I'm So Lost

On our most recent adventure, as we do so many times, we set “Sally” (the name I gave my VZ Navigator on my Verizon phone) to direct us to our desired destination. 

Being a man, my husband says, “I think I can go this way and it will be faster.” 

Me being me asks, “Why don’t you just go the way the thing is telling you to go?” 

He replies, “I got this.  Plus, that’s your phone, I don’t trust it.”

“OK,” I said in my “whatever attitude” tone. 

As we continued down the road my husband turned on, “Sally” keeps saying, “Make a U-Turn” but I’m sure you know we didn’t make any U-Turns.  After we had went so far, “Sally” finally says, “Make a left at the next road.”  Because we were out of town and didn’t know exactly where we were, my husband finally decides to listen to “Sally” only to end up back on the same road she was on trying to guide us to in the beginning.

I’m sure you might be saying that navigational systems are not always right or that they don’t always give the best directions, and I totally agree with you.  But the difference is, in this case, we were not from this place, never been to this place, and we were completely unfamiliar with the area.  Anyhoo, we had had such a great time that day, so there was no need to let this little issue ruin the day, so we looked at each other and laughed.  After the laughter subsided, I looked at him and said, “I got my new blog!”

Isn’t this just how we do God sometimes?   We ask Him for guidance a lot of times, and when he reveals to us the way or what we have to go through to get there, we try to override what He says and do it our own way.  I can see with my vivid imagination, every time we go down a wrong path, or make a wrong turn, or make a wrong decision, or make a wrong choice or date the wrong guy/girl, or say the wrong thing (you get my point, right), He is standing and waving His hands, blowing a whistle, saying, “HEEEEY, YOU’RE GOING THE WRONG WAY!”  Sometimes we can get so far off course that we still have to end up going back to Him to get us back on the right path.  But the good news is….just like Sally helped us get back on course, God is faithful to do the same. 

So today, if you are in need of direction in your life and not sure which way to go, maybe you have made some bad/wrong choices and need help getting back on track….It’s simple….ASK GOD!  And when you ask Him, trust what He says. 

Here’s what I learned from this little mishap.  Never ask God for help or guidance if we are not going to follow what He says.  I mean, what’s the purpose.  Either you trust Him or you don’t.  There’s no such thing as half trust (another blog for another day). 

Taken from the New Living Translation: Proverbs 3:5-6,  (5) Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  (6) Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

I Just Want OUT

After awakening from a nights rest, an acquaintance of mine’s daughter, as she has done so many times, arose from her bed and walked to the closed bedroom door.  As she turned the knob and pulled, the door failed to respond to her guidance.  After a few attempts, she began to bang on the door and cry for help.  Responding to the desperate and frantic cries, her mom came to the rescue.  Although it took a minute to liberate her daughter from her bondage, after the use of a credit card, and a butter knife, they were finally able to pry the door open.  

As comical as this may be to some, some of you may be able to relate to this scenario in more ways than one.  Have you ever been or felt like you were stuck in a situation/sin/trial/cirmcustance and could not get out.  No matter how hard you try, you just can’t free yourself out of your situation.  Well I have, and the feeling of being stuck, in a box, trapped, imprisoned, incarcerated, helpless, confined, constricted, restricted, restrained, limited, alone(one of these words should resonate with you and/or your situation)is a very miserable and uncomfortable place.  Everything you’ve tried, have not worked.  Although you may be in a room full of people, you still feel alone in your situation.  You even drop hints of misery to your listeners but yet, they still don’t understand.  The reality of being trapped is choking the life out of you and all you want is a way out.  You’re banging on the object that’s holding you hostage and yelling, “HEEELLLLLLP!  Let me out!”

While in the situation, the time can tend to seem drawn out and long.  You might even find yourself frustrated and impatient, while waiting, but don’t panic!  Help is on the way!  Your Loving Father is getting all the necessary tools in order to help pry that door open so you can be free.  While God is diligent at work, He might need some assistance from you.  He might tell you to move some things around in your life.  He might tell you to walk away from some things and some people.  He might tell you to stop doing some things you’re doing.  He might tell you to pray more, fast more, seek Him more.  Whatever He tells you to do, just do it and follow His lead.  He knows exactly what to do because He specializes in setting the captives free. 

Scripture Reading Isaiah 42: 5-7

(5)This is what God the Lord says—the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: (6) “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, (7) to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness

Warning:  Don’t stand in the way of the door, b/c once it opens, you don’t want to hit.  Only assist where you are needed.      

