Thursday, December 26, 2013

Blogs Revisited

Reflections: Friday, 30 November 2007

  • Blogs Revisited

    In The Year Of Our LORD!

    "The seeds we sow today determine the kind of fruit we'll reap tomorrow."
    Mrs. Walter M. Harrison
    This is a part of a blog that I posted on NOVEMBER 30, 2006.
    I added some more thoughts. We are still in the overflow. 

    2006 What A Year! 
    I have been thinking about 2007. Last year around this time I came across Leviticus 25...The Sabbath of the Seventh Year.

    Leviticus 25: 18 -22.   Verse 21: "Then I will command My blessing on you in the sixth year, and it will bring forth produce enough for three years".

    I thought then the year 2006, a commanded blessing  and it will bring forth produce enough for three years. 2007, 2008, 2009. 


    December... there is a month left in this year.  A commanded blessing is still there for 2006.  Today, I received some very good news. Yeah, a commanded blessing is coming in December!  God is so good!    Seize Every Day In December.
    Commanded Blessings are coming
    ....


    Here are some more of my thoughts:
    Commanded Blessing
    .....


    What I said above apply for this year too. I was thinking about this blog in October 2007. I know that these verses are in the Old Testimony. The Commanded Blessings that were in 2006 are still here from the overflow of blessings that came from that year.

    I believe that what I put into 2006 came forth in 2007.
    What's ahead for The Year of 2008?
    A Fresh New Start and A New Beginning.

    The year 2007 was A Year of Completion, A Year of Rest From Laboring. The Year of The Open Door, The Year of Our LORD, The Year of Jubilee...

    I have given some things to the LORD. I have been resting in the LORD. The been resting from my own laboring trying to get things done my way and not the LORD's way. The battle is not mine but the LORD's.

    Since I have cease in doing some things and began to wait on the LORD, I have been having peace of mind.I have PEACE about some issues that once troubled my thinking.

    2008 is in the midst!
    What lays ahead? I have to wait and see. I believe more commanded blessings will overflow from 2007 into 2008 and 2009. I planted and sowed seeds daily for the tomorrow in years to come. Eventually, I will met up with what was sown and see it in the natural.

    Isaiah 61:1-3  (NLT)The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has appointed me to bring good news to the poor.

    Verse 1) He has sent me to comfort the broken-hearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.

    Verse 2) He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD's favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies.

    Verse 3) To all who mourn in Israel, he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory. 2007 COVENANT Blessings Text Deuteronomy 33

    The COVENANT Blessing:             (12 Tribes of Israel)
    The Blessing of LIFE,                        Reuden   
    The Blessing of HELP,                      Judah
    The Blessing of WISDOM,                Levi
    The Blessing of  PROTECTION,      Benjamin
    The Blessing of PROSPERITY,        Ephraim
    The Blessing of STRENGTH,           Manasseh
    The Blessing of JOY,                         Zebulun
    The Blessing of ABUNDANCE,        Issachar
    The Blessing of AUTHORITY,         Gad
    The Blessing of COURAGE,             Dan
    The Blessing of FAVOR,                   Naphtali
    The Blessing of ANOINTING.          Asher

    Yes, That's what I have been entering into My Book of Thanks. Each of these blessings were spoken into my life as blessings that are mine: The 12 Covenant Blessing of God.

     I add these blessings (from our prayer gatherings in the Upper Room on the first 7 days of this year) in my Book of THANKS. (I took notes during those gatherings in a way I never have done before.) 

    From my Book of THANKS and Blessings:
    I am so thankful that

    God causes COMMANDED Blessings to flow and produce in years that follow.
    I am so thankful for ALL of The COVENANT Blessings of God.
    I am thankful for CYCLES of Blessings that are from God.
    I am so thankful that when things don't make sense,
    God is in CONTROL of all the CRAZINESS.

    Here is a part of another blog back on December 31, 2006...
    (
    With Update Corrections)
    This is the day that the year 2006 expires and the birth of a new year is dawning.  I am excited about two double 0 seven.  I have come across some revelation about my life over a period of seven years. Is this a coincidence? 

    I see a pattern to this cycle of seven years.


    In 1993 I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
        1999 was The End of the 90's.
    In 2000 I began a New Look At Life      
        2006 was My Rebirth Year.
    In 2007 New Year Cycle of 7 (Already Began) 
        2013 will be a Special Milestone.
    I did included the year that the cycle began.
    For example:
    In 1993 that year was my thirtieth year of life upon this earth. 
    I see 1993 + 1999 as seven years. 2000 + 2006 as seven years.

    And 2006 (0 7) + (2012)
    13 are the years that I am a teenager in the spirit: 13 - 19
    --A  Seven Year Cycle: Those are special years in my life.

    (Footnote: 7 Year Cycle)September 17th starts the Year of My Salvation

    Saved + 7 Years runs into the following year
    1993
    /1999 - 2000 /2001   ages      0 - 6 / 7 in the spirit.
    2000 / 2001- 2006 /2007   ages      7-13/ 14 in the spirit.
    2006 /2007 - 2012 /2013    ages 14 - 19 / 20 in the spirit.
    2013/ 2014 - 2020 /2021    ages  21 -27 / 28 in the spirit.

    I hope that this is correct and makes sense. Blessings to you.
    May the LORD richly bless you as you go about your days.

    Peace be with you,
    Susie 

Friday, November 29, 2013

Since Nov 29, 2001: Where Am I Now?

Thursday, 29 November 2012

  • Since Nov 29, 2001: Where Am I Now?

    It was 11 years ago today when something in my life was coming end. It was a normal Thursday evening. I and the others were preparing for choir practice.

    I can't recall how we were lead to hear the news. The news of the ending of regular choir on Dec, 2, 2001. It was shocking news. I couldn't believe it.

    It was a sad thing to hear. I was torn to pieces. I felt like a part of me died that day. It was like I was not needed any more. I had lost a job that I so loved doing.

    That night when I went home, my spirit was down. I made up my mind to get myself prepared to sing on Friday and Sunday services. I wanted to be apart of the ending of the regular choir.

    My spirit got very low since I heard the news of the choir. I didn't understand why the ending came in the way that it did. I really didn't hear an explanation why the choir ended.

    I cried myself to sleep that Thursday night.  My soul was in sorrow. I was in prayer with God for comfort. Even though I didn't understand why things ending that way. I wanted to do what was right.

    I got myself together for my very last Friday night service as in the regular choir. It was a sad time. I did what I normally did. I worshipped God.

    As for Sunday, I wasn't as talkative. I still couldn't understand why things where as they were. I  didn't want to leave the choir.  But we didn't have any choose.

    Sunday December 2, 2001 was very sad day for me. I went to church. I didn't want to talk much during church. I sung in the regular choir for the last time. I wanted to leave on a good note.

    I gave God my all that day... As I step down from where I was standing, I feel that I was stepping into something new. I didn't know what it was...

    I made it to the room where I hang up my choir robe for the very last time. My robe  #  was 34. As I made my way to the bathroom I started to cry. I had to compose myself. 

    I made it to my seat to here the message. I was sad. I cried  and held back some tears.  Thought the days, months, years I had a very hard time looking up where the choir use to stand. I still attended the church where I sung in the choir.

    It's been a long time. I'm still being healed from the emotional up and down from the departure of choir. It was like I had a divorce. It was like I wasn't  wanted any more.

    I was very faithful as I was on the worship team. I did all that was requested. I thank God for the 5 years, 9 months and 11 days as a member of the special choir and regular choir.

    As I look back over my years since this sad time in my life, I see that I was broken. The thing that I loved so dearly was no more. I had no choose in the matter. It moved my into a direction I didn't where I was headed.
    I can say that I was broken. Through the years I can say "I'm still singing."  My heart is for the LORD. It's not in what I desire or what I think I need.

    As I continue on this journey, I see that I've come a long ways from this experience. God has been with me. His goodness and mercy continue to following me all my days.

    Even thought I have some flashback of sorrow of what happened, I can always turn to God for whatever comes in my path way. No matter what it is. God is there.

    Indeed things can and will happen in our lives. There are things that we will have no control over. We just have to apply what we should do in the best interest of what happens.

