Archive for August, 2010


A Quiet Time Lesson

Filed Under: La Roya Jordan's Journal by LaRoya Jordan — 2 Comments
August 20, 2010

“Make time for quiet moments as God whispers and the world is loud.” Author Unknown

An excellent example of the importance of “quiet time” before the Lord is found in 1 Samuel 3:1-10. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with these verses

The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel.
Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.

6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”

7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.

8 The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ “So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Samuel knew he had heard something or someone but he did not know who was calling him

That is exactly what happens to us when we are not deliberate in our quiet time with God the Father. Here are a few steps to rekindle that special time or to begin for the very first time:

SEVEN STEPS

  • Get to an area or spot that is free of momentary distraction; no cell phone, no TV, no talking with friends- THIS IS GODS TIME ALONE with you!
  • Know that He is expecting you so believe that He will meet you there
  • Feel free to talk to Him about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING – He has been waiting to hear from you
  • Have your Bible with you so you can “put Him in remembrance of His promises” do not be afraid to share your most inner feelings, thoughts and fears
  • Spend sometime just listening to your spirit – that is God talking back to you
  • Now spend time just saying “THANK YOU FATHER” for whatever you have brought before your Father assured that He is pleased that His child wants to spend time with Him
  • Repeat  daily  and enjoy an awesome experience with your Father
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Window-Seat…Please!!!

Filed Under: Tosh Brown's Journal by Tosh Brown — Leave a comment
August 20, 2010

Good Morning Faithful Walkers!!

I was just thinking about two GREAT individuals I sat next to on a recent flight, earlier this week.  A Blind, English College Professor, and a young man that has GREAT hopes and dreams, despite his past and present circumstances.

According to statistics and the media…. neither of these individuals should be where they are.  I have met several people, throughout my travels. I believe this was the BEST meeting yet!!!

Once again I have recognized, that there are more similarities in all of us than NOT.  The three of us came into this world as UNDER-DOGS, we all  had VISION, We all had a LOVE for books, and We were CHOSEN.

The next time you must attend a meeting, or take public transportation and are unable to control who sits next to you, just ALLOW, that it might just be what you need.  For as we know….God makes NO mistakes. Enjoy your day!

Popcorn & Ice Tea!!!

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Selective Amnesia

Filed Under: Dino Shorte's Journal by Dino Shorte — 2 Comments
August 20, 2010

The other day while in traffic, a driver completely cut me off. I hit him with “the horn.” You know the one. The long, sustained, continuous one that says “How dare you, sir!” “How Dare You!!”

Well I’m ashamed to admit my horn set off a war of “angry car horns” leading to volley after volley of unpleasant words and gestures. All because we decided to fight over who could be “next” to wait in line . . . with the rest of the cars! Things almost escalated, until I noticed something ironic.

My fellow “road warrior” had Christian symbols plastered on his bumper: a dove on one end, the outline of a fish on the other, and crosses in the middle! I thought to myself, “pitiful, just pitiful” and was just about to start adopting a “holier than thou” attitude, towards him, i.e., “you should be ashamed of yourself,” “God don’t like ugly,” blah, blah, blah, you know? Just getting all “judgy” towards the guy, right?

But then, pow, Matthew, Chapter 7, verses 1 and 2 just popped into my head: Judge not, that ye be not judged.  For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

I was like “whoa,” now where did that come from? I mean, let me tell you, although I do read my Bible, I am NO WHERE NEAR being the type of person who can quote scripture chapter and verse. So, I realized it was God trying to tell me something, but what?

Now, since it’s unlikely the other driver had stolen that car with all those symbols, he probably considered himself to be a “good Christian.” Which made me ask myself: What kind of Christian am I? Am I a selective-amnesia Christian, too? Do I also forget how to act, as a Christian, whenever someone offends me or makes me mad?

The Word, reminded me to check the “log in my own eye,” before I start judging the speck (or the driving) of somebody else’s. God reminded me that Christianity is not just an ideal that I review every Sunday, but it’s also supposed to be evident in the way I carry myself on a day-to-day basis.

After all, being a Christian means being “Christ-Like.” And Jesus never judged, or “went off” on somebody. He just Loved. God reminded me to be Christ-like not just when it’s convenient, but all the time, and to not judge others, even in traffic. Especially in traffic.

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Second Wind…The Other Side Of The Wall

Filed Under: Charles Perkins' Journal by Charles Perkins — Leave a comment
August 18, 2010

Distance runners train hard. Distance running events, like marathons, truly challenge the body’s endurance. Sometimes, while running a race, distance runners experience a phenomenon known as “hitting the wall.” This means that a runner has extended his body to its limits. Everything begins to shut down and he feels as if he can’t take another step. TOTAL EXHAUSTION! Most runners quit at this point. They give up. But then, there are the others…The ones who refuse to quit. Even though their bodies are totally exhausted, their minds are saying, “Keep going. You can make it.”

