WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020

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IN THIS ISSUE

Celebrating the spirit within Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

SHELLY WILSON

ALICE MILLS

MOVING FORWARD

Valerie Lee

YOLANDA SHERMAN

LUCIANA ANDREWS

HEIDI NGAI

KHRISTI LAUREN ADAMS

REBECCA MASON

VALERIE LEE

JOY JALLAH ZEISET

FROM THE FOUNDER MUCHA

Welcome to our first edition of Women’s Frontline Magazine in 2020.

Yay!

We made into 2020.

Here is a word of encouragement to you this year. Our feature article is called ‘’The Year of Wonders’’ written by Shelly Wilson. Shelly shares insight on holding all we own loosely’’, because God has merely loaned it to us. Read the full article on page 12. Thank you to all our seasoned writers and new ones, we love and appreciate all your contributions.

My encouragement for you today is: You may feel like God has forgotten you. As you look from the sideline, it looks like everyone around you is occupied with something. You may feel overlooked, ignored or rejected, but God sees you.

Everyone is running their own race at the set times and seasons. Do not despair, your set time will come when God will elevate you, establish you and turn everything around for you good.

Do not be afraid, just believe.

Celebrating the spirit within

Mucha

By Valerie Lee

Moving forward.

Many times it is hard to move forward towards the destiny that is planned for our lives because we're constantly looking through the rearview mirror of our past. To gain access to greatness, and the destination of betterment we have to learn to let go of the Hurts and bitterness of the past and let the healing process begin to work within you. Know that you are beautiful, you are loved and wonderfully created by God.

Remember Your Worth

By Mucha

I think its really sad to see someone lose themselves. Especially someone you have known. Life comes with lots of burdens and somehow along the way, you can lose yourself and forget that you are worth more than rubies. You are special in God’s Kingdom, that is why Jesus talked about leaving the ninety-nine sheep to go and find the one who had wandered and was lost. (Mathew 18:12)

Don’t allow people to treat you like you are worth nothing. You are a daughter of the the King and should never let anyone demean you. Just because you have a big heart it doesn’t mean that people should take advantage of you., especially in relationships. If you are not appreciated and always treated like you are a door mat, then it’s time to leave.

Life was not meant for you to cry everyday. Being in the right relationship is not meant to be difficult nor complicated. When two people are in love and keep boundaries there is always a way to find compromise when faced with disagreements. You are not a punching bag!

There are so many people that are in wrong relationships. Wrong, because they were built on a wrong foundation. The foundation really matters.

The bible says, a house divided by itself cannot stand.

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. Mathew 12:22-28

Make this year, I pray that you will get courage and take a stand and refuse to be treated like a door mat. This is your time to remember who you are. You are an intelligent woman who is kind, not stupid. Begin to know your worth and rise above abuse, because that is what it is.

SHELLY WILSON

ALICE MILLS

YOLANDA SHERMAN

HEIDI NGAI

By Joy Jallah Zeiset

COURAGE

I discovered the courage to step out of my comfort zone and pursue my goals, dreams and purpose in life. Every step lead to something great. It takes courage, effort, and being brave for the impossible things to become possible.

It is all about becoming great every day in order to pursue the goals and be consistent in what is being done to produce results. Be intentional and always keep going after greatness. Staying focused is imperative on reaching your highest potential.

A mind made up is the most powerful tool to accomplish your goals. Just believe in yourself. You may need to do it afraid and therefore will build up your faith and courage.

Believe that there is nothing you cannot do, as you pursue your dreams. Do not take no for an answer. You can and you will. Consistency produce results. If God put the promise in your heart then he will enable you and equip you to manifest his promises through your everyday life.

Never quit, always keep trying and keep going after your dreams. It is imperative to write your vision and have a plan so that you have a roadmap or a blueprint.

Write down your family plan, business plan, family life plan, personal plan and parenting plan. Everything in life requires a plan and directions to take the necessary steps to get there.

When you know exactly what you want in life then you will begin to go after it. You do not have to settle. You can change your life around. All it takes is your willingness to make it happen.

