BEHIND THE DOOR (A QuickShare)

     As I was walking down the hall of my high school on my way to swim practice, a statement would come from behind the door that would be imprinted in my memory forever. “Dang! You got a big nose!” It was the voice of a young man hiding behind the door of the boys’ locker room. I could barely see him as he peeped through the crack of the door. He laughed and to my recollection, the statement of insult would roll off of his lips again, but with curse words attached. I didn’t respond but his words pierced my heart. I readjusted my eyes trying to see if it was someone I knew, but in a moment, he was gone, his laugh dissipating into the air. I would constantly be teased about my hair, my nose or even my weight. It was during these years that I realized that people weren’t as nice as they seemed and even more so, I was an easy target because of my low self-esteem. I felt sort of like the ugly duckling, never feeling a sense of beauty when I looked in the mirror due to various incidents in my childhood. It didn’t help that my own family would constantly remind me of my less than beauty queen features. I never responded to these insults because I believed them to be true. 

      I was recently reminded of this story as I picked my daughter up to drive her back to college. 

As she entered the car, she looked highly irritated. 

“What’s wrong?”

“Mommy…..” Almost immediately as she began to tell her story, tears began to stream down her face. It wasn’t easy to watch my daughter cry. Anger began to rise up in me at the person who had caused the tears. But, I knew this one thing to be true: This was an opportunity to talk with her about God. But the anger seemed to rise up within me quickly, so I prayed an emergency prayer in my head while she was talking. “Holy Spirit help me! God help me!” It was almost in an instance that my spirit was calmed and the words of my testimony seemed to flow from my lips. I immediately received revelation on how this particular story correlated with her current issue, someone speaking death into her life. 

      The Bible says that Satan, the deceiver and liar has come to steal, kill and destroy. So what could he steal, kill and destroy? How can he deceive us? What kind of lies could he tell? One thing he could do all these with is your self-esteem. But, we must recognize that it is him trying to destroy us. If the Enemy knows that he can steal your joy, kill your hopes or even destroy your future with negative words, then he will do so every chance he gets and unfortunately he will use anyone as a means of delivery!

      So here’s the key to closing that door: We must see who’s really behind the door! Remember in the above story, I couldn’t see the young man? I could only hear his voice, yet that statement has stuck with me my entire adulthood because I never recognized who was really behind the door! Satan himself with words that played to my insecurities.  You may see your mother, co-worker, aunt or uncle, but it’s really Satan’s words of lies, hurt and defeat hiding behind the door of that person! I encourage you today to recognize who’s behind the door, it’s really Satan.

      Now that we have recognized that it is the Enemy, what can we do? We can’t just yell at our mothers’ and say, “You’re Satan!”  They are not the Enemy.  But here are some practical applications:

Find out what the Word has to say about whom you are in Christ, receive it and confess it over yourself daily. For example, “I am redeemed.” “I am a child of the Most High God.” 
Let the other person(s) know that you will no longer receive any negative comments that they direct towards you. For example, “I don’t like that you call me fat, I don’t receive it because the Bible says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Now, yes I may need to lose some weight, but only to take care of the Temple that God has given me to live in for Him and His glory.”
Unfortunately we would love for those closest to us to act appropriately and not say hurtful things, but remember - the Word is like a sword, use it as your weapon against the Enemy. For example: “You’re hurting me by the things that come from your lips, but I choose to believe the Word of God over my life! Sometimes, if possible - you may need to disassociate yourself from that person. Be careful here, pray first and seek the Word of God as it pertains to your situation, according to your faith and God‘s will/purpose for you. We can’t all divorce our parents.   
Make sure your speaking life every chance you get towards others‘! You’ll reap what you sow.
Forgiveness is the key to receiving all that God has for you. Don’t allow your blessings to stop flowing from the Almighty because you can’t let go of an offense. God got this! Let it go! It doesn’t make them right, but you can sleep at night! 
With all that you have, allow God to do any changing whether in them or you. It’s imperative that we live life for Him, not them.
Stay focused; remember who’s behind the door! 

With God's Love (and mine too),

Dee-Dee McDuffie

10/13/2011

Scripture Meditations:

John 10:10

New King James Version (NKJV)

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 8:42-44

New King James Version (NKJV)
42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
Psalm 139:14
New King James Version (NKJV)14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
New International Version (NIV)19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Galatians 6:7
New International Version (NIV)7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Other: Mark 11, Ps 23, Ps 62

A COUPLE of STEPS BACK FROM HEAVEN

As my co-workers and I were conversing one morning, I jokingly said, “Mark, we could have hung out together in a former life.” He chuckled and responded, “Oh we can still hang out but you would have to take a couple of steps back from Heaven (paraphrased). 

Immediately, I thought about going back to my old lifestyle to “hang” out again. It seemed as if for almost a split second, I missed the fun I used to have. The night clubs, the parties; the no-end drinking; the drugs, and smoking cigarettes. The secular music of rap, dance and r&b; the clothes that showed everything! Oh yea! The bounty of boyfriends and companionship (that’s what I’ll call it!)! Oh yea! Woo-hooo! Tattoos of whatever I wanted! Spending my paycheck as soon as I got it; buying the luxuries of life! YEA BABY! No-holds barred with my tongue, saying whatever I felt like when I felt like it! Come on! Lettin’ ‘em all no that I ain’t playin’ and I don’t take no stuff! The feeling of freedom to do whatever the heck I wanted to ‘cause I lived in the land of plenty- the USA baby! I’mma’ do me! That’s whatz’ up! The…..

Right as I was on “the roll of fun” the Holy Spirit stopped me dead in my thoughts. “Dolores, must I remind you of the consequences of your “fun”? Immediately my heart sank and it was as if for another split second I was in the movie “Scrooge” and an Angel was taking me back through my life. 

…..the night clubs and parties: in which drinks were spilled all over my new clothes and shoes…the music that put me in a certain mood (rap= fighting; r/b= sexing; dance=body pain) the feeling of someone groping me all over my body and the sleazy cheap feeling that I had afterwards…. The running from fights and/or shooting…

…..the no-end drinking…that started before I went to class, yet while in class the burning smell from the curling iron with hair wrapped around it…not on the clients’ head…. The vomiting in a car or on the side of the road; the dizzy spells that lasted for days and the missing work because of my hangovers. The “don’t remember how I got home days…” The drugs that made my heart beat so fast …..that made my heart beat so fast (sorry, I forgot what I was talking about)…..with damaging memory loss. The feeling that I was so high that I was going to die! The smoking cigarettes until I almost died from pneumonia more than once….the coughing and hacking so hard until I was sure the lining of my lungs was in the sink…. The blowing of second hand smoke into my daughter’s face who suffered from allergies and asthmatic bronchitis.

