THIS SMALL HOUSE

Joshua 24:15New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

 

Recently, I had some guests come over and they began to size up my home.  They spoke of how small it was, how the dining room was right here; the living room right there so to speak to its size.  My feelings were very hurt.  As I walked around my home in an instant, I thought – my home is very small.  Maybe I could…I immediately told myself to stop the murmuring. 

I spent a few moments reflecting.  I reflected on the big homes I have resided in - the ones in the wealthiest places of Illinois, Indiana and Georgia.  But what my guests’ then and now couldn’t see were the tears.  The tears of hope for a marriage that did not make it.  The tears from debt and an ever present fear of not having enough.  The tears from indiscretions.  The tears from near death experiences that took a toll on my body.    All of these tears trying to hold on to a façade so that I could appear as if I had “made it”.  Constantly remembering most of my life had been much worse prior to this extended time brought me to thoughts of wanting to take my life.  Hopelessness abounding - a constant severe spirit of confusion and ever present rancid form of denial.               

So are you thinking, it wasn’t all bad right? Right! That’s what gives us hope – the good times. But good times are not the same as God-times.  You can seemingly be on the right path- but still not on God’s path.  Now for me, I was completely discouraged because I now once again had to make the ride home in my car with all of my few belongings in the back.   I began living with one person after another.  Years spent trying to grasp my footing not realizing the underlying cause, nor the damage that had been imbedded in my heart until now.    

When my guests left, I remembered a time right after I moved in here, saying, “Is this all my faith got me?” Tears began to fall.  I was ungrateful, because of someone else’s perception of success.   The years of feelings of inadequacy had now been revealed.    

I found something in this small place that I live in now and the journey to get me here.  I won’t be cliché and say I found myself in this place. Nope! I came to know who I was in Christ years ago.  But I will say I’ve found the power of God on this journey.  I’ve found the magnitude of His grace and mercy – but most of all His love for me.  How when I first stepped out on faith and trusted Him to leave, He became my sole covering, teacher, guide and Father.  He used the first home I lived in with others’ as a vehicle for revealing my purpose and calling. The second home as a vehicle for growth in His processes.  The third of how to handle His people and learning to allow Him to facilitate meekness in me.  The fourth of learning to be bold in my faith regardless of the others’ religious beliefs and lifestyles.  To stand in love towards them and sharpen my character. To remove impurities along the way- to deepen our relationship for another level of trust.  Yet to allow me to be used by Him and leave small deposits in those homes as only He could lead me. 

More so, since that moment of hurt, God has given me quick glimpses of how He viewed what has transpired over the years.  It was years of review He had; reviews of tests passed, attacks endured, heart-felt times of repentance and sacrificial seed sown.  He had seen a young woman who honored Him, not perfect but honoring.  Yes, a quick glimpse of when I daily made my 2” mattress that lay on the floor because I was thankful.  Asking, seeking, knocking - studying – obeying to the best of her ability.  Adjusting my attitude consistently and serving where needed.  Believing regardless of the manifestation of her prayers not happening in an instant.  Years of returning to purity regardless of temptations and her past. Every hour of laying hands to the plow - up for days at a time to make ends meet – yes He reminded of how He views our faithfulness to Him.  Not flawless, by no means sinless – but faithful.   

As I finish this blog, I have to remember, my guests can’t see what God has shown me.  Nor can they see what happens behind these doors of this small home.  Ha! They can’t see where He’s taking me.  They can only see His manifested power by how I live for Him in the present and then they will see what will happen because of that love between Him and me.   And because of that love, His presence, someone recently walked into my home and said, “It’s so peaceful in here, I love it.” Yes, I finally (regardless of the size of my home and circumstances around me) have peace. Thanks Daddy. I love you so much.  “As for me and my house – regardless of its size (now and in the future), we will serve the Lord.” In Jesus name, Amen.

