DIG: The Power Of The Tongue

Hot take - Jamaican
Scotch Bonnet 

In a course I did over the summer I was reminded of the function of words as a creative force in my daily life. Remember though that thoughts proceed words so the place to start is to deal with our "stinking thinking" . By being aware and choosing to not giving energy to negative thoughts we nullify them. Immediately replace them with positive ones. If nothing comes to mind immediately just give a #Gratitude - "Wow, I'm so grateful I saw that, thank you Lord for bringing this to my attention ".

Proverbs 18:21 (MSG) Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose

Have a reflective Sunday,
Beverley
Posted on IG 08Sep2019

DIG - Living In The Flow Of Grace

Atlantic Ocean - Nova Scotia

It's been a while!  I started this post March 31st and didn't post it.  Quite a lot has been happening, and so, like the caterpillar, I withdrew to focus on my personal growth and development and truly experience living in the flow of Grace.  With all the new developments this topic has taken on a whole new meaning - there will be much to share soon, and definitely this will not be the last post on this great subject.

What is the flow?  I have been seeing this word circling around quite frequently these days, but it's not unfamiliar.  I remember back in the 1970's and 1980's in my Jamaican circles "going with the flow" and "flowing with life" were quite popular. Going with the flow is another way of saying "I am taking life easy", "I am not stressing about life", then everybody seems to have forgotten about flowing and started stressing.  For a while there seemed to be a competition about who is more stressed out.  Heck, there was even a book "The Joy of Stress", came across a copy lately.

Now, after a few decades of people being over stressed and the percentage of the population, including children, suffering from all sorts of stress related sicknesses and disorders soaring to record highs people are having a reckoning.   The word "flow" has taken on a new life.  What I'm liking is that the meaning and context in which my Jamaicans used flow turns out to be quite nicely aligned with both scriptures and scientific research findings, only perhaps most of us who used it were not aware of the deeper meaning, it was just cool to say it.  From a scriptural perspective, living in the flow of Grace means that you have the Holy Spirit, you have surrendered fully to Christ and truly trust and depend on him to guide, direct and provide for you.

I have been inching in this direction for quite a few years and so when I find my life working and and solutions to problems and challenges finding me, I do not have to search form them, you can just imagine how blissful that is to me.  I put in the work though, it didn't just happen like that. Once "flow" starts working for you, you will only wish it happened sooner.

It's never too late to claim this precious gift that has been made available through Jesus Christ to all who believe.

Thanks so much for your support and prayers during my absence.

Flow in Grace & Love,

Beverley
21-08-2019

The Power Of The Tongue

PROVERBS 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

This scripture rings true both literally and figuratively!  They say that we are what we eat and it is also true that what comes out of our mouths can heal or can kill.  Kill our spirits, and  also can lead to actual death. Lies, deceit, tale bearing, destructive and incessant criticisms and put-downs kill motivation and bring on discouragement.  The weight of constant negativity is extremely heavy and burdensome. That is why the we are admonished to pay attention to what comes out of our mouths.  We are to encourage at every opportunity to think about what we want to say before saying it just so that it is delivered in a way that blesses the receiver.  If you say what is on our hearts in love and it is not received well, we are not responsible, we are however to responsible to speak the truth graciously and with love.  Also, we do not need to speak everything that comes to our mind, especially if it is not helpful.  Sometimes we are better off delaying speaking into an issue, giving the Holy Spirit the opportunity to guide us rather than react impulsively.

PHILIPPIANS 4:8
Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God's word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your hearts].

As someone who has been on a growth journey, I can attest to that fact that monitoring my thoughts and raising my emotional intelligence has greatly improved my joy on a daily basis.

Today, let us choose to speak life into every negative situation we encounter, everyone will be better off for it.

Have a glorious Wednesday,

Beverley

DIG: Knowing God - How Deep Can We Go?

Rain over the horizon
Round Hill, Clarendon, Ja

I didn't make it to my regular church today, and like I usually do when I don't attend church, I tuned into my virtual church, World Changers Church; the message of the title - Knowing God. There is a saying that we are were we are supposed to be to hear what we are supposed to hear, and I totally believe this. Last Monday I tuned in to a FaceBook live teaching done by The Empowering Mentoring team on "I AM".  It was so powerful, and even though it was not a "church" thing, both presenters, Paul Martinelli and Roddy Galbraith, are dedicated Christians who do not hold back on their Faith when teaching in the secular world. I always spend time "chewing and digesting" after receiving great teaching lessons and the Spirit always gives me new insights and thoughts while doing so.  Today's message taught by Dr. Dollar brought together the "I am" lesson, a re-run of an Oprah Winfrey show on Spirit that I watched after church last Sunday and other insights I had gathered on my growth journey so powerfully that shifted my spiritual awareness in a very big way.

