A Permanent Black Eye

I have thought about quitting recently more than you can even possibly imagine. But here's the thing: I just don't want to give the enemy that easy of a win any longer.

In my past I have quit school, relationships, goals, dreams and visions because I thought it didn't matter- I, didn't matter.  I thought I wouldn't amount to anything.  So I became complacent (with excuses).

 

I became complacent with lack and a poverty mentality by calling it humility.
I became complacent believing if my daughter made it then I didn't care about my own success.
I became complacent with fake joy (love, peace) disguised as tattoos, sex, drinking, drugs and disgusting attention from ungodly men.
I became complacent with being overweight saying I love myself, yet almost dying four times by neglecting my temple.

I became complacent with toxic relationships not choosing to believe that God has a godly man just for me.  Nor did I believe I could have deep godly relationships with women so I became my ex-husband's needy hermit. 

I became complacent holding the enemy's manual of my life- doing whatever I pleased, saying whatever I wanted and calling it freedom.
I became complacent with laziness & lack of discipline claiming I was waiting on God but just stuck in fear.
I became complacent by walking by sight and not by faith!

Complacency with excuses is like a  permanent black eye from the enemy!

 

BUT GOD! (Sweet baby Jesus, BUT GOD!) swoops in again and every single time with His superman, prince-charming self and His continually working gift of salvation and power! He whispers: Don't you dare quit. I will give you strength. Fight sweetheart, fight!  So I stand on and confess Jeremiah 29:11 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. (NIV)

 

So if I am going to appear as if I am going down, the enemy will have a black eye and a cut to remind him whose I am! I will kick his "tale" (of lies and deceit about my life with demonic influences and distractions) and fight! I know God will fight for me, but he still needs my participation!

Don't keep getting sucker-punched- I dare you to fight the good fight of faith today! Say it with me: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! (PS 27:13)

 

It's time to flex and go round after round (after round, after round) and kick the enemy's "tale"!

Dee-Dee Lee
Transparent for His Glory

 

NOT A CHILD FOR ME

To my readers: I am sharing my experience as a parent in today’s blog.  It is not my intention to come across as a child psychologist in any manner.  I do not consider myself a child-rearing expert or therapist nor am I certified.  I am just being transparent about my experience and how God has changed me while stewarding His gift that is my daughter.  I pray that regardless of your role in a child’s life, this blesses you in some manner.  Dee-Dee Lee  Col 3:21; Eph 6:4; Ps 112:2

"Your dad is a *(&S^ idiot!" I yelled at the top of my lungs with a few more choice words between brief short breathes of air.  At the age of 9, my daughter sat still and quiet in the back seat of my car.  I turned to find tears rolling down her face.  “That really hurt my feelings Mommy.” She began to cry more intensely.  As I regrouped and shut the trap that is called my mouth, the Holy Spirit spoke (paraphrased): "If you don't change, you will destroy a life."  It hurt to hear this yet it caused me to turn from so many harsh words, habits and traits that I had once embraced.  Some of these being known and some having to be revealed to me by God.

As she grew, the Holy Spirit spoke in my prayer time once again - "Although you are a good parent, you are not parenting her as I desire."   In other words, I was doing well in that I wasn’t abusive with my words.  Yet because God had created her, He knew what words would penetrate her heart to become the person He had intended.  He knew what areas needed my attention first and other areas He deemed as unimportant for that particular time.  I would spend time focusing on what God deemed important for her life and He would remind me the 'how, when, where and what' mattered immensely in my parenting.

Later as she was beginning to enter high school and on to college, the Holy Spirit spoke once again, "You must be consistently consistent in your parenting or she will not learn to respect you, nor Me.  You shall not be the fun parent, but the godly parent that I've called you to be."  In other words, I could not compete with the other side of her Dad's family nor could I say one thing and completely do something different based on emotions.  I couldn’t allow the guilt I felt losing custody over her to impact how I responded to their ways of parenting.  

For example, for me, I couldn’t be a girlfriend speaking with her about her boyfriends.  Nor could she watch me bed-hop from one man to another while teaching her the ramifications of pre-marital sex.   I had to teach her what the Word said and be an example.  More so, whether she liked or hated me for it.   The times that I had epic fails had to be discussed appropriately with a sincere apology and repentant heart. 

As she graduates from college, I'm watching our relationship flourish into a great parental-child friendship.  We talk about everything from her goals to relationships.  Her dreams, hurts, fears and questions about God are what we tend to spend hours on the phone mulling over.   God has helped me to create a positive habit of asking for His help before I open my mouth in response to anything  she speaks out.  Now, her decisions are important to her as she doesn’t want to take the scenic route to God as I once did.  I hear the reflections in her voice of many statements I’ve so eloquently spoken from her youth.  She is so much more than I am and I absolutely love and thank God for His hand on her life.  Nope, neither of us perfect by any means, but God-focused is a great place to reside.

Today as I watch kids hitting their parents, spitting on them and words of demonic influences flow off of their young tongues, it makes me not want any more children.  I would say under my breath, that’s not a child for me.  In this world knowing that we are in the end days, I have spent time in prayer and was honest with God.  I told Him I really don’t want anymore because I’m afraid to have a child like that because I’m liable to hurt [punch] them!  And more so, punch some of these  parents in their throat!

I heard no response.

The Holy Spirit spoke during at a completely separate time in church service.  It was an unintended clear interruption from Him.  “Shall you not have any more children at My request?” Huh? What? – Did you say something Daddy? Words that in response portrayed as if I didn’t hear Him the first time. I heard Him.  “You shall have more children, whether it be from your womb, or not – but you shall oversee many.”  As I sat there writing frantically – let me stop here really quick.   When God speaks to you, He is not obligated to repeat Himself, therefore have the respect for Him and write it down.  [Bishop I.V. Hillard]  Ok, so as I was writing frantically- I remembered each child that I’ve encountered on my journey as a parent.  Those who were my daughter’s friends or others’ who now call me Mom.  I don’t take this role lightly because you can destroy a life.  As a post on social media so easily pointed out - it’s easier to build a child than to repair an adult. 

