A Concern of Mine

Greetings in the name of our Lord! 

I have to put my concern out there ... I just don't understand.  You see, it seems that for many believers becoming faithfully committed to Christ is a "task" or a "chore" or an "inconvenience".  I have been trying to figure out why it is that as believers it seems that we put everything before Christ and the need of the church and HIS people.  Lately, I have been hearing so many excuses as to why one cannot attend the ministry's prayer meetings, or why they were missing from Sunday School and Bible Study and why they cannot do a neighborhood evangelizing.   

Lo and behold, my concern was answered by Pastor/Evangelist Jorge Romero of Las Vegas, Nevada a few weeks ago.  I had the pleasure of being an invited guest at Huerto de Dios’ special anniversary service (Huerto de Dios is an apostolic church serving the Hispanic community in Lexington, Kentucky under the pastorate of Pastor Alba Martinez) where Pastor Romero was the guest preacher.

Pastor Romero is also concerned about the church's growth and the seemingly nonchalant attitude of believers. So, Pastor Romero wasted no time in beating around the bush.  He reminded us that as belivers:

1)      We must grow spiritually. That is, we must mature in our walk with Christ.  

Maturing spiritually means that we must spend time with God daily. We must pray and read God’s Word daily.  We must be mature in character; be a solution instead of the problem.  For instance, when we do not see a member at church, it is our duty to call that brother or that sister to check on them instead of jumping to our own conclusion why that person was not at service. Ephesians 4:14-15, "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." (KJV)

2)      We must be consistent.  Pastor Romero preached that inconsistency shows that you are not good members of the church. Matthew 9:37-38, "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." (KJV)

3)       We must be responsible.  If you can’t be faithful with a few; you will not be faithful with many. Pastor Romero encouraged that we must take care of what God has given us despite our place of worship being small or not enough members. We must still be grateful and be responsible with what God has put us in charge of.  Matthew 25:21, "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (KJV)
4)      We must be faithful.  Pastor Romero said that the church will only prosper if it has faithful members; mature believers are there for others.  Proverbs 3:5-7, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil." (KJV)

5) We should be concerned for the church when it is not growing.  The church should be growing because it is a community of men and women who have embraced the way of Christ which is different from the world.  This can be done when we do not look for the sins in others but embrace and love each other; forgive each other and welcome people into God's House. aCTS 2:41, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." (KJV)

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it is time we put away the "excuses". I just thank God that HE is never too busy to hear my cries, petitions and requests. I thank God that HE does not make any excuses as to why HE cannot forgive me.

In God's grace,
Therese from Belize

IT IS EASIER TO BE A CRITIC THAN AN ENCOURAGER

Greetings, my friends.

If I am to be honest with myself, some days I find it easier to just put someone aside who I believe is just a nuisance, than to reach deep within me and extend love and encouragement to that person. It is easier some days to just say "forget it" and walk away. I know, however, that is not what God is expecting of me. In fact, I know I disappoint my Lord when I take the easy way out. The power of the Holy Spirit brings conviction on me to extend love and encouragement. The mercy and grace that God showers over me each day are my reminders that I cannot give up on someone just because they pissed me off or did something to upset me for the one last time.

Hebrews 10:24-25 advises me "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (NIV) Amen. Friends, I will not give up on someone just because they said or did something I did not like. There is a more urgent cause that I must concern myself with, that is, to spread the good news of Jesus Christ until Christ's return to this dying world.

My favorite apostle, Paul had encouraged Titus to be an example in every way of doing good deeds, we must do the same. Paul advised, "when you teach, do it with honesty and seriousness. Speak the truth so that you cannot be criticized." Titus 2:7-8. Our lives must reflect the love of God. Criticizing and giving up on people are not examples of good deeds. Good deeds are letting others know about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; how easy it is to receive eternal life with our Lord; helping and assisting others in need; saying a kind word to someone; encouraging and inspiring.


God's blessings,
Therese from Belize

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE - ON THE J-O-B

Greetings!

One of my virtuous sisters, Sis. Lillian Bland, had shared a devotion with me on being grateful on the job.  This devotion reminded me that GOD is my boss.  It also reminded me to work diligently for Christ, keep smiling while work, and work with an attitude of gratitude even when I believe I am being bamboozled. 

Friends, my encouragement for you today is to just hold on to that job until God tells you to move.  Keep working diligently and God will see you through.   Be reminded: your treasure is in heaven. not here on earth.

Pastor Rick Warren, Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church in California stated this about our work:

· Your work is a test from God. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much … If you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?” (Luke 16:10-12 NIV)

· God is watching what you do, even when no one else is. “Work hard so God can say to you, ‘Well done.’ Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work” (2 Timothy 2:15 LB).

· Your attitude determines your joy. “The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work” (Proverbs 12:24 MSG).

May God continue to keep watch over you as you labor in love and in HIS honor and glory.

Therese from Belize

The Molding of Generation Divas -Video produced by GTV-3

A Paycheck Away In Poverty

Greetings, friends!

I note that for many African Americans, they were appalled by Governor Mitt Romney's use of the term "poor people" or "poor children" during the first presidential debate. I have been hurt and disappointed too many times in my life, so I am not longer surprised by what people do and say. 

I recently attended a Poverty Forum hosted by Community Action Council of Lexington, Kentucky where Tavis Smiley, Philanthropist, Radio Talk Show Host, Talk Show Host, Journalist, Author and Speaker, was the keynote speaker. Mr. Smiley challenged organizations and individuals to speak out and to make their voices known to President Obama and Congress that the fight against poverty MUST be a priority in this country. While Mr .Smiley at times, in my humble opinion, ranted and raved for no apparent reason against President Obama, the fact is he is passionate about what he sees happening to the lower class/lower middle class in this country. 

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the number of people in poverty rose for four consecutive years. Mr. Smiley, at the Povery Forum, harkened the people of Lexington to do their part because the poor is getting poorer and the rich is getting richer. I must agree. I have watched my paycheck staying the same each year, even though cost of living has been increasing, groceries and bills increasing (water, electric, sewer), after school programs increasing their fees.  Mr. Smiley stated that there are more poor people and poor children like never before. In fact, he said that 1 in  2 families are just a pay check away from being in poverty. 

