I remember when Saturday morning began with watching my favorite cartoon while cleaning the living room, that was my assignment; somewhere in another part of the house music could be heard, breakfast was being prepared in the kitchen and my brother was gathering all the trash to be taken to the trash can in the back yard. After a hard week of school, chores and play Saturday was our favorite day of the week; pay day. My siblings and I received our allowances, $5 each; doesn’t sound like much in todays climate, but; it was a lot of money for us. Those $5 added up quickly if you were disciplined enough to save from week to week.

Around about 10 am the produce truck’s horn could be heard blowing as it entered the neighborhood, mom would get her change purse, put it in her apron pocket and head out the door; we knew to follow she didn’t have to call one name. Irish potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, mixed greens, string beans, cabbage, watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon all fresh from the farm. Everyone on our block knew each other and every adult was your parent and made sure you were doing the right thing when your mom or pop wasn’t keeping an eye on you. Kids played in the fresh air until the street lights came on, that was the signal to find your way to your own stoop in ear shot of you mother calling you to come into the house.

In my home preparation for church had to be done before bed; shoes cleaned and polished, clothes selected and baths taken. We lived very structured lives, by todays standards our family would have been considered middle class; there was always money for what was needed and enough to help those who might be in need. Neighbors were eager to help each other even though they would have disagreements from time to time. These are changing times, life is so fast pace; advancement in technology has improved our lives while causing isolation of family members and total dependency on computers and other devices. WE are becoming a society of impatient people requiring instant gratification to be happy.

There was a time when people communicated face to face, in the grocery line, or over the fence; no more, we live next to each other for years sometimes never speaking; passing each other daily like ships passing in the night never acknowledging each other. Compassion, understanding, forgiveness, kindness, morals and love seem to have been erased from the human experience. It seems humanity is constantly forgetting the consequences of moving away from the laws of the Creator, in His word He gave us examples of disobedience and what happens when His protections are removed. Greed, violence and hate continue to invade our world, in Noe’s days this caused the world to be cleansed by a great flood; only eight people survived.

What will these changes bring to our world today? Will we be ready when the judgement of God falls? It is time for a new change, return to the Fathers love, obey His commandments, forgive that you can be forgiven, seek justice, extend a hand to those in need, and love unconditionally. Only when we remove our blinders and take a honest look at our past can we avoid repeating the mistakes which caused the wrath of God to fall. His patience is growing short as our world grows more perverse; we are warned in Mathew chapter 24 Christ will return to this earth when the days of Noe repeat themselves; we now stand on that precipice. Our only hope is change, choose change and live; abandon the allure of this world and seek the Father’s face.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

On my journey of life I have crossed the threshold of 78 years, it is a mystery to me how I have survived the different paths I chose to follow. We often reminisce on what our past holds when we reach certain points in our sojourn. Who have left the path or fallen by the wayside, what dangers and pitfalls we avoided, the choices made that were not the right ones to make and the consequences they brought us. In my personal walk I could never have imagined reaching and crossing this milestone. Growing up I would hear my elders say ” you can’t straddle the fence, you’re either a child of God or you’re not”. I was not sure exactly what they meant at that time and chalked it up to one of those old sayings old people said that didn’t make sense, at least not to me.

As a child the church was part of my up bringing, a mandatory element of my life; Sunday morning dressed in our Sunday best my siblings and I would start the walk to the little church we attended for service; Sunday school, eleven o’clock service, and evening program. I find it strange now when I look back, I wasn’t taught to read the Bible for myself; that was what the preacher did, I just listened. I heard the name Jesus, that He died to save sinners; but, had no real tangible relationship with Him and no conviction I was that sinner He died for. I knew I could pray to God and He would hear my prayers, at least that’s what the elders told me with strong convictions. After many years of self destructive behavior and walking pathways that lead to devastating consequences I had an epiphany.

There has to be something more to this life, I couldn’t continue on the path I was traveling. That was the beginning of my search for the truth, John 14:6 states Jesus said” I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father, but by me.” It was understanding the sacrifice of Jesus for this world of sinners I found real love. The love of a Father willing to give everything to show His love for a wayward child who was heading for total destruction. It was that love that shielded me as I walked on pathways that crumbled beneath my feet. It was that love that whispered in my ear a love song to sweet to resist. It was that love that wrapped me in it’s arms when the guilt of my past lay heavy on my heart. Love that forgave and cleansed me of that guilt.

