If My Words Could Speak

Does Regret Live Here?

Thr33

July 1, 2021

We all have made mistakes.

If we paid attention from those mistakes, we grow and learn from them. Let’s face it anyone can read tons of self-help books and take whatever course “To a Better Me” but the only real handbook to this place is the Word of God (the Bible). Typically most of us don’t get our hands on that (the Bible) until later on in life and when we do we have to make sure we understand it and apply it correctly. Hopefully along the way, we received some nuggets or guidance on how we should walk. However, for the most part we still have to learn and grow. It is a continuous process.

Each of us has what I like to call ‘the circumstance of our environment’ aka our family, the time, place, ethnicity or even the color spoon we were fed and of course we didn’t have a choice in any of those selections (Acts 17:26). You may have asked yourself, “Why did I have to experience this evil by the hand of family or stranger?” or “Why do I have to bear the responsibility of this or that?” We run from the mistakes that our parents made only to find out in principle we’ve actually committed those same blunders.

I’ve had some regretful things I’ve had to face – trust and believe it is a process of letting those things go. In the bigger scheme of things, I can take a look at my life thus far and see that those life events both good and bad ALL have made me to be who I am today!

We often cite Romans 8:28 as the sum of all those things we go through will ultimately be used to our purposed end . It reads:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NKJV

Paul reminds us that we are NOT always promised a rose garden with added cupcakes and sprinkles. He states that as Believers we live this bleak life of “oh woe is me!” however, God is telling us through these scriptures that there is far more that we should look forward to in our sufferings, mistakes, mishaps etc. and that is the end product that will be shown in us! We must remember that where we are weak there is the Holy Spirit to assist us and guide us!

So when you start getting down on your past choices or current situation remember that:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us
Romans 8:18 NKJV

and when it gets hard:

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered
Romans 8:26 NKJV

I trust that anyone who reads this understands that although it (life) can and will bring its challenges, please remember to only rely on God through Jesus Christ! It’s more than “being enough” and feeling filled with affirmations that will only fuel us barely to the next obstacle or event in our life. The only way we are more than enough is Knowing, Believing, Living and Walking in CHRIST!

Leave regret at the doorstep of the past! EVERYTHING that we experience should point to the day in eternity when we are made whole before Him. Until that moment, live your today getting and getting to wholeness on this side of life.

Until Next Time…. Have Faith in God & MOVE Accordingly!

Th33

Today is NOT the Day for Fools

Thr33

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April 1, 2021

To most April 1st aka Aprils Fools Day is day that is recognized by playing jokes on an unsuspecting person and when they fall for the well orchestrated or not so much planned out cape they are dubbed as an April Fool! It’s remarkable how many of us fall for the stunts every year knowing or perhaps forgetting about the day of April 1st.

Here’s a little bit of history about April Fool’s Day:

Prior to the use of the Gregorian Calendar in 1564 April 1, what we now call... April Fool's Day, was observed as the New Year by some cultures. In protest there were many who refused to celebrate Jan 1 as the new day to celebrate the New Year and hence those people were called Fools.

I guess theoretically, I should be saying Happy New Year!

Isn’t it funny how a change of events or how a group can perceive an event can alter history and subsequently change how everyone views a particular day, thought, or action?

We focus a lot on getting to or successfully arriving to a particular day in order to gain the next thing, whether it is fame & fortune, love & marriage, or simply just the day that everyone sees you and accepts you and you accept you. There are a ton of days that each of us honor and if asked would be deemed of great importance however, to another not so much. Paul admonishes us that we should not judge one another based on those observances.

However, there is one day that is SOOO very important and often it isn’t much recognized or thought of in advance. The day I am speaking to the day when you realized that you woke up but not by your own ability. You took in your first waking breath of the day and it wasn’t by your power or design. How about the day when you realized that there’s definitely a greater purpose for your life more than anyone or even yourself could ever imagine. This day that I speak of far outweighs the aforementioned. It is the day when you discovered that you are a sinner and by divine and supernatural intervention, you accepted Christ in your heart and the benefits of His redemptive work on Calvary. The glorious work which makes it possible for anyone of us to go before God and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth!

