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?

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

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.

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

dlm/dll

#BBD #RT (A QUICKSHARE)

“The buck stops here!” I’ve yelled many times. Why?

     I spent many years watching the lifestyles of the broke, busted and disgusted because it was my life. It wasn’t hard to realize that #bbd was me!

     The first time that I yelled that statement was when my daughter was born. As an unwed, single mother, it was a lifestyle of standing in lines, only to be berated by the social worker whom had just put her Bible down from reading it on her lunch hour. She’d stare at you over those 1920 glasses as to say, “Do you really expect me to believe that cockamamie story that you just told me to get some assistance?” As I rolled my eyes to ignore the social worker from Hell, my attention would shift to see the girl roll up out of an Escalade with Gucci boots on to get twice as much assistance as I did. It was times like these and baby daddy drama that would cause the D-disgusted to be worn like my favorite shirt. Always mad and angry, I justified my anger towards the system and a little boy that I hoped would act like a man. It was a vicious cycle of drama. Yea, it’s true, my girlfriends had my back in my presence, but I had to remember to pull the knife out before I went off to sleep. Their advice was to spend more time in lines to teach “him” a lesson. It always started with, “If I was you- and ended with girl, I’m glad I’m not you.” The looks, the stares and the whispers of the other side of the baby’s family and the world caused my mouth to run a muck with four letter words. More so, “So what!”…“I don’t care!” were my favorite statements to hide the hurt and pain I drowned in.

     I found myself at a crossroads in my life, decision after decision plummeting me further into despair. Everyone telling me my life was going in the wrong direction, yet their lives too broke to point me in the right direction. I spent many, many years in this way but I was determined not to allow #bbd to be me.

     I found myself though, having the same paradigms, actions and reactions towards my life and my daughter that I watched my family for years go through. How did I end up like them? I was determined not to be another statistic - (‘cause my foul mouth spent many times talking ‘bout “those girls”) - but now I’m one! What happened? Where did I go wrong, how the heck can things get better down in this deep ditch called life?!

     After years of battling life, I was exhausted. I finally wanted to have more, have better and wanted better for my child. My childhood was not so cute; I was determined not to have those same traits, habits and paradigms of life poured into me transferred to my daughter. It would be years later, but the Love of God would touch my heart and give me revelation like never before into my situation. And He even gave me more revelation to get me out! After salvation, God would send pastors, teachers and a Bishop into my life and path who would teach me about generational curses. Curses of paradigms, actions and traits that my family, generation after generation, had struggled with and even more so used by Satan to keep us in bondage. But with the saving Grace and Mercy of God, “the buck stopped here!” How?

Practical Applications:

Accept

Accept the fact that there are bad habits, traits and paradigms in every family. No family is perfect. Take a look in that Bible, whew! Baby daddy drama, brothers’ killing each other; manipulative women- it’s nothing new! Now, on the other hand, there are families with good traits, good habits- so acceptance goes both ways. Accept salvation, Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, so that the Love of God can be poured into you and drain the sewage out! Accept and take full responsibility for yourself and what you deposit into yourself and the lives of others. Your life can’t get better until you get better with God. Accept #TheCleaner can do His job through your faith!

Identify

Identify what traits are those of a Believer. You also need to identify what traits, etc. you need to change. The to do’s and what not to do’s of life can be found in the Bible. I encourage you to read Proverbs for daily guidance. One of my traits sad to say was overspending. I appeared well off, but my bank account screamed, “Broke!” Drove a nice car, but only to park the car down the street to hide from the repo man. I identified that I needed to become a good steward over all that God gives unto me. It’s a process, so prayer and fasting and practice are good ways to break bad habits. #wakeupandsmellthecoffee and #seekGod

Become Unglued

Remember, change must take place. When we decide to walk with God, we have made the choice to allow Him to unglue us from the ways of the world. We can’t think, act or respond in the same manner as we use to. What we used to do in the club does not belong in the Kingdom! This is a process, so it takes time. It also doesn’t mean we are still “struggling” thirty years later with a foul mouth. As Believers, it’s easy to say, “I’m sorry Lord”, only in our hearts, not to really mean it. Or point the finger when we need to take a look in the mirror. Become unglued to the ways that you are used to and become all that God is calling you to be! #nokickingandscreaming just #obey

I Declare War!

Realize life is not a game and you only get one. Therefore, declare war on the Enemy - Satan and protect your family. Declare this day that “The buck stops here!” No more will you allow excessive fear, poverty, sexual immorality, slave mentality, etc to destroy your family generation after generation. Find scripture in the Word and speak it with boldness and confess it over your family every chance you get. Speak destiny into your children(s) lives, “Wealth and riches will be in your house!” “God has made you a peculiar person- you are different and set apart to be used by God!” “You are a child of the Most High God!” “I’m godly proud of you- good job!” #MouthwithPower Associate with like Believers, join women’s/men’s groups to help elevate you but alleviate problematic areas; and get an accountability partner- someone that can help keep you on the track to your destiny! Receive correction and get all that God has just for you!

#DP

(durable prosperity) - from teachings of Bishop B.A. Gibert, DWO Christian Center Church, Redford MI)

Scripture References NIV(1997): John 3:16: Isaiah 58; Proverbs ch: 2-6;12:1; 17:27-28 ; Ephesians 2,5,6; Romans 12; 1 Cor 6:9; Philippians 4; James 1(all); James 3:3-6; Psalm 112; Psalm 118

Be blessed,

With God’s Love,

Dee-Dee McDuffie

7/3/2012 dlm/dlm

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!

BEHIND THE DOOR (A QuickShare)

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

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

As she entered the car, she looked highly irritated. 

“What’s wrong?”

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

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

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

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

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

With God's Love (and mine too),

Dee-Dee McDuffie

10/13/2011

Scripture Meditations:

John 10:10

New King James Version (NKJV)

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

John 8:42-44

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

ARMS AROUND A MOUNTAIN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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