Happy 2012 Everyone!

Just as the sun rises above the horizon, so comes our anticipation and excitement of the opportunities and possibilities that 2012 will bring. We embrace this defining moment as we stand at the intersection of 2011 and 2012. As we glance back at the road we traveled in 2011, we realize that there is no turning back. Right now we have to face 2012 with courage, hope and determination. Amid the ups and downs, joys and sorrows and the roller coaster of emotions that we face, we still look forward to this new year of promise. We can't sit back and idly watch things happen, then find ourselves in the same place or in a worse predicament this time next year. You can't expect new and different results with the same old attitude and behavior. If you want to change, you have to make the effort and do it!

On that note...Happy New Year Everyone!

Have You Ever Seen the Rainbow in a Drop of Water?

Condensation periodically builds up on my windows throughout the night, which is not an uncommon occurrence. Sometimes, when you least expect it, you will look at something and it makes you go “hmmm”. This happened this morning as I walked past one of my windows. Although this particular window does not face the sun directly, an iridescent prism from a single drop of water on the window reflected so majestically, that I had to back up and examine it closely.

Somehow, the sun’s reflection indirectly permeated one of the water drops on my window and an amazingly sharp prism of colors beamed like the facets in a diamond. It was definitely one of those “stop, look and reflect” moments. If I simply ignored that water drop, I would have missed this amazing performance of the sun dancing in all of its grandeur, on a single drop of water that seemed so insignificant, but served its purpose with a dignified pose. Two minutes later, the sun shifted and the prism of colors had their final curtain call, as that drop of water trickled down the window.

Today We Celebrate Human Rights Day!

On Human Rights Day, we pay tribute to all human rights defenders and urge everyone to get involved in the global human rights movement. Become a human rights activist for your local, national and global brothers and sisters. Sixty-Three years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created. Many people around the world do not have a voice or the freedom to express their opinions beyond their thoughts.

Let’s take a moment to thank God that we have the freedom in our country to embrace and voice our human rights in the fight for liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Celebrate Human Rights Day!



Racism in Church? It Does Exist!

It was such a tragic shock to hear about The Gulnare Freewill Baptist Church, a small church in Kentucky, voting to ban interracial couples from church services or functions, with the exception of funerals. It’s so unfortunate that although some members in the congregation did not support this ban, the message resonated loud and clear among Christians around the world who were aghast by the type of racism that continues to be prevalent in our society. However, bringing this poison inside of the church is alarming, although not surprising.

Somehow many Bible toting “Christians” manage to blot out and ignore critical mandates outlined and explained in the Bible, that we are charged to do and uphold. What happened to the voices of the Christians who sit in the corner and say nothing? I remember reading a quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. that states: “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”

When I think about the letters that John wrote to the seven churches, there were a number of things he warned these churches (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea) what they needed to correct, that was out of step with God. Although this is an extremely small church, this sad message resonates among the masses of Christians, non-Christians and agnostics who think it’s hard to prove whether or not God even exists. This message of racism is only one of the many atrocities that’s occurring in churches everywhere, which is ultimately chipping away and trying to destroy the foundation of our Christian belief system and existence.

How can we expect to win, if we continue to keep our mouths closed when we really need to take a stand and speak righteousness? Fortunately, as of this morning the new Pastor of Gulnare Freewill Baptist Church announced that this vote was null and void. Let’s hope and pray that all parties involved will fall to their knees, pray, forgive and overcome such tragedy. Although this small church attracted a lot of attention regarding this matter, this should make all of us take a look at what we do and say, how we behave and respond. Sadly, racism isn’t the only problem we have in our churches! Obedience holds the key!

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” - Revelation 1:3

Beyond the Celestial View

Gazing upon a clear starry night
when all is calm except for croaking frogs
and singing crickets
from where we stand,
how far do the heavens go?
Do they reach beyond the sky’s edge
further away than we can humanly grasp?
Is the view from up there
as intriguing as the view from down here?
This panoramic sculpture of the mystical heavens
not knowing if other life forms exist
beyond this celestial environment
we simply marvel at the awesome wonders of God.

Lights in the firmament
dividing night from day
signs for seasons, days and years
casting light upon the earth
light governing the darkness
shining, twinkling, showers of heavenly bodies
wondering how they got positioned.
When you see a shooting star
do you wonder where it goes?

Under this dome of night lights
watching life forever evolve
when on the fourth day of creation
God saw that this was good
a sacred gift to sit back and enjoy.
Not to tire oneself of questioning the how’s,
when’s or why’s
just accept this for what it is
for many questions will always be asked.

When life ends for us on earth as we know it
our souls will be whisked away
to an eternal resting place
infinity beyond our inconceivable comprehension.
Maybe then, we will be able to touch the face
of these heavenly bodies in the distance
or reach beyond this celestial view
to meet our Creator from where we are.

Poem published by Kym Gordon Moore in Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit, 2009

What Keeps You Grounded?

At the beginning of this year, I made a commitment to do something each day to remind myself that I must stay grounded as much as possible, if not at all times. My goal was to make a gratitude journal that only included the things I am grateful for each day. That’s it, plain and simple. Nothing complex.

