Merry Christmas Friends!

Luke 11:13 “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”

My Spiritual Family: Merry Christmas

Oh come all ye faithful and lend an ear

To the sounds of the season with joyous cheer

People are laughing, the children playing

The angels are dancing, singing and praying.

Look at the sky see the blazing sun

Christmas day is for the unearthly One.

The Spirit of Him resides in us all

It’s up to us to run with the ball.

It is our choice to give or receive

The source that causes all to believe

Love is the element that breeds within

The true Light aglow of all that has been.

Awaken on Christmas understanding the reason

Of all that holds hope this holiday season.

My Spiritual family a blessing from above

Rained down on me in a show of true Love.

To my family of virtual friends, you have filled me this year with the utmost support and to YOU I wish a most blessed Christmas Day. My prayers will shower over you this Christmas season as the only gift I have to give. I love you all!

God Bless you all! 

Matt. 2:11 “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

Quotation Saturday

 The Light of the World

“We must become so alone, so utterly alone, that we withdraw into our innermost self. It is a way of bitter suffering. But then our solitude is overcome, we are no longer alone, for we find that our innermost self is the spirit, that it is God, the indivisible. And suddenly we find ourselves in the midst of the world, yet undisturbed by its multiplicity, for our innermost soul we know ourselves to be one with all being.”
~ Hermann Hesse

My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.”
~Albert Einstein

 “I consider myself a stained-glass window. And this is how I live my life. Closing no doors and covering no windows; I am the multi-colored glass with light filtering through me, in many different shades. Allowing light to shed and fall into many many hues. My job is not to direct anything, but only to filter into many colors. My answer is destiny and my guide is joy. And there you have me.”
~ C. JoyBell C.

Taking Christ out of Christmas

In recent years I’ve noticed more and more people taking Christ OUT of their lives than they are putting Him IN their lives. I can almost understand people saying it is ‘offensive’ to them when I wish them a ‘Merry Christmas’ when they don’t believe in Christ, and I’m not about offending. “Merry Day”, I’ll say, because isn’t holiday really saying Merry HOLYday? So we better not offend if no one thinks of it as a holy day.

Lam. 3: 44 Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.

But you know what, you don’t care about offending me with your ‘happy thoughts’ and ‘wishes’  and ‘good luck’ malarkey, are you? When a person is asking for PRAYER they want and NEED prayer, not happy thoughts, luck and positive thoughts, sent your way. They believe in prayer and it is disrespectful to them when you send them ‘positive thoughts’. Do you care? Of course not, as long as you’re firm in your happy thoughts and positive thinking, you’re good.

Job 22: 27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.

I even see Christian friends, treading on egg shells when it comes to saying the words, “I’ll pray for you,” or “sending prayers and positive thoughts to you” Is that too hard? Do you fear, FEAR sending someone prayer? I would think that sending prayer to the non- believer would be impertinent to your faith, sending prayer has been done since the beginning of time.

Job 15:4 Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God.

“Do not allow yourself to be blinded by fear and anger. Everything is only as it is.”
~ Yuki Urushibara

Then there is the ‘Darkened Thursday’ leading into ‘Black Friday’, it’s as if we just want to be done with THANKSgiving altogether, and run right into the shopping buying spree of the X-mas holiday. I say X-mas, because I’m saddened to see Christmas turn into a sham of a Holyday!

“There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force when there is suffering, too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways.”
~ Mother Teresa

I’ve been hearing a lot about 12-21-12 here lately. Had to look that one up and see what all the non-pray-ers and happy thought people were in a tissy-fit for. I see that is the day that the Mayan Calendar is coming to an end. So what does that mean? It means to me that Satan is at work distracting us once again. Quite a few have mistaken the true meaning, and are all in a chaotic state of believing the world will end. But hold on to your horses, the world will NOT end, just because an ancient Mayan Calendar ends.

