I know that I know that I must follow through with this and when I do, joy and peace will be given and found. Why? Because I've had God knocking on the door of my heart many times since I've surrendered to live my life for Him and when I do, He blesses me with joy and peace.
I am sorry.
I am sorry for having hurt you.
I am sorry and I hope (pray) that you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
That is it, in a nutshell. I am sorry.
I've been holding on to some things that have happened in my 47 years of life, things that happened years ago, things that happened not so long ago. I give it to God and I find myself sometimes taking it back from Him and holding on to the hurt. Not always, but often times, yes. The blessing for me is that I KNOW every time I ask God to forgive me for one thing or another, HE DOES! That is who He is. That is what He does! So for me that is the easy party, to ask God to forgive me, but when it comes to you, it is hard because you have free-will and the choice to forgive or to withhold forgiveness. To be kind or to be nasty. To draw me close or to push me away and reject me. To forgive and let it go or to nurse the grudge and hold it close/tight fist-ed.
Yesterday Pastor Jon said something so profound it was like God was speaking directly to me! "God is good. We are not!" Yolanda, I am good, and you are not and neither is anyone else. NO ONE IS GOOD! God alone, God alone!
This morning as I ran my long slow run, God and I had a mighty fine time together. I love how this has become my alone time, no interruptions, just He and I. I was talking to my Heavenly Father about how Pastor Jon's words had impacted me and that I needed to ask for forgiveness from every person I know. Because if your receiving this, you and I have been or are in a relationship. Have been is because hurts have happened perhaps from me to you, perhaps from both of us towards one another and rejection has happened. If we are still in a relationship, then I would like to thank you for loving me in spite of those hurts and seeing something that God sees as well, a sinner saved by grace. Also, the only one that has not sinned or hurt anyone, is The Deity. Every single one of us have hurt others and have been hurt by someone.
It takes great courage to be vulnerable and to live on purpose to be intentional.
Colossians 3:13 NIV "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one
another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32 NIV "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in
Christ God forgave you."
I am thankful for the "common thread" that is found between you and I (if you've accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior) is the BLOOD OF CHRIST.
Father God, thank You for speaking to my heart wherever I am at in my day to day life. Thank You for giving me the courage today to be obedient and share this with those that I love and care about. Thank You Father for forgiving me and giving me a heart to then be able to forgive others. Lord, I desire for others to allow the BLOOD OF CHRIST to spring forth forgiveness in their hearts as you've done in mine and to not be used as a pawn for the enemy by refusing forgiveness and enforcing rejection and manipulation. Father, that we would forgive one another today, yesterday and every tomorrow. Lord, thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ and the HOPE that comes from knowing You and serving You. Amen.
Shining the Light of Christ through what seems like a simple act but one that takes much courage and a heart of obedience. God is good, and I am not.
Yolanda
Monday, December 3, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
David, a man after my own heart
I don't even know how to really begin this, so I'm just going to jump off the ledge and right into the mud puddle! I've pondered and mused over a situation where I was blessed to be at the right moment at the right time. Honestly, it was a "wonder, a marvel" and my brain and heart just won't let go, and I pray that it never does. That it continues to mold me and change me to become more sensitive, and willing to even get dirtier. Because for me, last Friday was one of those days where I was so filled with joy over who I have become and where God has me headed, I was so out of my little bitty box.
My husband and I love people! We are "people" people. We love meeting new people, spending time with old friends and making new ones. We both can sit for hours in an airport and simply sit and people watch. My husband enjoys teasing me that I never meet a stranger. By the time I leave an encounter I have their name, address, phone number and e-mail address. I truly love connecting with people and their hearts.
Friday morning at 6:00 a.m., my heart became so pliable that all I could do was smile and feel like I was sitting in church, watching an awesome sermon play out before my very eyes. I firmly believe that God never intended for me to knock door to door passing out tracks. What He intended for me is to LOVE people and to be kind, to forgive and not become a bitter sour person that is filled with jealousy, envy or even hate.