My main challenge was to be committed each day to write an entry of gratitude, regardless of how my day went. God used this task to remind me of how humble and grateful I must remain. On some days, I was simply grateful that God’s wrath did not rain down on me due to an un-Godly thought, un-Godly speech or my behavior. On days like that, I have to thank God that I recognized my shortcomings and asked His forgiveness. As of this day, I have to say that since January 1, 2011, I made an entry into my Gratitude Journal every single day. Sometimes I am reminded to do it before I go to bed and on other days, I make an entry earlier in the day. This daily task was a little difficult at times, but more often than not, it was the one thing that helped me to be reminded of how awesome God is.

With the help of The Lord, I try to not become entrapped with me, myself and I, which could lead to the hazards of making unwise decisions that will catapult into mass destruction. I think when you recognize and acknowledge your spiritual groundedness, your spiritual senses are awakened with a renewed sense of purpose, awareness and direction. When I rest in assurance that God is in control, then I will find contentment in His perpetual love, peace, joy and blessings.

So in the midst of things going right or awry, what keeps you grounded every single day?

Thanksgiving Day Wishes!

“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”
- Psalm 95:2 NIV

Up all night preparing your Thanksgiving Day feast? Well, before you take a bite out of any of those delectables, be sure to really reflect on the true essence of what the word thanksgiving means. There are so many people in our communities and around the world hurting and hungry right now trying to find a soup kitchen in order to get a meal today or any other day through the week.

Let us not take for granted the things that so many would consider a luxury, which includes overcoming hunger and homelessness. Stop and look at your holiday spread, look at your loved ones who you are surrounded by, examine your surroundings and remember that this day and any other day is not about your selfish pride, but about how you can be the servant and contributor to society that God needs for you to be. Thanksgiving is not about one day of the year, but about every day throughout the year.

Have a Safe, Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
- Psalm 100:4 NIV

An Ethereal Optical Illusion

As with most of the population, I needed the assistance of wearing corrective lens since I was in the 3rd grade. So, for ¾ of my life, in order to see clearly I needed eyeglasses, contact lens and sometimes both. As I get more mature (I simply refrain and sometimes cringe from saying the word older), fine print smaller than a 12 point font size becomes difficult to focus, especially if I have been on the computer for extended periods of time.

A few nights ago, I went to bed about 1:00 in the morning. After turning the lights off and removing my glasses to go to bed, through the Palladian window in my bathroom came the glow of a beautiful half moon. I had to stop for a moment before getting in my bed, put my glasses back on and moon gaze for a moment.

After standing there for a couple of minutes staring at the moon, I saw this night star as I have never seen it before. I took my glasses off and peered at the moon again. Due to my nearsightedness, the moon appeared full, not half. Although with my glasses on, my focus was clearer and I saw the moon as it actually appeared that night. However, the feeling I felt with my glasses off defined a different, spiritual emotion for me.

I love absorbing the sight of a full moon each month. It simply makes me look up to the heavens and take in this awesome night light and everything surrounding it. But since I missed seeing the full moon this month due to inclimate weather, this moment was one that made me look and visualize the fullness of its brilliance in a completely different light (no pun intended). Although this was an ethereal optical illusion, that moment of what I thought I saw, made me realize that God has a way of allowing you to see, what others look at but do not see, even if you are nearsighted like me.

Celebrating Veterans Day: Thank You

Happy Veterans Day!

In celebration of Military Appreciation Month, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of our veterans and active military personnel serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. We are grateful to all of our men and women who continue to protect the host of freedoms that we enjoy and often take for granted.

To the families of these amazing and heroic soldiers, we understand how difficult it is when your loved ones are scheduled for deployment, especially to hostile territory. I salute all of our courageous men and women of the armed forces for your bravery in serving our country every single day. Thank you!

International Day of Prayer

On Sunday November 13, 2011 (the second Sunday), millions of people will participate in International Day of Prayer. Around the world, many Christians continue to be denied or persecuted for their freedom of religion. The purpose of International Day of Prayer is to pray fervently for Christians who are suffering, as well as for their oppressors, to raise awareness and urge advocacy on behalf of their faith.

I am a strong believer in the power of prayer. Although it may seem like they are not answered sometimes, they are. The answers may not be in the context of how we want them answered. So often society complains about horrific occurrences that we witness directly or indirectly. We frequently cry out about what needs to be done about these tragedies, but we fail to fall on our knees and seek God’s guidance for a peaceful resolve. If we join together in fervent prayer and abide by God’s principles (not simply a principle that is easy and convenient for us, but all of them) we could see some remarkable changes and amazing miracles happen around the world.

Let’s look beyond International Day of Prayer and commit to praying daily for all of our brothers and sisters who are being oppressed unrighteously.

We Can't Forget, No Matter What!

As we reach the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with all of the marathons, races, walks, Zumbathons and other charitable events that helped to raise money for breast cancer research, we cannot allow the fight for this and other noteworthy causes to end. Many friends of mine, who passed away from a tireless fight to survive this disease over the years, departed this life when their time came. I cannot forget them, no matter how many years have passed.

Many new friends I made over the years are breast cancer survivors. I look at their insatiable thirst for life and their celebration of victory that is a clear reminder to not sit and sulk over mediocrity that robs us of our valuable time and will to live. An old adage my mother used to say when I was growing up, “You don’t miss the water til the well runs dry” is one I don’t take lightly, because I see evidence of this more often than I care to. As I experience the rain showers and storms in my life, I must celebrate because the rainstorms refill my well when my water level is low.

Whether our losses come through losing loved ones or friends who we love dearly to the ugliness of cancer, heart disease, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, MS, AIDS, fatal accidents and numerous other causes, let us remember to live a life of service and gratitude. Let’s focus on what we have instead of what we don’t. I remember watching the movie “The Family That Preys” and throughout all of the lessons in the movie, the one line I remember the most was “Are You Livin’ or Are You Just Existin’.” I don’t know about you, but I choose life!

“For when I am weak, then I am strong. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

- Philippians 4:13

Are We Bombarded With Too Many Choices?

I was in the grocery store today picking up a few things and often I find myself taking longer to shop for bargains like the “Buy One Get One Free” deals, especially if I have a coupon for them. I stood in the bread section looking at which loaf of wheat bread should I choose, Merita, Sara Lee, Natures Own, Pepperidge Farm, Arnold or the store brand. Along comes a gentleman who stands staring at the bread as a lady and I were doing and said, you know, when I was in Europe, I didn’t have all of these choices to make just to buy a simple loaf of bread. Then he casually walked away to go pay for his purchase. Now that really did hit the bell in my head.

For some reason with all of the choices that we have, we can become stressed from trying to make a decision on what to choose, when it should be a simple task. Think about this; women try to decide on which shoes to wear that matches a certain outfit and then toy with what accessories to put with it. When people go shopping for a car, so many optional features, colors, interior fabrics and body styles leave us bewildered on which vehicle to purchase. When men shop for tennis shoes, there are so many brands, colors, purposes and styles beyond the traditional sneaker that they take just as long to shop for shoes as women normally do.

Are we so overwhelmed with choices in literally every aspect of our lives that we fret over decisions that should be simple, like choosing which loaf of the same type of bread to select? Here again, is a classic example of how spoiled we can be, yet how extremely blessed we are. Many people in our society unfortunately do not have the luxury of pondering over what type of bread to buy. They are grateful for a loaf of bread…plain and simple.

Perhaps we need to look within the borders of our environment and see if we really have too much “access” to too much “excess!” It is often said that the more choices we have the more freedom we have. Sometimes I often wonder if that freedom can turn into bondage. We must then decide if it is advantageous to keep our excess or to share it with others.

Beyond the Disappointments!

Every day is a time of reflection for all of us. All too often, a swarm of dis-tractions, disappointments and depression take their jabs at me relentlessly. However, I refuse to be defeated. As I gaze beyond these distractions, disappointments and depression, I stand wearing my “whole” armor of God against the wiles of these demons. This helps me to deflect defeat.

I am determined to remain disciplined in order to find that Divine purpose to give me the diligence I desire to develop a spiritual and productive lifestyle. The weapons that form against me may knock me down, but they cannot knock me out. I am more than a conqueror and as I trek through the storms, I can see the twinkle of sunlight that helps me to keep hope alive!

My Spiritual Moment in 3-D!

This morning as I walked outside to breathe in the crisp autumn air, I looked up and thanked God for allowing me to witness a new day that I will never see again. I am so grateful for this moment of tranquility to worship, rejoice and be grateful.

As I gazed at the beautiful morning sky, I had a spiritual “a-ha” moment. The cool breeze was gently blowing as the sun began to rise. The rays from the sun cast a creamy beige hue over billows of clouds drifting overhead. Simply breathtaking! What was so striking to me was at that moment I could look beyond these drifting fluffy clouds and the sky was a beautiful marine blue with milk white brush strokes of clouds that accented the heavens.

In this moment, I felt like I was watching a movie in 3-D, but this view was not generated through cinematography effects. I felt I could reach up and touch each layer of this panoramic presentation. I was literally mesmerized by this ethereal 3-Dimensional snapshot of the heavens that made me stand in silence and simply say “Wow!”

Steve Jobs Left His Visionary Mark

1955-2011

Around the world, many people are remembering the life, times and influence of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Computer. My first computer was an Apple Macintosh 700 series and it was so user friendly that it made me computer literate in no time at all. Like so many people who make their mark in history, whether they are famous, rich or not, you have to admire Steve Jobs for his contributions to change the face of modern technology.

As I read many tributes to this innovative man, I saw this remarkable 1 minute commercial that he narrated, but unfortunately never debuted. In 1997, TBWA/Chiat/Day, an advertising agency created Apple's "Think Different" ad campaign. It is such a poignant commercial that perhaps if Apple decides to broadcast this now, it will make an even bigger impact on the way people think, create and inspire.

Thank you from everyone you inspired and encouraged Steve, whether you knew us or not. May God Bless and strengthen your family during this time.

Team Church Zumba Joins a Child’s Place with Sweet Dreams Campaign

potterybarn.com

It is hard to believe that there are so many children in our neck of the woods who are unfortunate victims of homelessness. The simple conveniences that we take for granted each day is a luxury for these children and their families.

There are over 4,700 homeless children enrolled in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system. Statistics say that:

• Homeless children go hungry twice as the rate of other children.

• The national average graduation rate for homeless children is less than 25%.

• Homeless children are twice as likely to repeat a grade.

• Homeless children experience emotional and behavioral problems three times more than their housed peers do.

• Homeless children are sick four times as often as other children are.