Ps. 22 :27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

If you did any research into the Mayan calendar, you’d see that it just meant that there would be a spiritual renewal, not much unlike the Holy Bible teaches throughout time. No man will know when the end time will come, so please don’t throw yourself into the belief that the world is going to end on December 21, 2012. To some, it is just the beginning, of a new era, a new dawn, and a new spiritual awareness. You might feel it, I might feel it and anyone who is consciously aware of the spirit, Holy Spirit, anything spiritual, might FEEL it. (*might- not set in stone)

Those who believe in nothing will FEEL nothing. (my opinion, which I’m entitled to.)

“I am so thankful sometimes I smile outloud, and as hard and long as you might try you could not break my spirit.”
~ Nirrimi Joy Hakanson

“The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that its center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.”
~ Black Elk

“A man’s spirit is free, but his pride binds him with chains of suffocation in a prison of his own insecurities”
~ Jeremy Aldana

“I live for those who love me, for those who know me true; for the heaven that smiles above me and awaits my spirit too. For the cause that lacks assistance, for the wrong that needs resistance, for the future in the distance, and the good that I can do.”
~ George Linnaeus Banks

Merry Christmas ~ Poetry Sunday

The Mystery 

***
Within the snow capped dome I see
the mirror image looking back at me
Ice propels one to bliss
the wash of love I dare not miss.

The pine it lingers in my soul
fragments left to control
the gifts are but a vivid illusion
of  life that struggles with confusion.

Christmas carries an air of mystery
as does the spirit throughout history.
Propels the thoughts of one who sleeps
into a place where cynicism weeps.

Allow the truth to never hide
Christmas day I will confide.
Hold out the hand of all you ration
within your heart the stem of compassion.

A Winter Scene

***
The morning breathes a sigh of relief
a new dawn has broken through.
The snow it whispers from the sky
the blush of a fresh days hue.

Trees are barren as they sleep
each limb has clinging cotton
crisp cold air wafts throughout
squirrels are all but forgotten.

The crunching noise it lingers
as deer and elk creep by.
Silence holds this winter day
as snow falls from on high.

The air is full of Christmas
a holy day abounds.
Bells and holly carry on
the wondrous seasons sounds.

Mystery here is clinging
as angels sing a song,
coming is a new born babe
leading men along.

Awaken all you nations
hear the words I plea,
God has sent a part of Him
for sins of you and me.

Generations have come and gone
but everything’s the same.
The Holy night is cherished
as the very day He came!

(c) Joni Zipp

 

 Audiobook Heaven

To All a Good Night

Luke 2:13-14   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

To All a Good Night...
***
'Twas the night before Christmas
and all through the house
all the creatures were stirring
even a tiny small mouse.
The stockings all hung but not by a fire
across the wall they hang by a wire.
The kids are ready for Christmas to come
I sitting quiet with a soft spoken hum.
I think of times that were happy and gay
I look for my family that sits miles away.
They are all bustling in their own lovely house
with food and warmth, some with a spouse.
All of my needs are well taken care of
my home is joyous and full of love.
My fridge has food with milk to spare
I have sugar cookies, all ready to share.
I have great friends who all support me
in writing, and fellowship just like family.
I sit and I read with new found joy
of this wonderful story, of a God sent boy.
I look to the Light and all it’s glory
of Jesus and angels a glorious story.
I think the world has passed on by,
they whine for wants and it makes me cry.
I need to drink in all this I’m given
my life is full and worth me livin’,
I’ll focus on me and all that I AM,
remembering to Him, my life is a gem.
To all of my friends I give great praise,
I’ll pray for them in the coming days.
For now I’m tired and must travel far,
to find that wondrous beautiful star.
This angel must go as she rises to flight
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Christmas Spirit

Christmas Spirit...

Well it is three days before Christmas. Normally my season is full of cleaning, preparing, getting ready. We’d normally have a Christmas party where my jazz man plays the sax and people all gather around for Christmas cheer, and then we look forward to the bustling holiday with family.

This year was changed by the spirit. I might say, the Holy Spirit. With my illness upon me, leaving me basically immobile, and my mans sight restored, the Spirit moved us to bow humbly before the world, the season and life itself. It caused me to see more clearly, listen more carefully, and appreciate the tiny things that matter more than the big things that don’t.

