Dealing with inward sin

The natural person lives independently of God and His purposes and does not respond to life in harmony with God's plan for him.

~Neil Anderson's Daily in Christ devotional, June 16

Sometimes I feel so ashamed when I behave like a natural man, which is explained by the apostle Paul in Ephesians chapter 2 verses 1-3.{1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.}


What I'm referring to are the times when I get anxious about something or the other, I know I just get on it & don't stop. I get annoying to say the least & many times anger the person who has to deal with me at the time. Then when things are put into perspective, I really didn't have to behave that way at all. I was indeed giving place to the devil & allowing his lies to lead me to believe that a situation was worse than it was. I saw this scripture this morning & it was a great reminder:-
Colossians chp. 3 vs. 14-15 "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

Charity (love) is never exercised when I behave this way. And I'm not paying attention to the peace of God, when I'm causing someone else to get angry or hurt. I'm not thankful for that person when I let pride determine how I react. Realizing my sin, I am immediately repentant. I don't like the picture the truth of the Holy Spirit is showing me & I want to change. I am NOT a natural man! And I should live always as the daughter of God that I am.

I'm so glad that God cares so much about me to help me in my relationship with others. If He hadn't revealed it to me, I would still be in denial that I'm a nagger. Now I know the changes I have to make & I'm trusting in God to do that work in me. Scripture does warn of the enemy who wants to lure God's people into destruction & ungodly behaviour. A cunning enemy that would destroy my relationships first, then leave me isolated & open to more sins.
I'm unto you devil! And thanks be to God, Jesus is already victorious & you're already defeated:-P

Thank God It's Friday & It's Fashionable~TGIF&IF

So my three year-old is a self-proclaimed "Princessa" & many times she wants me to join in on the tutu-ruffly fun. So in order to adulterize my whimsy, I have found that vests are the best way for me to get away with wearing a tutu:-)





Black H&M top
Entry jean vest
black tutu gifted *tag says Sele




Sweater Project black top
BCX grey vest
lace pewter tutu thrifted
(these pics were uploaded from my phone, hence the quality)

Count Your Blessings

Even if you feel like this:- 2 Corinthians chp. 3 vs. 8-9-"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed:"
There is Always something to be grateful to God for. One basic thing that in & of itself is a miracle, is Life; that's something we can always be thankful for. Then there are smaller things like, the unexpected (and much needed) cash I found while rifling through my handbag:-) And it is important to note from the scripture above that despite all those trials we are not distressed, not in despair, not forsaken & not destroyed. As a Christian, one can enjoy hope during the roughest & toughest of times. This is a part of the victory that God alone can give.

Feeling down or a little depressed is easy to shake off if we follow this basic practice of giving God thanks for stuff that's going right or even stuff not going right at all but could be worse! It always surprises me how these "I thank you fors" add up. Then I think, things really aren't so bad at all!
Join me in Counting Blessings: I always liked this song by Johnson Oatman jr, 1897 :-


Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,



When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,


Count your many blessings, name them one by one,


And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.







Chorus:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,


Count your blessings, see what God hath done!


Count your blessings, name them one by one,


And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.






Are you ever burdened with a load of care?


Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?


Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,


And you will keep singing as the days go by.






Chorus






When you look at others with their lands and gold,


Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;


Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy


Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.






Chorus






So, amid the conflict whether great or small,


Do not be disheartened, God is over all;


Count your many blessings, angels will attend,


Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.






Chorus

The Tearing Down of Garrisons

It is no secret what my country is currently going through. Criminal forces have risen up against the security forces in battle for control over Tivoli & organized crime in general. Extraditions, distrust of government, a country held hostage by years of corruption & little distinction between who is good & who is just plain bad. People brainwashed for subsistence.

It is easy to say that if this & that was not done then we would not be in this position. There are allegations and accusations but how will all that help the people of a nation who hang their heads in shame & disgrace at the turn of events? It all boils down to SIN. Jamaica has more churches per square mile than any other country, and therefore the country & it's people are under constant attack from satan and the forces of evil. No one has ever once proclaimed Jesus & not received enemy opposition. But what appears to occur slowly & surely starting with just one life giving over victory to the devil, then another then another etc. things have become rapidly immoral & sinful.  2 Corinthians 11 vs. 3-"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtility, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." 

People who have no hope in a life committed to Jesus Christ don't understand that these things must come to past. Ephesians 6 vs. 12-"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." This is an example of what the Bible means by "perilous times", "wars and rumours of wars". God hates sin. Sin can have no place in Heaven. Jamaica is full of God's people. Sin has to be destroyed and the people repent to save our nation. Christians! Renounce the lies and deception of the enemy. Be set apart! Psalm 26 vs. 9-12-"Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord."