Just writing this reminds me of the remarkable day it was when I made that realization!

Thank God for Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice!

I am all for rewriting the history of today that is likened to being a joke or shouting out that you’ve been got in yet another “April Fool’s” antics, even it is just for ONE!

If you are reading this and have not yet received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior or you may find that you need to rededicate yourself back to Christ please repeat this prayer:

Heavenly Father, 
I believe that Jesus Christ is Your only begotten Son, that He came down to our earth in the flesh and died on the cross to take away all of my sins and the sins of this world. I believe that Jesus Christ then rose from the dead on the third day to give eternal life to those who believe!

Lord,
I confess to You on this day all of the wrong and sinful things that I have ever done in my life. I ask that You please forgive me and wash away all of my sins by the blood that You have personally shed for me on the cross. I am ready to accept You as my personal Lord and Savior and  I ask that You come into my life and live with me for all of eternity.

1 John 1:9

Psalm 51

If you have read these words sincerely from your heart, you are now born again and know that there are angels of God in heaven now rejoicing! ( Luke 15 8-9 NKJV)

and I rejoice as well!

Until Next Time…

Have Faith in God and Move Accordingly

Thr33

According to…

Thr33

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February 15, 2021

Hola!

I want to thank the last 44 people who decided to follow this blog, although it appears that I have dropped off into the “What in the World is Really Going on in the 2020sphere??” Trust me! I am still here and plugging along. I decided that WHENEVER I have a – hiatus, sabbatical, retreat, or staycation away from If My Words Could Speak I would not return with long drawn out reasons or excuses as to why! If you are reading these words for the first time you’ve never missed me and if you are a recent or long time follower well….. “I’M BACK!” I have definitely missed you! 🙂

I am actually on track for my 2021 schedule to refocus on writing. I feel most comfortable right now in this space – “If My Words Could Speak”. For the past 4 years I have hosted a Vision Board Event and it has transformed into something I get quite a bit of enjoyment from because it provides me an avenue to inspire others through the Truth of God’s Word toward reaching their God given goals. I’ve encouraged the group that I meet with monthly to have a list of things you would like to achieve in 2021….that you have already prayed about and got direction from the Lord, pick target dates for completion, and focus weekly on one or two things at a time. I found this little change of focusing on one to two item per week has eliminated a lot of the feelings of being overwhelmed with this huge list of to do’s. When you’ve accomplished a task or milestone it definitely is an inspiration to keep moving. Now this is the VERY condensed version but if anyone out there is interested in more… Comment down below or like the post!

Now on to what I initially wanted to share (which in a way can be connected to the above). I found myself in a bit of a rut with trying to decide a plan for this blog and other endeavors I wish to do. One of the main reasons, for this rut is simply tied into fighting the urges to be overly consumed with financial provision.

Instead of going with the flow, I get side tracked in the notion of making money to “survive”. Mind you I have been working from home technically prior to our world’s crisis and God has been doing just fine with His end of the deal. My issue begins when I stop doing what “Thus says the Lord..” and start on this detour of the what if this and that and how about and the why nots. I know I am certainly not alone with that endless mind game. Ever so often, I would read a blog or watch a video that basically caused me to snap out of that useless trance leading to nowhere but idle time.

It is very ironic (or is it?) that my devotional scripture today is: Philippians 4:19

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
New King James Version

Now! This scripture gave me the nudge that I needed today BUT it wasn’t this alone that fueled me to just power up my computer and begin to type. “What was it?” you ask? Well it was preceding scriptures Paul wrote to the Believers in Philippi. He said to them to never be anxious for anything and when it starts to get overwhelming to think on the things that he taught them… basically remember the Word of God! He also thanked them for their support in his time of dire need at which then says to them, …”And my God shall supply ALL your need according to His riches in glory BY Christ Jesus” (emphasis mine).

See often times we forget that we are to service others whether it is to those doing the ministry work of sharing God’s Word or His ministry work of taking care of those who are less fortunate then we are – the homeless, orphaned, distressed, battered, hungry etc. The service that each Believer is responsible for transcends our own needs or understanding of anything that we are going through. We cannot expect to reap the benefits of what that one verse in scripture says and forget about the ENTIRE(chapter) or premise of what God is saying here through Paul.