In summary, as God has helped me every step of the way, one personal command has stood out for me: “Daily you shall seek My face and believe when there is no evidence to believe that I will do as I promised with your child.  My grace is sufficient for you and will cover her…”  There are many Biblical promises that I stand on along with this statement to help in the difficult seasons. 

As I stated before, I am not an expert nor a therapist, more so I am sure outside influences and other reasons are why we seem to be losing the battle with our children.  Today, I pray for parents everywhere, that they would come under the mighty hand of God in their parenting.  That we as Christians would be watchmen standing on the tower, never moving as intercessors for the next generation.  And while sometimes, although it may not work out as planned even with God fully involved, you may find peace.  It will be in knowing at least you've done all that you could because you have invoked His presence [every time] in your relationship with your child(ren).  Also, that God will keep His promises.  Let this be your peace.  With God’s help every step of the way, let’s raise a God-fearing generation who honor God with their lives according to His Word.   

It's time to flex (and invoke the power of God in our parenting),

Dee-Dee Lee

A Few Things (and there have been many) I’ve learned:

·        Invoke the presence of God before handling your children in any manner.  Don't be in denial about who you are as a parent or who your child is/isn't - let God reveal all things in you and them. 

·        Be consistently consistent in your parenting.  Don’t give in based on emotions.   Make sure they see you in action, not just hear you on a consistent basis.  It produces respect and trust.   

·        Pray with and for them daily. God will show you how to handle them.  Remember His grace is sufficient.  Therefore, He will show up in any manner that you need at that particular time.

·        Being a godly parent doesn’t make you less fun, they will respect you and God in the end.

·        Spending an hour and a half explaining why they need to do as you’ve asked will be more frustrating for you than them. Make teaching moments plain, keep it simple and short.

 Your turn! What could you add to this list?

IT'S TIME TO FLEX

Philippians 4:13King James Version (KJV)
¹³ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
A few weeks back, I shared a video of Neo (from the movie The Matrix) flexing after winning a battle effortlessly against the Agent.  Neo appears and flexes his muscles, and as he does, the walls of the room flex, exhibiting his total control over The Matrix.

For me, I absolutely love this movie for its symbolism, yet I won’t go into complete depth of which all that entails.  I would however, encourage you to watch the movie and see what thought-provoking scenes stood out for you.  Did you find yourself in this movie or in a particular scene? I would encourage you to write it down.  It’s something to see when we can look back at written pages and review our lives – then and now. Tracking produces traction.    

For me, simply put, the flex was so important because it exhibits all of the training, skill, knowledge and understanding coming to fruition in a battle previously lost and now won.  It shows diligence, the work put in that is now paying off.   For Neo, who has trained extensively, learned lessons along the way using different tactics of how to approach the battle has finally won.  Simply put, there’s no flexing if there’s no battle to win or “Matrix” to conquer. 

For me, today my “Matrix” was going for a walk outside before work.  I had not been doing so due to stress from the last quarter of 2014.  One would think that would be the best time to work out, but my focus seemed to solely be on my income flowing inward bound.  I was clearly distracted by this - imbalanced to say the least.  Yet I still have a goal that I am believing God to reach.

This morning as I woke, I posed a question to the Lord.  Lord, what would you like me to pray about this morning? I felt real “holy” and all so I thought just go with it!  The response: You.  So I began to pray as I do, when the Holy Spirit spoke and said, “Stop. Let’s just talk.” I began to speak as if talking with a friend, but more so I listened to Him.  I learned quite a bit about myself this morning.  Some of the reasons of not getting things done in 2014.  One of my root problems would be addressed– my fear of lack.  And some practical ways were given to address my fears.   I then asked, “What’s on the agenda today Lord? His response: Prayer, Praise and Preparation.

I stumble around a bit, get up and begin to praise Him through song.  I figured I had already prayed – it’s simply a conversation between God and myself right? Right.  So, as I hum to my own tune, I struggled to get dressed for my walk outside.  My workout clothes are much tighter than they used to be; I felt like a stuffed pig in a blanket! Exhausted before I even began, I was now irritated.  I immediately told myself – “Don’t think – just do.” Some words of advice given to me from a friend.  It doesn’t mean don’t think about what you're doing, just don’t allow your thinking to keep you from a positive action.   So my stuffed self and I roll out the door with headphones in hand.  As I began to walk, I realized one of my goals this year is to complete a Triathlon.  This is just the preparation part of it.  So, I walked four miles and as I returned to my humble abode, I flexed! I completed a task that is in preparation for reaching a goal.   Now, what other areas can I flex in today? I just did – I shared in the forum God has given me.  I set aside time to write.  Now, it’s your turn! Go ahead – do one small thing that will lead you to your bigger goal and FLEX!

It’s time to flex,

Dee-Dee Lee

FIRST THINGS FIRST

                                           

 

Psalm 138:8: NKJV
The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of Your hands. 

I woke this morning to the gritting of my teeth.  My jaws seemingly locked shut from the thoughts of "what ifs" running through my mind.  I heard the Holy Spirit say, "Come spend some time with Me."- but the stress of my circumstances seemed to great to focus on spending time instead I needed an answer.  I prayed vaguely and  read a few passages in the Word, yet still was uncomfortable.  Lord, how am I going to be able to do this? I questioned before listening. I stressed again and again.

"Come, spend some time with Me....take a shower, get dressed and let's spend our time together.  Go out today and get your coffee. - But Father, (I so rudely interrupted) I have coffee right here!  - "No, go out, besides you really don't like that coffee anyway."  

     I had been hearing lately, "Don't throw everything [mail] away before looking at it." 

So I had a free coffee coupon on my table and didn't even realize it!  

Still gritting my teeth, entering my car -  my tire light is shining bright to tell me something is wrong.  I make my way to the coffee shop with my engine humming to the tune of needing an oil change.  

