Tuesday, May 11, 2010

  But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead.  (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)  For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the Heavenly Realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.  So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.  God saved you by His grace when you believed.  And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.  For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

[Ephesians 2:4-10 New Living Translation]

 Come Up A Little Higher!

  ”Higher”, Mali Music

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKMD0ZmikFQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3S2rJqcz7w

Good Afternoon Beloved,

This song has been playing over and over in my heart all day.  “Higher”.  Mali Music’s words grabbed me~

“Higher”

 Verse 1

 got saved been saved/ too saved been praisin and/ livin for Me for a long long time/ workin hard stayin that grind that’s right/ sayin u wanna be avaylable/ touchin lives and blessin souls/ never been ashamed of that ole gospel/ holdin on and ya show nuff wanna let go/ but there’s a little something I’ve noticed/ I held my tongue so you can stay focused but/ it’s been a while since u called My name/ or even prayed like u used to in the good ole days/ yea I see u shining like a star/ but I think you’ve gotten comfortable with where u are/ so much I wanna show ya/so much I have for ya.  

Hook

so come up a little higher/ higher/ higher/ higher/ high… (repeat)

Verse 2

higher/ is where I wanna take ya/ further/ is where I want u to go/ wider/ every city every nation/ I/ I really love u so/ but u gotta go deeper/ gotta increase the Word ya know/ so I can show a little more/ so u can preach the gospel/ eyes have not seen/ don’t nobody know/ what I have in store for u/ but to fly a little higher/ you gotta let your wing span grow/ just desire and want Me/ keep your spirit man wanting/ don’t lose your zeal/ stay hungry

Hook/Bridge

just put your trust in Me/ I’ve got everything that u need/ hope you’re not afraid of heights/ if you are then you’ll be alright/ don’t close your eyes/spread your wings and fly/ get comfortable cuz this is your life/ high in the sky with Me/ come on and fly with Me/as we go high…

Hook/

I love it!  All around me I see it.  A restlessness that has hit the Body of Christ like a tidalwave.  People are starting to move.  The “status quo” just ain’t cuttin’ it.  Saints are desiring more.  They are hungry and thirsty.  Some don’t even know what it is, but they want more of something.  That ‘Something’ is God Himself.  As the days grow shorter and time is winding up, He Is not playing.  Things are happening QUICKLY.  Sudden blessings. Sudden upheavals.  New partnerships..new relationships. Families reuniting.  Sudden decisions.  Good and bad, it will all work together for our good.  It may look a little shaky right now, but behinds the scenes, God’s higher plan is taking shape.  When He created us, He had a purpose in mind.  Some of us are starting to get little glimpses into what that was.  I believe we are going to be as surprised as everyone else.  I believe God is pulling things out of us that we never knew we had.  It is an exciting time.  It is a time of prayer and a time to seek the face of God like never before.  He said,

  If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land

[2 Chronicles 7:14:]

That’s the key.  Yes He wants us to live an abundant life full of joy and peace. Yes He wants to meet our need according to His riches in Glory.  Yes He wants us to live in wholeness–mind, soul and body.  He is not fazed by our desire for nice cars, houses, clothes… stuff.  Remember “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof”.  The bottom line is Kingdom business.  Souls into the Kingdom.  Saving the lost by pointing them to the Cross.  Fulfilling the purpose He placed within us before we were even born.. whatever that is.  There has been a shift.. winds of change are blowing…

… and that Beloved is Good News! 

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day and a Wonderful Evening

Regina  

“Power of One”, Israel Houghton

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlmOzJ4rGck

 ”Surely Goodness & Mercy Shall Follow Me”, Israel Houghton http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlpui7Mxrlo  

“Lord You Are Good”, Israel Houghton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TobaciE9ET4  

“All Around”, Israel Houghton

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3cU47HN_I0  

“Psalm 91″ (Shelter), Jumelle

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwt2mSjXxBw  

 ”I Give Myself Away”, William McDowell

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4v5IXbEauM    

Tuesday & Wednesday, April 20 & 21, 2010

To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him

[Ephesians 3:8-12]