I had thought that I appreciated life in every possible way, but not only did he gain sight, I gained insight. While I cherish my privacy and hold a lot inside, I have a tendency to release to the world my pain and sorrows via my blog, but have I shared the blessings too? Have I told you about the Glory that has been granted me this Christmas season?

Christmas is not about gifts, it’s not about shopping and it certainly isn’t about receiving. I had a God slap moment, where He took me aside and showed me great things. Unlike many, I hear His whisper in the wind, I see the beauty in the snow fall, I feel close to Him when the sun rises and plants a kiss right on my cheek. That is my communion with the God who came to this earth to be with each and everyone of us and LIKE us, human.

I am a gifted woman and I need to let you all know that when it rains, it pours. Whether it is pain and sorrow, or joys and blessings, everything under the sun is for a reason and as so many this season worry about the gift to give, the right party to attend, some will even wonder if the alcohol will be tasty this year.

MY friends, I have a tree, I have a son, I have a man who has made cookies and cleaned up the place nicely (and has made a few quite awesome dinners too). I have all my needs met, and my wants are sitting at the bottom of the hill somewhere, covered in mounds of snow. My season, while filled in pain has found bountiful blessings surrounding me via friends who have reached out and offered an arm of support during this time. Whether they prayed for me, offered kind words, or helped monetarily, they reached out with arms longer than I had ever imagined possible. I am truly blessed. With sight, I send to them blessings.

The Spirit has moved me to see, that this Christmas is all about humbling yourself to the Lord. We live in a world where too much chaos is ruining too many lives, and we need to just step back and embrace our humble lives and appreciate the tiny things because within every one of those, are blessings to be cherished!

May God Bless you all this Glorious Season!!!!

Quotation Saturday ~ Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS
***

“I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.”
--Taylor Caldwell

“Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.
--Oren Arnold

Let's be naughty and save Santa the trip.
--Gary Allan

There's more, much more, to Christmas than candlelight and cheer; It's the spirit of sweet friendship That brightens all year. It's thoughtfulness and kindness, It's hope reborn again, For peace, for understanding, And for goodwill to men!
--Author unnknown
 

“Let us keep Christmas beautiful Without a thought of greed, That it might live forevermore To fill our every need, That it shall not be just a day, But last a lifetime through, The miracle of Christmastime That brings God close to you”
--Ann Schultz

“May the joy, peace and love that you feel at Christmas envelop you so that you carry it throughout the New Year. Be blessed in all that you do and the blessings, my friend, will come back to you.”
-- Joni Zipp

Merry Christmas!

Proverbs 7:19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:
***
Christmas Thoughts
of Mother and Dad

Though I’m not there to be with you
my spirit fills the room.
Remember I am happy now,
no longer full of gloom.

I left a void with those I love;
my soul it craved release.
I had to move on as God had asked,
so the pain in me would cease.

Often times I shed a tear,
thinking of all I lost.
Relinquishing all material wealth,
is all that it would cost.

The price so small in my mind’s eye
as the Lord embraced my being.
Sacrifice is a message instilled;
His light is all I’m seeing.

As holidays will come and go,
my love lives in your heart,
for as long as my memory lingers
We’ll never be far apart.

Think of me as if I’m there
as hard as it all seems.
I’ll be home for Christmas,
if only in my dreams.


***
Christmas’ Past
***

I teeter on the barren steps
away from all the clutter.
Hustle and bustle of parents below;
my heart is now aflutter.

A little flannel gown I wear;
it hugs my tiny feet.
I see the tree alit below
my Christmas now complete.

Giggles begin to surface,
as siblings sit astride
We gaze at all the action below
Our tiny feet we hide.

Christmas pasts, that I remember,
with such a joyful wonder.
My gazing down the steps to see
the toys that lay there under.

Our tree was always brightly lit
Unceasingly on Christmas Eve.
The star gave hope for my future,
a humbling time to believe.

