Deeper Intimacy

What do you think of when you think of intimacy? When you feel an intimate connection with someone, you experience:

Connection
Knowing
Good feelings
Comfort
Safety

Usually, we feel this kind of intimacy with a significant other – our partner, our parents, close friends, and sometimes our children (when they are grown). But, is it possible to have these feelings with a sovereign divine God? I would say yes.

Ezra Bible Study - Celebrate: It's About HIM

Joy leaps out from the last five verses of Ezra 6. "And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy (Ezra 6:16)." Joy is appropriate at this time as they remembered how God worked in and through them.

With God's help, the people of Israel had rebuilt the second temple. They started off enslaved, were freed by a new leader - King Cyrus, and journeyed to Jerusalem with directions to rebuild the temple. They mourned their losses while weeping for the promise of new things. Their leaders unified them, ensuring clearness of purpose. As they plodded along with the

The Rabbit

In my neighborhood, I usually see a family of wild rabbits with bushy white tails. They're harmless and pretty, but they hop quickly. As I studied the pace of their movements, I remembered that in the sport of Track and Field, if you want the field to go faster than intended, there's usually a rabbit in the race. The rabbit's role is to set the pace for the field, but the rabbit does not complete the race. He merely ensures that the others running are doing what they're supposed to do so that when he drops out, the remaining runners have the momentum to keep going.


According to Runners World, in distances as short as the 800 meters and as long as the marathon, the

The Best Exemplar

Source

As women, sometimes we struggle with housekeeping don't we, especially when we have a growing family. Recognizing that there's a place for neatness we try to keep everything neat all the time and this is where our unrealistic expectations begin to get the best of us. Maybe secretly we do believe that neatness is next to godliness.

We want our living rooms to be works of arts instead of actually being lived in; we want our kitchens and our bedrooms to be Pinterest worthy and there should be no toys or clothing on any of the floors. The only place that might be allowed to be messy is the laundry room - and even there we drive ourselves crazy: we should have bins for each person and each color; washed laundry should be folded into neat stacks so that family members can easily spot their clothes. In other words, even the laundry area must be neat! Who can stay sane? We set unrealistic examples for those around us while perhaps driving them and ourselves crazy.

20 Incredible Bible Verses about God’s Strength

I can't complain. I've written a lot lately simply because of this blog. It is only by God's strength that I have been able to do so. When I want to quit, He alone strengthens me. When I'm unsure of what to write, He nudges my thoughts. When I am weak, He is strong.

God’s strength is part of God’s character, illustrated in His acts towards us and directly through his promises. God’s strength, unlike ours, has the power to consistently strengthen us as it is part of our relationship with Him. Even while we are weak. God sympathizes with our weakness and even asks that we place our burdens on Him as He goes with us through this journey called life because He has the ability to sustain us. 

10 Most Popular Christian Hymns (and Why We Love Them)

I love hymns. The lyrics usually minister to my soul, the melodies are moving, and the repetition – verse chorus, verse chorus, verse, chorus or a slight variation of this theme are soothing. There’s a solemnity and dedication that underlies most hymns that makes me pause as they usually bring me to a place of introspection and reflection on life and what it means to serve a big God no matter what life throws at me. In this day and age, you might be made to feel that hymns are for old folks, but that’s not true.

The Last Five Chapters of Judges Reads Like a Modern Day TV Show

In the days when the Israelites had no king, every person did what was right in their own eyes. They were focused on their own "I" nothing else.  When you are so singularly focused on yourself, your needs, your desires it is a recipe for disaster. This post took much longer than I anticipated because I wanted to ensure its accuracy. I am simply retelling the events that transpired; the unpacking will come over time.

Micah's mom sets things in motion by creating an image and an idol for her son after her stolen money is found - a significant amount of 11,000 pieces of silver. By the way, it was Micah, her son that stole her money. (Judges 17)

Micah created a shrine in his house that included this image and idol. Micah then consecrated one of his sons as his personal priest and then a man from the tribe of Levi - the tribe of priests. So Micah had 2 priests - his son and a Levite priest for hire. The men from the tribe of Dan are passing through, recognize the priest's voice and convinced him that he should be a priest to them instead of one man. He likes their proposition and becomes their priest instead. Subsequently, Micah comes to claim his priest but he is outnumbered. The men from the tribe of Dan captured the group from Laish and they end up worshipping Micah's carved image for a very long time. (Judges 18)

This is the first set of events that happened which set the stage for the next happenings.

