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Hills

Hills

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Hills

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?

My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.

The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”  

Psalm 121 NSV

In this Psalm David knew his  help cane from the LORD. As a young boy he worked as a shepherd, tending to his father’s sheep. He displayed skills in music and fighting. He was the same boy who took out Goliath with a smooth stone and his slingshot.

David spent a lot of time in those hills, hiding from King Saul who had plans to cut his life short. Now a king himself, he reflects on those hills. Facing despair, grief, and loneliness, he was kept safe and alive. Even in the darkest places, God was still there, leading, protecting, and fulfilling the promises he had given him when he was a youth.

What do you see when you gaze upon your own hills? I see a God has carried,  providing, protecting, and helping me through the challenges.  He made a way out of no way. We are not alone on the journey friends. His Word reminds us that he is with us.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up. 

No More Tears

No More Tears

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No More Tears

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelations 21:4 NIV

The scripture I have chosen to share today holds a promise of restoration, where the current world will pass away and God will bring about a new reality. The promise that God will wipe away every tear is accompanied by other things that exist in our current world that will be done away with in the world to come.

Life in this world is a mixture of good, bad, sad, mad, ups. downs, and roller coaster, which forces us to grapple with various emotions. There are tears, sorrow, pain, suffering, sickness, death, accidents, and natural calamities. Like Marvin Gaye song, it makes me wanna hollar. But we as believers are not without HOPE.

Hope my friends is defined in scripture as a confident expectation and trust in God’s promises and character, leading to a belief in future blessings and a renewed sense of strength.

Let me leave you, my aunts, uncles, and family with this scripture, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5. To me there is nothing more comforting and hopeful than those words. This verse has helped me up, held me up, and built me up. It has carried me through many days.

Let us continue to lift each other up in prayer as we always seek peace, encouragement, and support for one another. Amen.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time owe should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Exhale

Exhale

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EXHALE

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 NEV

What does it mean to exhale? The dictionary defines it as an act of expelling or releasing. It can also metaphorically refer to expressing or releasing emotions or feelings.

Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer, actress, film producer, model and philanthropist. Commonly referred to as the voice, she is one of the most awarded performers of all time. She broke both gender and racial barriers. In 2023 she was ranked second on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest singers of all time. And we know this is true when she delivered an unforgettable performance of the Star Spangle Banner at Super bowl 25 in 1991.

In 1995, she starred in the movie, Waiting to Exhale. This romantic comedy-drama film was directed by Forest Whitaker. The film was an adaptation from the 1992 novel by Terry McMillan. It’s a story about 4 college-educated, middle-class black women who rely on one another to overcome several personal and professional crises. From that movie came several songs like, It hurt like hell by Aretha Franklin, not gon cry by Mary J. Blige, and my funny valentine by Chaka Khan. One more song comes to mind by Whitney Houston called, Exhale (Shoop Shoop)

Allow me to share some of the words and if you are like me, I hadn’t heard it in a good while, when you get some time, listen to it.

“Everyone falls in love sometime
, sometimes it’s wrong
 and sometimes it’s right, for every win
 someone must fail
but there comes a point when
 we exhale, sometimes you’ll laugh
, sometimes you’ll cry
 life never tells us the when’s or why’s
, when you’ve got friends to wish you well
 you’ll find your point when you will exhale, hearts are often broken when there are words unspoken, in your soul there’s answers to your prayers, If you’re searching for a place you know
 a familiar face, somewhere to go, you should look inside yourself, you’re halfway there
 Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop be doop
 all you gotta do is say shoop be doop.”

The Psalms I am sharing today is an expression of praise, even with all the troubles the people  were experiencing, they beilieved God would bring them restoration and healing.  Our God is the Great physician, He is all-powerful and can heal us from the inside out. As we exhale, we do so as an act of expelling negativity and releasing ourselves to just trust God with our emotions and feelings.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Where are You Living?

Where are You Living?

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Where Are You Living

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now its springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah  43:18-19 NIV

This passage is a powerful call to move beyond past experiences and focus on God’s ongoing work in the present. It also suggests that God is constantly creating new things and that we should be open to His new plan and purpose for our lives.

I know I am probably the only person in the world who has been guilty of holding on to the past. I held on pretty tight allowing myself to fuel those fires, that consumed me in all its bad ways. How was holding on to the past helping me now. It wasn’t it was just a waste of my time and energy. Did you know that holding on to the past is a lot of work and stress for our bodies and mind.

There came a point where I had to start thinking about this stuff and what it was doing to my spirit.  What was the use of giving over and praying about things in my life, if I was only going to pick it up again and put it back in my knapsack.

Frankly y’all there came a point where I recognized that not only was I tired, but this was not healthy. Then the revelation hits. It was like that prodigal son moment, where I realized, I didn’t have to stay in the shape that I was in, because not only do I have a God to take my burdens to, and I can leave them there too. Glory!

What does living in the past steal from us? Missed Opportunities, Happiness, freedom, peace, laughter, willingness, time, Leads to stagnation, no focus, bitterness, false judgments, and a distorted view of ourselves and the world.

