What did YOU get for Christmas?

It's no secret that Christmas time is the season known for purchasing, wrapping and temporarily concealing desirable gifts for those whom you love! You may have picked up on subtle clues all year long by listening to things your loved one wants or needs. Or maybe you blatantly sent out a message (or just asked verbally) the intended receiver what it was they wanted for Christmas. However the approach, after finding out their "list", you eagerly searched and shopped until you found the perfect gift.


And after purchasing it and taking it home, you figured out the best way to wrap it and with sneaky intentions, conceal it until the day it was to be unraveled. But the best part was (and is...if you're anything like me) watching in anticipation as your loved one opens their gift. For there's nothing quite like the look on their face and the expression they exude as  the wrapping paper reveals what they needed and/or wanted. The embrace they cover you with and the thanks they express as they celebrate the reception of their gift.




I must confess, of all the white elephant parties, office parties, family and friends gatherings I attend each year, this part makes me most giddy (second only to wrapping the gift- I am quite obsessed with gift wrapping)! A friend called me a day after Christmas and asked "what did you get for Christmas!?" I chuckled because I felt like a kid being asked that same question, yet I had no logical reply for her. My only reply was, "I didn't ask for anything. I didn't want anything. I only wanted to give gifts..."

"So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." ~Matthew 7:11 NLT

A few days after this conversation was had, the Lord reminded me how much His desire to give "good gifts" to His children exceeds His desire to receive anything from us. God loves giving gifts to us. He goes to great lengths to hand-craft our gifts, takes great precision in making sure it's specially designed to our need, waits in anticipation for His perfect timing to reveal them to us (at just the right time) and beams at the reaction (glory) that comes when that perfect gift is revealed.

Does He want our worship? YES!
Does He want our lives? YES!
But what's more? He desires to GIVE...

...as evident in:

• His gift of Jesus to us
• His (free) gift of salvation (which is a result of accepting His Son)
• His gift of love (which is evident in giving of His Son)
• His gift of forgiveness and grace
• His gift of peace, joy and blessings in abudance!

"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life..." 2 Peter 1:3a NLT

My family's dog sits behind this cage (which is really a 'rigged "cage" by way of a Baby Gate); but if you look closely all she has to do is push the cage and it will come falling down, freeing her when she whines to be set free (ooooh that'll preach). In short, everything she wants is at her disposal. For those of us who are Believers, we have much more (EVERYTHING, Peter says) given to us through the indwelling Holy Spirit. It's all, already at our disposal! Freely given.



So Tis the season for giving. Not just that God gave His Son...which is where we take our "giving of gifts from". But the fact that God would much rather give. His very nature IS giving. Let that sink in when you feel that He seems to be simply overseeing things and people being "taken" from your life. Marinate on His giving nature when you seem to be losing one thing after another. Celebrate His giving Spirit when all you can think about is what you DON'T HAVE YET or what you desire in 2015. I'm not preaching the prosperity theory nor promoting you to beg for all that you want and need. I'm simply saying reflect on God's nature...His giving nature--so that you don't slip into thinking He's NOT for you...when in fact He really is (and has always been). The true joy of this season (and namely every season of your life) comes from detailing what He already has done/given to you thus far!

Merry Christmas!! xoxo

Honoring my Pearls

Water colored Pearls are how God can use the tragic, the shameful and the less-than-perfect circumstances of life to create something beautiful.

I’m thankful for the pearls represented in this room, for you each have contributed to a beautiful me. “These older women must train the younger women…” I’m grateful for the seasoned pearls (the Sophias and Phoebes in my life) who live in a way that honors God. Sophia (wisdom) cries out in the streets and encourages me to gain deeper understanding. Mom, Grandma, Shakelle, Mrs. Val, Mrs. Eve and Mrs. Nola…you are my Sophias because you teach me what is good, how to love my future husband and children. I celebrate your wisdom!

Phoebe was a devout leader in the church. Lori, Adele, Nesha…you are my Phoebe because you are teachers of the faith by how you live. Like a trainer in the Olympics, Phoebe was known for standing by in case a believer was in need. Shanta, Lashawn, Monica, you live wisely and pure; you work in your homes and model submission to your husbands. “Then they will not bring shame on the word of God” and that’s what makes you Sophias and Phoebes in my life.

I’m grateful for the pearls who have been formed alongside me (the Priscillas and Elizabeths in my life).  You are the” iron that sharpens my iron”. Priscillas like Casondra, Kitty, Nikkea and Jarvis…you are women known for your wisdom, tact, courage and love. As Priscilla was a partner in ministry to Paul; so have you been to me. Crystal, Netta and Brandy, you are women who are respected for your age, wisdom and character as Priscilla was. Elizabeth means “God is generous”. Quitta, Candace you are representations of God’s generosity and represent respectable women. Tiffany, Kathryn, Shani and Winter…your great faith and trust in God will be rewarded for it has left me in humble amazement as it did for Mary when Elizabeth exemplified great faith.

Kim, “what you have heard in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful wo[men] who will also be able to teach others.” What rare friendships when one generation is bound to another by the cords of love. For this is the relationship Ruth had with Naomi. As for my Ruths; women who exhibit poise, Drew, Leah, Sly and Brina…your quiet fidelity will leave footprints on the lives of others. You are marked with love and loyalty as was Ruth. Much like Ruth, Sasha, Dawn, Kendra…your determination, humility, and serenity cause you to calmly submit to His Divine will.

“Having so fond an affection for you, [I] was well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also [my] own life, because you had become very dear to [me]”. Lydia wasn’t always a believer, yet when she heard the Word…she was hungry for an experience with God. Such seeking women, passionate in spirit and open to teaching, Linda, Mya, Cintel…you model the heart of Lydia. Diligent in business affairs yet balanced in worship to God, hospitable and set apart, Cyre, Lashon and Qua (Jackie)…I adore the Lydia spirit you possess.

Its’ commanded that we “love each other with genuine affection and I really do. Therefore tonight, I take delight in honoring you”.