Take Heed to the Warnings!

Yesterday, as I was driving, I was stopped by the State Patrol. In this case, not to make an excuse, but I really didn’t know I was speeding. The speed limit at the beginning of this highway was 65 MPH, but when I went through one of the little cities, the speed decreased to 45 MPH. After I had passed the city, I pulled my speed back up to 65 MPH, not realizing that it had now changed to 55 MPH. Needless to say, I was going 10 MPH over the speed limit. Luckily for me, I was only given a warning instead of an actual ticket. WHEW! One thing I can’t stand is, giving my money away for something that could have been avoided or carelessness.

I am thankful because, the warning was all that I needed to correct the thing that I was doing wrong. So many times, we fail to take heed to the warning signs that are given to us, but had we—we could have prevented ourselves some major heartaches and headaches.

Warnings are good because it allows us time to prepare and get things in order—Look at Noah!
Warnings are good because it allows us time to get out of a dangerous situation—Look at Lot!
Warnings are good because it allows us time to make corrections or changes before we enter into a dangerous state—Look at Cain!

I am convinced that the warnings of God, are far better than the consequences of disobedience any day.

As we enter this new year, my prayer is that we take heed to the warnings that the Lord has graciously seen fit to send to us. I pray that we don’t have to endure the pains of destruction in order for us to get in line with His will and purpose for our lives. I pray that we all have a prosperous year!

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

Whoa! This Is Not What I Asked For

My step-daughter’s son stated he wanted an XBOX 360 for Christmas, and his mom decided to get him the XBOX 360 Kinect.  For those of you who don’t know, the only difference is, the “Kinect” is an attachable motion sensor that allows you to operate games without using an actual controller.  They are actually both the same exact thing because, if you want to, you can actually detach the Kinect, and hence have the original XBOX 360, however, as a small child, he could not grasp that he was actually getting more.  He told his mommy, “I don’t want the Kinect, I want the 360!”  He couldn’t grasp that his mother wanted to bless him with more than what he asked for.  He couldn’t grasp that he was indeed getting what he asked for, but so much more to the 10^th power.

The scripture that comes to mind is, Ephesians 3:20 (The Message) God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. 

Brace yourself, beloved.  God is ready to blow your mind!  He dreams bigger than we do!  So while you’re asking for a house, he wants to bless you with a mansion.  You’re asking for a job, and he wants to give you a career.  Honey, whatever you are asking for, believing for, or even thinking about; He wants to give it to you a 100 times over.   Don't let your small thinking limit what God can do! 

Spiritual Disclaimer:  Sometimes the things we ask for comes with a price, and a great responsibility—so be careful when you start asking, dreaming, and thinking.  God is ready to do the unimaginable for you and through you! 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

Making A Bad Situation Worse

My baby girl, age 11, experienced her first pimple bump, positioned perfectly, on the right side of her face, about an inch underneath the eye. Using motherly wisdom, I warned her not to pick at it because, it was too soon, and it could make it worse. When she came home from school the next day, there was a noticeable change in the blemish. What started out as a small, red bump, had now turned into a sore. She was devastated. Without caring how hideous she looked, she was putting band-aids on it, and applying globs of cocoa butter on it. Sounds familiar?

Have you ever had a small problem/situation that you were faced with—carelessly, you approached it the wrong way, and made it worse? Then, found yourself trying to bandage it up, and apply soothing creams on it, to make it feel better, or to reverse the bigger mess you’ve created. This could be as simple as a small bump, but for most of us, it’s life—our finances, marriages, friendships, raising our kids, our bodies, our health, ministries, goals, etc. And for those of us that understand the power of words, we don’t even have to put our hands on a situation to make it worse, we can just speak the wrong things regarding it, our lives, and things/people attached to us.

Sarah is a prime example of meddling—trying to fix a problem in her own way, and making a bad situation worse. I’m sure she thought to herself a million times, “What on earth have I done?” Every time she turned around, there it was; a reminder of what she had done. But in the end, God fixed it.

We can’t change what has already been done, but I’m confident, that there is absolutely nothing too hard for God, and he can definitely clean up, heal, and undo, some of the things we’ve done. However, from this point forward, we have to learn to be careful in how we approach a situation. Be careful what we do, and most importantly, watch the words that we speak, regarding our situations, and our lives.

Some things are just not for us to mess with, but in the result that we do, it’s not the end of the world. Although we can’t fix it, God can. Is there anything too hard for God—even the messes that we make for ourselves? Absolutely not!

I’m a true believer that this is what God meant by: And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28 NLT) Yes, even what we consider bad, and mess-ups, God can use for a bigger and better purpose, and for His Glory! “I can see Him saying, she messed up, but I can use that later. Uh-oh, she messed up again, I can use that too!” Only God can make a mess, a message, and bless someone by it.

