Greetings:
My friends, today's blog is sort of a follow-up to one of my previous blogs titled, Tomorrow is Not Promised. I don't know about you, but I am just sick of NBC's Today Show. Do you mean to tell me that people are really interested in the financial mess that Michael has left behind or how many times someone had to pump his heart because of alleged overdose of prescription medication? I know we grow up in the
'70's, '80's and early '90's with MJ's posters all over our bedroom walls, some of us still have the replica to the Thriller jacket, many of us have the replicas to the gloves and socks, but you know what, the truth of the matter is that we are all made of dust, and dust we shall return, as Solomon wrote. In Ecclesiastes 3:17-19, Solomon said that God has planned a time for every thing and every action, so He will judge both good and bad people. Friends, it doesn't matter who you are, whether rich or poor, black or white,God is the only king. As my pastor said last Sunday, Michael was known as the king of pop; Elvis, the king of rock, James Brown, the king of souls, but guess what?? They are all dead men; but God, who is the King of all kings, is still alive!!! Hallelujah.
You see, we must live each day like it is our last. In Psalm 90:12, David asked the Lord to teach us how short our lives really are so that we may be wise. See, Michael was only 50 years old, getting ready for his big comeback tour. I just pray he had a personal relationship with God, otherwise, God be with him. Friends, you and I know that I have not always been living the life God wants me to live, but after much "lickings" by God, I had no choice but to surrender my life to God because I want to live a good life, I want to be sure that if I should die tomorrow I will go to heaven. Friends, I know with all confidence that if today or tomorrow I should die, I will see my Father in heaven. I just thank God that He gave me another chance to get it right with Him before it was too late. Glory. Can you say the same that you have made it right with God? How much more do you want to see before you surrender your life to God? How much more "lickings" do you want to take before you surrender your life to God?
Wouldn't it be great if NBC takes that same enthusiasm and report everyday about the millions of people that are coming to Christ or even report on those countries where the Bible is not allowed or the teaching of Christianity is not allowed?
Friends, let us start being serious about our lives and serious about living our every day as if it is our last. Even David who was a "ladies man" knew that life is short, and that's why he asked the Lord to show him how to live the right way.
In Belize, we have a saying, "Nuh wait til di man ded fi tell ahn ih good" - translation: Do not wait for someone to die before you tell him/her how good he/she was. We should be telling our families, our friends, our loved ones, even our enemies how much we love them and appreciate them each and every day. Again, tomorrow is not promised.
Please ask God to come into your life and live in you, but when you ask, please believe and then act on it, live your life everyday as if it is your last and also live life praising and worshipping God.
Stay encouraged, read the Word, and pray. Prayer is a free gift; there is no cost. You have to pray believing that God has forgiven you and that God is and will continue to take care of you until He is ready to call you home.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
New Beginnings is what God has given me. I have a new beginning when I decided to be obedient to the will of God and start serving Him with all my heart, mind, and soul.
INVITE THERESE WARRICK TO YOUR EVENTS!
THERESE BRINGS INSPIRATIONAL AND MOTIVATIONAL MESSAGES TO WOMEN!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Three "E's"
Greetings my friends:
Today's message is a continuation from the women's conference. I want to talk a little about what Rev. Tina Findley called the three "E's" of healing; that is: Exodus, Exchange and Excess.
1) Exodus is God's way of delivering us from captivity.
Psalm 34:19 says, "People who do what is right may have many problems, but the Lord will solve them all."
2) Exchange is God's way of taking our baggage away.
Psalm 30:11-12 says, "You changed my sorrow into dancing, you took away my clothes of sadness and clothed me in happiness"; and,
3) Excess is the state of abundance enjoyed by God's children.
Ephesians 3:20, "With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine."
Friends, when we take our problems and troubles to God, He delivers us. God delivers us from temptation, He delivers us from bad habits, weaknesses, dark behavior and other vices. However, we must be willing to make that exchange with God when we ask Him to deliver us. Rev. Findley said exodus is a matter of faith (Hebrews 11:1 - faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it). To make that exchange with God, we must put aside our pride, shame and fear and just take it to the Lord. We must let God take it away from us and we must believe and leave it all to God. We must, however, also change our attitudes. We must learn to trust in God and watch Him work in our lives. When we do this, we will live in excess. When we live in excess, we possess the spirit of God and we have freedom--freedom from all the excess baggage. When we live in excess we are surrendering totally to God, working through every issue with God, not trying to do it on our own. Excess guarantees us God's blessings. Amen.
Rev. Findley made us affirm that "I should get out; I can get out; I will get out." Now, you repeat it, repeat it, believing what you are affirming.
Friends, I have been telling you, we need to reaffirm positive things over our lives, our children's lives, our spouses' lives, and even over the lives of our enemies.
Please surrender yourself totally to God and watch Him work magnificently in your life. I can tell you first hand that I am reaping the benefits of surrendering to God. I have exchanged my shame, my pride, and my fear with the Lord. Now, I am bold, I am humble, I am a witness for our Lord, and I do not fear because I know the Lord is my light and my salvation!
Peace and I ask you to please read the Word for at least 30 minutes.
May the Lord pour favor over your life.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Today's message is a continuation from the women's conference. I want to talk a little about what Rev. Tina Findley called the three "E's" of healing; that is: Exodus, Exchange and Excess.
1) Exodus is God's way of delivering us from captivity.
Psalm 34:19 says, "People who do what is right may have many problems, but the Lord will solve them all."
2) Exchange is God's way of taking our baggage away.
Psalm 30:11-12 says, "You changed my sorrow into dancing, you took away my clothes of sadness and clothed me in happiness"; and,
3) Excess is the state of abundance enjoyed by God's children.
Ephesians 3:20, "With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine."
Friends, when we take our problems and troubles to God, He delivers us. God delivers us from temptation, He delivers us from bad habits, weaknesses, dark behavior and other vices. However, we must be willing to make that exchange with God when we ask Him to deliver us. Rev. Findley said exodus is a matter of faith (Hebrews 11:1 - faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it). To make that exchange with God, we must put aside our pride, shame and fear and just take it to the Lord. We must let God take it away from us and we must believe and leave it all to God. We must, however, also change our attitudes. We must learn to trust in God and watch Him work in our lives. When we do this, we will live in excess. When we live in excess, we possess the spirit of God and we have freedom--freedom from all the excess baggage. When we live in excess we are surrendering totally to God, working through every issue with God, not trying to do it on our own. Excess guarantees us God's blessings. Amen.
Rev. Findley made us affirm that "I should get out; I can get out; I will get out." Now, you repeat it, repeat it, believing what you are affirming.
Friends, I have been telling you, we need to reaffirm positive things over our lives, our children's lives, our spouses' lives, and even over the lives of our enemies.
Please surrender yourself totally to God and watch Him work magnificently in your life. I can tell you first hand that I am reaping the benefits of surrendering to God. I have exchanged my shame, my pride, and my fear with the Lord. Now, I am bold, I am humble, I am a witness for our Lord, and I do not fear because I know the Lord is my light and my salvation!
Peace and I ask you to please read the Word for at least 30 minutes.
May the Lord pour favor over your life.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Women in Ministry
Super Sunday, my friends!
God is worthy to be praise, this is the day that the Lord has made! Thank you Father.
Well, this weekend I attended a women's conference right here in Lexington, KY. I cannot even begin to tell you how blessed I am that I attended that conference. I need to thank my friend who had sent me the brochure for this conference. Thank you so much. God surely wanted me to be at that conference because I received and I also gave so much. The classes and the services were all conducted by women of God, women in ministry.