    May we learn from what things that bring sorrow to us.
    May we not get bitter over things that do turn out our way.
    May the LORD guide us in the direction that we should go.
    May the LORD heal our hurts and wounds
    May we remember the good memories in our lives.
    Amen.

    Thanks for reading.
    Susan

    Scripture

    But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

    2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Water Baptism Anniversary

Note: Wednesday, 28 November 2007

  • Water Baptism Anniversary

    It was on this date in 1993, Sunday, November 28.
    My 14 year old nephew, Dwayne and I were off to our water baptism at the Y.M. C. A. Here is my testimony on that account.

    I wrote some of this in my Salvation Issues Blog on August 26, 2007. It starts off with a question. I had an issue that brought me confusion before I got water baptized. I did added more too this since August on this blog.  

    I have been thinking... When did all this confusion start?  I cannot recall. But I do recall on the Day After Thanksgiving 1993. Things became weirder and weirder and the question of my salvation began to deepen. 

    It was the day after Thanksgiving Day, on November 26, 1993. We gather for Thanksgiving Worship and Communion Service. While we were in praise and worship, something weird happened to me.

    It was like some one pulled the plug on me and I loss energy. I could not feel my legs as I stood. I could not hear clearly---so I stopped singing. What was this?

    Then something in my belly came upward and than suddenly stopped. Than the sound came back up. I could hear clearly again. I did not know what was going on with me.
       
    I made it through the service. I questioned what happened to me. I did not tell anyone because I thought nobody would believe me.

    So I keep it to myself. I started to seek God more and reading my Bible more. By the way, I took part in my very first communion in Church that night.


    Sunday, November 28, 1993 was my Water Baptism Day. I could not wait to be submerged into the water. I had thoughts that was trying to tell me that I was not saved. I wanted this water baptism so much. I had to wait unto it was announced in church. 
    On that morning of my water baptism, I was reading from the book of 1 Corinthians 14 from the New King James Version.  I could not focus on what I
    \
  • I kept reading anyway. Then I came time to read verse 9 b, I read it in a new way. For  [ I ] will be [ blessed ] speaking in the air. That caught my attention. If you have been around me, (in person) you would notice that I am not much of a talker.
    Anyway, I wanted to make sure that I was saved before I was water baptized. If I was not saved than the water baptism did not count. I just got wet for nothing.

    Water Baptism is a very important moment in a Christian's life. Jesus was water baptized. So I wanted to follow after Him.

    Well that important moment happened for me on that 4th Sunday of November '93. Those who came for the water baptism gathered at the Y.M.C.A. I cannot remember if it was 1 pm or 2 pm. We had praise and worship.

    Then it came time for those who wanted to be water baptized to form a line. One by one we enter into the water. There was Pastor Brian Z. and Pastor Nick D. that did the service.

    For those who are curious about my water baptism. There were 25 of us. I was # 22. I was ready to go under. I wanted to bury my old life and come into my new life. Pastor Nick D. had the honor to baptizing me.

    As it was my turn to step in the water, the joy came within me. I was so happy. I made my way in. When I got to Pastor Nick, he explained to me what I needed to do.

    I was about ready to do what he said after he told me. Pastor Nick stop me and said "not now." I had to wait until he told me to.

    When it was my turn to be water baptized, Pastor Nick asked me my name. I boldly said my full name so everybody could hear it. Pastor Nick as me if I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I joyfully said YES! I cannot recall the exact words but, Pastor Nick ask another question...Will you follow Jesus? I said YES!

    Then Pastor Nick said "I baptize you in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son and the name of the Holy Spirit." And after that it was my "time" to go under into that watery grave and be washed from my past.

    As I was under the water, I felt like I did on that Friday Night in Church. It was like I had an unplugged sort of feeling. As I came out of the water, I was a very happy woman. I even clapped my hands. I said "YES! YES!"

    As I was making my way out of the pool, I looked over at Dwayne. He was being baptized after me by PBZ. There where two others after Dwayne.

    After this wonderful moment of time, we made our way to dry off. I had a joyful spirit about me. We made it home. I cooked some spaghetti. 

    I had this thought come to me as I was reflecting back over these last three months of my special days in September, October and November.
    When I came to Word of Life Church for the first time, I wore a purple shirt, black dress pants and a causal red jacket. When I got water baptized, I wore causal purple shirt and causal light blue pants and bare footed. When I was at the Garden Tomb I wore a causal purple jacket, causal black shirt and blue jeans and tennis shoes.

    I had a thought: Royalty wear purple.
    From My Book Of Thanks:
    I am so thankful that I am a follower of Jesus Christ.
    I am so thankful that I was water baptized.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Visited A Foreign Land But Felt Like At Home

Note: Tuesday, 17 November 2009

  • Visited A Foreign Land But Felt Like At Home

    Yeah, the journey to Israel like going home to spiritual roots. My dream of going to Israel came to pass. I thought about it so much it was as though I have already been there before getting there.
    scan0013.jpg
    I read scriptures in the Bible on Israel. I learned about some of the places where we were going. I had the itinerary in my journal. I went over it every day.

    When the actual journey came to be, I felt like I was walking out what I keep thinking and praying about. It was wonder when I saw things come into the light.

    While On The Journey
    Visited A Foreign Land But Felt Like At Home

    It was well worth the journey in visiting a foreign land.
    I made myself at home while I was there.

    Peace,
    Susan

    P.S.
    The photo was taken while we were on the Mount of Beatitudes in Israel.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

How I Want To Be Remembered

Note: Wednesday, 21 November 2012

  • How I Want To Be Remembered...

    I haven't thought about this much.... I want to be remembered as a lover of God. A person who sought after God in things in life.

    I don't want to leave negative impressions. There are things that were left undone. People who went on their ways. There were lost connections. There were some connections, I wondered whatever happened.

    I want people to see the good that I tired to express in my lifetime. The concern about things in the family history searchings, I want to past down to future generations.

    I know that I am not perfect. I had my faults. My down falls and my mishaps. But I keep on going through the times of not knowing.

    I want people to see the beauty of God that's there. How God brought me through things. Those health issues that I had throughout life. Times of whenever in my life. I keep going.

    Faith is the way of life. I had to grew in things as things happened. I had to keep going.

    Some day my time will come.
    I hope people remember me as a person who loved God.
    leaving good memories for those cherries.

    While On My Journey
    How I Want To Be Remembered...

    As a friend of God.
    A nice person who brought some good into others lives.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

God With Me

Reflections: Sunday, 28 October 2007

  • God With Me

    A friend ask me this question--

    Was there EVER in your Christian walk when you thought for a second or a minute or even a day when God wasn't there for you?? 

  • I have never thought of this before. I have been thinking about this question. As I have been looking back over my Christian walk, here is some of my thoughts.

    I have been on this journey with the LORD for 14 years. I cannot recall thinking that Jesus has not be there for me. The thought haven't cross my thinking.

    There have been some tough times in my life to where I was drawn deeper to speak to the LORD. But doubting that He was not there was not the issue. I have been talking to God for a long. Well before I got into a REAL relationship with Him 14 years ago.

    I started talking to God in my 20's. That has been over 20 years ago. There were many times in my life when I was in need of things to happen in my life.

    I prayed to God during those times. What I did, became a habit. I always thought that God heard me even though I did not hear or have a rely to what I asked Him about. But I keep having talking to Him.

    Here is an example: This happened about a few years after I got saved. When I was in a lot of pain at nights and could not sleep in my bed, I would talk to God. I recall one time that I said Lord, I know that You are not causing this pain. You would not do this to me. You love me.

    Through all this pain, I gain more of God in my life view. I try not to let what I was going through, get to me. As long as kept talking to God, I keep going. I didn't know what was causing this pains in my life, but I keep talking to God.

    About 10 or 11 years before I became a Christian, there were times when I heard replies. A Voice that guided me to do some things. Then from these experiences, this guidance draw me deeper into things that led me deeper into the things of God.

    If you are in Christ, remember that God is with you when you don't think so or feel His presence. May you continue on in your journey. Keep believing that He will show up along your path of life. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

    Peace to You,
    "Susie" 

Friday, November 1, 2013

Singing During Hard Times Too

Reflections: Tuesday, 27 November 2007

  • Singing During Hard Times Too

    I hope that you are still singing songs unto the LORD today. No matter what season of life you may be in. Sing unto the LORD always. Amen.