….The wearing of clothes that got the “bad-boy’s” attention as they called me out of my name….calling my body parts the vile names of the world….The friends that really weren’t friends at all…. Illegal activities with jail along for the ride…the run-on sentences and bad grammar and punctuation! Ahh, you’re paying attention! ….
The abusive boyfriends …. The tears, hurt and pain until I thought I didn’t need to live….. And do it all over again the next day, week, or whatever….Is this what I considered “fun”? And yes, at the end of a day, going to Hell in a hand basket because I knew not Jesus Christ. But yes, I called it “fun” and “freedom”!

The Holy Spirit spoke once again, “Is it worth taking a couple of steps back from “Heaven”? NEVER! - I shook my head vigorously! Within all but seconds, I realized that “Heaven” is right here, right now on Earth through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior! First through Salvation! No Hell for me! But there’s more to just not going to Hell, there's more to Salvation….No more shackles of demonic bondages of drugs, alcohol, or smoking! No more abusive relationships, no more anger or depression! Take a couple of steps back from: Deliverance, Restoration, Love, Joy, Hope, Peace, Wisdom, Favor, Insight, Revelation, Supernatural Blessings, Protection and His constant care and Guidance with kept Promise after Promise… along with answered prayer! I don’t think so! Let’s go bowling instead! Sunday after church football, what?! (Without gambling of course!)

….So wouldn’t you rather take a couple of steps TOWARDS Heaven? Are you headed in the wrong direction? Free is me, but it ain't cool if it comes with drama + despair!
I encourage you today to take the first step towards Heaven and receive salvation through JC! Whatever “fun” is to you right now, serving God is whatz’ up! Or whatever “slang” you decide you want to use, but taking steps backwards is never a good idea - in plain ‘ol English!
Scripture References: The Bible
With God’s Love, Dee-Dee McDuffie
**To my readers: - All jokes aside, it’s ok to have “fun” in life (as with the above passage with slang,, etc]…but have “fun” with Jesus. Everywhere. Everyday and Every way. Sincerely, Dee-Dee. Scripture References: John 3:16; See Mt/Mk/Lk for Jesus’ teachings; Ps 91; Ps 23; Ps 31; Pr 2, 3**

Look for my new book coming soon! I'm excited to share my testimony with you! It's not a secret, It's sharing! With Love, Transparency Shares (Dee-Dee McDuffie) .....To God Be the Glory!

A FUGITIVE

Fugitive (www.biblegateway.com) [partial]: Ezek. 17:21, one who has broken away in flight (Heb. mibrah); Isa. 15:5; 43:14, a breaker away, a fugitive (Heb. beriah), one who flees away. All rights reserved. Eastons 1897 Bible Dictionary

As I was conversing with co-workers one morning, one of them asked, “Dolores do you go to church?” As I pondered his question for a few seconds I responded. “Well, yes I go all the time, but if you are asking me am I a Christian, then yes I am.” Quickly he responded, “Well, I was just asking do you have a specific religion?” “No. I am non-denominational, I am a Christian- I follow Christ. I was raised Baptist, but now I’m non-denominational.” I replied. “That’s not easy to do…” my other co-worker chimed in. As I thought about it for a second in my mind, I told myself - “not really, it’s eas….” I caught myself mid-sentence and realized that it’s not easy to follow Christ to an unbeliever because they don’t believe. Some just don’t feel it’s necessary while others’ feel they should be able to do whatever they want, and yet others don't believe there is even a God.  But, as believers [one who follows Christ and his teachings and believes the Word of God as truth] grow and mature, it’s not easy for us either at times, but it is a choice that we make daily - to flee from all unrighteousness and pursue what is good. 

Later that evening, after I returned home from the course of the day, I pondered upon our conversation once again. As I began to write about my day, the show in the background caught my attention. “She’s a fugitive!” ….was blurted out of the television. I looked up from my laptop and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I’m a fugitive! I immediately thought about how there are two types of fugitives in our world figuratively speaking. People who are on the run or fleeing from God and people who are fleeing from Satan. 

So here I am a fugitive! I made a choice [with the “pulling” or “wooing” of the Holy Spirit] to run from Satan’s residence [Hell - eternal damnation], and accept in my heart Jesus as my Lord and Savior [Heaven- eternal life]. Daily, I decide to follow Christ [and His teachings] and “run” [fight the good fight of faith] from Satan’s lies, bondage, deceit, trickery and debauchery. I choose to allow God, not Satan to run my life! I once too was in darkness with drinking, smoking and drugs; destroying God’s temple. I too, succumbed to Satan’s bondages of abusive relationships and low self-esteem. I succumbed to anger, resentment and hatred in my heart toward others’. I also felt the shame and guilt of my youth and had very little hope for my future. A suicide attempt proved that I had very little hope for my future! I too succumbed to foul language as my primary language and gossip as my secondary one. I also succumbed to a poverty mentality and the other negative traits of my bloodline - discontentment, lying and deceit. I succumbed to the brutal treatment of the Enemy. Now, I submit to God’s way by the leading of the Holy Spirit. I receive His Forgiveness, Grace and Mercy; I receive an intimate relationship with the Most High and most of all receive His deliverance, restoration and refinement! I receive peace, joy, wisdom, favor, rest and much more! Praise be to the Most High!

I encourage you today to be a fugitive on the run from Satan and into the arms of the Most High! He’s able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that you could ask or think! There is peace with God - joy, love, healing, contentment, prosperity [financial peace] and much more! Decide today to do it God’s way! Live life abundantly through Jesus Christ - Lord and Savior. 