The sermon that was preached by Rev. Shirley Smalls on Friday evening, Bamboozled by the Boogie Man, but Back By Demand, was off the chain. Yes, I mean it was totally off the hook. I apologize for the slangs, I just want to express my excitement. I just want to keep it real with you. Her message, in a wrap, was that as women we will be bamboozled by the devil, he will shut us down, but he will not shut our mouths. Glory. As Rev. Smalls said, the devil attacks us women, he comes to kill, steal, and destroy. You see, when he can't get to us, he uses our children, our loved ones, and our spouses, but the devil is a liar, and that's when we gather our sisters and go to the Lord in prayer. Again, one of those messages preached by my pastor and one that I have been emphasizing. We are back by demand because we get in God's Word, and God pulls of our of the mess that the devil puts us in. See, when the devil bamboozles us, we get in a spiritual battle, but we must be patient, we must be still, and wait on the Lord. In the meantime, we must stay in the Word, we must gain wisdom by reading and understanding what the Word of God says. The Lord will bring us out in His own time, not a day late or a dollar short, and the devil is put to shame. The more we praise the Lord, the more we shame the devil.
Friends, when God releases us from the hold of the devil, we are free. However to remain free, we must continue to stay in the Word, we must continue to pray, pray, pray and believing that God has delivered us. Remember, God wants to take us on an altitude; as Christians, we must always be elevating.
Ephesians 2:1 says in the past you were spiritually dead because of your sins, and the things you did against God. However, we serve an awesome God and He forgives us our of sins and God just wants us to adjust our attitudes and serve Him to the best of our abilities, not half-heartedly. The devil gets mad when God releases us from under his grip and hold, but we must say thank you to God with our words and in our actions. We must encourage and inspire one another; we must support and comfort one another; we must pray for one another. This is what God expects of us when He puts us back in demand.
May this message be a blessing on your heart.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
God is worthy to be praise, this is the day that the Lord has made! Thank you Father.
Well, this weekend I attended a women's conference right here in Lexington, KY. I cannot even begin to tell you how blessed I am that I attended that conference. I need to thank my friend who had sent me the brochure for this conference. Thank you so much. God surely wanted me to be at that conference because I received and I also gave so much. The classes and the services were all conducted by women of God, women in ministry.
The sermon that was preached by Rev. Shirley Smalls on Friday evening, Bamboozled by the Boogie Man, but Back By Demand, was off the chain. Yes, I mean it was totally off the hook. I apologize for the slangs, I just want to express my excitement. I just want to keep it real with you. Her message, in a wrap, was that as women we will be bamboozled by the devil, he will shut us down, but he will not shut our mouths. Glory. As Rev. Smalls said, the devil attacks us women, he comes to kill, steal, and destroy. You see, when he can't get to us, he uses our children, our loved ones, and our spouses, but the devil is a liar, and that's when we gather our sisters and go to the Lord in prayer. Again, one of those messages preached by my pastor and one that I have been emphasizing. We are back by demand because we get in God's Word, and God pulls of our of the mess that the devil puts us in. See, when the devil bamboozles us, we get in a spiritual battle, but we must be patient, we must be still, and wait on the Lord. In the meantime, we must stay in the Word, we must gain wisdom by reading and understanding what the Word of God says. The Lord will bring us out in His own time, not a day late or a dollar short, and the devil is put to shame. The more we praise the Lord, the more we shame the devil.
Friends, when God releases us from the hold of the devil, we are free. However to remain free, we must continue to stay in the Word, we must continue to pray, pray, pray and believing that God has delivered us. Remember, God wants to take us on an altitude; as Christians, we must always be elevating.
Ephesians 2:1 says in the past you were spiritually dead because of your sins, and the things you did against God. However, we serve an awesome God and He forgives us our of sins and God just wants us to adjust our attitudes and serve Him to the best of our abilities, not half-heartedly. The devil gets mad when God releases us from under his grip and hold, but we must say thank you to God with our words and in our actions. We must encourage and inspire one another; we must support and comfort one another; we must pray for one another. This is what God expects of us when He puts us back in demand.
May this message be a blessing on your heart.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Friday, June 26, 2009
T.G.I.F.
My friends:
I am just so blessed and I just want to thank you for your continued support and encouragement as I do what God wants me to do with this ministry.
God is surely working in my life and I just want to publicly thank the Lord for forgiving me, for coming into my life, and for blessing me with His favor. Favor--what God gives us that we truly do not deserve. Thank you Lord. You know that when God is favoring you, the devil tries to take that favor away. Don't let him do it, he is a liar. Yes, the devil is a liar -- if I could just testify!
Ever since God placed the message in my heart back in May to reach out to women, young women and single mothers, especially, things have just been happening in my life. I mean unbelievable, exceptional, unexplainable, but I know it is God. It's like my pastor could be preaching a sermon about discipleship, then my devotion for the day would be about discipleship, then I would get an e-mail from one of my sisters or friends and that would be about discipleship; or I could be listening to another minister and his/her sermon would be about discipleship. Wow, God is just making sure I am getting the message that He wants me to get. I just have to make sure that I respond and get in His Word so that I can be prepared to do the work that I need to do for God. In John 15:8, it is written that you should produce much fruit and show that you are my followers, which brings glory to my Father. Friends, that's what I am trying to do, I am just trying to produce the fruit and that's why I obeyed the Lord and created this web blog and I make myself available to anyone who needs comfort or counsel. My job is to help you take it to the Lord in prayer, believing that God has already worked it out!! Now, don't we serve an awesome God, one who loves us no matter what we have done?? Wow.
My friends, I am just excited about my life and I want you to be excited about your lives. It is high time we start affirming great and marvelous things over our lives, our children's' lives, our spouses' lives, just let's start reaffirming.
Reaffirm that:
I have favor
I am highly blessed
God is my provider
I will have a supernatural rest of the 2009 year
My finances will be multiplied
God will use me
Thank you Lord. I am just so happy and thrilled that God is working in me and through me. When you are forgiven, God forgets and He watches over us so we may not go astray.
T.G.I.F. - Thank God I Am Forgiven,
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
I am just so blessed and I just want to thank you for your continued support and encouragement as I do what God wants me to do with this ministry.
God is surely working in my life and I just want to publicly thank the Lord for forgiving me, for coming into my life, and for blessing me with His favor. Favor--what God gives us that we truly do not deserve. Thank you Lord. You know that when God is favoring you, the devil tries to take that favor away. Don't let him do it, he is a liar. Yes, the devil is a liar -- if I could just testify!
Ever since God placed the message in my heart back in May to reach out to women, young women and single mothers, especially, things have just been happening in my life. I mean unbelievable, exceptional, unexplainable, but I know it is God. It's like my pastor could be preaching a sermon about discipleship, then my devotion for the day would be about discipleship, then I would get an e-mail from one of my sisters or friends and that would be about discipleship; or I could be listening to another minister and his/her sermon would be about discipleship. Wow, God is just making sure I am getting the message that He wants me to get. I just have to make sure that I respond and get in His Word so that I can be prepared to do the work that I need to do for God. In John 15:8, it is written that you should produce much fruit and show that you are my followers, which brings glory to my Father. Friends, that's what I am trying to do, I am just trying to produce the fruit and that's why I obeyed the Lord and created this web blog and I make myself available to anyone who needs comfort or counsel. My job is to help you take it to the Lord in prayer, believing that God has already worked it out!! Now, don't we serve an awesome God, one who loves us no matter what we have done?? Wow.
My friends, I am just excited about my life and I want you to be excited about your lives. It is high time we start affirming great and marvelous things over our lives, our children's' lives, our spouses' lives, just let's start reaffirming.
Reaffirm that:
I have favor
I am highly blessed
God is my provider
I will have a supernatural rest of the 2009 year
My finances will be multiplied
God will use me
Thank you Lord. I am just so happy and thrilled that God is working in me and through me. When you are forgiven, God forgets and He watches over us so we may not go astray.
T.G.I.F. - Thank God I Am Forgiven,
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Using Your Talents
Hi my friends, I'm back!!!
