There's a saying that goes:
"You can lead a good horse to water,
But you can't make him drink."
And I wonder, sometimes,
If, in this path I'm trodding,
I'm the "horse" the saying talks about.
[Could it be me...?]
What happens, for instance,
If you take a fairly average horse
And lead him to water. What then?
What if that mediocre horse drinks of the water?
Does that horse somehow get taken
Places it would otherwise never go?
[Is it wrong to ask...?]
Or does that horse just get a taste
Of what others, those better by
Some imperceptible measure,
Are somehow privy to have?
And should, then, the horse just be
Grateful that it had the opportunity?
[Should I stop thinking about it?]
So, say that "nobody" horse DOES
Take a drink, and somehow DARES
To believe there is some kind of
COSMIC REASON for the veil to be
LIFTED, that it must be DESTINY?
What then? How does he proceed?
[And how is one to know?]
These are the things I ponder
When I think about the brevity
Of this life, and my life...
Because I dare to hope there is
A Reason for Being, a Divine Course
For this raggedy old horse.
[Am I wrong...? How will I know?]
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Saturday, March 2, 2013
THE MAGIC OF A MOMENT: OUR GOD IS WAAAY BETTER THAN DISNEY
No matter your take on "magic," it's usually not a word associated with our God.
But, I don't know. I've seen my God do some "magical things," and orchestrate some "magical moments" in my life.
One of those moments happened the first evening of the conference, when Bishop Jakes invited us all to a private screening of the movie "42"--I highly recommend this movie, by the way!!!
Stephen and I had ordered dinner at the concession stand--it's one of those theatres where they sell dinner meals that you can buy and eat in the theatre. And since I wasn't sure how long the movie was going to be, I told Stephen, while he was in line waiting for our order, that I was going to the Ladies Room.
And there I was, washing my hands afterwards, when a lady got my attention by saying, "Are you the lady who wrote on the blog about Project Gideon?"
----------------------------------------------------------
And let me go back a moment, to just a few hours earlier....
There I was, in the conference room of 500, when it occurred to me that there was a woman, one woman, who had responded to one of my blogs here on my "Beyond Project Gideon" posts, and she had said she was interested in the conference, that she might plan to go.
And I remember looking around the room, wondering who that person was, whether she had actually made it to the conference, and then how on earth I would ever know if she came or find her if she was here--I didn't even know what she looked like!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Fast forward, then, to the bathroom at the movie theatre....
"Are you the one?" I screeched! "I was just thinking about you earlier today! I asked God if you were here, if you'd made it! But I had no idea how on earth I'd ever find you!"
"I thought I saw you earlier, at the conference," she said, "but I never got the chance to come see if it was you!"
I told her what a REAL BLESSING it was to see her, run into her, and know that God had orchestrated our meeting in the Ladies Room! Of all places!
Then we took this photo together and she gave me her card so I could find her on Facebook!
----------------------------------------------------------
THE MAGIC OF GOD is that He does the IMPOSSIBLE, not with a wave of His wand, but with His Word and His WILL. We don't have to "sell our souls" to experience the TRUE MAGIC OF GOD, HIS LOVE and HIS LIFE and HIS WILL for our lives.
I'm telling you right now: if God can orchestrate the moment when I met that woman in the bathroom, he can do ANYTHING.
Our God is WAAAAAY better than Disney!!!
But, I don't know. I've seen my God do some "magical things," and orchestrate some "magical moments" in my life.
One of those moments happened the first evening of the conference, when Bishop Jakes invited us all to a private screening of the movie "42"--I highly recommend this movie, by the way!!!
Stephen and I had ordered dinner at the concession stand--it's one of those theatres where they sell dinner meals that you can buy and eat in the theatre. And since I wasn't sure how long the movie was going to be, I told Stephen, while he was in line waiting for our order, that I was going to the Ladies Room.
And there I was, washing my hands afterwards, when a lady got my attention by saying, "Are you the lady who wrote on the blog about Project Gideon?"
----------------------------------------------------------
And let me go back a moment, to just a few hours earlier....