A Levite takes a woman as his concubine, his legal mistress. She cheats on him and ran away or ran back home to her father's house. Because she is his legal mistress her father is referred to as the Levite's father in law. After four months the Levite goes to fetch her. The man and his father in law have a good time eating and drinking so much so that he is delayed by one day in his travels. He eventually leaves with his concubine on the 5th day, late in the afternoon. As they are trying to make their way back home they stop in Gibeah for the night. They thought Gibeah would be safer since they are Israelites; they are familiar with their ways and would feel more comfortable there. An old man from the town of Gibeah takes them in and is their host for the evening. After dinner some worthless guys surround the house wanting to have sex with the Levite. What sort of place is Gibeah? This goes from bad to worse because of their host, the old man who said, "no instead take my virgin daughter or the concubine." The worthless men insisted on the Levite so he pushes his concubine outside where they rape and abuse her all night. In the morning, she is returned to the old man's house where she dies at the doorstep. Without any thought or concern for her, the Levite implored her to get ready for travel and realizes that she is dead. The Levite picks her up and carries himself and her dead body home. When he gets home he cuts her body into twelve pieces and each piece is delivered to a tribe. (Judges 19)

What madness is this? It gets worse. (Judges 20)

The Levite, the husband of the woman who had been murdered, said, “My concubine and I came to spend the night in Gibeah, a town that belongs to the people of Benjamin.  That night some of the leading citizens of Gibeah surrounded the house, planning to kill me, and they raped my concubine until she was dead. So I cut her body into twelve pieces and sent the pieces throughout the territory assigned to Israel, for these men have committed a terrible and shameful crime. Now then, all of you—the entire community of Israel—must decide here and now what should be done about this!”

In retelling his account of the events to the tribes of Israel, the Levite does not share how he played a part in his concubine being turned over to the worthless men. The tribe of Benjamin sides with the men of Gibeah and through much fighting and subsequent defeat they are tainted as a tribe because of this heinous act. After Benjamin's defeat at the hands of the other Israelites, 600 Benjamite men are remaining. Since they are tainted, the remaining tribes made an oath that no one could marry these men from the tribe of Benjamin, so they come up with a scheme. First, they found 400 women from Jabesh Gilead after killing everyone (men and women who weren't virgins). But there was still a need. So they devised this plan - go to a festival in Shiloh, and when you see single women dancing grab and run; who you grab will become your wife. (Judges 21)  All of this reminds me of episodes of SVU.

In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. Judges 21:25 

This is how the book of Judges ends.
These last five chapters provide graphic detail of what happens when people do right in their own eyes.
The Israelites had no king - this phrase was mentioned at least three times in these last chapters. Each time this statement is made, the subsequent acts are more reprehensible. This was people begging for leadership. The human condition demonstrated the need for a Savior.
They were sincerely wrong - they chose to do what they thought was right but it was clearly wrong. You can be sincere in your beliefs and yet be wrong.
There was a misunderstanding of God's word - which led to idol worship, civil war, fighting, rape, murder, you name it!
Foolish and immoral behavior led to cycles of sin - as evidenced throughout this book. Only God can break this cycle.
Every facet of society was affected; those who we thought would know better did not. Think of Micah's mother, the priest for hire, the Levite with the concubine, or the old man.
None of us are immune from depraved behavior without the Grace of God

We are no different from the Israelites when we esteem our knowledge above God's knowledge as laid out in the Bible. These chapters can be read as a cautionary tale to let us know our craven depths without God in our lives. As I was driving recently, I turned on a road that was recently paved but unlined. I was used to the lines, which indicated which lane I should be in. Without the lines, I found myself initially drifting to the wrong side of the road and then I consciously righted myself. You ever wonder why they are lines on the road? Without the lines to guide us, our natural tendency is to drive wherever we want to create mayhem. God's word is like those lines on the road. Choose to follow.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

I will advise you and watch over you. Psalms 32:8

Have you ever read these chapters? Were you convicted, disgusted, shocked or something else? What can you learn from these chapters?
--Nylse

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You are Good, Good, So Good

I woke up this morning with this refrain on my heart. I went to bed pondering some of the hard truths presented in the book of Judges struggling with how to write and share.

