What's Your Story?

When I think back to my Junior year in college, I am reminded of a semester where I had no money to pay for my classes and books in time without being kicked out of school. I had no choice but to trust God to provide for me.

Thankfully, I had a caring mentor who not only prayed for me, but took action. God laid it on her heart to share my prayer request with people who didn't know me who also took it upon themselves to pray for me. This prompted the hand of God and opened up His floodgates on me. Within 24 hours of finding out my classes would be dropped if I didn't come up with $3,000; my mentor visited me holding an envelope full of checks that more than covered my need. Checks from people who had never seen me and knew nothing about me. God met my needs!

Now, today, some 10 years later I look back at the "stones" I placed there to commemorate what God had done in my personal life. Those stones served as my "story" that I draw upon when faced with an insurmountable issue that challenges my faith.

When my dad passed away last month (May 2011), my family had no life insurance to give him a proper burial. In need of $8,000 my mind and heart were at ease. I could fully expect God to some how, miraculously provide above and beyond our need. I can't, in words, explain my peace of mind but those "stones" laid in the spring of 2000 served as the platform upon which my faith rested. I put my faith into work as I made others aware of my family's need and sat back in hopeful expectation, watching God pour out his riches on my family. In less than a week, we were able to tastefully celebrate my father's homegoing and take care of some of his debts.

This too has served as "stones" that Joshua chapter 4 speaks of..."when my children ask 'What do these stones mean?'" I can speak to God's faithfulness in my life. What is YOUR story?

Michael Edward Bereavement Fund

The Life and Legacy of Michael O'Neal

Many lives were touched by Michael O'Neal. Born to Raymond & Doris O'Neal on January 9, 1953, he grew up the eldest of 3 siblings. He gave his life to Christ as a young adult by attending a bible study; was educated at Texas Southern University where he pledged Kappa Kappa Psi (Honorary Band Fraternity), the Ocean of Soul Band and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

There he met Gail Riggs and they were wed. Together they had 5 children, Shakelle, Kimberly, Daniel, Kathryn & David O'Neal and a grandson (Taylor). He was a faithful member at his church Living Word Fellowship Church and served in the choir ministry, male chorus and Awana!

Please make any checks out to Gail O'Neal (if given personal) or Living Word Fellowship (memo: Michael) if given to the church. Otherwise simply submit electronically by clicking on the link below!

Wisdom's Benefits Package

What's the difference between having a minimum wage job and having a successful career? While both can help you handle your financial responsibilities; only one of these offers benefits package that secures both your present and your future. While the job is great, the career offers protection for you and your loved ones through insurance and opportunities to is well worth the sacrifice (education) that it took to secure it.

What's the difference between a believer who has accepted Christ as Savior and a believer who has made Christ Lord by utilizing the wisdom He freely gives (James 1:5)? While both have escaped the flames of eternal seperation from God; only one of these believers is granted with a benefits package that secures both their future and their present.

Proverbs 2:1-22 lists all that is offered in the BENEFITS PACKAGE:

*Vision/Eye Insurance: "He promises to ENHANCE our perception of our life, ourself, our situations and others. We can see ourselves from His viewpoint." Imagine WHO we will become when we stop seeing ourselves based on our faults.

*General Coverage: "He promises to keep us from paths that will destroy us. To protect us from relationships that will deter us." We are prone to ANYTHING so don't ever think "I won't do that". Our flesh by default wants to offend God in every way. His wisdom keeps us sane.

*Medical Coverage: "He promises to change our thinking by shaping our thoughts."

*Life Insurange: "He promises to protect our emotions and evil desires"

*Personal Days/Vacations: "He promises to guide my responses to situations and challenges"

All this just for opening ourselves up to HIS wisdom rather than ignoring it, choosing to rely on our own understanding,and/or accepting the world's viewpoint. Sounds like winner!

