Faith and Patience

In life we often come across a situation or two that requires faith, ok most situations. Alright, alright! Life requires Faith!

The Bible says that, "Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains," (I paraphrased a little there but you know what I meant!). Faith is the substance of things hoped for (ever hope for some things?), the evidence of things unseen (Hebrew 11:1)! Or so grandma might say, "Faith without works is dead!" Or on a day when I want to throw in the towel, (don't act like I'm the only one who has those) and he gently says to me, "Where is your faith?" Hope thou my soul, soul hope in God. My faith is in God.

Ok so I have the concept of faith down, like most of us "say" we do, especially if you grew up in church. My problem is Patience!What is patience? Patience is bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calm, according to www.thefreedicitionary.com (patience is also known as long suffering) Translation: Going through the storm without acting a monkey, lol! Your storm may be unemployment, bad children, or an unhappy home. Whatever the case, "We" can make it through the storm if we exercise a little bit of patience.

Patience and faith go hand in hand, I'm learning.News flash: Patience is not a natural trait for everyone. Proverbs says, "A person's wisdom yields Patience." Some of us can hardly stand to wait in line at the grocery store to buy the things we want/need. LOL! Please don't even get me started on Road Rage! That's a serious case of "Got Patience?" Hence, patience being considered a virtue or divine trait! I was told by (Lady Hairston),Sonya Hairston not to ask for patience, because it brings about tribulations (Romans 5:3). Lord knows that was many moons ago! And, I'm still holding on, persevering, and pushing through trials in my life.

I have endured many trials, maybe I haven't produced the right fruit from my previous trials? Maybe this is all part of the process? Or maybe, it is simply that God is pushing me, and pressing me like an olive, to get the oil? You know the oil that is necessary to live the life that God see's me living- the life I've been dreaming about! "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Hebrew 10: 35-36). Yep you read that correctly- a few scriptures before the famous Faith, is Patience. I told you, Faith is married to Patience! :) As my family and I sat down to dinner, a la the local Chinese restaurant, I completed my beef and broccoli and got to my favorite part: the fortune cookie! It read: The principle part of Faith is Patience!

Now, That's Soul Food!

Love ya,

Encourage Yourself?

Brewing over a cup of Theraflu to soothe the onset of something icky, I stared into the mug and thought...who will encourage me? This year has already proven that it is coming out of the starting blocks with some issues- some I can hurdle and some I have to surrender to God- which is ok with me. Let's dialogue: Ever notice (for the sports fanatic) how a track runner (rest in peace Flo-Jo) comes out of the box with determination, focus, speed, and ambition. I used to run track & as a sprinter if your feet are not set right on the blocks there might be a false start. If your feet are not planted the sprinter does not get that good push off to the race. The starting block is a foundation of sorts. It can be the root of a false start. A false start is either anticipation of the gun or reacting within a tenth of a second. Have you ever falsely anticipated something? I have and the list is too long to blog, but most of you can feel in the blanks for your own circumstances. I can hear Elder Tommie saying to us now- "Baby be anxious for nothing-but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God!" (Phil 4:6 if you need a cross reference) And now what? You got to encourage yourself to get up and try it again! The point is sometimes you have to look in the mirror and acknowledge your wrong, mistake, miscommunication etc and talk to yourself. If you happen to look around and have a mild case of 'deja vu', its because you've been there before! Right? (I had one last night, WHAT?) ;) A friend once told me it was because God was giving you the same test again! OUCH! The scenery may be different, the persons may have different names but the game has not changed. What can change is how YOU react! You are the test taker, and God is the administrator! Interpretation: Boo, you may have failed the test the first time, and for people like me, it may be the 3rd, 4th, or 5th time and we still don't quite have it right! However, it is so good to know we serve a God of 2nd chances (yes, that is plural- chances)! So, if this is your millionth time at it, and you have been blessed at another opportunity for success in a relationship, job, education, parenting or whatever the case may be give it your all and learn from your past obstacles. Besides track and field, unlike many sports, is a one man/woman sport! Say to yourself- "I am going to be the best ME that I can be at____________ and I will give 100%!" Guess what if you knock down a hurdle on your way, it is ok! Keep moving toward the finish line because the competition will not stop to check on you- You must encourage Yourself!

Be Blessed & Encouraged!
100% Woman