Bill and I had made a date on Thursday evening that I would ride with him for coffee and then I would run 3 miles back home on Friday morning. I'd only gone with him a couple of times in the 6 weeks we were at our second home and his coffee buddies are my friends as well. Of course, I wanted to be sure and tell them goodbye and I would see them again in the spring. As we walked across the street after parking our car there were two grocery carts with a mattress in each one and some other discarded items. Bill went in for his cup of coffee while I had my water in hand and sat down at the picnic table to visit with Harold.
Harold informed me that Bobby had showed up at 2:00 a.m. with his backpack and briefcase because he was in a tizzy over his car not starting. You see Bobby is a Jehovah Witness preacher that was involved in a horrific car wreck that has left him with severe nerve damage and totally operates with a walker and quick short movements. And every morning he unlocks their facility to help needy people. There is a whole nother story here, but I'll save that perhaps for another time. When Bobby showed up at 2:00 a.m., Harold told him that he would have to wait until somebody else came to be able to help him as he couldn't leave the Bakery unattended and he still had baking to do.
Sometime just before 6:00 that morning, David, a homeless man came pushing one cart, while pulling the other with his head lamp on as he is a dumpster diver up to the bakery. Probably all homeless people are dumpster divers, but you see I am from rural America where we honestly don't have these types of situations very often. David and Bobby had never met, even though they live in the same town in Hawaii, until Friday morning.
Harold asked David if he would take his battery charger and walk with Bobby to his apartment and see if he could get his car started while Harold would keep his eye on David's belongings. Then we enter the picture and Harold shares with me that this is quite the scene, and I quote Harold: "The homeless helping the helpless". Before to long up walks David with the charger and not far behind him is Bobby in his vehicle and both are smiling. Guess where David sits? You got it, right next to me!! There are only four of us at the picnic table, so plenty of seats available and David sits beside me. He was so polite, introducing himself and Harold gave him a pastry as well as cup of coffee. David took his hat off, blessed his meal, and then began to eat. I just about bawled!!! I was so thankful that I had been kind to him, smiled, and conversed. David is messed up in drugs, lives on the street, had TWO DOLLARS to his name, covered completely in sores and he TOUCHED MY HEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I ran home those three miles, all I could think about was what could I do to help David. Bill helps all kinds of people that he meets at the Bakery, including Bobby. But I wanted to do something for David and I knew what God was laying on my heart. Saturday morning I sent my offering with Bill and Harold will purchase a hot fresh meal for David the next couple of times he comes to the Bakery. As I ran my 7 miles before crawling on the airplane later that evening, I prayed that David would know that I loved him and I didn't judge him. And while I didn't take away his problems, I did let him know that he mattered to me and that I could and would provide a meal or two for him.
Father God, You are amazing and awesome. You continue to enlarge my territory, my heart, and yes my prayer list. I pray that David is able to some how get off the streets and that he continues to have a heart to serve and help others. That our hearts would continue to grow and not become hard. I ask You Lord that when David is able to have these hot meals, that he would remember me and see You in me. Lord, please bless him and keep him. I ask in Christ's Name, Amen.
My husband and I love people! We are "people" people. We love meeting new people, spending time with old friends and making new ones. We both can sit for hours in an airport and simply sit and people watch. My husband enjoys teasing me that I never meet a stranger. By the time I leave an encounter I have their name, address, phone number and e-mail address. I truly love connecting with people and their hearts.
Friday morning at 6:00 a.m., my heart became so pliable that all I could do was smile and feel like I was sitting in church, watching an awesome sermon play out before my very eyes. I firmly believe that God never intended for me to knock door to door passing out tracks. What He intended for me is to LOVE people and to be kind, to forgive and not become a bitter sour person that is filled with jealousy, envy or even hate.
