So, I was looking at this old post from February 2009 (aka almost 2 and a half years later), and I cannot check anything else off!
In my defense, some if it I'm not interested in but there are a few I wouldn't mind doing! I make note below.
Things you have done during your lifetime:
(x) Gone on a blind date
(x) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
(x ) Been to Canada
(x) Been to Mexico
(x) Been to Florida
(x) Been to Hawaii
(x) Been on a plane
( ) Been on a helicopter (could be cool)
(x) Been lost
( ) Gone to Washington, DC (could be cool)
(x) Swam in the ocean (swam no, played yes)
( ) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Played cops and robbers
(x) Recently colored with crayons
(x) Sang Karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only
( ) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't.
(x) Made prank phone calls
( ) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans (could be cool)
( ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose & elsewhere
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
( ) Danced in the rain-naked
( ) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe (would so like)
( ) Watched the sunrise with someone (would so like)
(x) Blown bubbles
(x) Gone ice-skating (ice skating...um more like crawling)
(x) Gone to the movies
( ) Been deep sea fishing
(x) Driven across the United States
( ) Been in a hot air balloon (could be cool)
( ) Been sky diving
( ) Gone snowmobiling
( ) Lived in more than one country (would so love)
(x) Lay down outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets
(x) Seen a falling star and made a wish
( ) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser
(x) Seen the Statue of Liberty
(x) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
(x) Been on a cruise
(x) Traveled by train
( ) Traveled by motorcycle
(x) Been horse back riding (does it matter I was terrified)
(x) Ridden on a San Francisco CABLE CAR
( ) Been to Disneyland/Disney World
(x) Truly believe in the power of prayer
(x) Been in a rain forest
( ) Seen whales in the ocean (would so love - used to dream about them all the time)
( ) Been to Niagara Falls
(x) Ridden on an elephant
( ) Snorkeled with sharks or stingrays
( ) Swam with dolphins
( ) Been to the Olympics
( ) Walked on the Great Wall of China (could be cool)
( ) Saw and heard a glacier calf
( ) Been spinnaker flying (I don't even know what this is.)
( ) Been water-skiing
(x) Been snow-skiing
(x) Been to Westminster Abbey
(x) Been to the Louvre
(x) Swam in the Mediterranean (swam no played in yes)
(x) Been to a Major League Baseball game
(x) Been to a National Football League game
( ) Been to Yosemite National Park
(x) Seen the Statue of David in Florence, Italy
( ) Eaten sushi in Tokyo (could be cool)
( ) Woke up in the morning wondering where you are (is this possible?)
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Week 30
Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, “And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.”
Isaiah 55:2, “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.”
I am perplexed by the never-ending search for “satisfaction.”
It seems like we are constantly waiting for things to be “right.” Things would be perfect if I had the right job. Things would be perfect if I was in a relationship. Things would be perfect if I made more money. It seems impossible to have the “right” mixture of ingredients to satisfy this empty space.
Of course, the main problem is that we are searching for the wrong things to satisfy us. A job won't do it. A relationship won’t do it. Money won’t do it. As Solomon tells us it’s all vanity.
I often wonder it is that I am really searching and looking for. I haven’t found it.
I know I find satisfaction in writing and editing.
There is a song that’s called “He Wants It All” and it has been in my heart these last few days.
It is time for me to labor towards something that will last.
So for my prayer it is for God to help me to give all of myself. To accomplish this anthology is going to take me outside of my normal comfort zone.
Isaiah 55:2, “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.”
I am perplexed by the never-ending search for “satisfaction.”
It seems like we are constantly waiting for things to be “right.” Things would be perfect if I had the right job. Things would be perfect if I was in a relationship. Things would be perfect if I made more money. It seems impossible to have the “right” mixture of ingredients to satisfy this empty space.
Of course, the main problem is that we are searching for the wrong things to satisfy us. A job won't do it. A relationship won’t do it. Money won’t do it. As Solomon tells us it’s all vanity.
I often wonder it is that I am really searching and looking for. I haven’t found it.
I know I find satisfaction in writing and editing.