Even through difficult circumstances, or things that seem incomprehensible to our 21st Century sensibilities, I am emphatically reminded that God is good, good, so good.

The Bible was written for our edification - to help us. It does not contradict itself. When we choose to see things from a heavenward vantage point again it reinforces that God is good, good, so good and that man is not. In spite of our not so goodness - God remains good, good, so good.

Here's the song on my heart today as I ponder the all encompassing sovreignty of God and how he affects my little old life.

King of My Heart

John Mark & Sarah McMillan

Let the King of my heart

 Be the mountain where I run 

The fountain I drink from

Oh, He is my song 

Let the King of my heart 

Be the shadow where I hide 

The ransom for my life 

Oh, He is my song 

Cuz He is good, good, oh 

You are good, good, oh 

You are good, good, oh 

Let the King of my heart 

Be the wind inside my sails 

The anchor in the waves 

Oh, He is my song 

Let the King of my heart 

Be the fire inside my veins 

The echo of my days 

Oh, He is my song 

You are good, good, oh 

You're never gonna let 

Never gonna let me down 

You're never gonna let 

Never gonna let me down 

You are good, good, oh 

When the night is holding on to me 

God is holding on 

When the night is holding on to me 

God is holding on 

Because You are good, good, oh

You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. Psalms 119:68

It is my sincere prayer you can say with all sincerity, regardless of your circumstances, that God is good. If yes, just take a moment to type God is Good in the comments. Thanks.

--Nylse

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Notes From My Daughter - Exceptionalism and Excellence Are Very Different

Occasional notes from my second daughter. I never know what to expect when she writes but I am always blown away. Did this child come from me? Read on!

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A few years ago I went to a rap concert and the artist on stage took the opportunity between songs to get very vulnerable with the audience about his life journey. I was astonished by the conviction which guided his lifestyle to the point where I even shed a few tears. He challenged the audience to pursue EVERYTHING with the mindset of excellence. And my honest response was, "Everything? How?"

As we all know by now, I was labeled smart because I accelerated through school at an unusual pace. By 6 years old I was in 3rd grade, 9 years old I was in 6th grade, by age 12 I started high school and by 16 I graduated and went on to take a gap year filled with more studying. I've always been younger than peers and therefore never really fit in with anyone in particular. My personal feelings about being "different" were neutral because I knew it was something I couldn't control. It was by nature a part of my identity. Trying to change my age or my perceived intelligence would not have made me or anyone else happy, so to some degree, I was secure with who I was and there wasn't much that could threaten that security.

Fortunately for me, I went through puberty relatively early (around the 9 years old 6th-grade point in this timeline) but no one noticed because by that time everyone else's bodies were changing as well since 11/12 is the average age of puberty for most girls. Physically, I had an ability to blend in even though I should've stood out. I balanced being visible and invisible in a way that was acceptable socially too. I would never say I was popular at any stage of my schooling, but I was known by enough popular kids and enough outcast (and I was loved by most^* of my teachers) to the point where I just blended in. I didn't straddle the fence on purpose but naturally fell into place wherever I landed and had no intention of forcing anyone to accept me.

The problem when I was singled out. It felt something like this

Anxiety x Imposter Syndrome^{^2} = wanting to hide and be normal again

It's one thing to be in an honor's class; your still included in a base group, you have friends, and everyone tends to think you're great. It's a different thing to be the one amongst your honors class to lead the charge in filing formal complaints about your honors class teacher(s) because she/he has proved to be unfit for the job time after time.  To be fair, I was self-motivated for the mission at hand, but I was also wanted people to voluntarily choose to do better without me having to make my voice heard. It's burdensome when you feel like "I have to make something happen out of thin air due to this expectation." It's the difference between everything falling into place and everything falling apart.

 It's one thing to not be teased for not having an ideal body type (a ridiculous reason for judgment) by the time your 12 (a ridiculous age for such judgment) and it is another thing to be sexualized and constantly harassed for having the ideal body type. Again I wanted to hide. I wanted to just be exceptional. Slightly above average, but definitely not a trailblazer.