God’s Grace In The Midst Of Disgrace…

Good Afternoon Beloved,

God is so good!… I just wish I could shout it from the rooftops! LOL!… He is really showing Himself… to those who choose to see Him!  Recent news has been abysmal!  Just when you think people can’t sink any lower, they do.  Attacking a national day of prayer?  Ummm… hello?  With earthquakes occurring in strange places, tsunamis, black volcanic ashe covering cities, school bullying on the rise, wars, and rumors of wars, rising cost of living, unemployment numbers through the roof, domestic violence increasing, racism, sexism, class-ism, age-ism..etc.. etc.. do you really think this is a good time to try and stop prayer?! .. It’s impossible to stop, but when a nation decides to corporately step from under the protection of the living God woe to that nation.  The good news is that the people who love God will still find His favor.  He is able to bless them, even as the other segment undergoes judgment.. remember the children of Israel.  He protected them even as he pronouced judgment on Pharoah and his kingdom.  God is undaunted by those who hate Him.  He told us that they would.  He also told us that they would hate us!  Ouch!  Nobody wants to be hated, but those who think they rule their own destiny, are offended by a God who lets them know that they really don’t.  They are appeased for a minute by their own intellect and rhetoric, but when they come to the end of themselves, they find themselves in serious trouble.  What happens when they come to a place where none of man’s earthly ‘wisdom’ can help them?  What happens when the doctor says, “sorry there is no cure”?  What happens when that person that they’ve made their God leaves?  Where do they, who have tried to banish God from a planet that belongs to Him.. where do they go?  It is heartbreaking to watch someone self-destruct, but sometimes in order for them to come to their senses it is necessary.  Our assignment is to love the “he double hockey sticks” out of them! That was the Apostle Paul’s mission as well.  He was sent to minister to a tough group.  He suffered… a lot, but look at the fruit of his labor!  He finished his course and kept the faith and his life shows us that it is possible for us to finish our assignment as well… and not just finish, but to be the victors and hear those words, “Well done good and faithful servant … enter into the joy of your Lord” …

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Evening

Regina

“Resting Place”, Dietrick Hadden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkwUZ4kCRBo

“He Reigns (Our God Is An Awesome God)”, Kirk Franklin featuring Papa San

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkwUZ4kCRBo

“He Reigns”, Kevin LeVar & One Sound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPDUvrKIRtY

“Here I Am”, Kevin LeVar & One Sound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJGD6qqPCo

Beloved,

This week has been hectic, but very productive, so I decided to put the Tuesday through Thursday “Meals” in one package.

****************************************

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from GOD out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of GOD is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and GOD Himself shall be with them, and be their GOD. And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the Throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And He said unto me, It is done. I am ALPHA and OMEGA, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his GOD, and he shall be My son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

[Revelation 21:1-8]

A Glimpse In The Future…

Beloved,

What a beautiful picture… that is … to those who have made the True and Living God their choice.  It is a horrifying thought to those who haven’t or refuse Him.  It puts life into perspective.  Viewing life from eternal eyes, will cause us to see everything differently.  God told us what the last days would be like, so that we would not panic when we started to see things materialize.  Our God does not want us to be consumed by what we see and hear in the news.  He wants us to understand that the verses that talk about Him “supplying all of our need according to His riches in Glory”  (Philippians 4:19) , and taking no thought to what we should eat, drink or wear (Matthew 6:31) were there long before we got here and will stand, should Jesus tarry, long after we’re gone.   He doesn’t have to prove anything to us, yet He does because He wants to.  He wants us to know that He is God and that makes and keeps His promises. 

… whoa! … Family… that is Good News!

  ********************************************************

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Look Up!

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking to JESUS the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of GOD.

Beloved,

The Bible tells us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”.  The “looking up”, that I am referring to is not as much our natural eyes, but our spiritual ones.  We look up to those we are attracted to.  People who have something that we admire.  People who have something we want. I remember reading the Bible on an airplane a few years ago.  I was terrified, because it was my very first airplane ride.  In my mind flashed every movie I had ever seen where a plane crashed. I was a nervous wreck.  When I started reading, I remember thinking, “Jesus is just too cool”.  I loved the way He treated the people.  He was kind and patient.  He spent time with the “outcasts” of His day and had no fear of how His actions would be received.  I loved His responses to people who were laying traps for Him.  I found Him to be blunt, tactful, confident, trust-worthy, personable, laid back, good natured, tender-hearted and strong, with a good sense of humor among other things.  The qualities we most admire in each other.  I saw Him as not only my Lord and Savior and soon coming King of all Kings, but I saw Him as “Son of Man”.  What He did on earth, He did as the Son of Man.  He left an example for us to follow.  It was simple, and began with constant contact with the Father and incorporated the 10 commandments.

