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

www.mygc.com/lightofhope

ONE MORE LAP

I have finally made up in my mind that it is time for me to start back doing my daily morning walks.  I recalled an incident that happened to me last year:

My goal for my morning walks was to do at least 2 miles, which equals 4 laps around my apartment complex. This time, I was so tired, by the time I did 3 laps; I literally argued with myself whether I should stop or not. I mean come on; I was only one lap away from my daily goal. It made me wonder, how many times have I/WE gave up and were only "one lap" away from that prayer being answered? How many times have we got tired right before the end? AND QUIT?

Do you ever wonder what would have happened if you continued on and took those final steps? Would your marriage have been saved? Would you have that job? Would you have finished school, or that a particular project you had committed yourself to?  What would the results be if you kept going? Well, it's time to tell ourselves what I had to tell myself that particular morning, I AM NOT A QUITTER!

So come on; you are right there, almost to the finish line. I know you might be tired, but come on; it's only "one more lap"!

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

RULES ARE RULES

Yesterday, my daughter went to a particular store and purchased a pair of jeans.  After leaving the store, she decided to peruse another store where she found a pair of jeans on clearance for the “low low”.  After purchasing the clearance jeans, she attempted to take the first pair of jeans she bought back to the store and ask for a refund.  Unfortunately, the store does not do refunds and to be honest, she knew this before she went back to the store demanding one. 

After going back and forth with the cashier, my daughter left with a serious attitude and was very upset.  When she called me with her “dilemma”, I simply told her that rules are rules.  I advised her that it was totally uncalled for her to get mad about the rules someone has set in their establishment, especially when you know what the rules are.  You either follow and abide by their rules, or don’t shop there. 

As elementary as this may seem, it is a lesson that needs to be revisited often.  Not just for kids, but for adults as well.  Although we may not always like them or agree with them, rules are rules.  Some rules can be avoided by not associating yourself with a certain place, such as refusing to patron a certain establishment, but there are other rules or laws that we are bound by regardless, such as, not drinking and driving, not speeding, etc. 

One of my most favorite shows to watch on TV is Parking Wars.  I just love it when the people come outside to find that their cars have been ticketed, booted, towed or impounded because they have parked in a restricted area.   It doesn’t matter that they are in the wrong, they still carry on something ridiculous because they don’t want to deal with the consequences of them parking in the wrong place. 

The scripture that comes to mind is, Genesis 4:7 (NIV):  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”  Meaning, how can you expect good things to come out of wrong choices?  Naturally or spiritually? 

As with all things, we have a choice whether to abide by rules that are set, however, if ignored or not followed, it opens the door for aggravation, unnecessary attitudes and arguments, fines, loss of jobs, possible jail time, or even serious major DISASTERS, which could have all been avoided if we just simply follow the rules.  One thing we have to learn in life that there are consequences to every choice we make.  While we are 100% in control of our choices, we have no say about the consequences of our choices.   

Rules are set with a purpose, and for the most part when followed, there is less chaos.  Following other people rules or rules period, can definitely be challenging at times, especially when they don’t seem to fit our life or agenda.  As a mother, I love to establish them, but I don’t always like to follow them, however, at the end of the day, I’m just as much bound by them and whether I like them or not, rules are rules! 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

THE BLOOD WILL NEVER LOSE IT'S POWER

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 ♥
www.mygc.com/lightofhope