What should living beyond the past look like? Freedom in my mind, laughter in my mouth, faith in the way I walk, forgiveness starting with self, new adventures with new eyes, Love deep in my heart, inner peace that lets me rest in Gods will and way, understanding that I can let IT GO, joy that bounces off of me and on to you, acceptance as I move on,  and clarity that says to my spirit, I WILL LET IT, THEM, THIS, and THAT GO!.

What’s my point family and friends?  When we live in the past, it takes from us in the presence and can drastically affect our future.  Life is too short, and death is too sure, to live in the past. JUST LET IT GO! AMEN.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

When Momma Calls

When Momma Calls

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When Momma Calls

“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”St. John 2:1-3 NIV

Women’s History Month has been a great time of reflect for me and not to mention all of the songs like:

More than a Woman-Aaliyah, I’m feeling Good-Nina, Simone, I’m every woman-Chaka Khan, Natural, Woman-Aretha Franklin, Girls Just wanna have fun-Cyndi Lauper, Superwoman-Alicia Keys, I am Woman-Helen Reddy, cause I’m a woman-Peggy Lee, and I can’t forget about my beautiful daughter, Cherelle K doing her thang. The words of song, both minister and encourage us on the journey.

Now let me get back to my topic. “When Momma Calls.”  There is no way to know or certain why Jesus chosen a wedding in Cana to perform his first miracle. Now this was a family of close connection to this wedding. I imagine it was a festive time where a bride is focused on being beautiful and enjoying her moment with her new husband. The fact that Jesus’ momma was concerned about the lack of wine, suggest that she was involved in the planning and organizing of the wedding. The whole family was there.

In those days wedding were considered an honor. They lasted for seven days, during which time food and wine was supplied by the families. Even though Jesus had never performed a miracle in public, I sense that his mother recognized that if anyone was going to handle the families wine problem, it would be Jesus. He did not disappoint as the festivities went on without a hiccup.

Isn’t that Just like our God on earth, who takes the ordinary and simple things to confound the wise? Water was turned into wine, from clay Adam lived and it didn’t stop there as God took one of his ribs to create woman. God is Awesome. There is none like Him.

As I Close Out Women’s History Month, I would like to thank my mom, daughter, sisters, aunties, and dear friends for being an example of beauty and strength. May God bless all you put your head, hands, and heart too.“Acknowledge the struggles, recognize the triumphs, keep pushing forward, take courage as we trust God with our Everything.  And I mean Everything.” Jannie V.

Positive Affirmations-

God woke me up this morning

I will take the time to appreciate the quiet moments

I will be still, cause I know God is in control

Go will give me strength in this day

I can have wisdom and guidance by asking God for it

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Who Touched Me?

Who Touched Me?

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Who Touched Me?

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” Luke 8:45 NIV

Are title today starts with Jesus asking a question. Now in my mind, his question wasn’t necessarily for the disciples to answer. You know how you talk out loud. It was a moment of a feeling He felt.

Jesus is on his way to a synagogue leader’s house to heal his dying daughter, when an unnamed woman causes an interruption to His progress. What we know about the woman is she had a bleeding condition, and the issue had continued for twelve years. But she heard about a man who had power to heal, and she thought to herself, if I can just touch the hem of his garment, I will be healed.

We don’t know this woman’s age, where she was from, if she had a husband and children, but what we do know is she was suffering and all the things she may have tried, none of it was working. But there was one thing she did have as she reached out for Jesus. Faith.

Jesus stopped what He was doing and acknowledged the result of this woman’s faith. He called her daughter, telling her that her faith has healed her and to go in peace she was free from suffering. God is moved to action by our faith, even when He’s in the middle of doing something else our God is never too busy for us!

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down someone is when we are helping them up.

Matters of the Heart

Matters of the Heart

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Matters of the Heart

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1 NKJV

Last week my husband Michael and I spent a week with his family in Georgetown, South Carolina as we prepare for his mom’s homegoing service. We had plans to go down to visit with her in April and again in August, but the Lord had other plans.

The service was filled with great sangin, there were people who shared sweet memories, and I can’t forget about the uplifting preaching. Before I knew it, I was on my feet given the Lord praise and thanksgiving. Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord! It was a beautiful service filled with love.

In this passage of scripture, I have chosen to share with you, Jesus spoke directly to his disciples. In the intimate setting of a Passover meal, which is also known as the Last Supper. Jesus tells them that one would betray him and tells Peter that he will deny him.

After the Last Supper, before He is arrested, Jesus assures His disciples to not let their heart be troubled believe in God, believe also in me. Even in His absence they would not be alone, because the Holy Spirit was coming.

In the face of trouble my friends, as we look at all the chaos that surrounds us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed, we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We have a God who will come see about us his children. He reminds us, to not let our hearts be troubled. He does want us to worry, if we are believing in God, we must believe in Him too.  His love is the softest Kleenex for our eyes, and his arms are outstretched waiting to hold us tight. Amen.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Smile, Your on Candid Camera

Smile, Your on Candid Camera

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Smile, Your on Candid Camera!