    I was in the Upper Room this morning praying. As I was praying from my prayer journal, my thoughts drifted off. And I wonder some a bit. Then a song came to my thinking. I reflect back on that song. Every now and then this song pops into me thinking.

    Here is a testimony relating to this song.
    One day in October 1999, I came home from Church on a Friday Night. My mother was sick. She told me that she was getting ready to go to the Emergency Room. Some of my siblings took her.

    Within an hour, I got a call from one of my brothers. He said that our mother had an heart attack. It turned out to be congested heart failure for the second time.

    My mind was running with worry. I called a friend from Church. She prayed with me for my mother.

    After I got off the phone. I started to an emotional cry. Then something within me rose up. And I started to sing a song. I had recently learned this song in Church.

    The song was "Let The Peace of God Reign."  I kept singing that song over and over again until I got peace. I sung the song with tears running down my face. (This song continues to minister to me till this day.)

    There are some things I started to do as I sing this song. I do not sing the song as it was written. Back then I add my mother's name to the song instead of the word I, mine, me and my. Every time we sung this song in Church, I would sing it not as it was written. PEACE comes to me.
  • Here is that song. I was singing it off on on today.
     Let The Peace of God Reign. (I added some words to it.)

    Father of Life, draw me closer, Lord, my heart is set on You.
    (Help) me run the race of time. With Your life enfolding mine.
    And let the peace of God, let it reign.

    Oh, Holy Spirit You're my comfort,
    Strengthen me, hold my head up high.
    (As) I stand upon Your truth, Bringing glory (All to) You
    And let the peace of God, Let it reign.

    The chorus
    O LORD, I hunger, for more of You,
    (Come) Rise up within me, let me know, Your truth.
    O Holy Spirit, (You) saturate my soul,
    (so that Your) life, (my) God, (that) fills me now,
    (So that) Your healing power, (that brings me life) and (makes) me whole
    (O) let (Your) peace (O) God, (Come) let it reign.

    As I was praying this morning I was adding names as I sung this song. Let the PEACE of God Reign.... Here the actual song. 

    Let The Peace Of God Reign
    English Lyrics 

    Father of life draw me closer
    Lord, my heart is set on You
    Let me run the race of time
    With Your life enfolding mine
    And let the peace of God
    Let it reign

    Oh Holy Spirit, You're my comfort
    Strengthen me, hold my head up high
    And I stand upon Your truth
    Bringing glory unto You
    And let the peace of God
    Let it reign

    Oh Lord I hunger for more of You
    Rise up within me let me know Your truth
    Oh Holy Spirit saturate my soul
    And let the life of God fill me now
    Let Your healing power breathe life and
    Make me whole
    And let the peace of God let it reign

Some of my thoughts:
When there are times when we don't know what to do, even when we don't know what to say or pray...Try SINGING unto the LORD. Sing a new song. Sing in the Spirit and Pray in the Spirit.

From My Book Of THANKS:
Father God, I am so thankful that You bring us life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. LORD Jesus, I am so thankful that in times of uncertainty, You come and comfort us. Holy Spirit, I am so thankful that a song can rise up within us so that we can give God praise.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

What Do I Want People To Say About Me?

Note: Wednesday, 26 October 2011

  • What Do I Want People To Say About Me?

    Everyone wants people to say good things about us. But what are those good things? We want people to see the good in us. Those things that bring out our character.

    We want to become the person we would like others to see. It's what people are saying about us. It brings the good or evn the bad things about us out. May we believe the best for otheres.

    I want people to say that I care about things in life. I want to people to see that I'm a caring person. And that I like to be a friend. I don't like to be a bore or trouble to anyone.

    I like that people note things about me. The things that bring out my good points. This does bring encouragement to me. It's good that people uplift others.

    I tend to speak to people who are willing to speak to me. I don't force myself to speak to people who I think don't want to carry on a conversation. I try to respect others wishes. I hope that others will respect me too.

    I hope that people speak good of me when I'm not around. I've heard of others who knows some of my family members. And what I hear is good things said about myself. That's very good to know.

    I feel wonderful when I hear what others say about me from other people. I get a smile inside of me. There is a good feeling that people do like me.

    May we say good things about others. May we sow seeds of good. May we know gossip about others. May we speak the good of others behind closed doors. May the LORD guide us into what we should say about others. May the word be with care and not harm in Jesus' Name Amen.

    Thanks for reading.What Do I Want People To Say About Me?
    In all that people can see the love of Jesus in me.

    Stay On The Journey,Susan

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The Church: Our Purpose

Reflections: Some of My Thoughts:

Monday, 22 October 2007


Yesterday in Church as I was walking, I saw about eight Xanga bloggers who are on my Word of Life blogring. Three of them I was in a position to gave hugs. One of them had surgery. As I hugged her I told her that I was praying for her.
She was so blessed by hearing those words. Just a hug and an encouraging word from another can lift them up. Church is more than just going to hearing a message or sermon from our pastors.

Then I was reading my subscriptions. I came across...   
queenofchocolate
 

Random thoughts for my church friends

She ask some questions (see her blogsite.) Here's my comment from what she asked. I added more thoughts as I reflected on what I wrote:

I have been thinking about the Church also. What is my purpose in going and being apart of what CHURCH is? You ask good questions. We all can answer them in the ways that we believe.

We need one another as The Body of Christ. CHURCH is a necessary part of our Christian walk. We do have our own parts as Christians. Our Sunday Church gatherings should not just stop on that day.

There are 6 other days that we need to live as well...We wake up in the Kingdom of God daily. We are not just Christians on Sundays. Our private life and public life should show or reflect our Christlike image.


Yeah, Church should be a place were we are comfortable. We should have the atmosphere of friendliness there. There are relationships in our Church community that we grow and learn from one another as believers.

Church a place "where every body knows your name"...Yeah, I wear a name tag. We all have our uniqueness that stands out. [| :0)

About encouragement: I have learn to encourage myself. For example: There are times when we need encouragement and that person or friend is not there for us. Even pastors and so forth need encouragement as well.

But again coming to church we have friends that bring us encouragement. It's from those who surround us. We all are encouragers. It's who we can communicate with and relate to the brings out the best in us.
When I come to Church, I always feel encouraged. There is someone there to hug me, always. There is someone there to talk to me, always. That gives me that assurance that JESUS Loves ME. I can see Jesus in the people I communicate with.

Jesus is and is in the Church. His presence is there when the Body of Believer gather together. There is a Big different when we come together. We cannot get it all in very small gatherings.

Yesterday in both of our Church services, the Spirit of the LORD was in the House. The 2nd gathering was different. The Holy Spirit was moving in a different way. But the glory of the LORD was there. I was aware of the presence of God in Church. And so were others.

I see Church in a new way now. Pastor Brian's three Sunday's messages added more to my thinking about the CHURCH. Jesus is on the MOVE. May we move with Him.
The next time that you get the opportunity to gather together in the HOUSE of the LORD, Think. Ask yourself questions such as Why am I here? What's my purpose?

We, the people who gather together are the Church. It's not the building. It is assembling of the saints of God.

There are many reasons why I go to Church. I have a purpose in being there. You should too. May we discover more as we come together as a Body of Christ. Have A GREAT Day!
Peace Be With You,
"Susie" 

From My Book Of Remembrance:I am thankful that we can ponder while others can comment. I am thankful that God has blessed us with COURAGE. I am thankful that our Father God has given us His COVENANT Blessings.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

What Does Church Membership Mean To Me?

Sunday, 15 February 2009

  • What Does Church Membership Mean To Me?

    Happy Day to you. Hope that you Have A Great Week!  Enjoy!

    A few weeks ago, I have heard this question from Word of Life's BIG screen during some of the announcements. What Does Word Of Life Church Membership Mean To You?
    I thought about membership. There are benefits in membership / partnership. There are some things that a member should be doing. There are things a member should know.

    What do members do? What are the benefits in membership? How can a church benefit by having people be a  member in a church? What do others and I gain by being a member of the body of Christ?