Bill and I had made a date on Thursday evening that I would ride with him for coffee and then I would run 3 miles back home on Friday morning. I'd only gone with him a couple of times in the 6 weeks we were at our second home and his coffee buddies are my friends as well. Of course, I wanted to be sure and tell them goodbye and I would see them again in the spring. As we walked across the street after parking our car there were two grocery carts with a mattress in each one and some other discarded items. Bill went in for his cup of coffee while I had my water in hand and sat down at the picnic table to visit with Harold.
Harold informed me that Bobby had showed up at 2:00 a.m. with his backpack and briefcase because he was in a tizzy over his car not starting. You see Bobby is a Jehovah Witness preacher that was involved in a horrific car wreck that has left him with severe nerve damage and totally operates with a walker and quick short movements. And every morning he unlocks their facility to help needy people. There is a whole nother story here, but I'll save that perhaps for another time. When Bobby showed up at 2:00 a.m., Harold told him that he would have to wait until somebody else came to be able to help him as he couldn't leave the Bakery unattended and he still had baking to do.
Sometime just before 6:00 that morning, David, a homeless man came pushing one cart, while pulling the other with his head lamp on as he is a dumpster diver up to the bakery. Probably all homeless people are dumpster divers, but you see I am from rural America where we honestly don't have these types of situations very often. David and Bobby had never met, even though they live in the same town in Hawaii, until Friday morning.
Harold asked David if he would take his battery charger and walk with Bobby to his apartment and see if he could get his car started while Harold would keep his eye on David's belongings. Then we enter the picture and Harold shares with me that this is quite the scene, and I quote Harold: "The homeless helping the helpless". Before to long up walks David with the charger and not far behind him is Bobby in his vehicle and both are smiling. Guess where David sits? You got it, right next to me!! There are only four of us at the picnic table, so plenty of seats available and David sits beside me. He was so polite, introducing himself and Harold gave him a pastry as well as cup of coffee. David took his hat off, blessed his meal, and then began to eat. I just about bawled!!! I was so thankful that I had been kind to him, smiled, and conversed. David is messed up in drugs, lives on the street, had TWO DOLLARS to his name, covered completely in sores and he TOUCHED MY HEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I ran home those three miles, all I could think about was what could I do to help David. Bill helps all kinds of people that he meets at the Bakery, including Bobby. But I wanted to do something for David and I knew what God was laying on my heart. Saturday morning I sent my offering with Bill and Harold will purchase a hot fresh meal for David the next couple of times he comes to the Bakery. As I ran my 7 miles before crawling on the airplane later that evening, I prayed that David would know that I loved him and I didn't judge him. And while I didn't take away his problems, I did let him know that he mattered to me and that I could and would provide a meal or two for him.
Father God, You are amazing and awesome. You continue to enlarge my territory, my heart, and yes my prayer list. I pray that David is able to some how get off the streets and that he continues to have a heart to serve and help others. That our hearts would continue to grow and not become hard. I ask You Lord that when David is able to have these hot meals, that he would remember me and see You in me. Lord, please bless him and keep him. I ask in Christ's Name, Amen.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Choices we make
Good morning! I've been asked twice in less than one week if I'm still writing Higher Grounds. Honestly, God and I are walking out some stuff in life. Life...as in my own life. But perhaps something that I am walking right now, you are as well and so here is what I would like to share for you and I to reflect upon. To get real with God, and with ourselves. I write this with much love and hope that it encourages you if you happen to be walking a walk similar to mine. Love
well---Yolanda
We say that we don't like bullying, and yet why is it that we bully others?
We often tie bullying to children, but honestly it doesn’t stop or just apply to the young. I’ve seen it first hand in adults, and I’ve seen it inside the walls of church and the “tag” of being a Christian.
Oh my, really Yolanda? Who could ever say they are a Christian and you would imply that they are being a bully?
Any one that happens to manipulate (isn't that really badgering) you into being or doing what they want out of you for themselves.
