As both destiny and purpose continue to place a demand on our faith and creativity, I am now of the belief that comfort and familiarity are enemies to a purpose filled life. We have to become comfortable with being uncomfortable, and become familiar with what's unfamiliar. Why, because He knows what He's doing (smile...memory scripture 2).
Just sharing my thoughts as I meditate and ponder on this wonderful Friday morning.
~bdr
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Update Prayer Request (Healing and Fear)
Ladies of Purpose,
I am writing to update you in regards to my Dr.'s apt on today. My OB-GYN says I have a dermtoid cyst (cyst made up of diff kinds of tissue like skin, hair, and teeth) on my left ovary. And non-solid (Liquid filled) small follicular cysts on my right ovary. She took blood and is testing me for cancer markers. She stated that I will need surgery to remove the cyst. Statistically, in time the dermtoid cyst will get larger and may lead to the removal of the ovary. In a nut shell this was both shocking and surprising to me. My current and past pains are primarily on the right side and the Doc's saying I need surgery for the left. :-(
My wonderful husband is very supportive and feels we will just need to exercise and eat well. :-) Pray that he continues to be so positive and free of worry. As for me. Let the very will of God be done in and through me. Allow me not to succumb to depression, self-pity or ignorance of the fact that God is still God. I am his Child and Anything is Possible.
Love
LaCresha D. Chatman
Thursday, August 16, 2007
The Center
Do you remember having the suckers with the gum in the middle as a child? There was, or perhaps still is, something exciting about working through the candy to enjoy the gum! As good as the candy was, and still is, the mission was to get to the gum.
I recently heard a message that, of all things, got me thinking about the center of the sucker...you know, the gum. I pondered, who or what rests at the center of my motivation? Am I really motivated because God is at the center of a thing or is there something else there that is motivating me, driving me, that looks appealing to me?
Needless to say, I had a "sucker moment." You see, there can't be anything worse than Christ not being my center, and there is nothing or no one better than Christ being my center. I say concerning all things, the center should be checked, and checked often!
Tamara
I recently heard a message that, of all things, got me thinking about the center of the sucker...you know, the gum. I pondered, who or what rests at the center of my motivation? Am I really motivated because God is at the center of a thing or is there something else there that is motivating me, driving me, that looks appealing to me?
Needless to say, I had a "sucker moment." You see, there can't be anything worse than Christ not being my center, and there is nothing or no one better than Christ being my center. I say concerning all things, the center should be checked, and checked often!
Tamara
Memory Scripture 2
Jeremiah 29:11 (Message Bible Translation)
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
(NKJ: For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.)
Philippians 4:8 (Message Bible Translation)
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
(NKJ: Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.)
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
(NKJ: For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.)
Philippians 4:8 (Message Bible Translation)
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
(NKJ: Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.)
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Prayer Request (Healing & Fear)
Hi Ladies,
I am writing to ask for your prayers in a specific area of my life. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). A condition in which there are fluid filled cysts along the ovaries. This condition has a multitude of issues that go along with it "google" for understanding if you want more info. I recently began a holistic approach (a trial of 3 months on a strict diet with a visit to my OB-GYN at the end) with an OB-GYN Certified in conventional and holistic practices. However during these first two weeks of the trial I had an ultrasound performed with the results sent to my OB-GYN. My OB-GYN's office called me on Friday and stated that I need to come in so that the OB-GYN could discuss my results with me. My appt is for Aug 23, 2007.
Due to the pain I have been feeling lately in the area of my ovaries as well as anxiety of what my OB-GYN will say to me has brought along with it the spirit of fear. I ask that you pray against the spirit of fear and for peace that surpasses my understanding. Honestly I can't think of what else I want prayer for in regards to this whole situation but I know my husband and I do desire children and I don't care what fear is saying "We will have through my own body healthy loving children" so add that to the list too... And of course pray as God directs you best.
