GEMS for Women After God's Own Heart

One Day At a Time

2009-07-14T07:30:00.002-04:00

The laundry is piling up. I just cleaned the kitchen floor and now it is dirty again!
The dust is just turning everything into clouds of shades of grey!
Did I remember to pay the bill for the phone?
The pictures that are supposed to be hung are still hanging...ON THE FLOOR, waiting to get put up! And I sometimes feel the urge to try and do it ALL in one day.

This is what causes the stress and then I start to almost panic because the house is not organized and clean the way I dream and desire it to be. And some days become so sad for me because I feel like I have too much clutter. I've gotten rid of so much and yet I look around in the different rooms of the house and see things piled up everywhere (yep THINGS).

And then I ask myself, "Why in the world are you still smiling?" Because no matter what, it's all about taking care of family- living each day one day at a time. Now I sometimes want to knock myself upside the head because part of me wants to be livid from not having things they way I feel they need to be done. Then the other part of me just wants to go with the flow. Having a 10-month old and a 5-year old brings many surprises throughout the day. And though I try to work on SOME TYPE of schedule, things always change because something new always pops up- mostly- on a daily basis. Yes, the something new every day is pretty much consistent...can I get an Amen? :)

So when you are feeling the need to scream, to just let out a cry of frustration from ALL that you STILL HAVE LEFT TO DO- just remember God knows what He is doing with us. Just let Him lead. Take it one day at a time. That's all we can do. Pray about it. Ask Him to help you manage throughout the day to keep that peace He has already provided there in us. Breathe. Smile. Relax. This is part of life and it continues on whether we get the house the way we want to OR NOT.

Take it one day at a time- don't let it get to you. Please note that I am preaching to myself as I journal this entry! Try smiling: think of something you are thankful for. Try to do this each day of this week. Feel free to share how it goes. This helps us to stay focused on peace, rest, and sanity.

One day at a time...I'll pray for you and please do the same for me.

Let's make it a STRESS-FREE week!

Enjoy!

Get active this week!

2009-06-29T13:22:00.005-04:00

"Beloved I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" 3 John 1:2.

Okay so we hear about it, we read about it and we see on television ALL the time the importance of exercise for healthy happy bodies! Although this is nothing new, I encourage you, better yet I challenge you to do at least 15 minutes of exercise each day of this week, starting TODAY!

Here are some suggestions for ways you can get active this week:

(1) If you have little ones, hit the trails, neighborhood, track, etc. Get out the stroller(s) and

if you have toddlers and walking children, then challenge them to a short race. Get that

heart rate going and you're on your way!

(2) If you're inside your home, jog up and down the stairs for 5 minutes or more! Whoooa- I've

done this and MAN- it wore me out!

(3) Put on your favorite jams/music and dance for 15 minutes! Inside, outside! Doesn't matter

and if you have your little ones encourage them to join you!

(4) Grab your girls, guys, family and plan a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood, local

track, or walking trail. While walking TALK...if you're with your girls well no more needs

be said as WE HAVE MUCH TO TALK ABOUT! If you're with family: then just talk about

how your day has been going and plans for a family trip, etc.

(5) Let's HULA-HOOOOOO! Do you have a hula hoop? If you don't then I encourage you to get

one and hula your way to happier healthier hearts! Try it for 10 minutes then try and

gradually add more minutes! Wow this is soooooo much fun!

Get your heart rate going! There are so many ways to get active this week! Check out

http://www.prevention.com for tips to get started with exercising!

Best wishes to you! Get MOVIN'!

A Day of Bunny Trails...

2008-12-06T17:04:00.005-05:00

Long time no blog right (laugh/smile)?

Forgive me for not journaling as regularly as I have purposed.
The birth of a new little boy, pre-school for my almost 5-yr. old, and a new burst of energy has
kept me pretty busy during this Fall season!

The title of this entry has been inspired by a friend and neighbor of mine who talks about her bunny trails. Bunny trails (according to her definition) are thoughts that rapidly run around in your mind (thinking about what's for dinner, tasks for the week, projects that are overdue, appointments, dreams, ANYTHING that hops all around in your head)!

This entry will be just random thoughts that have been running around in my head, that I hope and pray will make you smile, laugh, cry, and most importantly be INSPIRED!

So here are just SOME of my bunny trails (Thanks Jamecia for this term: I love it!) I would like to share with you:

A View Like No Other: Atlantic City:
The view from this room is breath-taking! The boys are sleep and my family is out and about
as I sit here at the desk in our room watching the beautiful view from the Water Tower at the Borgata. This is my first time here and since I have some quiet time right now I thought I would get started on my blog (it's been a long time). I have so many creative thoughts going through my mind along with all the TASKS that need to get done for my family, for me, and for other organizations I am involved in (here comes the bunny trails...). Yet I can't seem to get my mind off this amazing view! I love all the flashy lights and watching the headlights of all the cars below cruising around beautiful AC (Atlantic City)! And I now look at both of my boys who are so peacefully sleeping: what a blessing and a joy!

Stop living in fear! Start living in confidence!:
Hmmm, that sounds pretty good! I am so afraid of other people's opinions and thoughts, that I have kept all my own thoughts and creative ideas to myself. And yet God is always working on me bringing me up and out of my shell. I must say it is pretty hard, coming out because I am so used to just bottling all that I want to say, give, and do in and it has become a comfort zone for me. I fear my own confidence. Does that make any sense? And there is this feeling inside of me that says, "Fear, you are no match for me and my confidence! You are just a distraction. I have God on my side and He is always there to bring out the confidence He has in me. So go away!"

So I try to stay focused on this feeling! With God, all things are possible! His way is THE way!

Don't Try to Out Smart Time:
Every time I try to say to myself, "Okay I am going to do X at this time today, then Y, then after I am done with those, then Z." "Yea right!" Time says to me! Who am I kidding? There is NOT enough time in the day....you know the saying! We always think we have time to do all the things we want to do. Yet with kids, chores, school, and appointments, doing it ALL ain't gonna happen! And sometimes, when I don't get what is on my list done, I sit still breathe, then all of a sudden tears begin to run down my face. And I just feel so overwhelmed. And sometimes it feels good to get the cry out because I know that it is okay to cry. I close my eyes as I cry and sometimes my 4yr. old may catch me and ask, "Mommy are you okay?" And I say, "Yes sweetie Mommy is doing just fine." The funny thing is that I am doing just fine. Even though it is sometimes overwhelming, I refuse to let it get the best of me. So I no longer try to out smart Time because Time is so precious. And if more of my time and attention needs to be shifted towards my boys, instead of those things on The List, then so be it.

So when I cry, it's like God comes over to my side, grabs my shoulder and says, "April, it's all good because I want you to enjoy life. Stop wasting time worrying about the fact that you don't have time! And start living peacefully because I will take care of it all." And then at that moment, I sometimes cry even more because He is so right and it feels so good to know that He is there. Of course I couldn't have the positive and peaceful attitude that I have- without Him.

It feels good to cry and smile at the same time! Ever done it? I encourage you to give it a try.
When you feel so stressed, when you feel overwhelmed, and the tears begin to flow, let go and let God. When you think of Him I guarantee you'll begin to smile, maybe even give a laugh!

And then the bunny trails cease for just a moment as you stop to focus on Him for just that period of time.
They (bunny trails) return and the cycle continues. Just knowing that God is there with me each and every time makes it ALL WORTH IT!

Enjoy your bunny trails and don't let it take charge. Give it all to Him!

Until the next entry.....

Love & Many Blessings
- - ats

Weekly GEMS Inspiration: Are You Listening? August 10, 2008

2008-08-10T09:00:00.004-04:00

Are you listening to Him? Often times we pray and ask God to answer our prayers. Yet we forget that He wants us to wait silently upon Him; to Be still and just listen to Him? I encourage you this week to take intimate, personal time with the Lord to just be still and listen to Him after you have prayed. What is He telling you? It is important that we listen to Him so that He can speak to our hearts. Prayer is important. God hears our prayers. He also expects us to obediently listen to Him. He desires to speak to our hearts and so I challenge you this week to make the time to listen to Him? Are you listening? Blessings to you

The Power of Love

2008-07-21T08:36:00.006-04:00

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever shall believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16, KJV). I memorized this verse when I was starting out in college. I do not remember how I came to this verse. I do believe that God brought it to me because I love the word LOVE and the word LOVE means everything. God uses the word LOVE plenty of times throughout the bible and it is no mystery why He created us. He created us because He loves us, because He wants us to enjoy life to the fullest, and because He wants us to love others just as He loves us unconditionally. Powerful! Love is powerful!

And I wonder all the time why we put on the act of HATE in a world where God created love. Where do you stand in Love? Have you asked God for the power to love? It (love) is already within each and every one of us. We must constantly be in prayer as we love one another on a daily basis. There are many times where the flesh gets control (through our own surrendering to it) and we sometimes lose it. Then we start to curse people, call each other names, commit violent acts towards one another, and selfishly deny one another just because of the hurt that has been inflicted on us. Yet we deny God and He STILL loves us! How is that possible?

God forgives us of our sins no matter what we do in this world. God speaks to our hearts because He knows that we are His children and that one day we will come to Him in obedience, love, and peace. He created us in His image (Genesis 1:26). For this we are eternally grateful. God commands us to love one another as He loves us. This is the greatest command from Him and it is up to us to obey this commandment. Where is your obedience? Are you committing to love? Is your heart right where God wants it to be- in love?

Thank you Lord for the power of love. We are grateful Father for you loving us in spite of our faults. You love us even while we are still sinners. Your love holds the key to life everlasting! May we humbly submit ourselves to you so that love overflows in and through us as we share your word with others so that it may be a loving blessing. It is in Jesus name we love and believe. Amen.

May the Lord keep you in His love. Many blessings :)

- ats

God's Design of Man: A Poem Tribute to All Fathers for Father's Day

2008-06-23T21:25:00.003-04:00

For Father's Day I wrote a poem for the fathers of our church family, to be presented on Father's Day during service. The poem is entitled God's Design of Man. It was on my heart one day to praise the wonderful men of God that work hard to support their families under the wisdom and guidance of the Lord.

GOD’S DESIGN OF MAN

Son of God.
Son of Man.
Created in His image.
Part of God’s perfect plan.

Provider. Overseer.
Called to lead.
Tiller of the land.
Father of his seed.

Disciple. Minister.
Preacher of God’s Word.
Anointed by His grace.
This- God has assured.

Dad. Uncle.
Brother. Son.
A man of hard labor.
God’s chosen one.

Grandfather. Great-Grandfather.
Husband and friend.
Loved and admired by his family.
He truly is a God-Send.

Teacher. Counselor.
A man on the rise.
Laced with integrity.
Encouraging and wise.

Leader. Protector.
Strong and mighty is He.
Full of the Holy Spirit.
A supportive help to those in need.

Son of God.
Son of man.
Created in His image.
Part of God’s perfect plan.

On this day we thank God for all that you do.
On this day we praise…we honor- - the FATHER in YOU!
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!

It's Time to Love YOU!

2008-04-30T00:01:00.005-04:00

As women on the go we have a million things in our heads that keep us occupied daily. And often times we forget about taking care of US in the process. I believe God has created us as women of virtue because we care so much for people. God created us women to embrace others, nurture others, and give to others in ways that are not our ways, but God's ways.

And many times I wonder, "How in the world did I do all that I have done with just being one person with only two hands?" It is clear that God has purposefully chosen us, as women, to carry out His will for us as wives, as mothers, as professionals, and as daughters. For these attributes, we ought to be grateful for the truth that He never puts more on us than we can bare.

Have you ever felt like giving up because you felt so overwhelmed? I have on a number of occasions because it is sometimes difficult to deal with all that we deal with in just one day! Do you get stuck in routine and do you feel like you're living a stagnant life? Even though God uniquely created us as empowering women full of love, care, and compassion, He also created us to take advantage of the Life He has so graciously provided for us to live. The abundant life is worth living. What do you think when you see "Abundant Living?" I envision Life full of zeal, passion, peace, joy, love overflowing that is accessible to us as long as we take the time and access it!

3 John 1:2 says, "Beloved I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers." That sums it up pretty much. God wants for us to be in divine health. He created us to be this way. So it is imperative that we take care of ourselves in the midst of all the chaotic hustle that we endure on a daily basis. It is a prerequisite for abundant living!

I can think of many examples of times where I've worked to make sure everyone else's needs were being met. Yet I so easily forgot about my needs. It is easier, I believe, to meet others' needs than it is to meet our own needs. I forget that God wants to take care of me TOO. And of course God wants us to care for others and love one another as He so graciously loves us. We must always remember to take time to love ourselves somewhere in the process!

Are you taking breaks between your busy shift to take care of you? You have laundry waiting to be washed and folded, but have you taken the time to just love you? Rooms in your household have to get organized and clean. But are you making the time to love you?

"Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom. AND on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household..." - - Proverbs 31: 25-27

"Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates."
- - Proverbs 31:31.

God has blessed us tremendously through our works, through our acts of kindness, and through our nurturing love He has so freely given us as virtuous women. And for that alone, is why we must take time to love ourselves! God has created us to BE virtuous women. He has purposed in His heart for us to be worth far more than rubies. God has plans for us as women who fear Him.

And we are to take hold of what He has called us to do. I am at a point in my life where I want to take time to love myself by spending more intimate time with the Lord. He is everything to me and trying to find 10 minutes of my time just to worship Him lays such a heavy guilt on me. And I thank Him for loving me anyway. I give God 25% of me, and yet God gives me 100% of Him. And He still loves me in spite of my cheap giving of me to Him! How powerful is that?

I strive to give God more of me. And in taking time to love, I seek to use that time to think of His goodness, think of His sacrifices, and think of His commitment to abide in me so long as I abide in Him! Wow, it's simply amazing, and I don't want to take it for granted. How about you? This is the day that the Lord HAS made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. This is what we ought to keep our minds on as we take time for ourselves.

God has humbly created us so that we may have abundant life and enjoy all the fruits of His labor. Isn't it time we stop for a minute and meditate on His creations, on His wonders? The time to Love you is NOW. What are you going to do to take time to love yourself? When are you going to start? The time is now and we cannot waste another minute. Be thankful that you are still here to reap the wonders of His love. I urge you to start now. Take time to love you!

Inhale. Exhale and as you exhale, say aloud the following statement:
I'm living Life. I'm loving me!
Repeat this three times. Smile as you exhale each time and make the statement.

I'm living Life. I'm loving me. How about you?

Have a splendid week!
Until next time...
--Many Blessings,
ats

Obedience to Serve

2008-04-01T00:04:00.009-04:00

March has flown by and I am trying to catch up with the monthly blogs!
So we are here in the last day of the month of March.
A new month is now here and Spring has just begun.

I have been thinking a lot about my obedience to the Lord and His calling for my life.
This past resurrection weekend I had the opportunity to discuss the Purpose Driven Life with my family and there was great discussion surrounding God's purpose for our lives.

And lately I have been feeling a bit hindered and deterred from what I feel God has purposed for me to do next in this purpose driven journey. It has been difficult trying to determine where I am to go next in serving Christ. There is a tug of war going on within me that has been hindering my obedience to serve. I have been feeling a bit discouraged, yet still thirsty to serve the Lord and commit myself to Him.

"What is this tug of war that is going on inside me," I ask myself. And I see that God is ready for me to move forward with what He has called me to do. It is exciting yet exhilarating all at the same time. Some emotional ride you may think!

I feel God asking me, "Where is your obedience to serve me?" And I have a hidden fear of what will happen once I surrender my obedience completely to Him.

And then I refer to the scripture on my shirt from when I was a greeter in my previous church in Michigan that says, "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land..."
- - - Isaiah 1:19

This scripture has inspired me and encouraged me to stay focused on God's obedience. We shall "eat the good of the land" if we are willing and obedient. Are you obedient to the Lord? Are you serving the Lord in obedience? If not, then what is holding you back from obeying God? If we are not willing to serve in obedience then we are not willing to receive what God has promised us.

What will you need to be obedient to in serving Christ?

Until next time...

Love & Many Blessings,
ats

The Beat of a New Love

2008-02-28T15:02:00.013-05:00

Have you been basking in the gift of love this February?

I love this scripture and the impact it has on my heart:

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

- - - - - - 1 Corinthians 13:13

I have entered and discovered a new love. We are expecting with our second child.

I am currently 14.5 wks. along and we just had our second OB/GYN appointment on Feb. 21. Feb. 21 is the day that I truly discovered my new love. This is the day that we were able to hear the baby's heartbeat and boy what a feeling. I mean here I have my 4-yr. old son and he is my love, my life, my joy. And I am thinking oh gosh: he is my son and will I be able to love another? Yet as soon as my Dr. put the tool to hear the baby's heartbeat to my lower abdomen area, we heard the strong beat of a new love! Amazing I tell you. And from then on out I was smitten by this little one growing inside of me. The blessings that God gives is unbelievable. He is without a doubt the lover of my soul as the song says!

Let's just say that this pregnancy is very different from the first one (smile). I am more nervous with this one because I wonder if I'll be able to manage TWO little ones, if I'll be able to survive as we add on to our family, and of course these are all feelings of the flesh.

Because when I think about the Lord, how He created us, how He loves us faults and all, how He battles on the front lines for us: it all comes back to Jesus. Did He survive in the midst of all the temptations, the tests, and the persecutions while walking this earth? Did He manage to love everyone no less, no different, and without judgment? And the response to these questions is simply a bold YES!

1 John 2:23 says:
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

As I read and reflect on this scripture I think about, not only my loved ones, and even brothers/sisters in Christ I don't know well, but I now think of my little one growing inside of me and how much love I have for this one because Jesus laid down His life for us, through God's love, so I ought to do for my little one. And that gives me great joy because I know the sacrifices involved and it is often hard to do (sacrifice), but we know the love that God has implanted in all of us and in His son.

To be gifted with another child is a truly treasured gift from the Lord and I don't take it for granted. This new arrival that will come into our family in August or September will be just another witness to God's immeasurable blessings.

I praise God for His greatness because He delivers us from all that harms us. There is nothing greater than His love. Have you called your loved ones to tell them you love them? Did you hug your sweetie today and show your love?

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. - - 1 John 4:11

The scripture consistently talks about God's love for us. If we do not love, then we do not know God because God is love (1 John 4:8). It is that simple. If we do not love, and we have bitterness, anger, malice towards one another, then we do not know God. We must retain in our minds and in our hearts that God is love and to know God is to love!

May the Lord keep you and bless you as you commit yourself to Him and His love.
May you grow in your love for one another and in your love for Christ. Are you sharing your love with others? Are you sharing God's love with others? God has confessed His love for us in many ways (just look at all the books in the bible and see how good God's love truly is manifested today, tomorrow, and forever).

Love & Many Blessings,
- - ats

Make it Great in 2008!

2008-01-03T20:31:00.000-05:00

Happy Happy New Year Everyone!

Wow, can you believe we are already in a new year?

So 2007 has now passed. Have you left those things that have occurred behind?

Have you moved on from 2007 and pressed forward to 2008?

My Pastor's wife had mentioned during one of our women's ministry sessions that we need to focus on how to make it great in 2008! I love this because this is another year where new blessings, new experiences, and new challenges will spring forth. And the beauty of all of this is that we don't know what new blessings, new experiences, and new challenges will take place for this 2008.

And this is why the bible tells us to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding." God tells us to "acknowledge Him in all thy ways and He shall direct our paths!" (Proverbs 3:5-6). I don't know about you but I am putting my trust in the Lord. Everything I am concerned about, everything that gets me nervous, and everything that gets in the way of my goals- I give it all to the Lord. And that's such a great feeling!

"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - - Psalm 16:11

I like this scripture because here again this shows the faith of putting all our cares upon the Lord for we are confident that He will show us the path of life. And as we head into 2008, let us let God lead us to the path of life for it is already written that He is life and that the joy of the Lord is our strength.

My friends, I challenge you to record in your journals:
What will you do to make it great in 2008?
(List at least three things you will do to make it great in 2008.)

It is with love and encouragement that I wish you a year of Greatness!

Love & Many Blessings,

-ats

A Reflection for Today

2007-12-13T08:14:00.000-05:00

I was reviewing my family website where my family and I communicate with one another news, updates, events, reminders, etc. It is such a great tool to keep in touch with one another and to openly express our feelings. And I came across a dedication to a family friend who passed last year. He was such a content man and it was his time, at a young age. And I just wanted to share what was on my heart to my family and in dedication to the man that was always so full of joy and love whenever you were around him! Below you will see the dedication to Stanley. He encouraged me and inspired me to share this and I pray that it blesses you as you reflect on today and God's plans for your life.

You Are Not Promised Tomorrow...to Stanley King

My heart is in so much joy right now because God is so good. His love is unconditional and that can never be taken away. I prayed before putting this out. I am merely speaking from my heart and sharing with you God's promise [Love]. Stanley has always expressed love through his actions, through his words, and through his heart. He is the reason I share this with you. With that being said, after hearing about Stanley, my heart feels and expresses the following:
===============================

We live day to day expecting more than what we have been blessed with.

We hurt when something and/or someone hurts us.

We cry tears of joy when something wonderful happens.

We help each other during times of need.

We weep sadness when we lose those we love.

We work hard to get the things we desire in life.

We live our lives according to the world's way of functioning.

We celebrate weddings, graduations, anniversaries, births, and holidays.

We show our love for loved ones through our daily actions.

We are happy when someone praises us for something good we have done.

We sacrifice to make sure our families are provided for.

We dream of the kingdom of heaven and imagine ourselves living the kingdom of heaven.

We give our hearts, time, and selves to those we love.

We make a living using the skills we have been blessed with.

We live each day endulging in routines that we are conditioned to.

We live conformed to the things of this world.

What if He told you that your today is your final day here on earth?

How do we live and create our own kingdom of heaven while we are here on earth?

Love is the answer. Love is the only way.
Because we are not promised tomorrow, our only answer is to live for today.
Nothing in the past matters. The future is irrelevant.
The present is what matters most because we are not promised tomorrow.
Love is the answer. Love is the only way.
Because love lives in all of us, heaven on earth is possible.
The things of this world are just things.
The reality of this world is not of God.
The present is what matters most because we are not promised tomorrow.
Because God is Love and Love lives in us, then we are of God.
God created us in His own image. God is Love and we are of God.
The present is what matters most because we are not promised tomorrow.
Because the truth is that Love endures all things,
thus we are to live every day in Love.

We are not bound to the things of this world if we choose Love [God].
The present is what matters most because we are not promised tomorrow.
The only way to live for today is in Love.
Why care about tomorrow when God's promise lives today?

God's promise says,
"I love you unconditionally just the way you are.
I am always here loving you. Open your heart to me and my love.
I will show you the way. I am the answer because I am love.
The truth is in You. I, the Father, am in You.
Remember this truth.
Live this truth and you shall witness my promise to you."

What will you choose today? Because you are not promised tomorrow.

I love you all unconditionally and thank God for you.

Dedicated to Stanley King...you are Love
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Always loving you- - April

If I Didn't Have Him...

2007-11-08T15:14:00.000-05:00

Greetings and Happy November!

Well October has passed by and I missed doing a journal entry. So to catch up: I'll post two for the month of November. And it's the Thanksgiving holiday that is coming up. My favorite holiday: giving thanks and expressing our thanks to our heavenly father!

One topic that stays on my mind is, "Where would I be if I didn't have Him?"

I have thought about this topic a lot. The reason being is that there are times where I want to revert back to the things and cares of the world. I think about the old life I was living and how it "appeared" to be easier. It is what I knew and it is what I was comfortable with. And now that I am surrendering myself (working on surrendering my entire being) to Him, it is becoming harder and harder to manage. But I don't want to go back to that life. I am reminded that that life (the old life I was living) profited me nothing! I am reminded that that life did not include God completely. It is a reminder that will forever be attached to my heart.

If I continued with the lifestyle I was living three, four years ago: then I am sure I would not be receiving the blessings I have received since turning my life over to Christ. So I ask you this chilly afternoon, "Where would you be if you didn't have God?"

(1) Would you be still living in pain, struggling with life?

(2) Would you still be in the relationship that you are in?

(3) Would you love any less than the love God expects of us?

(4) Would you still hold on to selfish behaviors that benefit no one, not even you?

**Where would you be if you didn't have God?**

I challenge you to reflect on this as you go through the rest of your day and week.

Let me know your thoughts. Let's share with each other!

"I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of Life." - -John 8:12 Jesus speaking to scribes and Pharisees.

If we did not have Him, we would continuously walk in darkness, with no light to guide our paths. He is the light and He will bring us up out of darkness. He desires to save us from the things of this world that are toxic to our spirits. God is a God of Promise. Jesus is the way, the truth and the Life.

"Yes, I know this. And yet I still struggle with Life," you may say. He is here for us and He is with us. We just need to be obedient on a consistent basis, study His word, and listen to Him.

We must wait patiently on Him.

The struggle is so prevalent that we can easily miss what God is trying to tell us. If I did not listen to God back in May, I would have gone down a path of selfish desires, wants, and needs. Instead of following my own desires, I decided to risk all of my fleshly desires and follow God's plan for me: the plan that He has already purposed for me to live.

Are you following your way instead of God's way? If you are, then think about where you may end up if you don't have Him with you. Is it (your fleshly desires) worth ignoring God's desires for your heart? Who says you can't prosper if you follow God's lead? God is with us- always.

And if we don't recognize His presence, then we are but mere castaways drift at sea.

"Most assuredly I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin." - - John 8:34
(Jesus speaking to the Jews)

I would be living a life FULL of sin and EMPTY of God! This is where I would be if I didn't have Him. We are all sinners. But God says we don't have to stay this way. For Christ died for all our sins and we have the free choice to repent, ask for forgiveness, and die to self so that we may be new creatures in Christ! Wow, man that is so powerful! Do you feel that? That is the Holy Spirit convicting you.

"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." - - John 6:63 (Jesus speaking to His disciples)

Jesus says that "the flesh profits nothing." Sure we may feel good temporarily, but it is nothing compared to the Spirit that comes to help us, to comfort us, and to give us abiding peace. We are convicted in those things that are not of God. And God wants to use us, as victorious believers, so that we may have life more abundantly and help Him to win souls! This is what God desires.

Are you ready to take on this powerful task that He has laid before us as His servants?

Are you read to lay down your life for God? He has already done it for us!

God is a God of unconditional love. His mercy is full of greatness and He never fails. So why ignore Him when He is waiting at the doorstep, to be invited in to your heart for eternity?

If I didn't have Him, I'd be nothing.

Thank God I have Him and thank God He keeps me!

Pray. Love.

Pray: that God works on your heart as you work on building your relationship with Him.

Love: God with all your heart so that you may love His people the way Christ loved us and gave
Himself up for us.

Pray. Love. Pray. Love.

Prayer is powerful. Prayer changes you. Prayer never fails!

Love is priceless. Love softens the heart. Love never dies!

Pray. Love. Pray, love, so that He will be with you always!

Love & Many Blessings,

- - ats

I Choose...

2007-09-22T21:17:00.000-04:00

Good evening! I hope your week has been going well! It is almost time for the Fall. Are you ready for a new season? I sure am. Time to start breaking out the warmer clothing as we begin to put away the summer wardrobe. And time to get re-organized as we prepare for those grand holidays coming our way. I was cleaning clutter out of my room this morning and I came across a poem I had written a year ago and I thought I would share it with you.
It is called "I Choose..."
Think about the free will God has mercifully provided us to make choices as you read this:

I Choose:
The world tries hard to suck me in
"No!" I say, "I won't give in."
I choose to live the way I've been purposed to live;
living to love. My heart yearns to give.

This world is not mine.
The presence of Death, Violence, and Sickness is a sign.
I choose life, because God is life.
The world is wrong. God is always right.

The answer is Love. This is the only way.
If we have not love, then one day we will pay-
a heavy price that will result in tears and pain.
I choose God, because He'll never let it rain.

I am happy because I choose to love me.
Once you choose love, your heart is always free.
The dreams of this world are not mine, nor are they yours.
Learn to break free from this path, and choose another course.

My personal dream is heaven on earth.
The Father in me is all I am worth.
I choose love. It is the truth and the way...
to live God's promise today and every day.

May God bless you, keep you, and strengthen you...

Love & Many Blessings,
---ats
Written 8/12/06

It's Time...(NOW)

2007-08-25T20:41:00.000-04:00

Greetings and Blessings!

Well it's been a while since I last posted to GEMS for Women. And I have been waiting for the right time to post what is on my heart. And today, after trying to get a hold of my younger brother on the phone: I had this thought in my mind that would just not go away. And so I shared it with loved ones (we have a family website and we are able to post news, so I posted this message below on the family website). Then I thought to myself, I should post this on the GEMS for Women site. And the title of this message is "It's Time...(NOW)." You'll see why as you read these thoughts that came to mind earlier this afternoon. It's time for a new beginning. And the church that I attend is called New Beginnings Fellowship. Of course, their vision (Desiring a new beginning) has inspired me to record the thoughts I was having this afternoon. And it is my prayer that you take the words that are shared in this message to heart as you read it and even after you read it. God is talking with me every day now and I am having a hard time keeping up with what He would like me to share with His people. I ask for your patience as I obediently spread the message that His love is the only way. Let's do it God's way family! Enjoy the message...

It's time for us to help one another and love one another as Christ loves the church.

It's time for the pain and the hurt to cease.

It's time for the communication to flow freely out of our mouths as we express love for one another.

It's time for us to celebrate the blessings that all of us have been given from God above.

It's time to lay our resentment, our frustrations, and our anger aside.

It's time for us to make mends with broken relationships.It's time to forgive and love our enemies.

It's time to pay tribute to the one who blesses us with His glory.

It's time to slow down and enjoy the small things (life, love, health, all created by Him).

It's time to stop identifying ourselves as Victims and start living as Victors!

It's time to give in to God (surrender ourselves, our entire being to Him) and let Him take control of our lives.

It's time to be humble and give up those selfish thoughts that are plaguing ourselves and our loved ones.

It's time to be free of anxiety, frustration, and the bondage of fear!

It's time to detoxify ourselves of PRIDE and cleanse ourselves with the pure heart that has already been implanted within us.

It's time to embrace the ones you love.

It's time to remember who you are and where you came from.

It's time to give of yourself, and stop taking from others.

It's time to come together as a community and stand against the evils that threaten to destroy us.

It's time to sacrifice ourselves just as Christ sacrificed His life for us.

It's time to put on the armor of love and protest the hate that satan uses as a weapon to kill, steal, and destroy.

It's time to break the strongholds that have been weighing us down emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

It's time to release all the pain and suffering we are carrying from our past.

It's time to ask God to strengthen us in our present sufferings.

It's time to stand after you've done all you can in the midst of the trials.

It's time to get on our knees, and say, "No more of this battle. I choose God."

It's time to laugh and have fun, even when we are hurting.

It's time to smile because we are still here- living, breathing, and able to enjoy Life.

It's time to touch somebody because everybody needs to know that they're loved.

It's time to wise up and don't give up. God is always here!

It's time for a new beginning.

==============================

The time is now. What are we waiting for?

God is ready and able. Are we willing to surrender to His leadership so that we can win the battle that satan has already begun?

The time is now. What do we have to lose?

We have NOTHING to lose and EVERYTHING to gain.

It's time for a new beginning.The time is now. So start now.

God is waiting for you to let Him in.

If you desire to change your current circumstances, then you must let go of the past, let go of the fear, and let go of being "comfortable" in your own suffering.

God desires for us to inherit all the blessings that He has stored for us.

All we have to do is be obedient and faithful.

This is why it's time for a new beginning...there is no time like the present.

Don't wait until it's too late. Stop putting it off.

We desire to be happy and live in peace.

This is our human nature and it is what God designed for us.

*This is just to encourage all of us to begin a new path that leads us on a journey where Love, Life, and Peace are eternal. We choose to stay in the same boat that we are in.

And God says, "Step out on faith and watch my works."

The only thing that is holding us back is US.

I don't know about you, but I am ready for a new beginning. And it's time NOW to start!

--Loving you eternally, and praying for God's strength!

~ats

Sleepless Yet Productive

2007-07-06T00:47:00.000-04:00

It is 12:47 am. I just finished working on sending some e-mails out regarding tasks for church. New Beginning Fellowship (NBF) has come into my life at just the right time. I always say, "God is right on time, isn't he?"

As I lay here, still excited about the Women of Worth (W.O.W.) ministry, I realize that this is just the beginning. God has already mapped it out. We cannot see it, and He wants us to remain faithful, even though His plans are not tangible. That is powerful! Therefore, I cannot sleep. So I decided to be productive and pull up the blog God has encouraged me to use as one of His tools to reach out to women after His own heart!

I am reading Joyce Meyer's book, Knowing God Intimately, for the second time. And I am learning to increase my faith in God, to trust Him completely, and let Him do His wonders.

One subtitle in her book has caught my attention:

"You cannot win your battles without God's help."

2 Chronicles 20:15 says, "The Lord says this to you: Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."

And then Joyce goes on to say the following:

"The Amplified Bible gives a definition of faith in Colossians 1:4 that I really love. It says that faith in Jesus is 'the leaning of your entire personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness.'" These are just some of the many inspirational messages God uses Joyce to share with us in this book. I am so inspired, inspired by God's on-time messages. He wants us to lean entirely on Him. We cannot journey through this world under our own power. It simply is not possible. We have our own plans, yet God mandates that we follow His plans. He already has the plans for us, plans to prosper us, and His promises are guaranteed.

For so long, I was afraid to express myself. My heart was willing, and my flesh was weak. I was afraid that people would not accept me if I voiced my feelings, thoughts, and ideas. And years later, after college, I finally got the message from God. And that message was, "April, I accept you and that is all that matters." God told me to put my trust in Him and not into people. He will never disappoint me. He will never hurt me. And it took me a long time to receive this message. And here I am, expressing what I believe God has put on my heart to share with other women (young and old). I once was afraid, and now I see that I don't have to be. God is behind me, beside me, and within me. This blog encourages me to grow stronger in seeking God's purpose for my life, and empowers me to empower others through His power. What a blessing!

This late morning: I encourage you to stop being afraid of those things that are causing you turmoil. Stop letting fear interfere with God's plans for you. "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into ministry." - 1 Timothy 1:12. God is faithful and just, step out on faith. God is doing a new thing for us as we diligently seek Him. The plans He has for your life are already planned. All you have to do is grab hold of faith and embrace His promise. We have been given freedom to choose His way or our way. He will not let you down. Though you may stumble, He will always be there to keep you on the path of righteousness.

What are you afraid of? Pray. Trust. Believe. Pray. Trust. Believe. God will handle your needs. Don't continue to hide in fear. He is ready for you to step out boldly, willingly, and favorably.
The choice is yours. Don't delay. Be faithful and do it God's way!

May you faithfully lean on God for all your needs.
Best wishes and many blessings,

**Until next time...
ats

Welcome to GEMS for Women After God's Own Heart!

2007-07-03T12:13:00.000-04:00

Welcome! Please join me as we work to fulfill God's purpose for our lives and please feel free to comment, if your heart desires.

GEMS stands for Growing, Educating/Empowering/Encouraging, Motivating, Support for women desiring God's love and seeking a closer relationship with Him. I encourage you to walk with me as we begin the journey of listening to God for guidance, growing to become more intimate with God, and ediying each other as women of God.

May this blog encourage you, empower you, and inspire you as you begin this new journey!

Love & Many Blessings,

-ats

Proverbs 31:10

2007-07-03T11:41:00.000-04:00

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies! -- Proverbs 31:10

This past Saturday (June 30, 2007), the last day of the month of June, I had the honor and opportunity to participate in a wonderful women's ministry that has blessed my life in more ways than I can ever imagine! God is amazing in His love, in His grace, and I am ever grateful for all that He has created for us and through us.

June 30, 2007 was a day filled with love, power, and excitement! The W.O.W. power breakfast began at 9:00 am. W.O.W. stands for Women Of Worth. This is a ministry that Sister Kim Brown (loving wife of Pastor Anthony Brown- New Beginnings Fellowship) began through God's guidance and wisdom. The W.O.W. ministry was created to encourage women, of all backgrounds, to be empowered by God's power. This is powerful and this ministry is anointed by God to do His wonders for women seeking God's love and desiring to fulfill His purpose for their lives. The scripture used for this ministry is taken from Proverbs 31:10.

We had over 15 women attend the power breakfast at Shady Maple restaurant in East Earl, PA (Lancaster County). The power breakfast provided the opportunity for women of worth to meet other women of worth, to share the vision for W.O.W., and to encourage women to participate in our ministry.

We had activities, prizes, and gifts for each woman who attended! Each woman was given a journal to brng to the W.O.W. ministry sessions and to record any reflections, thoughts, and prayers. We had a wonderful time and thank God for the opportunity for us to get together and fellowship. Women's lives were transformed and God's presence was clearly evidenced by testimonies shared with women at the breakfast! I was deeply touched by the women present at this gathering, and by God's presence. My heart has increased with the desire for God's unchanging heart. I am still on a spiritual high from this power breakfast and this is just the beginning of what this ministry is doing for women of worth!

I am thankful to have had the opportunity to experience this power-filled, inspiring breakfast. Many thanks to you God for spreading the vision of women of worth through Sister Kim that morning.

I am looking forward to resuming the W.O.W. Ministry sessions and praise God for His on-time message during the power breakfast!

Here are a few scriptures that have been on my heart. Feel free to record them on cards and put it in a visual place to remind you that God is with you always and He promises to give you the desires of your heart. All you have to do is ask, believe, and have faith!

(1) And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
- - Romans 12:2

(2) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.
- - Galatians 5:22

(3) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. - - Colossians 3:16

**Until next time. Best wishes & Many Blessings,

-ats