That Something Within

That Something Within
Jackie Dove-Miller

There is something within me
That is strong enough
To keep me from toppling
Over the edge of
Sanity,
Over the ledge of
frustration
Or over the hedge of
All-out foolishness.
It leads me to prayer
When I would otherwise
Break.
There is something in my make-up
Or my bringing up
Or just the way I look up
That straightens my back
And bows my head.
It becomes the focus of my meditation.
The sentiment in my supplication,
The reason for my transformation.
That thing inside me
Has me choosing light
Though darkness covers all.
It wells up like ocean waves
Come to drown those who
Think they deserve to push me back
Hold me down or
Steal my joy.
I have a spiritual strength that
Grows deeper and speaks louder as I get to know
More about who I am.

"Where did IT come from?" Someone recently asked.
I answered, "In my developing stage, someone said out loud,
'You sure are good at _______,'"
My puny soul embraced that seed,
and it planted itself deep inside me and took root.
I tested that tiny bit of ego-strength against
The negative family messages that focused on
What I was NOT good at, making me feel small
And disconnected.
I was NOT good at being like my mother
Who was all but saintly.
I was NOT good at being
Like my sister who was beautiful and dainty.
I was NOT ballerina thin, nor prissy neat,
But I WAS good at ________
And when I looked a little further, I discovered that
I was GOOD ENOUGH.
Good enough to bear fruit
And reap a harvest.
Good enough to plant a seed
In others and watch them grow
Magnificent and free.
I was GOOD ENOUGH to relate to
The GOD inside of me.

So, this poem is for all my sister-friends
Who don't yet know that
YOU are better than what your mothers,
your teachers, the men in your life,
or even the good sisters in church have called you.
Because God has called you Blessed
And HIS is the only voice that matters.
So, here and now, I pray OUR sister-prayer,
Dear Lord,
Help me to release
the self-doubt
That lives in my heart.

Remind me daily
That I am the product of
Your hands...
And all that
you make... ALL THAT YOU MAKE
Is Perfect. Amen


Taken from Inspirationpeak.com, assessed March 30, 2009.

Do unto others...

How many times have you told a friend or two about what God has purposed in your spirit only to have that very thing stepped on by the words of ones you thought loved and cared for you? What about when others on your job laugh and talk bad about you behind your back--simply because of the jealousy and envy they have for you--because you obeyed your boss and did what your hands were perfected to do? They scandalized your name and spread evil rumors about you when you've done nothing to cause them to feel this way? You've shown nothing but love-- you share-- you even help them to get major projects done before the deadline, not wanting anything in return. It's just the love of God in you.

Now many times, when these situations happen, the first thing we want to do, is get back at them, tell them about themselves, and seek to clear our names. But God doesn't desire for us to do what he said he would do for his people, if we trust him, and know that we know that we know that he's for us. Think on these things:

"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep...Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."(Romans 12:14-15, 17-21 KJV)

We're not to repay evil for evil or seek to get revenge. Because when we attempt to do that, we are stepping out of the will of God and deciding to do things according to flesh, which never wins. But we as children of God fight not with flesh and blood, but against principalities, and rulers of darkness in this world. We war in the spirit, for we are spirit, just made flesh. We have to constantly be mindful of that by praying without ceasing, and pulling down those strongholds. We shouldn't be mad at the people, associates, friends, co-workers, or family members that despitefully use and misuse us. They are operating in the flesh, and the devil uses those people to take us off focus for his plan and purpose for our lives. Yes, it may frustrate you to the point of truly wanting to curse them out. But remember we don't want to put that kind of language out into the spirit realm, nor do we want to grieve the Holy Spirit. We need to discern those wrongful interactions that may be trying to come and steal our joy and turn away from them.

In the end, the devil will have to go somewhere else to cause havoc while we're rejoicing, because when he thought he had us, we didn't give him the time of day. He will have lost that battle. We always win when we obey God and his commands! Praise the Lord!


In His Love,

Everyone Has a Story to Tell-Part 2

Many people usually don't know where to begin when it comes to writing their own personal memoirs. Some people feel that a memoir chronicles their entire life, pinpointing the major events that influenced and shaped them the most. Some people will take a particular event and create a "story", of course non-fiction in nature, but focus on just that as the basis of their memoirs with the hopes of informing or entertaining readers, and their overall message or theme sticks out for all to take in. It's all up to you. There is and should never be a set format in which to write a personal memoir, because it is just that, "your personal Memoir.

So when thinking about where you would like to start in your quest for writing the personal memoir, maybe ask yourself a few questions.

1. What are some of my most memorable moments? They can be sad, embarrassing, loving, or fun. They can be life-changing, or just matter-of-fact. But whatever they are, they have to big enough for you to want to share with others. Stick to big stories and less on the technical details.

2. How far back in my past should I go when pulling an important event into my memoir? What is meant by this is---you never want to bring a story from your life to paper that you cannot fully "show" to your reader. It has to be so vivid from your memory that others reading it can get a visual picture of your life, as if from the outside looking in.

For example: Being rescued from a house fire. Obviously you wouldn't just tell us you were rescued by firefighters late one night. You would go more in depth by "showing" exactly how they rescued you.

"As I was dangling outside of my second story bedroom window, sashaying a white bedsheet high in the air to signal I was there, a firefighter caught a glimpse of my hanging there. He quickly pulled a ladder in the direction of my silhouette, climbed up to my window and caught me before I could no longer take in the smoke that filled my lungs."

3. Do I want to base my memoir on a certain time period, i.e.,childhood (school) years, or as an adult (relationships, divorce, how you became the President of a Fortune 500 company or a successful entrepreneur)? It's important which angle you want to take when writing so that you are not all over the place with no end in sight. Once you know what is most important for your book, stick to it.

Now once you have all of your fundamental events, situations, and life experiences that's suitable for YOUR memoir, now begin to write. It doesn't matter about grammar, and the technicalities of writing perfectly. That will come with time once it's finally done and you're ready to edit. But remember we are only on Part 2. We will talk next time about creating a speaker voice that will be true to only your work and that will set you apart from other stories that are out there. Until next time, WRITE YOUR WAY TO DESTINY!

Be sure to leave your comments about this or the Part one of "Everyone Has a Story to Tell!"

Be Blessed!

A Friend That Sticks Closer Than A Brother

Friends, don't ever take for granted this world around us--nature, the birds, the trees, and everything God made for each of us. Because regardless of what it might look like, the evils of this world, the economy, the microwavable, fast-pace of the days before us, it's nice when we have people that care enough about us and can show the unconditional love that goes with having true friends. Watch this video. It's sure to make your heart flutter with affection and praise!

Shake It Off and Step Up!

Hallelujah! This is what we need to tell ourselves each and everyday! Take a Look at This!--Lily

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US! Remember that FORGIVENESS--FAITH--PRAYER-- PRAISE and HOPE...all are excellent ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves!

- Author Unknown

Winners for Book/Gift Bag Giveaway Announced

I want to thank all of you for registering for this giveaway. The promotion is over for now, but please continue to check regularly for other giveaways in the future. The winners have been chosen! Here they are:

Grand Prize Winner:

Maria S. of Providence, Rhode Island

Runners-Up:

Lina S. of Naples, Italy (Husband is in the Navy)- we honor your service!
Stephanie J. of Kansas City, Kansas

Thanks to all who participated!

Blessings!

Lily