I’ve been encouraged today to continue to do my part to help those who are less fortunate AND also, to exercise my gifts and passion for writing about and sharing His Word through my experiences.

Until Next Time…

Have Faith in God and Move Accordingly

Thr33

When Pain Tries to Dictate Your Identity

Thr33

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September 16, 2020

We describe ourselves by our pain. Meaning the negative things that happened to you; the things that hurt you or damaged your spirit can define who you are. Wow! My husband spoke life to me about how he sees me in relation to my gifting, my talents etc. His encouragement (unbeknownst to him) was an answer to a cry out to God to give me direction on how I should be using my gifts, as I know that it is imperative that I not bury my talents. I knew while he spoke to me that the Lord was using him and I received it as such… but did I? I went to sleep that night thinking wow God you are listening. The next morning I don’t get up enthusiastic about the encouragement I received the previous night however, there was an aura of me feeling overwhelmed by where to begin?!? In light of all we are going through (in the world right now) I am playing on this emotional trip that I waited too late… there is too much ground I have to make up. How can you hear from God so clearly but lack the motivation or fuel to just do it?

This post is me being transparent… a place where I believe is a benefit to both myself and someone else. I am moving… I’m pressing toward the mark regardless of how I feel TODAY!

Yes, there are may be many areas in your life that have been full of hurt and pain. I too can relate. However, we must continue to move forward through the false notion that the memory of these things mean that they are still being perpetrated or relevant in our life TODAY! I mean yes it happened but didn’t God heal us? Didn’t He deliver us? Didn’t He make us whole?

Who’s report will we believe? The constant portrayal of defeat in our minds and the whispers of the enemy lying and asking us “Did He really do those things for you?” or “Did He really say that?” Or will we believe God’s report that He has called you forth before the very foundation of the world and that He has plans for you!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

Have Faith in God and Move Accordingly

Until Next Time Thr33

#Restart2020 – On The Eighth Day…

Thr33

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August 8, 2020

WOW It has been twenty-two years, since I’ve given my life to the Lord! Where has the time gone!? It’s just amazing to me reflecting on how much the Lord as changed ME and my life! Well, I certainly will not begin to tout as though I have arrived however, in the process of looking at the areas I need improvement on I had to really take an assessment on how far He has brought me.

I have been delivered from false doctrine and religious manipulation. I have been delivered from natural and spiritual fornication! I have been delivered from a root of bitterness and unforgiveness! I could go on and on! Having this testimony does not by no means imply that I have “arrived” No! – simply put – He is definitely NOT done with me yet! I am simply giving the Lord the Glory that goes all to Him. So I am mentioning all of this?

Well to be perfectly transparent with you, with all of the glory God gets out of my life by said deliverance, there is a deeper level of deliverance that He requires. We must seek it, get it and maintain it. It is just not enough to hold on to the obvious progression in the Lord, but as a mentioned in a previous post we must always take another look at our relationship with God. This is imperative because if done correctly, we will find the little things we’ve let creep back in and hinder or dare I say break that fellowship with God. I am reminded of a scripture that says,

Catch the foxes for – the little foxes that ruin the vineyards for our vineyards are in bloom. Song of Solomon 2:15 (HCSB)

This simply means that there are little things that come in to ruin or destroy the fruit that we as Believers should be producing. One bible study reference suggest that those things that ruin our fruit are the sins of the Spirit, which are things that go unnoticed if we are not paying attention. They are listed in study in three categories (Dixon, 2015):

Secret Sins Hidden in our Heart – jealousy, pride (Psalm 51:10)
Things we Say/Speak – (James 1:19, Psalm 141:3)
How we behave or act – (Galatians 6:10, Ephesians 4:3)

Wow! That’s something! Usually, we focus on what we consider the obvious sins or the aka “big sins” and totally miss the fact that we treat others badly, have a ferocious mouth or have a tad bit of jealousy toward someone. The truth of the matter is these are detrimental to our spiritual growth. If we are honest with ourselves we are certainly guilty of any of those issues.