    I've been a member of WOLC since October 17, 1993.  I've been through some seasons of times and sickness while my stay at WOLC. I'm thankful that I've been a member in the church. I am thankful  for the people in the church who have shown concern to my family and as well as myself.

    I am thankful that I didn't have to go through some things alone. God has blessed me with people from His church to be a part of my life. I am thankful for that.

    I am thankful for the friendship that I have met along my journey through membership as the church. Some friends were just for a season. There are some friends that have gone on. I am thankful that we crossed paths.

    I've been thinking about membership in the church. To be honest with you, I am still learning what it means to be a member of a church. I don't know everything that there is about membership. Here are some things that come to me.

    What Does WOLC Membership Mean to Me? It's were I can connect with the people of God. I have connections with the Kingdom of God. I can fellowship with those who believe in God. I can share my life with friends. I can grow in the LORD. I have a place to go where I can be built up.

    I can be a blessings to those who are around me. I have the opportunity to hear the word of God. I have a place to worship God in public. I can be used of God in His kingdom.

    There is a diversity of people that come to WOLC. There are many who come from different backgrounds. That's nice to experience the variety of people who belong to God. God is our God.

    We as members we should pray for the leaders in the church. We should pray for one another. We should edify and built one another up. We should come to gather and assemble as the corporate church.

    We should paid our tithes. We should give our offerings. We should worship God together. We should take communion together. And the list goes on.

    There is much that's there by being apart of the body of Christ, His church. I have a place where I can honor God. I have a church family to be apart of.

    I am thankful that I am able to come to WOLC. No matter what season I am in, I will be welcomed by my friends. I can take shelter from the storms of life. That's pleasing to know.

    On My Journey Of Transformation:What Does Church Membership Mean To ME?

    Blessings, Peace, Mercy and Grace,
    ~Susan~

    God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble Psalm 46:1

    A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

Church Connection Day Anniversary

Notes Reflections Wednesday, 17 October 2007

  • Church Connection Day Anniversary

    It happened at High Noon on this date back in 1993. The invitation door was open for those who wanted to join Church at Word of Life. As I walked through that door, I became one of the 1000th person to join Word of Life Church on that 3rd Sunday in October.
    Back then, I had been going to Church for only a month. On Saturday, September 18, one day after my very first visit to Word of Life, I told my mother that I got saved the night before. She told me that I should have been going to Church 10 years ago.

    I thought to myself.... Was I too late getting in here?  I believe that my life had changed and that my attitude about Church had been altered when I met Jesus. My mind had changed. I knew that it was high time for me to start going to Church.  But WHO'S Church? and Where???
     
    I had 3 Churches to choose from. There were two Baptist Churches were some of my family were going. Or I could have joined WOLC two days after my Conversion Day. But I HAD TO PRAY ABOUT THIS ONE. I had to see what I was getting myself into.

    In the meanwhile, I continued to attend WOLC both on Friday Nights and Sunday Mornings gatherings. I didn't start going to Church until I started going to Word of Life Church. I did not grow up in a Church.

    It did not take to long for me to make my decision to which Church to hook up with. But it actually took a month to join Church. I had to wait for that invitation in order to get in.

    I was thinking more toward the Church where I met Jesus. But I had thoughts of what would my mother think? Why didn't I join her Church? Was my Mother's Church good enough for me?

    I prayed about which Church to join. What came to my spirit was to "join the Church were I felt comfortable." It made sense to me. That brought me peace to which Church to join. The peace of God was with me.
     
    This was one of my decision, I believe that led me toward the Church I should join. That day came on Sunday the 17th of October 1993. I had already set my mind and my heart in motion to join Word Of Life Church on that day. The invitation came about high noon.

    What I remember about that time I got connected to Church at Word of Life, my knees bucked. I was shaking when the invitation to join Church was open. My heart was beating fast. I had to calm myself down. I did make my way up the the platform.

    As we came forth, we gathered in a circle on the platform. I remember the person who I was standing on my left side. Her name, Peri Zahnd who happens to be Pastor Brian's wife.

    We all introduced ourselves. I was the only one in the group that had to say my name twice. I spoke softly. I need to speak up.

    After our introduction, we held hands, bowed our heads and we prayed. And then we became a member of a Church through Word of Life. Finally I can say that I have a Church to attend. I can call Word of Life Church, my home Church, where I gather in the House of the LORD. And I can say that I have a pastor.

    Then after we filled out the information card, Peri greeted each one of us. Then it was time to take our pictures. I had to get my picture taken twice. Part of my head was not in the photo.

    I even ask if I could have the photo. It's a polaroid picture. I missed placed it as we moved here. It will show up.

    Back then our photos where displayed out in the entrance area near the sanctuary. This was so that other members of the Church could know that we were new members of the Church. That was a good way to connect a name with a face.

    Over my years as a greeter and even more these few weeks, I have adopted a new attitude and awareness about The Church. For a long while I have been seeing and greeting people as apart of The CHURCH of GOD.

    We are of ONE Big Church, not one individual set of churches. This common union that the Body of CHRIST has, is that we serve the same Almighty and Living GOD. I try to respect people as apart of God Creation.
    As I reflect back over my past 14 years as being connected with The Church, I have been yearning to learn more about Jesus. I am wanting to discover a lot about the things of God. And how to live as I should since I began my Christian journey.

    Being Apart of Church Community; through fellowship with my family, the people of God, interacting with my Church family, friends, spending quiet time with my Father God and reading my Bible to name a few.

    I continue to grow and change as I am in my personal relationship with our Lord God. There are milestones and markers that I cross every year. The Church Life has become something new to me.

    I have found a new meaning about the Church and LIFE, as I am making my way on this path of life that God is leading me on. I am wanting to know more and more about Jesus as I am doing life in The kingdom of God.
     
    To me, Being Connected with a Church means: Being Connected with Christ Jesus. However you can be in a Church and not be connect with Jesus. It's through the Conversion experience that makes the connection. I confessed that Jesus is the LORD and SAVIOR of my life. He is my LIFE. Thank You JESUS for Your Life and Your Church.

    From my Book of Remembrance: I am very thankful that God's Spirit led me to the Church where His Spirit dwells. I am thankful that God introduced Himself to me at Word of Life Church. I am thankful that God has never left me.

    I am thankful that God's Spirit dwell in The Church. I am thankful that God has given me His gift of a pastor and the five fold ministry. I am thankful for my pastor, Pastor Brian, Peri and my Church family.

    I am thankful that God gives me the COURAGE to share some of my life's journey through blogging so others can hear of His goodness and mercy that He grants me in my life. I am thankful that our Father God has blessed all of His children with His COVENANT Blessings.

    Some of My Thoughts:
    My Conversion decision to be a follower of Jesus led me to be Connected with His Church. As I was finishing up this blog yesterday, I had a thought to add My Conversion Testimony  to this posting.

    As I was in the process of completing this, I noticed that someone click on My Conversion Testimony: The Uncut Version. Thanks for taking the time to read how God has been working in my life. He will complete what He has started.

    Also every time when the invitation door is open for those who want to be connected with the Church of GOD through Word of Life Church, I tend to look around to see who raises their hands. It's good to see people to join CHURCH. Church is the place to gather and be in the presence of God and His people.

    I thank our Heavenly Father that people are being added to His Church and being Converted daily. There are over 4000 people who are connected to the Church through Word of Life Church. Thousands are making a decision to follow Christ: A Landmark for Salvation and A House of Friends.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Life's Reflections: Some Of My Thoughts

Memories Sunday, 14 October 2007

  • Life's Reflection: Some Of My Thoughts

    I thank all of you who believe in me.
    I believe in you, my friends.


    From My Book of Remembrance:
    I thank You , Heavenly Father for being committed to complete the work that You have started in me. I thank You, Lord Jesus for working FAVOR in my life that has been release for me to walk into. I thank You, Lord God for the blessing of COURAGE. I thank You, Father God for Your COVENANT Blessings.
    My Thoughts: Keep the focus on what you are doing.
    A few weeks ago, I was watching Joyce Meyer Ministry on T.V. Sister Joyce was showing us an illustration that she was trying to get across to us. I could relate to what she was saying. She communicated this very well.

