Tuesday, July 5, 2011

What do you have to give?

There is a word often used in many areas of our lives that I have been hearing lately called Sacrifice. Many are going through certain test, trails, twist, turns, a change of events, or whatever floats your boat. I've heard it all, seperation, lonliness, depression, frustration in losing weight, loss of employment, uncertainty in fellowship with friends, etc. For the most part it seems as if we are reaching some sort of pivitol point. If you are watching as well as praying you might notice there is a need for change. What time of change? I'm glad you asked, it is time to search yourself. Take a moment and still away in your mind. Sit in silence, close your eyes and hear ye Him. (I almost took that part out but God said No...) I have encountered quite a few people who are dealing with so much as myself included and all we want answers. All I hear is SACRIFICE.
Here is webster's definition of Sacrifice: The surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim. Wowzers!!! I know hit me like a ton of bricks too! We want MUCH...but want to give little. Our request are high but our production remains low or can't be measured due to inconsistancy. It IS time to put it all on the table. Put down pride, put down self-indulgence, put down the excuses and ask yourself...come on do it....What are you willing to give? Are you willing to surrender? What is desirable to you enough to keep you from giving your all? Is it YOU? Listen, I always share a personal experience when I write because I never want one to assume I am exempt from action. I too have been in a battle, of what? The battle of less talk more action! I wanted to excercise for years, spoke it long ago when I first met my spouse of how tired of not having energy not feeling my best. Well what I needed to realized is I am in control of how I feel and look, and needed to cause my body to respond according to what came out of my mouth. I haven't reached my weight goal yet, but pinch yo neighbor on the left elbow and say she's gonna get there by Sept. 2011!!! LOL Ok wait i'm back, let's try this. I always wanted to be committed to God and have a closer walk with him for myself, but I was dependant on other's walk with Him. I asked them questions about how to get where I wanted to be instead of talking to my creator myself. He had to deal with me one on one. Once I opened the line of communication with my Father it was on! Be not afraid of Sacrifice, there are prayers being spoken as I type, people hurting, tears being shed right this minute, because a decision as yet to be made. Today I ask you to make a decision to Sacrifice. It is worth it, don't look to the left or the right. Where you are this very moment is because you have allowed yourself to be there. You don't have to stay in that place, sure it might not feel good, pain is often the first part of growth. Always remember there is a greater purpose to your Sacrifice that you are responsible for, so WHAT do you have to give?

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Healed...

This word has come back to me several times over this past weekend. I haven't wrote anything in a while and felt compelled today to write about my own personal 'healing'. First i'll start with this definition and then back track if you will.

Heal: (verb/action) To make healthy, whole, or sound; restore to health, free from ailment. To bring to an end or conclusion, or settle.

Which brings me to my story in life both naturally and spiritually we encounter different situations which may lead up to the need for 'healing'. Have you ever injured yourself doing something quite normal like getting out of bed in the middle of the night to go to the restroom and you stump your toe? Hurts right? Okay lets see, what about using a sharp knife and underestimating just where your fingers should be when cutting up some sort of food item? Alright i'll list two more examples I want to paint a very clear picture that almost anyone can relate too. Have you worked with people in ministry closely, given your all blood sweat and tears but felt left bleeding? How about in a relationship and you devote yourself to the growth of the two of you but end up drained from exhaustion?

The example's provided although may not be my exact experience, I'm sure we can all find ourselves somewhere in there. They all have a common need to be healed...or settled based on the definition. I have found myself in this position fairly recently and was left at a stand still. I couldn't move forward and couldn't understand for the life of me why. I felt like I was owed something, I was wide open, felt like a glass house for all to see my pain. I often felt powerless. Felt like the life God gave me was leaving me so to speak and I didn't have control. Why you may ask? Good question, it's what I had to ask myself. I had to look back and see what or who was in control? Somewhere along the line, I had lost my focus on the things that really mattered. Why I began that relationship, why I gave my all expecting nothing in return, why I devoted my servitude to man constantly rather than God?