There is a song that’s called “He Wants It All” and it has been in my heart these last few days.
It is time for me to labor towards something that will last.
So for my prayer it is for God to help me to give all of myself. To accomplish this anthology is going to take me outside of my normal comfort zone.
Church Anthology
I’ve had a desire to publish an anthology of poetry, testimonies, and short stories at my church for some time. I have been the delay in getting this done for a variety of reasons. Now, it’s time.
I encountered a woman from my church in Safeway on Sunday after church, and she told me she was waiting on me so she could use her gift. So, now here is the plan!
Anthology
Working Title: Who We Were
Three Chapters: Poetry, Testimonies, Short Stories
Theme: Poetry, Testimonies, Short Stories
Each chapter/segment will have a special graphic sidebar
Five to six pages in a book = ten to twelve manuscript pages.
Short stories: 5 – 6 pages (10 – 12 manuscript pages)
Testimonies: 1 – 2 pages (2 – 4 manuscript pages)
Poetry: 1 page (1 manuscript page)
Timeline:
August
Call for Writers
September
Meet with interested writers to go over timeline
October
Writing Group
November
Writing Group
December
Writing Group
January
Writing Group
One-on-ones
February
Writing Group
One-on-ones
March
Writing Group
One-on-ones
March 31 – Submissions Due
April
Writing Group
Editing
May
Writing Group
Editing
June
Writing Group
Editing
July
Writing Group
August
Writing Group
September
Writing Group
PUBLISH
I encountered a woman from my church in Safeway on Sunday after church, and she told me she was waiting on me so she could use her gift. So, now here is the plan!
Anthology
Working Title: Who We Were
Three Chapters: Poetry, Testimonies, Short Stories
Theme: Poetry, Testimonies, Short Stories
Each chapter/segment will have a special graphic sidebar
Five to six pages in a book = ten to twelve manuscript pages.
Short stories: 5 – 6 pages (10 – 12 manuscript pages)
Testimonies: 1 – 2 pages (2 – 4 manuscript pages)
Poetry: 1 page (1 manuscript page)
Timeline:
August
Call for Writers
September
Meet with interested writers to go over timeline
October
Writing Group
November
Writing Group
December
Writing Group
January
Writing Group
One-on-ones
February
Writing Group
One-on-ones
March
Writing Group
One-on-ones
March 31 – Submissions Due
April
Writing Group
Editing
May
Writing Group
Editing
June
Writing Group
Editing
July
Writing Group
August
Writing Group
September
Writing Group
PUBLISH
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Week 29
Proverbs 4:23-27
KJV
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”
New Living Translation
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”
I have concluded that God’s message to me is to be silent and pray. Part of the reason is because I am trying to meditate on what is good. It just seems like it is human nature to meditate on what is “bad.”
I choose the verses in Proverbs because the intent of the selection brings one word to mind. That word is focus.
As you may know, I usher at my church. This requires a lot of focus. When I was learning the basics of being an usher, a minister at my church instilled in us that we were watchmen. My effectiveness as an usher is parallel with my ability to monitor the sanctuary and respond to the needs of the people. It can be as simple as getting someone a fan or Kleenex. But, the bottom line is that I have to constantly watch the church, and react to what I see.
The current concern or heaviness in my heart is interesting. However, I feel that if I keep my integrity and honesty, then I have nothing to really worry about. Sure, the attacks may come, however I believe the truth always come out. It is one of those times when I need to learn to cast my cares on God and watch Him take care of me!
KJV
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”
New Living Translation
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”
I have concluded that God’s message to me is to be silent and pray. Part of the reason is because I am trying to meditate on what is good. It just seems like it is human nature to meditate on what is “bad.”
I choose the verses in Proverbs because the intent of the selection brings one word to mind. That word is focus.
As you may know, I usher at my church. This requires a lot of focus. When I was learning the basics of being an usher, a minister at my church instilled in us that we were watchmen. My effectiveness as an usher is parallel with my ability to monitor the sanctuary and respond to the needs of the people. It can be as simple as getting someone a fan or Kleenex. But, the bottom line is that I have to constantly watch the church, and react to what I see.