“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” Proverbs 15:3 NIV

For those of you old enough to remember this iconic song and show, “Smile! You’re on Candid Camera! Let me give you a little history about the show.  It was created, developed, and presented by Allen Funt. What I didn’t know was the show started on radio as The Candid Microphone in 1947. The show was on the air until 2014. The show involved concealed cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations. Once the joke is revealed the victims were told the show’s catchphrase, “Smile, you’re on Candid Camera.” There were some funny episodes.

Unlike the funny and free-spirited watchful computer eye of Candid Cameras, God’s Camera’s work 24/7.  Now his all-seeing eye needs no batteries or charging chords. It is powered by the power of the Holy Ghost. In the book of Psalm 139, David praise God’s complete knowledge of him intimately and fully as a person.

God is all-seeing and all-knowing. The depths of the earth and the seclusion of the womb are two places that are concealed from human eye. But they are not hidden from God’s view. God sees and know our every action and thought. God is present and at work in every place.

Now I ask you, is their anywhere we can hide from the Lord?

We could ask Job, who was on a boat going the opposite way from God’s call of duty to him and then later ended up in the belly of a great fish. We can ask the three Hebrew boys who were in the fiery furnace, and the fourth man was one like the son of man. Maybe we can ask Paul on the Damascus Road whose eyes were open, as God used him for his service.

Where can I go from your spirit? There is no place we can go from the all-seeing eye “camera” of God. If I go up to the heavens, Lord you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn Lord, you are there. If settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me, “even the darkness will not be dark to you.
the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

So, in the Words of Allan Funt, Smile your on-God’s Candid Camera!!! Amen!

Remember friends we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Someone to Look Up Too

Someone to Look Up Too

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Someone to Look Up Too

And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” 2Kings 2:9 NKJV

What a great scripture. Elijah was getting ready to leave this world and what Elisha wanted most was a double portion of his spirit. Elisha did see the chariot and horses of fire that separated the men, and he saw Elijah taken to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and walked to the Jordan River. Elisha struck the water with the cloak, and it divided, just as it had done for Elijah. The other prophets recognized that Elijah’s spirit rested on him now. As God had decreed, Elisha would now be His prophet to the people.

Who are some of the people in your life you looked up too? This story of Elijah and Elisha was one of Mentorship. Here we have a beautiful journey of how Elijah took Elisha under his wing, teaching him the way of the prophets. Here are a few notable areas as it relates to them. Commitment, seek wisdom, and respect.

Elijah’s departure marked big changes and Elisha had to step up to continue his work. He had to adapt. Prepare for change. And when change came, he showed courage. Elisha trusted in the mission, even in difficulty. He learned from Elijah’s experiences and teaching. Elijah’s legacy impacted Elisha’s as he took hold of the mantle of his mentor, friend of whom he seemed to love like a father.

Are you a mentor? Are you being mentored? Jesus is a great example for our daily lives, as we come in contacts with others. Let love and kindness be your guide. Let love shine in. Be patient with others, as he was patience with us.  Help where you can and do things for the right reason.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

The Devil Went Down to Georgia

The Devil Went Down to Georgia

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The Devil Went Down to Georgia

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NIV

Who’s not familiar with the title I am sharing today? If you haven’t heard it, I am gonna need you to pull it up on either iTunes or YouTube. The song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” was written and recorded by the Charlie Daniels Band and released on their 1979 album Million Mile Reflections.

The song tells a story about the Devils failure to gain a young man’s soul through a fiddle -playing contest. The song begins as a disappointed Devil arrives in Georgia, apparently “way behind” on stealing souls, when he comes upon a young man named Johnny who is playing a fiddle, and quite well. Out of desperation, the Devil, who claims to also be a fiddle player, wagers a fiddle of gold against Johnny’s soul to see who is the better fiddler. Although Johnny believes taking the Devil’s bet might be a sin, he fearlessly accepts, and when Johnny finished playing, the devil bowed his head because he knew that he’d been beat. And he laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Johnny’s feet.

Ya know, Georgia isn’t the only place the enemy likes to steal from, he likes all the other states too, putting brother against brother, sister against sister, neighbor against neighbor, racial division, drama at the workplace, no peace in our homes, family members who don’t speak to each other, and that’s just the appetizer.

Showing up in the scriptures he is still doing exactly what he did then; wreak havoc, keep up confusion and messy!

In the Garden of Eden, he appeared to tempt Eve. A lot came from that meeting, as Satan set up deception that resulted in the fall of man.

Satan ask permission to test Job who was going through a lot, he losing everything, even his wife encouraged him to curse God and die. But he did have some friends who cared enough to sit with him through his trying times.

A hungry, thirsty, and tired Jesus was tempted in the Wilderness, but Satan meant his match when he faced God on earth. Jesus is our strong tower who took the power out of sin and the sting out of death. He rose with saving and healing power in his hands.

Satan is busy my friends, just look around. His plan is to divide, conquer, kill, steal, and destroy. But we serve a power God, and victory is ours, for our God is fighting our battles. Trust him and in his promises. Find comfort through His Word and though the weapon may form, it will not prosper!  Amen.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up. 

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