[*repost from http://whitestonejournal.com/tencommandments/]

Jesus not only redeemed our lives from destruction, but showed us how to live holy in a fallen world with the assistance of the Holy Spirit.

… and that Beloved is Good News!

****************************************

Thursday, January 28, 2010

FI-YAH!  (“Fire”)

Beloved,

Ever had something burning deep in your heart and have no clue what to do about it?  A young man I call one of my sons, is one such individual.  I’ve listened as his heart has been set on fire with righteous indignation at the struggles of the poor and down-trodden.  I can almost see him in my minds eyes pounding the podium of life with his fists and screaming to the heavens, “Its not fair!!!”… Things are not right and he wants somebody to take responsibility for it and fix this mess.  He is young and passionate about his stance.  He has lost many loved ones to the streets and knows that there is a better way.  Jesus is his Lord and Savior, but he reminds me of Peter… just looking for some ears to chop off!  He is ON FIYAH!  Our job as the older, seasoned children of the family of God is not to put that fire out, but to temper in.  To contain it in its proper place.  A fire in a fireplace is a wonderful thing.  It warms the room and is beautiful to look at, but outside of the fireplace it can cause death, destruction and chaos and nobody wants that!  Our young people are the same way.  Without the Word of God, sprinkled with love, guidance, and support, they can become that wild fire burning out of control.  Their passions could wreak havoc if aimed in the wrong direction. The blessing is that washing them in the water of the Word of God, as they are baptised in the fire of the Holy Spirit of God, will make them a holy force to be reckoned with.  God is doing something awesome in our young people…

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

  “Lord Make Me Over”, Tonex

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFPHBzpyvkE

“Praise Him In Advance”, Pastor Marvin Sapp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvganA6nrf0

“Let Go”, Dwayne Woods

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5hf86_hIBk

“Praise On The Inside”, J. Moss

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3qNWf4XyPk

“Praise Is What I Do”, William Murphy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIPKnj-0Czw

“Holiness”, Micah Stampley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB7KLlKA600

“The Old Rugged Cross/I Surrender All”, Carman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p149gIie-7Y

“Help Somebody”, Deborah Dukes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDQPBWBsfX0

“Prayer Changes Things”, Deitrick Hadden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRGMIrkrn2c

“Crossroads”, Deitrick Hadden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvB4APiP9As

“Sinner’s Prayer”, Deitrick Hadden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK12MDzzqco

“Amen”, Deitrick Hadden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c5oyDqqg_0

“Heaven Knows”, Deitrick Hadden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRaz9TyRtGU

“Good News” Episode “Writing on the Wall” (the pastor stands against the neighborhood gang.. one of my favorite renditions of “I Surrender All”)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_fSi2s8sM4

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

But Samuel replied,

   “What is more pleasing to the LORD:
      your burnt offerings and sacrifices
      or your obedience to His voice?
   Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
      and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
 

[1 Samuel 15:22]

Good Morning Beloved:

The story of King Saul was tragic.  He was a man who ‘looked’ the part of king, but was completely inadequate for the job.  He was tall, handsome, imposing.  However, the Bible gives us insight into the pyche of Saul.  It lets us know that he was fearful, unbelieving, jealous and rebellious.  He knew better than anyone that he had no business being anyone’s king.  He tried to talk his way out of it at first, but relented and accepted.  He leaned heavily on the prophet Samuel, but when it really mattered, he ignored the Word of the Lord and dropped the ball.  He disobeyed a direct order from God.  The exuse Saul used was that “the people” wanted to save the best animals to be used as a sacrifice for God.  Saul was religious.  He had a form of Godliness but no relationship with God.  That was the difference between Saul and David.  Relationship.  When talking to Samuel, Saul referred to the Lord as the Lord “your God”… David’s communication with God was personal.  It reflected a heart that was tender towards God.  He messed up… big time, but he always knew how to turn back to God and repent…. truly repent.  Things have not changed in over 2 thousand years.  People are people.  We have the same decision to make everyday.  Whether or not we will obey the voice and Word of the Lord.  There is a blessing attached to obedience.  The Bible uses the phrase “to know” as a way to convey deep intimacy.  It is often used in scripture to describe the physical relationship between a husband and his wife.  A knowledge that is unlike anyone else.  “into -me- see”… A spouse is to have the access key into places within their mate that is off-limits to everyone else.  First of all phyically, but also emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.  No one should know a person better their spouse.  Every single believer has that same access to the Lord or Hosts.  Intimacy.  The closer we get to Him, the closer He gets to us.  Our lives begin to change.  In time, our priorities change.  Our thoughts begin to shift towards things that have eternal value rather than to be focused only on the temporary.  We begin to discover things about ourselves we never knew before.  Gifts and talents are birthed within us.  We become bolder, more sensitive, stronger, wiser, better… realizing that we “Never Could Have Made It”, (thanks Pastor Marvin!) without Jesus!  As I’ve heard Tye Tribbett say many times, “God’s way is not just right… it’s better!