The current concern or heaviness in my heart is interesting. However, I feel that if I keep my integrity and honesty, then I have nothing to really worry about. Sure, the attacks may come, however I believe the truth always come out. It is one of those times when I need to learn to cast my cares on God and watch Him take care of me!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Week 28
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
This week has been hectic! Three work projects have all been due this week, and I have been swamped. So swamped, that I have worked late each day and came home exhausted. I have been going to be super early!
Monday started off with my having to do a presentation/tour for my job for a Korean delegation. I was actually a co-presenter. I have an aversion to public speaking and try to avoid it like the plague. Long story short, it didn’t kill me. My colleague took pity on me and did most of the presentation.
It was actually good that this event happened on my fast day because I was able to think on Philippians 4:13.
The truth is that public speaking isn’t as terrifying to me as it used to me. The craziest thing about it is that I was fine doing public speaking up until 9th grade. It was 10th grade that this fear set it. I tried tracking back and seeing if anything traumatic (outside of the normal trauma of my childhood – LOL) happened.
Anyway, I am actually starting to visualize myself public speaking – much to my horror – LOL! Before I got my license, I went through a similar exercise with driving.
So, I will rely on this scripture and rely on the fact that God is equipping me and I have to go along with it despite whatever personal hang-ups I might have!
Please pray with me as I pray about this!
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
This week has been hectic! Three work projects have all been due this week, and I have been swamped. So swamped, that I have worked late each day and came home exhausted. I have been going to be super early!
Monday started off with my having to do a presentation/tour for my job for a Korean delegation. I was actually a co-presenter. I have an aversion to public speaking and try to avoid it like the plague. Long story short, it didn’t kill me. My colleague took pity on me and did most of the presentation.
It was actually good that this event happened on my fast day because I was able to think on Philippians 4:13.
The truth is that public speaking isn’t as terrifying to me as it used to me. The craziest thing about it is that I was fine doing public speaking up until 9th grade. It was 10th grade that this fear set it. I tried tracking back and seeing if anything traumatic (outside of the normal trauma of my childhood – LOL) happened.
Anyway, I am actually starting to visualize myself public speaking – much to my horror – LOL! Before I got my license, I went through a similar exercise with driving.
So, I will rely on this scripture and rely on the fact that God is equipping me and I have to go along with it despite whatever personal hang-ups I might have!
Please pray with me as I pray about this!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Week 27
Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
Psalm 8:4, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”
Psalm 139:14, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
Zechariah 4:6, “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
I spent Friday night organizing some paper and computer files. I ended up organizing my portfolio. I looked at past issues of the Scroll that I have electronic issues on (I lost electronic issues of the first five years, but I still have the paper copy). I decided to make sure I had posted my past editor’s corners.
During this process, I came across the issue that I was the PCC Cover Girl (this is when the newsletter was the PCC Women’s Scroll. Anyway, one of the questions was about my favorite scripture, and I had listed four. I thought I would use them for my devotional.
Jeremiah 1:5 is one of my favorites because it reminds me that God had little old me in mind from the beginning. It’s comforting that despite all my eternal father has going on, he still thinks of me and is mindful of me, which is why Psalm 8:4 has been a favorite. I don’t know why, and I don’t understand it but God is crazy about me! When I feel insecure, I think about Psalm 139:14. Yes, I would like to drop 20 to 30 pounds. Yes, I can be a little unkempt at times, buts I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I love Zechariah 4: 6 because it reminds that I don’t have to use my strength to do God’s will in my life. It’s not by my physical power and might but through God’s spirit working in me. It takes the pressure off!
My prayer this time around is surrounding liberty or freedom if you will, which is cool since it’s the Fourth of July. There are things that I am free or at a liberty to do, but the question becomes are they prudent to do. I’m at a point where I want to color outside of the lines so to speak, which is good and bad. So, I am trying to be wise in choosing what I use my liberty to accomplish and do.