I quickly remind myself of the principles of the Word: My God shall supply all of my needs.....I started to vaguely pray for others...praying in the Spirit. Yet still my jaws are tight with fear.

     I walk into the coffee shop to three beautiful young ladies behind the counter who are extremely stressed.  I order my free coffee and with the most polite mannerisms I've seen in young people they began to serve me. "Yes ma'am. Thank you...Do you want to upgrade?" They were so beautifully sincere. 

Waiting for my coffee, I hear the stress in their voices of the concerns of college life.  "I may not even be able to go to school next semester" - "I know, I'm failing two of my classes, I'm just hoping I pass"...."Right, me too!" I don't know with my schedule and having to work...." The conversation made my heart heavy. 

     My immediate thought was  - girls it isn't that bad - don't speak so negatively! So, I opened my mouth with the authority of God behind me: "Girls, it will be o.k. - don't stress.  I have a daughter who will be 21 this year and is a senior...we've not had to pay......"

I began to tell them my testimony and encourage them. Their faces turned from stress to hope all of the while continuing to serve me. Speaking sincerely and looking to help me. As I leave I began to pray:

Father in the matchless name of Jesus Christ,  I call to the Your grace and ask that you would bless those young women to be able to go to college as you have done for my daughter!  I declare  You would pour out your wisdom upon them and give them understanding to be able to finish and finish strong.  Father, I declare that the resources are there for them to be able to go to school.  This day, I declare and speak { Daniel }  over them - and because they have shown me kindness with sincerity - You Lord God would show them Your favor. I declare that you would send your ministering spirits to surround them such that stress does not overtake them and they would find You in such a time as this!  I continued as I pulled into my parking space. 

     You see, I felt more blessed and at peace about my own circumstances now that I've spent time with God. I would have missed the fact that I just had a free coffee in my hands with superior service behind it.  I would have missed an opportunity to encourage someone else that which I have overcome! I know what He can do, yet they have not seen the glory of the Lord? Now, is my situation/circumstance really that bad compared to never knowing God? Or is it just where I had my focus that magnified the problem more than magnifying the Master? 

So I turned my face from my problems and focused on my God.  

God is not a man that He should lie.  He fully is capable of keeping His promises! Focus on Him today.  Focus on His power more than your circumstances.  Yes, absolutely it is easier said than done, but serve Him and it will put things right back into perspective.  It's first things first! Focus on what He wants you to do- what you are called to do.  It doesn't make your problems disappear, it puts them into perspective.  He knows, He sees- yet spend some time with Him (whatever that may look like including witnessing to others') and watch how He will take care of you!  First spend some time with Him and what He wants to do - first things first! 

Surround yourself with others' who will keep you encouraged - remember some have not even seen the glory of the Lord!  And for those who may be reading this, do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, you too shall be saved - the right to access to the Master for your circumstances and problems!  

Will you pray this with me today -  

Father, I may not know you now, but I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins.  I ask You to come into my heart today to help me with those things that concern me.  I believe that as I have opened my mouth and accepted You in to my life, I am now saved by Your grace through faith.  

In Jesus name Amen.  

Get connected to a body of believers' and allow God into every area of your life! 

Isaiah 60:1 

60 Arise, shine;

For your light has come!

And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

² For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,

And deep darkness the people;

But the Lord will arise over you,

And His glory will be seen upon you.

³ The Gentiles shall come to your light,

And kings to the brightness of your rising.  

It's time to grow,

Dee-Dee Lee

BAIT

1 Peter 5:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

2 Corinthians 2:11
Amplified Bible (AMP)
11 To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions.

          I spent my summers as a young adult traveling to northern Michigan.   Our summer consisted of spending time with family and friends in woodsy log-like cabins which sat directly off of the beautiful glistening waters.  Our mornings began in the wee hours when even the birds had not awakened.  As the dawn began to break, birds now chirping and sea gulls in flight, we were already on our boats with our fishing poles in the still waters.  The cool crisp air brought chills, yet it was fun to breathe out and see it create a dissipating smoke.  We had already taken the time to purchase our bait at the local store.  Nothing high tech here though,  just plain old squirming worms sacrificed on a hook for the sheer purpose of catching our dinner.  On the water there would be very little talking, no harsh movements just sitting until our behinds became numb waiting for the fish to bite.   Fish were easily drawn by the worms that we had placed in the water on that sharp hook.  Once baited the fish were hooked and dragged to their demise.      

       I was reminded of my past fishing expeditions as I reacted to a post I read  some time ago on Facebook.  The bait was a topic I am passionate about in my life.  This small little question-posed paragraph would  be the dangling worm enticing me in.  Reading the comments would cause my heart to race, thoughts to run wild and leave me emotionally spent.  I was ready to fire a quick comment and let them know a thing or two!  A far cry of what I encourage others’ to do which is to respond in love. Yet, I had been baited and caught and no one knew this little worm had caused me all of this anguish as I sat in my car pondering upon what just happened.  It had dragged me to my demise of extreme anger lingering in my flesh.      

     We are not fish to be baited by the world or Satan as they sit and dangle worms in our faces waiting for us to bite.  The worms that cause anguish and despair which end in disruption of our day, more so our lives.   We run the risk of getting caught up in something which holds greater consequences than we may be able to handle.     

     There is nothing high-tech about the one who dangles money in our faces when we are in great need only to find ourselves in a vicious poverty cycle.  There is nothing high-tech about the one who dangles drugs in our faces when we are looking for ways to forget our problems.  There is nothing high-tech as one who dangles attention in our faces during times of loneliness, which ends in passing our moral compasses.  Nothing high-tech about the berating spouse‘s mouth which sends us out searching for niceties.  The bait of the pornographic video no one knows we watched which fuels ungodly desires.  The bait of our political or religious beliefs sent over the edge by differences of opinion.  The bait of  the television which consumes our time with reality that’s not real. No, none of these worms which are dangled in our face daily are high-tech at all.  Yet there are so many more disruptions to our lives which create distance in our relationship with God.  These worms keep us from all God has promised us in His Word.   