So they keep moving. Small steps at first…Almost at a snails pace. Keep moving…Keep moving…moving…moving…As they keep moving, refusing to give up and give in, they start to loosen up again. They start to warm up again. The endorphins kick in and soon they are in their stride again. They get what’s called a “second wind.” They go on to finish the race strong.

So many young couples (and some old ones) today, forget that marriage is a marathon and not a sprint. Like the distance runners, they will “hit the wall.” It seems today, that most quit at that point. As a minister, I hear everything from, “It’s too hard”; “I didn’t know it would be like this”; “I must have missed God” and on and on. The saddest thing is that they will never know the joy that can be had on the other side of the wall when you get your “second wind.”

My wife and I experienced our “wall” thirty years ago. If we had given up then, we would never have known how deeply two people can love one another. We would never have known the joy of building a life together. We would never have known how much we truly enjoy one another. On this side of the wall, we continue to grow in our love for God and our love for one another.  We would have missed out on so much had we not continued on until our second wind came and we made it to this side of the wall. We will definitely go on to finish the race strong.

God did not create marriage to be mediocre or stale. He did not create marriage to destroy romance. He created marriage as a way for us to experience the deepest love possible between a man and a woman. He wants our marriages to be alive, vibrant and filled with joy because it reflects His relationship to His people. So, if a wall pops up, don’t give up. Do what ever it takes to get over the wall, through the wall, around the wall. Just get to the other side of the wall. The second wind will come and rewards of overcoming will be much greater than the struggle to overcome. There is life on the other side of the wall.

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Moving!

Filed Under: Tinitia Dodd's Journal by Tinitia Dodd — 2 Comments
August 17, 2010

For many of us the indication that a new season is upon us looks like moving . . .  we actually have had to move from point A to point Z. For others of us, something in our lives has moved, whether it’s dealing with a new challenge in our bodies, in our finances and even in our spiritual walk. For some, it meant moving to be a part of a different body of believers.

The bottom line is, you’re moving, and God is in the midst of it. He doesn’t want us to get comfortable in just one spot – we get spiritually fat and lazy that way. It’s easy to be stuck in a place and content while not even aware of it.

We serve an omniscient God who knows this about us. He moves! And He wants us to move with Him and allow Him to move in our lives. Like the song says, “When I move, you move.” He’s on the move y’all and we’ve got to be ready to pack up and go when He says, “Let’s go!”

Are you going to be like Lot’s wife who turned into a pillar of salt because she looked back at what she was leaving? (An evil city doomed for destruction.) Will you be like the Israelites, who were so conditioned to the life they had in Egypt, that they could not enjoy the blessing of being a free people again? The bitter fruit of ungratefulness hardened their hearts toward God and that generation had to die.

Or will you be like Abram who by faith “  . . . obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going,” Hebrews 11:8.

Likewise, Abraham took Issac up to the mountain to slay him because God said take him up. Here was Abraham’s promised son, now being offered up as a sacrifice. I’m sure Abraham had a hard time with this task, but he did it anyway. God said it. He did it.  He knew that wherever God was taking him, He had already worked it out. Where did Abraham move to? A deeper level of faith and trust in God. He had no idea that this was a test of his faith, thus earning him the title “The father of faith.”

Do you believe God? Do you really believe God? Because if you do, you will trust Him while you’re moving.

We come to Jesus and are saved by our faith in Him; faith that He is the Son of God. Not knowing what may lie before us, but understanding and treasuring our walk with Him more than the road we traveled in the past.

Walk confidently in your calling seed of Abraham. Trust God all the way and know that there is a ram in a bush somewhere, waiting for your arrival.

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Is God your Facebook Friend?

Filed Under: Dianne Shorte's Journal by Dianne Shorte — 1 Comment
August 15, 2010

I love Facebook!  It allows me to connect with friends and family who live in other areas, and to find people who have long since moved away from my life.  I’ve just finished sending shout outs and commenting on cute photos, signing up to attend events and touching base with long-lost friends.

Today I spent one hour checking and responding to Facebook.  I often feel that something is not being done while I surf Facebook looking at hundreds of photos of pretty people and their friends.  My day usually consists of 7.5 hours at the office; 1 hour of drive time to and from work; 30 minutes reviewing mail; 1 hour shopping and putting away the groceries; 8 hours sleeping; 30 minutes checking and deleting email; and 45 minutes on LA Casting submitting for possible roles.  It’s now 9:00 p.m. on Friday night as I sit down to write this piece.