As believers of Christ, as highly favored and blessed children, what are we doing to help families in need? How are we assisting our neighbors?  Please do your part in the fight against poverty. This is real, this is not made up.   I meet with women weekly who are in poverty or just a paycheck away. I can emphatize because I know what it is like. I have lived poverty and if it is not for the grace of God, I would be in poverty today.  As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, please take time to bless a family with some food, give a child a new coat, go in your closets and pull out those clothes that still have tags on them. Give it to families who are in need.  Remember, it is better to give than to receive.
Acts 20:35, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" (NIV)

Blessings
Therese from Belize

IT IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD

On Saturday, October 13, 2012, Sisters Road To Freedom, Inc. held its second annual women’s conference. This year, the focus was on awareness of domestic violence and encouraging women to get wrapped up, tied up and tangled up in JESUS. 

Maximizing and Supersizing Your Life Potential
Pastor Ramon Smith, pastor of Second Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky cautioned women that just as Hannah (1 Samuel 1) had to deal with her abuser and hater, Peninnah, women also have to deal with the Peninnahs of this world. He encouraged, however, that we must not waste time with haters and abusers.  We must stay focus on what GOD has for us.  Secondly, Pastor Smith reminded us that sometimes we impose limitations on our very selves and then we become anxious and depressed.  Self-imposed limitations stop us from getting to where God wants to take us.  He says that GOD has given us purpose but because we are too comfortable in the “normalcy” we get lost in the crowd and we do nothing to maximize our potential.  For with God nothing shall be impossible so we must not be content with where we are today.  The God we serve is big and HE wants us to be big and do big things for HIS glory and honor.  Pastor Smith cautioned women that if you are in a relationship and you and your partner do not pray together, then that may not be the relationship you want to be in. How do we maximize our life potential? We do so by taking our faith to another level.  We need to set off some dynamites in our lives.  That is, destroy anything that is keeping us from serving God wholeheartedly.
How Do We Deal With The Trouble?
Pastor Stacey McDonald, pastor of Chambers Avenue Christian Church of Georgetown, Kentucky took us to the next level.  Pastor McDonald stated that sometimes we go through the test, but still do not come out with a testimony. She said this is so because we do not let go. Or even when we say we let go, we go back and take it away from God.  We can get our testimony when that test no longer boils in our stomach, when we no longer cringe at the very thought of the thing or person that did us wrong.  Pastor McDonald warned women that we must always keep our minds focused on God. The mind can take control of our thoughts and we become slave to the mind instead of the mind being our slave.  We must take the thought in captivity; we must speak God’s Word daily and not allow distraction to take us off course. For a believer, we must have peace of mind.  
Overcoming Abuse 
Judge Lucinda Masterton, Family Court Judge, Fayette County Circuit Court, gave a powerful testimony of overcoming abuse.  Judge Masterton suffered abuse at the hands of her ex-husband.  It was not physical but psychological abuse.  She spoke to the women to let them know that psychological abuse is one of the worst forms of abuse because there is no outward signs, nothing physical, and so sometimes people think you are crazy when you tell them about what is happening in your home or what your spouse is doing in the home.  A woman can overcome abuse, encouraged Judge Masterton. It does not have to keep you in bondage.  Judge Masterton reminded the women: Seek help; keep the channels of communication open with family and friends no matter if the abuser tries to control who you speak to or where you go. 

The conference was wrapped up with women taking all their hurt and their pain at the altar and giving it all to God.  We made a promise that we gave it to God and so we will not take it back from God. We believe that every hurt, every mess, every situation have been healed in the name of Jesus.  Women will continue to walk in freedom because who the SON sets free is free indeed.

In Christ's love,

Therese from Belize

Medicating Disadvantaged Children Is Not The Only Answer

Beth Musgrave, reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader, has brought attention to a newly released study out of the University of Kentucky.  The UK Center for Business and Economic Research released its study about treatment of mental illness in disadvantaged, Medicaid-eligible minority children. 

Researchers at the University of Kentucky have found that minority children who took medications to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression were three times that of the rate of white children in 2010.  According to the report, powerful antipsychotic drugs distributed to children on Medicaid in Kentucky jumped 270 percent from 2000 to 2010.  Minority children were prescribed larger amounts of antipsychotic drugs than other children on Medicaid in Kentucky from 2000 to 2010.  The study further indicated that there are variances in prescriptions for ADHD by counties, for instance, Henderson County children take medications to treat ADHD at a rate 11 times higher than children in Leslie County.

Ms. Musgrave quoted both Dr. Owen Nichols (President/CEO of NorthKey Community Care, a community mental health center in Northern Kentucky) and Dr. Paul Glaser (pediatrician and child and adult psychiatrist) in response to this report as saying that there are too few mental health professionals in Kentucky and too few child psychiatrists.  Dr. Nichols argued that the vast majority of powerful antipsychotic medications are prescribed to children by pediatricians or family care doctors, not psychiatrists. He stated that many diagnoses such as anxiety disorder are sometimes better treated through behavioral intervention rather than medication. He stated that, in fact, medication can make some mental health disorders more difficult to treat.

As I read the report, I thought of some parents that I know whose children are being “labeled” and bullied because of mental illness.  I particularly agree with Dr. Nichols’ statement that sometimes there must be behavioral intervention instead of just writing a prescription for a child.  The treatment for mental illness of minority must continue to be addressed at all levels. 

Parents, I believe, must take the key role in their children’s lives. That means, they must pay more attention to their children’s environment and behavior. Disadvantaged minority parents must get self-educated, read literature, ask questions, etc. from Medicaid, the medical providers, and they must get some coaching and counseling from guidance counselors at their children’s schools.  Most importantly, I believe parents must begin to speak life over their children, they must daily pray for and over their children.  We know education is the key to empowerment, but I believe prayer is more powerful.   What is the effect of prayer, persistent prayer, over a child’s life?  Try it.