Santa Claus may not have been real,
I clearly know that now.
But something happened on Christmas’ past
That made him real somehow.

I always had a momentous present
nestled tightly beneath the tree.
It was a treasured loving gift,
wrapped especially for me.

It was as if St. Nicholas
climbed inside my parents heart.
They shared their love on Christmas day
To their children they did impart.

What wondrous Christmas memories
I carry in my soul.
No need to ever long for more;
My Christmas’ are whole.
***
I wish you all a Merry Christmas
as you treasure family moments.
Be blessed!

The Legend of Saint Nicholas

The Legend of Saint Nicholas

There he sat in a great big chair,
Velvet red suit, snow-like hair.
Full of laughter, joy, and cheer.
Once again that time of year.

"Mommy, mommy, who is he?"
Are words I longed to hear.
But what do you say to innocence,
To make the story clear?

Do I grant him imagination,
His mind set to explore?
Or thrust him into reality,
Allowing his soul to soar?

I tell the story of Jesus,
His gracious, humble birth.
About how wise men brought Him gifts.
Because He blessed this earth.

St. Nicholas too, was a humble man,
Who loved all girls and boys.
He gave them joy and laughter,
By blessing them with toys.

His giving to children once a year,
To feel enormous pleasure.
Throughout eternity, each child will hold,
A day they'll always treasure.

Chosen was the day of our Lord,
I'm sure He wouldn't mind.
Sharing His appointed birthday,
With a man so warm and kind.

Jesus had inspired a man,
To lovingly care and give.
And through the spirit of both these men,
Their memories will live.

So once a year, St. Nicholas' spirit,
Dwells in the hearts of men.
Bringing imagination to life,
In any way he can.

Poetry Sunday~ A True Christmas Story

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.." Isaiah 9:6
***

A True Christmas Story

A tale was told one Christmas eve,
Tis' better to give than to receive.
But I have no gift, my pockets bare,
I am but a poet, my poem I'll share.
I rose from my bed on Christmas day,
The sun was peeking down where I lay.
I crept down the stairs so I could see,
Had Santa left gifts under my tree?
I wasn't surprised, left unamazed,
I stood at my empty tree and gazed.
No gifts to give, my heart did ache,
But I would go on for Christmas' sake.
I threw on my clothes, rushed out the door,
Just what is all this excitement for?
I have no gifts to give to thee,
No presents were left beneath my tree.
So how can Christmas be happy and gay?
What is the secret that makes this day?
I swung open the door, to my surprise,
My family was sitting before my eyes.
Greetings exchanged, hugs of embrace,
Smiles that lit the entire place.
"We're glad you're here, accept this gift.
Maybe then your spirits will lift."
I saw in their eyes a special glow,
That sunk my heart, and let me know,
That they were giving with deepest love,
For God had signaled from above.
The spirit of Christmas is a radiant gleam,
That shines through the soul, in a warming beam.
I have felt that warmth throughout the year,
By spreading laughter, joy, and cheer.
But a chosen day was set aside,
For all our arms to open wide.
So the gift I give has no ribbons or bows,
I'll give you peace that warms and glows.
I'll tell you I love you, I'll make you smile,
I'll see that your visit was worth the while.
I returned to my house, I plugged in my tree,
There sat a star gazing down at me.
I looked at the star with wondrous sight,
For God had appeared that Christmas night.
I was given the secret of Christmas eve,
Tis' better to give, than to receive.

Quotation Saturday

Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
***

A little Christmas joy for my followers. Tired of being sad around the holiday’s? Read on! Quotation Saturday will lift your spirits for sure!

Little Known Christmas Fact
***

Not long ago and far away, Santa was getting ready for his annual trip...but there were problems everywhere.
Four of his elves were sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones so Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule.
Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more. When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where. More Stress. Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the boards cracked and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys. So, frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of coffee and a shot of whiskey. When he went to the cupboard, he found the elves had hidden the liquor and there was nothing to drink. In his frustration, he dropped the coffee pot and it broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the he kitchen floor.
He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw it was made from.
Just then the doorbell rang and Santa cussed on his way to the door. He opened the door and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree. The angel said: "Where would you like to put this tree Santa?"
And that my friends, is how the little angel came to be on top of the Christmas tree.