A Child’s Place is trying diligently to reach these children. Sweet Dreams is a campaign to collect at least 1,200 pajamas for children from the 2nd grade to the 8th grade. These pajamas must be collected by December 4th so that they can be distributed to these children on Christmas Eve. Zumba members from Team Church in Matthews, NC, led by Zumba Instructor Dania Mazier Tschirhart are striving to double that amount of pajamas with the help of some of their partners from Butler High School, Chic-fil-A in the Arboretum and Albemarle, along with other partners who will be announced soon.

For additional information about the Sweet Dreams Campaign, you may contact Dania at zumba@teamchurch.com.  

Finding a Piece of Paradise Where You Are

Sometimes we become entrapped by the haste that surrounds us daily, whether it involves our jobs, family, extracurricular activities, our human interactions or even while we are at school. We all too often become entrapped by distractions that puts a veil over our physical and spiritual senses, sending us into a state of overwhelm, anxiousness and frustration. This often leads to a myriad of personal health issues, unfortunate experiences and unexpected circumstances.

Regardless of whether you live in the city, suburbs or country it is imperative that in order to maintain some sense of stability and peace within your mind, body and spirit, you must find a designated time and space where you can escape to an environment of tranquility. There is no need in trying to wait until you take a vacation to find your piece of paradise. Whether it is a designated spot on your deck, in your yard, in a quiet nook in your house, a particular place at a nearby park, lake, beach or mountains, just rest assured that if you really want to, you could create a place and space to meditate, pray, relax and release every single day. Where is your favorite place of paradise?

Do We Shut Our Doors of Opportunity?

Door of Opportunity

At times, our haste and complacency causes us to lose our focus and purpose for what God needs for us to do. All too often, people see the greater things they want, yet do not conquer the smaller ones before taking that fateful leap. This causes us to end up diving in head first into a situation where there is no water to soften the collision. We do not heed the warning signs to stop, pray, gather our thoughts and pay attention to how you need to proceed with the task at hand. Instead, we sometimes handle things through emotion, frustration or impatience and fail to learn the important lessons we need to learn, in order to stand firm on a solid foundation.

Sometimes in our thoughtlessness and through our irrational actions, we can burn valuable bridges, underutilize our talents and gifts, or simply close a door of tremendous opportunity. Our impatience, hurriedness, arrogance and attitude will inevitably destroy us if we do not heed the clear warnings that God gives us, simply because we devised an alternative solution to try to force “our way” on others.

Be wise and refuse to allow your gift(s) and talent(s) to be wasted on busyness, foolishness, distractions, carelessness, cockiness or not spending sufficient time with the LORD and immersed in His Word. Where there is interpretation, there is understanding. Where there is understanding, we find knowledge. Where there is knowledge, we find strength. Where there is strength, we find growth. But the utterance of wisdom surpasses them all. Understanding tells you what to do. Wisdom shows you how. (Excerpt from Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit – Free Your Mind chapter)

Are you graciously opening your doors of opportunity? Or are you nailing them shut with your attitude?

Shine on Harvest Moon!

Harvest Moon: On Stage Tonight!

If you had an opportunity to witness that beautiful Harvest Moon tonight, it was completely mesmerizing. I had to run grab my binoculars and soak in that beautiful golden glow as the moon began to slowly rise when the sun set in the West. This is the last full moon of the summer for this year. A photograph or watching the harvest moon on television is nothing compared to standing outside and looking at how awesome and magnificent this beautiful creation of God, makes you stop wherever you are and say, “Wow!” Shine on Harvest Moon!

Let It Go!

Let it go!

Do not worry about those things that keep you anxious; things invoked by someone else and not by God. We have to “let go” of any one, any thing and any situation that will lead us into the spirit of oppression. If it (whatever or whoever “it” is) is the cause of the problem and not the solution, then you need to let “it” go!

People want to believe in something and desire to be a part of something, whether it’s healthy or destructive. We must avoid getting trapped by emotional stimulation and cleave to spiritual saturation. Emotional stimulation is quick, temporary and flesh imposed. Spiritual saturation is transformative, everlasting and spiritually rooted.

Your spiritual gift is like a mature tree, ever climbing, branching out and bearing fruit, while remaining connected to the trunk (your food and power sources). God is our power source. Jesus Christ is our extension cord. The Holy Spirit is our power outlet. We will always have a way to stay connected. To fill our spiritual fuel tanks, we must first plug into our power outlet to energize and utilize our hidden potential, so God will be glorified.

(Excerpt from the conclusion of Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit)

September Book Festival for the Week of 9/4/11

Hedgebrook supports a growing global community of women writers from all over the world with residencies at our retreat on Whidbey Island, and programs to connect their work with readers and audiences of all ages.


September 8, 2011
Hedgebrook Residency
Whidbey Island, Washington
http://www.hedgebrook.org/
connect@hedgebrook.org

Celebrating Labor Day!

Labor Day, which is celebrated on the first Monday in September, is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. This annual national tribute is recognized for the contributions that U.S. workers made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country

The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year, four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. (United States Department of Labor, 2011)

Let’s celebrate Labor Day by remembering and thanking those who came before us and paved the way to the prosperity, strength and well-being of our country. Happy Labor Day everyone!

Dog of Fallen Navy SEAL Refuses to Leave His Master’s Casket

I remember reading a message on a notepad years ago that said, “If you want loyalty, get a dog.” Well, although those words were meant to be sarcastic, we came across a story that tugged at our heartstrings and definitely showed us how loyal a dog can really be. This story moved us to tears, but no doubt teaches us a lesson about how animals also mourn a loss.

Petty Officer Jon Tumilson, a U.S. Navy SEAL, was killed on August 6, in an Afghanistan helicopter crash that also took the lives of 29 other American service members. His funeral was held in Rockford, Iowa where friends and family members remembered the wonderful, dedicated and brave person that he was. Even more heart wrenching was a photo of his dog Hawkeye who laid on the floor in front of his casket and refused to move during the entire service.

The type of compassion and loyalty this dog obviously felt for Jon Tumilson is truly a lesson many of us need to connect to. Whenever you lose a loved one or a dear friend, whether expectedly or unexpectedly, your heart feels heavy and very sad. Fortunately, Hawkeye will not be orphaned or alone with his and sadness. He was willed to Scott Nichols, one of Petty Officer Tumilson’s close friends who looked after Hawkeye when Jon was deployed overseas. This is noble and charitable. Charity is love.

"The disposition of noble dogs is to be gentle with people they know and the opposite with those they don't know...How, then, can the dog be anything other than a lover of learning since it defines what's its own and what's alien." ~ Plato

A Lesson Learned from Rachel Beckwith

I think practically everyone has been touched by the story about 9 year old Rachel Beckwith, who suddenly died in a tragic traffic accident in July.

In lieu of getting presents for her 9th birthday (June 12), Rachel requested that people send donations to help build water wells in Africa for people who do not have access to clean drinking water as we have in the United States. Her goal was to raise $300. As modest as that amount may seem to many, to a 9 year old that was a lot of money.

Although she came short of her goal by $80 for her birthday, Rachel was not discouraged but determined to find better ways in her efforts for her 10th birthday. When an unfortunate traffic accident claimed her life in July, amazingly, the word got out about what she was doing and more people began contributing to Rachel's pool of donations for Charity: Water. As of this writing, over $1.1 million dollars has been raised in her memory.

Now, the lesson here is not about a 9-year-old little girl raising money to donate to a charity. Having compassion for those who may not be as fortunate as many and using the resources that you have to make a positive difference in their lives is the key to understanding this lesson. You don't have to be a celebrity, nor do you have to be a millionaire to make a genuine, heartfelt, positive impact to help others, regardless of how young or old you may be.

By paying it forward in an unselfish and loving way, you can teach others more by doing, instead of just talking about it and wind up doing nothing at all.

Manners: Do They Still Exist?

During my formative preteen years of being in elementary school, if a teacher, another person in authority or even a neighbor saw us doing anything inappropriately or being somewhere where we should not be, then you can rest assure that we would have to answer to those charges when we got home. By the grace of God, and fearing the inevitable punishment of what we could face if we were found guilty of any wrongdoing, made us choose to walk the straight and narrow more than we cared to. Now that does not mean we were perfect angels. Believe me, we made our share of mistakes and did some silly things that we look back on and wonder what were we thinking. However, the thought never occurred to us to overtly disrespect authority, our elders, our teachers or other adults who tried to teach us to do the right thing.

Of course, we had some adults who violated the boundaries of being the appropriate leaders and protectors of our children. For those who took indecent liberties with children, abused them or did something to intentionally disrespect their families, they have to pay the price for such injustices sooner or later.

Today, it blows my mind and boils my blood to hear young children throwing temper tantrums and going beyond disrespecting authority, adults and their parents. As my mother used to put it when we were growing up, “Where are your manners?” I hear how children talk back to their parents with no obvious chastising or repercussions and think how on earth they avoid immediate punishment of some type. Now, I am not one for abuse, albeit many parents today would think that how we were disciplined 40 or 50 years ago was child abuse. During that time I was subjected to being spanked or feeling the sting of a switch or belt around my legs a couple of times. Experiencing such disciplinary actions were constant reminders that you do not have to remind me to stop doing something wrong repeatedly! I get it!

However, I am very disturbed to hear and watch the behavior of so many kids today having no fear of punishment for their blatant disrespect and wrongdoing, while watching parents use the negotiating approach versus the disciplinary approach. I cannot put all of this blame and attention on these kids without first finding out what type of parenting their parents do. If they are frequently disrespecting their parents in public, then what will they do to others? How will they behave and respond to authority, rules and regulations as they grow up?

We are held accountable for our decisions and behavior. The expletives I hear used so loosely out of the mouths of young kids absolutely blows my mind. Are many parents trying just a little too hard to be a friend instead of a mother, father or guardian? Are we allowing children to tap into any form of communication without properly monitoring what they watch, read or engage into? Are there other external factors shaping and influencing how our children think and behave? Little things I clearly see some children get by with because people thought it was cute, could oftentimes turn into a notorious habit that terrorizes others.

Manners still exist, but the degree and frequency of respectability and politeness needs to increasingly snuff out and override the ill-mannered.

Wake Up Everybody!

In the midst of the chaos and confusion going on all around the world, I was reminded today by a co-worker of a song so poignant and reminiscent of a time gone by, that still holds the resounding truths of what’s going on today.

Although John Legend and a montage by various artists remade this song, I am still in love with the version of Wake Up Everybody, recorded by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass. I invite you to listen to these words and allow it to touch your hearts, minds and spirits.

“No more backwards thinking, time for thinking ahead!” How prophetic and definitely an urgent wake up call!

Teddy Roosevelt

"Your ability needs responsibility to expose its possibilities. Do what you can with what you have where you are." – Theodore Roosevelt (26th President of the United States, 1901– 1909)

8 Ways To Go Green At Your House (From USA Weekend)

A few people said they did not know where to start in terms of practicing any green principles at home, but wanted some suggestions. USA Weekend gave some great “green” tips to use at home that contained some great tips that we found worth mentioning again.

1. Get a reusable water bottle and coffee cup; say no to disposables.
2. Use only energy-saving bulbs.
3. Recycle all paper products
4. Redecorating? Look at furniture and accessories you already have and change them from room to room for a new look, instead of tossing and buying new things.
5. Use the phone or video chat with Skype for meetings instead of driving your car.
6. Buy earth-friendly cleaning products when possible.
7. Try to buy local produce and food.
8. Turn your car off while waiting in car-pool pickups to avoid idling.

(From USA Weekend, April 15-19, 2011)

My Flowers Taught Me a Lesson about Life

My Golden Shrimp Plant

I am always excited when spring rolls around, because I get to play in the dirt and watch miracles happen. One of the most relaxing things I enjoy doing outdoors during those warm months is working in the yard, planting flowers and trees. I consider myself one of the caretakers in God’s earthly garden. I love watching seeds sprout and tender young plantings expand their root system and begin to grow.

As my flowers mature, there is one thing that happens to those beautiful blossoms in all of their grandeur, which makes me sad. They start to wither and die. By pulling those dying blooms off, however, it allows more blossoms to multiply and the plant begins to grow faster. The dying flowers retard the growth potential of the plant and other flower buds.



My Magenta Petunia Blossom

When I reflect on life, the things that are lifeless and dead that we tend to hold on to hinder our personal growth and development. Such dead things could include a dead or dying relationship, a dead-end job, being in an organization where there are dead members who do not want to grow and remain stagnant, a dead attitude or even a dead spirit. To grow, you have to let those dead things go! You won’t believe how you will slowly begin to die too. Sometimes you lose your creativity, you can’t focus, you find yourself anxious or depressed, you get trapped in negativity, you may become paranoid or you find yourself in shackles that you can’t shake off.

I found that when I fall to my knees and pray about those circumstances that stress me out, as long as I sit still and listen to God, I find that He has a plan to fix it beyond my understanding. The one thing God instructs me to do is to let those dead weights go. Release them. When I do, I find that I focus on things that are more positive, I have more energy and I am more productive. Those circumstances have a solution, but I would screw it up if I did it my way.



My Chinese Red Hibiscus

 So when I find that life has me caught up in its ugly whirlwind of chaos, I not only stop and smell the roses, but I take a good long look at the blossoms too. I refuse to own the chaos and confusion, because that belongs to someone else. Watching a new bloom face the rising son and burst in its awesome brilliance, makes me realize that when I face the rising “Son” my spiritual bouquet will flourish too.



Celebrating Independence Day

When we think about the freedom that we are blessed to have in this country, we must not forget to differentiate institutional, financial or political freedom with spiritual freedom. Spiritual liberation carries far more weight than the freedom we believe money, job promotions or material possessions can bring. You can have all of the financial wealth, senior level corporate positions or celebrity perks there is, and still feel empty, lonely and spiritually broke. May we celebrate Independence Day every day, knowing that even if we are in physical bondage, we are spiritually emancipated.

Enjoy your 4th of July and celebrate responsibly!

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1 NIV

How Do You Weather Your Storm?

“Storms are inevitable; our anchor is immovable.”
- Dr. Charles Stanley

There never seems to be a shortage of people going through some turbulent times in their lives or hearing about tragedy and challenges through the media. As long as you live, you will have to weather storms that may come in the form of sickness, grief, losing a job, a situation we created, a situation someone else created or a storm that God needs for us to go through in order to fulfill His purpose in our lives. Our personal storms are akin to our weather related storms (i.e. Thunderstorms, tornados, hurricanes, volcano eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis just to name a few). They come is so many manifestations.

How we respond to our challenges and storms will determine whether we survive it or succumb to it. It can either develop us or destroy us. Our anchor is embedded in the Word of God, and whether you believe that or not is a completely up to you. The Word is not complicated, but is defined to help us live the very best life God has in store for us. This is not to say that we will not go through some unpleasant situations, but we will survive them if our anchor is fixed on what God has to say about our situation and His revelation will help us to get through it.

King David found comfort through the Psalms in the Bible and the first three verses in Psalm 57 gives comfort in weathering the storm.

1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me—God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

- Psalm 57:1-3 (NIV)

Happy Father's Day!

To all of our fathers who step up to the plate and continue to be the father they are supposed to be for their children and their family, we wish you a Happy Father’s Day! A special acknowledgement to all of the women who did dual-parenting where a father was neither present or actively involved in helping to raise their children!

"A righteous man who walks in his integrity - How blessed are his sons after him."
 (Proverbs 20:7, NASB)

Despite Our Differences

“Despite our differences, we serve a specific purpose in this massive puzzle of life. So often, we find ourselves overwhelmed by acts of deception, selfishness, hatred, bigotry, manipulation, sexism, egotism, infidelity, oppression and even self-righteousness that could devastate a family, church, community, city, nation or our global society. Yet, we can continue making a dent into this dysfunctional skyscraper of corruption, by debilitating and dismantling these forces of darkness, through continuing to embrace love and magnify the LORD.”