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
 

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)

ONCE BROKEN, NOW BENT

I look back over my life and think about the testimonies there in the depths. I compared my life to broken pottery, shattered into pieces as it hits the concrete floor. Some pieces of me disappeared into the crevices of the world never to be found again. I never knew how the pottery of my life would come back together and once upon a time I didn’t care. I didn’t view my life as broken. My life was just different than most, but the same as many.

     My life started from the formation of fornication. I was born into the sins my parents were in. I became the object of molestation from brothers’ whose lives resided in darkness. I grew as a child teased, abused and misunderstood. I tried to take my life, hopeless in my environment. I became a teen of anger, resentment and hurt turning these feelings outward to those around me. I grew into a woman who loved hard, yielding the strike of many hands to keep me in their perceived order. I became a woman who was broken. I went into marriage with luggage that was too heavy for us to carry together. He didn’t know how to unpack my past nor I his. The weight of the luggage brought the relationship to its close. The heat of life melted the glue that held us together.

     I’m not telling you this to bring tears to your eyes or for the sorrow that is given because underneath all of the dirt arose a new person. But how? Where did my brokenness stop and my wholeness begin that you now see? Not with self-help (tried, not true and failed; sorry big O and TR), not with some spiritual higher power that I connected with through astrology, palm-readers or the like. Not with “him” being my glue, not with just dealing with my issues or debts. Not through some great understanding of life. Barely through counseling, I was still broken.

     Did someone tell me I was broken? Maybe a time or two. The route I was on was a slippery slope; the bed I lied in had diseases. The depression was now obvious. Yet in my brokenness, I didn’t want to hear what others’ had to say regardless. My ears closed to their advice. I sat in my room shedding the tears of many years in darkness, still I remained broken.

     Yet, while in my brokenness, He helped me to remember Him. I knew of this One since my grandmother had spoken of Him. Was I ready to listen to whom He had now sent? A woman who knew I needed some help out of the darkness? I spent some time in His house, but who was He? Could He hurt me like those of my past? Yet He asked me to trust Him completely and I would be made whole. He said He knew where the lost pieces of my existence were, but He didn’t want to give those back to me. He wanted to give me a new hope, new dream and a new life which wasn’t new to Him. He had already had a plan for me, but somehow I got off course through misdirection. He made promises that I had never heard, but yet they brought comfort to me. He didn’t need to be my glue because I could be whole in Him.

     From the beginning, He didn’t promise that it would be easy. He promised He would be with me for an eternity. There was a life eternal waiting that would reap royal benefits beyond compare if I would hold on to the End. The road has a few weeds, thorns and rocks along the way, but because I would choose to follow Him, I would never be broken again, but now bent.

     I could withstand not doing what I used to do, or being who I used to be; I could be bent but not broken. No more shattered pieces, but I would bend under His mighty hand to shake loose those things that held me from a good life.

     Here I am before you once broken, now bent. You see it takes participation on our behalf when we decide to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Yes, we must work at living for Him through our jobs, children, marriages, ministries and so forth, but we will never be broken again with Him. We can be once broken but because of what Jesus has done on the cross and the power of God, we are now just bent. Bent because God requires some things of us; bent because we must participate without seeing the whole plan. Bent because forgiveness is a must and some hurt may still arise. Even when the being of Fire (Satan) would try and smother us, we can stand with God. Yet never to be broken again.

     The way to have a full life without brokenness is to be made whole by God. The way to find the seemingly perfect mate is to be put together by Him. The way to forgive the brothers’ and even the mothers’ is to bend under the mighty hand of the Most High God. Bending, but never broken.

     So here I stand, making the decision to share again. For me, it means to tell parts of my struggle, tear-drops and pain with all glory going to God. To tell you that I stopped doing ….is only half true. To tell you that I rose above….is only half the story. To tell you that I struggled with drugs and alcohol, yet in my car one morning asked GOD to take the taste out of my mouth is still a partial story. So yes, for you to really see the amazing power of God, I share. The existence that only rose from the depths of Hell, now riding on God’s glorious light because of what Jesus has done. To God be the glory! In Jesus’ mighty name!