I appreciate this,
Love,
Cree
I am writing to ask for your prayers in a specific area of my life. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). A condition in which there are fluid filled cysts along the ovaries. This condition has a multitude of issues that go along with it "google" for understanding if you want more info. I recently began a holistic approach (a trial of 3 months on a strict diet with a visit to my OB-GYN at the end) with an OB-GYN Certified in conventional and holistic practices. However during these first two weeks of the trial I had an ultrasound performed with the results sent to my OB-GYN. My OB-GYN's office called me on Friday and stated that I need to come in so that the OB-GYN could discuss my results with me. My appt is for Aug 23, 2007.
Due to the pain I have been feeling lately in the area of my ovaries as well as anxiety of what my OB-GYN will say to me has brought along with it the spirit of fear. I ask that you pray against the spirit of fear and for peace that surpasses my understanding. Honestly I can't think of what else I want prayer for in regards to this whole situation but I know my husband and I do desire children and I don't care what fear is saying "We will have through my own body healthy loving children" so add that to the list too... And of course pray as God directs you best.
I appreciate this,
Love,
Cree
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Learning Forgiveness
Hi Ladies! I pray that you're all well in spirit and in body. For a while now, the Lord has been speaking to my heart with regards to forgiveness...others and self. Not too long ago I was up throughout the night with the topic on my mind and decided to write my thoughts. I pray it is a blessing to you.
In His Love,
Kristina
__________________________________________________
I believe there are so many Scriptures about forgiveness in the Bible because God knew we would encounter numerous circumstances in life where we would experience hurt, betrayal, anger, resentment, and other emotions that if allowed to fester, our whole person would be wrecked. He tells us about forgiveness so that we can continue to live in wholeness, walk in the spirit of love, continue to be in right relationship with Him, and foster a sweet dwelling for His Spirit to reside.
Yes, the act of forgiveness can seem like an impossible task when the offense stings and hardens the heart. But see, that's actually the result of unforgiveness - a hardened and cold heart...a heart that is bound. Forgiveness liberates you form such strongholds. There is freedom in forgiveness...the freedom from guilt and bitterness. There is peace in forgiveness...it releases the debt and eases the mind. There is even joy in forgiveness...our spirits are lifted and the will to move forward emerges. Yes, yes, all this is true!
As the years go by in my life, I am learning that there are three traits we must certainly possess to walk in true freedom and pure joy: unwavering faith, love for others, and a forgiving heart.
In His Love,
Kristina
__________________________________________________
Here it is 2:47 AM and I'm wide awake like a baby cooing and yearning to play at the ungodly hour of a 3 AM feeding. Why is it that babies want to play when you're trying your best not to drop the bottle or Lord forbid, the child in your feeble attempt to stay awake? Babies are not as innocent as they appear...haha, just kidding. Anyway, I did not intend on spending that much time on babies...I do have a topic in mind for this post.
Usually whenever I'm awakened at "odd" hours of the night and sleep punches the time-clock early, I find myself cuddled up with a page-turner novel or The Good Book until sleep decides to punch back in. Instead, tonight, I pulled up one of Adrian Rogers' podcasts over the internet for a little early morning food for thought. After browsing the topics (there were many), I settled on a message about learning forgiveness. In a nutshell, he talked about the importance of forgiving those who wrong you in life, whether they ask for forgiveness or not. Essentially, forgiveness is an obligation that frees you from the burdens that others have placed on...or you've placed on yourself.
A few weeks ago, the topic of one of Oprah's shows was forgiveness. On this show, a woman was napping in her friend's home (she was the only one there), and two teenage boys (15 yrs old & 16 yrs old) came through an open garage to steal the car. The 15 yr old walked through the house to see whether anyone was there and noticed the woman sleeping, so he closed the bedroom door and went back to the garage to take the car. The woman was awakened from her sleep when she heard noises in the garage, and she walked in on the teens stealing the vehicle. The youngest teen ordered her back in the house at gunpoint, pushed her to the ground in the living room, placed a pillow over her head, and shot her in the head, leaving her for dead.
