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

IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU

Destiny appoints one, but affects many.- Beth Moore from the Esther series.  I read this statement while in bible study class last night.  Immediately I grasped what she was saying.  So many times we go through things and while we are going through it, it doesn't feel good at all.  But the truth is, it really wasn't about you.  Yes, you are the one that went through it.  You are the one who felt the pain from it.  You are the one that lost things out of it, and so on, but even out of your pain, people can and will be blessed, as long as we do what God has appointed us to do. Our ministries and testimonies are not for us, they are for others! 

I'm reminded of the story of Joseph.  He was betrayed, sold into slavery, accused of wrong doing and everything, but in the end, those steps were neccessary in order for him to fulfill what he was designed or destined to do.  Those ordered steps were neccessary in order for him to be a savior for the people during the famine. 
 
The bible says that our steps are ordered by the Lord.  Psalm 37:23  I believe that everything we go through, even things we can look back on and know without a shatter of doubt that we caused or that it was our own doing, God can use that for his Glory.  All things (EVEN THE BAD), YES!  All things and everything work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28.  

Be encouraged that you have purpose.  Know that people can be blessed through your trials.  Although you are the one that has been appointed for such a task; many will affected and benefit from it.  Just think about it- Destiny apponts one, but affects many. 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

QUIT PLAYING WITH MY MIND

During the holiday weekend,  went to spend some time with some friends.  While riding down the highway, we decided to listen to the radio, and the station was playing some real nice songs.  Well, Boyz To Men's, Please Don't Go came on and I was telling my husband how their CD was one of my favorites.  I told him how I use to play it every morning while getting ready for school.  Yes, I remember the Motown-Philly with an east coast swing jam. 

Anyhoo, the next song that came on was Shirley Murdock's, As We Lay.  My husband asked, "Were you in school when that song came out?"  I replied, "yes" and continued to tell him that I remember being a young girl when this song came out.  Certain songs have a way of taking you back to a specific time in life and I can remember being real young, but somehow I was always "older" than other girls.  A young girl with an older or grown person's mentality and even at 12 years old, my mature level was way above the average 12 year old.

I wasn't prepared for the conversation to take this turn but my husband responded with, "it shows."  What does he mean by, it shows! I wanted to know, so I asked, "what does that suppose to mean?"  He said, as if he was clarifying himself, "I can tell, it shows."  I wasn't satisfied with his response because he was definitely saying something without saying it, and I wanted to know what it was he was saying, darn it.  So he said, "nothing, you just act like you're old."

Yes, I took offense because I'm not old and as far as I'm concerned, I don't act old either.  Then I had to remember, my husband and I came from two different paths and backgrounds.  So what he remembers as fun, I cannot even relate to.  His stories makes mine seem, I guess boring! 

After we got to our destination, my mind was stuck on his statement and if you don't know it, the mind is a really tricky thing.  I was thinking things like, well if I'm so boring, why is he with me?, and I've heard the saying, "opposites attract", but I don't want nobody with me who thinks I act old and that I'm boring.  Boy, I tell ya, if we don't get the mind in check, it can definitely take us on a journey we didn't even intend to go on.  Thank God my friend came and interrupted my thoughts because we might of been divorced by now.

My spiritual father used to always say, an idle mind is the devil's workshop.  I'm assuming that means, this is where the enemy plants bad and negative thoughts, and such things.  I don't know where they come from, but I have them from time to time. 

***Slapping myself upside the head*** Dag it!  When I was getting dressed, I forgot to put on my armour.  I forgot to put on the helmet of salvation- to guard my thoughts from the enemy.  Now he is all up in my head making me think things that I should not be thinking.  I wasn't expecting him today, and he came in a way I least expected him to.  

I am reminded of the scripture that says, 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..." 2 Corinthians 10:5
In other words, whenever we are approached with these kind of thoughts, we must quickly counter it with the Word of God.  If it does not align with the Word or knowledge of God, we can simply throw it out.  Just like an unwanted guest that has disrespected our house, THROW IT OUT.  Tell it, you got to go!     

My mother told me years ago that although a million thoughts can run through the mind at one time, if you start singing, the mind stops thinking.  I guess the mind is no longer idle when you start talking or singing.  I know it might sound crazy, but I promise you that it works.  Just try it! 

In the meantime, don't forget to put on the full armour of God daily.  The enemy is lying in wait and ready to attack.  Be watchful as well as pray. 

Stay Hopeful

Clarissa

IS IT MY FAULT OR THEIRS

I was thinking this morning, about one of the times we had went back home to visit.  After a fun-filled weekend of visiting with family and friends, it was now Sunday and time to pack it up and head back home.  During our commute, there was an accident on the interstate. As we were approaching the backed up traffic, my daughter, whom I had just picked up from one of her friends’ that she stayed with the weekend said, “Oh mommy, I forgot to tell you that Ms. Rhonda (her friend’s mother) told me to tell you there was a wreck on the interstate!”

My first reaction was, “Fine time to tell me!” Because had she told me this important piece of information at the time she was suppose to, I could have avoided this accident and delay! My daughter, being 17 has her own attitudes, so of course she gets on the defensive, and my attitude and frustration at this point won’t make it any better! (uuuuuuggggghhhhhh)!

However, as with all things, it got me to thinking------How many times have I allowed someone to run across a stumbling block or an accident b/c of my choosing not to say anything or warn them! How many times could I have prevented something from happening, if only I would have said something? Better yet, how many friends have I continued to allow to error w/o saying anything b/c I don’t want them to get mad or think I am judging them, etc! The bottom line is, we are to warn people of the danger up ahead, if they don’t listen, it’s on them, but if we don’t say anything, it’s on us. WOW!

Ezekiel 3:17-21 (New International Version)
17 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 18 When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for [a] his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 19 But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself.
20 "Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. The righteous things he did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 21 But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself.

Blessings,

Clarissa

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