait cautiously Cautiously because others are gone and a few remain Cautiously because I cannot afford to be driven by ...the sounds of water, or the gifts of pleasure, or the looks of treasure Today I wait Comfortably because I know that when the original creator comes, HE KNOWS ME! Because He planted me in the very soil that He toiled Himself. He sounds the same and no one has and can ever come close to the sound of His voice! Comfortable, I am.....because I know Him Today I wait Endlessly Settled that I will be taken into the arms of creative destiny I will be washed in the rivers of cleansing rain Wrapped in the rays of the one Himself Not falling for any other but Him Today I am a fruit, planted and destined From the beginning, from the foundations of the earth

The Process of Change

The process of change is "to". To takes you from one stage to another. It is the bridge that connects the past and the future. A walkway that leads you away from the present. The number 2 expresses an exchange of position, or a move of location. 2 opens up the change of state. To is the catalyst of transition.

Different People

I was watching a show on OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) with my husband a couple of nights ago and I really like watching things like that because I love studying different personalities and it helps me to go into someone else’s world and see how they think, function and work. Just seeing the different personalities and their different behaviors and traits, just really took me to a place of awareness. You know, you never know what people are going through. We see so many of them everywhere we go: catching the Bart, waiting on the bus, driving, walking to school, coming out of libraries, waiting on someone to pick them up, in the grocery stores, at the park, at the beach, going to work etc…I mean, all types of people. And we really do not know what challenges people are having. Well, I was awakened to be more aware of how I pray for people that I pass by each day. I mean, when I am going through the streets and running around and doing things, I am really just thinking about me and all my errands and I hardly stop and see anything else. Someone might be contemplating suicide, or dealing with a terminal disease, or dealing with a sad news, or working through a hard divorce (not that any divorce is easy), or just stressed out with work or whatever. I need to be more prayerful when I am out and about because for some of those folks, that might be their only chance to get prayed for… you know J Just thinking out loud…

Worship, a cycle?

We often get in a cycle, or a routine of doing things; and I find that the only thing that can get me out of those cycles, is worship with the Lord. The cycle of life is predictable: wake up, dress up, go out, make something of the day, and then come home. That’s just the pace of living. And then, the mistake we make is that we transfer that practice and pattern into our worship. When, on the contrary, worship is not supposed to be predictable and organized. Real worship keeps us going; and rejuvenates us. It breaks the chains of routine and removes the comfort of familiarity. Somehow, in between, we misunderstood the reason for freedom. We have used worship as the substitute for cycle; instead of the answer to the cycle! I pray that the Lord breaks our cycle of routine, familiarity, self-satisfaction and the daily series of life!

The way He loves.....

God's love to us is just like water to a thirsty soul; food to a hungry heart; clothes on your body; protection and shade on a hot sunny day; air to your lungs; a cool cloud on a bright afternoon; blood to your veins; arms to run to on a weary day! How is it possible that God loves us that deep and that wide? How could it be that He chose to die for each and everyone of us, so that we might ultimately be in eternal living? Meditate on that....