In Christ's love,
Therese from Belize

Revived Faith

Greetings!

What an awesome God we serve. I give God all the honor and glory for HE is worthy to be praised.

Friends, I am revived and rejuvenated after having a revival of my faith. Thanks to Rev. Martina Ockerman, Minister of Missions and Discipleship at First United Methodist Church (Downtown Campus) in Lexington, KY for inviting me to be a part of this uplifting fellowship. Rev. Ockerman brought a group of women together at First United Methodist Church to be a part of the Lifeway Women's event which featured Beth Moore's LIVING PROOF simulcast, "Revival Of Faith".

Beth Moore's message urged women of God to get revived in our faith. Beth Moore identified seven points to help women get revived in faith in Jesus Christ. She said that:
1) Personal desperation can jar us out of second-hand stories. She encouraged and jarred us to get our own stories because we must be able to recount God's faithfulness in our own lives. We must be able to recount and tell others of what God has done for us. 2 Kings 4:1-7
2) God didn't call us to "fine". He called us to "Faith". Beth Moore indicated to us that if we want to live in the supernatural provision of God, we must activate our faith in Christ. 2 Corinthians 9:8
3) Fear is the crippler of a walking, talking miracle. She indicated "viral fear" is the biggest crippler. We are called to "tell". Acts 18:9-10
4) Faith trusts that every call to forsake is a call to also take. For instance, we must forsake our fear and take courage. 2 Kings 2:2,4,6
5) Faith faces the fact that there is no formula. Faithless people are cynical, unforgiving and faithlessness is a form of rebellion. 2 Timothy 4
6) Faith rests its case on the resurrection of the dead. We must forsake being our own god and we must take Jesus Christ as our living Saviour. Jesus rose from the grave and is alive. Yes, HE is alive. Ephesians 1:18-20
7) The Lord speaks; many, many women spread the good news. Psalm 68:11
Through faith, we are able to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, what HE has done in our lives, how HE has redeemed and sanctified us. Psalm 68:11

Friends, I am revived in my faith and I will keep walking by faith and not by sight. I will keep trusting in the Lord because there is no formula for life. Shalom.

WRAPPED UP, TIED UP & TANGLED UP

I remember a song that I used to love singing at my church in Belize .... "I am wrapped up, tied up, tangled up in Jesus, yes, wrapped up, tied up, tangled up in Jesus." Unfortunately, for many women, they are still wrapped up, tied up and tangled up in shame, guilt, abuse and other vices that distract and take away from us our high calling of God that is in Christ Jesus. Glory be to God, we have a FATHER who has given us HIS SON so we can exchange the mess for a redemptive life!

"Wrapped Up, Tied Up & Tangled Up" Women's Conference is to encourage and inspire women to believe in themselves, to get help with domestic violence, to speak out against abuse of women. This conference will encourage women to believe in the promises of Christ. That who the SON sets free is free indeed.

We are praying that women will come out and support this conference as we observe and bring awareness to domestic violence.

May God bless you and keep you encouraged.
Therese from Belize

Pastor Charles Jenkins MY GOD IS AWESOME

MY GOD IS AWESOME

Greetings!

Friends, I am revived and refreshed and just full of energy because I am inspired and encouraged to keep pressing forward just as Apostle Paul did,that is, toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ (Philippians 3:14). Amen.

You see, as I look around, as I think about where God has brought me from, as I think about my parents and how they had big dreams for me, glory, my God is awesome! As I realize that I am fulfilling the American dream, yes, my God is awesome! Friends, God has healed me when I was broken. You see, by HIS stripes I am healed. HE keeps giving me strength when I am weak. God is awesome! Pastor Charles Jenkins sings, HE is mighty, HE is mighty, HE is mighty, HE is mighty. Yes, HE is mighty. Indeed, our God is mighty.

Friends, are you looking for some awesomeness in your life? Do you need some excitement that no man can provide to you? Well, don't fret, our God is awesome! God will be your healer, your redeemer, your protector, your provider. HE did it for me and I know HE will do it for you. Our God is awesome, and I just cannot thank God enough for HIS awesomeness. Stay the course, press forward because GOD IS AWESOME!

God bless,
Therese from Belize

Creating, Renewing & Restoring Swagger

As I think about the goodness of God and ALL that HE has done for me … Hallelujah. I realize I may not have the social swagger, the physical swagger, yeah, you know that fancy walk that brings attention, but the swagger I do want to have is spiritual swagger. Swagger means to strut with confidence.

Yes, not arrogance but confidence. I know the God I serve is awesome and so I walk in confidence of the Lord. Walking in confidence of the Lord means that I depend and trust in HIM with everything I have.

Rev. Dr. Gregory L. Clarke, Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church of Birmingham, Alabama sadly stated that it is a dangerous thing to have pitiful worshippers and depressed disciples. Pity and depression are dangerous to a Christian’s walk with Christ. When you are in a pitiful place or feeling depressed, you lack confidence and it is dangerous because that's when the enemy attacks from all angles. But friends, let me ask... how can you be a witness with a depressed spirit? There is just no way you can fulfill the assignment God has placed in your hands. In fact, depression will let you give up your anointed assignment. Our God is awesome and we must feel and believe and live as we say our God is awesome!

My friends, so if you have the physical and social swagger but lack the swagger that matters the most, that is, the spiritual swagger, I know just how you can get back your swag!
Rev. Dr. Gregory L. Clarke said that as disciples we must have three attributes to maintain our spiritual swagger:
1) Right spirit within. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
2) The Holy Spirit within. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Psalm 51:11
3) Free spirit to uphold. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Psalm 51:12

Father God, please don't ever take YOUR love away from us. Prayerfully.