     On the other end of this spectrum -  what did Jesus say to his disciples? Go and be fishermen of men. So which bait do we want to take? The bait salvation which consists of hope, peace and love? The bait of abundant life? The bait of the Father? Yet, the bait of salvation is not bait at all - but a gift.  I believe sometimes we think we are being brain-washed or baited by something which is holding us captive.  Being captivated by God’s love is much different than being held captive (or in bondage) to sin.  God desires for us to live such a prosperous life and guides us in a manner to keep us from things that would harm us.  Yes, those worms eat our lives away.  It’s imperative we spend time alone in the presence of God to avoid being baited by the wrong things.  Beware of the next fishing expedition!   

John 8:12 
New International Version (NIV) 
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

2 Corinthians 11:14
Amplified Bible (AMP)
14 And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

Joel 2:25
King James Version (KJV)
25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Romans 7: 21-25

 Message (MSG) 

21-23 It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.

24 I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me?  Isn’t that the real question?

25 The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. 

Ephesians 5:11

The Message (MSG)

11-16 Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.

Wake up from your sleep,

Climb out of your coffins;

Christ will show you the light!

So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!

Live Blessed,
Dee-Dee
   
     

THE VIEW OF MY TATTOO (TATTOOED 2)

Leviticus 19:28

King James Version (KJV)

28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

New King James Version (NKJV)

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

      Sometime ago, one morning while at work, a young lady approached me to share her new tattoos. She was so excited she spent most of her morning showing them off to the entire staff. My initial reaction was one of disgust until I recalled the view of my own tattoo during the midst of our conversation. 

      I was in the mirror one morning cutting my hair when a glimpse of my tattoo was a blatant reminder of my past decisions. As I viewed my tattoo I felt a sense of regret. I had now come to know Christ and knew what the Word of God had to say on the matter. So I can be neither judge nor jury here, but want to again share a part of my testimony. 

      We continued our conversation as she shared with me her inspiration for the tattoo. She believed in witchcraft and the ideas of being a witch. She believed in worshiping the moon and the stars amounted to worshiping Mother Earth. She believed she could center herself and be at peace by howling at the moon (not sure if that’s applicable to witchcraft- but okay). The tattoo was a portion of her beliefs on witchcraft. Well, I instantaneously believed this was an opportunity for me to witness to her, so I started:

- Well, that is very interesting.
- Yea, I’m so pumped! Do you have tattoos Dee?
- Yep, but I won’t get anymore.
- Why?

- Well, I am saved. I am a Christian. I choose to follow the principles and teachings of Christ. I believe that my body is the temple of Christ and I should treat it as such. The Holy Spirit is the occupant of my temple and I don’t want to grieve or dishonor my occupant in anyway. I believe the Word of God teaches us that our bodies are not our own. So, I am very mindful of what I put into my body. I choose not to decorate my temple like a house which will deteriorate over time and you can see the visible results of such. I don’t believe in worshiping the moon and the stars by the way; I believe in worshiping the Maker of those things. I find my center in Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior and my peace comes from knowing God intimately. I've heard it put this way: Would you put a bumper sticker on a Bentley? In other words, it’s like saying, ‘God you did alright but here let me give you some decorating tips!’ Well, that may be a little over the top for some but it’s what I believe. Besides, tattooing is addictive and God has delivered me from many things and tattooing, for me, is one of them. While I understand the art of it and personal reasons for doing so which I can respect, I still have to remember for me - my body is not my own. 

- Well, I believe I occupy my house and it’s a canvas and I will put art all over it. 

She laughed and continued on her way.

      So many thoughts ran through my mind at that moment.  

What looks good to you may not be good for you –for instance, my mom’s butterfly tattoo from her teens looks like it returned to the caterpillar stage! 

Can I get the job I want with this tattoo?

What will I tell my children when they ask about why do I have a tattoo and God is supposedly telling them no? When others’ look at me and I’m trying to witness about Christ, will this make my witnessing opportunity more effective or less effective?

Was the feeling of condemnation worth it? When I’m convicted about never getting another one, will I obey or succumb to the temptation?

      I prayed as she walked away and hoped a portion of what I said stuck with her. She was eventually let go from the job so I never would have the opportunity to speak to her again on the subject. 

      More recently, I was reminded of my past decisions again when a friend asked me why I chose the gecko on my ankle. They continued by posing the question of all tattoos having meaning. Although I chose not to answer them at that time, it caused a lot of reflection to occur. I thought back to why I picked this particular one. It reminded me of a story my good friend told me about geckos growing up as a child in the Philippines. And so yes I am reminded of my friend whenever I look at it, yet I am also reminded I’ve put something permanent on my body because of temporary feelings. I found a permanent solution for a temporary problem. No honor of any kind—to anyone—because it dishonors God. I recalled my choice and recalled the day God would convict me to no longer defame my temple. 

      So here I am thinking about my tattoos again, realizing I’m back to reminiscing on the first blog I wrote. I hope those who read my testimony will not feel condemnation nor put any further markings on their bodies. I hope those who have none will choose to keep their temple sacred. I encourage you to know who you are in Christ, a magnificent, priceless being created by God. And yes, I still believe what I believe:

We don’t put bumper stickers on Bentleys'.
  

Live Blessed,

With the Love of Christ, my Lord and Savior
Dee-Dee

 Psalm 24:1New King James Version (NKJV)
The King of Glory and His Kingdom
A Psalm of David.24 The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.

Romans 8

New International Version (NIV)
Life Through the Spirit
8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Philippians 4:8
New International Version (NIV) 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

APART OF ME

     I'm so godly proud of my daughter who will be twenty years of age this November. 