Disclaimer: Sometimes the consequences of our actions, leaves an everlasting blemish. These lessons should be used as testimonies for others. Don’t you remember someone older telling you that they are telling you this, to keep you from making the same mistakes as they did? Right; it’s a learning experience. So, don’t be sad about it, use it to help someone else.

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa
 

I DIDN'T EVEN SEE IT COMING

The number on the phone is not a familiar one, but I decided to answer it anyway. The voice from the other end says, “Ms. Johnson?”

“Yes it is.”

“Hi, my name is Karen with ABC bank (name left out for privacy purposes), and I work in the Debit Card Dept. My job is to monitor the usage and transaction made via debit card purchases. My purpose of calling you today is to ask if you had just tried to make a purchase at Gamestop for $377?

Shocked, I answered, “No, I didn't!”

She continued, “Ok, well the transaction was rejected, and no monies were deducted from your account, but we have cancelled your card, and you will need to call customer service and order a new card.”

I ran to my room while the rep was speaking, and searched through my wallet for my card, and there it was, in it's normal place. Many questions ran through my mind, such as....

1. How did they get my card number?
2. I wonder what site did they pull it from?
3. What would have happened if they didn't catch the transaction in time?

“WOW! Thank you so much for catching that! May I ask you, how did you know to reject this transaction, unlike all the other ones that I do use my card for?”

“Well this transaction was done in California, and you live in Georgia for one.”
"WOW!" was all I could offer as a response. 

For once in a long time, I was proud to be a customer of ABC Bank, especially now, knowing that they were watching out on my behalf.  The enemy's plan didn't work this time!  I was protected from predators, hackers, and thieves taking what belonged to me.  Yes, my father is rich and owns the cattle on a thousand hills, but I need all my money! Bills got to be paid, groceries have to be bought, and Christmas is right around the corner.

Isn't it great to know that even when you don't think it, someone is watching out for you?   The Bible says that our Father in heaven, never sleeps nor slumber.  It is definitely a great relief to know that He sees what we can't, and even while we are asleep, He's always watching, waiting to protect us from dangers seen and unseen.

I thought about the many times He's directed me to go a different direction, just to find out later that He prevented me from a horrible accident. I thought about all the boys that broke my heart and left me, just to later find out that He prevented me from some major heartaches. I thought about the doors He closed, the times He said No, when I wanted so eagerly for Him to say Yes! I owe Him many THANKS for watching and protecting me, even when I didn't know that He was.  (Take a moment and think about it--I'm sure He's protected you from something)....Makes you proud to serve a God like that, don't it?

Just as Karen watches over my finances, God watches over us completely!  Being a visual person, I can literally see Him (GOD), with a shield and sword, blocking and protecting anyone, or anything from getting in the way of our future, and purposes.  Sure things have happened; bad things have happened, but I now know that- Nothing happens unless He allows it to; and even then- He knows all, and He sees all, and I am confident that it will all work out for my good.

Psalm 121:1-8--1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber . 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep . 5 The LORD is thy keeper : the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

GOD REALLY DOES ANSWER PRAYERS

Almost a year ago, January to be a little more specific, my ministry class were asked to make a prayer list.  Each one of us were instructed to write down something important that we wanted God to do for us, and once finished, they were placed in an envelope.  Our administrator advised she would return them to us in six months; at that time, we would look at them to see what God had done for us. 

The purpose of this assignment was for us to see how much God loved and cared about us, and the things that concerns us.  With my pen in hand, I began writing my list:

1.  I want God to open doors for me to be in full time ministry and to work on my motivational speaking for youth development. (which I know is my purpose).
2.  I want to have my book published or in the process.
3.  I want my husband to experience God and get a closer relationship with Him.

Upon the return of my list, I could see that God was working on my prayers.  This morning, I wanted to testify of the goodness, and faithfulness of Jesus in regards to my prayers.

Prayer 1:  Back in July, I lost my job.  For the first couple of  months, I was feeling some type of way, and was kind of stagnant.  I finally realized that God did this just for me.  He has given me the time to do what I desire to do.   All I have to do is walk in it.  I can check this one off the list.

Prayer 2:  During this time off from work, I have been working tirelessly on my book, and have a goal  to have it finished by the end of the year.   Check out the book cover!  I can check this one off the list.



Sleeping With The Enemy



Prayer 3:  There was a test that came our way.  This test allowed my husband to experience God in a different way.  He is now paying tithes, and I have heard him tell God, "Thank You" on several occasions.   I see change in him daily.  God is doing it!  I can check this one off the list.  Uh oh, I think it's time to create a new one! 