To open my heart to Jesus was the start of new life, joy, and peace I couldn’t explain; I recognized it was His love that covered me as I walk the different paths of this life,even when I didn’t know Him, He still loved me. Now He leads me on a straight path and He orders my steps; I’m willing to follow where He leads. If you find you are at a crossroad in your life and not sure which path to take; try Jesus, He is ready to give you love that forgives, cleanses and is unconditional, to set your feet on a straight path. He is no respecter of persons, what He did for me He will do for you; He invites all who desire freedom from sin to come. Please don’t hesitate the time is late, the clock of time is winding down to Earth’s final days; only if you choose the gift of salvation will you be saved.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Her eyes were the first ones you gazed into when you made your entrance into this world, her smile warmed you and her heart spoke I love you to your heart. It was her hands that wiped away the first tears you shed, bandaged your scrapes when you fell and assured you everything would be ok when you were so unsure.

She’s the one you tell your secrets to knowing you can trust her with your heart, there is no problem small or large she will not help you solve. Never to tired or busy to give you what you need, always putting you first in her world. Hiding her pain and the tears she shed when no one was looking, trusting her God would always open a door.

Sometimes forgotten; appreciation not given for all the love she gives, yet she keeps on giving her love. Unconditionally without judgement she stands at the ready to gather her children in her arms and nurse them back to wholeness when bad choices are made. She has the heart of the Creator, her love knows no bounds.

There is no sacrifice she is not willing to make for those she loves, no valley to deep or mountain to high to conquer that they might be protected. Working tirelessly never seeking reward she gives all she can to show her love. Her name is love, but; you may call her MOM. Happy Mothers Day

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

A very popular artist began one of her songs with these words” If anyone should ever write my life story,” when you really think about it life is a compilation of many stories; each one different from the other although there maybe similarities each is extraordinary on it’s own. The journey of life takes each of us on different paths based on the choices we choose and the foundation laid in our formative growth period. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” reminds me of how important it is to be prepared for this journey by the right example and how influential those examples become. I’m sure every parent can see themselves in their child or children; the good, bad and the ugly.

Children tend to be a mirror of the environment that molded them, there are times I’m so amazed at the difference between my daughter and son; while given the same love and attention, occupying the same home environment and presented the same example, they were affected in different ways. When I look back over my life I see in my children traits of a grandmother they once knew, friends they have known from childhood and close family members. Each journey different, yet; all merging at an intersection of life sharing their experiences. All of them pondering the reason for the journey, a question that has perplexed travelers for generations.

I’m reminded of a generation that had the answer but didn’t recognize it. His was the greatest story ever told, not from a storybook but from a life well lived and a life sacrificed for others. The embodiment of unconditional love; the example for all to emulate, the plan for humanity from the beginning; to live in harmony with the beautiful world created for them. To walk in love, compassion, understanding and peace with all creation. To heal the hurting, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and cover the naked without exceptions. This was the example left for all mankind to follow, however; perfection was marred by deception and disobedience.

Loves beauty was diminished by darkness, mankind’s story forever changed or so it seemed. Love would not relinquish the victory to the darkness consuming everything it touched, love gave all it had to the fight for freedom from the sin engulfing the world. In death love surrendered life for those captured by sin; for the penalty of sin is death. Love claimed the victory over the grave death could not hold it, love lives. Because love lives no matter what your story might be love offers the opportunity to all to rewrite their story. When love is invited into the heart it will remove any darkness it finds and regenerates the life, love changes the end of the story for those willing to be changed.

If when you look into the mirror reflecting your life and what you see is diminished light, let love your story rewrite; love is always there waiting to reclaim it’s own.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Every good mystery starts with a crime, sometimes it’s a robbery of something very valuable or the murder of a prominent figure in the story. There is always a dedicated law enforcement officer on the case, usually a detective. The investigation begins with the scene of the crime, evidence is collected and witnesses questioned and possible suspects interviewed. Unfortunately, some crimes remain unsolved for many years; then new evidence is uncovered , the case is solved and the criminal brought to justice.

It was the time of festivals, the city was filled with people from everywhere who came to Jerusalem to worship for Passover; a major Jewish holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egyptian slavery. God had given His people a mandate to keep this throughout their generations. Who would have known this would be a very different festival season. It started on Thursday, Jesus and His disciples were having their Passover meal; I can imagine the table was filled with roasted lamb, figs, grapes, dates, flat bread and wine along with bitter herbs.

Conversations filled the room as the disciples talked with each other, Jesus took on the role of a servant by washing the disciples feet after which He explained His actions was an example for them to do the same to each other. When He returned to the table the mood was changed by an announcement from Jesus, one of you will betray me He said quietly; His words sending shock waves through the room. Can you imagine the looks of surprise and confusion the disciples experienced, who would do such a thing was on their minds as they looked from one to the other.

Yet, one of them did; Judas betrayed His master for 30 pieces of silver, the cost of a slave. The religious leaders had wanted to silence this man called Jesus for a long time; He was teaching the people about the love of the Father, showing mercy and grace to those the leaders thought unworthy, and healing them of their diseases. Now they had Him in their hands, now they could once and for all time be rid of Him. They had already conspired to put Him to death. That fateful Friday found Jesus hanging on a cross between two criminals, crucifixion was the cruelest form of punishment inflicted by the Romans.

In His anguish He asked the Father to forgive those who had treated Him so brutally, with the words “it is finished” He breathed His last breath. A friend begged for His body, He was removed from the cross and laid in a borrowed tomb where He rested until the Sabbath had ended. Early on the 1st day of the week the women came to the tomb and found it empty, the body was missing; the greatest mystery had begun; where is the Lord? Who knew where the body could be found, so many questions that needed answers. She couldn’t see through the tears, the body was missing and she was beside herself.

Looking again into the tomb she saw two men, one at the head where the body had lain and one at the foot; why are you crying they asked? The body is missing she said and I don’t know where He is, the response was “He is risen”, go and tell His disciples the tomb is empty. The mystery has been solved; He lives, death could not hold Him. Death has been conquered, the price of our ransom for sin paid; “He is risen, never to die again”. Because of His blood salvation is free. Happy resurrection day.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

In todays climate as the world around us changes so drastically, will you stand strong in your faith? This is the question that should linger in the minds of all who profess to follow in the steps of Christ. Each day the signs remind us of the days of Noah when the thoughts of man was evil continually. The normal human characteristics of compassion, thoughtfulness, and helping each other in time of need is fast becoming a thing of the past. The spirit of evil seems to have captured the thoughts and hearts of many, darkness is gaining more control over the world in which we live.

This is not a new revelation, from generation to generation the followers of Christ have had to answer this question during times of great change. They had to stand strong in persecution, deception, betrayal, and separation from family. Many have chosen to stand strong in their faith and lost their lives; this is a test that will come to every follower of Christ; a choice will have to be made and the question answered, will you stand strong? Jesus came to our world to give His life to reclaim those lost in darkness. He was the example to mankind proving through the presence of God in mans life he could be victorious over darkness.

It was through the sacrifice of His life Jesus gave mankind the opportunity to live a sinless life if lead by the Holy Spirit. Will you be ready for your test? Every follower of Christ will be tested, his or her faith will be tried. We must be fortified to stand strong against the coming tyranny engulfing our world, only with the heart of Christ can we fight the good fight against the darkness of evil. Remember we will not fight alone, Jesus is with us; He promised to never leave or forsake us. The light of love shining from a heart filled with the love of Jesus will penetrate the darkness it encounters.

Spring is the time of renewal, time to fortify ourselves in the word of God; to put on the whole armor of God to prepare for the battle that is sure to come. If you have just been warming the pew, it’s time to make your choice for Jesus or the world. No one will be allowed to stand on the side lines, you will fight with Christ or fight against Him; a small ripple can have a big affect and a little flame can still light a path through the darkness. We can all make a difference when we stand for what is right and true, guided by the love of God we can stand strong in the season of testing.

We may not recognize it, but; everyday we are being tested. It is time to search our hearts, to ask God to show us who we are on the inside; to reveal our secret sins and lead us to repentance through the Holy Spirit. In order to conquer the darkness in the world, we must first acknowledge the darkness of our fleshly lives and surrender totally to Jesus and His transforming love. When we totally surrender we will be fortified and ready to stand strong.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

A quote from a poem by Emily Dickson states”Because I could not stop for death, he kindly stopped for me.” We all recognize death is inevitable, it is the Creators design for all mankind to exit what is known as the physical world we inhabit. Death is there common denominator all humanity shares, there is no escape from the cold sting of death. The question is “when the death bell rings, will you be ready?” There are many who believe death is the end, we just cease to live; some believe we transition to a higher or lower state of consciousness based on the life we have lived. Then there are those who believe the words given in the bible that were inspired by our Creator.

In chapter 14 of the Gospel of John we find Jesus reassuring His disciples not to be troubled or discouraged by His impending departure because He was going to prepare a place for them in His Fathers house, a place of eternal life. John 14:3 states “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” Every believer can claim this promise of Jesus return to gather His people. 1Thessalonians 4:16 tells us that when Jesus returns the dead in Christ will rise first and those that are living when He comes back a long with the risen saints will meet Him in the air; we will receive immortal bodies and will forever be with Him.

Although we know this unwanted visitor is destined to come, we are seldom prepared and even when we think we are prepared, when he actually comes it changes everything. When there death bell rings it separates mothers and fathers from their children, children from their parents, sisters and brothers from each other, and friends from friends. The chain that bind us together is broken, a link is missing resulting in broken hearts. There is hope, Jesus draws near to the broken hearted; His love will bind up the wound and remind us of the love that remains in the memories we hold in our hearts. Only those who have chosen not to accept the love Jesus offers find themselves lost in hopelessness.