Therese from Belize

GIVE IT, GET IT, GOT IT ... FORGIVENESS

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Today, I choose to forgive. My sister, Inda Wright Codrington,

was the guest speaker at the Restored Women Sunday School Class of Shiloh Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Sis. Inda Codrington challenged me and other women to work on forgiving others quickly because she said walking in unforgiveness gets us bitter and that bitterness turns into hatred. We must dissolve anger and be peacemakers. Forgiveness, Sis. Inda said, is obedience to God.

Of course, when we are under the will and submission of God, we have benefits, we get benefits and there are benefits to forgive others quickly. According to Sis. Inda Codrington, the benefits of forgiveness are:
1) Restoration of Christian Fellowship. 2 Corinthians 2:5-10
2) Spiritual Cleansing. 1 John 1:9
3) Spiritual Strengthening. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
4) Happiness, peace of mind and joy. Mark 11:25-26

The power of forgiveness is seen early on in the Book of Genesis, Chapter 45, when Joseph who was sold into slavery in Egypt by his very own brothers. Joseph forgave his brothers when they came to Egypt to buy corn so they would not die from the famine that was upon the land of Canaan. Joseph could have been bitter and held on to the hurt and not grant his brothers' request, but he forgave them and forgave them quickly. He could have made them suffer and die but instead showered them with compassion and sent for the entire family to return to Egypt to live during the famine. Pharoah gave the command that Joseph's father and family would have the best of the land in Egypt. Glory. Forgiveness is powerful. Joseph's story goes to show that what man uses or does for evil, God will turn it around for HIS good and for HIS honor.

GIVE IT, GET IT, GOT IT ... FOREGIVENESS.

Peace and love,
Therese from Belize

Sis. Inda Codrington Has A Word From The Lord, "FIND WATER IN THE DESERT"

Women are cordially invited to this women's empowerment conversation with Sis. Inda Codrington of Belize, Central America.

Sis. Inda Codrington has been a christian basically all her life, but consciously made the decision to serve Christ at age 13. Inda has been in ministry for over 20 years, having worked in all areas of ministry including Singing, Dancing, Children, Youth and Women's Ministries.

Inda has worked tirelessly with several churches throughout Belize, and has sat on several national committees. Inda was on the Women's Conference Committee with Sis. Sharon Arthurs, who facilitates women's conferences in Belize and in the U,S.. She has spoken at several of those Womnen's Conferences and also spoke at the Young Women's Conference on "Young Women Keeping Pure". Sis. Inda has been guest speaker at the various churches' women's group in Belize.

Sis. Inda Codrington's professional career began in 1995 where she taught at Rivers of Living Water Christian Academy (all boys high school) in Belize City. From 1996 to 2001, she was an Assistant Librarian at the National Library Service; then in 2001 to 2002 she was a high school teacher at Belmopan Comprehensive School where she taught Geography/History/Social Studies. Inda returned to Belize city to teach from 2002 to 2006 at St. Michael's College as Social Studies Teacher. From 2007 to 2009, Inda worked at Youth Enhancement Services as the Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator. Between 2009 to 2010, she worked at the Statistical Institute of Belize as a Trainer/Zone Supervisor and currently, she teaches at Wesley College, where she teaches Religious Education and Social Studies since 2010.

This Sister is an anointed woman of God and she is bringing a Word from the Lord to us women here in Lexington, Kentucky.

I pray that women from all denominations will be a part of this international fellowship where we will praise and worship and fellowship in spirit and in truth.

God bless,
Therese from Belize

Fred Hammond performing "I Feel Good" at the 2012 Stellar Awards

The joy I feel on the inside will show up on the outside! Ihave peace of mind no matter what because I know the God I serve is always by my side!

WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR US TO COMMIT?

Greetings, friends!

Lately, several people, friends and acquaintances, even strangers have asked,
"Therese, how do you do it?" One asked, "where do you find the time to do the work you are doing when you have a full time job?" "How can you do all this work when you are a single mom?" The questions keep coming because people want to know how I can do so much, despite my circumstances. My simple answer to everyone's questions,
"commitment". It seems to me that some of us find it comforting to straddle the fence while peeping to see what I am doing; some of us only want to work our 40 hours at the job and throw in the towel for the weekend; some of us find all kinds of excuses; some of us want to do only what is necessary to get by; some of us only want to serve our own families; while some of us only want to go to church on Sundays and think that is enough to please God, that we are some hot-shot Christians. Well, I stop by with breaking news to let you know that there has to be 100% commitment from you to serve God with your whole heart, mind and soul.

As I reviewed the latest statistics on Christian marriages from Barna Research, I am reminded that there is a 42% divorce rate. (Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service, 2011) I know there are a number of factors that play a role in divorce among Christians, but I guarantee you, that unfaithfulness is one of the major factors in divorce in Christian marriages because for whatever reason that man or that woman did not faithfully commit to his/her spouse. We just seem to have a problem committing to Christ and everything that HE has anointed.

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines Commitment as:
1) an agreement or pledge to do something in the future; especially: an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date;
2) something pledged;
3) the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled (driven, pushed).

So, we are back to the question, why is it so hard for us to commit? I venture to say that commitment takes hard work, it take time, honesty, and trust. For many of us, we are too impatient, we are too absorbed with the flesh that we do not concentrate on what Christ would have us to do. Commitment to Christ, I believe, is an operation of trust in God and working for God. Faithful commitment to Christ is hard to achieve, yes, I know because we just do not want to make that sacrifice, we prefer to do just the minimum to get by. It is easier to have one foot in the door and one out of the door. However, my friends, if we can only commit to Christ, we will reap the harvest that God has promised us.

Joshua 24:17-18 tells us, “For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God.” (KJV) Bondages are broken when we commit to Christ. I was in bondage of guilt and shame, misery, and abuse. You name it, I was in it and because I have hung in there, trusting and relying on Christ, HE has set me free, and who the SON sets free is free indeed (John 8:36).

Commitment to God will bring blessing to us and our children. Psalm 128:1-6, “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.” (KJV)

Friends, I urge you to commit yourself today, commit your all to Christ, the ONE who gave HIS life for us so we can be saved.