On a quotable note:


Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home. ~Carol Nelson

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens

Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself. ~Francis C. Farley

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. ~W.T. Ellis

The Legend of St. Nicholas

***The Legend of Saint Nicholas***

*** *** ***

There he sat in a great big chair,

velvet red suit, snow-like hair.

Full of laughter, joy, and cheer;

once again that time of year.

"Mommy, mommy, who is he?"

Are words I longed to hear.

But what do you say to innocence,

to make the story clear?

Do I grant him imagination,

his mind set to explore?

Or thrust him into reality,

allowing his soul to soar?

I tell the story of Jesus,

His gracious, humble birth.

About how wise men brought Him gifts,

because He blessed this earth.

St. Nicholas too, was a humble man,

who loved all girls and boys.

He gave them joy and laughter,

by blessing them with toys.

His giving to children once a year,

to feel enormous pleasure.

Throughout eternity, each child will hold,

a day they'll always treasure.

Chosen was the day of our Lord,

I'm sure He wouldn't mind.

Sharing His appointed birthday,

with a man so warm and kind.

Jesus had inspired a man,

to lovingly care and give.

And through the spirit of both these men,

their memories will live.

So once a year, St. Nicholas' spirit,

dwells in the hearts of men.

Bringing imagination to life,

in any way he can.

***

Merry Christmas to all

and to all a goodnight!

War of the Worlds!

By now you have all read my current struggles and the blessings that have come along with it. I’m here to tell you more. You know I’ve been to the welfare offices, the Assistance for the Blind, Christian Community in Action (CCA for short) and you should know by reading my previous posts, nothing came easy.

It is a week before Christmas and I held onto my faith knowing that God was going to give me Christmas blessings. Satan on every avenue tries to bring me down, but I’m a here as a testament of the Reigning King of Kings prevailing!

CCA is a community outreach program that helps the needy. When I went to them for food, I was told that I wasn’t ‘on their list’. Imagine being turned away at a food bank! Trudging back to the main office to ask WHY we weren’t on the list, we found that the ‘worker’ had made a mistake. We had our voucher and were placed on the list. The following week we didn’t need them any more because God saw to it that blessings of food were abundant for me.

CCA sent me a voucher for the Christmas toys a few weeks ago and the date was Thursday the 18th. Imagine my shock when a week before Christmas I had very little for my son’s Christmas and to be told, “You’re not on the list.” I had my card that they sent me with my name on it and after twenty minutes of watching a woman run back and forth to see why I wasn’t on the list, she came back with the “O.k. let her through.”

I was allowed $75 dollars. (Supposed to be $100, but I was definitely not complaining! Give me SOMEthing and I’ll be on my way.) I had received $60 for mentoring a writing course and believe me it helped immensely! I purchased SEVEN games for my sons Gamecube system! SEVEN! But I didn’t get him that ONE toy that he REALLY wanted.

You know how us parents are, we need to see our kid light up because of that one special toy that we get them. In my son’s case, he wanted a $20 Bakugan. A six-piece set that we had seen at Walmart but I couldn’t afford. When I got my $60, that is the first thing I sought out! Walmart was OUT. “Oh well,” I said to myself, “he’ll be happy with games.”

At the CCA I looked and looked at the toys. I saw a Bionicle, Lego star wars things and there it was after scanning the aisles twice and not seeing it, I came back and heard a voice, “This is for Adam.” Chills ran up my spine as I looked; lo and behold, the Bakugan six piece set!!! Talk about amazing! Needless to say the tears were ever present during this visit.

I walked out with an entire Christmas for my son! He will be the happiest kid on the block, and most appreciative because he knows what we’re going through. I then went to a thrift store, everything in the store was either .97 or $1.97. Wow! I struck gold! Me in a thrift store is like a kid in a candy factory!