There I was, in the conference room of 500, when it occurred to me that there was a woman, one woman, who had responded to one of my blogs here on my "Beyond Project Gideon" posts, and she had said she was interested in the conference, that she might plan to go.
And I remember looking around the room, wondering who that person was, whether she had actually made it to the conference, and then how on earth I would ever know if she came or find her if she was here--I didn't even know what she looked like!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Fast forward, then, to the bathroom at the movie theatre....
"Are you the one?" I screeched! "I was just thinking about you earlier today! I asked God if you were here, if you'd made it! But I had no idea how on earth I'd ever find you!"
"I thought I saw you earlier, at the conference," she said, "but I never got the chance to come see if it was you!"
I told her what a REAL BLESSING it was to see her, run into her, and know that God had orchestrated our meeting in the Ladies Room! Of all places!
Then we took this photo together and she gave me her card so I could find her on Facebook!
----------------------------------------------------------
THE MAGIC OF GOD is that He does the IMPOSSIBLE, not with a wave of His wand, but with His Word and His WILL. We don't have to "sell our souls" to experience the TRUE MAGIC OF GOD, HIS LOVE and HIS LIFE and HIS WILL for our lives.
I'm telling you right now: if God can orchestrate the moment when I met that woman in the bathroom, he can do ANYTHING.
Our God is WAAAAAY better than Disney!!!
MEETING DANIEL PINERO: A CIRCLE MAKER
When Stephen and I sat, prior to the AMAZING worship service on Day One of the Project Gideon conference, we had an opportunity to casually introduce ourselves to the people around us.
The man to my left had a notebook with an emblem on it that looked really familiar to me.
"Is this," I queried, pointing at the emblem on his notebook, "Methodist or Church of God?"
His eyes widened, as he said, "Church of God!"
I told him about my mom, my grandpa, my great-grandfather, all lifetime ministers in the Church of God fellowship.
He told me that he pastors a Hispanic work in the Bronx, New York.
"Awesome!" I said, enthusiastically. "That's just great!"
I told him that Stephen and I were working with the Assemblies of God and pursuing credentials. He jokingly retorted, "Ah...went to the other side, huh?" And then he remarked, "We're all the same family, the family of God."
And I agreed with him.
He told me he had quite the challenge in the Bronx, establishing a ministry in that huge part of the city. He intimated that it was an overwhelming undertaking, a burden.
And that's when I told him about THE CIRCLE MAKER and Mark Batterson. Part of Mark Batterson's story is that he was sent to establish a work in Washington D.C., and felt very much like what Pastor Pinero was feeling when tackling the spiritual in the Bronx.
"You should check him out," I said. "He's been through some of what you're going through."
And he nodded his head in agreement.
Although we didn't speak much after that conversation, I knew God had placed him right beside me for a reason. To remind me that God's family is BIGGER and STRONGER and GREATER than any denominational title or organizational name. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. And that you never know when you're sitting next to a real CIRCLE MAKER, as I was then.
Amen. And amen.
The man to my left had a notebook with an emblem on it that looked really familiar to me.
"Is this," I queried, pointing at the emblem on his notebook, "Methodist or Church of God?"
His eyes widened, as he said, "Church of God!"
I told him about my mom, my grandpa, my great-grandfather, all lifetime ministers in the Church of God fellowship.
He told me that he pastors a Hispanic work in the Bronx, New York.
"Awesome!" I said, enthusiastically. "That's just great!"
I told him that Stephen and I were working with the Assemblies of God and pursuing credentials. He jokingly retorted, "Ah...went to the other side, huh?" And then he remarked, "We're all the same family, the family of God."
And I agreed with him.
He told me he had quite the challenge in the Bronx, establishing a ministry in that huge part of the city. He intimated that it was an overwhelming undertaking, a burden.
And that's when I told him about THE CIRCLE MAKER and Mark Batterson. Part of Mark Batterson's story is that he was sent to establish a work in Washington D.C., and felt very much like what Pastor Pinero was feeling when tackling the spiritual in the Bronx.