I am committed,
Therese from Belize

WHEN UNDER STRESS, WHERE DO YOU GO?

As I continue in my prayer and praise to God, I declared, "I am too blessed to be stressed." I wonder though how many followers of Christ truly declare such, and not only declare but believe that we are indeed too blessed to be stressed? Dr. Shelley E. Taylor, Distinguished Professor, Department of Psychology at UCLA, in Chapter Six of Health Psychology, 6th Edition (2009) indicated that stress is a negative emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical changes, physiological changes, cognitive changes, and behavioral changes that are directed either toward altering the stressful event or accommodating to its effects. Stressors, indicated Dr. Taylor, are stressful events such as noise, crowding, bad relationships, job interviews, commuting to work. She said that each of these might be stressful to some people but not to others and how the event is perceived substantially determines whether it is a stressor. Well, at the women's conference, "Too Blessed To Be Stressed" at Keas Tabernacle CME Church of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, I told the women that we all experience stress at some time or the other in our lives. However, as God's women, we must know what to do and where to go when we are under stress. We cannot let the stressors of life get us in a rut. So, what do God's women do and where do they go when under stress?

1) GOD'S WOMEN GO TO GOD IN PRAYER. We should pray each and every day. When under stress, prayer is what we need to do. Psalm 121:1-8, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." (KJV) Paul in Philippians 4:6-7 assures us that when we pray the peace of God which passeth all understanding will keep our hearts and minds on Christ Jesus. "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (KJV) 2) GOD'S WOMEN ARE PRAYER PARTNERS. A prayer partner prays for her partner and petitions God on her partner's behalf. A prayer partner keeps us encouraged in this walk. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (KJV) 3) GOD'S WOMEN GO TO THEIR HUSBANDS. When under stress, the husband being in charge of the household must know about the things affecting his wife and mother of his children because what affects the wife, affects the children and the entire household. A God's woman must be best friend with her husband. He is the one that should know every problem, every ache, and every pain that she is experiencing. Instead of calling a girlfriend who has no idea of taking care of a household, or a girlfriend who is not walking in the path of the Lord, a God's woman should know that her husband is her protector and her encourager. 1 Peter 3, "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives." (KJV) 4) GOD'S WOMEN GO TO THIER CLERGY. A God's woman must have that relationship with the clergy of her church to know that she can speak to him/her in confidence; get encouragement from the clergy and that the clergy prays for her and her family. A God's woman must know that she can go for pastoral counseling without feeling ashamed or degraded. James 5:14-16, "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (KJV) Oh what a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear. We just have to take everything to God in prayer because we are too blessed to be stressed.

Blessed, Therese from Belize

Stand Up Or Stand Down

My friends, I pray all is well with each of you. I can't help but to wonder why it is difficult to find suitable family shows on the television anymore. It is worse if a family only has the basic channels. I bring your attention to what I perceive as degradation of women on television. I know this is not anything new, I know it is no surprised, but what is astounding to me is that believers are the top supporters of many of these television shows. I dare say that some of these television shows that degrade women are watched and enjoyed, even Tivoed by women of God. We are looking for entertainment, we are looking for a good story line, a good ending, a good laugh. However, I do believe that what we watch on television should be no different than what we read or what we speak or how we walk.

I am calling attention on shows that are having great ratings because of the women. I am talking about shows such as Scandal, Revenge, Smash, Desperate Housewife, Basketball Wives, The Game, Housewives of Atlanta and DC and New Jersey and New York. Not to point to any one show, but I do know that "THE GAME" is a No. 1 show on the BET network. This BET's hit show follows the lives of professional football players and their significant others as they navigate fame, family and friends. However, the show is laced with women calling each other "Bitch" like it is an everyday word and a part of the regular vocabulary. Scandal, the new hit show on ABC which stars Kerry Washington, is one that has no shame about marital affair, adultery and deceit. Friends, I know that we are not perfect and that this world is not perfect. Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (KJV) I know that we all have some kind of kryptonite, some weakness, some struggle that we have to pray about each day. However, I do know one thing, and that is, that there is a holiness that God requires of us as believers. Would you agree with me that we are corrupting our minds when we watch these types of programs? The people who need a Word will continue to be neglected by us who call ourselves believers and followers and evangelists and ministers of the Word. We are filling our minds and hearts with those things that are not pleasing unto God. 2 Corinthians 6 tells us, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (KJV) There is an old saying which says, if we do not stand for something, we will fall for anything. Well, falling for anything is definitely a problem. As we keep on professing Christ as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we must stand for HIS Word, we must stand on HIS Word, and we must stand for what HE is, that is, holy. Friends, we must stand for something that is God's holiness.

God bless, Therese from Belize

Troy Sneed - My Heart Says Yes

WIMPY CHRISTIANS ... REALLY?

Greetings, in the name of Jesus. Last Friday, I challenged a sister to a month of "prayer for workplace protection and no complaining". She told me that she already know that she cannot do this because she is just sinful by nature. Oh, how my blood pressure raised when she made the comment. I had to go in prayer to bite my tongue and I also prayed for her because obviously she has lost hope in Christ. The sad thing though, she is not the only one these days that are giving up or have given up on Christ. I would venture to say that there are a lot of people professing to be believers and followers of Jesus Christ, yet living in despair because they choose to not rely on the promises of Christ. Friends, 1 Peter 2:24 reminds us that, "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (KJV) Hallelujah. By Jesus' stripes, we are healed, yet, we choose to discount Christ.

I call such "wimps". The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines as wimp as "a weak, cowardly, or ineffectual person." (2012 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated) Believers are wimps when choosing to complain instead of pray; believers are wimps when choosing to walk in darkness even though God had brought us out of darkness; believers are wimps when we do not even give Jesus a try; yet we want to receive HIS blessings and favor. My friends, is it only me that is experiencing negativity among believers? Believers who are knocking down suggestions in progressing the church; believers who are not showing up at church, but showing up elsewhere? Believers who are giving in to the enemy? Help us Lord. These issues should cause us to praise God now, praise God today, and praise God for tomorrow, for we know not what it holds. As for me, personally, I am NOT a wimp. God has redeemed me, HE has placed my feet on solid ground, and so I know where my help comes from. I have learned to lean and depend on God. This has not always been the case, but when I decided to follow Jesus, hallelujah, no turning back, no turning back, I put my hope in Christ. I am a sister walking on the narrow road to freedom.