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

Now Don't You Look Silly

On my way to the cleaners, I passed a guy on the side of the road “acting a fool” dancing and gyrating around, drawing attention to himself from the travelers that passed along.  They actually have a name for the “guys and gals” that do this, but I can’t think of it right now.   Their position or goal is to draw attention to the ones that pass by in hopes to draw business for the place of business that they work for.   In this case, it was for Little Caesar.  If you have a Liberty Tax Service in your area, you’ve probably seen them dressed up in a statue of liberty costume, standing on the side of the road as well, doing the same thing.

Anyhoo, I remember thinking to myself, ‘this guy looks really silly’.  However, he’s doing a job that he is being paid to do and no matter how embarrassing or silly it looks, he’s getting the job done.   He’s marketing, promoting, and advertising.  

So I ask myself, “Clarissa, what are you willing to do to promote yourself, your ministry, and your book?  Better yet, what are you willing to do to promote your God?”  Then I asked myself, “Are you ashamed of who you are and what you stand for?  Are you afraid of what others might say when they see you promoting your brand or your God?  Because the bottom line is, being a “lighthouse” everything that I do should somehow reflect the God that I serve, right?

So I learned a lesson from the Little Caesar guy, both in the natural and spiritual.  In order to get the business you want, you can’t be afraid or ashamed to market yourself, your brand, your business, your ministry, or whatever.   Someone is interested in knowing what you have to offer, what you have to say, or even know the God that you serve?  Somebody is going to stop by and patronage your business. 

Now, at the end of the day, the little guy will not convince everybody to come to Little Caesar but he will get somebody’s attention.  Somebody is going to stop by and patronage the business.   In the natural- Don’t be afraid or ashamed to get out there and promote yourself.   This is your dollar on the line.  Others will share the word, but no one will do it like you can, especially when you are the one that will reap the benefits from it. 

In the spiritual- Don’t be afraid to be different for the sake of Christ, for we are a peculiar (strange, odd, uncommon, unusual) people.  You will draw the attention of many when you walk right before the Lord.  And when the people approach you wanting to know why you are the way you are, be ready to give them a praise report and direct them to Christ!  "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9 KJV

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power

This is an oldie but goodie for the season- Enjoy!

Recently, I had the opportunity to donate blood. Although I don't like needles, the thought of possibly helping someone in need makes me feel really really good. So, I try to donate as often as I can because, for all I know, I could be helping save someone's life.

After thinking about the many benefits of me donating blood, I thought about the "Ultimate Blood Donor"! His shedded blood, does so much more and last so much longer than mine could ever do. The blood redeems us, the blood cleanses us, the blood sets us free and most of all, the blood saves us. There are so many benefits in the blood of the Lamb and I want you to know that no matter what you do or have done; no matter how bad you think it is; no matter how disgusting or trifling; I mean, there is nothing you can do or have done that the blood can't clean/erase/cure! The blood really does reaches to the highest mountain and flows to the lowest valley.

When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, the devil really didn't know the impact his death would really have on the world.....FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE, JOHN 3:16....BUT the blood is so wonderful/powerful/awesome and there is nothing noone can do so bad that the blood can't redeem them from. BUT here is where I get excited! The sam power the blood had the day it was shed, is the same power it has today~ THE BLOOD WILL NEVER EVER LOSE IT'S POWER!!!

The enemy thinks that once you accept Christ as your Savior and if you mess up, that's it, but baby, know this, the blood is still just as effective today as it was yesterday. It is an ever cleansing blood! So perhaps you have fallen, perhaps you have backslidden, and perhaps you have really messed up; THE BLOOD IS STILL EFFECTIVE...confess and repent, the blood will cleanse you AGAIN! Don't let the devil keep you bound in fear...I love Psalm 51....

Lastly, because of this GREAT sacrifice, I never take communion the same. I take it with a humble heart b/c I am so grateful for the blood that was shed. When I take communion, it is totally personal to me, b/c when I think of my past, my dirt, all of my junk, I am GRATEFUL. Then when I think of the times I messed up/ fell/ flaws and how the blood is still evident in my life today, I am even more GRATEFUL...May you embrace the power of the blood of Jesus and May communion never be the same for you again. May each time you partake in a communion, it will be such an experience for you.

In closing, I sing: The blood, that Jesus shed for me. Way back on calvary. The blood that gives me strength from day to day. It will never lose it's power. It reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley. (oh yeah) The blood that gives me strength, from day to day. It will never lose it's power!

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa ♥

Grateful For Life

With sinuses and allergies lurking, breathing during the night has been a little difficult.  As I was lying in bed on last night, I recalled a few years ago when I actually woke up and couldn’t catch my breath.  Not sure of what to do, I panicked.  I ran from one room to the next trying to find help, I guess.  I kept coughing and trying to clear my throat until finally something broke free.  All I can say is this:  I have never been so glad in all my life. 