"You should check him out," I said. "He's been through some of what you're going through."
And he nodded his head in agreement.
Although we didn't speak much after that conversation, I knew God had placed him right beside me for a reason. To remind me that God's family is BIGGER and STRONGER and GREATER than any denominational title or organizational name. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. And that you never know when you're sitting next to a real CIRCLE MAKER, as I was then.
Amen. And amen.
THE BATHROOM BREAK THAT NEARLY "KILLED ME"
After the second AMAZING session ended, I excused myself from the table where we were sitting and made way for the Ladies Room.
I told Stephen when I got up, "Please watch my things, babe, while I'm gone?"
He agreed.
If you're a lady reading this, then you know how we can be about our things. We don't like to leave anything even half-way valuable to us--that's why you see so many of us carrying more than one bag!
But since Stephen assured me he would watch my bag--with my IPAD and keyboard--and my purse--with EVERYTHING we needed to get home in my wallet!!!--I left quickly with confidence that he would take care of it.
But a few minutes later, I returned. And it took me a while to find my place at the conference table, because he was GONE!!!
I guess the look on my face said it all--Stephen told me later he could see my face, and he "knew" what I was thinking because it was all over my face!
I mean, I found our chairs because my bag and purse were still there where I left them--and they were completely unattended!!!
I sat down, grumpily, and searched for some kind of message Stephen may have left me. Did he write a note? Did he send me a text telling me why he'd left all our things unattended at the table?
No, no he hadn't.
And then I looked up. And there he was, at the front of the conference room, waving at me with his IPHONE. And there, just a few people from him, was Bishop Jakes!!!
Stephen was waving me to come up there and join him, and then I understood: HE WAS GETTING HIS PHOTO TAKEN WITH BISHOP JAKES!!!
I ran up and "excused" myself through the crowd to Stephen. I couldn't believe it!!! We were in a line to get our pictures with Bishop Jakes!
Part of me kept praying over and over that we wouldn't get shooed away right at the last moment. The closer we got, the more excited I was.
And then it happened!
We were there! And we introduced ourselves to Bishop and he smiled and put his arms around us and we got a picture taken by one of his staff members!
After the photo, I told Bishop Jakes, "God Bless you, Bishop!" And he said, "Thank you!"
Stephen and I walked out of the conference doors and into the hallway...And I just sat down on a window sill and started crying.
I could't believe it. I couldn't believe what God had done for me. For us.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Yes, that bathroom break nearly "killed me." I just can't help but think what I would have missed--what opportunity! what dream fulfilled--had Stephen not been there.
When I think about that moment, I hear God speaking to me about my life, my goals, my dreams, even those spiritual "markers" and "mile stones" that are laid down in our lives: We can't do it on our own. God has placed the RIGHT people in our lives at the RIGHT time to help us navigate the twists and turns of our lives. If Stephen wouldn't have been there with me, to seize this God-given opportunity, I'm quite certain I would have missed the entire opportunity.
We need one another. And that's part of God's plan for us. That we share this thing with others--and give Him praise in UNISON for all HE has done!
Amen!
I told Stephen when I got up, "Please watch my things, babe, while I'm gone?"
He agreed.
If you're a lady reading this, then you know how we can be about our things. We don't like to leave anything even half-way valuable to us--that's why you see so many of us carrying more than one bag!
But since Stephen assured me he would watch my bag--with my IPAD and keyboard--and my purse--with EVERYTHING we needed to get home in my wallet!!!--I left quickly with confidence that he would take care of it.
But a few minutes later, I returned. And it took me a while to find my place at the conference table, because he was GONE!!!
I guess the look on my face said it all--Stephen told me later he could see my face, and he "knew" what I was thinking because it was all over my face!
I mean, I found our chairs because my bag and purse were still there where I left them--and they were completely unattended!!!
I sat down, grumpily, and searched for some kind of message Stephen may have left me. Did he write a note? Did he send me a text telling me why he'd left all our things unattended at the table?
No, no he hadn't.
And then I looked up. And there he was, at the front of the conference room, waving at me with his IPHONE. And there, just a few people from him, was Bishop Jakes!!!
Stephen was waving me to come up there and join him, and then I understood: HE WAS GETTING HIS PHOTO TAKEN WITH BISHOP JAKES!!!
I ran up and "excused" myself through the crowd to Stephen. I couldn't believe it!!! We were in a line to get our pictures with Bishop Jakes!
Part of me kept praying over and over that we wouldn't get shooed away right at the last moment. The closer we got, the more excited I was.
And then it happened!
We were there! And we introduced ourselves to Bishop and he smiled and put his arms around us and we got a picture taken by one of his staff members!
After the photo, I told Bishop Jakes, "God Bless you, Bishop!" And he said, "Thank you!"
Stephen and I walked out of the conference doors and into the hallway...And I just sat down on a window sill and started crying.
I could't believe it. I couldn't believe what God had done for me. For us.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Yes, that bathroom break nearly "killed me." I just can't help but think what I would have missed--what opportunity! what dream fulfilled--had Stephen not been there.
When I think about that moment, I hear God speaking to me about my life, my goals, my dreams, even those spiritual "markers" and "mile stones" that are laid down in our lives: We can't do it on our own. God has placed the RIGHT people in our lives at the RIGHT time to help us navigate the twists and turns of our lives. If Stephen wouldn't have been there with me, to seize this God-given opportunity, I'm quite certain I would have missed the entire opportunity.
We need one another. And that's part of God's plan for us. That we share this thing with others--and give Him praise in UNISON for all HE has done!
Amen!
Reading the SESSION SCHEDULE: CONFIRMATION
When Stephen and I made it to the conference, there was a long line waiting for the doors to open for the conference. We were immediately ENERGIZED!
Even though Stephen and I were tired--we had driven to Dallas after dropping Psalm off after church the night before and didn't get to the hotel until 2:30 a.m.--we were immediately excited about what God had in store for us at this year's Project Gideon conference.
There is ALWAYS an energy amongst the people who attend, a great anticipation that is nearly real enough to see in the air or reach out and touch.
When we finally got seated at our table, there was a copy of the Session Schedule lying on the table in front of every chair.
Here's what the first session said:
"10:00 am-12:00 pm: Bishop T.D. Jakes -- "Why Princes Die"
During the medieval times, a Prince was considered to be the next heir to inherit the throne. Today, much like the princes of the past, many young leaders who sit under their mentors eagerly anticipate inheriting the reigns of leadership. The purpose for identifying the prince is the hope of determining who will be the future king. This decision to anoint princes will always precede the appointment of kings.
Today, we see a massive amount of young people who fall short of their potential and never fulfill their God-given destiny. This session is designed to stop the deterioration and determine the essential criteria to which the young leader's destiny can be realized. During this session, we will determine THE CAUSE that drives you, THE CORE that anchors you, and THE CURE for the frustration of waiting in line. Our entire purpose for developing Project Gideon is because I am of the firm conviction that you are next and what you don't know can hurt you."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I read that? I knew in my heart that God was going to speak to us about the very things we had/have been praying about.
And He did.
Even though Stephen and I were tired--we had driven to Dallas after dropping Psalm off after church the night before and didn't get to the hotel until 2:30 a.m.--we were immediately excited about what God had in store for us at this year's Project Gideon conference.
There is ALWAYS an energy amongst the people who attend, a great anticipation that is nearly real enough to see in the air or reach out and touch.
When we finally got seated at our table, there was a copy of the Session Schedule lying on the table in front of every chair.
Here's what the first session said:
"10:00 am-12:00 pm: Bishop T.D. Jakes -- "Why Princes Die"
During the medieval times, a Prince was considered to be the next heir to inherit the throne. Today, much like the princes of the past, many young leaders who sit under their mentors eagerly anticipate inheriting the reigns of leadership. The purpose for identifying the prince is the hope of determining who will be the future king. This decision to anoint princes will always precede the appointment of kings.