     Father, I thank You that I will never forget that only You have caused the hurt to truly dissipate, not just shatter into the crevices of the world. I thank You for what the world calls rising above to some, I call deliverance from God. Unashamedly I’m grateful You don’t have to be glue because what others’ broke, You have made me whole. Father to say that I should not conform? I’m willing! To want to continue to live my own way and not be in the image and likeness of my Father shutters the very bones of my being. Never do I want to return there. I live for You through and through, once broken now bending underneath Your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Be blessed, Bend but don’t remain broken….

With the Love of Christ,
Dee-Dee McDuffie
dlm/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
dlm/ 018
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.

HIS PURE GLOW

     The following poem was birthed from a memory in my past.  A guy that I was dating asked me to have his baby. I guess that was the "I love you so much that I want this" line for that time- I believe today it still is.   During that time, I immediately thought - What?! Is he crazy?! Neither one of us even have a decent job- I'm not married! But I've learned most times, people will say anything to get what they lust after - sex.  This is not the  true love that the Bible gives us as a foundation of what love is.  And nothing will ever compare to the love of God that is available to us all.

     Well although it didn't happen with him, I did eventually have a child out of wedlock.  Although my daughter is a gift from God, the way I went about having her caused much grief in my life that could have been prevented.  I believe, no - I know if I would have waited, things would have been much better for all of us. 

     God wants to protect, provide, love and instruct us  yet we must participate.  My daughter is never a regret, but the insight, wisdom and provision that I could have received from God and the structure of a godly marriage would have been a true blessing.  Moreso, knowing that I raised my child in a godly home would have brought much peace and insight into my parenting skills.  Now, it's not easy to speak to her about things that I did myself, but wanting her to wait for marriage I stand on the Word of God and recieve His forgiveness and grace,  regardless of the condemnation I felt at the beginning of my salvation.   I speak to her with authority and boldness, pray and believe knowing God will oversee her entire life.  I praise God there is no condemnation in Jesus Christ and God Himself gives us the power through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior to live for Him.  God is worth it and so are you!  Be blessed!

_____________________________________

To have his baby

Why should this be?
I think to myself-  who’s looking out for me?
So I say, I don’t think so…..
Yet you keep asking, so I say maybe so
Yet I think to myself
 I need love so why can't it be?
 I need love from somewhere just for me...

To have his baby
Why should this be?
Do you not know who’s now looking out for me?
I've come to know and I dare to share
My body belongs to the Most High
So your tempting offer I must deny
So again I say I don’t think so….
Yet you keep asking, do you not know?

To have his baby
Why should this be?
I know for myself who’s looking out for me
I once was lost
But now I have found
A gift from the Lord is a baby making sounds
But even in this
I still must deny
Because my body belongs to the Most High
To have his baby
Why should this be?
Do you not know my God will supply for me?!

A Man of Valor whom I am to marry
I wait for him because I carry
All the glow that you see
It’s My God, My Savior and He’s looking out for me!
So no more asking, I’ve closed my ears to you
They are the doorway to my heart
And it’s reserved for another
No, not even based upon the words of my own mother!
I guard my heart with vengeance
Why can’t you see?
You refuse to know who’s looking out for me

Oh! My daughter, hear Me now
Since you have committed to My ways
I’m so proud now
I send him quickly as he is from Me
Yes, The Father is looking out for thee!

Yes, My daughter, I recognized when you called
You’ve guarded my gift to him, a true love above all
A man of valor shall be given unto you
A love beyond measure through and through

As you two now become one,
I command be fruitful and multiply
A desire that your heart cannot possibly deny
One, two, three your children shall come
Into your bosom as you and your husband are one
Yes, My daughter now everyone can see
It is Your Father looking out for thee!

Be Blessed with God's exponential love,
Dee-Dee McDuffie
01/2012/01
See Proverbs 31, Galatians 5:22,  1 Corthians 6: 12-20, Romans 8: 5-10 {NIV}
*a special thanks to R.F.L - a true man of valor! Blessed!

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???