    Sister Joyce called two members from her ministry team to come on the platform One was her husband. The other person's name was Chris; He was to represent the devil, who come to attack us at times. And Joyce's husband, Dave was to represent God who watches over us. Joyce represented the believer in Christ Jesus.

    The believer in Christ Jesus was called "Susie- Super Christian." Yeah, I just had to laugh when I heard the name "Susie". That's how I related so well to what Joyce was talking about. It hit home.

    "Susie Super Christian" is reading her Bible. She going to church. Doing what a Christian has set out to do and so forth on this road of life with Jesus. When all of a sudden the devil comes to attack " Susie Super Christian."

    What does "Susie Super Christian" do? She starts fighting with the devil. Where does this leave "Susie Super Christian"? She is getting her eyes off what she is suppose to be doing. She is not focusing on what God has called her to do. She is all uptight, upset and frustrated about what is going on.

    Then Joyce was getting this point across. If we believers in Christ Jesus will stay stable in what we are doing in our lives, then God will come and take care of us and what the devil or whatever is doing to us. If we continue to keep standing in faith, keep doing our best to be patience, keep waiting on God, and keep praising His name, our Father God will step in (This is better said than done.)

    Joyce also said that some of the things that come into our lives are not always from the devil. There are times, when such happenings could come by chances. This brings situations into our lives. There are times when God brings some things in to our lives to test us. We grow from these experiences.

    Then there are times when we bring things in our lives ourselves. (I can be a witness to that.) One way is to be putting on too much "doings" in our daily schedules.

    This can bring a load on us. This can lead us to frustration. We can get all bent out of shape over things that we could have avoided by just saying NO!! Or think about what we are getting ourselves into.

    Whatever the source of our "happenings" in our lives, we should have some peace of stability in what we are doing. If we have so much to do and very little time for God in our lives, we are opening the door for things, not to go our way. We can welcome in TROUBLE. We don't need more trouble in our lives.
    I have been trying to simplify my life more. I have cut out some things in my life that I do not have to do. I am asking myself, what is important? What is it that I really want to do that? Do I need to do that? Is that really necessary? Where is my time and energy going? I have been seeking the LORD for wisdom and what path should I take.

    Since then, I have put to the test what those things are; What is stealing my joy, time and energy... I have discovered some of those stealers. I have found a lot more peace of mind. I am not guilty in some of the things that I have let go and given to the LORD. I have been learning how to lay my burdens down now.

    I have been enjoying myself a lot more. I am having less stress on some matters that use to bug me. Some got to me at times. Now, I have Peace of Mind. That soo GOOD. May the LORD continue to guide me on my pathway. (I have learned that I don't have to be apart of the crowd all the time.)

    Special note:I believe that some of "you kind of know me" by now. I thought to share this with you all. Some will relate to what I am about to say. And some won't.

    But first I will say that I  got a chance to see and talk with some of my Word of Life Bloggers Buddies, today. Cathy, Cyndy, Lynnflo, Yeah, I was looking hard for you, Becky. I was not in my triangle in between the 2nd service. But I kept looking for you. You found me. Ms. Emily, I was glad to see you too.

    Ms. Emmy, I am not a "party phooper." I was serious about what I said to you girls. What I was talking to you about. You guys need to be praying for me.

    I am going through a healing process about "Church Gatherings", such as Octoberfest etc. It's been a while since I came to such of an event. Where did  all started...The attack came in about 1998, 1999 time before the Labor Day Picnic gatherings.

    When I heard of the news that we won't have gatherings on Labor Day, I GOT SO HAPPY! I thought that this "thing" would leave me. Then Octoberfest came into being. It did not. I can testify that I have been getting better as time has progress.

    I was planning on coming to this Octoberfest this year. I changed my mind. Something came about. Then I began to cut down on some of what I use to do. I can hear some say, O GET OVER IT. Forgive and go on with your life.

    That's what I have been trying to do. I have forgiven what happened and doing my best to keep going on with my life. I cannot change what happened. I truly want to wipe away what it was, out of my thinking forever.

    The last time I came to our church picnic was in the year 2000. In 1999 my thoughts were not there. I made it through the picnic. I talked my self to come in the year 2000.

    When I came back in 2002, I think. It was for the gathering with the people and Jewish friends who built Word of Life Church's Upper Room. I thank God that it was on the inside. I don't like outside gatherings that much. But I can endure when I really want to. 

    I have come a long ways since 2002. This year when the Octoberfest was announced, I did think about coming. I believe that I did not miss out on anything. I had a good time not being there.

    I believe that I don't have to explain myself to you. One of my friends who was setting by me during the 2nd service said that she was not going to go to the Octoberfest either. Her reason was that her husband was not there.

    I could have explain to to my friend why I was not going. My mind would not be where I was. It's  like when there was some months of time when my body was in church but my mind was not. I believe that was a healing time for me. And so is this time for me now.

    I believe at times there are times to keep my mouth shut and just keep going on about my life. I believe that God is working a mighty work in me. Jesus has brought me through a lot of "matters" in my life. I believe He will brought me out of this one too.

    It's all learning experiences in life. Test in life that I have been going through. My faith has been strengthen. I am growing in the process. I am more at rest and moving on into what lays ahead for me.                                                   

    Will I go to the next Octoberfest at Word of Life Church in 2008 or beyond? I am not worried about that.  When the announcements comes AGAIN, I will make my decision. In the meanwhile, I am going about my life, entering in and enjoying life and what God has set before me.

    P.S. I had a WONDERFUL Day, today. Hope that you did too.

Monday, September 30, 2013

The Ending Of Some Things

Note Tuesday, 20 September 2011

  • The Ending Of Some Things

    In life we make transactions. We have to start somewhere. we live out our lives the best way we know how. Through the trials, joy in life, we live.

    We there comes a time when decisions are made. There are changes in our path way. some things come to an end. We must made chooses and changes.

    We have to start as it was starting over again. Some things in life we begin with a fresh new start. Though in time the end of one thing is the beginning of another things.

    We move on with life the best way we know how. We make those adjustments that are needed. The journey continues even though some things has ended.

    It's just another chapter that we are writing. We are turning pages as we end one things after another. It can be hard at things. But in time time will come. Things will end. We start another chapter.

    The cycle of ending will continue through out life. We grow in the ending process. We have to learn to pick up something different.

    It can be strange at first. We've don't things so long we are use to it. Then when the end comes we are at times wonder what happened. The end has finally come.

    May we see the nature of life. May we grow in the conclusion of things. May new beginnings come forth out of ending. May we end things well. May we move into the next things with a good attitude. May the LORD prepare us for the ending of things as we move into what's next. AMEN!

    Thanks for reading.The Ending Of Some Things
    Staying On The Journey,
    Susan

Friday, September 27, 2013

Gifts From God

Notes on Friday, 27 April 2012

  • Gifts From God

    I'm thankful for gifts. If we think about it, we receive gifts every single day. Yes, we do. Each day is a gift from God. God gives us blessings each day.

    If we are still breathing, we have the gift of life. We are a gift to the world in which we live. We are planted in a place where we are to be a blessing to those around us.

    I'm learning each passing day that gifts are important. It depends on how we receive the gift that comes our way. Will we receive our gift? Or reject it and think little of the gift?

    God blesses is with life. We all had to live out our lives. We have the gift of today. There are many other gifts that we have from God. I just choose life and today.

    We have the gift of imagination to create. Each day is a new day. We explore and discover in each passing day. As the day end we rest from that day. Many we be awaken the next day. There were be some who have fallen asleep. The gift of life has passed in to death.

    Each of us is a gift to the world. Each day is precious. We don't know when we will fall asleep. But for some death is not the end. There is a gift of eternal life. Jesus is the one who has that gift.

    I'm thankful that Jesus has given me and others that gift of salvation through Him. If you call upon the name of the LORD, confession with your mouth and believing with your heart that Jesus died and was raise from the death by God you will be saved.

    I believe that Jesus is the Savior. He is saving those who have called upon Him. For it is Jesus who saves. Salvation belongs to Him. He is the only one who can save us.

