Sunday Thoughts...

Attended the Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush, again today. The message: I Need This Storm (Mark Chapter 4). How the deeper you get into Jesus, the more fierce the Storm becomes. Satan desires to snatch it all away from you. I know God wants to see you character—if you can handle the more blessings He wants to grace you with. One of my Storms was the heart valve (mitral) replacement surgery in 2006. Without my faith I would not be here this day. If my brief illness occurred a few years prior—a ‘whiner’ I would certainly be. "Why me?" I would have cried then. Today, on this day in 2008, I can still ask “Why me?” and only my response is “Why not me?” My belief is strong. My God didn’t leave me—Psalms 50:15 assured that. God had me rest for those few months for a purpose. Too bad my chest had to get cracked open to do it! Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have rested any other way. He knew that. My adventure brought me closer to Him—which was the intention. There have been some Storms since—nothing with my health—just the usual—money, job and can the Dallas Cowboys have another great season, only this time win in the play-offs? Whatever the Storm is, my God provides. Being this whole Christian thing is hard work---you learn by doing. Seek ye first and it all falls into place.

Donny Osmond. The first time I snapped his picture was either July 23 or 24, 1974. Need to dig out my diary for the right date. It was at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. My very first plane got me there. Donny stood outside the hotel’s restaurant where flashcubes flashed all around. We were both 16. Fast forward 34 years. I’d love to share a few minutes to sip an icy beverage as both put on our reading glasses to locate and discuss scripture. Lively conversation to be sure.

God has brought me far. Just didn’t know it at the time. I admit to my past. I have a testimony. It doesn’t seem that long ago I downed my favorite alcohol beverage and heard “Last Call” more times than I can say. Don’t hide from my faults, because the Storms I survived may help somebody else. Let’s face it, during my whole Osmond travels, where I was just a handful of Black girls in the crowd, did I ever think to discuss the Word with Donny, would be something to get excited about? Indeed, God has brought me far.

Sunday thoughts of how I’m glad the Starbucks closest to my house is NOT on the 600 store closing list. That I have a house of my own, with dishes piled high that I get to wash. Cats that give me some space on my own bed. A car, with warranty, sits in my drive way. And of course, tonight, since the cable bill is paid up, I can watch Aaron McCargo Jr get one step closer to being the Next Food Network Star.

On this day, I journeyed to God’s House, because He’s in mine every day.

On this Sunday I realize again, how much I am blessed.