Psalm 8:4, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”
Psalm 139:14, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
Zechariah 4:6, “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
I spent Friday night organizing some paper and computer files. I ended up organizing my portfolio. I looked at past issues of the Scroll that I have electronic issues on (I lost electronic issues of the first five years, but I still have the paper copy). I decided to make sure I had posted my past editor’s corners.
During this process, I came across the issue that I was the PCC Cover Girl (this is when the newsletter was the PCC Women’s Scroll. Anyway, one of the questions was about my favorite scripture, and I had listed four. I thought I would use them for my devotional.
Jeremiah 1:5 is one of my favorites because it reminds me that God had little old me in mind from the beginning. It’s comforting that despite all my eternal father has going on, he still thinks of me and is mindful of me, which is why Psalm 8:4 has been a favorite. I don’t know why, and I don’t understand it but God is crazy about me! When I feel insecure, I think about Psalm 139:14. Yes, I would like to drop 20 to 30 pounds. Yes, I can be a little unkempt at times, buts I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I love Zechariah 4: 6 because it reminds that I don’t have to use my strength to do God’s will in my life. It’s not by my physical power and might but through God’s spirit working in me. It takes the pressure off!
My prayer this time around is surrounding liberty or freedom if you will, which is cool since it’s the Fourth of July. There are things that I am free or at a liberty to do, but the question becomes are they prudent to do. I’m at a point where I want to color outside of the lines so to speak, which is good and bad. So, I am trying to be wise in choosing what I use my liberty to accomplish and do.
Friday, July 1, 2011
October 2006 Cover Girl Questions
This is from October 2006 when I was the PCC Cover Girl of what was then the PCC Women's Scroll. Yes. This still sounds like me.
Where are you from? I was born in Hazlehurst, MS. I was raised in Moses Lake, WA.
Favorite Color? I like black, brown, and grey. I also like red.
Any Hobbies? I write creatively. I mostly write poetry, but I have written plays and short stories. I love to read.
Read any interesting books lately? I read this book called Pledged that was interesting.
Describe yourself in one word? Creative.
What’s your best trait or one thing you like about yourself? I like that God made me a writer. Even when I am in denial about an emotion, my writing reveals what I am feeling.
What are your long-term goals (Career and Spiritual)? My goal career wise would be to figure out what I want to do. Spiritually, I would like to be at the place where I truly believe what God says about me.
Favorite Scripture? There are four that stay with me. They are Jeremiah 1:5, Zechariah 4:6, Psalm 8:4, and Psalm 139:14.
Married or Single? Single.
Do you have any kids? If so, how many? No. I used to want three.
Any Pets? If so, what kind of pets do you have? No. The only living thing in my house is me.
Who do you admire? Why? Where do I start?!
I admire Demetra Baker. I admire her because she gives freely of herself and her resources. I appreciate the fact that I can trust her with information I have not told anyone else about without judgment.
I admire Romanita Hairston because of the load she balances. She balances marriage, children, and work. With all of that, she still has time to mentor her friends.
Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert? Introvert!!!
Do you tend to make friends easily? No. I have to check people out first. I use the concept of the Mosaic Tabernacle in friendship. There are folks in the outer court and inner court. There are few in the Holy of Holies!
Do you tend to be an impulsive decision maker or do you analyze them? I tend to over analyze everything. I have made some impulsive decisions. These are the ones that got me in a lot of trouble but were a lot of fun.
What was the wildest adventure you’ve ever taken? I can’t share. I must protect the innocent. Seriously, my trip to India and Singapore was an adventure.
Where are you from? I was born in Hazlehurst, MS. I was raised in Moses Lake, WA.
Favorite Color? I like black, brown, and grey. I also like red.
Any Hobbies? I write creatively. I mostly write poetry, but I have written plays and short stories. I love to read.
Read any interesting books lately? I read this book called Pledged that was interesting.
Describe yourself in one word? Creative.
What’s your best trait or one thing you like about yourself? I like that God made me a writer. Even when I am in denial about an emotion, my writing reveals what I am feeling.
What are your long-term goals (Career and Spiritual)? My goal career wise would be to figure out what I want to do. Spiritually, I would like to be at the place where I truly believe what God says about me.
