Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Where Was I Headed?

I haven't posted over here in eons, mostly because my thoughts are changing about what I want to do with this blog. But a writing friend, Wanda, who pens inspirational thoughts provoked this question today, a good question particularly at this time of the year when many are considering their goals and New Year's resolutions. Check out her post over at her blog, The Watered Soul.

For me, I can say my life is not what I thought it would be. That's not a bad thing. In my early years, I thought I'd be a U.S. Senator or high-powered attorney. Politics leaves a sour taste in my mouth, although I do wish I'd gotten that law degree.

Later, I thought it'd be fun to do something in publishing or book selling. After all, I've always loved books.  I dropped that dream for something more solid and lucrative, a technical career. I wish I'd stuck with that dream, although in a way I've come full circle since I'm now writing for publication.

Then, I imagined myself a corporate bigwig with a PhD. Those dreams fell to the changing priorities resulting from marriage and motherhood. I decided corporate America wasn't quite all it was cracked up to be, even though I'm still in it, and I found myself in a place wherein education, given the cost and time commitment, needed purpose. I'm okay with that, although "Doctor Patricia" still has a nice ring to it and I'm nearing a point where education for education's sake might be okay.

I also dreamed of marrying and growing old with a man who loves me, and becoming a mother many times over. I've done or am doing, in the case of growing old, those things, and those things have led me down paths to experience things I never dreamed. Life is good. Still, I want more.

The point I'd like to make is there's nothing wrong with changing your plans, as Terah did. There is, however, something wrong with ceasing to dream and to move in those dreams, even if it's marching in place, for a time.

Today my dreams involve my name on the cover of multiple books and in the byline of magazine articles, with unexpected doors opened as a result. My financial needs completely covered (not necessarily through book publishing). My children healthy and prospering. My family connections deepened. Hubby and I contagiously in love. Encouraged by and inspiring to a close circle of friends.  My body lighter and stronger. Living out my faith in a way that positively affects my family and community, a spiritual life that will please God.

This is what I think about as I consider the year 2011.

What do you dream? Do you know where you're headed?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Worship: I Give Myself Away

Heard this a few weeks back in church, but didn't know the name or artist until I heard it again on gospel radio the other day.

Here I am
Here I stand
Lord, my life is in your hands
Lord, I’m longing to see
Your desires revealed in me
I give myself away
I give myself away...


Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Wednesday Worship: He's Been Faithful

Ever get a song in your head and can't get it out? Vicki Yohe singing He's Been Faithful has been that song for me for the past few days, ever since Hubby had it blasting through the house Saturday morning. It's been a favorite for years but I hadn't heard it in a while.

Right now it feels as though God is speaking to me through this song, branding this message into my heart and mind that I might offer it back to Him in thanksgiving. I can't begin to express the many ways in which God has been faithful to me and to my family.

You've been faithful, Your love and your mercy I see...

Great is thy faithfulness...morning by morning...


Do you see His faithfulness in your life?

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Wednesday Worship: Offering

What have you done for God lately?

Sound absurb?  It's not.

What have you given God?  Have you given Him your worship, your praise?

Have you given Him your service, your time, your talent?

Have you given Him your hands, your feet, your heart for His use?

These are the thoughts that ran through my mind as I listened to this song, Offering by Paul Baloche, on the radio the other day.

No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing,
Jesus, may You receive the honor that You're due
O Lord I bring an offering to You



Well?

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Wednesday Worship: Faithful Is Our God

God is faithful.

That feels like 'nuff said, but for those who aren't sure, know that God keeps His promises.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.   2 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV)

Simply put, you can count on Him.

Sometimes it may feel as though there's no one you can trust, no one you can turn to, no one you can count on.

Let me say it again.  You can count on Christ.