Guess what? There is always good news! There is a weapon we can use to kill those “little foxes” and of course it is found in His Word! God’s Word tell us that the way we should deal with the lust of flesh is to ensure that we are walking in the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote to the Galatians in order to not to fulfill the lust of the flesh we are to walk (continually) in the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³^g]”>[g]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:23-26 NKJV

We must acknowledge ALL of the areas that are detrimental to our spiritual growth and cultivate the spiritual areas that will lead to a solid relationship with God through Christ Jesus.

Until Next Time….

Thr33

*Dixon, F. (2015, December 15). Study 5 THE LITTLE FOXES THAT SPOIL THE VINES. Retrieved August 8, 2020, from https://www.wordsoflife.co.uk/bible-studies/study-5-the-little-foxes-that-spoil-the-vines/

#Restart2020 On the Third Day

Thr33

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August 3, 2020

Hola!

Yes, Yes, Yes. Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. It’s been a minute and I am very excited to pull out my dusty virtual pen and pad and get to writing! What better time than now during #Restart month!

This year I am going back to my old school journaling, with no particular topic in mind but with the full intent to do the following:

Take on a full assessment of my walk with Christ. (Prayer, Study)
Write down key prayer points for myself (and family)
Daily Devotions & Encouragement
Write, write, write!

I will be using various bible study tools, devotionals and other aids. I will be sure to include or reference if any post is related to those tools.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to periodically take a look at where we are as it relates to our walk with the Lord.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” Philippians 2:12 New King James

I certainly don’t mean to insinuate that we have some form of performance record or report well on second thought… Do we? We are to give an account for what we’ve done as Believers during our tenure here on earth… right? So, with that being said, I think it would definitely be in our benefit to seek out the Lord for guidance (in His Word) on our shortcomings and areas that we let sin.. yes I said SIN creep back into our lives.

The Word of God gives us many examples of how God’s people erred and the common thread that is woven among all of those accounts are the recognition of said err or sings and repentance.

Join me once again, as I take this journey with the hopes of inspiring you to do the same!

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17 NKJV

Until next time!

Thr33

#Restart2020

Monday Motivation

June 25, 2018

Monday Motivation (1)

Oh! How Soon We Forget!

Thr33

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January 22, 2018

Last night while I was relaxing on my bed perusing through YT vids to review, I looked thought my recommended videos and one in particular yelled out to me. It read, “How God Gave Me My Apartment” on YT channel called Wonderful Acts. This young woman was a breath of fresh air compared to the many other “recommendations” suggested to me. As I began to listen to her story about how the Lord blessed her with a beautiful apartment, I began to tear up. I heard a whisper, “Do you remember…” I thought about clicking out of the video in order to keep my composure. I felt like if I heard another second I would just burst into tears. Again, I heard a whisper, “Do you remember….” I knew all too well, to whom that voice belonged! I forced myself to listen to the rest of her miraculous story of obedience, persistent prayer, and the Lord proving Himself through every step of her journey. The fact that in the end the Lord blessed with the apartment was really the cherry on top of this entire situation. The blessing was the reminder of how sweet and awesome it is to have a relationship with the Lord!

Yes! Lord I remember! I remember when I trusted in your Word! I remember when I walked by faith and not by sight! I remember when I was willing to do the ridiculous, not to receive a blessing but so that You would be glorified! Yes, Lord I remember when I felt your Holy Spirit with me throughout the day and how I was comforted by your very presence even during my darkest hours. Yes, Lord I Remember!

How often do we get consumed with this so-called “life”, that we forget who and what keeps us whole, free, secure and LIVING!

Let us begin today with first asking the Lord to forgive us for putting things before Him. We ask Lord that you help us to recognize that although we have necessary things to accomplish each day that we never put them before our fellowship and devotion to You! Lord continue to guide and protect us in this life, as there are many distractions that end up leading us away from you. Remind us daily that we are vessels to be used by You! In Jesus’ precious, name Amen!

Until Next Time…

Bask Every Day in His Presence! Need I say more?

VMC

#Restart 2017 – Day Twenty-Two – I Digress… or Did I?

Thr33

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August 22, 2017

Good Twenty Second day of the Eighth month of the Year of our Lord Two Thousand and Seventeen!

Yeah, I know that was a bit much HOWEVER, that is how it is sometimes. We have to go over the top to make a point. On Day Twenty-One, whilst brainstorming how I would tie the day into Part II of Your Dreams versus God’s Plans, I decided to take a short break and watch one of the YouTube vloggers I follow. The topic in general was around making the time to do what you want to accomplish. I immediately clicked to view since I am definitely on that struggle bus. I began to listen and take mental notes on what’s being said, when the speaker mentioned something about their zodiac sign and how it correlates to their preference in how they live their life or something to that nature. Just as quickly as I had clicked to view this video, I quickly paused. I immediately had a questioning attitude. Why, you might ask? Well I am glad you asked.

The speaker is a professing Believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and what struck me is that they openly professed acceptance and consideration of the zodiac/astrology in their life choices and /or preferences. I immediately made a status comment on my social media, which said…

Hey… How you? Can I ask you something? You’re a Believer right? Ok… So explain to me your relationship with the zodiac?

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a swarm of answers, however I did get one that spoke to the exact point I wanted to make – WITCHCRAFT. If we are ALL referencing and living from the same BIBLE, there are many scriptures that speak against us relying on and/or consulting those who practice such things.

Astrology – The observation of sun, moon, planets, and stars for the purpose of determining someone character traits, personality, and the course of events for the individual’s life. (Biblegateway.com)

Here some scriptures for your Berean pleasure:

Isaiah 4713; 2 Kings 17:16; Jeremiah 10:2; Amos 5:25-27.

Divination – Attempts to discover the unknown or the future by supernatural means, involving communication with the spirit world. (Biblegateway.com)

Leviticus 19:26 reads, “Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment [using omens or witchcraft], nor observe times [predict events by horoscope or signs and lucky days]” (KJV; [Amplified emphasis]).

Clearly as Believers when we practice such things, we invite an element into our life. When doing such things you give the enemy foothold in your life because put YOU put yourself in his sights and territory. We cannot say that we trust in the Lord with all of our heart & soul, claim that He will direct our path AND at the same time ascribe to practices that He said is directly linked to witchcraft!

Until Next Time… Please consider these words, repent and renounce those practices TODAY!

VMarie

#Restart2017 – Day Fourteen & Fifteen – Part 1: Your Dreams vs. God’s Plans

Thr33

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August 15, 2017

Good Day!

The beginning of the week is usually dubbed the “maniac” part of the workweek. It is, for most of us, the start just after our 48 hour time away from our jobs. How often do we dream of never having to punch in/out, be our own boss or simply work less get paid more (or at least the same). Right? We often think this way because we have this idea that being able to do those things will require little or no effort. We imagine that our lives would be more fulfilled and/or happy, if we were able to only work a 3-Day workweek or run the show. We dream up this plan and when the opportunity comes, we take it! However, after a few months, we are just as lost and/or unmotivated as before. Unfulfilled, confused, lost and stumped as to how we got where we’ve landed.

How did you get here? Where you ask?

In a place were your “dreams” or the plans you have for your life, are not being fulfilled or coming to past and you are basically not satisfied with what you thought you were meant to do?

Before we begin to answer that… Let’s define the word – Dream.

When we think of the word dream, we usual refer to those times when we have a series of thoughts and/or images while we are sleeping. A dream can also be related to our ambitions, goals for our life or the fantasies we create about the life we wished we had.

Now I am not here to rain on your dream parade or neither am I a “dream killer”! On the contrary, I am here to get you (and me) to thinking about those things we dream of or our ambitions. Again before you answer that very first question, answer the questions below…

Who is the originator of your dreams (ambitions, goals)? (Jeremiah 1:5)
Is your life dream, ambitions, goals sanctioned by the Lord? (Jeremiah 29:11)
Have you asked the Lord about them? (Proverbs 16:3)
Does your dream, ambitions, goals fulfill God’s ultimate plan for your life? (1 John 2:16-17)

I will leave you here on this Tuesday to mull over the previous questions. I also invite you to read and meditate over the scriptures next to each question.

Part II of Your Dreams vs. God’s Plans will be posted on Thursday!

Until The Next Time…. Live Each Day as Directed by the Lord!

VMarie