This has been a very busy, but enjoyable week. I didn't write yesterday because I was so tired and exhausted and even when I asked God to send a message, He said, "go to sleep", so you know that's what I did!!! This week I have been teaching at my church's Vacation Bible Study (VBS). The superintendent had me assigned to the beginners (3 to 5 year olds)class. I have never taught a children's class before, so I was very nervous, but I prayed and asked God to help me. Of course, God has my back and He came through for me. This has been such a blessed week with the kids and in all of that I exercised patience, I had contentment and I was just enjoying my everyday life. The theme for our VBS came from Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil's evil tricks. Now, haven't I been telling you to get in God's Word so that you can arm yourself for when the enemy attacks? Thank you Lord. God is just so awesome.
The kids at my church has been a blessing to me and I surely enjoyed the interaction I had with them. Some of the kids asked me if I was speaking Spanish, some said I talked funny!! However, I had a relationship with each of them and this is one experience I will never forget. I just thank God for allowing me to assist with the children's class, I thank God for pouring out his tender mercy and grace over my life, I thank God for using me and letting me exercise patience and endurance. God is truly wonderful when we use our talents for the upkeep and building of His kingdom. I am feeling so contented right now, however, I need to go to sleep as I have a conference to attend this weekend.
May God use you for the building and upkeep of His kingdom. Please be obedient and use your God given talents. Mentor, tithe to your church, do something nice for someone, say something nice to someone;forgive someone; go to the Lord in prayer for that someone.
Now, always remember, put on the armor of God so you can be protected.
God bless,
Ta ta
Therese from Belize
This has been a very busy, but enjoyable week. I didn't write yesterday because I was so tired and exhausted and even when I asked God to send a message, He said, "go to sleep", so you know that's what I did!!! This week I have been teaching at my church's Vacation Bible Study (VBS). The superintendent had me assigned to the beginners (3 to 5 year olds)class. I have never taught a children's class before, so I was very nervous, but I prayed and asked God to help me. Of course, God has my back and He came through for me. This has been such a blessed week with the kids and in all of that I exercised patience, I had contentment and I was just enjoying my everyday life. The theme for our VBS came from Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil's evil tricks. Now, haven't I been telling you to get in God's Word so that you can arm yourself for when the enemy attacks? Thank you Lord. God is just so awesome.
The kids at my church has been a blessing to me and I surely enjoyed the interaction I had with them. Some of the kids asked me if I was speaking Spanish, some said I talked funny!! However, I had a relationship with each of them and this is one experience I will never forget. I just thank God for allowing me to assist with the children's class, I thank God for pouring out his tender mercy and grace over my life, I thank God for using me and letting me exercise patience and endurance. God is truly wonderful when we use our talents for the upkeep and building of His kingdom. I am feeling so contented right now, however, I need to go to sleep as I have a conference to attend this weekend.
May God use you for the building and upkeep of His kingdom. Please be obedient and use your God given talents. Mentor, tithe to your church, do something nice for someone, say something nice to someone;forgive someone; go to the Lord in prayer for that someone.
Now, always remember, put on the armor of God so you can be protected.
God bless,
Ta ta
Therese from Belize
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Time To Get Fresh
Hello friends:
As the summer season begins, vacation Bible studies are being conducted in many, if not most, of the churches across this city. What better time to attend vacation Bible studies than now, since we have started a new weather season? Why not start our spiritual season too? You are too tired when you get off work, true? You have too much to do, right? I know all about the excuses because I have used them before too. You see, as disciples of Christ, sometimes by the time summer swings around, we are feeling "stale." Matthew 11:28 says, "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest."
Last Fall, I attended a revival at my church, and the preacher for that revival was Rev. Travis. He preached on how to keep from going stale. His sermon is certainly relevant as we enter into the vacation Bible study season. According to Rev. Travis, fatigue makes us stale in our christian walk with Christ; it is hard to be saintly because we are tired. I would encourage each and every one of us to attend our churches' vacation Bible studies; we must make that extra sacrifice to attend. This is the time to renew our strength; this is the time to bring back the enjoyment of living that has diminished or departed all together.
Attending vacation Bible study gives us a chance to repent and get back on track like the good soldiers we are. Rev. Travis said that the side effects of fatigue are depression and disappointment. He said we must rekindle, revive and reactivate ourselves. As disciples, we don't want to be depressed or disappointed because how we are going to lead if we are depressed or disappointed? Remember, we should be living our lives in such a way that for someone who doesn't even know us would want to get to know God because of the light that we shine. Depression and disappointment out our lights, and it may be at that crucial time when someone is truly looking to us for support in their decision to walk with God.
I want and need to get back in the Word.
God's blessings,
Ta ta
Therese from Belize
As the summer season begins, vacation Bible studies are being conducted in many, if not most, of the churches across this city. What better time to attend vacation Bible studies than now, since we have started a new weather season? Why not start our spiritual season too? You are too tired when you get off work, true? You have too much to do, right? I know all about the excuses because I have used them before too. You see, as disciples of Christ, sometimes by the time summer swings around, we are feeling "stale." Matthew 11:28 says, "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest."
Last Fall, I attended a revival at my church, and the preacher for that revival was Rev. Travis. He preached on how to keep from going stale. His sermon is certainly relevant as we enter into the vacation Bible study season. According to Rev. Travis, fatigue makes us stale in our christian walk with Christ; it is hard to be saintly because we are tired. I would encourage each and every one of us to attend our churches' vacation Bible studies; we must make that extra sacrifice to attend. This is the time to renew our strength; this is the time to bring back the enjoyment of living that has diminished or departed all together.
Attending vacation Bible study gives us a chance to repent and get back on track like the good soldiers we are. Rev. Travis said that the side effects of fatigue are depression and disappointment. He said we must rekindle, revive and reactivate ourselves. As disciples, we don't want to be depressed or disappointed because how we are going to lead if we are depressed or disappointed? Remember, we should be living our lives in such a way that for someone who doesn't even know us would want to get to know God because of the light that we shine. Depression and disappointment out our lights, and it may be at that crucial time when someone is truly looking to us for support in their decision to walk with God.
I want and need to get back in the Word.
God's blessings,
Ta ta
Therese from Belize
Monday, June 22, 2009
Fixing versus Supporting
Hi friends, on this marvelous Monday:
I came home and did some self examination. You see, today I have been carrying some extra weight around with me--humiliation and confusion. So, you know what I did, right?? No, no, I did not call and curse anyone out, I did not do anything that would be contrary to what God wants me to do. Yes, I told you I am maturing spiritually! I came home and I took a good hard look in my mirror and I stared at my reflection for a while. I had to search deep to find if I truly, genuinely try to hurt people I care about or if I try to fix situations I have no business doing, or if I support situations, no matter what. I went back to re-read one of the entries in my journal, and I came upon an entry, titled, Training Day. The entry reads, "you carry conflict because you carry God's blessings." Yes, praise be to God.
One of my favorite life coaches, Iyanla Vanzant, in her national bestseller, Acts of Faith, wrote that our task in relationships is not to fix one another; our job is to love what we see and support one another in doing better. I truly thought that's what I do best--love and support others in doing better, however, my reflection did show my tendencies to try and fix instead of support.
As you can see, I recognized that shortcoming, so today I ask for God's mercy and grace. I armed myself with the Word from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. He comforts us everytime we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us."
I get a peace of joy and understanding when I can see my flaws and faults, but it is even more rewarding when I go to the Lord in prayer and ask God for forgiveness, mercy and grace. As a human, I will stumble and try to fix someone or something, but the Bible says, if a man falls seven times, but get up, he will be forgiven. I know I will stumble, but it will not be intentional. However, each time I stumble, I will get up from off my backside, ask the person and ask God for forgiveness, and continue on my way.
As I close, remember, we must always put on the armour of God. We must know that as children of God, no weapons formed against us shall prosper. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. God is our refuge and our redeemer. Sorrow comes in the night, but joy comes in the morning. The Lord is my light and my salvation, in whom shall I fear? The joy of the Lord is my strength. Let the redeem of the Lord say so. I will bless the Lord at all times. Hallelujah, glory be to God. Thank you Father.