I am not going to transcribe today's message but here are a few takeaways and my thoughts and insights.  You can always visit the World Changers Church website and watch the recording of past services, it's so worth it.

From Paul & Roddy:  "I Am" is the most powerful statement we can make about ourselves, and I agree. Sometime near the end of last year, Spirit brought to my awareness that I am (we all are) a true representation of God, because HE created us in HIS IMAGE! I shared this awareness on my various social media platforms at the time.

From the Oprah Winfrey Show (Gary Zukav, author of Seat of the Soul, was the featured expert guest along with others who had received clarity or huge "awakenings" after extreme tragedies): What our soul wants is where our purpose is but often we override the nudgings or even screams from the soul by intellect or our short-term wants and needs.  At the end of the day, what the soul wants is what the soul wants and we cannot hide from it.  If we want to live fully in our purpose we need to ask God for clarity when we are not sure or need further instructions.

From Dr. Dollar's message:  Knowing God is about having a relationship with him.  There is a difference between knowing God, that is, having an intimate relationship with him and going through the mechanics of worship.  We have been taught in religious circles  to serve God to avoid hell, or to serve God to get what we want.  This approach is the fear based give to get mentality which goes against the laws of giving and receiving.  We need to be in it for the relationship.  Intention matters a lot.  In this sense, our relationship with God mirrors our relationship with others and vice versa - spouses, friends, co-workers! What I'm saying here is if we have a "I'll take what I can get" attitude with our earthly relationships, our relationship with God will mirror that, ouch!

- We know God through Jesus Christ.

- When we know God, the fruits of the Spirit become a byproduct of knowing God.  They come naturally out of the intimate relationship with Him.

- All things that pertains to life and godliness is a byproduct of our relationship with God - our faith, provisions, healing, and yes, SALVATION.

- We develop confidence in people who we know.  When we deepen our relationship with God we develop our confidence in him.  Therefore, we do not  need to worry about anything because in his presence there is fullness of joy.

- I know God loves me statements of affirmation (scriptures) will help change our mindset, stave off worry and anxiety and gain peace of mind.

*I AM - My take:  When we use I AM, we are referring to GOD IN US, we should not use this lightly!

*I AM LOVE - because GOD IS LOVE, I am of God, therefore I AM!

*I love because I AM LOVE

Ephesians 3:14-19 (AMP) 14-For this reason [grasping the greatness of this plan by which Jews and Gentiles are joined together in Christ] I bow my knees [in reverence] before the Father [of our Lord Jesus Christ], 15-from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name [God--the first and ultimate Father].  16-May he grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality], 14-so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith.  And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, 18-be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God's people) the with and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [through your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God\s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God himself].

Exodus 3:13-15 (AMP) 13-Then Moses said to God, "Behold, when I come to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers (ancestors) has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' What shall I say to them?' 14-God said to moses, "I AM WHO I AM", and He said, "You shall say this to the Israelites, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" 15-Then God also said to Moses, "This is what you shall say to the Israelites, 'The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob (Israel), has sent me to you.' This is my Name forever, and this is My memorial [name] to all generations.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (AMP) 23-Thus says the Lord, "Let not the one who is wise and skillful boast in his insight; let not the one who is mighty and powerful boast in his strength; let not the one who is rich boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] abundance; 24-but let the one who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me [and acknowledges Me and honors Me as God and recognizes without any doubt], that I am the Lord who practices lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on the earth, for in these things I delight", says the Lord.

Wow, this is a lot to meditate on but if you just pick one thing that jumped out at you and focus on that it will definitely take you deeper in God.

Keep digging,

Beverley

DIG: Wisdom In The Proverbs - Take Godly Instructions, Avoid Wickedness & Stay Healthy

And every journey starts with one step!

No question that the Proverbs is my favourite book in the bible. I'm back studying a chapter of the Proverbs a day.  Yesterday in Proverbs 3, the focus of the  chapter was the instruction to stay true to God's law, and the benefits of keeping his commandments. Today, in chapter 4, three themes are present. 1) King Solomon admonished children to adhere to the instructions of their father. 2) King Solomon taught us how to avoid wickedness. 3) He emphasized that Godly wisdom is life and health. But the overarching theme is to adhere to God's instructions because doing so leads to wisdom.

