Monday Manna, 11/6/17: A Place for You

Regardless of where, how or when you were born - or even who your parents are, God has a place for you. That place is in His presence...the absolute best & perfect father. Like a small child in the arms of a parent, you can hold tightly to His neck knowing you are secure. Life may seem out of control with a storm raging all around you. Yet, His arms are in the center of that storm where it is the quietest, calmest. Let Him walk you through to safety.

Not only does He have a place for you, He has a plan for your life. Grab ahold to it, pursue the plan with tenacity and passion. Do not focus on what’s going on around you - keep your eyes on Him. He will not let you down & as you go, He will show you amazing things. 

How abundant are the good things that You have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in You. Psalm 31:19 NIV

Monday Manna, 10/23/2017

“Unfortunately, you are unable to walk into the inner courts of His palace while dressed in the disappointment of your circumstances.“ ~PK

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.”

Psalm 100:4

Thoughtful Thursday, #metoo

For days now, my heart has been heavy with all of the #metoo posts. Unfortunately, the occurrence of molestation and rape among women has gone on for thousands of years. As I sat reading my bible and meditating on The Word today, I was led to 2 Samuel 13 and my heart broke a bit more. It's not a new story, but is a reminder that evil still exists in the world and we must stand up against the perverted attacks on our little girls, teens and women. The 'me too' movement isn't new - it was started over 10 years ago by a young black woman (@TaranaBurke) who said "Me too was about reaching the places that other people wouldn't go, bringing messages and words and encouragement to survivors of sexual violence where other people wouldn't be talking about it."

The perpetrators in these violent acts don't think of the long term consequences - they are only thinking of momentary pleasure. They WILL BE HELD accountable for their weakness/sin because of the shame and emotional damage they have caused. The shame and emotional damage can last for years. For some the damage is so great their development is arrested and they act out with promiscuity, cutting and attempt to take their lives because they feel unworthy. For some only with therapy/counseling and the Lord's help do the devil's video replay images have less power or cease. I know because I was the victim of molestation as a young girl between the age of 5 and 6. Fortunately, we moved and my new environment was positive and supportive. In my early 20's, I sought counseling. The Lord has healed me and sister support has helped me remain strong.

Parents, be VERY discerning and wise in choosing who you leave your children with. This person was the husband of a trusted friend of the family, she left to go to the store on numerous occasions but didn't take us with her. As children, my daughters didn't understand why I was adamant about not allowing them to spend the night or hangout just anywhere. . .now as grown women, we've had the discussion and they know.

To all women, young and old, be aware of your surroundings and discerning in who you let into your circle of influence. And, if something "doesn't feel right," trust your instincts. Take action and move! While not all men have perpetrated such violence against women, it is important that we passionately and loudly tell our sons, husbands and other men in our lives to respect and honor when a girl/woman says "NO" - that NO is a complete sentence that requires no explanation or apology.

My prayer today is that the number of #metoo posts are minimized in the days, month and years to come. My warrior prayer today is that NO EVIL OR PERVERSION will come upon my granddaughters (biological, natural, or spiritual daughters). 

Who will join me today in sending out a warrior prayer of protection against sexual perversion (including molestation, rape, trafficking, etc.)? Do you need to talk to someone about your abuse? I'm available. ksykes57@gmail.com 

Going Home

I wrote this almost 5 years ago and still is true:

"As I sit on the plane riding home, I can't help but reflect on how awesome my life is. I've just left the most amazing parents a woman could have been raised by, heading to a man, a family that loves and values me. The family God chose for me. Some say that many people could be suitable for a person, however, I dispute that statement. Having tried and failed at establishing relationships with men who had character, who were believers. . . The chemistry just wasn't there. I believe with all my heart there was one for me; he balances me and I him. Without each other, life would be out of balance and we'd still be searching - incomplete, yearning. After all, God took one rib not two or three and when we try to fit where we don't belong, it is an arduous and painful connection.