May God have mercy and grace on us.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
I came home and did some self examination. You see, today I have been carrying some extra weight around with me--humiliation and confusion. So, you know what I did, right?? No, no, I did not call and curse anyone out, I did not do anything that would be contrary to what God wants me to do. Yes, I told you I am maturing spiritually! I came home and I took a good hard look in my mirror and I stared at my reflection for a while. I had to search deep to find if I truly, genuinely try to hurt people I care about or if I try to fix situations I have no business doing, or if I support situations, no matter what. I went back to re-read one of the entries in my journal, and I came upon an entry, titled, Training Day. The entry reads, "you carry conflict because you carry God's blessings." Yes, praise be to God.
One of my favorite life coaches, Iyanla Vanzant, in her national bestseller, Acts of Faith, wrote that our task in relationships is not to fix one another; our job is to love what we see and support one another in doing better. I truly thought that's what I do best--love and support others in doing better, however, my reflection did show my tendencies to try and fix instead of support.
As you can see, I recognized that shortcoming, so today I ask for God's mercy and grace. I armed myself with the Word from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. He comforts us everytime we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us."
I get a peace of joy and understanding when I can see my flaws and faults, but it is even more rewarding when I go to the Lord in prayer and ask God for forgiveness, mercy and grace. As a human, I will stumble and try to fix someone or something, but the Bible says, if a man falls seven times, but get up, he will be forgiven. I know I will stumble, but it will not be intentional. However, each time I stumble, I will get up from off my backside, ask the person and ask God for forgiveness, and continue on my way.
As I close, remember, we must always put on the armour of God. We must know that as children of God, no weapons formed against us shall prosper. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. God is our refuge and our redeemer. Sorrow comes in the night, but joy comes in the morning. The Lord is my light and my salvation, in whom shall I fear? The joy of the Lord is my strength. Let the redeem of the Lord say so. I will bless the Lord at all times. Hallelujah, glory be to God. Thank you Father.
May God have mercy and grace on us.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Sunday, June 21, 2009
God is our father
My dear friends:
Today has been a blessed and joyous day because first and foremost, it is our Father's Day.
I called my Dad today, as always he was happy to hear from his "Ter". He has been so excited about his Father's Day show in Belize, so I told him I know it will be a success. You can tell I love my Dad very, very much, don't you? The reason why I love my Dad so much is because he never abandoned us; he worked tirelessly to provide for all seven of us; he supported us and still supports us through thick and thin. I can always count on my Dad for his support and love.
I know many of you do not know who your biological father is, but that's okay because you know that the heavenly Father is your daddy, your dada, your father, your papa, your all. That's all that matters. John 1:12-13 says, "But to all who did accept Him and believe in Him, He gave the right to become children of God, they were born of God." So, you see, even if you don't have an earthly father, know that you have a heavenly father who loves you more than your earthly father would have ever loved you.
God is our father, the only man in our lives who has never and will never leave us or disappoint us, no matter what. So, please don't be discouraged or sad or even envious if you don't have an earthly father, just remember, your Father is in heaven looking down on you, keeping you safe, blessing you everyday, guiding and protecting you. Jesus said in John 14:1-2, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's house."
Friends, I hope you are excited as I am about going to our Father's house in heaven. Oh what a day that will be!! You know the song by MercyMe,I Can Only Imagine? Yes, I can only imagine, when that day comes, what will my heart feel? Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall? Will I dance for you Jesus? Will I sing Hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine!!! I can only imagine!!! I can only imagine!!!
God bless.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Today has been a blessed and joyous day because first and foremost, it is our Father's Day.
I called my Dad today, as always he was happy to hear from his "Ter". He has been so excited about his Father's Day show in Belize, so I told him I know it will be a success. You can tell I love my Dad very, very much, don't you? The reason why I love my Dad so much is because he never abandoned us; he worked tirelessly to provide for all seven of us; he supported us and still supports us through thick and thin. I can always count on my Dad for his support and love.
I know many of you do not know who your biological father is, but that's okay because you know that the heavenly Father is your daddy, your dada, your father, your papa, your all. That's all that matters. John 1:12-13 says, "But to all who did accept Him and believe in Him, He gave the right to become children of God, they were born of God." So, you see, even if you don't have an earthly father, know that you have a heavenly father who loves you more than your earthly father would have ever loved you.
God is our father, the only man in our lives who has never and will never leave us or disappoint us, no matter what. So, please don't be discouraged or sad or even envious if you don't have an earthly father, just remember, your Father is in heaven looking down on you, keeping you safe, blessing you everyday, guiding and protecting you. Jesus said in John 14:1-2, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's house."
Friends, I hope you are excited as I am about going to our Father's house in heaven. Oh what a day that will be!! You know the song by MercyMe,I Can Only Imagine? Yes, I can only imagine, when that day comes, what will my heart feel? Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall? Will I dance for you Jesus? Will I sing Hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine!!! I can only imagine!!! I can only imagine!!!
God bless.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Expectations
Hey!
Well, today has been a great and wonderful day. I called my Dad today on his radio show and he was so happy to hear from me. It felt so good speaking to him today and you know I will call him again tomorrow.
Today, as I was reflecting over my life, and speaking to a friend, I realize that I expect too much from people. I mean, I expect people to behave the same way I do; I expect people to treat me with the same love and respect I treat them with; I expect people to care about me because I care about them. This is so messed up. I know that the Bible tells me that I must not put my expectation in man, but my expectation should be in God. Man disappoints, but God does not.
Well I have my expectations. What am I expecting? I am expecting God's goodness and mercy over my life; I'm expecting a supernatural rest of the 2009 year; I'm expecting to fulfill my dreams and rise higher; I'm expecting my finances to multiply; I'm expecting my bills to be paid on time; I'm expecting to have a husband. Those are my expectations and mine alone and I do not expect anyone else to have my expectations. I will stay in God's word for you and for me, and as one of my sisters say, One Love!!!
May God continue to keep you,
Ta ta
Therese from Belize
Well, today has been a great and wonderful day. I called my Dad today on his radio show and he was so happy to hear from me. It felt so good speaking to him today and you know I will call him again tomorrow.
Today, as I was reflecting over my life, and speaking to a friend, I realize that I expect too much from people. I mean, I expect people to behave the same way I do; I expect people to treat me with the same love and respect I treat them with; I expect people to care about me because I care about them. This is so messed up. I know that the Bible tells me that I must not put my expectation in man, but my expectation should be in God. Man disappoints, but God does not.
Well I have my expectations. What am I expecting? I am expecting God's goodness and mercy over my life; I'm expecting a supernatural rest of the 2009 year; I'm expecting to fulfill my dreams and rise higher; I'm expecting my finances to multiply; I'm expecting my bills to be paid on time; I'm expecting to have a husband. Those are my expectations and mine alone and I do not expect anyone else to have my expectations. I will stay in God's word for you and for me, and as one of my sisters say, One Love!!!
May God continue to keep you,
Ta ta
Therese from Belize
Friday, June 19, 2009
Week's Wrap Up
My dear friends:
As we begin this Father's Day weekend, I just first of all want to give all thanks and glory to God. The devil has been on the attack since yesterday, I mean he is on the attack everyday, but these last couple days, he truly has been trying to get to me, but I can tell him with all boldness not to mess with me right now. I am spirit-filled and joyfully sound that no weapons formed against me shall prosper.
