Brazil and America Unite

Tonight just outside of Chicago, brothers and sisters from the USA and Brazil worshipped together. Spanish, English and Portuguese praises went up to heaven at the same time from the same location. We stood together with the common denominator of LOVE. Jesus loves us and calls us to love each other. Appearances don’t matter to Jesus. He loves the rich and the poor, the young and the old. I went to Brazil in December 2015 and now they have come to Greater Chicago Church in January 2018. It was such and honor and a blessing! Remember to be lovers of Christ and to go where God calls you to go. To stand with your brothers and sisters around the world. I pray that people from around the world would discover their voice and their place. I pray that orphans would become sons and daughters of the king. Lord open doors for cultures and languages to to come together! My heart is to see unity in nations with the uniting factor being salvation! Singing praises to our Father day and night. That the church would be known for being a light!

New Year

We are a week into the new year 2018. Some had a few days off,  some had a week, others two (if you work in a school). Some spent time with family and friends, others spent time alone, hopefully in the midst of the hustle and bustle everyone found some time to rest.

That last few weeks I’ve experienced a roller coaster of emotions. But overall I lived a balance life. My goal this year is to continue to live a balanced life.  I want to be known as someone who carriers hope, encourages others and gives God the praise! What’s your goal for this year and what to you want to be known for?

Keep walking

Do you ever feel like you’re walking over a bridge of snow wondering if you’ll make it to the other side? It’s cold, lonely and treacherous yet there’s beauty all around and a journey to look back on when you make it to the other side. Keep walking. You will make it.

Journey

What a journey life’s been so far. I’ve traveled by bus, train, plane and car. I’ve enjoyed oceans, mountains, deserts and tropics. I’ve had many conversations on different topics. I’ve been a student and a teacher. I’ve heard many messages from preachers. I survived death’s grip on different occasions. I’ve had a few family vacations. I’ve overcome hardship many a time. I know what’s it’s like to continue to grind. When will my breakthrough come? I’ve asked this question, I’ve even been numb. There’s many times I’ve tried to cope, when I’m struggling to remind myself there’s hope. Don’t give up, the journey’s just begun. God’s with you in the trials but also the fun. You matter to God, your purpose, his plan. He’ll guide you oh child, just hold his hand. When you’re afraid it’s ok to grip. He won’t let go, he’s with you every trip. God watches over you when your awake. He knows you’re committed no matter the stakes. He’s with in the wee hours of the night. Live each day as one of God’s lights! You’re a child of God, it’s who you are. Your Father is near he is not far. He’s watching over you every day. Jesus is the truth, the only Way!

Faith+Facing Fears= Growth

When you choose to acknowledge rather than live in denial you are stronger than you know. It is not easy to admit areas where we need to grow, that will require hard work and won’t necessarily be pleasurable.

I enjoy growing, but I prefer to grow in my strengths rather than weaknesses. However, I’m thankful for the growth that comes out of time spent in the trenches.

I know my weaknesses and know my strengths. Facing my weaknesses and choosing to trust is hard and painful. Asking for help is not easy; especially, when help is needed in an area you’ve been hurt in previously. Take courage! Healing can happen in a moment or through process over time. Don’t give up before the miracle happens. Keep asking, seeking and knocking. God wants to give you the courage to face your fears and to live a life filled with joy no matter your circumstances.

My prayer is for you and I to experience the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Take heart! Do not be afraid! God is for us! He will help us! Trust in his ways! I can’t say it will be easy, but choosing to face your fears, will take courage and strength to persevere. Choose to trust, you don’t grow alone. Look back on your life, how much have you grown?