I'm so godly proud of her accomplishments and whom she has become as a young adult. I look forward to all that God has for her future with great anticipation and excitement!   She has enriched my life in ways I can't even begin to explain. 

     Yet, when she was born it seemed as if years of troubles would just never end.  The troubles of life: bills, hard times, divorce, court battles, bad relationships and more. I seemed to had come to the end of my rope until salvation knocked at the door of my heart and I answered. 

     The day I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior would change who I was (and still does) as a parent.  God has spent many years teaching me how to become the mother she needs. I'm so grateful for His great patience; even more grateful for hers. I'm grateful for our relationship as God continues to cultivate it.

     I wrote this during one of the most difficult times of my life as I realized in an instant how I had just treated my  gift from God who had tears rolling down her face. 

      I believe as parents we really don't understand the magnitude of the damage we can do to our own children because of the turmoil in our own lives.  But with God it is possible to be a good parent- a godly parent.  I am a living witness with God, all things are possible. 

     Start with God today and raise your children to know Him as you come to know Him for yourself and watch the glory of the Lord shine upon you and your family. 

 

Father is this all that she will see -
Just the bitter part of me?
Living with others’ and surmounting bills
The life of constant up and down hills
Or life as I know it right now to be
Can she see the good in me?

Struggling to pay bills

And make ends meet

Feeling as if she has no place to sleep

Is this all that she will see me become?

                                        A life of all the negative ho-hum

                                        Or life as I know it right now to be

                                        Can she see the good in me?

 

I continue to hope to be a better mother

The Enemy turns my thoughts to - wish she was birthed by another?
Maybe then all that she would clearly see
Wouldn’t be the bitter part of me
Or life as I know it right now to be
Can she see the good in me?

I want her to see the heart that beats
to the joyous sound of Your voice
Way back when I made the greatest choice
To dance to sing and worship no other
Does she realize You gave me as her mother?
So now I wonder what she sees
Can she see the good in me?

I want her to know  the visions and dreams that come in the night
To supply wisdom, favor and supernatural insight
A foreign language coming by way of the Spirit to those who hear
But like sweet sounding music to my Father’s ears
But is this what she can clearly see?
Or just the bitter part of me?
Or life as I know it right now to be
Can she see the good in me?

The nights of prayer and days of fasting
The intimate times of just mere asking
I want her see that I made the right choice
To follow the sound of Your joyous voice
To see it through with You to the end
I want her to see no regrets of past hurts and sins
My broken heart You took time to mend
Father is this all of me that she will see?
Or can she see the Christ in me?


Live Blessed,
Dee-Dee Lee
lee.dolores@ymail.com
4/16/2013 dll
 

TO DO OR NOT TO DO (A QUICK THOUGHT)

     In my meditation time, I’ve found that for me, all my major decisions need to be rooted and grounded in prayer by the Word of God. I can recall (looking back) one major life decision I made that caused me more heartache than I would even like to mention.  I found myself in a position where my decision was based upon emotions not wisdom. It was based upon the opinions of others’, not godly counsel. It was based upon fear, not trust in God. It was based upon focused attention towards my inability to help myself, rather than God’s ability to help me. It was based upon the “quirky” similarities or the “moon aligning” just right, not based upon knowledge and understanding of the Truth. 

      I don’t regret the decision I made although it was one that altered the direction of my destiny path. I took the scenic route if I may say so myself.  But today, I’m thankful to God for allowing this decision to teach me how to properly seek Him in my decision-making process. I’m also grateful because He is God, He can redeem time lost by acceleration in manifestation when I submit to His good and perfect will. Now, before any final decision, I seek what His Word has to say on the matter, seek godly counsel and scan my past. Scan, not re-live it.   Scanning for the results of previous decisions similar to the current one.  I consider whom the decision may affect, I consider the cost and consequences of my decision. Besides, my decisions don’t affect just me; I don’t selfishly think it only matters what I want from any given situation. Most of all, I don't do anything based upon my feelings or my emotions; those things have cost me enough.  I put them on the shelf  and I wait to hear from God. I don’t move until He answers or I am at peace with the wisdom-based decision I have made.

In other words, I do my research…my homework…. then I take action towards my decision. 
     I know with all certainty, God knows what’s best for me. The Word says, “ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you…not harm you….to give you hope…future” (Jeremiah 29:11).   I want to follow God’s way not my own, even when it temporarily hurts or I don't understand fully His way of doing things.

     My Bishop teaches that restriction will bring conviction. So I restrict my flesh (wild imaginations, thoughts and emotions…for example) through fasting and prayer so conviction may come, not condemnation about what is about to take place. I spend time  specifically meditating upon the Word of God and putting away things of the world (secular television and music, etc.).  There are areas ahead of me that only God Himself can see. I don’t allow some things to enter into my ears during this time (worldly gossip and discontentment )  and especially not near my heart. I guard my heart with great vengeance.

     So here I am today, looking to make a major life decision. Lord, I thank You for teaching me how to make a decision with You. I thank You that when You answer, I will hear clearly the direction I am supposed to go. I’m not afraid to make a “left turn” because even if I thought I heard from You and turned left by mistake, thank You for proving to me You will get me back on the right path. I love You, my Lord and Savior and await Your answer. Yes, my life is in Your hands and I take my hands off my life. IJN Amen.

Be Blessed,

Dee-Dee

dlm/dll 10/0/2012

A note from Dee-Dee:

It's not always easy to follow God's way or fully understand His way of doing things.  Sometimes we want to put a question mark where God is putting a period.  Sometimes, we left before God could fix a given situation. Sometimes we have emotions so strong we miss what God really has for us and accept what doesn't belong in our lives.  I know for myself all of these things to be true in my own life.   I encourage you today to "take your hands off of your life" and allow God to lead the way...It is my sincere prayer that you make good God-fearing, wisdom-based, godly-counsel sought...made in peace decisions. But remember, even if you made a left turn, He can always bring you back!  Be blessed and receive all God has just for you! It's well worth it! Trust Him and see!