Satan has been attacking me with these terrible headaches and trying to bring self-pity on me, but no sireee, no sireee, I give all thanks to God and in the name of Jesus, I will be able to sleep peacefully without having to take any Tylenol or anything like that, and rest assured in Jesus' name, I am not having any pity party. Yes, it's Friday night, but God is here keeping me company. I am actually listening to XM Channel 32, The Message, enjoying the great christian music and dancing too to my favorite songs. See, the devil is mad because I called him out for the liar that he is. Like my pastor always says, the devil cannot shut down our mouths. He can shut us down, he can do whatever, but he cannot shut down our mouths, and that's when we call on the name of the Lord. The more we praise God, the more the devil will retreat.
So, the message for this late Friday night is that we must live by the Spirit and the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. We should follow the Spirit. Read Galatians 6:22-25. Be blessed.
I am going to bed now on this Friday night, it's my routine. I don't do much of anything on Friday nights. I guess just habit. I am looking forward to having a husband, our Friday nights will be spent cozying up watching a good movie, eating popcorn, and just enjoying each other's company. Yes, that I believe.
God bless my friends.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
As we begin this Father's Day weekend, I just first of all want to give all thanks and glory to God. The devil has been on the attack since yesterday, I mean he is on the attack everyday, but these last couple days, he truly has been trying to get to me, but I can tell him with all boldness not to mess with me right now. I am spirit-filled and joyfully sound that no weapons formed against me shall prosper.
Satan has been attacking me with these terrible headaches and trying to bring self-pity on me, but no sireee, no sireee, I give all thanks to God and in the name of Jesus, I will be able to sleep peacefully without having to take any Tylenol or anything like that, and rest assured in Jesus' name, I am not having any pity party. Yes, it's Friday night, but God is here keeping me company. I am actually listening to XM Channel 32, The Message, enjoying the great christian music and dancing too to my favorite songs. See, the devil is mad because I called him out for the liar that he is. Like my pastor always says, the devil cannot shut down our mouths. He can shut us down, he can do whatever, but he cannot shut down our mouths, and that's when we call on the name of the Lord. The more we praise God, the more the devil will retreat.
So, the message for this late Friday night is that we must live by the Spirit and the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. We should follow the Spirit. Read Galatians 6:22-25. Be blessed.
I am going to bed now on this Friday night, it's my routine. I don't do much of anything on Friday nights. I guess just habit. I am looking forward to having a husband, our Friday nights will be spent cozying up watching a good movie, eating popcorn, and just enjoying each other's company. Yes, that I believe.
God bless my friends.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Patience Is A Virtue
Hello all:
Today has been a great and wonderful day! In case someone is wondering why, the simple reason is that I am alive, thanks be to God.
Earlier tonight, I ponder for a while on the virtue of patience. I decided to find a good, simple definition, so I got my 7-year-old's MacMillan Dictionary for Children. In this children's dictionary, it defines patience as "the quality or fact of being able to put up with hardship, pain, trouble, or delay without getting angry or upset." You see, there is one person in my life that I have to deal with on the regular, and that person surely knows how to get under my skin or at least he knew how to previously. However, glory be to God, tonight I can give you a praise report that I handled the situation with matured development as a woman. Hahahaha, I know Satan is mad with me, but what, we know he is a liar. Get in agreement with this statement, my friends. Satan is a liar. I know he had to put his tail between his legs and keep on stepping. See, when you try to stay obedient to God and when you arm yourself with the Word, you are prepared for the situations that come your way. I was prepared tonight for that situation, so the conversation, via texting, did not go to the level that person had anticipated it would have gone; the conversation did not go in the direction that person may have wanted it to go, because the Holy Spirit was all up in that conversation, and led me right out of it without any malice, envy, vexation or anger. I stayed on track, I did not use curse words, I was kind, I showed that I was concerned, and I ended the conversation with “I’ll keep praying for you.” Thank you Lord. I am so proud of myself with the way I handled that situation tonight. Again, it was God interceding on my behalf.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 says, “Be patient with everyone.” Yeah, I know from experience that it is easy to say, but so hard to do. I will keep saying it and writing it until someone believes me that with practice, practice, practice, practice, and read, read, read, read the Bible, if even for 30 minutes a day, you will see how you start handling situations differently. Reading and putting into practice what I have read are my diet, and you know like any food diet, you try to stay the course because you want to lose all the weight you can. I have been shedding a lot of excess weight that I have been carrying on me for years. It feels so good, believe me.
Friends, please, let's start picking up our Bible and arm ourselves with God's Word so that our enemies and frienemies will not be able to have control over our lives. Let's continue to prove the devil a liar.
God bless,
Ta ta
Therese from Belize
Today has been a great and wonderful day! In case someone is wondering why, the simple reason is that I am alive, thanks be to God.
Earlier tonight, I ponder for a while on the virtue of patience. I decided to find a good, simple definition, so I got my 7-year-old's MacMillan Dictionary for Children. In this children's dictionary, it defines patience as "the quality or fact of being able to put up with hardship, pain, trouble, or delay without getting angry or upset." You see, there is one person in my life that I have to deal with on the regular, and that person surely knows how to get under my skin or at least he knew how to previously. However, glory be to God, tonight I can give you a praise report that I handled the situation with matured development as a woman. Hahahaha, I know Satan is mad with me, but what, we know he is a liar. Get in agreement with this statement, my friends. Satan is a liar. I know he had to put his tail between his legs and keep on stepping. See, when you try to stay obedient to God and when you arm yourself with the Word, you are prepared for the situations that come your way. I was prepared tonight for that situation, so the conversation, via texting, did not go to the level that person had anticipated it would have gone; the conversation did not go in the direction that person may have wanted it to go, because the Holy Spirit was all up in that conversation, and led me right out of it without any malice, envy, vexation or anger. I stayed on track, I did not use curse words, I was kind, I showed that I was concerned, and I ended the conversation with “I’ll keep praying for you.” Thank you Lord. I am so proud of myself with the way I handled that situation tonight. Again, it was God interceding on my behalf.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 says, “Be patient with everyone.” Yeah, I know from experience that it is easy to say, but so hard to do. I will keep saying it and writing it until someone believes me that with practice, practice, practice, practice, and read, read, read, read the Bible, if even for 30 minutes a day, you will see how you start handling situations differently. Reading and putting into practice what I have read are my diet, and you know like any food diet, you try to stay the course because you want to lose all the weight you can. I have been shedding a lot of excess weight that I have been carrying on me for years. It feels so good, believe me.
Friends, please, let's start picking up our Bible and arm ourselves with God's Word so that our enemies and frienemies will not be able to have control over our lives. Let's continue to prove the devil a liar.
God bless,
Ta ta
Therese from Belize
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Self-Control
Hola mi amigos!
Today has been a wonderful and blessed day and I pray it has been the same for you.
Living life as a single woman is hard, especially in today's culture. I have a constant fight with my flesh because of the temptation I face --MEN. I mean, I am a woman and I have needs, right? Yes, of course I do, however, first and foremost as a follower of Jesus I must practice abstinence. Abstinence is not only for young people, but it is also for us adults who are not married. We must still obey God's word and not engage in premarital sex. Secondly, I am trusting the Lord that He is preparing a man for me, and remember, I am trying to live a life of obedience, so I must be patient, be still, and wait on the Lord until He is ready to send me that man that He has been preparing for me. Thank you Lord. But, just to keep it real with you, let me tell you, abstinence is hard, especially when the hormones get all out of whack around that time of the month. However, I have great news friends! I find that when I get in God's Word, the whacky feelings start to wither away, the "school-girl" behavior starts dissipating. Yes, you know, when I see that fine brother, I get all tingly inside and then these ideas of just wanting to jump him, and then that "wicked, but oh so sweet" smile starts to creep up on my face, and then I stop--- ohoh--no, no, no, this is not right. So, I start to say a silent prayer, "Lord, forgive me of my sins, please come into my heart and make me live for you." I begin to praise God for forgiving me and for having that husband-to-be lined up already for me.
In 1 Corinthians 13, I read that "...but you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, He will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it." Friends, I am a living witness to this scripture of how God provided an escape for me when I was battling self-control. Thank you Lord.