Miraculously, she survived...but not without life-altering scars. She is now legally blind, she had to learn to walk, talk, chew, swallow, and most other basic life skills after being in a coma for 6 months. Do you know that woman forgave her attackers?! With slurred speech and a staggered walk, she went to the prison to tell her attackers that she forgave them and that she was choosing to love them. WOW! What a testimony!
Towards the end of the show, the following comment was made: Harboring bitterness and unforgiveness is like drinking poison, hoping that the other person would be harmed.
Oh, how truth rings in that statement - bitterness and unforgiveness does more damage to the one hurting than it does to the one who caused the hurt.
All throughout the Bible, we are admonished to forgive others:
(1) "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13).
(2) "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32).
(3) "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14).
(4) "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins" (Mark 11:25).
(5) "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven" (Luke 6:37).
I believe there are so many Scriptures about forgiveness in the Bible because God knew we would encounter numerous circumstances in life where we would experience hurt, betrayal, anger, resentment, and other emotions that if allowed to fester, our whole person would be wrecked. He tells us about forgiveness so that we can continue to live in wholeness, walk in the spirit of love, continue to be in right relationship with Him, and foster a sweet dwelling for His Spirit to reside.
Yes, the act of forgiveness can seem like an impossible task when the offense stings and hardens the heart. But see, that's actually the result of unforgiveness - a hardened and cold heart...a heart that is bound. Forgiveness liberates you form such strongholds. There is freedom in forgiveness...the freedom from guilt and bitterness. There is peace in forgiveness...it releases the debt and eases the mind. There is even joy in forgiveness...our spirits are lifted and the will to move forward emerges. Yes, yes, all this is true!
As the years go by in my life, I am learning that there are three traits we must certainly possess to walk in true freedom and pure joy: unwavering faith, love for others, and a forgiving heart.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Bibles
Family Christian Stores are having a Bible sale from August 11th - 18th. So, if you're in need of a new Bible or would like to give one as a gift, now may be the time to purchase one...they're 50% off!
I recommend getting another version of the Bible (i.e. The Amplified Bible) to have as a reference at home.
Check out the link:
50% Bible Sale @ Family Christian
Happy Studying!
Kristina
I recommend getting another version of the Bible (i.e. The Amplified Bible) to have as a reference at home.
Check out the link:
50% Bible Sale @ Family Christian
Happy Studying!
Kristina
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Memory Scripture 1
Hi Ladies,
Twice a month I will post a "memory" scripture. Feel free to join me in writing the scriptures on the tablets of our hearts by committing them to memory. I plan on posting new scriptures on the 1st of each month and in the middle of each month (around the 15th). At times I may include more than one scripture, like today;-)
Note: Unless otherwise noted scriptures will be posted in NKJ
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
***If you look up the word "meditate" from Joshua 1:8 you will find that mediate is not merely a mental exercise but also a verbal one. Mediate in this text can be defined as to think or to speak. Therefore, we must not only think on the word, we must also speak the word. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of the Lord. Speak the scriptures aloud and allow your faith to come by the hearing of the Word.
~bdr
Twice a month I will post a "memory" scripture. Feel free to join me in writing the scriptures on the tablets of our hearts by committing them to memory. I plan on posting new scriptures on the 1st of each month and in the middle of each month (around the 15th). At times I may include more than one scripture, like today;-)
Note: Unless otherwise noted scriptures will be posted in NKJ
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
***If you look up the word "meditate" from Joshua 1:8 you will find that mediate is not merely a mental exercise but also a verbal one. Mediate in this text can be defined as to think or to speak. Therefore, we must not only think on the word, we must also speak the word. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of the Lord. Speak the scriptures aloud and allow your faith to come by the hearing of the Word.
~bdr
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