With the love of Christ,

Dee-Dee Lee

　

F.O.G.

      It’s been a long road in my walk with God; looking back at the paradigms of my existence needing His grace. I don’t wonder anymore how I arrived here because it’s obvious to me now. I choose not to wonder how You will keep me here, just please continue. Willing for more disciplines to be put into place.

     I’ve submitted, re-submitted and corrected. I’ve adjusted and walked away. I’ve cried and denied only to regain Your strength to try again. I’ve put away and put off, yet to (for a time) still remain in a trough.
     I’ve committed, subjected, resurrected like the daily sun. I’ve let go, put down, picked up, turned around to be no more. I’ve listened and heeded only for it to be repeated. I questioned and guessed with complete unrest.
     I’ve been tormented, hated, humiliated and berated. I’ve been cheated on, gossiped over, pushed out and ignored. I’ve been mistreated, deleted, blocked and caught rocks…throwing my own through someone’s heart. Laughed at, cheered on in sin...pointed at, snickered at with the depths of despair at my door. 
     I’ve seen death closely; experienced too much mostly, why yes, hurt beyond compare. I’ve lost, regained hoping never to be the same only to return once more. I've spewed, viewed in tainted waters and assumed too much like a hot air balloon.
I've refused to back down, yet still touched the ground, bounced back through another closed door.

      Today, as a Believer approached me at work: “Dolores, I wanted to share with you… (she) approached me today and told me how you witnessed to her. She explained how you stopped, took the time to talk with her about the situation and gave her the Word. She also expressed how she felt about it  (He continued to nod his head in a yes motion…). Wow. She received it well, I mean really received it well. Praise God.”

      Father, I thank You,  each seed given is given by only You. To seed, water or till, it's by Your doing.  You have refined me like silver to my core.  Sharpened me to be an effective witness to someone who looks just like I once did. No Dad, never in pride shall I stand but in complete humility. I’m in complete awe of Your magnificent power. More so, no judgment (the deciding of her fate) shall fall upon her from me; remembering every opportunity You could have done the same towards me. Every ounce and bit of change in which You completed (and continue to) in me was (is) well worth the fiery furnace called the Christian life. To look at her beautiful face; eyes with tears in them wondering will she receive this Word from You and will it touch her heart? As I hoped to do more? Dad - Wow! - You send a confirming word which you are not obligated to do!….Wow to that!! Thanks Lord, for what Jesus Christ did on the cross, but more so, allowing me to participate in Your great works. It is a certainly a privilege.

     Thank you for bringing me through the days of continuous fog and to being (in the) Focused On God. Let me never remain the same, even as I am today. In Jesus mighty name Amen and Amen; and Amen again. 

Be blessed

With God’s Love

Dee-Dee Lee

08/2012

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THE MIRROR EFFECT

     She could spew venom like a snake from her lips to poison your very existence. She could argue a pointless point for hours on end at the top of her lungs. She spoke with such a vile vocabulary that one would wonder did she know any other form of communication. She would become the topic of many, few would say good of her. The one who….she did….she called….she left….. She….

She was never on the happy end of the meter of happiness; it was so brief, blinking would make the happiness dissipate.

     Yes, many would dare to tell her of her downfalls and shortcomings, yet to no avail did she change. She pointed the blameful finger towards others and her environment. Many would come to her aid to fix her, yet the vocal blows of her shortcomings would cause her to react from the pain inside and distance them. 

Who was she? She was me.

     I was once told a statement from long ago in which I was reminded of earlier today. “Look in the mirror, everybody can’t be wrong… maybe it’s something wrong with you!”

     I took this statement and threw it in the trash, so to speak. The source in which it came from was an abusive man, so who really had the issues? Well, we both did.

     As I look back, I don’t wonder how I got here in the sea of deliverance. I’m here because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross for me and God Himself used to deliver me. It’s that simple right? No.

     After salvation I was still “her”. It wasn’t like a magic wand was waived around and I magically became some super saint overnight. The process of shedding would just begin. A new me, but new to the refining processes of God.

     I faintly recall looking in the mirror one morning, full of tears, seeing myself for whom I had become. A…. a woman who….a mother who….. But when I wiped my tears and looked again, I could see something beyond me. I could see what my Father in Heaven seen in me before I entered this Earth. His magnificent work! Yet, I saw even more; the capability of my Father to change me into whom He wanted me to become. It was the mirror effect. The cause much greater than I could ever imagine.

     The mirror effect is one where we can look at ourselves in the mirror, not alone, but with the love of God to see all the negative, yet to also see all the power of God Himself to be able to change those negatives into positives. Yes, I admit, when we look at ourselves from God’s perspective we are not so cute, but because of His saving grace and mercy, we are now in right standing with Him regardless of our past. He has the ability to change the most foul sins and create a perfume of praise on our lips because of His glorious power!

     Over the years, I’ve learned to love correction from God because the Bible says that God loves those whom he corrects! So oh boy, he must love me! But in correction, we must accept correction, no longer make excuses and be accountable to that correction. It’s all good to say, “Girl, I need to learn to shut my mouth! Lawd knows I’m working on it”! But at some point and time deliverance must come! Can we honestly say that we have been struggling with foul language as a Christian for twenty-five years?

    We overcome, not succumb. Must we look to others around us, yet speak loudly to what they need to do, understand or get a revelation on and call it discernment, yet whisper to our own faults and shortcomings and have a scripture to back it up?

     Today, I was reminded of this statement as I had to look in the mirror once again. To remove myself from a situation that I hold close to my heart. For God to create in me a clean heart; to refine, refresh and renew a steadfast spirit within me. It wasn’t hard to make this decision, not at all, because I know my Father in Heaven will do as always and refine me to come out polished! Father I thank you that I am your magnificent work in progress! I pray today, as I submit to Your refining once again, as polished silver I will shine so bright before men that they may see my good works gloryifying my Father in Heaven! In Jesus mighty name!