    May the LORD save all who are to be saved.
    May we who are being saved be faithful witness of God.
    May we receive our gift with honor.
    May we not grow weary of receiving gifts.
    Amen

    Thanks for reading.
    I hope that you are one who has called upon the LORD.
    For He is the One who saves.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

My Converson Testimony: The Uncut Version

Blog Notes Sunday, 16 September 2007

  • My Conversion Testimony: The Uncut Version

    For those who just happened to notice this posting. Here is one of my testimony. It's long. The Shorten Version post.... on my Public Conversion Day Anniversary 2007. I did add more since my AUGUST 28, 2007 entry...

    What I have written was from am email...I was sharing this with some of my friends. Also there are future blogs within this blog. Some other blogs I have already posted.

    From where I came from up to the Day of my salvation.... This was my Public Announcement of  salvation on 09/17/93 and a little of 2007.
    I  made a private surrendering to Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior in 1983.  I can say that I have been walking with the LORD longer than I have stated.Words in shades: Made into Blogs...



    Somehow I just kept typing and I flowed with the words that  kept coming. I added some more detail from my email and made some corrections.
    My Conversion: Made Public
    My Background:
    I was born to Baptist parents who were saved. I was my parents' 19th child, their 4th daughter, and their youngest child. I did  not grow up in church.
    I only went to church about ten times before I got saved. Those church attendance were for more funerals than weddings. My parents raised me the best way that they could. They owned their own home and had their family business. Both of my parents are in the presence of the LORD.
    During My Youth Years:  How Shy Was I?  
    When I was growing up, I was teased a lot. I got mad quick. Yeah, I was a hot head. I keep it in. As long as I can recall, I had trouble hearing. I did not talk a lot outside the household. I can recall only going to "church" at least one time during my youth.
    My first remembrance of going to Sunday School, was where one of my sister in law taught. My sister in law ask me to read out loud. Some of the other kids laughed at my speaking. I could not pronounce the words in the King James Bible.
    Yes, that was my  last Sunday School attendance. I did not like being there. Let alone being laugh at by not speaking words correctly. [This reminds me of the time in KG when I was ask a question about What would Sally do when Dick  took her hair ribbon? I said she would beat him up. Some of the other kids laughed at my answer. I felt bad.]
    During My Teen Years:
    I might have went to "church" about 2 to 3 times as a teenager. I remember the first revival I went to.  It was weird. At the end of the service the Reverend of the church ask a question. I can't recall how he said it. It went something like is. Is there anyone who wants to come to the Lord?

    There was one teen age boy who answered the call. He came crying and they sit him in a chair. Two older men laid their hands on him. It was like this teenager had done something "very bad and was in trouble". I never saw anybody cry in church like that before.

    I thought to myself, I don't want to come to the Lord like "that' . This brought more of a distant for me to keep going to church. I recall  when I went to "a tent setting church". [That's what I called it then]. That did not leave a good impression on me. I wanted to leave as quick as I could. I lose interest in the 'Church Life."
    During My Middle Teens to 20's: How Was I Drawn To God?
    In the mid to late 1970's, some of my brothers and sisters would always watch "Religious" shows on TV that told stories in the Bible. It was during Easter and Christmas time. There was one show that I watched ever year during Easter.
    There was a scene where the actor playing Jesus. This Jesus actor would look into the camera. With the camera focused on this Jesus' baby blue eyes , he, the actor Jesus said something like this...I will be with you even to the end of the world.
    When that moment happened, I noticed something in me change for the very first time in my entire life. It was as though that it was JESUS Himself who spoke those words directly to me. There was an impact that came from that moment in my life.  I even remember where I was when this happened. I was in the basement of the house that I grew up in.
    It was after that happened I started to read the Bible. It was not a King James Version. It was a Bible that I could relate to. At that time is was The Revised English Bible. I recall that I would hide and reading my Bible. I did not want no one to know that I was reading it.
    Then eventually I began to turn from things I believed were not right. I was not into drugs...no drinking liquor...nor into the party life. I was drawn to the soaps. I was amazed by UFO's stories. I love hearing stories of the unexplain mysteries. Stories of things out of the Bible made my wonder more. I believe that there that there was a God. I learned this and got influence from my family.
    My mother had a saying  that she would always say. "The Lord does not like ugly.  I don't mean a ugly face, I mean a ugly mind, a ugly heart or a ugly soul." That felt like a sermon to me. My father had a voice to where what he said to me, I would believe. Well, there was somethings he said I believe that he was joking.
    Yeah, I believe that there was a God. I heard about Jesus. I did not want nobody in my family know that I read that Bible. I was afraid that they would want me to go to church.  I DID NOT like to go to their churches. I had FEAR about being there. I felt very uncomfortable in church.
    My Dad use to tease me when I got the  Bible out.  I thought that it was a bad thing that I was doing..I was realized that he was joking. That was another reason why I would hide reading the Bible. [Our Family history was in the front of the Bible. That's why I was getting into it.]
    When I was in my 20's,  I talked to God a lot.  At times, I heard "a calm voice" in response to some of what I was going through in my life. This made me quest for more about that voice. More about who's voice that was. I was interested in "the voice". I didn't know how to approach what I was searching for. But I keep searching through the unexplain T.V. stories that I would listen to.
     In 1989 My Father Died.  
     About 11 days before his death, I heard my Dad talking out loud. I realized he was talking to someone. But who? He told this person that he was dying. My Dad was calm about it and had no fear in his tone of voice. I thought that my Dad was talking in his sleep. So I tried to wake him up.
    As I was in the process of walking up to by my Dad's bed side, he opened his eyes. He looked over my shoulder and said some these words.  "Look at all my people".  He had the most joyful expression on his face. By that time, I was in total tears and sobbing. I know what he meant.
    In my early 20's I would watch TV shows that dealt with death and the after life. What I heard my Dad was saying.... match up with what I heard from the shows. I believe that my Dad had seen in the spirit world. My Dad also, ask my if I saw birds flying above his head. I did not see anything. He said that he did. I believed him.
    From that moment on I begin to speak to God in times of need.
    Memories of My Father
    I ask God if my Dad was dying, prepare us for his death. There had been a number of times when our Dad was at the point of death. He had been sick for about 11 years. There were times in the hospital that the doctors where amazed how he lived so long. [ He was on oxygen.]
    In 1989, It took me a while to get the courage to go back to the hospital.  It was on a Friday that my Dad was going to be taken to another place to recover. When I got to his room, he asked me with a joyful voice if  he was going HOME! I said just to another place.
    We made it to that place. This was the very first time that I rode in an ambulance.  My Dad didn't like this place. He had trouble breathing and was uncomfortable. At one time two nurses came into his room.... my Dad did something that I never seen him do. 
         My Dad got so angry.  He yelled at the nurses... GET OUT OF HERE!!!   Yeah, I took off too.  I went over by the window and  started to cry.   My Dad called for me to sit down in the chair next to his bed.
    He did something that he never done before.  He ask me for my hand. He took both of his hands one on top and the other under my hand. He had his eyes closed.... so I put my hand down and was crying. After this, he told me to call "Lu", my mother and tell her not worry. 
    It was about the 3PM hour that when this happened. Then 12 hours later my Dad passed on.  Before I heard the news. I knew that I knew.  Something strange happened to me that morning.
    I saw a ball of light come from my closet and I said OH, MY GOD!!.....When I got the news a little bit after 3AM.  I felt something leave me. I felt released from what I saw in my father's suffering.
    I knew where my father was. I remember going outside that Oct 7th morning. I looked up into the dark sky. Looking at toward the Heavens. It was one of our nephew's birthday that day. He turned 2. Yeah, we had a birthday party for Marcus.[We were help raising Marcus...his mother died 35 days after his birth. I was praying back during that time in my life as well.]
    Ever since my father's death, I had become closer to finding out things. I begin on a quest to find out some things. I have been searching for my family history. I begin ever a deeper search for some things about the Bible.