Praise Be to God and With God’s love,

Dee-Dee McDuffie

08/15/11

014

Scripture Meditations

Psalm 23, 68, 112, 118

James 4:7 New International Version (NIV)7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 Timothy 6:11-16
Amplified Bible (AMP)

11But as for you, O man of God, flee from all these things; aim at and pursue righteousness (right standing with God and true goodness), godliness (which is the loving fear of God and being Christlike), faith, love, steadfastness (patience), and gentleness of heart. 12Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and [for which] you confessed the good confession [of faith] before many witnesses. 13In the presence of God, Who preserves alive all living things, and of Christ Jesus, Who in His testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I [solemnly] charge you 14To keep all His precepts unsullied and flawless, irreproachable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), 15Which [appearing] will be shown forth in His own proper time by the blessed, only Sovereign (Ruler), the King of kings and the Lord of lords, 16Who alone has immortality [in the sense of exemption from every kind of death] and lives in unapproachable light, Whom no man has ever seen or can see. Unto Him be honor and everlasting power and dominion. Amen (so be it).

MOUNTAIN MADNESS (A QuickShare)

As I was in the midst of writing one of my blogs, Arms Around A Mountain, I thought about a time in my life when I had so many mountains, it seemed like mountain madness! Many mountains (incest, abuse, loss of a parent) brought pain, sorrow and hopelessness, therefore I didn’t want to climb another one, and I just wanted it gone! I became exhausted with life and depression set in with a suicide attempt along for the ride. It was no mountain to climb because the mountain had landed right on my head and crushed me. It seemed as if I was a cartoon character where you could see my feet dangling out from under the mountain and birds flying around it. The difference was this was my life and it wasn’t funny. There was only the darkness inside the box in which I resided.  

In my adulthood, I began to embrace my mountains of abusive relationships, self-destructive behaviors (low self-esteem) and self-indulging sins. I made every excuse in the book from it was “fun” to “he” was going through a tough time when he pushed my head in the mirror. It was not because they [mountains] made me happy- of course not, but because I didn’t know that there was One who could completely move the mountains for me! God has the ability to move the mountains in your life just trust and believe!

Take a long look at the picture above. Can you imagine having your arms around that mountain? You would have to be Stretch Armstrong in order to do that impossible feat yet we have our arms wrapped around all of the things that keep us from experiencing a truly good life. When we hold onto these things, we can suffer the consequences of our choices. For example, a drug addict, once delivered, still has the damages done to their body from the drugs or staying in an abusive relationship prevents God from sending you the Man of Valor He has for you. I’m not denying the need for counseling, rehab or any of the sorts but Jesus came to give life and life more abundantly! You don’t have to live life beneath the dirt of the world. Let God pry your arms from around every mountain that is keeping you from experiencing His best for you! I encourage you today to do things God’s way. I’m “write” [right] here before you, restored and delivered; alcohol free, abuse free and knowing who I am in Christ! I am experiencing true joy and you can too!

Praise Be to God and With God’s Love,

Dee-Dee McDuffie

8/8/2011 [see blog Arms Around A Mountain]

Practical Applications: 

Salvation

is not a mountain - it’s a free gift given to us from God through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus sacrificed Himself, so that we may experience a good life- joy, hope, peace, prosperity, love, comfort, healing, contentment, and safety….and on and on! It’s a decision that you can make today. Just believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and accept Him into your heart today. Don’t try and fill that space in your life that is reserved for God with nothing else but Him! I am a living testimony to you that it is well worth it!

Get Rooted

 in a Bible-practicing church - your “set” place in the Kingdom of God. A church where you can worship with like believers and grow in your faith. Find a place where there is a balance of preaching and teaching. But most of all get rooted with God! Study, meditate, internalize and obey God’s Word!

Prayer Works!

Prayer simply is the communication between you and God. God didn’t lose His hearing when you’ve prayed according to His perfect will for your life, so therefore, prayer works; just keep expecting that mountain to be moved!

Know Who You Are In Christ

There are times when low self-esteem (and other self-destructive habits) has taken root so deep in us and our guards are up like Fort Knox that we have a hard time believing the Word of God. God is not a man that He would lie; He is trustworthy and dependable! His blessings are available for you too!

It’s a Process

 Things may not seem to change overnight, but remember your walk is a process. It will take times of making mistakes, but repentance is key. It will be times of wondering, but wisdom is available. There will be times of not knowing, but God is able. There will be times you will be doubtful, but He is trustworthy! I encourage you to not give up; don’t back down and don’t give in! Jesus has already overcome the world!

Do Your Part

 Do you need to stop hanging around the same people or going to certain places? Sometimes, you need to just walk away from some things and towards others. Have you considered Christian counseling or a Christian doctor? Fast and pray through the tough times, and stay focused on God! You’ll gain more than you will ever lose!

Scripture Meditations:

John 3:16; Matthew 17:20 (AMP); Matthew 18: 11-13 (AMP); Luke 3:5 (KJV); Zechariah 4:7; Matthew 21:21; Mark 11:23; Hebrews 12:18; Galatians 6:9; Numbers 23:19; 1 Corinthians 6:9 (NIV)

　

ARMS AROUND A MOUNTAIN

When I was on my ‘homeless’ tour [displaced from Hurricane Katrina] I had the awesome opportunity to travel west across the United States. I relished at the beauty of the sun-kissed land and enormous green trees across the states. The beauty of rich brown horses and black cows grazing amongst the countryside brought joy to my spirit. I drove pass hundreds of miles of corn fields and amazingly beautiful barns, as farmers atop over-sized plows tended their fields. The most amazing state became apparent to me as the beautiful snow-capped mountains became visibly clear upon arrival. The crisp clean air with decreasing temperatures and babbling flowing rivers revealed to me that I had arrived in Colorado. I will never forget those amazingly beautiful mountains. They seemed to expand as far as the eye could see in every direction. The tips of the mountains seemed to touch the skies and peek through the clouds. It was boundless serenity. I loved it! I was in awe of     God’s magnificent beauty of work.  

Those beautiful mountains were brought back to memory when I was gently reminded [through another believer] that God was moving a mountain out of my life, which had been there for many years. It was blocking the things He specifically had in store for me - His good blessings. He was clearing the clutter; the debris. I could literally visualize a huge mountain just being moved completely out of the way as if it were on wheels. I was able to walk straight forward, not having to go around or even through it because it wasn’t there anymore! I had the faith in God that He would move this mountain for me. A couple of days later, I re-evaluated what was spoken to me. As I began to ponder upon it, I was troubled by the fact that I was unsure of which mountain! I immediately searched scripture in my mind. Jesus teaches us that all we need is to have faith the size of a mustard seed to move the “mountains” [obstacles] in our lives and nothing will be impossible for us. I became even more troubled because my faith was there. I believed, without any doubt that God would do what He promised, so why wasn’t this particular mountain moved already? I didn’t seem to think I had many mountains in my life, so which one was it? Did I even recognize that it was a mountain? Was I in denial of it being a mountain? Could it be just a test of my faith? So I asked, “Lord, I believe so what is the problem; which mountain?”