Last year, July 27, 2008 was Men's Day at my church. Now ladies, you know I was so anxious to reach church this day because all I could think about were the fine men that would be in attendance. I told myself for sure there will be a brother who will notice me. I am not kidding, I spent hours looking in my closet for that perfect outift. But see, God had other plans for me. Yes, He surely did. On July 27, 2008, here is my personal and intimate journal entry, "Today is Men's Day at church. I did not attend because I felt I was going for the wrong reason, i.e., to see if any good-looking brothers would be there. I don't believe I once stopped and thought about God or the Word that Pastor would preach. God please forgive me of my sins. Please forgive me for thinking thoughts not of You. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen."
See friends, temptation is rooted in our own selfish desires and God always has a plan for us as christians. So, how do we get from temptation to self-control? Well, let me tell you, that Sunday morning, God kept me at home and I turned my television on and Pastor Jon Weese, the senior pastor at Southland Christian Church, was just getting ready to start his sermon. I mean I turned on the television just as he was starting to do his introduction to his sermon. Pastor Weese's sermon was taken from James 1:1-25 --he was preaching about suffering leads to joy; poverty leads to wealth; temptation leads to holiness; listening leads to faith. He asked the question, how do you get from temptation to holiness? Pastor Weese's response to his question was "you expose yourself to the truth --read at least 30 minutes from the Bible." He went on to preach that we should read and reflect on God's Word. Now, if that is not from God, then I don't know what is.
Paul, in Galatians 6:16, wrote that we must live by following the spirit then we will not do what our sinful selves want. The Lord knows I am trying. I am just grateful that I am smart enough to know that I need to get in God's Word when I am losing self-control. Friends, please get into God's Word every time you are losing self-control.
Hope you have been blessed.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tomorrow Is Not Promised
Hi everyone!
It is great and wonderful when you know God has your back. However, it is easy to take God's goodness for granted. I say this because I finally called my Dad today on my lunch hour. You know that my parents still live in Belize. I hadn't spoken to my Dad in a few weeks, and every day I say I would call and then I get busy or I tell myself I will wait until 9:00 p.m. my time because I will not be using my "minutes". I know he has been doing well because I ask my Mom and my siblings how he has been, and I know he sends me "shout outs" on his radio shows, especially on Saturday morning. However, that's wrong. Talking to my Dad always bring me happiness because he talks to me like I am still his little "Ter" and even if he doesn't let me know sometimes, I can just tell and feel that he is very proud of the woman I have become. As always, my dad and I had a great conversation today, and I was thrilled I took the time to call him. I love my Dad very, very, much.
Pastor Rick Warren in his best seller, The Purpose Driven Life, wrote "Busyness is a great enemy of relationships. We become preoccupied with making a living, doing our work, paying bills, and accomplishing goals as if these tasks are the point of life..." After speaking to my Dad, I reminded myself that tomorrow is not promised to me. I should have taken the time weeks ago to call him, just because. The excuses the devil tried to make me think is okay (no phone card, Dad is busy organizing his Father's Day Show, don't want to have overage because that means more money to pay for phone bill), etc. etc., are just that--excuses.
James 4:14 tells us that we do not know what will happen tomorrow. Your life is like a mist; you can see it for a short time, but then it goes away. I certainly do not want to be that daughter whose parents die and then have regrets because she didn't call often enough or let them know she loves them or is thinking of them. Have you seen the movie, Imitation of Life? Now, that's a classic. That's one of my favorite all time movies. You need to find this classic and watch it. All I will say about the movie is that the daughter had to run down the street behind her mother's coffin. That scene has always stucked with me because I always say I will not be like her. I was a little girl about 8 or 9 years old I believe when I first saw that movie. Please pick up the phone and call your parents and let them know how much you love them or that you are thinking about them.
Peace, and may the Lord continue to give you favor!!
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Monday, June 15, 2009
Living Right With God - Romans 5:1-5
Hi friends:
The author of the book of Romans tells us that since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have peace with God. Christ has brought us into that blessing of God's grace that we now enjoy; and we are happy because of the hope we have of sharing God's glory. Romans 5 goes on to tell us that we also have joy with our troubles because we know that these troubles produce patience; and patience produces character; and character produces hope, and this hope will never disappoint us because God has poured out His love to fill our hearts. The Webster dictionary defines hope as "to expect with confidence".
I am expecting confidently that I will see my Jesus one day and I imagine him telling me "good job my child, your reward is in heaven." Please do not let your circumstances stop you from having hope in our Lord Jesus. My pastor had preached on when we become right with God, three things happen: One, God gives us a purpose that will contradict our past; two, God puts us in position and will give us power despite of our past; and three, God will put us in a position to help our purpose despite of our past. I can testify to my pastor's preaching of this word because when I got rid of my bad behavior and I got in agreement with God, I began to have hope. I confessed my sins, I declared and believed with all my heart that Jesus died for my sins, He was buried, but on the third day He rose from the grave, all in fulfillment of the Scripture. Amen.
Seeking God's grace, gave me hope. I have been filling my heart with hope because without hope, I can tell you I would fall into the rut of life. Hope has me looking forward to my future, life here on earth, but most importantly my life in heaven. I am expecting confidently to see my little sister and my baby nephew in heaven!!
Please get in God's word and start having hope. When we have hope, we make ourselves available to God. When you make yourself available to God I can tell you with all confidence that great things will happen in your life. Why would you not want to be available to God?? Don't you want to be in God's favor? Don't you want your circumstances to change? Don't you want to beat that addiction? Don't you want your finances to multiply and increase? Come on now.
May God bless you,
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
The author of the book of Romans tells us that since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have peace with God. Christ has brought us into that blessing of God's grace that we now enjoy; and we are happy because of the hope we have of sharing God's glory. Romans 5 goes on to tell us that we also have joy with our troubles because we know that these troubles produce patience; and patience produces character; and character produces hope, and this hope will never disappoint us because God has poured out His love to fill our hearts. The Webster dictionary defines hope as "to expect with confidence".
I am expecting confidently that I will see my Jesus one day and I imagine him telling me "good job my child, your reward is in heaven." Please do not let your circumstances stop you from having hope in our Lord Jesus. My pastor had preached on when we become right with God, three things happen: One, God gives us a purpose that will contradict our past; two, God puts us in position and will give us power despite of our past; and three, God will put us in a position to help our purpose despite of our past. I can testify to my pastor's preaching of this word because when I got rid of my bad behavior and I got in agreement with God, I began to have hope. I confessed my sins, I declared and believed with all my heart that Jesus died for my sins, He was buried, but on the third day He rose from the grave, all in fulfillment of the Scripture. Amen.
Seeking God's grace, gave me hope. I have been filling my heart with hope because without hope, I can tell you I would fall into the rut of life. Hope has me looking forward to my future, life here on earth, but most importantly my life in heaven. I am expecting confidently to see my little sister and my baby nephew in heaven!!
Please get in God's word and start having hope. When we have hope, we make ourselves available to God. When you make yourself available to God I can tell you with all confidence that great things will happen in your life. Why would you not want to be available to God?? Don't you want to be in God's favor? Don't you want your circumstances to change? Don't you want to beat that addiction? Don't you want your finances to multiply and increase? Come on now.
May God bless you,
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Self Esteem - Psalm 139:14
Happy Sunday:
Today has been a great and wonderful day! To God be the glory. I will touch today on self esteem. Psalm 139:14 says "I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way."
Self esteem has been a vice I have battled for as long as I can remember. It is how I look at myself, how I think others see me, and how God sees me. I didn't have confidence in myself as a child or as a woman and it is difficult to look yourself in the mirror and say you are beautiful when your face is full of acne, your hair is short and nappy, men only comment on your "coca cola bottle" shape, your friends laugh in front of your face, but talk about you behind your back, your husband abandons you for another woman. How does one get out of such rut when you have been beaten down emotionally, physically and mentally by the very people you love?