    In 1990, I thought that I could never celebrate Father's Day because I did not have a father.  But a revelation that I have a Heavenly Father hit me. I began to read the Bible more and more and discovered radio "religious" talk show.
    By  1992, 1993: More Things Came:
    I was baby sitting my siblings kids a lot. I had little time to do things. I helped out with my mother and brothers. I did not know what I was going to do with my life.  I was in a time of not knowing what to do but wanting to do some other things.
    There would be people coming to our doors witnessing about Jesus.  At times I did not want to talk to them. But I begin to listen to some of them. I tried to be nice.
    I even receive letters from psychics and fortune tellers, telling me that my 30th  birthday was a mark of something special in my life.  I would response to their letters. I was telling them that my spiritual guidance comes from the Holy Spirit.  At that time they sent long letters with a return stamp envelope for reply. 
    My thinking was on God and was I driven to Him. I spoke things that made me think about what I was saying after someone ask me something. For example:  A Jehovah witness ask....Who was the Greatest person to walk the Earth?  I answered Jesus.  But after they left... I thought to myself that Jesus is still here in Spirit.
    During the Summer of 1993.
    I was searching for my family history. I came across a lady who's Great-grand father owned my Great grand father, Isaac Blakey,who was an African. At one point on my journey I believed that one day, I would came across one of family slaveholder's ancestry. 
    Other searchers help me out for that day that came to past. The lady lived the in KC area...I told her but she did not believe me at first.  I did mail her the proof that she need to see. She was so happy, she called me to thank me.
    My Great-grand father, Isaac fought in the Civil War.  MS Union Army. This lady's Great grand father Y. C. Blakey testify that he knew my Isaac. Isaac had a good reputation as a slave. They even lived not to far from each other after the War in MO. I believe that both my Isaac and Y.C. are in heaven. 
    July of 1993.
    I was listening to the weather report...I heard that there would be a series of rain coming our way.  I said out loud with a voice of concern. That sounds like a flood!  My nephew, Dwayne was over and he over heard me. He said that I think too much. But you know what? The rain came and so did the flood. 
    I watch the news like glue.. What was happening around us...flooding.  The day before the FLOOD hit. I got chance to look at the MO river.  It was very high.  Water flowing fast....The flood came...Our city made headline news.
    July and Aug of 1993.
    We survived the before and aftermath of the flood. Yeah, I prayed...God who is going to help us when the flood comes? We did get the help from surrounding cities and States.

    I continued to watch prophecy and TBN. On 13th Sept of 1993, I recall that the Israel Peace Plan was about to be signed. I had chill bumps...I said that it is not time yet for this to happen.
    Sept 12, 1993

    2nd Sunday In September This was a recent blog: Sept 12, 2007.

    I have been in the habit of Celebrating the 2nd Sunday of September each year. It's the day that I began to come to church. It's been 14 years. I am still in rhythm of going to church. When it comes time for me to miss church, every time when I have missed,  I felt like I  backslid.

    My unofficial beginning of being a part of church
    started on Sunday, Sept 12, 1993. 
    It took me a while to except the invitation but I made myself go to church. I was invited to go to a Baptist Church where my brother and his wife were members. My sister in law  was speaking on that Sunday morning. I agreed to go...

    Here is my short testimony of my unsaved life going to church. I used words as how I thought back in the days. Please don't be offended by how I express my story.
    We arrived early to church. Why we went early, I did not know. We had to wait for the service to start. I was wearing my red and black dress. Back in those days I did not like to dress up. Let alone being early for church.

    As the service was about to start, we were ask to get out a hymnbook and turn to songs that we were going to sing. By the time I got to the page were the song that we were suppose to sing, I could not catch up with the words. I did not know where we were at.

    I forgot how many songs that were sung. I called them humms. I could not hear the words to the songs. The words sounded blurry to me.
    Finally it was time for the message. The Reverend of the church introduced my sister in law. She entitled her sermon "Stretching Your Spiritual Muscles." It was an illustrated sermon. She was using stretchable wrestling men as an example. How to stretch ourselves in what we do. It was a FAITH message.

    I made it through the total of 45 minutes service. I mean from beginning to the end. It seem very long to me. I thought that it would never end. I did not know how I made it through the service. But I did. I was well ready to leave.
    But at the end of the service... the Reverend of the church ask if anyone wanted to come to the LORD.  There was no response.  I thought to myself that I was already saved.  The Reverend ask everyone to come up front and we prayed. Then we said the Lord's Prayer. When it was time to go, I rode home with my sister, Freda.
    There was a huge banner in the church up front. It read: JESUS IS ALIVE... Freda ask my a question... Is Jesus alive in that church?  I SAID NO!  I felt like Jesus was died. In most of the churches that I have been to it appears that way to me. Funerals had more LIFE than the actual Sunday services.

    Freda invited me to come to her church, Word of Life Church on Friday Night.  She told me to think about it. I thought about it. Actually I prayed about it.
    Freda told me that Pastor Brian Zahnd had a radio program... I decided to tune in on all that  week. I needed to have an idea of what I was getting myself into....

    I tuned into Words of Life on September 13, 1993. My first impression about what pastor sounded like on the radio was...he talked LOUD! Boy he was LOUD...I forgot what he was talking about. He just left me with the impression of LOUDNESS in his voice.

    I remember one of my brothers asking me if I was going to join church during this week. This was after the Baptist Church I visited. Something within me said NO THAT CHURCH!


    By Thursday September 16, 1993. I had made up my mind to come to Word of Life Church. I was wearing my black dress pants with a purple blouse and red jacket. It was cold in church. I kept my jacket on.

    We got there about 7:40 PM. As I walked in I notice that the music was very loud. It was alive and not dead. It was not like the other churches where I have been. It did not seem like a church setting. We found a place to set. It was not too close.
    I received my welcome from Pastor Brian. I even raised my hand to show that I was a first time visitor on the 17th of Sept '93. To me Pastor Brian did not look like a pastor. But he did preach LOUD.

    I made it through pastor's message... "The Iron Did Swim". The service was much much longer than I thought. We had our 3 year old niece with us. She was getting restless.  She kept asking me is it time to go. 
    By that time it was about 9:35 PM...Pastor was coming home for a landed....At that time pastor was starting his altar call, my niece was playing in the chair next to me.

    And a thought came to me. It was a message I heard on Insight for Living. It was about on holding things loosely. So I forgot all about my niece, so that I could hear what pastor was saying.
    And suddenly something happened....As I was listening to pastor...for no reason at all, my left hand began to have notable pain in it. It hurt so much I had to rub it. I continued to listen to the message. We had our heads bowed and our eyes closed.
    I heard pastor say, don't raise your hand to man but, to God.  As pastor continued on with his message, I found myself agreeing with him. My mind was racing or something I can't explain. I was crying out to God. By this time I was calming myself down. After I got myself together, I heard a calm voice say "raise your hand". 
    My first reaction was to open my eyes to see where that voice came from. Something told me to keep my eyes closed.  So when I did, I felt a very warm sensation pour into my heart. It felt so good that I looked down at  my heart with my eyes closed. Wow! It felt GOOD. [I will have a recap of what this experience ahead in yellow.]
    After getting over this....then that  calm voice said again...."raise your hand".  Without thinking, I agree and did as I was commanded.  During the time the warm sensation came, I only heard "the voice". I did not hear pastor say to come up to the altar.  It was not until I heard the clapping, I awaken to the noise and opened my eyes out of darkness into the light.
    I was shaking like a leaf. I did not know why. It was like I was in fear.  I got a hold of myself. One of the ushers kindly escorted me up to the altar.  I was the last ones to get there. Right behind me was my three year old niece. [She had a purpose in being there. I did not want to put her in the nursery.]
    ....Yes, Salvation was knocking on the door of my heart that night. Jesus introduce Himself to me. I believe that God got my attention by touching my left hand in such a way that there was some pain. I had to rub my hand. This happened before the altar call.

         This is what happened during the altar call; I believe that the Spirit of the LORD spoke to me to raise my hand. [He said it twice.] Then something come into my heart like a "liquid" substance that was a VERY warm sensation. It felt REALLY GOOD.

         [After the warm feeling came into my heart, I raised my hand. That was the second time I heard His voice. Also this voice sounded familiar. I heard this voice well before I came to WOLC church.]