1) Wanting your friendship but only on their terms
2) Time
3) Ministry
4) Backing up what they do or say
5) The way you express yourself doesn't please them (and I'm not talking foul language!)
6) Alienation/ostracize you
Truly, is that the way Jesus treated others when He walked this earth? Jesus was not a bully, He is our standard. I’m curious, whose standard are we living by today? The worlds, and by bullying others? Or Christ’s, living in love, seasoned with grace, a sweet smelling
aroma.
Rebuilding the cracks in my walls at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda
" If we withdraw love from some people, but still continue blessing them; support their bad habits, then we've withdrawn from the wrong thing. Maintain love. " -Beth Moore
well---Yolanda
We say that we don't like bullying, and yet why is it that we bully others?
We often tie bullying to children, but honestly it doesn’t stop or just apply to the young. I’ve seen it first hand in adults, and I’ve seen it inside the walls of church and the “tag” of being a Christian.
Oh my, really Yolanda? Who could ever say they are a Christian and you would imply that they are being a bully?
Any one that happens to manipulate (isn't that really badgering) you into being or doing what they want out of you for themselves.
1) Wanting your friendship but only on their terms
2) Time
3) Ministry
4) Backing up what they do or say
5) The way you express yourself doesn't please them (and I'm not talking foul language!)
6) Alienation/ostracize you
Truly, is that the way Jesus treated others when He walked this earth? Jesus was not a bully, He is our standard. I’m curious, whose standard are we living by today? The worlds, and by bullying others? Or Christ’s, living in love, seasoned with grace, a sweet smelling
aroma.
Rebuilding the cracks in my walls at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda
" If we withdraw love from some people, but still continue blessing them; support their bad habits, then we've withdrawn from the wrong thing. Maintain love. " -Beth Moore
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
What are you attached to?
"But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." James 1:6 NIV
Upon returning from Houston I realized once again how important it is to be in fellowship with others that are like minded. There is something beautiful, comforting and reassuring about Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. I realized and have learned how the Word of God speaks to each one of us on so many different levels. That God's Word truly is life and apart from it we are walking/journeying into death.
I firmly believe for me, and perhaps for you as well, that placing scripture on my heart begins the process of changing me to be more like Jesus. When I go over and over the scriptures that I am currently memorizing as well as the ones that I have memorized the last three years, I am comforted as well as convicted to God's truths.
This morning as I continued on in my journey of scripture memorization of James 1 with verse 6, I thought to myself how much it reminds me of the last couple of days here in Kansas. That my doubting is so much like the tumbleweeds that are blown here, there and yonder. BUT...if I stay ATTACHED TO THE GROUND no matter how hard the wind blows, I will not be tossed or moved. The key is staying attached, and the key to believing and not doubting is staying attached. This root system keeps us grounded or secured. The ground here for all purposes represents God, Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit....The Word of God.
Father, thank You for the ability to be in Your presence 24/7/365. That we are not like our ancestors, the Israelites, that were kept away from Your Glory. We have full access, and Lord I am one that not only thanks You for that, but asks that this access would change me. When I became Your Daughter, I also gave you access, a beautiful relationship that You initiated. By being in Your Word, I see areas of my life and heart that needs changing. I want nothing to do with being tossed here and there like the waves of the sea. Lord, I'm trusting You.
With love,
Yolanda
Upon returning from Houston I realized once again how important it is to be in fellowship with others that are like minded. There is something beautiful, comforting and reassuring about Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. I realized and have learned how the Word of God speaks to each one of us on so many different levels. That God's Word truly is life and apart from it we are walking/journeying into death.
I firmly believe for me, and perhaps for you as well, that placing scripture on my heart begins the process of changing me to be more like Jesus. When I go over and over the scriptures that I am currently memorizing as well as the ones that I have memorized the last three years, I am comforted as well as convicted to God's truths.
