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