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“You Are God Alone”, Pastor Marvin Sapp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccpdk2bQF9M

“Rain On Us”, Ernest Pugh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4EH7-TQj0k

“No Greater Love”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBLYdxVe7Gg

“Never Would Have Made It”, Pastor Marvin Sapp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CklAwchIJ1A

“Great Is Your Mercy”, Pastor Donnie McClurkin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODmHMKfD_iY

November 5, 2009

For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [ Lev 19:18.]

[Galatians 5:14]

Do You Know and Love You?

*********

If I live to be a hundred
And never see the seven wonders
That’ll be alright
Should my tender heart be broken
I will cry those teardrops knowing…
I will be just fine
‘Cause nothing changes who I am
I am Rosemary’s grand-daughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done…
My momma’s still my biggest fan
Sometimes I’m clueless and I’m clumsy
But I’ve got friends that love me
And they know just where I stand
It’s all a part of me
And that’s who I am
That’s who I am

(Sue Thomas, FBI Theme song)

Good Afternoon Beloved,

You may think, “man, that sure is a strange way to open a Christian devotion”.  I was in another room, when the show came on, and I thought, “wow, I could have written that song describing myself.  The only difference is my grandma’s name was “Ms. El-nore”.. and all my friends and kinfolk say, “AMEN”.  Self love has been stretched to un-Godly limits these days.  Some people are a little “too” in love with themselves.  There are some who are so self absorbed that the only time they do something for someone else is when it benefits them in some sort of way.  That is off-balanced and so not cute.  God’s Word is not talking about that kind of ‘me-me-me-me-me’ism’.  The Bible is balanced.  God knows that we can’t really love if our love tank is on ‘E’.  Ever met someone whose was running a little low in the love department?  How they feel about themselves (good or bad) will seep into every facet of their life.  It will affect how they treat their family, friends, church members, co-workers, even random people on the street.  For the child of God, it can be an even greater detriment. How many times have you heard of folks leaving, not only the church, but God Himself because of their encounters with loveless, bitter, angry saints.  Something is wrong somewhere and as we take inventory of our life we need to find out what it is.  Some people were told by people who held influence over them, (parents, “friends”, spouses) that they were no good, pitiful, stupid, ugly and that nobody would ever love or want them etc… etc…  Somewhere along the line they received those “death words” in their hearts, digested them, and they became a part of their everyday life.  We may have entered into the fall season, but it’s never too late to do a little “spring cleaning”.  Get rid of all that junk.  You are “fearfully and wonderfully made”.  We all came here with a crazy sin-nature, but we have a new nature now.  God loved you so much that He sent Jesus to die and if you were the only person on the planet that ever accepted Him, He would have still done it.

…. Now THAT Beloved is shoutin’ Good News!

U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Evening

Regina

“I Like Me”, Kirk Franklin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wneWvEWMKs

“Son of Man”, Tye Tribbett w/Mali Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdu7fb0g6Mo

“Set Me Free”, Myron Butler & Levi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqikzIDqNAQ

“Lead Me Jesus”, Greg O’Quin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=896ZBM-GA9c

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because you allowed that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the reins and hearts: and I will give to every one of you according to your works. But to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which you have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcomes, and keeps My works to the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

[Revelation 2:20-29]

So Whatcha Gonna Do?