I went through so many changes during this time of separation from family and friends. I discovered there was a need in my own life for total healing. I needed to settle some unresolved issues and questions in my life. I needed to LIVE a healthy life. I needed to be restored to health...(wow that struck a cord). We function so long not even realizing we were bleeding internally (hypothetically speaking). Have you ever looked at someone a lil different when they had amputated limbs? Well in my mind as I imagine what this might look at one might say it's quite strange, they can't possibly be whole but I'd beg to differ. Some things have to be severed for the healing to take place. I recently went through my own what I'd like to call withdrawal process from something/people who were sucking the life out of me and they knew it. This word came across my mind and conversations I've had over the course of this weekend because it was my time to be healed and receive it with open arms! My faith had been increased but there needed to be a corresponding action to complete this process. Well I stepped out on this faith and settled the hurt. The pain has received it's disillusion papers, and I have been returned to my health given to me by God and now I'm FREE from the past ailment. God is my source, and I will not allow my health to be at risk of being damaged 'on purpose' for any man/woman anymore. We must not only learn how to forgive as children of God but there are many of us out there who simply need to be 'HEALED'. Search your heart, do a physical on yourself and see if you have open wounds that can be patched, or be strong enough to recognize if it must be severed before it effects other major areas of your life. As long as there is breath in your body it is NOT TOO LATE.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Did Jesus have an Adjutant?

Adjutant: An Assitant; A staff officer who helps a commanding officer with administrative affairs. (noun)

First let me say that this blog subject has been on my heart for about 6 months. I have spoken about it but never really sat down to write about it due to my schedule. Anyway, this came from a topic of conversation with some friends a while back. This blog isn't intended to offend or targeted to any one person in particular.

As I was speaking with a few friends they were mentioning to me their dislike for some of the 'request' warranted from people in certain positions. Also, there were questions posed to the group involved concerning the need for adjutants in the church. I am not sure if those reading will understand where this may be going so let me give my take on things seen and heard personally. For those who may not have been closely involved in most charismatic church's. They have a position of what we affectionately call, 'Adjutant' or 'Armor Bearer'. This position is one who is there to assist the Man/Woman of God. Not to be confused with a Secretary. I have looked up the definition of Adjutant and listed it above for your reference. I understand this position to be one who 'assist' an officer.

Let me state that I do not disagree with this position being utilized in the church. What I don't understand is the different personal request for adjutants. I'll give examples to help clarify this. Personal meaning, you must make me a cake from stratch and have it in my office every sunday in order for me to preach effectively. Oh and you have to cut it and call me your super hero while doing that. (I know sounds funny huh but not too far fetched) I mean, i've heard of books to train properly for this position. Which I haven't read so I can't speak on, but I don't doubt it isn't a good read and informative. I just don't understand why most go after this position with the understanding they will get what most strive for 'the double portion' or 'mantle' from the man/woman of God.

Now this blog is simply from my understanding that God came down wrapped in flesh as a servant and always stressed the imporantance of serving instead of being served. Please note i'm not against being honored or respected in the position God has called you to. What I don't understand or better yet, it's becoming difficult for those on the outside looking in to detect who is the servant if you know what I mean. It was clear, every time Jesus spoke as 'the Man' it wasn't about his will but the will of the father. He pointed all roads back to God. If your asking yes I have heard about Elijah (the prophet) and Elisha (the student). Of course, but Elisha was seeking 'the mantle'. His efforts paid off in the end. Oh, and concerning Moses (also a servant) and Joshua. Well you can read it for yourself but clearly the scripture states, 'Moses MY servant (God speaking) is dead'. It didn't say, Moses your Pastor and the reason why you have your jobs, freedom, etc. is dead.

We must keep things in perspective. I believe we start out meaning well but then flesh gets in the way as it did from the beginning. The word speaks there is nothing new under the sun, so we can't take for granted that flesh won't try to rise even with good intentions. I also agree that our leaders or Men/Women of God have a lot of their hands. They if doing all that God has instructed them to do can become overloaded at times. This is understandable as their are many people to be reached. However, I also believe those called to lead have an example in Jesus as does the church in the disciples. Jesus was a servant, He is all powerful yet humbled himself to wash feet. He is all knowing, yet died for our sins anyway knowing some would still reject him. His disciples, followed and received understanding to continue the work as servants.

What I am witnessing bothers me. We aren't serving anymore, we are becoming self exhaulted. We aren't developing followers of Christ anymore so the work can be carried on, we are more concerned with OUR rules and request being followed. What about the souls, we were born with mother's and father's helping us so we could learn to do things for ourselves once matured. Now we have people who spend their lives not following Christ but men and getting nothing in return earthly treasures in which the Word says for us not to seek temporal things. Once again i'm not against by no means 'assistance' but I concerned with us leaning to our own understanding of things instead of Acknowledging God in ALL our ways and letting him direct our paths. It's becoming more difficult to detect houses of God now days because he's not in it...but everything is being attributed back to us. It shouldn't be. I'm not against honor and respect but there is a fine line.

Let us not forget that Satan was created for God for his use, but fell from Heaven not for wanting to be 'like' God..............but wanting to 'be' God.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Like a Flood...

Isaiah 59:19 (Whole Chapter)
So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. (King James Version)

Msg Bible Paraphrase: For he'll appear like a River in the flood stage; pushed by the torrent of the wind of God.

So as I went throughout my day of testing, this scripture rang loud in my ears. Earlier today I felt almost overtaken by the wiles of the enemy. Like he almost won, or that I wanted to just hand him the title because it might be easier to handle. Then the spirit of God spoke to me with this scripture. I spoke it to myself, and begin to search it out. I know we've all heard this spoken/preached to us a million and one different ways so this might be a cliche to most. However, I am entering a stage where the word becomes life to me literally. I used to hear my former Pastor say things like have you ever experienced trouble where the husband is mad at the wife, kids acting up in school, the dog chasing the cat, cat chasing the mouse, and the fish is trying to jump out the bowl cause it doesn't like the water. This made me laugh, but Lord I know it to be true, not in the same exact sense. When you are clinging for dear life.

My family, made a decision to follow Christ and to surrender to his will for our lives and as we were approaching this decision the enemy already started working and we knew this. However, once we declared with our lips openly we will go for God all the way well needless to say the very gates of hell has tried to overtake our very lives. The devil doesn't tell lies he IS a liar. There is no truth in him, and i've excepted this more now than ever. Sometimes you go through things as a testimony for others, other times it just may be a trick to detour you from being obedient to God. You have to realize exactly why things happen. Now back to the scripture.

The King James version is pretty much self explanatory however the end of the Message Bible screamed out at me! I was just at a park this past weekend with my family and started explaining the difference between the ocean/river/beach to my children. So when I read the end of the verse and it said God will appear like a River (which we know to mainly be a calm body of water/life) in a FLOOD STAGE is the part that grabbed me. The enemy came at me with EVERYTHING.......and I buckled but didn't fall down. I buckled to my knees which is exactly where God wanted me. When a river approaches a flood stage everything that stood in it's way has to bow down and is overtaken by it's force. This is how my God is fighting for us all (Me) He comforted me with this knowing that even when the enemy comes in there is NO GREATER POWER than my God! He has ALL power in his hands, and tricks are for people who need amusing and I have no time for games during this walk with Christ! There is work to be done, and i'm stepping back and allowing the FLOOD of God to overtake any and everything that doesn't represent him in my life are you? Gotta go cook, have a blessed week.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Second Chance

This blog was inspired from a recent video I watched of very famous Chris Brown offering a public apology to the world for the recent charges brought against him of physically abusing his ex-girlfriend who is also famous. I haven't really kept up with all the rumors, new clips, court drama, and allegations that have followed this story I am aware of the outcome.

Although this blog is inspired from the clip viewed it isn't completely about him. I would like to offer another spin on this. I was a single mother for about 7 yrs. I believe. Both of my eldest children were conceived while I was an active member in church. I was raised in church and a second generation PK. Most would figure I should've known better than to take this route in life. I was certainly raised with more knowledge that I just didn't want to adhere to at the time. I wanted to be one who made my own decisions and didn't apologize for doing so. Often times my own selfish decisions caused others' to feel pain. I was in the forefront of everyone's eyes.