The Holy Spirit spoke without hesitation, “You have your arms around this mountain, holding on - I can’t move it, unless you let go [or you‘ll just move with it].” Can you imagine this? - Our arms can’t even fit around a small pebble on a mountain, yet we have our arms wrapped around ungodly relationships, self-indulging sins, self-destructive behaviors; selfish dreams, poverty mentalities and all things that prevent us from receiving God’s best for us - mountains! I immediately asked God to help pry my arms off of my mountain and immediately move it for me! Deliverance came like the dawn! I felt an immediate sense of peace come over me as I let go of something that I had been holding on to for years! I believe now, God’s purpose for me has become more evident and His blessings are flowing like the rivers of Colorado!  I thought about how such a wonderful Father would always overtake [overwhelm] me with His good blessings and move the mountains in my life!

What are some of the mountains in your life right now? I encourage you today to unwrap your arms from around the mountains of ungodly relationships, sins and behaviors that are blocking the flow of your river from God (peace, joy, etc.). Allow Him to remove the clutter (lack of self-control, denial, other people, etc) - the debris and watch Him do the supernatural in your life! What God has done for me, He will do for you! Believe in Him today through His son Jesus Christ and don’t go back the same way! The faith you need can barely be seen with the naked eye! Get excited because all of His promises are for you too! Place your trust and put your hope in the Most High! Mountains be moved! In the mighty name of Jesus!

Praise Be to God and With God’s Love,
Dee-Dee McDuffie
012/ 8/1/2011
P.S. I encourage you to read my coming QuickShare blog: Mountain Madness, it will supply some practical applications for you to get started on the road to having God move your mountains!

Scripture Meditations:
Matthew 17:20 (AMP)
He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [ that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

Matthew 18:11-13 (AMP)
11For the Son of man came to save [from the penalty of eternal death] that which was lost. 12What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray and gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost? 13And if it should be that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost.

Luke 3:5 (KJV)Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;

More: Zechariah 4:7; Matthew 21:21; Mark 11:23; Hebrews 12:18

DAUGHTERS' OF THE MOST HIGH

Oh, my daughters', why do you allow him to speak to you in that manner?
Do you not know to whom you belong? The Most High?
With those words that tear down, not build up
Remember that your ears are part of the body that belongs to the Most High
What you accept into your ears is the pathway to your heart. Guard your heart!  Don't allow him to speak to you in that manner with words that cut deeper than a knife.....

Oh, my daughters', why must you accept him cursing you?

Is this love… when you're worth more than rubies?
To address you with the language of those that go down into the pit?
Rise up! Are you not called by the Most High?
Show yourself strong in the Lord!
Your tears....oh...your tears! Will they not move God into action for you?

Oh, my daughters’, with the hurt and pain attached to each syllable, run!

With the tears that flow from your eyes with each vowel, run!
With words that do not minister His Grace, run!
You belong to the Most High! The Holy One!

Accept who you are in Christ my loves’

No need to heed to those words any longer
Through Him you have been redeemed
Strength and honor are your clothing

They disgust Me with the vile language of fools
To the left and to the right they come like blows to your Spirit
Do they not know? By words My Earth was created!
By their words they will be acquitted or condemned!
Do they think that I will just stand by and allow this?!

Oh My, daughters’, Rise up!

Show yourself strong in the Lord!
Your tears….oh….your tears, they move Me into action for you!

He comes like a thief in the night, to steal, kill and destroy
Do not listen! Do not heed!
My voice shall you follow only
To become all I have called you to be!

Oh, My daughters’, do you hear Me now?
Your Savior Your Father
The One who calls you. Rise up!
Show yourself strong in the Lord!

Oh the time has come,
My daughters’ of Virtue have heeded with gladness
You guard your hearts with vengeance
You have closed your ears to his destruction….
Your tears….Yes, I’ve bottled every one
They moved Me into action for you ….
Now your tears have become tears of joy!

Praise be to God and with God's Love,
Dee-Dee McDuffie
011
8/1/2011

RESIDUAL EFFECTS

I’m feeling the residual effects of you
Just when I thought I could start anew
You’ve yanked the cord of me back to you again
The pain returns once more to bend
My heart in places I don’t want to go anymore
Its as if I hadn’t closed that door

Crying is something I know to well
He’s bottled my tears so that I could tell
others’ of the hurt and pain to avoid
He’s the One who can fill the void
But you’ve yanked the cord of me back to you again
The pain returns once more to bend
My heart in places I don’t want to go anymore
Its as if I hadn’t closed that door

So here I am wondering what to do
Have I not severed the cord of you?
“No, not completely” I hear the Holy Spirit say
“Allow me to sever, you won’t go back in anyway”
So I call upon the name of the Most High
The one I recall that you choose to deny
So here I am ready to start anew
Yet I feel the residual effects of you

“Father, help me to completely depend on You!
I'm sitting here wanting to close that door
don't allow him to hurt me anymore... "
I cry in sheer joy at the sound of Your voice
I remember that I've made the choice
to allow You to help when I call upon the Most High
“Thank you Father,” as You draw nigh
“Now I have severed the cord of you
and I will wipe away the residue ….”

Praise Be to God and With God's Love
Dee-Dee McDuffie
010
07/22/11

A HIGH TOLERANCE OF PAIN

She was driving at least 50 miles per hour in a 25 mile zone. I was in the passenger seat of her burgundy ‘92 Toyota Corolla, breathing heavily and beginning to hyperventilate as she ran the second red light. The song “You Can Make It” was playing on the radio as she tapped along on the steering wheel and said, “See! God knows that you can make it!” As we laughed, my girlfriend flew over a wooden bridge that shook as we passed over it and the small creek below, breaking the sound barrier! “We’ll be there in a few minutes!” she continued. I felt like we would be at the hospital for the delivery of my daughter in a few seconds! I was not only afraid of the possibility of death in the way my girlfriend was driving, but I was also afraid of the pain of delivery! During the delivery, I realized the pain wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be due to previous painful experiences in my lifetime. In my early teens, I was diagnosed with extreme endometriosis. The pain associated with it was extremely discomforting to say the least! I had school, sports and the like, so therefore I was told by others that I had to learn to become tolerant of the pain. Each time, I would tell myself that it wasn’t that bad, breathe deeply and put my focus elsewhere. I developed a strategy just to ignore the pain and push through to the point - miscarriages, an ectopic pregnancy, pneumonia; burns, cuts and bruises over the years were really not an issue for me. I developed a high tolerance of pain, even though in some cases, I almost died! I recently was reminded of my high tolerance of pain as I burned myself at work on a 350 degree oven! I quickly took a deep breath…said “oh well” and pushed through and focused on my work. Basically, I ignored the pain!