Lingering Fragrance

Have you ever been hugged (notice I didn't say that YOU hugged) by an older woman at your church? You know how they go to grabbing you and squeezing you tight as they make that "i'm so proud of you" sound in your ear and hug you longer than you expected? Every church has 'em and if you've stayed around long enough to get to know just one of those ladies, you know EXACTLY who i'm talking about. You ever been attacked (notice I didn't say "taken a whiff") by their strong fragrance of perfume? That one fragrance that seems to arrest your attention and cause you to think they must be working as a model for their fragrance counter at Macy's? Ever notice how that fragrance tends to hang around long after the fellowship has ended? Well I was being discipled back in college by a young woman who would weekly talk about this project she was believing God for. It was called the "Faith House". The vision she claimed God had given her was that she would rent or buy this house and have the ladies she mentored and/or other women who went to my school live in it at a reduced cost so that she could pour into their lives on a more consistent basis and thus maximize her singleness. Well she was, at the time, 29 y/o and I thought to myself, "This lady is delusional if she thinks someone is going to just GIVE her a house and by the way, why isn't she more focused on getting married and starting a family b/c I know that's what she desires?" Well a year later, someone in fact, DID just GIVE her a house (totally paid off) and I saw the fruit of our weekly prayers, answered! And for the next couple of years women were blessed to live at an incredible rate and their lives were changed due to it. Not only that, but a year after graduating (when she was about 32y/o) a godly man FOUND HER serving faithfully in his church back in Houston, and married her. Her faith, which was modeled to me, on a consistent basis, lingered in my life like that strong fragrance. It arrested me while in her presence, during our weekly discipleship time and even when I would depart after our time was over and was left to my thoughts back at my apartment. But now, some 10 years later, that strong fragrance of faith still lingeres in my mind and heart and challenges me to trust the God who has no boundaries! 2 Corinthians 2:14 encourages us to be this "sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him in EVERY PLACE, as He leads us in triumph in Christ".

37th Anniversary!

Do you know what today is??? It was my parents' 37th anniversary! I created an "at home" date night for them. I started by decorating the dining room with tealight candles all around the floor. Then decorated the table w/ a centerpiece, some heart shaped candles, a heart-shaped plant and balloons. Then I set the table for dinner. I cooked belgian waffles, scrambled eggs, turkey bacon and cut some fresh fruit. Me and my younger sister acted as their servers starting them with cold glasses of orange juice then breakfast for dinner. When my mom walked in she was so shocked and excited. My dad had the hugest smile on his face as well. They both thoroughly enjoyed themselves, reminiscing and chatting while me and my sister served them. And who was playing in the background? None other than Luther Vandross, Earth Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder. With the ambiance set, and full bellies, we topped off the night with a mini cake atopped with candles that read "37". We cleaned up a bit and left the love birds to their date. What a dreamy night. My parent deserved it. Wonder what the recipe for a long lasting, committed relationship is...

In love with someone else

Tell me why this girl is wrecking it? Ok that's not what I'm writing about. Jazmine sings about being in love with another man. Her song is full of soul and emotion in the mood of an apology. Jazmine has realized that though the one man who loves her unconditionally and the way she NEEDS to be loved has showered her with the best and given her more than she could be thankful for, for some reason she is attracted to and "in love" with someone who: *treats her "so-so" *doesn't look that great *doesn't have the best occupation *she always fights with She even encourages him to find someone who can reciprocate what he gives and who he is. However, though she is apologetic, she is adamant about what (or who rather) she wants. She makes it clear that her "other man" is her CHOICE. As believers its easy to "be in love with someone else" other than the ONE who relentlessly loves and chases us. The ONE who demonstrated the greatest form of love (laying down His life). We are created with a desire to choose and given the will to do so. Ironically we ache for His love and are so unable to comprehend the brevity of its fulfillment that we chase after "other things" in vain. Our Lover will NOT accept our apologies, nor will He go looking for someone who is worthy of His love. He will, however pursue us and allow His Spirit to do the drawing. And as relentless as He can be...the choice will be OURS!

The Grass is...oops I mean the Snow is always Whiter...

Ever heard that phrase:

"The grass is always greener on the other side"

Well with our upcoming "frost", many (including myself) are anticipating some snow. What comes with snow in Houston?...ICE! Yes...I would even welcome the ice if it meant we could stay in bed and not have a work/school day. I mean "think about the kids" they shouldn't have to ride the bus on those icy streets...something could happen to them. Now we wouldn't want that would we? And lets say they get trapped at school and their parents come retrieve them. Which is why I suggest we just stay home! Hey it makes for a 3 day weekend (possibly 4) and much time to cuddle (although I only have my pillows to cuddle with).

But lets say we DO postpone (shutdown) school for 1-2 days. There's always that evil word no one likes to hear: "Inclement Weather Make-up Days" BOOOOOO!!! YUCK!! No one wants EXTRA days (that were supposed to be off-days) in school when the sun is out and all you can think about is "if it wasn't for those stupid snow/ice days we'd be sitting at home today with no kids".

So which side is greener...oops I mean "whiter"? Taking the days NOW or LATER? Hmmm...