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.

Back on the block

Although it's been a little bit since I've made a post, God has been speaking and dealing with me consistently. My commitment now it to post weekly, at a minimum. I seek your prayers as we continue the Heart of an Encourager journey together. You are an important part of this journey and I am grateful for you. Spread the word and feel free to begin a dialogue, ask questions or make prayer requests.

So, today I was perusing articles on the topic of HOPE and came across this saying. Hope it blesses you as it has me.

When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."   ~Author Unknown

Keep at your dream. . .never give up, and always give it your best.  Until next week. . .remain hopeful, in His grip.

Empower 2 Purpose Conference

Women of God,

On August 18-20, 2011, I invite you to join me once again as the Empower 2 Purpose Conference reconvenes. This year's theme is "THRIVE: to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances".  Pastor Tamala Kelly has created a team of speakers who are trusting God to equip them to minister to His daughters over the 2-1/2 days. As Pastor Tamala says each year, "this conference can't be explained, only experienced." Come out and truly be blessed. I encourage you to get a room and stay overnight for the full experience. 

Registration fee is $65 if we register in groups of 10 or more, so 'comment' to this blog to let me know of your commitment. Feel free to share with friends.  Individual registration is available online via http://encounter2011thrive.eventbrite.com; registration fee if $85.

Location: Ayers Suites, 1945 Holt Blvd, Ontario CA 91761. Mention Empower 2 Purpose when making reservation.  See you in August!

August WoW Study

STUDY: TrueFaced, trust God and others with who you really are

Authors: Bill Thral, Bruce McNicol, and John Lynch

     Praise God from whom all blessings flow! I pray you’ve taken this past month to care for your temple, to connect with family and to fellowship with one another. By this time, you should be starting Chapter Four of the TrueFaced study, “The Supreme Gift of Grace: Love”.

     God has been speaking to you through this study and it would be great to hear how your spiritual life is changing for the good. What have you discovered about yourself and about God? Do you have a deeper understanding of how sin affects us regardless of whether you’re the one committing the sin or the object of attack in someone else’s sin?

     Our Abba Father desires that we pull down all masks, all strongholds – anything that would hinder our ability to enter His presence and to work on His behalf. He has a great destiny for each of you, a purpose for which He created you to accomplish in your time on this earth.  Do not be afraid, march on with courage and boldness, strengthened in who HE IS! If you could have done it on your own, it would be done. Obviously, you need GOD’s strong hand of intervention and direction. Yield totally to Him.

     Be blessed in the Lord and strengthened by His mighty power. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday evenings starting September 7th.

It is The Lord Christ You Serve

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. ~Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)

The economy and employment situation in America is at critical mass. People everywhere are looking for jobs – anything they can do to support their families. Many of the individuals have college degrees or previous very lucrative careers. So where do they go from here? That is the million-dollar question, which leads me to...

Why are so many people, who have jobs, complaining about what they do, who they work for, or the people they work with. As Christians we are called to a higher order in character display. So why do we look like the world when it comes to expressing our unhappiness with work?

If we take the biblical perspective, we would have no choice but to awake each morning with enthusiasm for the opportunity to work for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. After all, scripture tells us that we are not working for ‘a man’, but THE MAN.

Let each born again believer commit to face each new day with enthusiasm and thanksgiving (for having a job for those who actually have one), joy (the joy of the Lord is our strength) and perseverance (the race is not given to the swift, but to those who endure). Remembering that we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t faint (i.e., give up). RIGHT NOW, will you pause and confess to God your past issue with offering genuine, unconditional service in your job? No grumbling and complaining about anything!

So tomorrow when you see that person who gets on your last nerve, remember you’re actually serving Jesus – put on a genuine smile, wish them a great day and keep moving.  Perhaps they need a listening ear, so be that ear. If you notice their spirit is low, say a kind word as that may be just what they need to get through the day or that moment. . .you are the eyes, ears, hands, feet and arms of the Almighty God. This means you are valuable and have power through the Holy Spirit. Walk straight and face your giants – God is just waiting to place you in the land He has prepared just for you.

Pray for those who despitefully use you and say vile things about you? Bless those who curse you. . .these are doable if you’ve released your psyche and will to God.

He truly is the boss of you. . .act like it and do it with joy.

Perform your spiritual act of worship: daily offering your body as a living sacrifice. When you begin to rejoice in your job daily and express gratitude and thankfulness toward a loving God, you will see doors open.

As you review the past few days, how has your attitude been toward your job?

How will you overcome a negative attitude?
What one positive thing can you discover and/or focus on this week concerning your job?

The Chatter In My Head

We fight not against flesh and blood, but against. . .

We want what we want and are willing to sacrifice pleasing God – rather we choose man/friends/family/careers. 

“because I called but no one answered; I spoke, but they did not listen. And they did evil in My sight, and chose that in which I did not delight."  ~Isaiah 66:4

We are not in a battle with people around us – our battle is within. . .feelings of unworthiness, the chatter that goes on in our heads telling us we can’t do this or that, that we’ll never be good enough, smart enough, wise enough, pretty enough, tall/thin enough, wise enough. . .we look at our assets as though they were liabilities. We find it difficult to believe that anything about us is ‘fearfully’ or ‘wonderfully’ made.