* Excerpt from Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit
Chapter: Spiritual and Human Enigma
Page 35

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Texas Valedictorian Was Willing to Go to Jail for Praying During Her Graduation Speech

A graduating high school senior boldly proclaimed that she was willing to go to jail if she was not allowed to thank Jesus as her Lord and Savior during her valedictorian speech over the weekend. A prayer ban at her graduation in a San Antonio suburb went into effect after an agnostic family and their graduating senior filed a lawsuit last week. A judge granted their injunction banning any prayer at the graduation.

However, Angela Hildrenbrand, valedictorian for the class of 2011 asked the appeals court to block a judge’s ruling that she could not utter words like God, prayer or Amen during her commencement address. Whether or not the appellate court would rule in her favor, she was still adamant about praying anyway and paying the consequences.

In an amazing last minute decision, three federal judges reversed a ban that would have blocked Angela Hildrenbrand from thanking Jesus as her Lord and Savior during her graduation ceremonies in Texas.

Read more about Angela’s courageous feat: http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/2011/06/astonishing-last-minute-victory-for-angela.html#ixzz1OXSVFjyD

Angela we applaud you for standing on the foundation of your conviction in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. When we listen to the song written by Irving Berlin “God Bless America” we remember that this country was based on God's blessings and peace for our nation. It is unfortunate that the spiritual foundation in which our country stood on is now becoming diluted and offensive to some people. Our voices must continue to praise God our Father and not be silent due to fear. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Celebrating the Spirit of Memorial Day!

We salute the men and women of the military, who lost their lives and served our country, the United States of America. Let us observe, honor and remember the true meaning of why Memorial Day was established and for whom it was established for.  Read more…

Preparing For Judgment Day?

We are on the heels of yet another prediction about the world coming to an end. It is no doubt that these are indeed turbulent times we are living in. There are wars occurring all around the world, debts are high, suffering surrounds us and natural disasters are appearing to be more violent than ever before. We watch the aftermath of lives shattered, homes lost and the interruption of life as we once knew it forever changed. We pray for the victims as well as the survivors. If we read, study the Word of God and strive to live obediently however, we will understand the lessons Jesus taught His Disciples. These are lessons that we need to learn in order to survive today.

If we would meditate on the 13th chapter of Mark in the New Testament for example, Jesus made some distinctive points about the Great Tribulation. Beginning in the 5th verse, He told His Disciples to be careful because many shall come in His name and deceive numerous people by leading them astray. There will be wars and rumors of wars, but the end shall not yet be, although these things exist. However, even more significantly are the words echoed in the 32nd and 33rd verses: “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” (KJV)

We are witnessing a dangerous display of extremism in so many facets of life and the religious sector is not immune to it. Many who flank top leadership roles in our churches, cathedrals and synagogues are manipulating the Word of God by preaching it to those who will listen, but do not understand the oracles of truth. Such leaders who lead others astray will be held accountable for their actions. Should we take the end times lightly? Absolutely not! We do not know when “our” personal end times will occur, but it behooves us to live righteously, heed the warnings, watch and pray at all times.

People often scratch their heads in bewilderment, not fully understanding how those in the midst of losing all of their earthly possessions, while standing in the rubble of what appears to be a hopeless situation, proclaim to be blessed. Yet, we fail to recognize that we are blessed in so many ways, but do not thank God as sufficiently and as often as we should. We tend to take people and things for granted until something tragic happens when these things are gone forever.

Will there be more predictions of the rapture, Judgment Day and the end of time? Most certainly. However, we must remember that we are not the authors of this book, but participators with a divine purpose. We must put our focus on living and giving, instead of manipulating and using scare tactics to flex our “know it all” muscles. We must pray for those who are held captive by putting their faith and trust in a counterfeit man, instead of choosing to be free by trusting, obeying and embracing the Word of the LORD.

 

Do You Need Roadside Assistance?

Before we had the convenience of the ever-popular GPS, everyone had to depend on a roadmap to plan the best routes to get to their various out-of-town destinations. I remember hearing several comedians talk about how men would not stop to ask for directions no matter how lost they were. If the wife told her husband to stop and ask for directions, he would adamantly blurt out “I know where I’m going!” Have you heard that one before?

Ultimately, a trip that would probably take an hour or two, turned into an all day expedition. At some point, you have to stop and ask for roadside assistance. Otherwise, you will find yourself wandering around aimlessly, because you have no idea which way to go and you’re too stubborn to ask for directions. Everyone has a purpose and assignment from God, like road signs along the highway. If we never experienced or prepared for a trip (especially an extended one), then how can we possibly be certified to give roadside assistance to others seeking directions through their journey?

Our support system recycles energy to supply the necessary fuel needed to empower our spirits. We will hit a few potholes every now and then during our journey, but that’s a part of our spiritual growth. Oftentimes, an unexpected dilemma temporarily zaps us of our energy. Study your roadmap (The Holy Bible) and if you run into an unexpected roadblock, be prepared to take a detour. There will always be a plot to ambush you and your mission, but we must remember that God will have a backup plan and an escape route in place when we call on Him. That’s why everyone is equipped with a GPS, not a Global Positioning System, but a God Positioning System. Just pay attention and watch for His “Exit This Way” sign.

(except taken from “Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit”)
http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Happy Mother’s Day!