It is hard to look yourself in the mirror and see your beauty, see the beauty that God has created. For many, many years I had low self esteem-- I didn't see myself as beautiful, I didn't feel worthy, I looked for love in all the wrong places. I have been with the wrong crowd to fit in, I thought I was in love with a married man, and we had a relationship for several years; I was promiscuous,yes, I had several boyfriends. I had a foul mouth, yes, I could curse you out to no end. I have physical scars on my body to remind me everyday of that lifestyle that I used to live, but God is wonderful and He has redeemed me, He has forgiven me, He has given me new life and most of all, He has given me my self esteem.
It has taken me many, many years to fight this battle, but thank God I can say I have overcome that battle. I can now look myself in the mirror and see my beauty, see the beautiful image that God has made me. I can tell myself, "Girl, you are beautiful", girl, you are a diamond", "Sista girl, you are a Belizean beauty and God has wonderfully made you in His image". Yes, I truly and honestly believe that God has made me in His image. He has given me all the flaws and all the scars on my body because He knows that my flaws and scars are beautiful to Him.
I try to live that beauty everyday, I praise God for bringing me to this level to see that I am wonderfully made, inside and outside, in His image.
I was listening to one of Joel Osteen's sermons back in June of 2008, this is right after I was recoving from my thyroid cancer surgery. He was preaching about the need to create an encourgement file so that when you are down or when your self esteem is starting to go down hill, you pull out your file, dust off that file, and read that file over and over again. I can tell you, that's what I have been doing, that's what has been helping me. I have notes that people have written to me when I was in college, I have notes that my co-workers, and friends have given me; I even re-read my journal, but most of all I get in the Word. Friends, that's what we need to do, get in God's holy Word. We need to arm ourselves with the Word of God. The devil delights when he sees God's children in misery; the devil delights when we resort to our self-pity and we question God's authority as to why He made us the way He did. Oh, but the devil is a liar. We will prove him a liar because we will pull out our Bibles and read and read and read and we will get on our knees and ask God to remove that spirit of low self esteem.
Please let's continue to encourage ourselves regularly, write yourself some good letters, write God some letters of thanks and praise, but most importantly, let's get in the Word. Please read Psalm 139:14 and meditate upon those words.
Remember now, No weapons formed against us shall prosper. Be blessed.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Today has been a great and wonderful day! To God be the glory. I will touch today on self esteem. Psalm 139:14 says "I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way."
Self esteem has been a vice I have battled for as long as I can remember. It is how I look at myself, how I think others see me, and how God sees me. I didn't have confidence in myself as a child or as a woman and it is difficult to look yourself in the mirror and say you are beautiful when your face is full of acne, your hair is short and nappy, men only comment on your "coca cola bottle" shape, your friends laugh in front of your face, but talk about you behind your back, your husband abandons you for another woman. How does one get out of such rut when you have been beaten down emotionally, physically and mentally by the very people you love?
It is hard to look yourself in the mirror and see your beauty, see the beauty that God has created. For many, many years I had low self esteem-- I didn't see myself as beautiful, I didn't feel worthy, I looked for love in all the wrong places. I have been with the wrong crowd to fit in, I thought I was in love with a married man, and we had a relationship for several years; I was promiscuous,yes, I had several boyfriends. I had a foul mouth, yes, I could curse you out to no end. I have physical scars on my body to remind me everyday of that lifestyle that I used to live, but God is wonderful and He has redeemed me, He has forgiven me, He has given me new life and most of all, He has given me my self esteem.
It has taken me many, many years to fight this battle, but thank God I can say I have overcome that battle. I can now look myself in the mirror and see my beauty, see the beautiful image that God has made me. I can tell myself, "Girl, you are beautiful", girl, you are a diamond", "Sista girl, you are a Belizean beauty and God has wonderfully made you in His image". Yes, I truly and honestly believe that God has made me in His image. He has given me all the flaws and all the scars on my body because He knows that my flaws and scars are beautiful to Him.
I try to live that beauty everyday, I praise God for bringing me to this level to see that I am wonderfully made, inside and outside, in His image.
I was listening to one of Joel Osteen's sermons back in June of 2008, this is right after I was recoving from my thyroid cancer surgery. He was preaching about the need to create an encourgement file so that when you are down or when your self esteem is starting to go down hill, you pull out your file, dust off that file, and read that file over and over again. I can tell you, that's what I have been doing, that's what has been helping me. I have notes that people have written to me when I was in college, I have notes that my co-workers, and friends have given me; I even re-read my journal, but most of all I get in the Word. Friends, that's what we need to do, get in God's holy Word. We need to arm ourselves with the Word of God. The devil delights when he sees God's children in misery; the devil delights when we resort to our self-pity and we question God's authority as to why He made us the way He did. Oh, but the devil is a liar. We will prove him a liar because we will pull out our Bibles and read and read and read and we will get on our knees and ask God to remove that spirit of low self esteem.
Please let's continue to encourage ourselves regularly, write yourself some good letters, write God some letters of thanks and praise, but most importantly, let's get in the Word. Please read Psalm 139:14 and meditate upon those words.
Remember now, No weapons formed against us shall prosper. Be blessed.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Saturday, June 13, 2009
STORMS IN OUR LIVES
Greetings my friends:
I thank God for allowing me to write what He has placed on my heart. Remember, I told you that God wants me to share my story with you.
Today, my story is about when my family lived on St. Thomas Street in Belize City with my grandmother. The house we grew up in on St. Thomas Street was for my grandmother, Cordelia Hunter, God rest her soul. Many days my grandmother would curse us (my mom and dad even us the children) out telling us to get out of her house. I mean she would be cursing, she would be telling the neighborhood she wants us out of her house. I mean really, she would use curse words to us and to my parents. Just imagine as kids hearing those words "get out of my f****** house". I know it hurt us so badly, we would find our mom crying many days because we know we didn't have any place to go, especially with seven (7) kids. Yes, kids ranging in ages from about 2 years old to about 17 years old. Wow, to God be the glory.
My mother got up morning after morning and would go to the Dept. of Lands to try and get a piece of land from the government, this happened for many, many years. In fact, I remember I used to get up some early mornings to go with her. Well, eventually, she got the land, now, she had to go to Ministry of Housing to try and seek assistance in building a house. Same thing, early mornings after early mornings waiting in long, long, long lines to try and see the minister to ask for assistance in building a house. You see, in Belize, when you are poor you have to go to the various ministries to ask for assistance. You get turn around, you get pushed around, you get insulted, all kinds of nasty attitudes, but my mother never gave up. She knew she had to get us out of our grandmother's house, by hook or crook.
To make a long story short, she got the house built with the assistance of the minister of housing. So, we were very, very relieved and grateful that we could finally moved from our grandmother's house to our very own. I was in 4th form/12th grade when we moved. That was one storm our family overcame.
This storm paved the way for my family's success. Now, thanks be to God, my parents have their second house, yes, they are now living in their second house. I have my own house, one here in the U.S. and one in Belize, all my sisters and brothers have their own houses too. My parents stayed prayed up and my mom knew that one day the storm would turn into blessings. Storms happen for a reason--God has a plan for all of us. As my pastor said in one of his sermons, It had to happen. Yes, if my grandmother was not cursing us to get out of her house, maybe my parents would not have ever tried to obtain their own house, and us kids would never have obtained our own too. Now, we are all living a life of blessing because God's plan worked out for us.
When you go through a storm, never give up, keep walking through those trenches and eventually you will succeed, God will open up that way for you. Have faith and trust in God and everything will work out. Remember, this too shall pass, but God's words will always remain.
Have a supernatural Saturday.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
I thank God for allowing me to write what He has placed on my heart. Remember, I told you that God wants me to share my story with you.