As I was in meditation and study, I thought about my high tolerance of pain and how it correlated with my past relationships. The first time that I was slapped so hard that I thought my eye was going to pop out of the socket by someone I loved, I told myself that it wasn’t that bad. The next time my head hit the mirror and the pain permeated throughout my body, I told myself to ignore the pain and push through. Looking back, I realized that I built up a high tolerance of pain in my relationships. Every time I ignored the signal of pain, ignored the red flags of warning, it cost me much more than one can even imagine. I tolerated the pain of severe abuse, cheating, addictions, jail, tickets, financial problems, manipulation, lying and on and on. WHY? Love? Sex? Loneliness? Baby-Daddy? Financial Help? Companionship? Low Self-Esteem? Maybe the answer could be all of the above!

Pain is described in the dictionary as an unpleasant physical sensation, feeling of discomfort, emotional distress and/or someone or something troublesome. Pain is an indicator that something is wrong and should be addressed. For example, I would have never known that I had endometriosis if I wasn’t in some type of pain. Now, we could go on and on about degrees of pain, but I think you get the hint! Pain is to get your attention, not to ignore the attention needed.  

Have you allowed each painful incident in your current relationship to develop into a high tolerance of pain? Have you ignored the signals of pain? Have you taken deep breathes and focused only on the so-called good when you need to address the painful areas? Do you need to re-evaluate the areas (or the person ) causing the pain your experiencing? Sometimes, you need to walk away from things to get clarity, especially if the pain is ever-increasing.  

Jesus Christ died so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. It is not God’s desire for you to suffer excessive unnecessary painful experiences. We all will have trials and tribulations in this life, but it is not God’s desire for us to wallow in them.  You don’t have to stay in an area of unhappiness and defeat - that is a trick (bondage) of the enemy- Satan! You can experience true joy, which supersedes happiness! When you come to know who you are in Christ, your tolerance becomes a shield of protection to God’s temple.  Don’t allow anyone to treat God’s temple (you) with disrespect - even you. Find out what God says about you in His Word beginning with His magnificent gift of salvation! God is all you need since all good things come from Him! Allow Him to give you true insight and godly wisdom into your future godly relationship of courting that will bring you to marry your Man of Valor! A man [or woman for my male readers!] after God’s own heart! Come out of the darkness of the enemy (Satan) - the bondage he has you in and be delivered.  In Jesus’ mighty name!God did it for me, He will do it for you!

Praise Be to God and With God’s Love

Delivered and Restored,

Dee-Dee McDuffie

07/4/2011

006
Scripture Meditations: John 3:16 (NIV)

For God so loved the world that he gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Psalm 31:1-2 (NIV)

In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge, let me never be put to shame deliver me in your righteousness (2)Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.

Psalm 121:1 (NIV)

I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from?(2) My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 118:6 (NIV)

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Proverbs 11:14 (MSG)

Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances. 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (AMP)19Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own, 20You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, [made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8(AMP)
4Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].6It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
7Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 8Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecythe gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].

FINDING HOPE

Years ago, I encountered a spirited young woman named Hope who was bright, funny and intelligent. She was the accounts payable clerk in the hotel in which we both worked. We quickly became friends through our daily encounters whether in the café or the office. I found that we had a lot in common especially in regards to our relationships with our mates. We’d spend time laughing about what quirky, yet irritating event happened and would compare notes, so to speak. 

Overtime, I noticed some changes in Hope. She would stop by my desk and tell me the latest drama with her boyfriend. It seemed as if he would take her on a rollercoaster ride of the ups of intense happiness the downs of extreme sorrow. The stress overtime intensified and Hope had a hard time focusing on her work; just getting through the day seemed a task for her. There were days when Hope was so overwhelmed with problems that she resided in a constant state of confusion. Her conversation was broken because she was easily distracted by thoughts which ran through her troubled mind.  

One day, Hope and I had a brief conversation about going to church. She stated how she hadn’t been in quite awhile, but yet wanted to return. I had just become saved myself, therefore talking to her about God entailed sending her to a more mature believer in the office. She began by telling me things were getting pretty rocky for her because she was about to lose her home. She continued by stating how her boyfriend hadn’t been working, was not contributing to the household and her income wasn’t enough to take care of the bills. He also owed back child support in which she was paying in order to keep him out of jail. A few weeks later, she came with good news of marriage and she wanted things to turn around for her - and her now husband. After all she had been through with him; she felt that once they were married their problems would dissolve. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, they didn’t.   

With some nudging from her boss to prevent the loss of her job, Hope went to a counselor. I finally noticed something was wrong with Hope after she had been missing for a few weeks on vacation. Unfortunately, she eventually had a nervous breakdown. Circumstances in her life had taken over her thoughts and actions until she could no longer work and had to be medicated in order to think partially clear. Months later, I saw Hope as she returned to work. She didn’t seem like herself because she was so heavily medicated. Hope was like a person in the distance. She eventually lost her job and home. It saddened me to see her hurting, and the gossip that accompanied her breakdown, hurt her even more. I left that hotel never really knowing what happened to Hope or how she was doing. I prayed that she had found herself again and the Hope I knew returned to her former spirited self. 

Recently as I was in meditation and study, I found myself pondering about the hope (to desire something with confident expectation of its fulfillment) and trust (confidence in and reliance on) we need to put in God and not man. It brought me to recall my friendship with Hope and how she put her hope and trust in man (specifically her husband) and not completely in God. She unfortunately didn’t have anything to grasp onto once the circumstances in her life took a turn for the worse, even more so when her expectations and trust were crushed. I believe it was then that Hope lost her grasp on life and lost herself. 