Oh if we would only wait and move when the Spirit says move...having resolved to be content in my singleness, God moved because of my heart and faithfulness at that time...when we wait for that 'ah ha, this is it' or 'ah ha, could this be it' the moment that sense of real belonging occurs. I sensed that. . .and perhaps I was deluding myself but I think not. It did not come without some sense of fear or uncertainty, nonetheless approached with my whole heart knowing this is why I was created. The road has not been smooth nor without gut wrenching, heart breaking moments, but with knowing comes the ability to persevere. We pressed on any how.

Whether others express value and appreciation in me or not, I will press forward giving all I have to give until there is nothing left to give. Laughing, loving, sharing, caring, pouring. You see it's not all of my accomplishments that make up who I am, rather it is that human & spirit part of me that is recognized by others as that reflection of the Savior whom I love and serve. . .the one I choose to mirror. Let it be said of me that I live and love as Christ did when He created the heavens & earth, the way He did when He walked the earth, and when He ascended back into eternity. He walked fully knowing His purpose. 

May I (from this day forward) live in health, knowledge, purpose, passion and understanding. . .no regrets, only joy. Not looking back but pressing forward. Not forgetting the past, but no longer crippled by it - it cannot hold me down any longer...it is a weight unworthy of my future. (I strip it off and press forward). Yet that weight was instrumental in fulfilling who I am - a woman clothed in strength, power, passion, purpose and love. 

Praise be to God, The Lord Jesus Christ who is my Savior, and the precious Holy Spirit all around and indwelling.

December 17, 2012

Delta Flight 1655, Atlanta to Los Angeles"

Light

As I went to get dressed this morning, I flipped the switch for my closet light and immediately the bulb burnt out and I was faced with darkness - the only light was faint from my hallway. Now, I've been in this closet hundreds if not thousands of times, yet I had difficulty finding the rights clothes to wear because it was dark. I found a pair of pants through the faint light because they were bright. As I attempted to find a blouse, it was difficult in the shadows - what I thought was a black blouse another dark color.

This situation has brought to mind that living our lives without the LIGHT of Christ is much like being in a dark closet. We reach out blindly for the right thing to 'put on.' What we think is the right thing, turns out to be something else. That something else is disappointing because it was not what we had in mind.

Every now and then, we must take time to replace a light bulb so we have light in our environments. And, every now and then, we need to take a much needed break from a hectic life and recharge our spiritual lights. I pray that you take time to evaluate you place of darkness. Are you only seeing shadows and getting out of life something other than God's best? What is the source of your light?

Life can be filled with twists and turns. To navigate the roads of life, it is essential to have a powerful light source to guide the way.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” ~John 8:12 (NKJV)

True Woman | 31 Days of Praying for Your Husband by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

This is a resource I've shared with many married women who haven't committed to consistent, regular prayer on behalf of their husbands (or who didn't know what/how to pray). It doesn't matter what you 'feel' he IS or ISN'T doing, you still have a responsibility to pray. Remember, the fervent, effectual prayer of the righteous man [woman] has power and great results (James 5:16). . .It doesn't even matter if you believe your husband is praying for you or not. God will honor YOUR prayer and selflessness. Look to the LORD for your strength. Not something I've heard/read about. . .something I've experienced and done! I continue to be amazed at how God is blessing me through my husband and strengthening my marriage, day-by-day.
True Woman | 31 Days of Praying for Your Husband by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

StepOut Walk to Stop Diabetes

On Saturday, October 15th, the American Diabetes Association will host a walk to stop diabetes at White Park in Riverside, CA.  I will participate as one of the Cross Word Christian Church walk team and part of my responsibility is to raise $100.

I am walking and seeking sponsors to reach my $200 personal goal. I want to thank you, in advance, for sponsoring me via my personal American Diabetes Association page at http://main.diabetes.org/goto/KSykesCW. If you prefer making a check or cash donation, email me so we can make arrangements (ksykes@crosswordchurch.com). Again, thank you and God bless.