In Paul's letter to the church in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul wrote, "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (KJV) My friends, I pray that as disciples of Christ, we go to the Lord in prayer, for HE is the Lord of mercy and comfort. Being a wimp will cause us to miss out on God's wondrous blessings, even miss out on HIS instruction and assignment for our lives. We must keep praising God through good times and in bad times. 1 Peter 2:25 confirms that "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (KJV) Amen. We are indeed children of God, we have been redeemed, and we are putting our trust and hope in Christ. Be blessed, stay prayed up, keep hanging on to the hem of Jesus' garment and TRUST GOD. This walk is NOT for wimps. Your Sister In Christ, Therese from Belize

"JUST KEEP ON COMING TO CHURCH" Min. Angela Lee Price

Greetings, friends, in the name of Jesus. I was at the "Women Who Support" Recognition Dinner on Saturday, April 28, 2012 held by the men of King Solomon Lodge No. 8 in Lexington, Kentucky. These men were honoring and recognizing women who support them. I had the privilege of receiving God's Word from the Speaker, Min. Angela Lee Price, Founder and President of Jesus Saves Ministries and Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network at this Recognition Dinner. Minister Angela's message came from Acts 3:1-10. "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him." (KJV) Minister Angela Lee Price's message at this Recognition Dinner is that we must just keep on coming to church. She said that when you keep coming to church, you can see what God is doing in the lives of other people and then you will also see what God is doing in your own life. She says that we must not be like the CME's, that is, those who come to church only at Christmas, Mother's Day and Easter. We must keep coming to church when we are depressed, house is in foreclsure, children acting up, people talk about us, we must just keep coming to church.

Friends, this message by Minister Angela taught me that no matter what is going on around us, we must keep on coming to church. I urge you to keep coming to church. There is a word from the Lord for you. God bless, Therese from Belize

When I Think About Jesus

Greetings, my friends, in the name of Jesus! When I think about Jesus and all HE has done for me, when I think about Jesus and how HE set me free, I could dance, dance, dance all night! Glory. Jesus, the Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end; there is none like HIM. I am coming forth to let you know that God's Word is real. I have been finding that God is my protector, my safe haven and HE is just so good to me. Oh how HE has set me free. Free from all harm and danger, free from addiction and abuse, free from stress and distress, free... because who the SON sets free is free indeed. John 8:36, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."(NIV) Friends, when I think about Jesus and how HE died on Calvary, nailed to that old rugged cross, Lord have mercy, I just want to shout, shout, shout, all night! Hallelujah. The scripture came to pass that on the third day, Jesus rose from the grave and was ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God. I just want to jump, jump, jump, alll night. Glory. Jesus paid it all for me and for you. So when I think about Jesus, I cannot help but to be humble and grateful and joyful because HE has redeemned me so I can have new life in HIS Father God. May you dance and shout and jump when you think about Jesus. God bless you.

Ta ta, Therese from Belize

Too Blessed To Be Stressed

EVEN SUPER MOM NEEDS TO KNOW WHEN TO BE STILL

Greetings, my friends!

I am sitting here thinking about my children and how often they refer to me as "Super Mom". This came about because I am always on the go with one or both of them, in addition to working full-time, and having a ministry serving women and their families.

I find that there are "super moms" and "super women", and we are always on the go! We are always bustling here; bustling there; and hustling here and there. We are at work multi-tasking, taking the children to their practices and their games, attending PTA meetings, taking care of the household, and when we do get around to taking a break, we realized that we need a Word from the Lord; we need a blessing from the Lord to carry us through; and we needed it like yesterday!

As this month of March is being celebrated as Women's Month, my hat goes off to God's women who are making a positive difference at home, at school, at work, at church, and in their communities. However, even God's women, the Super Moms, the First Lady of a church get discouraged; get tired; get hell on the job and off the job; and get stricken with sickness. A God's woman knows that when all hell breaks loose, she has to take time out and just be still so she can get that Word and receive that blessing from the Lord.

When we are in dire need of help, when the enemy is attacking from every side, when lies are told on us, when sickness overtakes our bodies, we just need to be still. We do not need to take on everything and everyone all by ourselves.God is bigger than any Superman or Superwoman. Psalm 46:10 tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." (KJV)

When we are still, we are able to hear God's answer, we are able to receive HIS blessing, and we are able to interpret and understand HIS Word. When we are still, God will be glorified through our stillness because we are letting go and letting HIM be God all by Himself. Sisters, we know that we have responsibilities like no other. However, sometimes God just wants us to be still so HE can take care of us, spiritually, physically, financially, and emotionally. When we take time out, we can go to the Lord in prayer. We know what the Apostle Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:6-7. He tells us to "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (KJV) Glory. When we are still, and let God, our hearts and our minds will be stayed on Jesus Christ! We will have that peace that is even unspeakable. Hallelujah.

Sisters, it is okay for us to take off our "Super Mom" or "Superwoman" cape. You see, God is the only SUPER! Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8, KJV) Amen.

Yolanda Adams | NEW single "Be Still"

Greetings!

The below is a poem that I have in my "Encouragement File" and I pull out every now and then to remind myself of just what a gold mine I am, all because of Jesus Christ. Jesus washed away my sins and cleanse me white as snow! Glory.

This is dedicated to women who may be feeling discouraged about one thing or another. You are complete because you have Jesus in your life.

"Because" by Bishop TD Jakes

Just because no one has been fortunate enough to
realize what a gold mine you are,
Doesn't mean you shine less

Just because no one has been smart enought to figure out
that you can't be topped,
Doesn't stop you from being the best.

Just because no one has come along to share your life,
Doesn't mean that day isn't coming.