There are other people who may have lied, deceived family, friends, co-workers, loved ones, etc. I am aware of family members who were addicted to things that shall remain nameless. These things if known might have jeopardized their current position whatever it may be. However, what I have come to realize is EVERYONE makes choices. Some right and some wrong but whatever it is...we should own up to it. When making my decisions to have children before marriage, it wasn't one that I was proud of. The second child I did want to terminate the pregnancy and I remember my father advising me not to cover one mistake with another. They encouraged me to stand up and take control of myself. With their support I did.

It wasn't easy, the road less traveled is what it felt like. I didn't leave the church, God never did anything against me so why would I take it out on him. There were days when I felt like all eyes were on me, and maybe they were. It was okay, if I was to move forward I would need to learn that everyone who makes a mistake (please adhere to your dictionary for the proper definition) deserves a chance, be it the 1st or 2nd. Who are we to judge someone else? Now, I am a wife and mother. I take great pride in taking care of my husband and family to the best of my ability. I am grateful that someone looked beyond my physical talent(s) LOL and seen my heart. All of these different events, decisions, that I will occasionally share with you from time to time makes up who I am. I have forgiven myself, and whom the son sets free he IS free indeed. Forgive yourself, be free and receive another chance...YOU deserve it!

I'm T. Poole YOU know ME...

Sunday, July 19, 2009

My First...

Hello World,

I wanted to try something new. This is my introduction Blog to those who may be reading this so go easy on me. I love to write, and have been told I should write a book but time doesn't permit me to do so. This is why I've decided to start a blog of my very own. Hopefully you enjoy this journey that we are about to embark on. No i'm not a famous face yet, but trust me before I take my last breath most will know exactly who I am.

So a little about me. The name, T. Poole never forget it. LOL I am a 32 year old woman, wife, mother, daughter, aunt, friend, and lover. I sing, love to dance although my baby sister would insist i'm stuck in the 90's. Oh well VH1 said it best...(you'll get it later) LOL I am a PK, not by choice but it's all good i've learned to cope with it. My husband is my dream man. I have what some may say is a fairytale story. Here is goes ya ready?

I was a teenager in love with the legendary Gospel group Commissioned (Mitchell) in particular LOL. I would go to bed dreaming of one day marrying someone from the group. Well needless to say one day a man came from Detroit to Cali, and we met became best friends and married. It's been an amazing destination and i'm glad we are still here. We just celebrated our second wedding anniversary on July 18, 2009. I'm blessed to be his wife, partner, and friend.

So next, let's talk about a dream of mine. I grew up in a musical family the 'Sims'. We are talented in many different ways. I was one who was very shy but stayed close to the music. Anyway, it rubbed off on me in a major way. I ended up teaching many choirs and this is my passion. I have a sponge for a brain when it comes to music. My husband calls me the human jukebox. I became a mother at 21 years of age and settled down in a career now I am what they call a 'domestic engineer' LOL Needless to say I have spent years nurturing others and recently battled what is it that I am supposed to do for myself. You know that thing which causes you to sleep in peace at the end of the day. Well I was up late listening to Noel Jones Ministries and he was talking about the 'talent' that was given. He asked the question what are you doing with the talent you were given. My whole household was sleep but it hit me like a ton of bricks. I used to go to bed with visions of myself standing in front of a very large group of people singing.

Teaching is my passion. I have an ear, for great voices. I have the ability to teach other's with ease. I was given this gift to know what to sing, when to sing it, where to sing it and who should sing it. So i've decided to launch out into the deep. Use what he gave me and multiply it! I pray it will help someone else make decisions in their life. I just want to be an assistance in ways that other's assisted me. I will never forget where my gift was matured.

Well this is the first of many, I must go and wash my baby girls hair as she is sliding off the couch upset at this very moment. Take care and always remember...

I'm T. Poole YOU know Me