You never really know how much you take for granite until it’s almost or completely gone.    To be able to breathe is definitely a blessing.  Although I know it’s important, the value of it's importance became even more clear for me when I experienced myself not being able to do it.  Just as much as we are thankful for houses, cars, jobs and all, we should also be just as thankful for even bigger things that we sometimes take for granite such as; being able to breathe, being in our right minds, being able to feed ourselves, being able to walk and to talk, being able to see (like right now, you are able to read this blog). 

Life is truly a gift, and every day we should be so ever grateful for it.  Remember that, every good gift and every perfect gift is from above (James 1:17), so don’t forget to thank the giver of the gifts.

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

No Matter What--You're Still Beautiful

Looking in the mirror, I frown.  What in the world?  I ask myself, “Is that hair under my chin?”  Pulling at the annoying strands, “Now come on now God, why would you let me grow some hair under my chin?  I’m a lady!  (my mind drifted and went on Sheneneh for a minute)  Anyhoo, this hair is worrying my nerves.  I can’t be seen with hair under my chin.  That’s for men, not ladies!  And why would God even allow that anyway?  Uuuuuggggghhhh!

I can imagine that I’m not the only woman or person experiencing this.  No matter how others view us, there is always something about ourselves that we don’t like.  As previously told in one my blogs—Sometime ago,  I met a beautiful young lady who was a little older than I and she looked marvelous.  She had grown children and she still looked flawless; shape and everything, but for whatever reason, she was not pleased or satisfied with herself and decided to have surgery.  For the life of me still to this day, I couldn’t understand that, b/c most people that I know that undergo such a surgery is….well large, however, this chick didn’t have any fat, rolls or nothing (only us big girls know what I’m talking about)!  No matter how many compliments she received from others, she had a problem with accepting herself. 

Now, I’m not saying to walk around looking any old kind of way, because I’m definitely not walking around with hair under my chin.  I’m too cute for that!!!  But what I am saying is—know that you are beautiful regardless.  Don’t allow what you see as flaws make you so paranoid and obsessed that you do something extreme or things to hurt yourself.  Don’t be so hard on yourself that you find yourself in a depressed kind of mode. 

The Bible tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  You might have to put some make up on to cover some blemishes.  You might have to wear a girdle.  You might even have to shave that unwanted hair from under your chin (ha ha haaaaaaaa), but baby you are still beautiful.   

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

I Will Not Let You Die

I’ve noticed it for quite some time that she had been falling off.Week after week, she was looking weaker and weaker.I didn’t know exactly what I should do for her, so as much as I wanted to help, I didn’t do anything for her at all. Besides watered her, I just watched.

Today was a little different as I was sitting here looking at my plant in her current state, I felt compel to move and do something to try and save her fragile life.  Although just a plant, it symbolizes life at its best.  And I feel that as long as there is life, there is always a chance.  Always hope.

There are several ways we can look at this, but let me just flow with it for a minute.  Sometimes we have good seasons and sometimes not so good seasons.  We flourish, we grow, we bloom and we excel. Then there are times when we are down and out, sickly and frail, and more vulnerable to our environments.  Sometimes we’re strong.And then other times we’re weak.  Those are just some of the same stages a plant may go through.

As an observer, my heart began to ache at the declining health of the plant.  I remembered when she was so full and pretty.  She was growing and everyone that saw her complimented on her beauty. J ust seeing her made me smile.  But now what? Now that she needs me the most, do I just turn my back on her and let her die.  Do I just sit and watch her deteriorate?
 

Have you ever been in a situation where you saw someone in pain or in need and wanted to do something to help them?  I believe this is where God was with us.  We were sick.  We were dying and He couldn’t and wouldn’t allow us to die.  He sent a Savior- someone to save us from ALL sickness (physically, mentally, and/or emotionally).   He sent someone to heal the broken-hearted and to lift the heavy burdened.

The more I thought about how God’s love for us demonstrates RESTORATION- The process of repairing or renovating a building, work of art, etc., so as to restore it to its original condition—which is wholeness, I decided to no longer sit and just watch her die. As a matter of fact, “I refuse to let her die,” is what I told myself.

I will do all that I can to restore her back to her original state.I will nurture it, pour into it, and I will even SPEAK life back into it.   I refuse to let her die.  I refuse to let you die!  So, no matter what you may be dealing with today, no matter how bad you may be hurting today, don't give up, help is on the way!  Know that God loves you and wants you whole.   Know that there is absolutely nothing too hard for God.   Respond to his love.  Respond to his voice, and watch and see how you bloom.

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa