I came across this video on youtube from the skit guys. I really love their videos and the messages they share. I wanted to share this one with you…maybe you can share it with someone else too.
Pray Courageously
1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.”
I read this passage in my devotional the other night. Not for any particular reason but just because I opened my bible to it. You ever have those moments? Sure you do. We all do. But then we feel like it was “meant to be” because we always find some meaning in it. I was really taken with this scripture because it stands out in the midst of telling of how so and so was born from so and so and then lived to be such and such and begot so and so. Then out of the blue we learn about this guy Jabez. Jabez means pain or sorrow. Scholars believe that Jabez’s mother gave him this name because she bore him in pain or sorrow that was exceptionally more than normal child births for child birthing is painful in general. They also believe that she named him this as a memorandum to remember to thank God for bringing her out of this pain. Jabez was more “honorable” than his brothers meaning he was more courageous and pious than his brothers. The Jews say that he was a doctor of the law and created many disciples. He asked God to bless him and enlarge his territory which scholars think refer to the war with the Canaanites. He asked for protection and to be free from pain. Some people think this was a selfish prayer but we see that God granted his request indicating Jabez’s motive was sincere for God looks at a man’s heart and knows his motives.
One thing I can say is that God is given the glory through this passage in the bible. Jabez’s circumstance at birth could have ended in his death, his mother’s death or both but God allowed them both to live. Jabez grew up in a time of war and could have been negatively overcome by his surroundings. But Jabez prayed a courageous prayer and God granted his request.
I am inspired by this man that we know so little about to pray more courageously to the Living and True God in the midst of trouble or challenge.
If you’d like to read more about this prayer (because lot’s of people have things to say about it) here is a link.
God Bless
My Impact 11 Journey
I’m starting a new series to share with you about my trip to the Impact Conference in December. It was truly a life changing experience for me. And guess what? It’s happening again this year in New Orleans!
Thanks for watching!
Playing Dress-up
Do you ever notice how little kids don’t care what other people think? My daughter loves to play dress up. In fact she will put together several outfits throughout the day and change as the mood hits her. I can tell she feels very “princessy” in the most elaborate of her dress up clothes. Sometimes she will put her bathing suit on with a cropped jacket and jeans, or a church dress with her favorite polka dotted leggings…that I had to cut into shorts due to an annoying hole in the knee. Children aren’t worried about what other people think of them. In fact the only person my daughter cares to ask how something looks is me, her mother. I’m always careful when I answer her. Although I wouldn’t let her go to certain events in her outfits I do try to encourage her creativity and style because I’m proud of her and want to nurture that boldness to be herself.
What happens as we grow up? We come up against disappointment, disapproval, obstacles or ridicule for the things we do or love that are unique. It takes courage to continue to follow our dreams or live unconventional lives. Even if you must work a 9-5 job it takes extra time and energy to pursue your passions outside of your job. Whether it’s family, scrap booking, or pottery these are special and unique things that God has gifted humanity with. As we pursue our passions during our lifetime the only person we should be trying to please is God our Father. As a parent it gives me joy to see my children grow and use their gifts and develop their interests. I believe that God would feel the same way as we use our gifts for His glory. The bible talks about not putting your lamp under a bowl or hiding your talent in the ground like the lazy servant but instead to shine your light and invest in what God has given you.
Today I want to encourage you to pray and ask God how you can better use your gifts and talents. I know it will not only bless you but someone else as well.
God Bless.
Impact 11
Happy New Year!
I’m back from one of the most tiring but rewarding weeks of my life! From the 26th of December to January 3rd I spent with the Impact Ministry in New Orleans, LA. And wow!! What a city! Full of life and vibrancy, tradition and artistic expression! While New Orleans is a hopping city, the effects of Katrina are still evident in certain areas. With crumbling architecture and struggling youth. On the day of outreach we partnered with a local church to do an outdoor concert coupled with sharing the gospel with the local community. All around us were young men mostly riding around off to do no good so we were told by the older community members. At one of the testimonials after the day of outreach a young lady shared how a young man she witnessed to decided not to shoot someone like he had originally planned after hearing the gospel! What I really appreciated was the fact that we partnered with a bible teaching church that we could send people to after we shared Jesus with them so they could continue to grow spiritually. This church was so gracious to support us and provide us with a delicious lunch of authentic red beans and rice!
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God has done so much in my life this week through the amazing speakers, seminars and relationships that I was able to build. He has taught me to let go and let Him work things out when I was feeling stressed. He has taught me to not look to others for validation of what I know He has called me in and also that together we can accomplish so much more than alone.
Please go to my youtube channel for more videos on the journey to Impact 11!
Impact 11
Lord, break my “J”
I have recently been very interested in personality types since starting my work with Impact. I am fascinated by how God has created and orchestrated characterstics in different personality types to complement one another to get work done and make life more…interesting! Seriously, it’s been awesome. My husband and I have been discussing our differences and studying up on our personality types just to get to know one another better. Some summaries on the web are at best okay while others do a great job of going into detail. Of course they do not take into account spirituality and the fact that we really do not fit into one box. We also change and adapt as we grow older and although we might have natural tendancies we may have learned to compensate for those weaknesses through experience. Overall my personality type is pretty on point for a traditional INFJ. It’s full of contradictions, intuition and passion. One contradiction that I do fall into is that I am introverted intuition with extroverted feelings. Therefore when I’m excited or passionate about something I will behave like an extrovert but when I withdraw and act like an introvert or process quietly like an introvert it can throw people off.
I think recently the judgment (J) part of my personality has been challenged. I don’t like open ended conclusions at all. I like to have structure and a plan and when those are not there I get stressed. However, when working in ministry you MUST learn to be flexible. Plans are good but ultimately God decides what’s going down and what’s going away! So in light of all this I’ve asked God to break my “J” and cause me to submit peacefully to the unknown…because HE knows it! Being a volunteer has taught me to be flexible and go with the flow. It’s been hard but rewarding. It’s my first day and God has already done some amazing things in my day! I will be sharing more later so please check back!
God Bless!
Hanging out with the Impact Movement
Where you been at, Dija? Well I’ve been around trying to enjoy the holiday season. I don’t know where to start so much has been happening and I really have missed blogging and making videos for youtube. It’s funny because I’ve been editing more than ever lately! Just not for myself. I’ve been working with a group called The Impact Movement which is a part of Campus Crusade for Christ targeted at those of African Descent. I was a part of a Campus Crusade Church in college and it was pretty awesome. Shout out to Grace Campus at Purdue University! Woot! Woot! Okay bring it down now, Dija. Well this summer I got connected with Rasool Berry who is the Director of the Summer Mission Music project for Impact and from there was connected with Steve Gaskin who is an MC with Level 3:16. By the way they are my FAVORITE HIP HOP group. Crazy!
Steve Gaskin and two others wrote a wonderful play to use as a mission project. To introduce this play to possible candidates of the future summer mission project a 15 minute section will be performed in New Orleans next week at the National Impact Movement Conference! So I have been co-directing, and acting and working on videos for this conference like a mad woman! But through the process I have made some new friends and learned a lot about myself. Most of all I learned that God never forgets His children. I know that this was appointed. I’ve met others who are just as passionate (if not more) about using their gifts and talents for the Lord. It has been a great encouragement to me.I am so blessed!
With that in mind have a beautiful Christmas! I have some more exciting news I can’t wait to share after Christmas!
Here is one of the videos I worked on for the conference.
God Bless
How to make a Pinecone and Poinsettia Wreath
Hey it’s about that time for a holiday Craft! I’ve been wanting to make a pinecone inspired wreath for a while. I finally had the chance to sit down and make my own version. I hope you enjoy this easy Holiday Craft!
Happy December…I suck!
I was thinking…I’m glad that God doesn’t act like a tired, overwhelmed mother. He is patient and kind. He wants us to bring Him our troubles. 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to cast our cares upon Him for He cares for us. Here is a little video I made for you.