Some would call this feeling a "fear of success." From studying myself I can honestly say this assumption is inaccurate in my case.  For the most part, anything I've tried my hand at I've been good at it if not by talent then by persistence.

My problem was always with the crowd excellence attracted, their constant surveillance, and constant labeling of who I was and what I did. I was afraid of peaking within certain environments and getting stuck there like a hometown hero who never leaves their hometown because ever since they’ve been discovered everyone keeps calling on them.  I was afraid that nothing was ever enough, that my security could always be threatened.  My feelings were complex but God hit me with a simple truth later on:

"Your definition of excellence is not mine." Tweet this.

Excellence didn’t seem like something that could be constantly pursued on this earth. Jesus' ministry was only 3 years long before he was killed by his people. Excellence didn’t come with peace and it just seemed miserable unless you, like God, were already living in paradise. To me, exceptionalism seemed more obtainable.

  

But the more I unlearned my own definition of excellence the more I realized It's better to be set apart by God than set it your own ways. If you always live within your own limits you will never fully know God's abundance.  God honors not because of our efforts but because of his heart for us. Knowing that we are finite and imperfect he allows us to get empty so that he can always pour more of himself into who we are. He is not threatened by our desire to hide but calls us to be courageous. He knows the crowd will come but no threat can overtake the power of his love. Therefore the truth is excellence is obtainable as long as God has constantly made himself available (which he has). 

My unlearning process started at that rap concert and continues almost every day (yup, I get afraid every single day). I encourage you that when God brings awareness between what you thought was right and His truth even though the initial sever may hurt, let Him continue to grow the gap until you do not see the fear in the horizon any longer. Trust that He is truthful.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.  John 10:10

p.s: I would like to do research on early achievers; if anyone knows someone who could help me in that endeavor please let me know

New Year - Check your Vision

I've worn glasses since I was 12 years old, so I'm very familiar with what happens during an eye exam.  An eye exam is where the overall health of my eyes is assessed while also checking the quality of my vision. During the exam, the optometrist always asks me to remove my glasses - in essence putting me back to square zero. Without my glasses, I cannot see perfectly and everything is blurry. Then he puts that device in front of my eyes - and knowing what he's trying to get to - for he knows my prescription, he starts adjusting the lenses for quality and clarity.

After an initial adjustment, he starts a series of questions to narrow down the best prescription for me. "Can you see better with this lens or this lens? How about this one? Better now? Which one is clearer?" Each question requires an answer before he can proceed. He'll repeat the same process for the other eye and then he'll put them both together, and ask a bit more questions. The final test, he'll ask me to read the smallest line on the eye chart. At this point, he provides details regarding my prescription.

I have to provide input so that the optometrist can have the best direction in terms of my vision. Sometimes, though the questions seem to take a bit longer to answer, or when there seem to be multiple changes of lenses I anticipate that my vision has changed drastically. I'm always surprised to hear that my vision is still the same. Other times, most recently, I'm told my vision has changed.

Last year my dreams were blurry and fuzzy but they were also calibrated so that I could see clearly. I had a vision exam in the form of life. Things happened and I was asked, "Can you see clearly now?" I answered, "No." I stayed there for a while disillusioned and in a state of despair. Something else happened. "How about now?" "It's getting clearer," I responded. Another life event occurred. "Better or worse?" "Better." "OK, let's keep going." Again, something else happened. "Can you read the bottom line?" "Why yes, it's perfect."

The Master Optometrist was controlling the lens. It was important to Him that I am able to see. He kept, prodding, adjusting and calibrating until my vision was what it should be. I kept working with Him and providing input because I knew that He was doing things to adjust my vision so that I could see clearly.

A new year presents a perfect opportunity to check your vision. Take time to answer the questions that are being asked of you. Our ultimate purpose is to please God; as He keeps adjusting the lens we'll figure out how to do what we're designed to do. We'll keep listening and answering and we'll be confident as we execute our vision. Visions change - so keep checking in to ensure that you can see clearly.