Good Afternoon Beloved,

This is one of those days.  I woke up thinking about so many situations that the saints of the most High God are dealing with.  Some, granted we get ourselves into .  Others just low-down sneak attacks from the enemy of our souls.  What caught my attention in this verse was when He said,“..And he that overcomes, and keeps My works to the end, to him will I give power over the nations…”.  That was interesting to me because looking at the nations right now, they seem to be in control of everything.  This and many other passages of scripture, let us know that not only are the not in ultimate control, but what control they think they have will be given into our hands.  Could that be the reason so many are ‘going through’ so much?  Is it possible that we are in ‘boot camp’?  Let’s say you owned and operated a Fortune 500 business.  Would you turn over the reigns to your two year old?  I hope not!  But after they have matured and become educated, and you have worked with them that is a different story.  When you see that their character has grown to the level where they will respect and build upon what you’ve done, then you could proudly turn it over to them.  We gain invaluable insight with everything that we go through.  We mature.  We acquire more patience and become more gracious.  We can choose to become better or bitter…. but the choice is ours.  Remember, He said that NO good thing will he withhold from those who love Him.

… Beloved that is Good News!

U Blessed!

Have a Fabulous Evening

Regina

“The Power of One”, Israel Houghton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlmOzJ4rGck

“Ain’t Nobody Dying But Us”, ETW

http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-US&playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:b452f2f2-0d15-4aba-b493-9fa41e90b0ea&showPlaylist=true&fg=artist

“Real Love”, Kirk Franklin & The Family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KumNxJZkArA

“The Password is Jesus”, Canton Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn0SIdn3-_U

 

 

Friday, October 30, 2009

The LORD your God in the midst of you is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.

[Zephaniah 3:17] 

 HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!

What a lovely day!  Today is my birthday and I am so excited!  Well, actually, I’m always excited over birthdays… other peoples’ as well as mine.  A birthday to me represents one more year God has graced one to exist on earth.  It signifies that there is still an assignment to be done and we have been given a little more time to complete it.  This morning when I turned on my computer, I had so many beautiful well wishes it was almost overwhelming!  Someone ”sang” happy birthday to me via e-mail.  I was just reminded of my God who also sings… and He’s not singing, “I’m gonna knock you out” .  He rejoices over us… I just never get tired of hearing that, because for so many years I got such a scary view of God.  A wrong perception of a Deity that could never be pleased, always frowned and stayed in a constant state of irritation.  God does get angry.. don’t misunderstand me, but I suspect He is a little more balanced than a lot of us were led to believe.  He is grace, mercy, truth and love.  He knows the end from the beginning.  He sees where we are, where we’ve been and where we’re going.  Nothing is hidden from His careful gaze.  He’s seen every tear and every smile.  He knows what makes us tick far better than we do.  I found myself reminiscing today about my childhood.  I have been putting together a collection of pictures for my new found family, and boy did it bring back memories.  I was that shy little girl in the back of the class that never talked.  I was the ‘dirty’ girl… the one with the wrong clothes and jacked up hair… the ‘outcast’ that was laughed at and talked about.  My 10th grade Social Studies teacher at Calvert Senior High, Mr. Thompson, wrote something in my yearbook that I have carried in my heart ever since.  He wrote, “Regina, sometimes those who do not make themselves the center of attention are often overlooked, it is those same people whose inner wonder is never known”  …wow… that statement girded my mind and strengthened my resolve that’s the power of a good teacher.  I always felt that there was something unique and beautiful about me, even while folks were trying their level best to tear me down.  The result was good because it made me appreciate people for who they are, and to see the beauty in them.  It caused me not to treat people the way that they did.  It gave me a desire to become a better human being.  I’ve often thought over the years, that if Mr. Thompson could see me, he would be shocked.  I probably never said over a handful of words during the entire year I had his class, now, you can’t shut me up.  I uploaded this message on ‘Facebook’ for the young people that are around me. 

“2 my fly youngins going through drama with crazy people -keep your head up, don’t let ‘em get you down, trust me in a few years you won’t remember half their names ;0)” …

Live in such a way that those who know you but don’t know God, will come to know God because they know you. 

That is the plain truth!  I have gained a lot of wisdom and insight in recent years.  I’ve learned that nothing is ever wasted and EVERYTHING becomes part of our testimony.  Remember, we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony… what we came through and WHO brought us over…. sing Father …. sing

…and that Beloved is Good News!

42 Baby! YEAH!!!!

“It’s Your Birthday”, Canton Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esQki8wkbNk

“What You Know About Jesus”, Kevin Levar and One Sound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76ZX0hm4RkE

“Stranger”, Pentecostals of Alexandria

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnAYF4rmwgs

“Step pon di enemy”, Papa San

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhhLSIELM9w

“I Can’t Flee From Your Presence”, Papa San

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8AjimwhHIQ

“Just Wanna Say”, Israel Houghton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N7d3A39rls

“Victory”, Tye Tribbett

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blv47UxK6Zs

********

   

Don’t Forget…

our sister Elaine Hutchinson’s “Homecoming Queen”

This weekend only … phenomenal cast, great play!