It is my sincere prayer, that we as believers would learn to "love" the correction of our Father. No, our flesh won’t feel good about it; Satan will try and trick us out of it, but correction is always needed. Don’t come kicking and screaming- just come, the journey is more enjoyable.

Be Blessed,  

Dee-Dee (6/19 dlm)

MY IMAGINATION OF YOU

     As a young adult, it had been far too many times in which my imagination had run wild like horses free in the mountainside only to get me into trouble. It always seemed to start completely innocent of course. I had come across people who made promises of a better life if I would just use my imagination, dream bigger and visualize. “Close your eyes and imagine in your minds eye…” they would say as if it should come naturally to me. It didn’t come naturally to me though, to imagine better days ahead, maybe because of the seared reality of my life that haunted my mind day and night. To close my eyes was to close them in horror. “Use your imagination, let it run wild!” teachers would encourage as if the world could become all I wanted it to be in reality through my own imagination. So here I wanted to come out of the depths of despair, trying to use my imagination to get me out.   Imagining myself on a beach only to realize I had never been to one at that time or even seen one was a bit disappointing. So now what? Search the TV? Read a book and imagine I was there?

      I began by spending time using my imagination in its simplest form, replacing those whom I saw on TV with myself. I became all they portrayed in a one hour episode. Nothing could stop the train once it left the station of my mind. Most times, my train began at the station of soap operas. My grandmother who watched soap operas all day allowed me to share in her television time to keep me quiet.  I became the Young and the Restless, imagining my fairytale wedding and marriage to the perfect man. Always in nice clothes…always happy. I spent some time in reality changing my last name to be the same as the cute boy in class.   I went on to be Wonder Woman and save the world of course while keeping my makeup perfect.

      As I grew into adulthood, my imagination, dreams and visualizations had not become my reality. I had imagined being in the perfect relationship only to be hurt by abusive men. I had imagined being in a big beautiful home only to read the eviction notice left by the sheriff. I imagined being rich only to succumb to a level of poverty. So what happened between my imagination and my reality? The lines between the two blurred. I would become sick to get attention as they did in the soaps or I would portray myself as confident only to reside in low self-esteem. I portrayed happiness only to be deeply saddened. This was my reality.

      I was recently reminded of my past blurred reality as I was speaking with an associate about our imagination and the reality of who God is. “Oh, I don’t believe God is like….and “No, I think he is…” would flow from her lips. We imagine Him a certain way and believe this is who He is, but where does our imagination of God start and where does it end?

     For me,  my imagination created God as someone who looked like Moses with a white robe and white beard, sitting upon a throne like Abraham Lincoln’s statue ready to execute me at the first wrong move.   He had a super deep voice that rumbled the entire nation. I was like a termite looking upon Him ready to be stomped by His foot of judgment!    I imagined Jesus as this poor lonely man that was beat down thousands of years ago because I currently don’t know how to act right. I imagined Him with the thorns and blood dripping half-naked and hanging on a cross for eternity. A view much tainted by television, opinions, corrupt pastors and the sort.

     But was this God’s reality? Was this view of God from my imagination correct? And did I need to play sick to get His attention?

     When God saved me and I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, He began to shift my imagination of Him to understanding who He really is. He also shifted my created imagination of my life and gave me hope for reality in Him. My daydreaming became goal setting as His plan for me began to be revealed, first through His Word. He obviously doesn’t look like Moses, nor is He about to stomp the living daylights out of me! Through proper teaching and study of the Word, I began to understand that God is loving, holy and yes is our Judge, but we are not little termites! We are children of the Most High God!   A God who shows mercy, is patient, kind and gentle. One who will give me attention when I am sick and even when I’m not. One who will give me true confidence because I now know who I am in Christ. Comforting me in the tears of many years to knowing every single hair on my head. The Emperor and Creator of the universe is my Father, no need for me to be Wonder Woman. He has sent Jesus as a living sacrifice for me and yet He rose to victory. He’s not still hanging out on the cross. I mean really? I couldn’t give up my daughter for a trillion dollars let alone for the sins of an entire world. This is God’s reality! The Truth is His Word and His Word is who He is.

      Lord, continue to help me to never allow my imagination to override the truth of Your Word. Let not the wild horses, nor the train of my mind run amuck amongst the mountainside of Your glory. Your Word says that You gave your only Begotten Son that whosoever shall believe in Him shall have everlasting life. Your promises are a delight to my soul and I bring every imagination and thought into captivity and make it obedient to Christ.  I believe You will line my life up with Your Word- blessings, prosperity, favor, delight, peace, power because you have a plan for my life…can we go on Lord? Yes Father, I want Your light to shine so bright within me that one must put on sunglasses to be in the same room. I want others to see Christ so much in me, they ask - who is Dolores? When I come home to glory, I want to hear well done my good and faithful servant, now on with your perfect life.   But first, I want to ask Jesus how in the world did He feed 5,000 people on a two-fish budget and can I try walking on water please? I want to ask Daniel, how big were the lions? And Mary how did it feel to be the mother of the Savior? Lord, does my mansion have central heating and cooling or is the weather always perfect too? How did you get every snowflake to be different? How..... Now that’s an imagination! In Jesus name.

Be blessed,

Dee-Dee McDuffie

Scripture References: John 3:16; Deuteronomy 28; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Jeremiah 29:11

PRESS ANY KEY TO ABORT

2 Corinthians 12:9

New International Version (NIV)
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

     I was turning off my Blackberry one day and noticed a message appear on the screen in bold lettering: Turning off handheld…Press any key to abort. On occasion I have been in the middle of a phone conversation and hit the wrong button only for my phone to begin turning itself off. I immediately did what was commanded so that I didn’t get disconnected from my caller.

     I recently experienced a situation at work in which I had previously fallen victim to in my past. But this simple phrase which had appeared on my phone so many times before would bring a unique revelation into my situation and teach me a lesson that I will not forget.