When things go array in your life, where do you turn? Do you turn inside yourself, to others’, external drugs/alcohol or to God? Where do you place your hope? In whom do you place your trust? I watched Hope deteriorate from not finding Hope (and trust) in God. I encourage you today to find yourself (who you are in Christ) in Him! Put your hope and trust completely in the Almighty. He is the one who holds your peace, joy, comfort and all of your needs! God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that you can ask or think! Turn all your cares over to God today and watch Him do the supernatural for you! If you feel as if you have lost hope - rejoice! God can restore your hope! He’s the restorer of all things, including HOPE!

Praise Be to God and With God’s Love,

Dee-Dee McDuffie

07/11/11

008

Scripture Meditations:

Psalm 118:8 (NIV)

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man

Psalm 25:3 (AMP)

Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause.

Psalm 42:5 (AMP

) Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God. 

Psalm 62:5 (AMP)

My soul, wait only upon god and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…..”

S.W.A.T.

"Music playing" dadadun..dadadun ...dadadun, dun-dun-dunt! Intro with shooting and radio talk, helicopters flying over, men in ski masks who can't get out of the bank while holding hostages who are sweating bullets!  Now this is my kind of movie!

I love action movies for that simple reason - a lot of action! Kick some behind please! (Let's remember not to be judgemental...(laughing)!

Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) with Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J (as I knew him back in the day) aka James Todd  is a good movie just for the sake of being action packed! Now, before we go any further, I am a Christian- so therefore, we could leave out the cursing, maybe some of the random killing, but there surprisingly were no "sexual content" type of scenes - some verbal references, but overall none of the sort.  

The movie is the basic "good vs. evil" as in most action packed films.  Some highlights that I liked in the film with relation to real life?....

A good leader makes a good team.... Samuel Jackson (Sgt. Hondo) leads the team with encouragement and positive reinforcement while putting together a team [although different in cultural backgrounds - DWO what?] that works together to achieve a common goal. Hmmm... I know someone for myself - JC is an awesome leader!

Some people have integrity and some people can be bought (with money) ....Enough said

The usual: Teamwork pays off! Who's team are you on?

No one who does evil - wins in the end.... Now we all know who wins in the end- we do!

Someone always wants to see you fail - Captain Fuller! [really Satan]   

Choices and Decisions: Use wisdom (umm, not your own, ask Him)  and you can't go wrong!

And of course the title : Special Weapons: Shield of Faith? Breastplate of Righteousness?

And Tactics: Fasting? Meditation? Yea and  here we thought God wasn't involved in movie makin'. (laughing)

Now, there was much more that I got out of this movie, but we'll be here all day!

Overall, a kick life in it's behind so that it doesn't kick you in yours! Just sayin...watch and enjoy and see what you get out of it!

James Bond...here I come! (Bishop Ben Gibert - 007 Principle - I've got gadgets! Again with the movies!)

Praise Be to God and With God's Love,

Dee-Dee McDuffie

P.S. Hope I don't get in trouble for putting the picture with my post! Hmmm? Is that legal???

ONE-WAY OR ROUND TRIP? (A Quick Share)

To my readers: Although I speak with divine revelation and direction, it is still very important that as you read this blog, you pray and seek God on how it applies to your own situation. There are various aspects of God’s Word and His will for your life. Please, I encourage you to seek even more Christian counsel (e.g. www.dwo.org) as it pertains to your specific situation. No matter what, know that God’s restoration and deliverance is available to all, even you! 

In my lifetime, I have traveled extensively whether by train, automobile or plane. I traveled for various reasons including business, family emergencies and vacations. Some trips were fun while others were physically and mentally exhausting. The question most asked it seemed when I traveled was “Is this one-way or a round trip?” Another question was “How much baggage do you have?” In my meditation time, I was reminded of how my past relationships were much like my travels. Most times, they were a round trip being physically and mentally exhausting, when they needed to be a one-way ticket out! The even more unfortunate thing was that I held onto baggage in which I should have left unclaimed (bitterness, resentment, hatred)!

I have spent what seems like a lifetime in bad relationships. I would return to a bad relationship only to be hurt and abused once again. My reasoning’s ranged from thinking “he” was the one to needing financial assistance or even just plain loneliness. God has a better plan for our lives and this (abundance of unhappiness) is not His desire for us! Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly! If his type of love is disrespectful, manipulating, physically abusive or verbally degrading, it’s time to find true love in God! God’s love is restoration, deliverance, peace and joy and it is available to you right now! God knows the heart of man (who “he” really is) and He knows whose best for you! Allow Him to choose the right man of valor (whom you are to marry) for you! In Jesus’ mighty name, Is this one-way or round trip?

Practical Applications/Meditations: (Prov. 31, 26:11; Ps 16, 21, 27, 28, 31, 68, 91; 1Cor 13:4-8)

Start at the Salvation Station:

If you have not received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to do so now! Receive all that God has for you right now! Life won’t be perfect, but it’s more rewarding with Jesus!
Get on the Train of Understanding:  

(of who you are in Christ Jesus!): Find every scripture on what God says about you in His Word and meditate (think about and internalize) on them! When you internalize who you are in Christ, you won’t allow anyone to treat God’s temple with disrespect!

Listen to the Conductor’s Instructions:

Get in a Bible-based practicing church and be covered by whom God has called to oversee and teach you! Most of all learn to develop a personal relationship with the “Conductor” Himself and heed to His instructions!

Where are You going?

Map and plan out what you’ve hoped and dreamed for and begin working towards those goals! Pray and Ask God for Help and people will begin to surround you with solutions to your problems!

Who’s Talking on your PA System?

It is very imperative that you seek Godly counsel because not everyone will give you good advice! The church? A Christian co-worker? Someone who you can sincerely trust to help you achieve your new found goals and grow in your faith!

Don’t Give Up!

The Enemy (Satan) is very real! He does not want you to succeed and is very subtle in his scheme to block your destiny that God has available for you! We all have had our hearts played and broken by “him”, but God will never leave you nor forsake you! He will supply your every need from comfort to financial help! Trust and believe!

Not a round trip?

Don’t go back to the island of hopelessness when you could be in Hawaii! Unless God has done the changing in “him”, most likely it’s not a lasting one! Continue moving forward on the train of success with God and Jesus as your Lord and Savior!

Praise be to God and With God’s Love, Dee-Dee McDuffie 6/19/2011

A LOG TURNED INTO A CABIN

I used to love watching Home and Garden Television on cable. One show in particular, Log Cabins, portrayed how a beautiful lavish log cabin started out as one simple beam of wood. The show revealed the process of building the cabin which was relatively slow because of the interference of weather, materials, etc. Although each episode was only an hour, you could travel through the four seasons as you watched them fully complete one house, which began as a log. I was reminded of this show during a brief encounter with a woman.