...the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Isaiah 60:19 [KJV]

Have you checked your vision recently? Have a wonderful new year

A Chapter A Day - Proverbs 25

Do you remember why we started this challenge? In case you need a refresher, here's why. I wanted to challenge myself, as well as you dear reader to read the Bible daily. One of the best places to start is the book of Proverbs. With thirty-one (31) chapters - one chapter for each day of the month - this book is the perfect addition to any daily reading. Proverbs talks about every imaginable basic aspect of life - love, parenting, money, sex, God, relationships. It instructs on business, public policy, government, and family. It’s the best counsel in the whole world and it's free! (Luis Palau, Changed by Faith, 2011)
With less than a week remaining, let's use discipline to carry us through. The finish line is in sight, and the folks on the sideline are cheering you on.

Proverbs 25

Gems

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the honor of kings is to search out a matter (v 2). To conceal - means to hide to cover. It is God's glory to cover our sins - He did this by dying for us. As humans, when an injustice is hidden, it is an honor for someone in authority to discover it and then treat it appropriately. It is an honor to right a wrong, but as a leader when a wrong is righted it will have a greater impact.
This verse also seems to have spiritual application - in that God has revelations available for us, but we as his children have to be ready to receive it. The Glory of kings (Christians) is in searching out the Glory of God.

We are again counseled to watch our speech. In our relationships with our neighbors, we should not be a talebearer (v9, 10), because as mentioned before, a talebearer cannot be trusted.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver (v11). The first time I saw this image, it was in a painting in the Prayer Room of my old church. I was not aware of this verse at the time, but every time I looked at that picture these words came to mind: perfect, peaceful, calming, and beautiful. And then I finally discovered this verse and it all made sense. Are your words fitly spoken? Fitly - the right time and the right place to express a thought in the right way, so that it ministers and heals.

Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith and vomit it (v16). Too much of anything is bad for you. Though honey is good, too much of it will make you sick. In the case of neighbors, don't overstay your welcome and live peacefully with your neighbors (v17, 27). Another comparison to an excess of honey is to not seek out praise. Don't be so full of self that you always expect praise, for then you are conceited.

Have you ever heard the expression "Heap coals of fire upon their heads?” The verse reads - If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you (v 21, 22). These verses do not actually refer to causing the person's head to burn literally, but it refers to them being so taken aback by your kindness toward them because they know they have not treated you properly. This phrase is a metaphor taken from smelting metallic ores. It's what we refer to as "taking the high road,” or "not stooping to another person's level", even though sometimes it would be much easier to be on equal footing with them. I think the visual image of this makes sense in difficult times also because hopefully you're not causing them to burn, but you're hoping your actions melt them into kindness. As to when their behavior will change toward you; we're not responsible for that. However, we need to ensure that we're acting in a way God would have us act.

Which brings us to self-control - He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls (v 28). Without walls, you have no protection - everything (thoughts, ambitions, desires) gets in and bothers you. Also, everything gets out - you unleash your emotions on unsuspecting people. Fortify yourself; guard your heart. The walls that you erect are not to isolate, but are a means of self-control and protection.

Read on.

A Chapter A Day - Proverbs 21

Isn’t it amazing, how a book that was written centuries ago is still relevant today? The more I read and learn, the more I realize there’s nothing new under the sun. I hope you also are gaining insight into the application of God’s word to our lives.

Proverbs 21

Observations and Highlights

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty (v5). The KJV has the word thoughts instead of plans. I was reading a blog yesterday, where the author in several posts talks about planning her family. She was amazed that others did not plan their families. Her planning was more an expression of her thoughts and desires for her family, not something set in stone that she would always adhere to. As Christians, God knows the desires of our hearts; being diligent leads to profit – as it is in the physical so it is in the spiritual. In this verse, the opposite of diligence isn’t laziness, but haste – being rushed or hurried. Take your time as you make decisions, and weigh all options.

Don’t be a brawling, contentious or angry woman (v 9, 19). A brawling contentious woman is one who is always looking for a fight or argument. Many people write about nagging wives – but one does not have to nag. From experience, I’ve learned to ask for what I want and let it go. When we don’t let it go is when it escalates to nagging, fighting or arguments. This is hard for us women, but we have to learn to let things go or we become like brawling contentious angry women, whom no one would rather live with. According to Proverbs, it’s easier to live with less (in a desert) than with this type of woman. Again, if I’m reflective, I don’t like being this kind of woman either, especially when I see what it does to others around me.