What are you willing to do that may be uncomfortable but will produce results in your life?

Alignment your mindset with your passion and set a plan to make it happen. All things are possible to them that believe.

Take a leap of faith and pursue the desires of your heart and see it manifest in your life. The spirit of the Lord is without limits. Get in alignment with Gods will and purpose for your everyday life. Then you will have a rich and fulfilled life. There is such joy that comes out of living on Gods kind of assignment. Sometimes you may need to get out of your own way so God can fully manifest his promises in all aspects of your life.

According to your faith, be it done unto you.

The Lord has encouraged me to encourage you. And perhaps challenge you as well..

Many have been waiting on promises for a long time…promises for a long

AS WE EMBARK UPON A BRAND NEW YEAR…

As I drove home from visiting my daughter this week, I needed to stop for fuel. I noticed a man with a sign as I came down the ramp, “Hungry. I’m homeless.

”This stuck in my mind as I refuelled.’'

He didn’t ask for money…only food.I was very uncertain I could get back to the man because of where he stood. But, nonetheless, I was quickly led to a nearby Chick-Fil-A and ordered two meals.

I began to pray and ask the Lord to help me get where I needed to be to give the food to the man.

As I passed him, he was on the opposite side of the road and there was no direct way to drive by him again.

Honestly, a fleeting thought entered my mind just to drive on home. But it was followed by another that said something like this, “It will not always be easy to obey me…”I found that little excuse trying desperately to rise in me but I whipped the car around to a stop sign across the intersection from the man.

I rolled down my window and yelled as loud as I could, “Mr!” He heard me quickly and turned. I held up the food and he dashed across the busy road.I looked in my rear-view mirror to see a long line of cars coming.

I didn’t move. But a whisper rose quickly to tell me, “You better just leave or these drivers will get angry.”

I rejected the thought of pleasing those behind me so that I might please the ONE before me.As cars began to honk for me to move- the man arrived at my window and thanked me for the food.I said, “It was Jesus-He loves you.

”He responded, “I know He does, I’m a believer.”

This coming year will be a year of wonder but only for those who decide to follow

wholeheartedly. Those who will not mind becoming an outcast for Christ. Those who are willing to suffer the loud honking letting you know they have better things to get to. Those demanding their own way so God never gets His way.

The road will be narrow for the bride making herself ready for the coming of the King.A word of advice. If you are unable to stick it out when it’s hard…and only engage when it’s seemingly easy. You will miss these wonders coming.

If your loyalty is only to a church rather than to The Christ-you, too, will miss the wonders.You best make peace with being labeled crazy for following Jesus into some dark paths so He can become a Light to that world.

Your persecution will likely come from within the religious sect…it will be deeply painful to your heart. But in that instant you will be closer to Christ and understanding His very heart than ever before.Child-like Faith is critical to walk in wonders.

Learn to strike an arrow on the ground, slap a mantle on the waters, march around buildings 7 times, and command the sun to stand still.

Prepare to walk to a Red Sea, cast Legion out of a man, and be caught up by visions and dreams.Learn to love worship on your face, sing loud for an audience of ONE, and give away your lives.

Hold all you own loosely because He has merely loaned it to you. He has sovereign right to use it as He sees fit.Ready yourself to be moved with compassion for the hurting and hungry.

Clothes the poor and help the needy. Fight for the oppressed and loose the captives.When He sees your heart is bent towards His….only then will You see the wonders coming in 2020.

2020 SEEING BEYOND

When you crossed over into 2020, was your heart filled with excitement and new expectations, or where you filled with fear of what the new year would bring?

BY MUCHA

Der Beloved

For most of us, every new brings new speculations on how the year is going to be. It is obvious that every new year comes with new reflections, new goals and new ideas and sometimes all this is coupled up with fear of the unknown.

As christians, we get excited because we have hope in Jesus and his promises. Every time you begin to speculate on things that are challenging, remember that there is a God who loves you so much and wants you to rest in his ability to take care of you.