Jesus has conquered the power of death and will eliminate it when He returns to eradicate sin and restore the earth to the Eden it was created to be in the beginning. Those who fall asleep in Christ will be reunited with their loved ones to enjoy eternity with the Father and the Son. If you have not made your choice eternal life, now is the time to insure your place in the Kingdom of God by accepting the love of Jesus and surrendering your will to Him; allow His blood to cleanse you of your sins and follow the leading of His Ho;y Spirit before the death bell rings for you. It is time to decide, when you hear His voice harden not your heart; Earth’s history is winding down He will soon return. Don’t wait another day, you must choose eternal life or death today.

Death is but a sleep for those who await His return, when He appears they will all awaken never to die again. 1Corinthians 15:55-57 says “Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting ?” The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus the Christ. So choose this day whom ye shall serve.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

From coast to coast the headlines and news outlets announce the upcoming dilemma facing the nation, was it lawful; could this really be happening on our shores? Is this the choice the people really wanted or is have we been deceived the question that lingers in the silent corroders of their minds. After many years of peaceful living, raising their children and animals in Egypt can you imagine how the Israelites felt to find themselves thrust into slavery; the years of servitude erasing from many who they were and who’s they were. Yet, many remembered they were God’s chosen people and they cried out for deliverance; it took time but deliverance came.

In the halls of power those that have the power often consider themselves more important than those they serve. They oppress the least of these among us, capitalize on the resources and make the lives harder for the masses. This country was established by immigrants from Europe escaping the persecution of the king and church; desiring to be free to worship as they choose. It was built by the enslaved African men and women taken from the shores of Africa, the persecuted became the persecutors; unlike the Israelites these African people were stripped of their identity, family ties, and culture. For over 200 years they were treated with inhumanity and cruelty, yet; they continued to survive.

Their blood, sweat, and tears went to a nation that refused to acknowledge they were created by God, the Father of all that was created. Today we see the enemy in full on attack on humanity; the spirit of deception is ramped, leaders are complicit in the destruction and dismantling of the government established to protect and the spirit of hate and control has assumed the position of authority. It is in times like these we must cry aloud against injustice, lift our voices to our Father Creator; place our petitions for deliverance from the evil one before His throne. We will need His spirit to guide us, strengthen us, and protect and cover us in the blood of Jesus.

We will need Him to lead us in the battle that is sure to come, it is in times like these we must claim the promises given in the word of God; Deuteronomy 31:6 says ” Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you”. There may seem to be no rescue in sight, but; when sin reaches a critical stage in our worlds history, Our God will open doors for His people. Deliverance will come, the Creator of all things is still in control and has the last word. He has assured us “when the wicked increase, transgression increase, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.” Proverbs29:16.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

In every generation God’s people have forgotten how merciful and loving He had been to them, unfortunately; it caused Him to withdraw His protection and His children to reap the consequences of their choices. When mankind was give the gift of choice, they became responsible for their own fate; those choices dictating their journey. History has taught us what often happens when the few gain control of the many; usually the rich oppress the poor, the strong trample on the weak, and those who have the power wield it without restraint or consideration for the welfare of others.

Remember the Egyptian 400 year enslavement of Israel and the Babylonian 70 year enslavement, remember from 1933 to 1945 millions of Jewish people perished in Germany through the persecution of Hitler, and remember the many enslaved Africans lost in the middle passage crossing the Atlantic ocean on slave ships. Let us not forget the disposition of the indigenous people, their displacement and marginalization when removed from their ancestral lands. Remember the many wars started by the aggression of one nation against another nation considered to be weaker.

What will stop this type of madness? When is enough, enough? Why do the majority stand by silently as the few destroy what is good for the many? To allow the power seekers to gain control knowing power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. It is time to remember the lessons we learned from the past and reject those willing to make the past our future, to stand up for truth and justice for all; to eradicate hate. Evil will only thrive when the good stand silent afraid to speak. We must be willing to reflect the love of our Creator during the darkness usurping our world through agents of evil.

We must remember Jesus is the only light that can penetrate the darkness. As Christ followers we have not been given the spirit of fear, but He has given us the spirit of power, love , and a sound mind. 2tim1:7. It is time to remember the enemy comes but to steal, kill and destroy, but; through Jesus we can over come evil with good. It is time to remember we are in a battle for our lives, our voices must unite as one voice for change for the good of all humanity. We are called to stand against injustice wherever it is found, to shine the light of God’s love on the sinner while condemning the sin.

It is time to remember we were all created in the image of a loving Creator and of one breath and blood. We have all been given the opportunity to be in right standing with the law of God. We just have to walk away from the evil of this world and surrender our hearts to the unconditional love of God through Jesus the Christ. Finally remember, He is coming back; not as a helpless babe but as a conquering king and His reward will be with Him to give to each man what he deserves. History has proven the Word of God is true, He has said vengeance is mine; I will repay. Seek His face while He can be found, repent of your sins while forgiveness and grace are available.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.