Contentment is hard to find, yet when we take time to rest in Jesus the reality is peace and contentment are as close as our next heartbeat. As close as opening our mouths and uttering the words “Lord, I need you.”

Quieting the silence within means that we are ‘still and know that [He] is God’. To be intentional in creating that space where we are not bombarded with our necessary or crazy thoughts – that we can temporarily wipe off the to do’s on the whiteboard of our mind and place an image of the Almighty God, Jehovah Jireh – who provides everything we need, including peace of mind.

God wants to speak to us more than we want to listen.

He is a God of love, and love longs to communicate.

—Linda Schubert

Are we more focused on pleasing men to gain their approval or that of God? 

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." ~Galatians 1:10

Why do we allow the chatter to dominate our minds?

What steps do you take to 'clear the whiteboard of your mind' to enter into the rest God promises?

Self Talk, Soul Talk (5 weeks to go!)

This is the title of our current Women's Ministry small group bible study. It is amazing when we sit down to really think about how we talk to ourselves that we realize the chatter in our head does not consistently speak life!

Tomorrow evening, we will review Chapter 7, Calm Down: I Have Stilled and Quieted My Soul, I'd like to get your input on what this study has meant to you so far - which chapter has had the greatest impact on you personally. I pray you are feeling more empowered through this and our recent studies. The ultimate goal of our studies is to become 'whole' - that is God's desire, that HIS daughter's are WHOLE. No more fragmented women, living pieces of life. . .the tapestries of our lives are colorful, vibrant and ALIVE! Praise God for HIS handiwork in and through US.

If you're not currently involved in this study, I challenge you to pick up a book and take the plunge to discover if your 'self talk, soul talk' lines up with what God says about you.

Blessings and peace to you,
Pastor Karen

P.S. - "Self Talk, Soul Talk" by Jennifer Rothschild (Harvest House Publishers)

Seeds of Discord

Today, I'm standing on Jesus' promise to "let not [my] heart be troubled", I believe in God and I will also believe in Him. There is an evil, negative presence within our church that is in major opposition to what God is doing among us. These spirits are going about planting seeds of discord among the brethren and I want you all to be wise and know what God says about that behavior and those actions.

As believers, Christians, must never forget that our words can promote life or death, unity or division, love or hate. Although when we confess our wrong we will be forgiven immediately, the evil words we've sown from our mouths become evil instruments of murder to others. Satan will use any mouth open to him in an attempt destroy a whole church.

I wonder, how many souls have been murdered/lost because of the mouths of discontented believers? Proverbs 11:9 says, “The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor...” The Bible clearly warns us to mark those who cause division and strife and to avoid them. They are used by the Devil to cause trouble to the church and to the work of the Gospel (Romans 16:17).

Do you know someone who is a sower of discord? Is it you? Are you being used by the Devil to cause division and strife in your church? If so, be warned of the severe consequences that you will face unless you repent of your sin and bring your mouth under control. God promises, the sower of discord will face calamity. “A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth; he winks with his eyes, he shuffles his feet, he points with his fingers; perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy” (Prov. 6:12-15).

To paraphrase something Thumper's mother said to him: If you can’t say good things about your church, then keep your mouth shut. If you don’t think the church or its leaders are doing what they should, go talk with them privately. Pray daily for God to help them. And if you still don’t think the church is doing you any good, then get down to the altar and pray until it does, or get out of there and find one that will!

Whatever you do, don’t become an enemy to the church, it’s leaders or people! Regardless of what you think about your church, it belongs to the Lord, and if it is in error He’s big enough to correct it without your complaints. If you become a trouble-maker to your church, you will make yourself an enemy to Jesus (Matthew 25:40), and He warned against becoming a stumbling-block to the faith of believers lest you face severe judgment. “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6).

Loving you passionately enough to speak the TRUTH. . . ~Pastor K (aka: MinK)

Nurturing Relationships

Relationships are an essential component of human existence. The Word of God and life of our Lord Jesus Christ confirms the fact that we are made for community - we need each other. Therefore, it is imperative that we take time to nurture relationships at all levels.

Nurturing requires giving of self, time and treasure. Too many times though we are given into the selfish attitude of "what's in it for me?" If there's nothing for me, then I'm not down for a relationship. Not to say we shouldn't have expectations, we certainly must have expectations and guidelines; however, when our desire for relationships is driven by desire to fulfill our selfishness, we are wrong.

One day while meditating on healthy relationships and after hearing countless complaints of women's needs not being met, the Holy Spirit dropped the following in my spirit - the words are simply: "don't be a parasite in your marriage (or other relationships)." The definition of a parasite according to Merriam Webster:

Main Entry: par·a·site
Pronunciation: \ˈper-ə-ˌsīt, ˈpa-rə-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin parasitus, from Greek parasitos, from para- + sitos grain, food
Date: 1539
1 : a person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery
2 : an organism living in, with, or on another organism in parasitism
3 : something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return

So, today, I ask are you a parasite or are you contributing party to healthy relationships?