         It was after the altar call, I opened my eyes from the darkness into the bright light. Then I  had "fear and was really trembling" come upon me. I answered the altar call. I believe that the LORD met me right on the spot where I was sitting. Between the 9:30 - 9:40 PM hour that night. The church was located on 3131 Frederick Boulevard.
    As I said that I was the last one up at the altar. Pastor Brian was talking to us. There were 3 teenagers, a man and me. The man was crying. Pastor looked at me and ask me if I knew any one that should be up here with me. Something told me to agree with him. So I shook my head yes.... than he said than I will become a minister. 
    At that instant, I begin to cry but some how, my three year old niece come into my view. So I held my cry back.  She got my mind off what I heard. I was more worried about what she would do up at the altar than my need for a Savior. Other things cross my mind to what have I gotten myself into as well.
    I repeated after what Pastor Brian led us into praying. I meant very word with all of my heart.  What happened during the altar call that give me comfort... was my three year old niece. She took my hand and held it as I was saying the "sinner's prayer".
    After we were done up at the altar, I followed the man with the Bible. I had some worry on my mind that other would be mad because of what I just did. I got saved. [I could not even fill out the information card that was ask of me. I took it home and filled it out and mailed it back to the church.]
    I did feel different that night. We ate at Wendy's.  I had a bacon cheese burger, french fries and a sprite. We even ate inside Wendy's. It was getting late. We took Chantelle home. I told her mother who was my sister, Mary that I got saved. I made it home. Then I got ready for bed. 
    Before going to sleep, I thanked God for the day.  I felt very different that night. As I fell asleep I saw a garden come into my vision. In this garden, there were many shades of green. It was greenery like I have ever seen before. It was so very beautiful. I just kept looking at it as long as I could until I fell asleep. [During this time in my life, I have not been dreaming for a very long time... just sleeping.]
    The next day I told my mother that I was saved. She said I should have been saved 10 years ago. I thought.... Was I too late getting in here?  I believe that my life was change when I met Jesus. My mind had changed. I knew that it was time for me to start going to church.  But WHO'S? and Where???
    I had 3 churches to choose from. Two of them where Baptist Churches; New Hope and Saint Francis. I could have joined WOLC two days after my conversion. But I HAD TO PRAY ABOUT THIS ONE. In the meanwhile. I continued to come to WOLC. Both on Fridays and Sundays.
    It took a month to actually join a church. I was thinking more to the church where I met Jesus. But I had a thought of what would me mother think. Why didn't I join her church. But I prayed and what came to my spirit was to join the church were I felt comfortable.
    I believe that I was led toward the church where I felt comfortable. It was on 17th Oct 1993. I was set to joint WOLC at high noon. One thing that I remember about joining Word of Life Church, my knees were shaking when the invitation to join the church was open. I made my way up the the platform. We gathered in a circle and introduce ourselves. We prayed I and I become a member of WOLC.
    I have been learning a lot about the things of God and  how to live since I began being apart of church, through fellowship with the people of God and reading my Bible. I continue to grow in the Lord. I am wanting to know about Jesus and the kingdom of God.

    God has giving me some understanding about some things on my quest for Him. I have met a lot of friends a long the journey. I am excited to be a part of God's church.
    Thanks for taking the time to reading my Conversion Testimony: My public announcement of Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
    My journey continues.....


    As for today, I like to look nice when I go to church. I like being at church early. I love to sing all the songs that we sing in church. If I don't know the songs, I humm or do something along with the music.

    The services are not as long as I think. It takes about 45 minutes to and hour to just to get to the message. We have business to take care of. I go to church expecting that I will receive some thing. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All of my days of my life And I will dwell in the house of the LORD. Forever.
    LORD GOD, I thank You that You saw me coming to Word of Life Church on that day You introduce Yourself to me. I thank You that You saved me. Always be in my thoughts. Teach me Your ways. Be with me all of my days.

    I  pray Lord, that will not backslid. If that day ever comes, put me back on track. I want to follow You all of my days. Teach me not to walk away from You. Make me who You created me to be in Your name I pray, Amen

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Remembering 9/11

     Note: 11 September 2011

  • Remembering 9/11

    Remembrance Of THAT Day In 2001

    This is a repost of a blog about 9 /11. That day was on September 11, 2007.

    I woke up on THAT morning as I normally did on any morning. I had my morning devotional. My time with God. About 7:30 AM , I was in the process in going to watch Sister Joyce Meyer followed by Pastor Cleflo Dollar. But something within me said to pray some more.

    So I did what I thought what the Spirit of God was leading me to do. I did not know what to pray. I started praying in the Spirit. Then I prayed with the understanding. I felt PEACEFUL after my prayer time.

    During this time in my life, I just had my 2nd dose of chemo for Lupus on September 4, 2001. I was feeling a whole lot better. I believe that things were going to change. A new beginning was at hand. I recall Pastor Brian [Zahnd] words... "It's no ordinary day..."

    Also we were have special guest at Word of Life Church on that Friday Night, September 14. Pastor Brian Houston and Hillsong were coming. I was in the choir during that time. The choir was ask to be a part of worship that night. I was so excited. I was preparing for the praise and worship by learning my songs.

    But on THAT Tuesday morning, it was different. After I had done my prayer for THAT morning, I went about cooking for the day. I cannot recall the time but one of my brothers was wanting me to come and look at the T.V.

    I hesitated in going but I made my way and glance at the set. Without thinking about what my brother was trying to show me I went back to my work. Then after that for some reason I was in the praying mood. What I saw on T.V. was a big building that appeared to be on fire.

    Then as time passed by. I came back to watch what my brother was trying tell me. I looked at the T.V. and saw WHAT was happening. I said O MY GOD!!! I could not believe what I was looking at. It looked like a stage set out of a major motion picture.

    My sister, Mary called and filled me in on what was going on. I could not believe it. My mind was at a lost. I did not know what to do. But to watch what was going on and pray some more. O GOD!

    Then something strange was starting to happen to me as I continue to watch what was unfolding on T.V. I cannot explain it. I could not listen to the words that I was hearing on T.V.

    It brought a very heavy spirit upon me as I would hear what was going on. So I turned down the sound and read the close caption. I watched in AWE of what was unfolding before my eyes.

    I had worry come upon me. Great FEAR..... I witness the falling of the last building on T.V. My heart with out to GOD for the lives that were in that building as I was praying. We as a nation was in a WAR.

    I had FEAR every time that I would hear the news of what had happened. But when I did not hear the Newscasters speak, I would have peace beyond my understanding. Joy unspeakable. By all means, I was not happy that what had happened. It's was as thought I needed this PEACE from God to get through this time in my life.

    It's like that scripture in Psalm, there God gave me more gladness place upon me during time of the most horrible times in United States History: The 9/11 attack in United States. The day that changed America. Our nation came together...

    I did not know what was going on during this time in our American History. I did not watch the News that much on 9/11 because when I did there was FEAR or heaviness that came upon me. I could not explain.

    It was not until a few years ago that I have learned more about what happened on the tragic day. I did not know how many planes there were. The one that caught my attention was Flight 93. Every time when I saw a flag with 93 encircled by stars, I think of my salvation.

    It's been actually six years since that attack. Each year the ones that slain by this attack are remembered. I heard so many stories. Some people shared how they escaped. There was someone who lead a group of people in the dark. This person said he had no idea who he lead them. I believe that the Spirit of God lead them out. Some people who were told to stay walk off their jobs.

    Then there were some who were suppose to have been at work on that day, but were delayed in getting there. A little girl wanted her Daddy to take her to Mc Donald's for breakfast. She never ask her Daddy that before.

    God even use some of His people to pray. There were some who has concern over some people in New York the night before. I heard Pastor Cleflo Dollar speak of what he was doing the night before. I woke up the on that morning not knowing that was going on and was lead to pray.

    There were many lives lost that day. Many are in heaven with Jesus. Others bodies were never recovered. Some people are still tormented by what happened. The lives of the loved ones left behind will never be the same.

    I pray that we will be in unity as we go about this day forward. Life is so important. Life if priceless. Life is a gift from God. We tend to take others for granted at times. Let be not so. May we see others as one of God's creation. Help us, LORD.

    Father God, I thank You for the gift of life. Teach us to spent our lives well. Help us to be in tune with You. Show us the path in which we should take. You know our destiny, where we will end up.
    Grant salvation to the lost. Bring them into the saving knowledge of Jesus. Guide us all into that plan that You have for us. Lead us in that direction day by day in Jesus' Name Amen!
    --------------------------

    Thanks for reading.
    Remembering 9/11

    Stay On The Journey,
    Susan

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