Saturday, Oct. 31 (7:00pm)

and

Sunday, Nov. 1st (3:30pm) 

at

Harmony Hall 

10701 Livingston Rd

Ft. Washington, MD  20744

   Tickets will be available at the box office!

   I LOVE this play don’t miss it!!!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4zlRzNBJuA 

 

Friday, September 18, 2009

The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.” 
[Exodus 33:17]

Intimacy  (“Into Me See”)

Happy Friday!  That is powerful.  Isn’t it wonderful when someone can see you on your worst day… they know you… and their opinion of you does not change… they still love you.  You are completely comfortable around them.  You don’t have to pretend or put on ‘aires’.  You do not have to walk around with your stomach sucked in to appear thinner, or wear 10 inch heels to make yourself taller.  You do not have to wear designer jewelry or go broke trying to shop in high end boutiques.  You do not have to talk a certain way to impress them.  They enjoy you and you enjoy being with them.  That is a blessing and a gift, because for the most part, we all do some of those things unconsciously to a certain extent everyday.  Our “company manners”, our “professional voice”, and most of us don’t walk around the house in heels and a suit.  When we are home, we can relax, release and recharge ourselves.  That is what we receive as children of the Most High God.  We can strip off everything and just be completely free to be ourselves.  He knows us.  Everything about us.  His all seeing Eyes have pierced our very soul since before we were even in our mother’s womb.  He knew what would happen every single day of our life.  He has smiled at our joyous days, and felt our pain during our tragic ones.  In those times He has ministered to, and soothed our troubled hearts.  He has been working to heal broken places — cracks and holes within us.  He has dried our tears, and strengthened our spirit.  His Word has been our guiding light.  His Spirit a comfort during our greatest times of sorrow.  How do I know?  You’re still here. Others have taken their own lives over what you have gone through.  Someone has kept you thus far and is willing to take you on the rest of the journey.

 

Monday, August 3, 2009

“SALVATION”

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower

Psalm 18:2

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Hebrews 2:3

Good Morning Beloved,

HAPPY MONDAY!

This morning I had a nightmare… now here is the thing, I very rarely have them.  It was as if I were watching a movie, or one of those forensic/law enforcement type situation dramas on TV.  The dream was apocalyptic in feel… an end of the world type of scenario.  Panicked people running for cover in terror, as fire from the sky rained down on them consuming them, while the ‘heroes’ of the story raced to find the ‘answer’ to the situation.  Did they?  I have no idea… I woke up… hey, I had to get ready to go to work!  That dream reminded me of the scripture that said,

“Then everyone—the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person—all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the Face of the One who sits on the Throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”

[Revelation 6:15-16] 

 

God is loving, gracious and merciful.  That is a Truth that we should never ever forget, but we need to remember the other side of God… His Holiness, righteousness and judgment.  That has never changed.  I marvel at the tee shirts I’ve seen at many funerals, most young, most that had led lives, by their own admission far from God.  Those tee shirts read, “only God can judge me” … If they only knew what that meant.  God’s judgment is not a good thing.  I would much rather be judged by humanity, then by a Holy God.  There is only so much they can do to you.  When I read the Bible, when God judged a person or a nation something died.  Something was destroyed.  I want mercy and forgiveness from God … not judgment.  The good news is that we don’t have to suffer that fate.  We have been saved from the wrath to come.  Our hiding place is secure in Jesus because we have put our faith and trust in Him.

You are my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Your word

[Psalm 119:114]

… and that Beloved of God, is Good News!

U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

**********************************

“Thou Oh Lord Art A Shield For Me”, Byron Cage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB6cFqCBMAE

“Surround Me”, Clint Brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqGC-snEIEU

“He Reigns”, Kevin LeVar & One Sound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPDUvrKIRtY

“Jesus Be A Fence”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce7LQfY0d30

“He’s All Over Me”, Georgia Mass Choir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsAK8xQS0CU

“Who Can I Run To”, Ricky Dilliard & New G

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhJYAE62CuY

“God Is Trying To Tell You Something”, Color Purple Soundtrack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ8XkY6Too0 (music only)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7ZT5sajkys (movie clip)

“Breathe On Me”, Clint Brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-RnpTYHOIg

*****************************