Here's Your Sign

In my last entry, I mentioned an invisible sign and this morning there was a person who was wearing one.
Where I live there is a man who, if I was to guess, is in his sixties. Everyday this man walks to work and back, walks in the neighborhood in his shorts of a morning, mumbles, and really won't talk to you face to face. When I first got around him I was a bit leary of walking around him, much less saying hello. This morning was different though. I was talking to one neighbor, Ray, when this gentleman began walking up towards us. I quickly said "good morning, how are you?" This man stopped in his tracks and turned his head to look who was behind him. I pointed to him and replied "I am talking to you, yes you." He mumbled something else as he walked towards us. This unknown name man started walking with me and Sadie and I could actually understand what he was saying. I was excited.
As we continued to walk and talk, I noticed he studdards and is well aware of what goes  on in the news and area. Now he wouldn't stop talking. I was really amazed at how one small question lit a spark in this man's life this morning.
As I reflect on the events of this morning and other days I remember seeing a sign on his neck that said "make me feel important, let me know you see me, and please talk to me because I am lonely."  I may be the only bible that this man has read in a long time and I can only pray that he saw Jesus.
Who are you walking past in your journey through the day that needs to see Jesus?
I encourage you to take notice of those in your path and let them know you see their sign.

~Marjorie

I Could ONLY Desire....

Back in 2005 I had a woman come into my life that lead me back to Christ. She was my mentor, my sister, and my friend. This woman touched A LARGE number of women's lives. Her name was Marla Bolling. Marla was a woman of God first in her life, she shared His love with me, her experiences in her life with Him. There were days that we would get on the phone and I thought we would talk about business and end up talking about me and my walk with Christ. I was a mess and she new it, but she kept telling me how I was a diamond in the rough. She taught me to laugh, like myself, share with others, let people know how important they are to you, and most importantly no one will love you like Jesus does. She helped me with my self esteem, self respect, and self image. I remember her sharing scripture no matter what we did together. This was a woman that had finesse and class. If you noticed I said things in past tense. She passed from  this life to a life in heaven where she is glorifying God Almighty.
I was talking with a good friend last night and we were sharing she gave me a compliment that I hold tight to my heart. She said "you sound just like Marla."
I remember sitting in a classroom with Marla and thinking how I wanted to have a heart like hers. I want to win women for Jesus' team. Now, I am.
I didn't realize it at  the time because I was so deep into my "stuff" and "my way" that it was hard to see the transformation I was in. Marla recognized my transformation and encouraged me by telling me that the heart is what matters the most.
I believe we sometimes forget how important people are in our lives until their days are almost or completely over and then it's too late to say "I love you and appreciate you."
Now, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Phil. 3:14 NLT)

I encourage you to look at people with an invisible sign around  their neck that says "make me feel important" and then go and let them know they are.

~Marjorie
PS. I am thankful for everyday that I learned from this beautiful woman and I still hope I can be half the Godly woman she was.

God Speaks

Recently I have been involved with the study group "Experiencing God" with my church. In it there is a statement that says "God Speaks through His Word, the Holy Spirit, circumstances, and the church (His people). He gave me the opportunity to recognize this truth this morning and now I get to share with you. As you read this, my prayer is that you walk away encouraged and refreshed. God has a plan for your life and He has work for you to do too. As long as you are the clay He will mold you as a Potter is designed to.
As I was spending time in the Word and in prayer this morning, the Holy Spirit gave me a great joy in my heart called EXCITEMENT!
As you may or may not know, I am writing a book of testimonies. the first step is just gathering information, testimonies, from women and victories in their life by Jesus Christ and His Word.
The next assignment is to speak at a women's conference on the Holy Spirit as the Reminder. I was praying over this and He lead me to John 24:16 "But the Holy Spirit will come and help ^[a] you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you." (CEV)
I was in deep prayer and supplication this morning and the Holy Spirit showed me the bridge/connection between these two assignments.
I started thinking ""I am not educated to write." In the split moment the Holy Spirit reminded me of Moses words in Exodus:"Moses replied, " I have never been a good speaker. I wasn't one before you spoke to me, and I'm not one now. I am slow at speaking, and I can never think of what to say." Then He was quick to "remind" me that the first disciples called to follow him were not scholars, but fishermen and I am no less than they.
WOW!!  The same God who spoke to Moses was speaking to me  this morning and showing Himself through His words. I give glory to God for using me.  For just as Moses, John, Simon, Andrew, and Philip gave all they had to their assignments to lead people to believe and follow Jesus I can do the same. Another "WOW!"
This is my hearts desire since the day that Jesus Christ lead me to Psalms 51 when I was near death and verses 12 and 13 stuck out the most: ^"Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." KJ
"Here I am God use me, mold me, teach, lead, and guide me as I surrender to you according to Your will and not mine."