With your natural sight, you are limited to only see what is before you, which are the temporal things and they can be deceiving and misguiding. The ability to see beyond your natural sight is seeing things through the eyes of God. God sees you as the apple of his eye

God is inviting you to spend time with him in this season so you can see beyond the temporal things, and live a life of victory, knowing that God's plan for your life and for your loved ones is secure in his hands. No one can change God’s plans for your life. God loves you so much. Nothing comes as a surprise to him who is the Alpha and Omega. He holds your life is in the palm of his hands and wants the very best for you. Rest in him this year. Spend time time with him and he will show you which way to go.

Shalom!

(the peace of God, which means nothing missing, nothing broken)

Be encouraged and rest in his mighty hands that are safe and will carry you throughout 2020

“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.” Psalm 17:8

This kind of love is being demonstrated through him sacrificing his life for all mankind to receive eternal life. A love such as this is considered to be an unconditional love.

Have you ever wonder what this world be like if we showed this type of love ?

I have been in a place in my life that I showed unconditional love to people who hurt me and I had to forgive to remain in a place of freedom.

Another scripture reference is “ 1Peter 4:8- And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

There are four types of love-

- Storage-empathy bond.-

- Philia- friend bond

- Eros- romantic love

- Agape- unconditional “ God” love.

By Dr. Yolanda Sherman

What is the real meaning of love ?

Love is a word that can be defined as an intense feeling of deep affection.

There are so many people that are feeling unloved and it seems to be causing them so much pain.

The pain can be unbearable at times and it literally numbs the person to the realities of life. The one thing about love is it can’t just be expressed in words it has to be demonstrated through our actions.

I am reminded of the scripture (John 3:16 ) “ For God so loved the world , that he gave his only begotten Son, that

Remember love is matters of the heart and we don’t want wickedness in our hearts that keeps us from loving others genuinely.

We must know that Jesus love was unconditional and that is our example to follow. There is someone that needs to be shown the love of Christ through us.

Remember love is matters of the heart and we don’t want wickedness in our hearts that keeps us from loving others genuinely. We must know that Jesus love was unconditional and that is our example to follow.

There is someone that needs to be shown the love of Christ through us . This is my words of encouragement to you that you are loved by our Father and I love you too.

God & Marriage

MARRIAGE IS ORDAINED BY GOD AND WE MUST RESPECT THE UNION IF WE EXPECT TO RECEIVE THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD. MARRIAGE IS WORK, RESPONSIBILITY, AND IT REQUIRES COMMITMENT

God did not make two people alike; we must learn one another by communicating and spending time with We have to make our spouse a priority as this is the will of God.

A marriage commitment between a man and woman must be a lovingly union that totally connects them spiritually, mentally, and physically for the Glory of God.

“ and said, ‘ For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two

but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate.”

( Matthew 19: 5-6; NKJV)

God created marriage , encourages it, and commands unity in it as a relationship.

“ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined they shall become one flesh. And they shall become one flesh. And naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed”.

( Genesis 2: 24-25; NKJV)

WOMEN’S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

Have you sometimes felt like you have been beat down and that your circumstances will never change?

Well, you are not alone. It's something that happens to all of us at some point, but there is hope through the power of relentless prayer. Prayer is a dialogue between you and God.

RELENTLESS

BY MUCHA

It is his invitation to talk with him and ask him for help and guidance. He invites us to engage in relentless prayer to seek his face for answers. Throughout the bible, there are many examples of how relentless prayer changed lives, circumstances and nations.

To be relentless means to be persistent in doing something.

Revelations 5:8, says

And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.

Your prayers are being presented to God, therefore, do not give up until God gives you the answer to your prayer according to his will.

As opposed to having quick fixes to prayer, Jesus looks at the whole picture. He looks into eternity and draws his answer to your prayers from there.

Whatever situation you find yourself in, you must be persistent in your prayer. Sometimes things may get ugly and turn for the worst, but that does not mean that you should give in. On the contrary! Stand on the word of God, it never fails.

Is there something that you are facing today where you need to hear from the Lord?