As I was speaking with her, I realized how her speech was very negative. She looked for and found something negative in everything, especially people. When she did acknowledge that she had some issues, the blame went to someone else or had excuses attached. Later that evening, as I was thinking about how she irritated me, I thought of the scripture: Matthew 7:3-5 that says, “3Why do you stare from without at the very small particle that is in your brother's eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam of timber that is in your own eye? 4Or how can you say to your brother, Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam of timber in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother's eye. (Amp)

A beam of timber…a log.

Still irritated, the Holy Spirit reminded me of how I was delivered from this same issue. He gently reminded me of how I used to blame everyone else too, had a tendency to find the negative in others’, but never accepted that I was a negative person. My mouth was negative, my thoughts were negative, my actions (or reactions) were negative. I spent most of my time, like her, being negative. I thought about (because of my own experience) how this type of behavior blocks the flow of God in our lives.

I recalled what brought my deliverance about and what God had done for me. One evening, as I was in deep meditation, the Holy Spirit spoke, saying that in order for me to grow and become all God has called me to be, there were some things that needed to be admitted and addressed. So, I began, “I am judgmental, a manipulator, a slanderer…” and it went on. I cried so hard that I thought my heart was going to pop out my chest! He revealed to me this type of behavior was displeasing in God’s sight no matter how I tried to previously justify it

(1). I heard the small still quiet voice say, “I’m here.” I cried uncontrollably as He continued, “I love you”. I knew then God loved me enough to help me and I needed His help! “Don’t leave me like this!” I yelled in tears. I had a desire to have permanent change because my actions didn’t line up with Truth. I was then reminded of His promises of deliverance (2). I immediately began regimens taught by my spiritual father including biblical fasting, prayer and just shutting up! Again, I admitted that I needed to change, so that my Father in Heaven could help me change. Next, I sought practical ways to implement those necessary changes including changing my thought pattern, speech, friends and surroundings.

When I finished pondering upon my own deliverance, I had an understanding of her current situation. It is difficult for her to be delivered because her log had turned into a cabin. She has been saved for many years but because she built her log cabin of slander, discord and judgment, one log at a time, it was now (not luxurious) a cabin full of negativity. Along the way, just like me, the weather of life aided in building her cabin, so much that she can no longer see what is within her, but only the “specks of sawdust” in others’.

My immediate prayer was, “Lord, how can we help her?”

The response: "Be transparent."

(3) So here today, I’m “write” [right] before you because I too had that same problem. I encourage you today to not allow each log of negativity through your speech or thought, turn into a cabin that blocks the flow of God in your life. Wake up! Arise! Become all God has called you to be! He can deliver you, just like He did for me! It may take time to crush the house that you’ve built around yourself, but God is a wrecking ball ready and willing to destroy that old cabin and give you a new luxurious one! Change is necessary to receive a consistent flow of God’s blessings in your life! I look forward to hearing your testimonies as I was just transparent with mine!

Praise be to God and With God’s Love,

Dee-Dee McDuffie
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6/6/2011

Scripture Meditations:

(1)

Proverbs 10:18 (AMP)

18He who hides hatred is of lying lips, and he who utters slander is a [self-confident] fool.1 Corinthians 6:10 (AMP)
Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.
Colossians 3:8 (AMP)
But now put away and rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances from your lips!
(2) Psalm 32:7 (AMP)
You are a hiding place for me; You, Lord, preserve me from trouble, You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

Psalm 35:9 (AMP)
Then I shall be joyful in the Lord; I shall rejoice in His deliverance.
 (3)
Revelation 12:11 (KJV) 11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death

In Honor of His Promise

To our daughter's.... My mother passed away when I was 9 1/2...I thank God for my spiritual mother...but I sincerely miss "My Mommy." ..... Don't take yours for granted, you never know when God may call her home.
  I heard the words you said to your mother today
It hurts me to hear the things that you say
Why are you angry and why are you mad?….
It hurt me to see your mother so sad
Tears rolled from her face as she didn’t know what to do
Matter of fact, she’s not sure what’s wrong with you

You treat her with disrespect and dishonor her name
But you claim you love her just the same
Did you forget how much she does for you in the day?
Why do you hurt her in the things that you say?
Tears rolled from her face as she didn’t know what to do
Matter of fact, she’s doesn’t know what’s wrong with you

You slam the door as if you were right
But I am here to say, no more going back the same way
God’s Word is all too clear
Honor thy mother and father…do not dishonor… what part did you not hear?

It’s all for you to live your life long
No need to cut it short
So I love you enough to say - don’t go back the same way
What good will all that anger do?
Maybe today, try a different way
And love her just like she loves you!

Praise be to God and with God's Love,
Dee-Dee McDuffie

Scripture Meditations:
Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)
Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV)
Galatians 5: 22 (NIV)
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
Proverbs 15:20 (NIV)

Writer's Workshop Homework

Title: Baking 101
(1) Baking Equipment
- Baking Pans
- Rolling Pins, Spatulas and Other necessities
- The Elite of Equipment: Tips, carving utensils and the like
(2) Baking Terminology
- Basic Culinary French Pronunciation
- Understand French Terms
- Recipe Abbreviations
(3) Basic Baking Techniques
- Oven Temperature
- Convection or Conventional
- Timing is everything
(4) Understanding the Chemistry of Baking
- Ingredient Knowledge
- Uses for Ingredients
- Chemical Makeup of Various Ingredients

Hell is a Curse Word

In my profession as a pastry chef, one thing I’ve noticed working in the “back of the house” is a profound amount of profane language. As a co-worker and I were talking one day, he stated, “It’s the nature of the business.” As I reviewed the thirteen plus years I have spent in this industry, it was then I realized it was commonplace to curse, drink and smoke amongst chefs due to the high level of stress. Well, at least that is the excuse most would give, including me. 

Even after I was saved, God had to address the stronghold of cursing the Enemy had on my life. Curse words rolled off my tongue with ease for many years and because of this, it would take extended times of prayer, fasting and constant repentance to break this stronghold. Initially, I tried to do this on my own without God's help and to no avail, began by spelling the word out so that I wouldn’t say it. Next, I would say words that rhymed with the curse word and finally I would say the first letter with ‘in’ on the end of it. God revealed to me that no matter how it came out of my mouth, it was still dishonoring to Him (1).