At 8:45 p.m. the Holy Spirit revealed to me what I needed to write about (thank God because I was totally at a loss).  I believe that writing should be from the spirit and from the heart.  I have a difficult time just writing for the sake of writing.

What hit my spirit is what would God’s Facebook page look like?  What would be his Profile Picture?  Jesus on the Cross or a photo of the Holy Bible?  Maybe Adam and Eve or possibly Naomi and Ruth?  Would we post our photos and respond frequently?  How often would we check in with him?  Would our posts incessantly talk about what we are doing every minute of every day as they do now? Or would our posts have substance such as how we have helped someone today? Reports of loving kindness to our children or spouses? Could we be honest with God on his Facebook page or would we try to impress him with our photos?

The total of hours in my day above totaled approximately 18 hours, leaving 6 hours remaining in my day.  How will that time be spent? Communing with God, fellowshipping with my husband, or posting a new profile picture on Facebook?  How will you answer this question?  If your spouse is complaining about your time spent on Facebook or the type of friends you have, then maybe you should google God and seek his opinion.

1 Peter 1:13 says, Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (NIV).

My prayer for you is that you are able to prioritize your posts and to keep your eye on maintaining a holy Facebook.  Use it to bless your family, friends and others.  And, remember let God get the glory, even from your Facebook page.

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Are You Walking Cool?

Filed Under: Dino Shorte's Journal by Dino Shorte — 1 Comment
August 13, 2010

You know, I’m bothered by this attitude in America that says it’s not cool to be religious.  And it’s especially “uncool” to be a Christian.  Where did this come from?

Whenever Religion comes up in “polite” conversation, unless it’s happening under a church-roof, it’s considered “uncool” and usually met with either the cold shoulder, a rolling of the eyes, an irritated sigh, or some type of negative comment.  And sometimes ALL of the above: “Oh please, let’s not bring God into this!”  (Cue the eye-rolling and heavy sighs.)

Somehow a large part of American culture puts being religious down, or equates Religion with “oddness” and the “Christian’s Walk” particularly with weakness.  Well, yeah, some religions MAY seem a bit odd, (like “Tree-Hugging.”  You worship a Tree, but NOT the God who creates trees – never quite got that), but if you’re even attempting the Christian Walk, you my friend are the exact opposite of weak.

Only the strong can “walk the walk,” because the Christian walk ain’t easy.  Try loving others MORE than yourself.  Not “sometimes,” or right after a “bomb sermon,” or when you’re in a good mood, but ALL THE TIME.  When someone cuts you off in traffic, then hits you with that infamous hand-gesture we all know so well, try LOVING them then.  Or try it when they don’t want your love and want to knock you down with their hate.

At times, it seems many would prefer our Christian Walk to actually become more of a crawl.  And yes, there are times when you feel that’s all you can do when life repeatedly knocks you down with hate after hate after hate . . . is crawl.

But the difference between the Christian’s life and the non-believer’s life, is that when WE experience rough patches, or rough people or rough “patches of people” instead of letting “hate” make us crawl into drugs, or alcohol or lust or some other form of sin, we can crawl straight to the Love of Jesus.  He promises that His Love will raise us up, so we can get up.  And, like we used to say when I was a bell-bottom-pants-wearing, afro-sporting kid, “keep on truckin’!”

So the next time you get a “knock,” or when somebody tries to make you feel “uncool” because of your Christian Walk, remember God’s promises.  That should keep you Walking Cool and high-steppin’.  Come on, a God who promises to pick you up, no matter what?  Sounds very “cool” to me.  Downright frosty.

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You Can…Do This – Diligence is Key!!!!

Filed Under: Tosh Brown's Journal by Tosh Brown — Leave a comment
August 12, 2010

Good Morning Walkers!!!

I am not sure how many of you out there can relate to this…hmmmm.  You accept a task, set a goal, or you become burned out with the process and you just want to say…FORGET IT!!!

It is even possible that you just have a change of heart.  If you are human…you have either experienced this or thought about it at least once.

After the thoughts run through you mind of your children, debt, mortgage, or even the people that helped you get to where you are today…or even the “THIS IS NOT AN OPTION” law you live by no longer carries any weight.  What do you do???  Try: sitting down, relaxing, breathing, having a glass of water, and asking YOURSELF…what is the real problem?

Eventually you will come up with what you think it is or believe it to be. NOW, ask GOD to help you!!!

Of course, I can relate and have a story…lol.  I recently completed 6 weeks of teaching summer school.  Of course, some would think that is AWESOME, because I teach during the school year.  Or what a NOBEL act and how I am so COMMITTED….blah….blah…blah!!!!