Personally, I have been bombarding heaven about a certain thing I am praying for and will not stop until he speaks!

It is hard and sometimes you will feel like giving up, but don't! Keep knocking on heaven's door until you hear him breath into your situation and change things around.

Keep praying, keep asking, keep seeking and you will walk in the promises of God.

Looking at the biblical story of Hannah, we have one example of how she prayed for a child and God answered her prayers due to her relentless prayer. She was barren and was desperate for a child.

Some may have assumed that she had lost her mind as she weeped and prayed relentlessly, asking God for a child. Some may have gossiped about her and laughed at her. That didn’t stop her from praying until she got her answer. God heard her prayers.

THE POWER OF RELENTLESS PRAYER

Whatever you are asking for, God will answer according to his word. He is the same yesterday today and forever and will never change. Some people may laugh at you or gossip about your situation, but have faith, and keep your eyes focused on the one who can change your circumstances.

I am a firm believer that God is able to do what he said he would do. He said it and that settles it, no matter how things look now. I pray that you keep on praying and you will see your breakthrough.

As one year has ended a new one has begun and with each coming year there becomes new opportunities, new goals, and new adventures. But as many of us can attest, in order to embrace the new, it’s necessary that we relinquish the old that is holding us back from repositioning into our purpose. What does it truly mean to reposition?

It means to adjust or put in a new or different position and also to change the way people think of something.

In other words it means to SHIFT, and when you are in a season where you are shifting into new territories it comes to no surprise you will experience one attack after the other, but what if I told you the greatest attack that we face as human beings is the attack in our mind.

The Battle within our mind

Your greatest enemy lies in between your ears and we have to be careful with our mind because those thoughts run wild and ultimately become strongholds.

Once that happens it creates a prison in our mind that keeps us captive. For some people they remain locked up in that prison for years and it holds them back from moving forward in the things that God had already predestined for them to have or accomplish.

You have to want a mind that is renewed in him, without a Mindset Reset you will remain trapped behind the negative thoughts of your mind.

You have to be intentional about reconstructing your life and with that ,change your mind about your identity. That version of you can’t be manifested if you are walking in fear, furthermore the new version of you will require for the old version to die.

Sarah Jakes says,

“I can’t be who I used to be at the same time. This is found to be true for many of us we want to embrace the new without letting go of the old.

There is a promise that was made to you while you were being formed in your mother’s womb but it’s up to you if you will move forward to bring it to life or will you hold it captive.

Hidden in plain sight God has given each one of us the promise that he will always reveal himself and his word to those who seek him and walk in his ways. So be confident in knowing that when you take one step, surely he will take two on your behalf to get you where you need to be.

However, it doesn’t come without some sort of sacrifice or price on our end and I say to you ,some things you will have to say bye bye to in this season. Some of you are hiding in plain sight thinking that nobody sees your potential or gifting that has been placed on you. There is a mantle that you shall carry ,however, you must dismantle what was said to you by the enemy or even perhaps those close to you in order to reach your promise.

I CHANGE MY MIND

We struggle more in our mind than in our relationships and friendships. Proverbs 23:7 says, ‘’for what he thinks in his heart so is he ‘’ and because the mind is powerful your very life is always moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts which sometimes leads people into a place of being stuck.

What we think has the potential to determine the outcome. If you think you will overcome, chances are you will. However, if you dwell on the problems, they seem to never go away.

Decide today to change your mind about who you are and what power you really have. God has made you to be a frontrunner for the body of christ which means you were created to lead, you are not the underdog, you no longer need validation from anyone.

I know this all too well because there was a time that I had to have it but when God redeemed me and set me free from myself I gained the confidence that was already set up in the inside of me that I never knew I had. And although it was scary to let go and let God I had to to for such a time as this.

Prepare for the reconstruction, the damage that was done no longer rules over you, it is now destroyed and God is rebuilding you.