Today, my story is about when my family lived on St. Thomas Street in Belize City with my grandmother. The house we grew up in on St. Thomas Street was for my grandmother, Cordelia Hunter, God rest her soul. Many days my grandmother would curse us (my mom and dad even us the children) out telling us to get out of her house. I mean she would be cursing, she would be telling the neighborhood she wants us out of her house. I mean really, she would use curse words to us and to my parents. Just imagine as kids hearing those words "get out of my f****** house". I know it hurt us so badly, we would find our mom crying many days because we know we didn't have any place to go, especially with seven (7) kids. Yes, kids ranging in ages from about 2 years old to about 17 years old. Wow, to God be the glory.
My mother got up morning after morning and would go to the Dept. of Lands to try and get a piece of land from the government, this happened for many, many years. In fact, I remember I used to get up some early mornings to go with her. Well, eventually, she got the land, now, she had to go to Ministry of Housing to try and seek assistance in building a house. Same thing, early mornings after early mornings waiting in long, long, long lines to try and see the minister to ask for assistance in building a house. You see, in Belize, when you are poor you have to go to the various ministries to ask for assistance. You get turn around, you get pushed around, you get insulted, all kinds of nasty attitudes, but my mother never gave up. She knew she had to get us out of our grandmother's house, by hook or crook.
To make a long story short, she got the house built with the assistance of the minister of housing. So, we were very, very relieved and grateful that we could finally moved from our grandmother's house to our very own. I was in 4th form/12th grade when we moved. That was one storm our family overcame.
This storm paved the way for my family's success. Now, thanks be to God, my parents have their second house, yes, they are now living in their second house. I have my own house, one here in the U.S. and one in Belize, all my sisters and brothers have their own houses too. My parents stayed prayed up and my mom knew that one day the storm would turn into blessings. Storms happen for a reason--God has a plan for all of us. As my pastor said in one of his sermons, It had to happen. Yes, if my grandmother was not cursing us to get out of her house, maybe my parents would not have ever tried to obtain their own house, and us kids would never have obtained our own too. Now, we are all living a life of blessing because God's plan worked out for us.
When you go through a storm, never give up, keep walking through those trenches and eventually you will succeed, God will open up that way for you. Have faith and trust in God and everything will work out. Remember, this too shall pass, but God's words will always remain.
Have a supernatural Saturday.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Friday, June 12, 2009
NEW BEGINNINGS: New Beginning
NEW BEGINNINGS: New Beginning
Greetings to my friends:
The message for today is taken from Philippians 2, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide.
Yep, think about those two words for a second ...selfishness .... pride. Those are two words that as Christians we should try and eliminate from our lives. I know that as single parents, many of us are full of pride, maybe not selfishness, but definitely pride. We don't want to ask anyone for help because we think people will look down on us, but what I have experienced growing up in Belize is that my parents were not proud or selfish people. My mom worked as a domestic worker and at the time, my father was doing odd jobs, so we received a lot of help from people (shoes, clothes, food, scholarships, books). If my mother was proud, we would not have been able to get shoes on our feet to go to school, or food on our table to eat many days. I thank God for those people who helped my family.
I don't know about you, but I surely get a joy when I give. If you say you want to help someone, then help from the goodness of your heart; if you need something, ask. Of course, be careful of who you ask because many people say "oh, I want to help, I want to give", but you know what, they talk about what they give you and they talk about who they help. But, believe me, God sees those actions and is not pleased.
God is pleased with us when we give cheerfully, when we are kind, when we are unselfish in our deeds and in our actions. I know as a single parent living in the United States, many times people ask me how I do it, how come I am financially stable, how come I can buy a house, how come I can provide for my family without stressing. My simple answer is that God rules over my life. God hears my cry for help and God sees that I rely on Him for my every need. God sees that when I need help, I am not ashame to ask; pride has no place in my life. Of course, I know who to ask and who not to ask for help.
When you are living for God, you seek Him first and ask. Do not be selfish, do not be proud. You must praise God in good times and in bad times. Ask God to be the provider of your household, ask Him to bless your finances, ask him to open up a way to pay off those bills, ask Him to send someone your way that will be a blessing to you and you to them.
Today, I pray that you unleash your selfishness and pride. Selfishness and pride cannot be your guide, otherwise, you will continue to be in the same hopeless situation you find yourself in. Be kind, be unselfish, put your pride aside and ask for forgiveness, ask for help if you need it.
God bless!!!
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Greetings to my friends:
The message for today is taken from Philippians 2, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide.
Yep, think about those two words for a second ...selfishness .... pride. Those are two words that as Christians we should try and eliminate from our lives. I know that as single parents, many of us are full of pride, maybe not selfishness, but definitely pride. We don't want to ask anyone for help because we think people will look down on us, but what I have experienced growing up in Belize is that my parents were not proud or selfish people. My mom worked as a domestic worker and at the time, my father was doing odd jobs, so we received a lot of help from people (shoes, clothes, food, scholarships, books). If my mother was proud, we would not have been able to get shoes on our feet to go to school, or food on our table to eat many days. I thank God for those people who helped my family.
I don't know about you, but I surely get a joy when I give. If you say you want to help someone, then help from the goodness of your heart; if you need something, ask. Of course, be careful of who you ask because many people say "oh, I want to help, I want to give", but you know what, they talk about what they give you and they talk about who they help. But, believe me, God sees those actions and is not pleased.
God is pleased with us when we give cheerfully, when we are kind, when we are unselfish in our deeds and in our actions. I know as a single parent living in the United States, many times people ask me how I do it, how come I am financially stable, how come I can buy a house, how come I can provide for my family without stressing. My simple answer is that God rules over my life. God hears my cry for help and God sees that I rely on Him for my every need. God sees that when I need help, I am not ashame to ask; pride has no place in my life. Of course, I know who to ask and who not to ask for help.
When you are living for God, you seek Him first and ask. Do not be selfish, do not be proud. You must praise God in good times and in bad times. Ask God to be the provider of your household, ask Him to bless your finances, ask him to open up a way to pay off those bills, ask Him to send someone your way that will be a blessing to you and you to them.
Today, I pray that you unleash your selfishness and pride. Selfishness and pride cannot be your guide, otherwise, you will continue to be in the same hopeless situation you find yourself in. Be kind, be unselfish, put your pride aside and ask for forgiveness, ask for help if you need it.
God bless!!!
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
Thursday, June 11, 2009
New Beginning
Hi Everyone! This is my first blog , so please bear with me as I try to minister to you and share my life story of where I have been and where I am now in life. I recently attended a women's conference that was facilitated by the women of my church, Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. The Power Of A Woman's Words. I tell you, that conference was spirit-filled and the women were all in one accord. It was the most powerful women's conference I had ever attended.
At that conference, God placed some messages on my heart and this blog is the result of those messages. One of them is to share my life story, the other is to use my words to bring about peace., joy and happiness in the lives of women all over the world. I am working on controlling my tongue--if I don't have anything nice to say to someone or about someone, then I will try and keep my mouth shut. Yes, I know it is a hard thing to do, but we must learn to keep the trap closed.
Sharon Jaynes, the author of the book, The Power of A Woman's Words wrote, God gave us teeth to hold back the tongue, so I must learn to bite hard on my tongue when vile and evil words are getting ready to spill out!!!
Share your thoughts about your mouth--can you control it?? How are you controlling it?
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
At that conference, God placed some messages on my heart and this blog is the result of those messages. One of them is to share my life story, the other is to use my words to bring about peace., joy and happiness in the lives of women all over the world. I am working on controlling my tongue--if I don't have anything nice to say to someone or about someone, then I will try and keep my mouth shut. Yes, I know it is a hard thing to do, but we must learn to keep the trap closed.
Sharon Jaynes, the author of the book, The Power of A Woman's Words wrote, God gave us teeth to hold back the tongue, so I must learn to bite hard on my tongue when vile and evil words are getting ready to spill out!!!
Share your thoughts about your mouth--can you control it?? How are you controlling it?
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize
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