Now, we can see around us that not all children are blessed with Godly or wise fathers.  In some cases, the fathers are absent in their involvement with the rearing of their children, being present in the home in body, but detached emotionally and spiritually and do little by way  of positively influencing their children. Others are absent all together.  Here is the good news, if you are an adult and you didn't get a godly upbringing, you can seek seek God for yourself now. If you are a single parent like I was for many years, you decide how to raise your child or children.  No need to fight with anybody if you want to take the kids to church.  It is never too late to start doing the right thing!

Attention young parents!  Church attendance is still a good thing.  There are many benefits of attending church with your children and having them get involved in church activities.  In order to have well rounded children it is not enough to have them do well in school and sports and other extra-curricular activities.  A good part of your children's character development happens in church.  Church is also a good ground for the development of social skills, leadership, team work activities and much more.  Get them involved early, do not wait until they turn teenagers and start to act up.

Once you get going you may need outside help to orchestrate the changes you desire but do not let that deter you! There are study groups, life coaches, family counselors and all types of resources that you can access to help you live your best life and find joy in the journey.

Get in the Proverbs and share your thoughts with me in your comments! 

Beverley

DIG: Raising Your Awareness, AKA, Renewing Your Mind

Companion Text of the book Think
& Grow Rich with line numbers

I have been making posts on various social media platforms about my involvement with the study of this book.  Many Christians are kept stuck in darkness because they do not listen to the voice of God within them and they are unable to discern his voice.  There is a reason so many Christians remain in poverty, ill health and suffering many years after accepting Christ even though he made it clear that it is not God's will for us to remain in that state. Thankfully, the two mentors leading the study are devout practicing Christians and they are not shy about sharing their faith and how the principles contained in the book line up with the Word of God.

Andrew Carnegie, one of the wealthiest men in America back in the early 1900's commissioned Napoleon Hill to study the subject of how wealthy people obtained and keep their wealth.  The study involved thousands of subjects and lasted over 20 years.  Napoleon brilliantly compiled his research and broke it down to the thirteen principles outlined in the book.  And what would you know, the principles all line up in some way or the other with the Word!  See, nothing hocus-pocus here, just information based on principles resulting from many years of research and observations that just happen to line up with God's laws.

Here are some take-aways from the course from myself and another participant, Anna Laqeretabua:

Thoughts from Think & Grow Rich by Anna Laqeretabua

The TAGR lessons are so powerful that they keep resonating in my mind. This morning I had a greater understanding of one of my favorite scriptures, "Do not be conformed to the standards of this world, but be ye TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your MIND, that you may know the perfect, acceptable, will of God" - Romans 12:2:

My understanding is that conformity is Level 2 awareness, the masses and we are called not to conform but be transformed, at Level 4 - (hearing clearly from God and knowing your uniqueness) renewing the mind by Level 5 - (Discipline - taking action to live out individual purpose) that I may know - Level 6 - (Experience - living out purpose, bearing fruit), the perfect, acceptable will of God - Level 7 - (Mastery and Dominion over all things) - bringing God glory. Thank you Roddy & Paul Martinelli and the Empowerment Mentoring Team... bought lifetime access and intent on making this my one voice this year that I will layer against the scripture to bring about my one goal #transformational #grateful #TAGR4

Thoughts from Think & Grow Rich: Why We Need A Plan by Beverley Allen (from my LinkedIn post)

I have been doing this study with Paul Martinelli and Roddy Galbraith. Oh my, are they ever great teachers and mentors! I have decided,  like Paul,  I will study the book for the rest of my life.  Something that hit me recently during the study on Persistence -  Hill said only 2 out of every 100 people have a definite goal and a definite plan for its attainment, thus having the awareness of how to transmute (convert) desire into it's monetary equivalent. The other 98% has to be taught/coached! Today,  over 80 years after the book was first published still only 1% of the population controls more than 80% of the world's wealth.  80% of the population in USA and Canada have investable assets of $50,000 or less. That means in spite of the progress made over the last 100 years,  in terms of wealth and financial security,  there is much work that needs to be done! Huge opportunity for coaches,  mentors and advisors!
#coaching #investments #mentoring #persistence #howto #planning

I believe over twenty thousand individuals signed up for the study; I thank Anna for sharing her insights and allowing me to pass them on through this blog post.

The study we are in now will end this weekend, however, if you are interested in doing the program please let me know either by commenting on this blog post or send me an email to beverley.allen@dfsin.ca

It's wake-up Wednesday!