I can spend hours and hours in Kohl’s or JCPenny’s and walk out with nothing in my hands, but take me in a thrift store, you’d think I won a million bucks! I spent twenty bucks and guess what? Joni is going to have a wonderful Christmas! I found for me a 21st Century, Webster’s International Encyclopedia 10 volume set! For $1.97! WOW! Joni the reader is happy! And Joni the Writer is gloriously happy!

I even bought a basket for my neighbor. I’m filling it with fruit and giving it to her and her two kids. (That’s another story) WHEW! I’m blessed!

Did you hear me? I’M BLESSED! :::shouting from the rooftops:::

This Christmas could just possibly turn out to be the most richly rewarding Christmas that I’ll ever have. Not because of gifts, but because of BLESSINGS! I know so many people are struggling right now and if they only held out the hope and belief in miracles, they would receive the blessings to make all their NEEDS be fulfilled! (Notice I said NEEDS not wants?)

My son, Adam Omega, who turns thirteen on December 27 will have a glorious Christmas AND birthday!

*ALLELUIA AMEN!*

The Day the Earth Moved...me

It’s kind of an amazing tale. You see, when the Pastor of our old church led me to have doubts in my own faith, God just happened to have another church waiting in the wings to lift me up. The New Church, visits our apartment complex every other week. My son is known and liked by all of the adults running the program including the Pastor. They have games and prizes and they also minister the word of God.

My son was bored at our old church, and my fiance went to ‘support’ me in my need to feel God closer to me, instead of just sitting in my room reading the Bible. This New Church had a Halloween party for the kids that I gladly took my son to, so he wouldn’t be running the streets begging for candy. They had games and prizes and I myself even enjoyed playing the games and tossing a wet sponge at the Pastor’s face. Yeah, he was an active participant in the games.

Halloween was on a Friday, and that very Sunday we decided to attend the New Church. I never once told them of our situation, but somehow they sensed our need to be filled with the Spirit. The next day, my fiance found out that he was approved his social security disability. As his blindness creeps closer to total blindness we are being blessed in numerous ways.

When two weeks of non-attendance at our ‘old’ church arrived, the pastor finally called and asked if we were okay? I tried so hard to tell him that we weren’t, something had been draining my faith and hope. I told him that we were attending a New Church and it was being replenished. The Blood of Christ was pouring through my veins and hope and faith were swiftly returning just by attending TWO weeks at the New Church.

His silence said a mouthful. He was disappointed that we were attending a different church when the way he sees it is that his church tried to help in every way they could. I told him how happy my son was sitting through a two- hour sermon! HAPPY! Imagine YOUR kid sitting there tapping his feet to the music, listening to the sermon and leaving the service asking if we could go back.

The pastor, maybe unintentionally, was trying to drain my hope and faith again. He said, “It sounds like you’re letting your son make the decision for you, where you attend church. So often I have seen that backfire.”

After I closed my gaping mouth. I replied, “It’s a family decision. We need to be filled with the love of God. We need to feel His power and we NEED His Blessings to rain down on us. We may visit your church once again but right now during this hard and difficult road we’re traveling, we need to be lifted up in His Spirit.”

I hung up the phone after he told me that his church was my church too and that they hoped for my families retur; we said our good-byes.

My eyes unleashed a rupture of tears. They streamed down my cheek in a fluid stream. I clenched my stomach as I felt I had done something terribly wrong. My heart ached for the first time in two weeks. The one man I trusted to instill faith, was robbing me of all of this recent return of joy.

A friend told me, “The Minister was wrong in his response. He should have been delighted that you were looking out for your son’s happiness.” My friend also told me that he felt I did the right thing. Comfort from a dear friend in my time of need, even though he sits what seems like a million miles away.

The New Church was the right decision for my family! I feel like God was looking out for me way back in September. That He knew the old church was draining my strong faith. Not only do I have faith in God, but He has faith in me too!

Many blessings continue to flourish before me and if I keep them all to myself then I’m not sharing how great He can be!

to be continued…