An Inside Look at Parable of the Brown Girl: The Sacred Lives of Girls of ColorExcerpt from the Introduction“I often imagine how any number of the girls I meet could find themselves in one of Jesus’ parables, the stories he used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. He frequently focused his parables on the neglected and unnoticed, highlighting wisdom and strength where they had previously been ignored. These girls, too, are neglected and unnoticed. They are also wise and full of incredible strength.”

Khristi Lauren Adams is a speaker, advocate, chaplain, and ordained Baptist Minister. She is the Founder and Director of ''The Becoming Conference,'' designed to empower, educate, and inspire teenage girls. She is currently the Firestone Endowment Chaplain, an instructor of religious studies and philosophy, and co-director of Diversity at ''The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania

The stories of girls of color are often overlooked, unseen, and ignored rather than valued and heard. In Parable of the Brown Girl, minister and youth advocate Khristi Lauren Adams introduces readers to the resilience, struggle, and hope held within these stories.

Instead of relegating these young women of color to the margins, Adams bring their stories front and center where they belong. By sharing encounters she's had with girls of color that revealed profound cultural and theological truths, Adams magnifies the struggles, dreams, wisdom, and dignity of these voices.

Thought-provoking and inspirational, Parable of the Brown Girl is a powerful example of how God uses the narratives we most often ignore to teach us the most important lessons in life. It's time to pay attention.

THE LORD OF THE ABIDING PRESENCE

By Heidi Ngai

When I began to ask the Lord what He would have me paint next, the name Yahweh Shammah kept coming to my awareness and with it a vision of the dream Jacob records (Genesis 28:12) in which he sees a stairway to heaven with angels ascending and descending out of heaven.

Asking the Lord midway into the painting what He wanted to speak through this vision given originally to Jacob, I felt Him reminding me of the place that Jacob was in right before this dream was given to him. Before this, Jacob had likely never had his own experience with the Lord as his Grandfather Abraham and Father Issac had received and now he was running for his life from his brother Esau who wanted to kill him.

He was likely lonely, afraid of the future, and unsure if the promises were really for him. Can you relate?

Yet, it was in this very place, the lonely desert, where God chose to encounter Jacob in a dream that would change his life forever.

This one encounter set him on course to discovering his identity as God's son and fully believing the promises over his life, not only for himself but for a whole nation.

It was here that God speaks over him a promise I believe we can also take hold of in this season:

"I AM WITH YOU AND WILL WATCH OVER YOU WHEREVER YOU GO, AND I WILL BRING YOU BACK TO THIS LAND. I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU UNTIL I HAVE DONE WHAT I HAVE PROMISED YOU."GENESIS 28:15

I believe we are in the days now where it will be imperative to root ourselves in the promises God has given us, find out what they are, and truly live as sons and daughters of the Most High. The unknown may threaten to overwhelm us, but that is where God wants to teach us to trust Him and know that He has already gone before us and is preparing the way just like He did for Jacob! He truly is Yahweh Shammah, the Lord the Abiding Presence; even when we can't see or feel Him moving in our lives - He is!

GENESIS 28:16

WHEN JACOB AWOKE FROM HIS SLEEP, HE THOUGHT, 'SURELY THE LORD IS IN THIS PLACE, AND I WAS NOT AWARE OF IT.”

By Mucha

Ashes are a symbol of the hardships we face. Everyone faces some form of hardship, be it loss of a loved one, divorce, abuse, sickness, loss of identity and rejection.

Job, was a righteous man who loved the Lord dearly. He experienced losing everything. It was a dark period in his life and like most of us, he must have wondered if his life would ever be the same again.

Will he be happy again? Will he smile again?

Will he have the courage to love again?

‘’To give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.”

I was reminded of the amazing love of Christ that is able to restore us to the identity and purpose he created for us.

What does beauty for ashes mean?

ASHES

Ashes in the bible were a sign of deep grief. Have you ever experienced how the troubles in life can set you up for failure as they suck the life right out of you?

It’s times like these that we should hang on to God’s promises of deliverance from our enemy (ashes). Although life can be extremely challenging, God has promises us that he would bringing out the beauty that is found from this pain and suffering.

In Job 2:8 Job found himself deep in the ashes, he lost everything!

David was there too. He prayed and fasted and did everything he could to save his son.

But, ‘’On the seventh day the baby died. David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the baby was dead.

They said, “Look, we tried to talk to David while the baby was alive, but he refused to listen to us. If we tell him the baby is dead, he may do something awful.”

2 Samuel 12:18

I am also reminded of the song Amazing Grace as I pen this.

Amazing Grace! how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found Was blind but now I see

Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come ‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far And grace will lead me home

It was written by a former slave trader called John Newton who was an Anglican priest in England in 1773, apparently written specifically, from a near-death experience he’d had decades earlier, when the slave ship he was on encountered a violent storm, prompting him to convert to Christianity.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES

There is an exchange that took place on Calvary.

Jesus felt every pain and suffering as he was nailed to the cross. At that moment, a beautiful exchange took place.

Beauty for Ashes.

The Cross and the Blood of Jesus is the powerful exchange for every pain and suffering we encounter. God in his mercy made that exchange for us, so that he could remove the ashes (hardships) and crown us with his beauty.

No-one is too lost not to be found or too far gone off to be redeemed. That beautiful exchange is an unbreakable covenant where the King of Glory invites you to call him into every ahses/situation you are in.

Will you laugh again? Yes!

Will you smile again? Yes!

Will you recover from the suffering you have been through? Yes you will.

His beautiful exchange still speaks on our behalf.

Jesus reminded us in John 16:33 that “In this world you will have trouble, but take courage, for I have overcome the world.”

The Power of the Cross, through his pain and suffering has made it possible for us to overcome.

What a beautiful exchange and what a wonderful expression of a loving God!

I can only imagine that is the Amazing Grace that John Newton encountered as he faced the most fierce storm of his life. Was he going to survive this storm he must have thought! He overcame.

Grace will find you and lift you out of that mourning, depression, sadness, abuse, and turmoil.

Just call out his name and He will answer. He is our Shalom, nothing missing, nothing broken (peace).

Pray

Jesus, save me from these ashes and crown me with your beauty, amen.

WHAT’S SO EXTRAORDINARY ABOUT

MARY?

I HAVE OFTEN HEARD IT SAID IN CHURCH CIRCLES THAT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH MAKES TOO MUCH OF MARY WHILE THE PROTESTANT ARM OF THE BODY MAKES TOO

By Alice Mills

MARY ACCEPTS GOD’S CALL ON HER LIFE WITHOUT CONSULTING THE MEN IN HER LIFE.

Mary doesn’t ask Gabriel to wait while she consults Joseph on this new development. She must be well aware that to become pregnant would probably mean the loss of her husband. I say husband because in those days, once the engagement had been established, legally a man and woman were husband and wife. Notice that Joseph went about looking into divorce or “putting her away”.

To obey God first before one’s husband is not something preached on very much. In fact, I have heard that husband’s orders should always be obeyed, unless they involve actual sin, far more often than the idea that women need to follow what God says first.

I am blessed to be in a very egalitarian marriage where both my husband and I have veto power and submit to each other. But Mary did not live in a time where such marriages existed. Very much the opposite, in fact.

The significance of Mary’s choice, however, is bigger than one woman. In a sense, she has begun overturning the curse. With Eve came the conflicted relationship between men and women. Have women desired men more than God? Have men often ruled (sometimes ruthlessly) over women?

You bet.

But Mary chooses God and His calling over a man.

MARY ISN’T AFRAID OF SHAME

Adam and Eve hide once the emotion of shame becomes available to them. Mary does not let the disapproval of others weigh with her. She chose to become the mother of an illegitimate child. We mustn’t ignore the significance of this.

How often does God call us to appear foolish?

Pretty much every time we speak the Gospel, we look like fools to an unbelieving world.

Who would believe that Mary was a virgin?

It looks foolish even now to believe that Jesus was born of a virgin.

But Mary’s commitment to God was such that she did not allow shame to weigh with her.

And later, Jesus did not allow the fear of shame to overcome His calling either. In fact, He took on the shame of the world when He was nailed to the cross.