So you see, God does answer prayers.  Just as He answered mine, He wants to answer yours!  That's what He does.  He's a prayer answering God!  Don't believe me; try it for yourself.  Make your own list, but be sure to not ask for things amiss (the wrong kind of things).  Put it up in a safe place.  Pray over it daily, and watch God work!  You'll be checking things off in no time! 

A prayer list does not ensure your prayers being answered, your faith does! 

¹⁴ And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. ¹⁵ And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. 1 John 5:14-15 (NLT)

The list just allows you to have a visual, something to look back on and see how faithful God really is. 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT

This past weekend, my family and I went out of town.  Whenever we go out of town, my husband and I normally share the task of drving.  If he drives to our destination, I will normally drive back home.  You should know that I don't like driving when my husband is in the car for two reasons.  One, I don't like heavy traffic and with him telling me to speed up, slow down, go over, etc., it makes me more nervous than I already am, and frustrated.  Secondly, I just have this thing that if he's in the car, as a man, he should drive his lady around.  Kind of old fashion, huh? 

Anyhoo, we really had a GREAT time, and we were exhausted by the time the trip came to a close.  We left later than what we had intended, and with a drive of a little over four hours, neither one of us was up for the drive.  Since he drove first, it was my time to take the wheel, and my husband was rubbing it in.  When it was time to go, he got in the driver seat and we rode out. 

After about half way, I asked him was he tired and did he want me to drive.  He said, he was okay, but I could tell he was tired, and I knew he needed to rest for work the next day.  Nevertheless, he drove all the way home.  "Oh wow!  He really loves me!",  is all I could think.  I didn't have to wonder if he did, or even pull daisies while quoting, "he loves me, he loves me not", because at that moment, I knew it.  It was not what he said, but it was what he did that told me so!

Every person, regardless how tough they may appear to be, loves to be told they are loved!  It really sounds good to the ears, and it makes the heart smile, however, the words are not as powerful than the deed.  Love is action and it's not about what one says, it's more about what they do.  I've known people and even experienced being told "I love you" and that same person who spoke those words, abused me.  The action spoke louder than the words! 

When I think about Jesus, He has never spoke audibly to me the words, "Clarissa, I love you!", but He shows me daily!  Every morning when I rise, He shows me!  When He blesses me beyond what I deserve, He shows me! When He provides for my family, He shows me!  Just last week, when my husband was laid off from work, but somebody spoke on his behalf, and although others have been laid off, they called him back to work, He showed me!  I don't have to wonder if He does, I know He loves me!  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal. - John 3:16.  It's not about what He said, it's about what He did!   He loved me so much, that He died on the cross on my behalf, that I might not die, but live; that I would not be lost, but saved! 

Let us also, follow His example; don't just tell a person you love them, show them.  Don't let your actions make what you say be a lie.  Your actions do speak louder than your words!  

So, what do you know?  Does He love you, or does He love you not?

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

IT'S FREE AND ALWAYS WILL BE!

Within the last week, there have been many posts and talks about Facebook beginning to charge for users to use their site.  It's amazing to me, how many people will believe something and spread the news without even investigating it.  If you go to the Facebook sign in page, it says clearly, FREE AND ALWAYS WILL BE! 

I have over 800 friends, and I've seen the rumors run rampantly across my page (it makes me wonder do any of my friends read, especially being that this disclaimer is on everybody's login page- LOL).  It's a shame we don't spread the good news like this.  The good news about salvation.  Many people feel that they have to give up so much and that it costs so much, but the truth is, IT'S FREE AND ALWAYS WILL BE!  JESUS paid the price! 

Many issues and problems has risen due to Facebook, but the creator didn't design it to create such chaos. The users are the ones who uses it for more than what it was orignially created for.  I'm sure the owner did not seek out to destroy the marriages that has been destroyed, nor the sex maniacs that preys on our kids, etc.  Facebook in itself has allowed many people to be connected to old friends and family memebers.  It's great for networking and meeting new people. 

It's the same thing with salvation, it's GREAT!  There's deliverace in salvation.  There's healing in salvation; and there's FREEDOM in salvation! God created all things, and EVERYTHING He created was good, but again, the users/people perverted some things and have just made a mess out of it.  People think they have to give up their whole life and they can't do anything fun based on the rumors they've heard.  BUT don't believe everything you hear.  People will lead you wrong sometimes.

So today, let me say this on behalf of Facebook and Salvation, IT'S FREE AND ALWAYS WILL BE! 

Disclaimer:  I don't know what FB will do in the future, but I can pretty much guarantee you that the price for Salvation will never change! 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa