A Clear Path

And Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee." --2 Samuel 7:3 The Theoretical: Planning and making firm commitments including paying for accommodations, making reservations, providing down payments and security deposits, and the logistics of timing, variables, and unknowns make the "prophetic" act of planning difficult at times.   One thing that never ceases to amaze me is no matter what, ALL THING work for the good of those who Love God and are called according to His purpose.  Inconveniences, apparent mistakes or errors often benefit with some consolation and free gift.  The Real Life Example: As I heard of the news of one of my Spiritual Fathers and Dear Pastor shared that he is being consecrated as "Bishop". In my heart, I've known for years that the Lord had already anointed him and ordained him as he continues faithfully in the Lord's work.  The service is in Memphis, TN.  And for weeks, I could not find an affordable flight to go. As time passed, funds dwindled in my account where I saw that from a pure numbers perspective, I would not be able to go, and I resolved in my heart to the Lord, "maybe it's not His will for me to be in person at the service".   My boss at work gave me the approval to travel and be out of the office the Friday and Monday of that weekend.  My niece came to live with me the week before, so I had a trusted family member to care for my son. All of the pieces of the puzzle appeared to be in place pointing to go, but my bank account was saying "no".  Additionally, my timesheet is due on Monday's or my paycheck is delayed a week, and my boss was out this week, so my next paycheck will be late, so I thought...   But GOD, today, moved the financial mountain. My firm not only processed my timesheet and will pay me this week (prior to me traveling), but will also ADVANCE me next weeks pay, since the payroll department will be on vacation.  I was able to secure a ticket for 1/3 of the price on Priceline.com and a rental car for $17 per day on Travelocity.com.    Encouragement: Trust God & Don't Doubt.  Believe Him.  Wait on Him.  Do all that is in your heart to do under subjection to His will.  I am rejoicing and encouraging you to continue to seek the Lord, His ways, His will, His timing...He will make a way, a clear path, and move exceeding your expectations in both the big and small ways, tangible and intangible.    Thank You, Jesus.   Prayer: Lord, I thank You, for moving my financial mountain out of my way today.  I know that NOTHING is too difficult for Thee.  You are the GOD that forgives sins in Heaven.  What is it to bless your children and make a way at the cost of a few hundred dollars.  Father, I pray in the Name of Jesus, that You would manifest yourself to Your people, encouraging their hearts and moving mountains, making ways, causing faith to arise and that You would bless Your people in a way that exceeds their expectations, more abundant than they could think or ask.  I pray for healing, deliverance, restoration and strength to do Your will and continue on the path of righteousness.  I give You all the praise, honor and glory due Your name.  We declare Your goodness, Your holiness and Your mighty works among the Earth, Your people, and in the heavenly realms, beyond what we can comprehend.  With our mouths and our hearts, we give you Thanks!!!   We Love You, LORD.  In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

Seeing God in the Darkness

And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. -- Exodus 20:21 KJV Thought: There are times in our lives when the Lord hides himself for a season. Instead of seeing the light of his face, we are resigned to seeing the shad of the back of his face and wonder, "Where is he in this situation?" "I can't hear him." To go beyond the spectacular splendor on the mountain requires courage and perseverance where deep calls unto deep. The Israelites in this chapter stood afar off in fear because of the darkness, yet Moses drew near unto the thick darkness. Perhaps the children of Israel were reminded of a time they only heard about when the death angel killed the firstborn of the Egyptians. Maybe their parents told them that the darkness was so thick, it could be felt. Yet, we can be like Moses who desired to have an ever-increasing knowledge of God that goes beyond the surface. It goes beyond superficial prayer where we tell God who he is to, "Lord, HELP Me!! I don't know what to do and can't see the next step, but I'm here!"  Moses had an understanding that the God who is in the darkness created the light. He spoke light into darkness in the beginning. To see God in our deepest trial, in the most trying circumstances when it seems like we're crossing over to the other side, but we also see the towering waters mounted up on both sides and know they can come crashing down, requires us to press on and move into the darkness, for at that place we will meet our God and Savior who was in the beginning, still is, and ever shall be everything we need. In a deep ongoing trial of betrayal, I didn't see the light at the end of the tunnel and every time it seemed like a breakthrough was coming, something would happen and I'd spiral down into deep darkness, I have at times, become despondent because I just wanted peace and not necessarily an apology but peace; but am learning that the Lord is Lord of the mountains and the valleys. He said, "Let there be light" in Genesis and he hasn't failed letting the sun shine every day. I didn't get the answer right away, don't know if I'll ever have a face-to-face meeting about it, but choose to stay in the light of his word. Proverbs says, when the ways of a man are righteous, he makes his enemies to be at peace with him. I choose to walk with the Prince of Peace, it can't get any better than that. The Word of God, the Bible, is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path, (Psalm 119:105). Beloved, no matter what situation you face today, God is in it! In your darkest night, he will cause the light of his countenance to shine upon you. In the meantime, draw near and hear him in the darkness. He said that he will never leave you or forsake you to be consumed or devoured by your enemies. God is with you! Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are my God. You are the bright and morning star. You have never failed me and I know that this too shall pass. In the midst of my trials, circumstances I don't understand, emotional mental battles I can't articulate, your word to me is, "Be still and know that I am God." Please help me not to fear for I know that you are with me. It is a lonely time, but I put my trust in you. You are a wonderful counselor, mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. Until you bring me out, I will trust you in the darkness. Song:  " I Will Trust You" Lord when I am weak, you are strong Always there to catch me when I fall Sometimes I can not speak but you become my song Always there to answer when I call.   And I will Trust you in the Darkness I will trust you in life's harshness I will trust you Lord to guard over my heart And I will trust you and keep singing O i will trust you dearly clinging I will trust you and keep bringing you my heart In quietness and trust you will be my strength And father I trust you with my heart   Lord when I can't see, you are light Piercing through confusion to my heart But one day I'll be free and my faith will become sight O give me grace until I'm where you are

Amazing Grace

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

--Ephesians 2:8

I had the surgery after I stopped nursing David. I carried the cancer almost two years after the diagnosis—it stayed in the thyroid and did not spread to other parts of my body.

In 1997, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I was ready to go under the knife when the nurse ran in the operating room just before the anesthetic was to be given to tell me that I was pregnant. On the operating table, I was asked what I wanted to do—have the surgery or choose my son David's life. The surgery would have terminated his life because the anesthetic would have caused spontaneous miscarriage.

I trusted the Lord to protect my body from the cancer so that my unborn child could have a life. I said NO to the surgery and yes to God's unchanging hand.

21 years later, I am here to testify I have been cancer free for all this time. Hallelujah!