Just because no one has made this race worthwhile,
Doesn't give you permission to stop running.

Just because no one has realized how much of an
awesome woman you are,
Doesn't mean they can affect your femininity.

Just because no one has shown up who can love you on
your level,
Doesn't mean you have to sink to theirs.

Just because you deserve the very best there is,
Doesn't mean that life is always fair.

Just because God is still preparing your king,
Doesn't mean that you're not already a Queen.

Just because your situation doesn't seem to be progressing right now,
Doesn't mean you need to change a thing.

Keep shining, keep running, keep hoping, and keep praying,
Keep being exactly what you are already. COMPLETE!!

Respect For Women

The Bible is so rich with the stories and miracles of women; those named and unnamed; women that the authors of the Bible wrote about with such passion. My favorite women as a team are Ruth and Naomi. (Book of Ruth) The story of Ruth and Naomi teach us about love, respect, loyalty and true friendship between mother/daughter/mother-in-law/daughter-in-law. It teaches and shows us as women how we should treat other women. Naomi the elder taught Ruth about God, carried herself in such a way that Ruth followed her back to her homeland. Ruth saw God in Naomi and respected her so much. Naomi, through her love and faithfulness to God, led Ruth to give up the pagan gods and turn her ways to those of the Lord. Ruth had much respect for the elder Naomi and took her every advice. As God's fifth commandment says in Exodus 20:12, "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." (KJV)

We find in Titus 2:1,3-5, specific instructions on how we should treat each other as women. "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." (KJV)

Sisters, let us treat each other with love and respect, and let us speak life into each other.


Your Sister-in-Christ
Therese from Belize

International Women's Day

Today is being celebrated as International Women's Day. As I reflect on women who have made a difference, I must thank God for my mother, Mrs. Marva Wright. My Mom worked very hard, domestic worker, to ensure that we attain an education, that we had food on the table, clean clothes to wear and shoes on our feet. I thank God for my Mom because she made sure we attended church, she made sure we prayed, she made sure we knew about Jesus Christ. I personally saw my Mom praying, day in, day out. As a child growing up, my mother always spoke life into us. She always told us, she will do whatever she can to help us to become great women and she meant that and she did. My mother is a true diva.

Christian author and inspirational speaker, Michelle McKinney Hammond in her book, The Diva Principle, stated that "A true Diva is a woman who knows that life is not about her, but rather the contribution she makes to others around her and the legacy she will leave behind.” from The Diva Principle, 2004. My mother's light shines because the SON shines in her.


Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (KJV)


Women in the Bible that I admire are Ruth (molded by her mother-in-law, Naomi); Esther (molded by her cousin Mordecai, later became Queen and helped her people); Abigail,wife of Nabal, mentioned in the Bible as a woman of beautiful countenance, intelligence and beauty; Hannah, the praying Sister (she went to the Lord in prayer instead of attacking her adversary).

Heavenly Father, I just thank you for women who are making a difference in the lives of those around. I thank you for my mother and for women like her who support and encourage their children. Please continue to shower them with your love, mercy, grace and please keep showering them with wisdom to teach their daughters. I pray all this in Jesus' name. Amen.

"WHEN I SAY, 'I'M A CHRISTIAN'"

In honor of women's month, I find it fitting to share a poem written by Ms. Carol Wimmer. Ms. Wimmer said that her heart was heavy as she wrote the poem, When I say, “I am a Christian. ” The year was 1988, she said, and she had begun to sense an increasing societal resentment toward the attitude of self-righteousness that has been adopted by so many Christians. Ms .Wimmer stated that she knew such behavior was and is a perversion of Christianity. She indicated that the sentiment of the poem was born out of her personal awareness of this perversion and the heartache it can cause in our pluralistic society.


WHEN I SAY, "I AM A CHRISTIAN"

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting, "I’ve been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost!
That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble—
Needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak
And pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed
And cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
Asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are all too visible
But God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache,
Which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority...
I only know I'm loved

Used by Permission
Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

WOMEN'S EDUCATION - WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT

The National Women's History Program states, "Although women now outnumber men in American colleges nationwide, the reversal of the gender gap is a very recent phenomenon. The fight to learn was a valiant struggle waged by many tenacious women—across years and across cultures—in our country. After the American Revolution, the notion of education as a safeguard for democracy created opportunities for girls to gain a basic education—based largely on the premise that, as mothers, they would nurture not only the bodies but also the minds of (male) citizens and leaders. The concept that educating women meant educating mothers endured in America for many years, at all levels of education.

Pioneers of secondary education for young women faced arguments from physicians and other “experts” who claimed either that females were incapable of intellectual development equal to men, or that they would be harmed by striving for it. Women’s supposed intellectual and moral weakness was also used to argue against coeducation, which would surely be an assault on purity and femininity. Emma Willard, in her 1819 Plan for Improving Female Education, noted with derision the focus of women’s “education” on fostering the display of youth and beauty, and asserted that women are “the companions, not the satellites of men”—“primary existences” whose education must prepare them to be full partners in life’s journey.

While Harvard, the first college chartered in America, was founded in 1636, it would be almost two centuries before the founding of the first college to admit women—Oberlin, which was chartered in 1833. And even as “coeducation” grew, women’s courses of study were often different from men’s, and women’s role models were few, as most faculty members were male. Harvard itself opened its “Annex” (Radcliffe) for women in 1879 rather than admit women to the men’s college—and single-sex education remained the elite norm in the U.S. until the early 1970s. As coeducation took hold in the Ivy League, the number of women’s colleges decreased steadily; those that remain still answer the need of young women to find their voices, and today’s women’s colleges enroll a far more diverse cross-section of the country than did the original Seven Sisters.

The equal opportunity to learn, taken for granted by most young women today, owes much to Title IX of the Education Codes of the Higher Education Act Amendments. This legislation, passed in 1972 and enacted in 1977, prohibited gender discrimination by federally funded institutions. It has become the primary tool for women's fuller participation in all aspects of education from scholarships, to facilities, to classes formerly closed to women. Indeed, it transformed the educational landscape of the United States within the span of a generation." (www.nwhp.org, 2012)

Encourage a sister to return to school to attain higher education, complete high school, vocational and/or techical college.