When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge (v11). Learn from the mistakes of others – you don’t have to experience everything to know how it’s going to affect you. A wise person chooses to learn.

There is no wisdom, no insight, and no plan that can succeed against the LORD (v30). Fighting, scheming, manipulating against God’s way is pointless – your plans won’t succeed. So where does this leave you? Find out God’s way (through reading and obeying His word, and talking to other believers) so that your plans are in line with what He wants. But remember God is sovereign, yet loving.

Read on.

Happenstance

I've embarked on a new adventure in my life - I teach Sunday School to 5th and 6th graders. Mind you, I never thought I would become this person, but working with mold-able young people seems to come naturally to me. In addition, I recognize that by teaching I also learn.

quote by Einstein (pretty smart guy)

This year our main theme is God's providence - which is heady stuff even for me. With all of my preparation some times I feel ill equipped to pass on what God has imprinted on my heart (but this is a fleeting sensation).

Yesterday we learned how:

• All of God's acts are purposeful - The Lord works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster. Proverbs 16:4 (NIV) 

• All things are ordained by God - The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:33 (NIV)

• Man makes plans but God establishes man's steps. - In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

I had my own epiphany as the youngsters were sharing, and it seemed providential. I had struggled for a while with a decision that needed to be made regarding schooling for the Little One; as a matter of fact I was at the point of indecision. The students started sharing about school and their week. It turns out two of the students go to the school that I was considering and one of their teachers attends our church. It provided confirmation that my indecision was not wasted and this was now confirmation that I should go ahead with the application process. I anticipated a daunting application process, but it turned out to be smooth sailing. I attribute all of this to God, his plans and his timing.

Yesterday's lesson re-affirmed that nothing is too random, minute, or insignificant for God. God has the right, power, and wisdom to govern our lives.

Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Lamentations 3:37

Is everything a coincidence? Did you ever think something was a coincidence and later realized it was a God thing? How do you deal with the fact that God is in control? Do you throw caution to the wind?

Stepping Out Of the Box

I have been especially touched by Kristin's posts on reaching out and ministering to the homeless in her city.

Take a minute to meet some of the homeless that she has ministered to with God's grace and love:

A Homeless Family

Bruce

Greg

If you're feeling called by God to do something, to help someone, to minister - do it no matter how insignificant it may seem to you. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

A Godly Smack!

Has God ever smacked you up side the head?
Have you ever been so caught up in your circumstances, that you don't see how He's working and then he gobsmacks you and and you're left humbled?
Well this happened to me with three instances in one day, which I'd like to share with you:

1. I went on an interview last week that I did not approach positively. I practically knew I was not going to be a good fit before I got there. (Kinda makes you wonder why I went). Anyhow, as the interview progresses - they are impressed with me and say "I've set the bar very high!" Let's see how this turns out.

2. A friend of mine recently had a baby girl that was born deaf (I don't remember the specific name of the medical condition). The doctors told them that she would be deaf for life and would need hearing aids and assistance. The whole family had started to learn sign language. She asked me to pray for her and I've prayed since I found out. I got a call mid-morning from the mother, saying that they went to the doctor earlier this week and her deafness has been reversed; she can hear. The doctors were puzzled as to how this could happen based on her initial diagnosis.
I nearly cried in my office, I was so happy.

3. Currently, I'm on a long term full-time assignment. I was told in February that I would have two more months. Since the beginning of April I've been gearing up for my last day, though I have no idea when that is. My boss wanted to speak with me; I anticipated the worse. She proceeds to tell me that she has another assignment that she wishes to give me.

By the third event, all I could say was praise God. Lord, you're teaching me that you are in control of all things - big and small and that I should trust you.

Thank you Lord for the smack up side the head!

Blogrolling and Blogging!

I love blogging; both reading other blogs of authors who amuse or inform on food, family and faith, or writing as I do here.

In the blogging world, I’m whats known as a lurker – I visit but don’t make myself comfortable. When I’m really comfortable (i.e. I like your post) I leave a comment. I may post as Anonymous or another moniker that I’ve created just for the blogging world.

Blogs can be categorized in many ways: by race, by activity, lifestyle and gender to name a few. All of these categories have a broad variety of subcategories – hair, makeup, shopping, saving, food, fashionable clothes, Christianity, Christianity and women, motherhood, Christian moms, single dads…I think you get the idea.