Favorite Scripture? There are four that stay with me. They are Jeremiah 1:5, Zechariah 4:6, Psalm 8:4, and Psalm 139:14.
Married or Single? Single.
Do you have any kids? If so, how many? No. I used to want three.
Any Pets? If so, what kind of pets do you have? No. The only living thing in my house is me.
Who do you admire? Why? Where do I start?!
I admire Demetra Baker. I admire her because she gives freely of herself and her resources. I appreciate the fact that I can trust her with information I have not told anyone else about without judgment.
I admire Romanita Hairston because of the load she balances. She balances marriage, children, and work. With all of that, she still has time to mentor her friends.
Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert? Introvert!!!
Do you tend to make friends easily? No. I have to check people out first. I use the concept of the Mosaic Tabernacle in friendship. There are folks in the outer court and inner court. There are few in the Holy of Holies!
Do you tend to be an impulsive decision maker or do you analyze them? I tend to over analyze everything. I have made some impulsive decisions. These are the ones that got me in a lot of trouble but were a lot of fun.
What was the wildest adventure you’ve ever taken? I can’t share. I must protect the innocent. Seriously, my trip to India and Singapore was an adventure.
Old Editor's Corner: January 2010
I was checking to make sure I had posted old Editor's Corners, and I didn't see this one. This is from January 2010.
Title: Seasons of Life
I received an email that had an attachment that was titled “Seasons of Life.”
The email contained a story about a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. He sent each of them to look at a pear tree that was far away. Each son went during a different season. After they had all gone and returned, he called them together to report what they had seen. As you can imagine, each son had a very different report.
The son that went during winter said it was ugly, bent, and twisted. The son that went during spring said it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The son that went during summer said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked beautiful. He said it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The son that went during fall said it was ripe, drooping with fruit, and full of light and fulfillment.
Each son was correct in his assessment of the tree. Each only saw one season of the tree’s life. The father told his sons that they could not judge a tree or a person by only one season. The essence of who people are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from life could only be measured at the end, when all of the seasons had come together.
Our current season of winter can sometimes be seen as bleak and barren. Daylight is shorter. The weather is colder. The rain is never-ending. It is a solstice season, thus extreme. In terms of our spiritual walk, winter can be perceived as a time of pain and isolation.
When the editing team talked about seasons, we described winter as a time of rejuvenation and new beginnings. It was a time to be dormant in the sense of resting and reflecting. It was a time to relax and enjoy what your planted (spring), nurtured (summer), and harvested (fall). From this point of view, it doesn’t sound so bleak and barren.
As I look at the leafless trees, I am amazed that soon they will be full of buds and promise. When winter grips, it can seem like it will never end, and I am always amazed how quickly it ends. Days grow longer. The weather grows warmer. The earth is green from the rain. The pain and isolation fade away.
Title: Seasons of Life
I received an email that had an attachment that was titled “Seasons of Life.”
The email contained a story about a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. He sent each of them to look at a pear tree that was far away. Each son went during a different season. After they had all gone and returned, he called them together to report what they had seen. As you can imagine, each son had a very different report.
The son that went during winter said it was ugly, bent, and twisted. The son that went during spring said it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The son that went during summer said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked beautiful. He said it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The son that went during fall said it was ripe, drooping with fruit, and full of light and fulfillment.
Each son was correct in his assessment of the tree. Each only saw one season of the tree’s life. The father told his sons that they could not judge a tree or a person by only one season. The essence of who people are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from life could only be measured at the end, when all of the seasons had come together.
Our current season of winter can sometimes be seen as bleak and barren. Daylight is shorter. The weather is colder. The rain is never-ending. It is a solstice season, thus extreme. In terms of our spiritual walk, winter can be perceived as a time of pain and isolation.
When the editing team talked about seasons, we described winter as a time of rejuvenation and new beginnings. It was a time to be dormant in the sense of resting and reflecting. It was a time to relax and enjoy what your planted (spring), nurtured (summer), and harvested (fall). From this point of view, it doesn’t sound so bleak and barren.