I hate upsetting you all…BUT that is so NOT the case. After the challenging school year I had, the LAST thing I wanted to do, is spend time with some unruly, disrespectful, individuals, in a location that is limited on resources, in more than one way.

Another contributing factor to my frustration is the issue of the application NOT being process and completed until 3 weeks later (working for free).   Also, I did not receiving compensation until 4 weeks later (working for free).  This would make anyone say FORGET IT!!!!

The root of my issue was that I felt I was NOT getting a break. The setbacks in between, did NOT help; they called me, I did not apply.  What did help?

The advantages in the midst of the sacrifice: a raise was given, work was only 3 hours, gave confidence to the handful of students being taught, and I manage to have 2 day trips out of state.

In the end, I am so glad…I did NOT say forget it!!!  There were a lot of educators that did, during this time.  The obedience and diligence paid off.
To all the faithful walkers out there…if you are currently experiencing this, I would like you to encourage you to keep going. YOU CAN…DO THIS!!!

Popcorn & Ice Tea

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Are Shoes Essential?

Filed Under: La Roya Jordan's Journal by LaRoya Jordan — 2 Comments
August 11, 2010

Ask any woman worth her salt what is the most “essential” part of her wardrobe and she will, without reservation say “shoes!”  Every color, style, height, design and label to go with clothes we haven’t even purchased yet!  While shoes strategically and even commonly hold some importance, are they really essential to the point of emphasis that has been placed on them?

Let’s look at the dictionary for a well-defined interpretation of the word “essential.”  Webster’s Dictionary says: necessary, such that one cannot do without it; of the utmost importance. Now ladies, let’s be honest, do shoes really fit under this exacting type of meaning?  I, like most ladies enjoy a nice new pair of shoes more often than I should but what I have come to realize is that what is truly “essential” is my “walk” no matter what is on my feet.

Shoes tell one story but our daily, Godly walk tells quite another. Yes, someone is looking at your shoes but many more people are looking at how you walk in those shoes and are being affected by what they see. God is depending on us to “Lift Him up so that He may draw all men…,” John 12:32, and that, my friend is truly “essential.”

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It’s Just A Piece Of Paper

Filed Under: Charles Perkins' Journal by Charles Perkins — 2 Comments
August 11, 2010

“We don’t need a marriage license to show our love. It’s just a piece of paper!” I have lost count of how many times I have heard this over the years. “It’s just a piece of paper.” Those who say that often declare that they are doing their own thing. They are being different… Not adhering to the norm and so on. They don’t seem to realize that they’ve just stopped being like one group to act like another group. They are like the people who wear spiked hair to be different. They are not different. They are just like everyone else who wears spiked hair. With some of everything being done by so many different people, it is very difficult to be different. And living together without being married is hardly “different” these days.

“It’s just a piece of paper” they say. The deed to your house is “just a piece of paper.” Your apartment lease agreement, your car registration, your check on payday, your driver’s license and so many more things qualify under the title of “just a piece of paper.” But you make sure that you have these in place, and you are very protective of them. High school diplomas, certificates of completion, college degrees are all “pieces of paper.” But, they are highly valued. Shouldn’t you value the most important relationship in your life at least as much as you do your house, car, or level of education?

Our marriage certificate gives my wife rights to all of my “stuff.” If I should die before she does, she is protected. Unmarried couples don’t have this protection unless they draw up a lot of legal documents. And if they are going to do all of that, they may as well get married. It is a lot simpler. When you sign any contract, there are conditions that you have to live up to in order for the contract to remain valid. The contract in essence gives you a goal to strive for. A marriage contract is no different. There are terms. You agree to love, honor and cherish each other in good times and bad times; in sickness and in health; whether rich or poor; until death do you part. That is the goal that you are shooting for. You want to live up to the contract. We lived together for three years before we got married. We thought we loved each other and we did. But, once we took the marriage vows and got the “piece of paper,” we found that the old love was but a mere shadow of the love that developed once we were married. There is no comparison.

My marriage license is a symbol of the love and life that I will share with my wife until the day that I die. It is just a piece of paper that declares to the world that I am my beloved’s and she is mine. It’s just a piece of paper that is a symbol of a relationship that means so much more to me than the wood and plaster of a house or the tin, plastic and rubber of a car. It’s just a piece of paper that reminds us of why we are together when we want to go… So we stay, and build, and grow. It’s just a piece of paper that gives her access to a place and space of peace and rest in me… a place where only she can come.

It is just a piece of paper that says that I will live up to the commitment to love my wife no matter what happens in my life. It’s just a piece of paper that I take seriously. Because of that piece of paper, I have joy. It IS just a piece of paper. But, it is the most important piece of paper that I have.

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