Are we so afraid of shame or failure that we miss our destinies?

Make up your mind now that to follow Jesus is to share in His cross… and all the shame that entails.

MARY MUST GROW IN UNDERSTANDING, AND SHE MUST SUFFER.

Those of us with children do not have to come to grips with the idea that our children are part of the Trinity.

Mary, from the tone of her song in Luke, evidently understands that the Messiah is to be a political leader.

She is all for the overthrow of the vicious Roman rule. But her understanding of who Jesus is must go through an incredible transformation.

She goes from a woman waiting for her son to take power to understanding that her son is far more than a mere earthly king.

She must learn to worship Him.

Mary is the only witness to the entire life of Jesus.

She is with Him at His birth and at His death. When Jesus is presented at the temple, Simon tells her that a sword will pierce her soul. (Luke 2:34-35)

To be the mother of Jesus is a calling filled with confusion and wonder, I would imagine. But the cost of accepting was great, though the fruit of it was far greater.

WE WOULDN’T HAVE THE BEGINNINGS OF THE GOSPELS OF MATTHEW AND LUKE WITHOUT HER.

Because Mary is the only firsthand witness to everything regarding the conception, birth, and childhood of Jesus, it is universally accepted that Matthew and Luke carefully recorded her story. Luke tells us that she treasured all these things in her heart tells us clearly that he knew her quite well.

It is because of Mary that we know the details and the fulfillment of the prophecies surrounding Jesus’ birth.

I find it significant that a woman contributed so meaningfully to the writing of the New Testament. Just as the first evangelist was a woman (Mary Magdelene at the Tomb) so the first stories of Jesus are through the eyes of the woman who chose to be His mother and then submitted to Him as God.

So I see the Christmas story as encompassing so many important concepts. It is not just a story about the coming of Christ, though that is first and foremost. I think it is also the beginning of the overturning of the curse. Jesus began to turn things around even by His arrival.

So what can we learn from Mary?

Do we obey God before man?

Do we embrace the shame for the prize set before us as both Mary and Jesus did?

Let us enter into this Christmas, casting off the shame the world puts on us for our belief. Let us celebrate Christmas as Mary, by saying,

Be it unto me as You have said.

0h, how I wish I had a magic twirling wand, traveling far beyond - broken hearts I would bond. Gliding across this slippery icy pond. Life used to be so relatively simple remember worrying about a silly pimple. Wow! That really cute girl has a dimple. I used to be happy perched on a fence.

All this craziness makes no sense. While reading a book of total suspense, quietly gazing at a forest so dense. What, what, are we going to do? Sometimes with options so very few, I think it’s worse than the deadliest flu.

Poor beggars walking down the street. No shoes to wear to cover their feet. Certainly no drink or food to eat. Their appearance surely far from neat. Patiently waiting for anyone to greet.

Is there an answer to all this crisis? And we worried about the secret Isis. Wake up world - what is the matter?

Everyone talking with excessive chatter. Seriously, are we The Mad Hatter? Is someone’s life about to shatter?

But that’s not the only issue here! The safety of our loved ones, we do fear! While tragedies growing oh so near, is this reality or a glance of surreal? Confusion and despair is now the deal.

As people join hands of every race, let’s stand together with dignity and grace. May we all share our voice - a rightful choice. Being happy, loving, and healthy is the key as we stand firmly united as a “WE”.

A Poem to Ponder

By Rebecca Mason

Shall we humbly review what now exist? What our minds can’t grasp - we try to resist new every day events that still persist! Guns and brutality at an all time rate. For some, sorry, just a little bit late. Devastated by a cherished lost mate. Please let our nation be ever so GREAT! Yes, these are disastrous crimes!

Too many entering the pearly gate. No warning! Heaven has no wait. We comprehend but hard to relate when we are called - it is our “FATE”. Security measures wherever you go. Apprehensions we are trying to slow, trying to unwind and let energies flow.