As I look at the leafless trees, I am amazed that soon they will be full of buds and promise. When winter grips, it can seem like it will never end, and I am always amazed how quickly it ends. Days grow longer. The weather grows warmer. The earth is green from the rain. The pain and isolation fade away.
July 1, 2011, Word of the Quarter
Word of the Quarter from editing team of PCC Scroll. I write this section with input from the two other editors. When we first started doing this, I was trying to keep everyone voices. The problem was that it sounded jumbled like the writer had multiple personalities. My new approach is to take their input and write it all in my own voice.
Title: Body Fitly Joined Together
Many of us played with a Mr. Potato Head as children. Mr. Potato Head was a potato you could decorate with body parts. These parts included ears, eyes, mouths, noses, etc. At first, the natural inclination was to place the nose where it should go. Eventually, our creativity set in. It was fun to put ears where the eyes should go or give him a hat for a nose. This was all in fun, but the body was not in proper order.
Romans 12:4-6 tells us, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.” The rest of verse six through verse eight admonishes the holders of the different gifts to use them. For more scripture on the body of Christ, see Ephesians 4:11-16 and 1 Corinthians 12.
Like the human body, the body of Christ is designed to work and function together for the good of all. Each part is connected and crucial for the success of the body. If the feet are not working properly, it impacts the performance of the rest of the body. In the body of Christ, we have all been given different spiritual gifts for the good of the body.
While we all have different spiritual gifts, no gift is greater than another. All of our gifts are interdependent and are from God. Each gift is needed to build up and serve the body of Christ. They are for the edification of the body, and they should be used to minister to the needs of the church body.
If you already know your spiritual gift, wonderful! We hope that you are actively pursuing your purpose in the Kingdom of God. We encourage you to constantly seek opportunities to let your gift bless others through service.
If you need help identifying your gift, see Minister Jo Ann about taking a spiritual gift inventory. The results should not surprise you. Your gift and calling will probably align with something that you already have a passion for and do well.
Like Paul, we would like to admonish you to take your position in the body of Christ. We can’t emphasize how crucial you are to the success of the body or how important each part of the body is. There is someone waiting for your gift to minister to them! We are all working toward the same purpose.
The church has been given the awesome (and gigantic) task of winning souls for the Kingdom of God. The tasks involved in this endeavor require us all to work together. Together, we can and will accomplish great things with the help of the Lord to advance the Kingdom of God.
Title: Body Fitly Joined Together
Many of us played with a Mr. Potato Head as children. Mr. Potato Head was a potato you could decorate with body parts. These parts included ears, eyes, mouths, noses, etc. At first, the natural inclination was to place the nose where it should go. Eventually, our creativity set in. It was fun to put ears where the eyes should go or give him a hat for a nose. This was all in fun, but the body was not in proper order.
Romans 12:4-6 tells us, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.” The rest of verse six through verse eight admonishes the holders of the different gifts to use them. For more scripture on the body of Christ, see Ephesians 4:11-16 and 1 Corinthians 12.
Like the human body, the body of Christ is designed to work and function together for the good of all. Each part is connected and crucial for the success of the body. If the feet are not working properly, it impacts the performance of the rest of the body. In the body of Christ, we have all been given different spiritual gifts for the good of the body.
While we all have different spiritual gifts, no gift is greater than another. All of our gifts are interdependent and are from God. Each gift is needed to build up and serve the body of Christ. They are for the edification of the body, and they should be used to minister to the needs of the church body.
If you already know your spiritual gift, wonderful! We hope that you are actively pursuing your purpose in the Kingdom of God. We encourage you to constantly seek opportunities to let your gift bless others through service.
If you need help identifying your gift, see Minister Jo Ann about taking a spiritual gift inventory. The results should not surprise you. Your gift and calling will probably align with something that you already have a passion for and do well.
Like Paul, we would like to admonish you to take your position in the body of Christ. We can’t emphasize how crucial you are to the success of the body or how important each part of the body is. There is someone waiting for your gift to minister to them! We are all working toward the same purpose.
The church has been given the awesome (and gigantic) task of winning souls for the Kingdom of God. The tasks involved in this endeavor require us all to work together. Together, we can and will accomplish great things with the help of the Lord to advance the Kingdom of God.