Share your thoughts on this topic. . .

Illegitimate vs. Legitimate Parenting

Main Entry: il·le·git·i·mate
Function: adjective
Date: 1536

1 : not recognized as lawful offspring; specifically : born of parents not married to each other
2 : not rightly deduced or inferred
3 : departing from the regular

Society has for far too long labeled human kind born in adverse circumstances. Back in the day, children born out of wedlock were labeled 'illegitimate' (I was one of them); and children born whose father abandoned the mother or wanted nothing to do with becoming a parent were labeled 'bastards'. How unfair to the child. . . I and children like me, were considered less than those who had both parents. Many families turned their backs on their daughters, put them out and shamed them while the men walked freely without much ridicule - they were 'being a man'. I have a saying: times change but human nature does not.

The new term 'illegitimate parents' does not mean a man and woman are bad parents. When you reverse the term "illegitimate child" and "illegitimate parent" it means the parents have gotten the order of things wrong. They became parents before becoming spouses. . .God's order is marriage then children. While there are women/men/couples who intentionally have children without the covenant of marriage, I believe there are many who got caught up in "lust" and the passion of the moment whose end result was pregnancy. For those who chose to keep the child rather than abort, the private sin between two people became very public.

Children are precious in God's sight regardless of the timing of their appearance. I thank God that even when we get things out of order, because of His permissive will, we are still able to receive mercy and grace in our times of need.

Does that mean that God abandons us when we get the order wrong? No. . .especially not when we've confessed our sin and dis-order before Him and make that 180 degree turn. God requires all parents to raise their children up with reverential fear and love for Him. He says to teach His laws and precepts to our children at all times and to not forbid children to come to Him.

There are many couples who were 'pregnant' before they were married, but because they 'rushed' to the altar it was perceived as acceptable - but we all can do the math. There are many couples who got under the radar of the church because they were 'not in church' when they were in their foolishness; thus, no one knew nor could condemn. I'm in no way condoning the pre-marital sexual actions of men and women; but we must look through the loving lenses of our heavenly Father if those actions result in the birth of a living soul. Forgiveness, mercy and grace.

We all have sins and past actions that we are not proud of. Many of them are hidden from the masses. We must protect what is precious in God's sight.

What are your thoughts on this?

Meet Me In The Meadow: What It’s All About?

Meet Me In The Meadow: What It’s All About?

I hope you enjoy this devotional piece from Roy Lessin. His writing is not only scripturally sound, it is from the heart of another Encourager! Love you and be blessed by walking in The Son-shine.

What It’s All About?

It’s not about following our career path;
It’s about following His call upon our lives. Matthew 16:24
It’s not about our self-efforts to live for Him;
It’s about letting Him live His life in us. Gal. 2:20
It’s not about our attempts at self-improvement;
It’s about His transforming grace. 2 Cor. 5:17
It’s not about our self-image;
It’s about being conformed to His image. Romans 8:29
It’s not about our abilities to serve;
It’s about His power to equip us. Acts 1:8
It’s not about our human resources;
It’s about His sufficiency. 2 Corinthians 3:5
It’s not about wanting the approval of others;
It’s about having His approval. 2 Tim. 2:15

Umbundu Proverb

BODY IS EASILY SATISFIED, BUT NOT THE HEART.
(Angola 1914)

"Well" Language

Incorporate these expressions into your daily self-talk.

One Hope
-One day, things will change. If I have hope, I have help.
-With God, nothing is impossible.
-I am capable of doing all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
-I will carry on . . . I can make it!

Open to God
-I am a woman open to God. God will meet me in my ordinary.
-Anonymous is an unacceptable reality.
-Reach out and people will reach back.
-I am a woman looking for unexpected opportunity to advance!

Breaking Down Barriers
-My uniqueness does not mean I am inferior or superior. It means I am unique.
-Look for the best in everyone; do not exclude what God includes.
-My freedom does not require the enslavement of another human.
-I will not allow other people’s prejudices to create obstacles for me.
-I am loved and wanted – I belong!

Discovering a New Way of Thinking
-A different harvest requires a different seed (think new ways to achieve new results).
-I shall be transformed by the renewing of my mind.
-I will think on what is true, pure, lovely, excellent, holy, right, noble and praiseworthy.
-Thoughts precede action.
-Godly thinking produces Godly action; let’s get spiritual!

2010 WoW Retreat

Just to keep you updated, I will post the answers to this past weekend's retreat topics soon. The sessions to be posted are:
Transformation, Part 1
Transformation, Part 2
The Nature of Longing (Single womens session)
Living Ephesians 5: Giving Respect (Married womens session)

I pray everyone was blessed by the weekend of 'refreshing' in the presence of our Abba Father. HE is our daddy and there isn't anything we can't present to HIM that HE isn't able to handle.

Blessings and peace to you,
Pastor K