God bless,
Therese from Belize

Richard Smallwood with Vision-Trust Me

Keas Tabernacle C.M.E. Women's Conference on March 17, 2012

Sisters, Keas Tabernacle C.M.E. of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky will be holding its Fourth Annual Women's Conference! Yours truly is the speaker for this conference.

Sisters will be gathering to give God glory and discuss in sisterly love why as God's women we are too blessed to be stressed! Romans 8:17, "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (KJV)

I hope to see you there.

Yours in Christ
Therese from Belize

Women Encouraging Other Women

Greetings, my friends, in the name of Jesus!

I am writing today with a heart that has been enduring. An enduring heart because I believe and trust in Christ. I know that whatever struggles of every kind -sickness, financial, marital, psychological and even biological, we meet, we must learn how to exchange them with God. When we exchange our burdens with God, we are getting rid of our pride, shame and fear. We are set free, we are delivered by the blood of the Lamb. I do not know if you are experiencing the same thing as I am, but it just seems lately that women are really being tried by the devil. However, the Lord wants me to tell you that He is a Deliverer, He will set you free from all bondage and shame. Ephesians 3:20, "With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask for or imagine."

Dr. Ellen Marmon of Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky, had encouraged us as women that we should provide encouragement, commitment, time and energy to other women, to those less fortunate than us, to those who are struggling in their spiritual life; to those who are trying to get out of abusive relationships. My friends, we read about numerous women in the Bible who had uncompromising faith; those who helped other women. There were the prophetess, Anna (she fasted, she prayed, she was always preaching and talking about Jesus); Mary and Martha (the two sisters who loved Jesus, they invited other women to their house to listen to Christ teach); Lois and Eunice (Timothy's Mom and Grandmother, two women who loved the Lord and had undeniable faith); Huldah the prophetess, who helped people to understand what the Bible means); Elizabeth and Mary (these two women encouraged each other during their time of pregnancies).

Rev. Maxine Thomas, Assistant Pastor of St. Paul AME, Lexington, Kentucky in her Bible study, a Series of Fortunate Events, said that as women we must look for a sister to encourage and inspire because as women, we need to encourage one another. Rev. Thomas said that as women when we get "pregnant" in the Spirit, no one can take away that pregnancy so we must not feel or act threatened by other women, but instead we must reach out to them. We must stop neglecting and failing to accept another sister's divinity.

Are you encouraging a woman today?

Blessings,
Therese from Belize

JESUS PAID IT ALL-Rev James Moore/Mississippi Mass

Jesus Had Paid It All. The late Rev. James Moore with the Mississippi Mass Choir ministering to my heart. Thank you Jesus.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Greetings, my friends! I am so grateful that I have finally published my first work... STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART! It is a diary filled with messages to encourage and inspire. The writings are real, nothing made up, everything has been written straight from my heart.

God bless,
Therese from Belize

Why Look Back? Jesus Has Paid The Price

Greetings, friends!

These past few days, I have been studying and meditating on Genesis 19. In particular, I have been studying the story of Lot and his unnamed wife. We find that Lot was told to take his family out of Sodom and flee. The instruction was that he and his family should not look back. In verse 26, we find that Lot's wife disobeyedthe instructions, and looked back. She became a pillar of salt for her disobedience. She was not completely through with her past.

There are consequences to disobedience. When God tells us to move forward, there is something, some curiosity, some "unfinished business" as to why we feel the need to look back. Looking back keeps us from reaching the land that God has prepared for us. I thank God for HIS son Jesus Christ, who gave HIS life for me, HE died on the cross, so that my sins can be washed away. Glory. When I look back becuase of my own selfishness and disobedience, I thank God that HE does not turn me in a pillar of salt. God has afforded me the opportunity to ask for forgiveness and move forward because of the price that Jesus paid.... His life.... for me. I find that when I keep pressing forward, I make fewer mistakes, my mind is clear, I am focused and Jesus stays on my mind all day and all night. Oh how sweet it is!

Friends, let us keep pressing forward so we can reach the land that is prepared for us by our Lord. Looking back takes up time that we can spend moving forward. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. I am pressing forward and I do hope you are too!

God bless,
Therese from Belize

MOLDING OF GENERATION DIVAS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2O12 STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.

THE MOLDING OF GENERATION DIVAS

Usually when we refer to a "diva", we are usually speaking about someone who has an outgoing personality, has "attitude", and dresses in the latest fashion. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a diva as a prima donna, usually fashionable and successful. However, acclaimed Christian author and inspirational speaker, Michelle McKinney Hammond in her book, The Diva Principle, stated that "A true Diva is a woman who knows that life is not about her, but rather the contribution she makes to others around her and the legacy she will leave behind.” from The Diva Principle, 2004. What legacy will we be leaving behind as mothers for our daughters? If we are to mold young women to become divas as defined by Ms. Hammond, then we must educate ourselves and our teen daughters on the issues that they are facing and will face in life as they grow and develop in mature adults. We must get real with the problems that are facing our teen daughters and deal with these issues at an early stage instead of acting as if our daughters are not encountering these problems in the home, at school, at church and in the community. Our legacy as mothers is to leave our Christ-like prints on our daughters. Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (KJV)

Divas in the Bible that I admire are Ruth (molded by her mother-in-law, Naomi); Esther (molded by her cousin Mordecai, later became Queen and helped her people); Abigail,wife of Nabal, mentioned in the Bible as a woman of beautiful countenance, intelligence and beauty; Hannah, the praying Sister (she went to the Lord in prayer instead of attacking her adversary).

Now is the time for us to mold our daughters into becoming divas (young ladies who know that life is not about them, young ladies who will stand up for Christ and Christ-like principles, young ladies who are setting examples in their walk and talk).


Therese from Belize