July 1, 2011, PCC Scroll Editor's Corner
This is the article from the July 1, 2011, issue of my church newsletter. It's the editor's corner that I write.
Title: God Will Perfect It
There has been a lot of death in the last several months.
On May 1, the pastor of the church I attended when I was a child passed away. I was able to reconnect with him and his wife a few years ago and thank them for all they did for me and my sisters when we were growing up. On May 14, my grandmother on my dad’s side passed away. Although I didn’t know her that well, it was sad to hear of her passing. She was my last grandparent. On June 7, the aunt of one of my close friends passed away. I spent 2.5 weeks with her during my trip to India. She was such a strong woman, a historian, and a story teller. She and the other ladies I stayed with found a sacred place in my heart.
June 3 was the one-year anniversary of the passing of my aunt that raised me. As the day grew closer, I felt the same raw emotion arise in me that I feel each year at the anniversary of my sister’s death. My subconscious becomes sad and tender, and then the date hits me like a ton of bricks. I remember all the things I didn’t say and all the things I didn’t do with a deep regret, but I can’t change the past.
Death brings about questions and thoughts about my own mortality. What will I accomplish before my appointed time in this life ends? There are things I want to do. There is the ever-growing list of places I want to travel to. I also want to write a novel. But, what do I need to accomplish that is for God that will last. What is my legacy? What is my assignment? What is my function in the body of Christ?
I am inspired by the accomplishments of my friends. My friend Toyia completed her Master’s and is working towards establishing a school in the Seattle area. My friend Samarah is holding a summer program for women of color in the L.A. area that is focused on college preparation and entrepreneurial training. As their dreams begin to unfold and take shape, I am motivated to fulfill my own destiny.
I am drawn to Psalm 138:8, which reads, “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
I am so glad that God has not forgotten His desire for any of us. He has given each of us another day to fulfill our destiny and calling in Him. God will bring us to a place where we can achieve what He desires of us. There is an appointed time, and it will come to pass!
I am so looking forward to being inspired by YOUR accomplishments. I will leave you with Philippians 1:6, which says, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Title: God Will Perfect It
There has been a lot of death in the last several months.
On May 1, the pastor of the church I attended when I was a child passed away. I was able to reconnect with him and his wife a few years ago and thank them for all they did for me and my sisters when we were growing up. On May 14, my grandmother on my dad’s side passed away. Although I didn’t know her that well, it was sad to hear of her passing. She was my last grandparent. On June 7, the aunt of one of my close friends passed away. I spent 2.5 weeks with her during my trip to India. She was such a strong woman, a historian, and a story teller. She and the other ladies I stayed with found a sacred place in my heart.
June 3 was the one-year anniversary of the passing of my aunt that raised me. As the day grew closer, I felt the same raw emotion arise in me that I feel each year at the anniversary of my sister’s death. My subconscious becomes sad and tender, and then the date hits me like a ton of bricks. I remember all the things I didn’t say and all the things I didn’t do with a deep regret, but I can’t change the past.
Death brings about questions and thoughts about my own mortality. What will I accomplish before my appointed time in this life ends? There are things I want to do. There is the ever-growing list of places I want to travel to. I also want to write a novel. But, what do I need to accomplish that is for God that will last. What is my legacy? What is my assignment? What is my function in the body of Christ?
I am inspired by the accomplishments of my friends. My friend Toyia completed her Master’s and is working towards establishing a school in the Seattle area. My friend Samarah is holding a summer program for women of color in the L.A. area that is focused on college preparation and entrepreneurial training. As their dreams begin to unfold and take shape, I am motivated to fulfill my own destiny.
I am drawn to Psalm 138:8, which reads, “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
I am so glad that God has not forgotten His desire for any of us. He has given each of us another day to fulfill our destiny and calling in Him. God will bring us to a place where we can achieve what He desires of us. There is an appointed time, and it will come to pass!
I am so looking forward to being inspired by YOUR accomplishments. I will leave you with Philippians 1:6, which says, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
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