Many of my favorite blogs start with the word Black because that’s part of who I am. Sometimes that bothers me, but most times it doesn’t. For example I like BlackGirlsRun and it was created because they aren’t a lot of Black women serious about running – hence the name; but I’m sure there’s no blog called whitegirlsrun (I checked, there isn't).

Through blogging, I've discovered Tumblrs. A Tumblr is a simpler form of blogging with minimal commentary; a quick way to publish pictures and quotes. They’re considered miniblogs; a fast way to share links, photos, and videos without the bells and whistles of a regular blog.

I discover other blogs from the commenters on a blog. Oftentimes when you leave a comment you provide your name (required) email address and a website. The website is typically the commenter's blog and depending on their name or the website I’ve visited, I just may take a click.

So I’ve discovered a comedian in MrsTDJ, a fitness queen in Keyalus, a new bride in the Happynappybride and Lysa - a Christian woman who seems just like me; her posts are inspired. I'll add the rest of the blogs I've discovered to my blogroll.

Blogging has opened up a whole new world to me. I’m now a weekly contributor on Michelle Obama Watch.

As you discover the world of blogs, the easiest way to stay organized is to use a reader, such as the one provided by blogger. Its an easy way to see all updates of all of your favorite blogs in one spot instead of opening each blogs page or trying to remember each blog's address.

Its a whole new world we're living in; as with any new technology, blogs if used wisely can be helpful, educational and fun.

Interesting Times

On Friday 3/11 Japan endured a devastating earthquake and tsunami, killing thousands. This tsunami, spawned a tsunami alert in Southern California and this is what I woke up to on Friday morning. In SoCal it turned out to be a non-event but up North there was some damage.

Ultimately, I decided to stay home since the tsunami alert affected the area where I work. I am of the mindset, better safe than sorry when it comes to natural disasters and their warnings. So I turned the TV on and was struck by the images of devastation on the screen. I was also struck by the nonchalance people exhibited on our side of the world regarding the tsunami warning - some surfed as usual and hoped nothing would happen, and some treated it as a learning activity and took themselves and their young babies out to watch a tsunami if it occurred. One individual was taking pictures when the tsunami struck up north and he was washed away. I don't know if he was ever found. This boggles the mind!

Another reflection of the times we live in is the recession. It has affected everyone in each state. This op-ed article in the LA Times talks about how the writer has become a happier person since the recession. The irony for me is that the lifestyle changes that she mentions is how I have always lived. I take nothing for granted and try to be a good steward with what I've been entrusted. Perhaps for many people, happiness depends on possessions; for me, not so much.

We are living in interesting times, indeed. Matthew 24 provides a great description of events that are likened to our times. I encourage everyone to know where they're going when they die - heaven or hell. Don't just live as if today is your last day - death is inevitable; be wise about your choices; acknowledge that there is a God; the Lord reigns.
You can have eternal life or eternal death - but either way it will be eternal.

Opportunity

I recently read a book about Jamie Dimon called Last Man Standing, which led to subsequent discussions. BTW, Jamie Dimon is the current CEO of JPMorgan Chase.
One of the things that stands out about Mr. Dimon is the opportunity he received.
Another thing was exposure - banking was in his blood and it was talked about at the dinner table.
But I want to talk about opportunity - because much has been made of it. Opportunity is defined as: a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal;a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.
In life, you try to enrich, educate and evaluate yourself so that when an opportunity presents itself you are ready for it. This opportunity may be a mate, a job, a promotion, a house, confirmation of a plan, a child, healing, anything. Opportunity takes on many forms and I think that's what makes it so hard to jump when it becomes available.
But what if your opportunity never comes? What if you never get married, or you never get the job, or you never get the promotion, or you dont get the house, or you can't have children, or you are not healed?
Seems like so many of us are in the missed opportunity camp, than being able to grasp on to these opportunities. Do we become bitter and cynical? Do we curse God and die? Or do we recognize that even in these missed opportunities, God is in control. Maybe that's not what God had in store for you.
Perhaps we can refocus our lenses and recognize that opportunities abound - but all may not be for you. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up IN DUE TIME. 1 Peter 5:6