Beverley

DIG: Doing God's Work

From the garden:  A
 reminder spring is coming

Friends and fans, this thought has been popping up in my mind for a while now and recently I was having a chat with a colleague and sure enough it emerged again so I'm sharing this thought with you all.

For most of my life I believed that God's work only involved active ministry, that is, serving in the church, doing missions and the various aspects of church ministry.  I believed that because that was how I perceived it based on the preaching, teaching and how the people in my world portrayed doing God's work.  My quest to grow spiritually over the last twenty years changed that.  I now have a deeper understanding of purpose, profession and serving.

There is a saying that the two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you know why.  Knowing why you were born is finding your purpose.  If you are a believer, that is you believe in God; if you are a Christian, that is you believe  the gospel of Christ and accept Jesus as your saviour, and you have not yet come to terms with the "why", you need to keep seeking and dig deep because everything will change for you once you answer that question.

The error that many folks make is thinking that their life's purpose has to be something big or note worthy and it doesn't.  Whatever you do that adds value to another person's life is God's work.  Whatever you do that eases a persons mind from stress and frustration is God's work.  If we really get this; really, really get it, our perspective on life and the world around us changes for the good. We begin to see people for who they are, God's creation who are suffering, have gone a stray, have been born into different circumstances and who need love and compassion no matter their station in life.
Interestingly, the message at church (RCCG-Jesus House Toronto @JoyCentre) this past Sunday was "What is the worth of a soul".  As the pastor closed off the service, he asked the congregation to remember to minister to people that cross their path, in some simple yet very impactful ways.

+Michael Lee-Chin, the Jamaican immigrant who became a billionaire in the Canadian financial services industry, has said repeatedly in his books, in speeches and interviews that he is grateful and privileged to be born at at time like this, in a country like Jamaica and to live in Canada where he could have brought his vision to reality. I heard him make the statement a few times.  He, along with the people who support him, has created many opportunities for individuals to reach their potential and bring their dream to reality; thousands of people have employment at various levels and are able to provide for their family and bless others.  However, we all do not need to create billion dollar enterprises or be the pastor of a mega-church to serve God.  Regardless of what we do for a living, be it a brain surgeon or the janitor at the hospital, we are all doing God's work.  If we think about it like that we will have a totally different attitude about going to work and dealing with the difficult challenges every day.

Remember, God created the world, it is good. On the grand scheme of things, in spite of all the negativity and bad things that happen every day, there is so much good all around us all the time and there is where our focus needs to be.  Go ahead make the shift, you will be glad you did.

Make this a turn-around Tuesday,

Beverley

DIG: The Joy Of Self-Discovery

Taken from the airplane
Sun setting over the Caribbean

If we don't know ourselves how can we be expected or even claim we know others? We see the problems caused by lack of awareness at every level of society.  Over the past three years the world's eyes have been trained on Washington, DC on the United States Government apparatus and it's key players, in particular, the president, Donald Trump. There is no clearer example of people who are tasked with making laws and decisions that affect not only every single resident of the country, but also almost everyone living on the planet! This is no accident, all these players are reflecting the state of consciousness and it tells us that there is much work to be done.

Awareness and self-discovery are critical to living with inner peace and find joy in the journey of life.  Our outer conflicts reflect the state of our inner being. It is therefore no accident that you will hear the saying if "if you want to change the world (positively) start with yourself". Over the years I have come to understand that most of our human suffering and emotional pain is in the mind and so in order to be free we need to release ourselves from this burden. Jamaican Reggae Icon Bob Marley said it best in the song, Emancipate Your Self (emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but yourself can free your mind). Most of the words of the song are taken straight out of the scriptures - he had awareness.

What Bob Marley didn't tell you in the song is how to emancipate yourself from this mental slavery that causes so much suffering in self, families and societies.  Very few people are released from their mental suffering by spontaneous healing, one of those people is Eckhart Tolle, as detailed in his book, The Power Of Now.  For most people, this has to be intentional.   There are no shortage of resources to help us on this journey.  Many people start the process after a big setback or loss in their lives.  Others just wanted to improve the quality of their own lives and their relationships, while some are seekers.  They are seeking to go deeper in their relationship with God.  It doesn't matter why we start the journey, what matters is that we start. When the student is ready the teacher appears!  This is so true, because that is how it is with God, he will furnish us with the resources we need because that is what he promised us.