“The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom.”
~ Henry Ward Beecher

To mothers past and present, we celebrate you today. We look to our mothers to care for us, protect us and be the nurse or doctor for our ailments and woundedness. Mother’s Day isn’t the only time we celebrate our mothers. We celebrate their maternal embrace, guidance and prayers at some moment and time every day.

If you were not fortunate enough to have a mother who was that nurturer and God-made creature that you hoped she would have been, then you have the will power to do things differently and be the mother creature that God purposed you to be. To all of our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, stepmothers, Godmothers, sisters, nieces and female friends, Happy Mother’s Day!

To the fathers who had to unexpectedly step in the position of being the maternal figure in the absence of a mother, for whatever reasons, we celebrate you on this day as well. Parenting is not an easy task, for there is not an owner's or instruction manual that comes with a child. When we look to the word of God for guidance and help however, we will find that He will provide the correct answers that we need to be the mothers and fathers that we are supposed to be.

Happy Mother's Day!

Celebrating National Day of Prayer

We cannot ask God to bless America if we do not acknowledge and allow God in. Today, we celebrate National Day of Prayer. Although I will be among the thousands of people engaging in a day of prayer, we must not resolve to celebrate this day only on one day of the year. Can you imagine if the hundreds of thousands of people who are participating in some type of service, ceremony or event on today commit to seeking God’s guidance and obeying His statues every single day of the year, I truly believe that our country would be able to overcome many of our trials and tribulations that we are facing today.

Here is a little bit of history behind this designated National Day of Prayer:

Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.

As a child of God, and believer in Jesus Christ, prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Let us pray for all of our leaders from the President of the United States to the pulpit. Let us pray for our children, families and friends. Let us pray for our local, state and global neighbors. Let us pray for the homeless and destitute. Let us pray for the abused, falsely accused and the wayward. Let us even pray for our enemies and believe that God will have mercy on them and that they will convert to doing the will of God Almighty. There are many who do not believe that there is a God of Creation and of this Universe. For these individuals, we will pray for you too.

The National Day of Prayer belongs to of us. It is a day that transcends differences, bringing together American citizens from all backgrounds. There will be those who will protest against this day of observance, but those of us who commit to daily prayer must make our voices resound even louder. Make every day a National Day of Prayer! God Bless!

Happy May Day!

Has the May Day celebration become extinct? May 1st is designated as May Day. I do not know if kids still celebrate May Day by wrapping ribbons around the May pole like the one we used to do when I was growing up, but the nostalgia of the event was unforgettable. It also gave us the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the weather.

The original purpose of May Day, the Maypole and rituals surrounding it was to celebrate the fertility of the new season's crops. Trees are linked to a part of the celebration and have always been symbolic of the great energy and fertility of nature. Some people took the word “fertility” literally and the holiday became a time of reckless sexual behavior. Over time, the emphasis on agriculture in which May Day was initially observed and celebrated, began to diminish rapidly.

In many cultures, May Day is remembered differently and for a variety of reasons. In some countries, it is a national holiday, while others commemorate the day as a celebration of spring, a saint’s feast day, a day for organized labor or used for political protests.

The tradition of celebrating May Day entailed dancing and singing around a maypole that was tied with colorful ribbons or streamers. We celebrated May Day by moving around the pole, holding our end of the colorful streamer and singing. The top of the Maypole was adorned with flowers or some type of decoration indicative of the celebration. Typically a May Queen is chosen and sometimes a May King. Although our reason for celebrating May Day escapes me right now, we were just ecstatic about having a reason to get outside and celebrate the essence of spring.

Happy May Day!

My Personal Embrace of Easter

Easter holds two personal significances for me. First, it is a constant reminder that Jesus Christ made a major sacrifice on our behalf that resonates long after His Resurrection from His death on the cross. After countless times of reading about the passion of Jesus Christ and the horrific brutality he endured, it still saddens me when I try to “humanly” comprehend how people could mistreat others with unthinkable cruelty and feel no remorse. I understand the spiritual purpose why Jesus became the sacrificial Lamb, but amid my humbleness and gratefulness, playing out this scene during Holy Week is still very painful to me.

My second reason is that my mother passed away on Easter Sunday 2003. The way I manage to find peace with her passing, especially on this Holy Day, is knowing that she became a part of the Renaissance, the Rebirth, a new beginning and a greater Divine purpose in a different realm. Although I still experience periodical moments of sadness pierced by a maternal void that runs so deep, I am reminded that the life I live, the work I do and the heart I have will speak for me one day. When that day of my transition arrives, I want to be certain that I did not waste precious moments on frivolousness, foolishness and selfishness.

Yet, in my moments of sadness over these personal significant Easter Holy Day meanings, I find an unbelievable amount of joy, peace, happiness, gentleness and love that keeps me pressing forward to my higher calling; to be the servant that God purposed me to be and not what man thinks I should be.

I realize that many people perceive, embrace and celebrate Easter quite differently than I do. For me, Easter is not a matter of a basket, bunny or an egg, but a matter of the heart…my heart. So, in celebration of this worthy, historical and sacred commemoration, I wish all of you a very Happy Easter!

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

HAPPY EARTH DAY everyone! Let’s do our part to make things better for our environment, our health and well-being right now, before things get so far out of control that we won’t be able to do anything about it at all.

Let's celebrate EARTH DAY every day! One day is certainly not enough when there are 364 more days left in the year!

“I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?”

~ Robert Redford