Be careful driving down the road. OMG, did I hit a big fat toad? No, just someone in a satan’s mode. Gun shots are flying everywhere! Goodness gracious! A horrible scare! Lack of comfort and safety in our home; actually, no matter where we roam.

Fire destroying and devastating our lands. Thank God for all those helping hands. Bestowing families with a place to live, the universe steps in to cheerfully give. Sad goodbyes - tell me any reason WHY these flares are lighting up the sky.

The “Evil” tends to feel sublime. These needless killings, such a waste; let’s find a solution at a rapid pace. Loyalty for this country we so love, memories for those we cherish from above.

Every day we listen to the news. Many stories give us the blues with no Fires variation of its many hues. No one knows what’s going to be. All we know is what we see! These happenings we need to change. Our mindset should be rearranged.

Perhaps some helpful and sound advice when you are using an electronic device. Be sensible and cautious and don’t get hacked. You must know, certain people can be whacked. This is certainly not a computer game. Simply stated - such a dreadful shame.

People scamming with a bogus phone call just waiting for someone to slip and fall. Into the financial pit you definitely slide with no one to be your personal guide. Down the hall and behind the dark wall, the trickster hides where he resides. Doing what he does the very best not even scared of potential arrest!

Political issues: solemnly, I do declare! I really think I should not go there. Being subtle - won’t go to the trouble. Someone could really burst my bubble! Perhaps it is best - we are unaware. Who knows what is circling in our air.

Tremendous thanks to our police forces keeping us safe while on our courses. You have excelled in your jobs, protecting us from angry mobs. Fearlessly placing your lives on the line with the thread being so very fine. Unfortunate ones who lost their lives, forsaking their children and precious wives.

Hard working teachers in our school trying to teach children the Golden Rule. Why would anyone want to be so cruel? We appreciate your keeping our children well, securing them under your protective spell.

Truly grateful for putting our dear ones first, never ever expecting to hear the worst. A genuine hope is that you will find solace and inner peace of the mind leaving your weary burdens behind. Trying to be patient - striving to be kind. Take a deep breath and totally unwind.

Maybe, we should have more trust with devoted prayers being a must. Parents - take time and listen well! Discipline or visit your child in a cell. When and if they want to talkSTOP - just cancel that stupid walk.

Hopefully, your son is willing to vent. Trust me, the shoes won’t miss the cement. Ask your daughter is she alright, remember to hug her ever so tight.

GIANTS FALL!

I was watching a children’s movie with my teenage daughter, about a princess trapped in the land of the giants. The giants were much bigger than her, mean as hell….(I knew someone who always used to say this) and were ready to devour her. Her efforts to fight them off were useless, she was powerless in front of them. Of course someone came to save her in the movie. A young witty lad who would eventually fall in love with her..

Now, as I watched this, I remembered the story of David & Goliath. Goliath was the giant who taunted many men and was feared by many. But, one day, a young shepard boy decided that enough was enough, he would fight this giant as he stood on his faith in God.

With just shot, the giant fell to his demise and a new era begun.

Do you have a similar giant in your life that is causing you to fear and feel discouraged and making you have sleepless nights? The giant has many names.

Be encouraged that every giant can be conquered through the matchless name of Jesus. David’s armour was good enough, comfortable enough, and he used what he had and brought Goliath down.

No matter what giant you and I face, our assurance comes from the power of the Cross where Jesus conquered ALL giants.

As we stand on the word of God. The giants will begin to shrink and disappear.

Giants are intimidating because of their size and reputation, but God is greater than all the hype.

What is your giant right now? No weapons formed against you shall prosper!

I would like to hear from you..

Blessings

Mucha

Peter 3:12

I thought about all the times I had prayed, fasted and lived a ”righteous” life. And yet, I found myself wondering if God had forgotten me.

What had happened to all my prayers?

Where they not being heard?

Where they not being heard?

Is there ever going to breakthrough?

Is God listening?

If you find yourself asking these questions, then remember this wonderful verse that is full of promise. It is comforting and reassuring that his eyes are on the righteous (those that live according to his word).

Keep trusting that you will receive what you are asking for.

You are not forgotten!

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is