His promises are forever.  You have to know this in your heart of hearts in order to live a fulfilled life in Jesus.
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.   Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)
Maybe you need to hear it.  Repetitively.  Faithful is Our God by Hezekiah Walker and LFC take care of that for me, very nicely.  Listen, enjoy and be reminded:  You can count on Christ!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Featured Book: The Comic Book Bible by Rob Suggs

The Comic Book Bible is a cute and enticing way to present the Scriptures to young children, particularly boys.  If they enjoy reading about Spiderman, the Fantastic Four and other superheros, why not the most super of all heroes, Jesus Christ?

The Scriptures are presented in standard Bible sequence, with each story limited to four pages of comic frames.  This makes it quick and easy to read and digest the story for readers ages 6 - 10.  The nice thing is that even younger readers, like my five-year-old who's just learning sight words, can enjoy the Bible stories and glean the messages from the cartoon depictions.  This is certainly a less intimidating way to introduce them to the Bible than any other translation I've seen.

Because the graphics are a bit cheesy, not many adult fans of comic books will pick this one up, but then the book isn't targeted toward them (and they'll likely get more insight from one of the many Bible translations available today).  This is not a Bible that young readers could take to church to follow along, but it is one that they can use for personal study and yes, entertainment.

Peace & Blessings,

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Featured Book: Soul Food and Living Water by Yolanda and William Powell





ABOUT THE AUTHORS

WILLIAM J. POWELL is a senior policy analyst for the District of Columbia and also pastors, Dominion International Ministries, a new start-up and dynamic church fellowship in Southern Maryland.

YOLANDA POWELL is president of Oracles & Utterance, Incorporated, a Kingdom-advancing ministry to establish the global Body of Jesus Christ in deeper life intimacy, prophetic intercession, and spiritual warfare. She also serves as apostolic director of EXOUSIA, a Mid-Atlantic prayer training summit to equip church leaders and prayer teams in intense levels of intercession.

THE POWELLS reside in Dunkirk, Maryland with their three young adult sons.


ABOUT THE BOOK

As God-conscious families, we all struggle to maintain a vibrant faith that will lead to strength and happiness in the midst of declining social values and daily challenges. Marital commitment, child rearing, financial stewardship and family harmony are problems that can become intensely magnified, draining our joy and ability to sufficiently thrive.

Overflowing with Biblical teaching, practical examples and real encouragement, Soul Food and Living Water provides the spiritual nourishment you and your family needs. Written in culturally sensitive language, reflecting the rich heritage and strong faith of African Americans, Soul Food and Living Water refreshes and equips families for today’s challenges.

Soul Food and Living Water is a personal invitation to come and dine at the Lord’s table, to be comforted in His presence and to feast upon His Words. So eat heartily and drink deeply.



PODCASTS

PODCAST 1 - Yolanda Powell talks About the Book

Download MP3 file OR click here to listen...


PODCAST 2 - William Powell talks About the Book

Download MP3 file OR click here to listen...


PODCAST 3 – "It’s Family Time"

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PODCAST 4 – Excerpt from Chapter 1

Download MP3 file OR click here to listen...


BOOK REVIEW 

Soul Food and Living Water gets right to the heart of the matter:  people are dying for lack of spiritual nourishment.  Oh, it's not that there are more than enough opportunities to get nourished, what with thousands of churches, millions of books, an increasing number of television and Internet options to hear/watch the Word of God being preached.  But as the authors point out, that's just "churchin'", which is very different than actually investing time in one's spiritual development and the establishment of a steady and sturdy spiritual foundation in the home.

The Powells address everything from the need to slow down and make time for God to intimacy within marriage and helping hip-hop lovin' teens to get to know for who He really is in a world that is bombarding them with mixed messages.  Although the book is targeted toward African-Americans, all can take away important lessons and thoughts to ponder from this written admonishment to do better in our professed relationship with Christ by implementing the practical tips that are packed within its covers.   Soul Food and Living Water is not a quick read, but it's a necessary one.

Purchase the Book Online at:


·         Amazon.com
·         BarnesandNoble.com
·         Booksamillion.com
·         Borders.com
·         Christianbook.com
·         Indiebound.org

For More Information