~Marjorie

It's Been A Long Time...

It seems to have been a long time since our last meeting. I want you to know that sometimes life happens and it doesn't mean that I am neglecting you or trying to reject you. I've just been really Experiencing God and on a mission to write a book for Him. I've been busy asking women for their testimonies. Would you like to share yours? I'd love to read it. Just leave me a comment for point of contact or email me here, whichever is good for you; is fine with me too.
God has me on another journey also that I am so very excited about. I am trying to put it into words.  Our relationship with Jesus Christ is so very important and when others come into our lives we need to make sure He stays on the throne.  If we don't keep ourselves in check we could end up kicking Him off and that leads to trouble.  The Lord is sharing the love and friendship of a friend who Loves Him like I do and it is a wonderful journey of exploration, laughter, and much more.  Maybe you know what it is like to take things slow and easy, keeping God first in ALL that you do. For me, it wasn't so easy and I'm learning how to keep Him on the throne now. So far it is a wonderful journey. I can only say that I have never experienced this kind of joy and freedom EVER.
I am so very thankful that the Lord knows my heart and sifts all my request to His likings when I submit to His will.
Life seems to have slipped through my hands and as I look back, it has been a long process for Him. I wish I had surrendered to His will along time ago. However, if I had, I probably wouldn't have the friendships and HUGE family that I have now.
So, for the next few days I may be slow in sharing life with you,  but know that God is doing a great work in my life, I am enjoying Him and His will right now.
God Bless,
~Marjorie

Noise...

Have you ever stood in a room and heard nothing but sound; noise? While in this room, could you hear your voice inside of you or was it drowned out?
Recently I have had an issue with noise.  The only time I was in a quiet serene place was five minutes in my vehicle.
Lately I've been watching TV more, listening to music more and sometimes at the same time. This can be overwhelming.  Then I wonder why I can't hear from God...hmmm?
So, I decided to turn off the radio, TV and the sound on my phone even. Then I noticed that some things began to change for me. I slept better, my mind was clear when i woke up, I had a clearer vision of my to do list, I could hear from God better, and I was more energized for the toiles of the day.
Perhaps that is why Jesus got away from the crowds so often and got away so early in the morning in the quiet. Maybe, with all that is happening in the world today, taking some quiet time is all we need to do.
You just might find out what you like to do besides taking a pill for your headache that was caused by all the noise.  You might finish reading that book you started last month. Who knows what changes might come in your life as it did mine.
You'll never know until you turn the noise down.
~Marjorie

It Doesn't Matter or Does It?

It doesn't matter if you believe in Jesus Christ or not. It doesn't matter if  you are an atheist, a Jew, a Muslim, or any other religious/non religious gooroo; you have more than likely have heard the story about the Israelites being saved by God from the Egyptians through Moses.
You may or may not believe the story of God setting the captives free. God showed signs and wonders to Pharaoh and his people through Moses. However, the key word was right in front of you. Belief. Your belief or unbelief is what keeps you from accepting this fact. Now, in your life today you might be struggling with a belief that God is going to pull you out of your situation and you are right.
On the other hand, if you have doubt and do not believe that God will not deliver you out of your forest; most likely you are right also. 
The proof is in the pudding.  Let's take a look at this....
It is written that if today you hear the voice of God, go astray, harden your heart and do what you want to do, then you will not find rest. Beware my brother, if there is any of you with an evil heart of unbelief and separate yourself from the living God, you will be in constant torment. So have you recently been in your own thoughts? Have you been unable to sleep? Has doing what you want lead you to doing things you don't want to do?