During the process of my deliverance, every curse word I would hear began to cause me to be extremely uncomfortable. As I reviewed what seemed to be a lifetime of cussin', many people that I encountered would tell me how “un-lady like” it was to speak profane language. It’s almost as if it brings the ugly out of us and the natural beauty (being created in the image of God (2)) disappears.

One of the most used words that I would hear whether in conversation or in the media was the word “hell”. During my meditation in the Word, I began to ponder upon these types of profane words. I contemplated whether they were actually profane because they were used in the Bible too. As the Holy Spirit spoke to me, He revealed to me it is in the context that we use these words that cause them to be profane. So, saying “__ naw!” is still displeasing in God’s sight. Have we become so complacent in our lives or Christian walk that we believe God is not concerned with how we use the words we speak as much as the words themselves?

One morning, I found myself using this word as I recalled an interaction with a co-worker. I immediately reminded myself (as I repented) that “hell” is a curse word. Then, like a ton of bricks - it hit me! Hell is a curse word! A curse is defined in the dictionary as follows: 1. swearword: a

swearword, obscenity, or blasphemous oath 2. evil prayer: a malevolent appeal to a supernatural being for harm to come to somebody or something, or the harm that is thought to result from this 3. source of harm: a cause of unhappiness or harm i.e. the curse of poverty. 
The latter definition is what hit me like a ton of bricks - Hell is the source of harm; a cause of unhappiness or harm… i.e. the curse of Hell.  Nothing good comes from a curse! I immediately thought of the place where Satan resides and the curse of spending eternal life there! Hell is a curse word! There are no blessings that come from using the word with our mouths and definitely not in residing there!

If on the other hand, Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly 

(3), why do we call to (speak it out (4)) “Hell” every chance we get? What if we decided today, not to allow any curse words that destroy and dim our beauty to roll off of our tongues and decide that Heaven is where we would rather reside and call to it? Heaven cometh! In Jesus Name! (5)

Praise Be To God and With God’s Love,

Dee-Dee McDuffie
5/24/2011
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Scripture References:

(1) Ephesians 5
(2) Genesis 1:27
(3) John 10:10
(4) Proverbs 18:21
(5) James 3: 3-12

(1) Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Tattooed

When I was in my teenage years, I didn’t have ownership of anything. I didn’t own anything that belonged specifically to me. The house that I lived in belonged to my father, the car we drove belonged to my father and the money that I had belonged to my father. My father provided all that I needed and because of this, I was very content regardless of the fact that these things didn’t specifically belong to me.   My father never made it a big deal to remind me these "things" belonged to him unless I mistreated them.  He taught me to respect the things that he had freely given to me because of his love for me. 

As I grew into my adulthood, I still didn’t have ownership of anything. As I watched others’ buy homes and cars, these were not things I obtained for myself because of bad choices. Between abusive relationships that consistently reminded me that I was not in control, and bad choices that proved I had nothing of substance (in others’ opinion), I looked for ways to have something of my own.

One day as I was conversing with peers about tattoos, I asked each of them why they decided to get tattooed. I was given several reasons from “I just needed something for me” to “its tribute to God”. As I thought about why I would like to have a tattoo myself, I thought this could be the one thing that I owned - so to speak. The powerful women’s declaration came to my mind - “My body belongs to me!” In my mind, no one could take it away from me because it was permanent. I immediately went out and had a Gecko tattooed on my ankle. I was so excited about it; I told everyone how the pain was worth it! Years later I would get another tattoo and to be honest, for the same reason. As I contemplated the possibility of a third tattoo, I resisted because I watched how others’ had become addicted and I realized this could become a problem for me. 

After I received salvation through Jesus Christ, I came across some young ladies who asked me about tattoos and if it was a sin. As I pointed them to scripture (1), one young lady reminded me that I have two tattoos, so what was the big deal because - “God had forgiven you, right?” At that point, I realized that my actions could affect the decisions of others. As I remembered back of why I thought ownership was so important, I recalled the experiences that led to this action. I was never the same after this conversation. I constantly wanted to cover the shame of my youth, (2) my tattoos. Although I watched what type of clothes I wore so that my tattoos wouldn’t be seen, I lived in constant condemnation. One evening, while in prayer and repentance about my tattoos, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me that through Jesus Christ, I didn’t have to live in condemnation, but our bodies are not our own (3). Our bodies belong to God. God didn’t want me to have to constantly cover the shame, guilt and error that Jesus had taken care of, but it could make my witnessing for Christ more difficult. I was saddened deeply by the fact that my decision to get tattooed, could affect someone else in a negative manner where they might disobey God (4).

Like my father, our Heavenly Father will provide us with all that we need to be content. He loves and cares for us and promises that He will supply all that we need! He also gives us the blessings of obedience and the results of disobedience in His Word to keep us focused (5) on right living.   When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He was saying, “The pain was worth it!” for us all. He sacrificed His body, so that we could live and glorify God in ours. Why should we go through all the trouble of covering the shame of our youth or live in condemnation, when we could make the decision now to honor God through obedience to His Word? Although forgiveness is available, we should never test God’s grace and mercy.

It is my sincere prayer, as you read this, you will not mark what God created in His image.  I know for myself it has not been worthwhile looking for clothes to specifically cover my tattoos especially when it is a cute blouse! The Bible says in Leviticus (1) that we are not to tattoo our bodies or pierce them. When we mark the body (temple) that God allows us to move in freely, we dishonor Him, even if the tattoo was meant for Him! (6). It’s like saying, “God you’re work was just ok, but I have a better look for me so let me add a little something to it!” If like me, you unfortunately have made a mistake, I pray that you will come to realize there is no condemnation in Jesus Christ because He was “tattooed” enough for us all (7) !  Receive God’s forgiveness today in the name of Jesus!

You are beautiful the way God created you! Make the decision today to live in the body God gave you freely through Jesus Christ, tattoo free! Take care of the temple that God gave you and you will glorify the Most High!

Praise be to God and with God’s Love,

Dee-Dee McDuffie

5/12/2011

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Scripture References:

1. Leviticus 19:28 (New King James Version)

2. Jeremiah 3:23-25 (New King James Version)

3. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New King James Version)

4. Romans 14:21 (New King James Version)

5. Deuteronomy 28 (NIV)

6. Genesis 1:27 (New King James Version)

7. John 3:16 (NIV)