Today, we see a massive amount of young people who fall short of their potential and never fulfill their God-given destiny. This session is designed to stop the deterioration and determine the essential criteria to which the young leader's destiny can be realized. During this session, we will determine THE CAUSE that drives you, THE CORE that anchors you, and THE CURE for the frustration of waiting in line. Our entire purpose for developing Project Gideon is because I am of the firm conviction that you are next and what you don't know can hurt you."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I read that? I knew in my heart that God was going to speak to us about the very things we had/have been praying about.
And He did.
The Morning of the Conference: JOEL OSTEEN POST
On the morning of the conference, Stephen and I were waiting on our ride to the Omni Mandalay when I saw the following post by Joel Osteen Ministries:
"When God shifts things in your favor, it's going to happen quicker than you imagined and be more rewarding than you ever dreamed."
I liked the post and shared it on my own page.
Later, after what had transpired on Day One of the conference, I read it to Stephen. His mouth was agape.
FAVOR.
"When God shifts things in your favor, it's going to happen quicker than you imagined and be more rewarding than you ever dreamed."
I liked the post and shared it on my own page.
Later, after what had transpired on Day One of the conference, I read it to Stephen. His mouth was agape.
FAVOR.
The Wednesday Night Before: LIMITLESS
The Wednesday night before Project Gideon 2013, The Lord had led me to begin a new series of messages called, "Limitless." The title was inspired by the song by Planetshakers.
Here's what the song says:
"I'm saying goodbye to any limitation
I'm saying hello to the God of all creation.
There are no limits with you
There are no limits with you
You're limitless, nothing's too hard for you;
You're limitless, there's nothing you cannot do
You are bigger, and you're greater, and you're stronger I know
You're limitless; You're limitless."
And the main points of the message? The definition for the word: "LIMITLESS: unbounded, measureless, unending, countless."
The visual aid? A box with a lid on it. And then we talked about popping the top off of our boxes and looking out, peering out into what God MIGHT have for us "outside of our limited spaces."
And at least a week before, God had been dealing with me about "WHAT IF....?"
WHAT IF.... we allowed God to take us out of our comfort zones?
WHAT IF... we began living the Word of God that we know and believe?
WHAT IF ... we dared to let HIM direct our steps?
WHAT IF ... we started living in the FAVOR of God?
WHAT IF ... the Holy Spirit directed each and every step we took?
Where would/could God take us?
What would our journey look like then?
How would our lives/family/jobs/church/nation/world be different IF we let God use us?
Yes, that's how I left for Dallas that night--with thoughts of our LIMITLESS God and His LIMITLESS love for us. And the verse repeating over and over in my mind: "Nothing is impossible for those who believe..."
Do I DARE believe...?
Here's what the song says:
"I'm saying goodbye to any limitation
I'm saying hello to the God of all creation.
There are no limits with you
There are no limits with you
You're limitless, nothing's too hard for you;
You're limitless, there's nothing you cannot do
You are bigger, and you're greater, and you're stronger I know
You're limitless; You're limitless."
And the main points of the message? The definition for the word: "LIMITLESS: unbounded, measureless, unending, countless."
The visual aid? A box with a lid on it. And then we talked about popping the top off of our boxes and looking out, peering out into what God MIGHT have for us "outside of our limited spaces."
And at least a week before, God had been dealing with me about "WHAT IF....?"
WHAT IF.... we allowed God to take us out of our comfort zones?
WHAT IF... we began living the Word of God that we know and believe?
WHAT IF ... we dared to let HIM direct our steps?
WHAT IF ... we started living in the FAVOR of God?
WHAT IF ... the Holy Spirit directed each and every step we took?
Where would/could God take us?
What would our journey look like then?
How would our lives/family/jobs/church/nation/world be different IF we let God use us?
Yes, that's how I left for Dallas that night--with thoughts of our LIMITLESS God and His LIMITLESS love for us. And the verse repeating over and over in my mind: "Nothing is impossible for those who believe..."
Do I DARE believe...?
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