It was the same for the Isrealites, they didn't believe the living God would prevail, not they hardened their hearts, followed their own ways and hearts desires.  They did not get to enter into the land of milk and honey. What does your land look like ahead?
Now, I share this not to scare you or put fear in you; do not accept that spirit.
However,  know this.
God is at work in your life as He was in the life of the Isrealite's in Egypt. He, God, had a plan to prosper this generation and to lead them into a land full of everything they needed. However, before getting through the hard times, they started going against God and wanted things their way. So the Lord told them; I'll give you what you want but know this, I will  not see you through to the land of peace I have for you. 
I will work with the next generation.
Today, we may not have another generation for God to work with.  I encourage you to believe in what you cannot see and know that God is a sovereign God, a jealous God, a living God, and one who is a gentleman and desires for you to believ in Him and let Him have control of your situation. 
He will do what He said He will do because He is who He says He is.
 He, God, is your provider; Jehovah Jireh.
So when you release your doubt and unbelief to believe in what  you cannot see and trust God is going to pull you through, He will.  Hang on to the remnant of His robe, have faith of a mustard seed, and read His words that are written.  Ask Him to help your unblief; He will answer. 
He wants to have a a personal relationship with you. If you want to know more, contact me by leaving a comment or emailing me. You can have your unbelief changed to belief.

Be Encouraged

~Marjorie 

Showing Others....

Most of us don't truly know the character of people around us unless we spend time with them. Sometimes people walk the walk but don't walk the talk.
What does your walk look like?
Marc Martel, of the group DOWNHERE, was being wisked away by security at a press conference in Orlando back in 2010. There were adults everywhere asking questions, getting autographs, recording one liners, and more. There was a nine year old waiting patiently in the balance for his opportunity to get an autograph or a hand shake from Marc or Jason from the group. As Marc was being pulled, he saw this young man, Caleb, waiting. Marc stopped and bent down and gave Caleb the attention he'd been waiting for.
Now a year later and I heard the same story the morning I was to meet Marc Martel; unbeknown to me. I was reminded of Marc's integrity he showed to one of God's children. The Lord quickly placed in my mind a story I heard growing up.
The story went something like this: Little children were brought to a man named Jesus that he might lay his hand on them to be blessed, prayed for, or healed. His friends started to tell the kids to go away, but Jesus spoke up and told them that the children can come to him and they are important too.  My first thougth was whoa; how ironic that Marc shows Jesus to the crowd who is watching him. 
I had the opportunity this year to talk to Marc and thank him for the similarity of his actions to Jesus' so long ago. Marc expressed how he was encouraged and renewed by my words.
You see, it doesn't matter what your job is, it's how you walk your walk and talk your talk.  Does the walk and talk match?
I encourage you to start today and be more mindful of what  you say and do.  People are watching to see if your genuine or not. 
Encourage one another and love one another with a gentleness of God.
~Marjorie



Marc & Caleb 2010

       
 


Marjorie & Marc 2011



The Love of Your Companion

In the past I've considered it to be crazy when an animal owner said:
 "I just missed my (fill in the blank) while I was gone."  I thought sure, right (with a sarcastic tone).  BUT I've learned differently recently.
I went on a trip for three days away from Sadie, my Terrier. The first few days prior to preparing I didn't want to pack because I didn't want Sadie to think I was abandoning her.  So I didn't pack until the very last day before leaving.
As I folded the clean clothes, I matched my outfits and laid them aside to keep her calm.  I don't think she noticed.
Second, I actually cleaned up the apartment and put out the suitcase so it was an added feature and not just an object I was going to put my things into. I was slick because I just knew Sadie had NO clue.
Third, I packed t he suitcase while putting things away,while cleaning and I had Sadie fooled. Oh Yeah! (bobbin my head)
My friend, Judy, came over who was going to stay and take care of Sadie while I was gone. We switched out our suitcases and then Sadie knew. She knew I was leaving her.
The look of sheer pain in her eyes made my heart sink.  I told her everything was going to be okay.  She told me she was worried Judy wouldn't give her snacks to her. I reassured her the best I could that Judy was going to take very good care of her and I would come back to her.  Sadie told me she was ready to load up as a stow away.  I left her brown eyes crying at the door.
The first night was difficult. I couldnt' sleep. I missed her Caren Terrier body up against my leg. I cried myself to sleep.  once I did, Said was out of my mind and the rest of the weekend was great....UNTIL.
I went away from the crowd to have some personal time and then it happened; a lady had her Shihtzu with her. This little big brown eyed, soft furry dog reminded me of Sadie.
Oh how I longed for her now. I quickly recovered from the separation from Sadie and moved on.  For Sadie, I was told she wasn't eating her food, but sleeping the best she could while missing her friend; me.
I was now at the end of my journey and returning home. I was in my car and heading towards my little blond friend.  I couldn't wait to see her, hold her, and play with her.  Once I got home, Sadie was the one that greeted me first.  Her paws tore at my legs as she was over excited to hold and play with me. The feelings were mutual for Sadie.  Judy did just fine with giving her treats and loving her.  But there is nothing like the  love we have for each other.  No man can touch this relationship!
So, never under estimate the love of your companion no matter what breed.