Six steps to help with self discovery:

1) For Christians, the best place to start is with the Bible.  Read all the scriptures on love, forgiveness, healing and emotional well being. Don't just read them, digest them as well.  Do not be afraid to go deep so read slowly and reflectively.

2)  Read biographies of people who have overcome great difficulties, poverty and lack for encouragement and inspiration.

3) If you had traumatic situations in your life, seek the services of professionals trained and or specialized in the area of need.

4) Surround yourself with positive people who are encouraging and uplifting.

5) Learn to meditate, God reveals answers to your questions and gives you direction when you quiet the mind and listed.  Have a core group - two or three people - whom you can talk things out with, or even run things by before you take action.  Your core group or "inner circle" must be well grounded individuals; and if they are in leadership or professionals in the field of health, mental health and behavioural disciplines that would be a huge gift to you.

6) Talk with people.  Many of people grew up in families where conversations were not normal.  What was normal is barking out commands, telling them what they should or shouldn't or can't do, or criticisms and put-downs.  Thus they never learned to converse.  It is amazing what you learn just by chatting instead of "interrogating". Take a course in effective communications if you have to, it will only help your life.

Make this a transformational Tuesday,

Beverley

DIG: We don't need to beg God, all we need to do is ask!

Captured the wonder of the
elements from the hills of
Clarendon

For majority of people, prayer involves pleading with God to hear their petitions, or even down right begging.  The scriptures in the new testament instruct us to ask, not plead, not beg, but ask believing.
I know because I've heard this over and over again, and I have done more than my fair share of begging also; mostly out of frustration. Well, this morning while listening to Paul Martinelli and Roddy Galbraith of Empowerment Mentoring teach the lesson on Faith from Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich book (TAGR2019) I got an "ah ha" moment! If God was like man it would be an offence to beg him!

When and why did we learn to beg God when the instructions are so clear - "And whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you will receive." Matthew 21:22 (AMP)

I am now realizing that our unanswered prayers most likely have more to do with our own lack of understanding and lack of faith than God withholding our requests and petitions.  One thing that I know for sure is that us humans are not very good at listening. How many times have you agreed with someone and they kept going as if you were disagreeing with them, even while you were saying "I agree, I agree, I hear you"?  So in conclusion, while we renew our minds daily we need to do so with focus and intention. This will help us improve our listening skills, with both hearing from God and our fellow humans.

Here's a scripture to meditate on today:  John 15:16 (AMP)

"You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you."

Have a fantastic Friday,

Beverley

P.S. If you are interested you can still join the TAGR2019 even though it's underway. Go to www.TAGR2019.  It's free

Honesty To Self: The Answer To Most Of Our Problems

Why so hard to be honest with ourselves?  A better question still is why do we think we can fool God by being dishonest to ourselves? So many people running around pretending to be who they are not,  trying to be somebody else instead of being true to themselves.  Why is it so scary to be authentic? There are many ways to answer this question but the one that jumped out in front is that the world has fallen so deep into deception that it seems easier to many people to be fake than to be the sincere. 

As Christians we simply cannot lose sight of this truth: It is a spiritual warfare! The battles being waged in this season is mental, psychological and spiritual. The thing is, if you don't know who or what you're up against you're fighting a losing battle.
 Ephesians 6:11-16
11-Put on the whole armour of God,  that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12-For we wrestle not with against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world,  against spiritual wickedness in high places.  13-Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,  that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all stand. 14-Stand therefore,  having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15-And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; 16-Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked.

How To Dig Deeper:
Without introspection and self-reflection we cannot fully know ourselves.  We cannot change or heal what we are not aware of, so if is your desire to get deeper in God and be authentically you take these steps -  1) Read scriptures pertaining to the fruits of the spirit and good character. Read meditatively. 2) Practise Meditation. If you are sceptical about meditation I suggest you do some research about the practise of meditation.  Jesus practised  Meditation and if was good for Jesus, it's good for me. 3) Get help to overcome difficult issues or situations.  Read widely and get mentors.

Honestly,  most of the time we find ourselves stuck or in a rut is because we are refusing to see what we need to see and accept the we are the problem,  not society,  not others. That is why they say if you want to change the world, start with yourself!

Have a blessed Sunday,

Beverley

I've Never Been Here Before And It Feels Great

I am one of those people who was glad to bid goodbye to 2018! Last year and the two before brought me much personal challenges. I have been tested to my maximum limit, but like King David, the Lord delivered me out of it all. I am grateful to be alive, that I am of sound mind, my needs are taken care of and above all, I am at peace with myself and the world.