     At work I usually spend my day with my headphones on meditating upon the Word, but this particular day I didn’t have them with me and yet I’m glad I didn’t. I wouldn’t have experienced this lesson now learned.

     It began with the sound of a man’s voice giving me his flattering tongue. His seemingly caring attitude towards me, his interest in my temple would bring him to simply make derogatory sounds with his voice. A hum from my past, one in which I was all too familiar with. The simple interrogating questions that lust stood behind. The revealing knowledge of himself in specific areas was shared in his hopes for things to go in an accelerated manner. The looks of undress through his eyes from my head to my toes. Yet the slippery slope of lust had caused me to fall in my past. But now, I’m a mature Christian and was aware of this trap, or was I?

      I listened to the first question, “Dolores, do you wear heels?” I slipped slightly into the beginning of his process of conquering his desired territory. “Yes, I wear them all the time, matter of fact…” Before I could finish he interrupted with his intrusive thought. “Yea, I love to see a woman in heels, I just think it is the sexiest thing ever.” I slipped once again as the girlish giggle would come from my lips, not noticing this was the flattery I once loved, yet was not of God. Again, the giggle and now smile would appear upon my face as he began to hook me. I tried to make my own way of escape and said, “I wear them to church.” He didn’t heed and was oblivious to my minuscule attempt to fend him off. He prepared to reel me in as the next question would roll from his tongue, “Are you going to the Christmas party? Uhmm, no. Why not? Uhmm, I don’t do bars.” The conversation continued as he had a rebuttal for every answer I gave. It seemed as if the questions became an attack like that of a lion. Moving in for the kill, persuading me down a road that I had been before beginning with lust and ending in disaster. More so it ended on the dead end street of hurt and despair with the smell of defeat upon my skin.

     The quiet still voice spoke, “Dolores this is not the kind of attention you want, that kind of persuasion does not come from the One who calls you.” “Oh, my God! What just happened to me? Really? Me? I’m a mature Christian! I know better! I know who I am!” Yet in still, the flattering tongue had lured me. But how?

“In the name of Jesus, Father, forgive me! I repent and ask for Your help right now!” I immediately shouted within the walls of my mind. I stood with a refreshed posture and new attitude ready to combat what was happening to me. “Daddy I vowed to You when You delivered me, I would live completely for You - help! In the name of Jesus!” Immediately a sense of peace took over me as I felt as if my armor of God began to come upon me once again like in the movie Transformers. The helmet, now protecting my mind; the breastplate now guarding my heart and my shield went up but the best part of my armor moved into place, MY SWORD! As I opened my mouth every scripture I had studied to guard myself against the wiles of the Enemy would cut and stop him dead in his tracks. “Well, the Word of God says avoid even having the appearance of evil (paraphrased)….”

The battle began! Every luring question was withstood with the Word of God! “I’m not backing down Satan! I know it’s you! This is a trap and in the name of Jesus I refuse to be a part!” I yelled within the walls of my mind once again.

     My co-worker stopped talking after this, yet he seemed bothered by his failed attempt but looking for a rematch.

     After some time, I thought about what I encountered. What happened and how did I slip? I knew the attention I had just slipped upon and once desired was not of God. This is no longer a part of who I am now. Where did it begin? I was reminded of the intrusive thoughts of the Enemy that had bombarded my mind days prior. ‘Aren’t you lonely? Don’t you want to go out? You don’t have a husband to help you…Don’t you miss the attention?’ And like a lion ready to devour, he followed up with a flattering tongue from a willing participant! So I stood in prayer with tears as I was reminded to “Press Any Key to Abort.” I should have stopped the intrusive thoughts days prior to this event with by pressing the key of the Word of God - ‘Cast down imaginations and …bringing into captivity every thought ’. Yet, I pondered upon these questions as if they had come from the Holy One. “Oh God, yes, it is my desire to be remarried and have a type of love that doesn’t come from a flattering tongue, but one in which the love of Christ is apparent, flowing from his lips.” I tried to act strong for myself but a sense of comfort came upon me as tears were now flowing like a river, struggling to get the simplest words out, “Thanks Dad for helping me.” Yet, no one knew that God had just won a battle for me and taught me a lesson at the same time.

     My lesson? No matter how far I have come in my walk with God, there will always be temptations the Enemy will try and throw in my face, even old ones! Just because I had been saved for years does not negate the fact the Enemy will try old stuff through a new door.

     God has given me (and every believer) the power to overcome the temptations that I have fallen victim to before, yet I didn’t press the keys available to me. I will always be grateful to God and His ability to rescue me every single time any temptation may arise by giving me a way of escape. And more so, I’m thankful His strength is made perfect in my weakness. I must never attempt to defeat temptation in my own way as a sign of maturity. I believe there are times when we have been walking with God for awhile; we assume we can go it alone. There are times with our spouse, family or friends that we may allow entrance behind the armor and into our hearts and that’s all good, but I’m sleeping in mines for now!

     I’m not one for repeating lessons learned, so I’m spending sometime alone with “My Dad”. I’ve also learned my testimony didn’t stop at salvation- it grows because of it. I’m spending some time going back to the basics of fasting, intensified study and focused prayer. I’ve realized these should always be an integrated part of my Christian life. I accept that I will never be able to win any battle without His help- it’s not mine to begin with. I look unto God daily, without apology, who is the One until He so chooses to bring His chosen for me, a man of valor into my life. I will be alert and guard against the wiles of the Enemy. In Jesus’ mighty name with the power that already resides in me, remembering I just need to press any of the keys of authority and power to abort temptations and sin. I will not get disconnected from my Caller.

With the Love of Christ,

Dee-Dee McDuffie
1/11/12
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Scripture References

  Galatians 5; Eph 2: 3-5, 6: 10-18; 1 Th: 1-8; 1 Th 5:22; Matthew 16:19; 2 Corinthians 10:5;

2 Corinthians 12:9
2 Corinthians 12:9
New International Version (NIV)
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.