This morning as I continued on in my journey of scripture memorization of James 1 with verse 6, I thought to myself how much it reminds me of the last couple of days here in Kansas. That my doubting is so much like the tumbleweeds that are blown here, there and yonder. BUT...if I stay ATTACHED TO THE GROUND no matter how hard the wind blows, I will not be tossed or moved. The key is staying attached, and the key to believing and not doubting is staying attached. This root system keeps us grounded or secured. The ground here for all purposes represents God, Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit....The Word of God.
Father, thank You for the ability to be in Your presence 24/7/365. That we are not like our ancestors, the Israelites, that were kept away from Your Glory. We have full access, and Lord I am one that not only thanks You for that, but asks that this access would change me. When I became Your Daughter, I also gave you access, a beautiful relationship that You initiated. By being in Your Word, I see areas of my life and heart that needs changing. I want nothing to do with being tossed here and there like the waves of the sea. Lord, I'm trusting You.
With love,
Yolanda
Saturday, January 28, 2012
SSMTC 2012
Ladies, it is so hard to believe that a week has gone by and this time last week we were resting up for our adventure to Galveston for the evening.
**Beth Herring and I, great friends and room mates for the second time**Siesta Scripture Memory Team Celebration #2 was just as much fun as 2009! And yes, the teaching was amazing from Beth Moore and 2 John. God is so good and so fun!
This time my sweet roomie and I opted to move into the Omni to celebrate and be around the other Siesta's. It was a very wise choice and I stretched her by placing us on the 12th floor. Thank you Miss Beth for being such a good sport! I am an extremely light sleeper and being on the 12th floor was a great place to be, and let me say the Omni staff were gracious! We all felt like "princess'" in their hotel.
My closer friends and I all ganged up on Thursday in Houston. Three of us flew in and then Beth met us there in her car. We enjoyed a late lunch at Pappasito's before heading to the Omni.
**Beth, Debbie, Lisa and myself**
Not long after our arrival we began meeting other Siesta's and by Friday afternoon we were all enjoying being together once again.
**Beth, Debbie, Lisa and myself**Not long after our arrival we began meeting other Siesta's and by Friday afternoon we were all enjoying being together once again.
**Yolanda, Susan, Beth, Judy, Michele, Debbie and Marsha**
**Yolana and Nesha**
**Rene, Leigh, Kathryn, myself and Debbie**Friday late afternoon we enjoyed lunch at Berryhill prior to gathering at Houston's First Baptist Church. Beth Moore taught from 2 John and it was a word in due season!! It was remarkable as she had just memorized the entire "small" book and spoke it over us, it was amazing! God is amazing and He has certainly used her as a vessel in my life. I recognize it is Him in her!
**Yolanda and Heather**I enjoyed getting to visit with both Amanda and Melissa at the celebration as well as in Church on Sunday morning at Bayou Christian Fellowship.
**Amanda and myself**
**Mellisa and myself**Saturday after the conference we enjoyed barbecue, how can anyone go to Texas and not eat Mexican food and bbq??!! Then in the evening we drove down to Galveston and dined at Fishtales. It was amazing! We enjoyed a walk on the beach after dark once the fog finally lifted.
It was a great way to come together to meet up with old friends, meet "face to face" with those you blog and or facebook with, and to make new friends! Scripture and God's word has a way of knitting our hearts together. It was a blast to recite my 24 scriptures with Beth, my roomie, and for her to do so as well. Because we could say all 24 scriptures, Beth Moore and the LPM Team/Staff had a gift for us. Her latest DVD teaching!!! (fulfill your ministry) and also there were 6 door prize drawings and I was blessed to win one of them as well. (Thank you Beth Moore, LPM & De Anna!)
I would love to encourage any of you to hide God's word in your heart, that is what I am going to do in 2012 once again, this will be my fourth year to write 24 scriptures on my heart.
Yes, indeed...lets move up to Higher Ground(s)
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