The Power of Words & Prayer

Something happened yesterday that gave me a greater understanding of the power of words. An old friend of mine called to catch up. Shortly into our conversation, she revealed that her teenage son was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. My heart immediately sank & tears began to fall from my eyes. Nevertheless, she was so upbeat & so much of her "normal" self even asking me not to cry; reassuring me that everything is going to be all right. She shared how recent this occurred & the series of events surrounding it all and hearing the story, anyone would realize that God is truly in the midst. Odd thing is she wasn't necessarily calling to inform me of her son's health status. However, she was calling because I had not blogged or sent out a "THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK" in a while. She shared with me how she looks forward to receiving those emails because its so inspiring & encouraging. She told me that I was gifted... from on high... and this made me cry even more (as I cry just in writing this). Writing for me has always been a therapeutic release. Even on Facebook & Twitter, I make a conscious effort to post positive status updates because I know that there is always someone out there who needs an encouraging word. And I believe my "THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK" is a word given to me from God to share with others. When I write, my prayer is for the Lord to use me. So many people have recently requested certain topics, inquired about when the next one is coming or like this person, told me how inspirational these writings are to their lives. As flattering as it is, I can't take the credit because I know that it is indeed a gift. I truly thank God for allowing me to be a vessel. In saying all of that, I think it's so important that we are mindful of our exchanges with people & how we use our words. The Bible says "Life & death is in the power of the tongue" Proverbs 18:21.

I also believe in the power of prayer. All too often, people come to us with heavy hearts and problems & we say, "girl, I'm gonna be praying for you" or "you are in my prayers". And while we have good intentions, we may actually forget to seriously pray for them. One of my best friends, Trasha, will stop what she's doing and say a prayer for you like nobody's business. And so will my line sister Chariss... Yesterday, I was so emotional from the call, I hung up with my friend without praying with her so I ask you all to pray with me as I pray for us all...

Mighty, Awesome, Amazing God
I humbly come to you with Thanksgiving & praise in my heart
Thanking you for this yet unpromised day
Thank you for the usage of my limbs, a beating heart, & blood flowing through my veins Jesus
I'm just so thankful that my name is not in the obituaries this morning Father
I thank you for the happy, healthy child you've given me
Thank you for being Jehovah Jireh, my provider -- food on the table, roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, & a job to go to every day
Thank you for surrounding us with positive energy, keeping us safe from hurt, harm & danger
Protecting us physically, emotionally, mentally & spiritually
Lord God I just thank you for simply being who you are & doing what ONLY you can do

Precious Savior I pray that you touch every heart aligned with mine in prayer
Bless each & every soul God
Help us to be encouraged & know that despite whatever the circumstances may be, we must have faith in knowing that you are in control of ALL things
God give us the strength & the wisdom to lead our children by example because not only do they hear what we say but most importantly they see what we do
Let us all be reminded to show kindness to one another in our daily interactions because we never know the struggles that someone else is facing

Restore those who are broken
Renew their spirits with unspeakable joy
Rejuvenate their souls from deep within that they may walk in confidence & peace
Resurrect the life that they are living so that they aren't living dead God because there are so many of us being held in spiritual captivity & emotional bondage Lord

Bless those who can't help themselves
Bless our children Jesus
Bless our economy that more people may have jobs & be able to provide for their families
Bless those out in the street who may not have a home to go to every night
Bless all of your children Father
Bless our President that he may continue to lead our nation with integrity & decency
Bless our Pastors that they may lead us in the proper ways of following you God

Father God I especially pray for my friend's son
I pray that you heal his body from Leukemia and any other ailments that plague him
Restore him to optimal health; better than even before God
Please allow him to enjoy his young life & to have the opportunity to grow into a man
And while he's in & out of the hospital, please keep his spirits high
May there always be a smile on his face & may he know you for himself Lord
Comfort & encourage his family; especially his mom & dad as they press through this difficult time

Gracious God please help us to all be better people
Help us to embrace the purpose that you have set for our lives & to never forget that our destiny is greatness
Although we may not always understand, help us to accept your perfect will

Lord God I thank you for your son Jesus...
I thank you for his life, his death, & his resurrection
Help us to LIVE as reflections of the one who DIED for us
We thank you for everything you've done, everything you're doing & we thank you in advance for the abundance of blessings to come
We pray to continue to be recipients of your love, grace, & mercy Father
These and all other blessings we ask in the MATCHLESS name of Jesus

Amen.

Merry Christmas

Christmas is such a wonderful time of year. While there are some grinches, most people appear to be in the Christmas spirit. This time of year is somewhat difficult for me because 6 years ago, my Grandma was called home to be with the Lord. And while I understand that she couldn't live forever, selfishly, I just wish she was still here with me. Nevertheless, I enjoy spending time with my family & most especially watching Jayden open presents & play. A couple of years ago, I started a tradition of having a cake that says "Happy Birthday Jesus" and teaching Jayden about why we celebrate Christmas (the birth of Christ). We light candles on the cake and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. While I am aware of the technicalities of the fact that December 25th is a man made date of celebration & not the actual date that Christ was born, it is universally celebrated as such. Next year, when Jayden is 5 & has a better understanding of things, he will pick some of his gently used toys to donate to kids in a shelter. Its so important that he is taught the true meaning of Christmas... that its not all about toys, Santa, and getting things but about giving, love, family and most importantly Christ. How would you like it if on your birthday, everyone got presents but you? How would you like it if on your birthday, a party was thrown in your honor but you didn't get invited? Let us all be reminded of who we are celebrating today.

"For unto us, a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas & Happy Birthday Jesus!!!