This morning as I rolled over in bed after the alarm went off I surveyed my life and thought "this feels good, I am in a great place". If I was in the house by myself I would have danced around singing
" Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay 
My, oh, my, what a wonderful day 
Plenty of sunshine headin' my way 
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay!…"  and praising God alternately but I settled for quietly screening praises to the most High; it was 5am and I'm on vacation.

Three things worth noting here.  I believe in miracles. When people pray for me I pay attention to the words they speak over my life; and I believe that God still speak to his people through prophecy.  My entire adult life has been wrought with challenges, just one after another. I confess that at times I was bitter and angry. What did I do to deserve this I would ask. Why can't I have life easy just once? Why can't I get what I want like everyone else, I would ask out loud on occasion. I was not getting the answers to those questions so I did what every other Christian does after doing it their way - I turned to God as the spirit had instructed me to do, through his faithful servant and my dear friend Ruth. What an amazing and interesting process!

There have been a lot of twists and turns but I was hungry for change and I held fast to my faith. There is one particular instance worth mentioning as it is relevant to the topic. I did tax returns for this lovely couple for a number of years. In March of 2005 they came in to get their 2004 tax returns done. After the job was completed we did the usual chitchat then they asked if they could pray for me and I agreed. I remember the husband specifically asking God to restore me to my health and vitality of twenty years before. After they left I was speechless for a while. How would he have known to pray that unless the spirit directed him to? After all I didn't tell them or anyone else how I was feeling. Here's an interesting twist - the December before I had picked up a copy of O Magazine, Oprah Winfrey was pictured in a red dress and she exudes health and vitality. As soon as I saw the magazine cover I exclaimed to myself, "that's how I want to feel"!

For me, it's better than twenty years prior because I have never been this contented and at peace with myself and the world before. Praise God.

Grace & Peace,
Beverley

For 2019 Find Your Voice & Hold Your Ground & Keep Your Peace

Happy New Year my dear friends, I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
My desire for all of us this year is:

 1). That we find our voices and become bold and unapologetic about our relationship with God.  For the longest time I was timid about proclaiming my Christian faith but no more.  Being shy about our relationship with Jesus is like dating someone secretly, or not wanting people to know who our parents are. Bottom line is, it tells others that we are not proud of who we are because we are ashamed of our Heavenly Father.  Phewee, glad I got that out because that's at the heart of it, truthfully.  Of course, finding our voices does not mean being rude and or insulting to others, it's just the opposite. Being bold about in whom we believe doesn't mean we go about trying to "ram God down people's throats"; not at all because we can't make anyone believe and we can't save them. We can love them, we can be kind and we can share the Good News. The rest is God's job not ours.

2). Take a stand and stick to it.  You've probably heard of the saying "if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything or everything"? Well, it's true. We must not side with or condone bad behavior or be door mats; neither must we be crutches for people to stay stuck, nor be enablers. I am currently reading John C. Maxwell's book, How Successful People Think. Here's a thought from the chapter on Engage In Focused Thinking:  Sociologist Robert Lynd observed that "knowledge is power only if a man knows what facts are not to bother about".  In the chapter on Big Picture Thinking John said "If you want to be a big-picture thinker, you will have to go against the flow of the world.  Society wants to keep people in boxes.  Most people are married mentally to the status quo.  They want what was, not what can be. Thy seek safety and simple answer." To be true to yourself you have to go against the grain and you have to be mentally tough. This will feel uncomfortable for a while but as you gather strength and become more self-assured you will get used to it. What other people think or say will matter less and less until it doesn't matter anymore. Be patient and trust the process, it works and it's worth it. This is growth. This is freedom.

3). There's a saying floating around that if something cost you your peace it is too expensive and I've never heard a truer statement!  Many years ago I lost mine and it cost me in every way possible. Then I had to seek intentionally and diligently to find it again and I will not trade it again for all the gems on the planet.  Be authentically you always, speak your truth calmly and respectfully and ask God for the wisdom to know when to say nothing at all. You are responsible for your conduct and how you treat people.  You are not responsible for what they think, feel or how they behave.

Let us grow together in 2019 and experience the magnificent Grace of God in Christ Jesus.

Love & Joy,
Beverley

Note: John C Maxwell is an ordained minister.  He is the author of over a hundred best selling books and has been named the #1 leadership guru by Inc magazine for many consecutive years. He is the Principal founder of the John Maxwell Team (JMT) of which I am a member.