~Marjorie

I'm Giving It Away!

I have something that is good., easy on the eyes, intriguing and true.  I have something that can make you feel beautiful or handsome and it may make you feel sad too. Don't be afraid, but be strong and courageous; take it, accept it as it is.
It won't hurt you, but it promises to help you, change you, and lift you up when you feel down.
I am here to give it away.
You can take it this preciousness with you wherever you go. Hold it, cuddle with it, talk to it, talk about it, and most definitely fall in love with it.
You will fall in love as you spend time with it, nurture it, plant it, share it, and watch it grow.
As you come and go it will change you, but only because you made the decision to change.
I encourage you to seek after it. Don't run from it, but run into it with your arms wide open.  Be strong and courageous; do not be dismayed.
What are you waiting for?
Let fear not stop you, but let faith push you. Don't sway back and forth and be double minded. Let go of yourself,  be free, and know if you think you can, you will.
Just go for it, here I'm giving it to you, take it. I promise there a re no strings attached.
What is it? You ask.
I'm giving away God's love. Peace, joy, confidence, are only three of its many benefits that will come with it. It is warm and inviting when you allow it to be.
Now accept it, go on.
Receive it. How? You ask. You just do it.
God is love and He loves you. Please accept my gift because it is the best thing I can give you. In fact, it's really the only thing I can give you that is of true value.

~It's your choice, but I hope that you will what I am giving away.
Marjorie

WOW!

Lately I've been having a difficult time sleeping. I wake up with aches and pains, can't relax which causes me to be up all night. I have taken the time I am awake to read, study, and enjoy God's words of wisdom and instructions. Friday, September 2nd is a day God had a few victories in my life; here's why:
I woke up at 130 or slightly before and felt lead to read over my Sunday Bible lessons. It was enjoyable sitting with the Lord and allowing Him to teach, lead, and guide me through the coming events of Sunday. The time flew by and before I knew it the clock read "3:30am." WOW, how exciting, yet I had a busy day in front of me at the radio station. We were having a blood drive for LifeSouth. It has been seven years and still I cannot give blood. I want to so that I can help others.
Well, I needed to rest for at least two hours. However, I couldn't. My mind was flooded with all kinds of images and conversations. I couldn't get comfortable either. I prayed over it, read the Book on sleeping, and still couldn't. By the time 6am came up, I was cleaned up and ready to start my day.
As I traveled through this fabulous Friday, I started to get tired right around 4:30-5:30pm. Then God placed a woman in need of prayer in my path. We shared with each other: she shared the prayer request and I shared what God wanted her to know before we prayed. We were friends by the time this woman got into her car and drove away. God's victory #1.
As I cleaned up the office with my co-worker Craig, dropped Tommie off at Walmart, it was time to settle down. Now one would think that I would go home and crash, but instead I walked my dog at our River front, picked up a salad at Niko's and came across my neighbors who are two young Flow Arts students at St Johns River State College whie there
I met the mother of one of these two young men. I was now really exhausted. However, God showed me through this meeting how though I get busy, he uses me to show his love and care as a mother, a friend, a co-worker of His to others. God's victory #2.
By the time I got to bed it was 8:45pm. Of course I slept really good. I started the new day in His word. I found that when we are weak He IS strong. When we are tired He lifts us up, when He wants to accomplish His work, He will provide ALL our needs to sustain us.
Take a deep breathe my friend, stretch your arms out, and say "here I am Lord..use me."
He will and be amazed at this perfect God! I encourage you to go through your day with your eyes up and not what is before you.
You can choose to have victories in your life.

~Marjorie