Now with boldness and with the Word of God as our guide, we need to fast & pray away the violence & shame. We need to praise God & run the corruption and evil out of our nation. 2 Corinthians 10 vs. 4-5-" (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"

Thank God It's Friday & It's Fashionable

Just three months ago I had a terrible sprain in my right foot, my right knee had been previously broken & hurt in the process so it was no fun at all. I used crutches for a few days & had to keep my foot wrapped in the days. At work they graciously let me use a downstairs office until I could comfortably make it upsatirs on my own again.* I work at a local teachers' college that was originally the first hotel in my town, so it's mucho old. No elevators etal*

For awhile I really thought I would be sentenced to wearing flats for the rest of my life; It was that painful. Pookie had to massage my foot every night for weeks, he did most of the cooking etc. as well. I really love him, and that whole experience made me appreciate him more. Well back to the reason for the post. There is absolutely Nothing wrong with flats, I love them but at the time of my accident I wasn't wearing them often enough. Well after two months of flats I was starting to really miss my heels, some outfits just didn't look the same with flats. And I had alot of those outfits. My work actually encourages at least a small heel as it provides "a more professional look".

I prayed alot for full healing for my foot but everybody had a horror story of why sprains were worse than broken bones. A broken knee that I had for years always acted up on me, so that didn't sound too hopeful. But about  four weeks ago I realised things weren't so bad & I could actually wear some of my heels again.
So I had this one pair that I was afraid of trying again. I've had it since last June & I think I only wore it twice, four inch pumps are not in my regular diet. Three inches I'm really comfortable with. Well this morning I decided to brave it since my foot has been feeling 100% for weeks now.

...So today I'm giving God thanks for where He's brought me from & I'm wearing these... in grey
I went to bed at 2am this morning, so I had no time to take a pic in my shoes, maybe later:-)



Nine West Women's Hearts Mary Jane,Black Leather,6 M US

Where does your confidence lie?

James Chapter 4 verse 10- "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

Last week I read a Neil Anderson's devotion Daily in Christ 5/12

and he put humility in perspective for me by simply stating that "humility is placing confidence in Christ, instead of in ourselves."
I don't know about anyone else but the whole concept of humility has left me a little confused before reading that devotional text. I had always wondered if taking great care in my appearance, being too defensive etc. meant I wasn't practicing humility. Then it was as clear as the day after rain, whenever I do things or plan to do stuff or if I ever think about situations from my ability, with no regard for what God can do through me or for me, then I'm not being humble. Humility is not having a low self-esteem but having a confidence in every situation that God will work things out.

Also, when I was in the second grade, I had a teacher who used one word to describe each student and that word started with the same letter as our first names. She described me as "Meek Moya" I thought at the time that it was because I was quiet & reserved. And like many other people I related meekness to weakness. Neil Anderson put this simply as well "Meekness is great strength under great control". After seeing it explained like that I am humbled that my teacher had seen meekness in me at that age and it made me reflect on the work God was presently doing in my life. I have seen where I've been learning more & more to place all my confidence in God about EVERYTHING! And placing my trust with Him has led to His strength totally enveloping me & seeing me through them all.

A few months ago I had spoken about my husband's work situation in this post. Well it lasted about a month and he's been unemployed since. It doesn't help that our country is facing some really "trying " times. Well we had to change alot of things we did. And persons who have gone through this or are going through a similar situation can testify that none of it is easy. The only easy thing is trusting God to take care of everyday. But sometimes it's hard to reach that place of easily trusting Him.

It becomes easy when we realise that the God we serve is Powerful, Almighty, Owns everything, and there is Nothing Impossible for Him. So I know Who I serve, in Whom my confidence lies and this has been my rock for the past couple months. The Creator of the heavens and the earth knows what He's doing and what He has planned for our family:)

Thank God It's Friday & It's Fashionable

The outfit I'm wearing today is one I feel totally comfortable in; It's definately a "go-to" outfit since I don't usually need to iron it. I love the classic feel of it & I feel oh so feminine in it:-)




Blouse: Mom bought it somewhere in NY, the tag says Voice
Skirt: I don't remember which store I bought it, the tag says Geri C. New York
Shoes: Madden Girl, bought @ Marshalls (I think I paid $25 for it)
Bag: Gift with purchases from Macy's