MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Wow! Where did the time go? The last I wrote in my blog, I was wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Now here I am wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! Ohhhh precious time ...how it slips from our hands so easily.

A lot has been going on over here in my life. Some things are good and some things are not so good. Thankfully, I serve the Lord, so no matter what, it will all work together for good. (Romans 8:28)

I have gone through some very dry times in my walk this past year. It has never been this intense. I can appreciate coming out of this desert much more now than ever before. I

am thankful to say that I am not the same person I was going into this long, dry, arid place. The Lord Jesus Christ deserves all the Glory, Honor, and Praise for the changes that have transpired in my life.

There is more of Him and less of me. I have come to know Him in a very secret place. It is a place without hype or pretense, some of what I was prior to this chastening of my soul and flesh. I have had to get to know Him without any "feelings" or "confirmations" that we can get so used to having in our walk. Faith is truly sight unseen. For me, this was excruciating to my flesh. I was so accustomed to an almost tangible presence of God around me. For one long year, that was lifted from me. The Lord doesn't want me to rely on feelings. I must rely on faith only.

I am in a new place. It is more serene. No, not that life is more serene. Quite the opposite. It is hectic, non-stop, filled with ups and downs. The place I am in, however, is peace that flows out of a river deep within my soul. I am able to stop the drama and look at my situation with a deep certainty that the Lord is with me. He always was and always will be.

As we celebrate the Birth of our Savior, let us rejoice in the One that loved us enough to give us the greatest gift that humanity could ever receive: salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ!

God bless you and your entire family.

Anna ;-)

What an Amazing God

Hey everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings upon you and your family!

I miss so many of you ...but seasons come.

The one thing that remains the same--no matter what--is His Great Love for all of us.

I thank our Father in Heaven for His Great Love.

Have a wonderful, amazing week and remember the Lord and His Goodness to us.

Blessings!

Snow in October

my neighborhood in october LOL

So much is going on. Weird stuff. We just got 19 inches of snow in some areas of New Jersey--BEFORE NOVEMBER!!! We are still in October and a Nor'Easter swept through here like "nobody's business."

Seriously, I was laughing the entire time because my eyes could not believe what they were seeing. I am not kidding. My eyes were like, "Is this true or what!" Laughter just kept coming out of me. Not denial laughter---no, it was "awe" laughter. I was in total awe of the majesty and authority of our God. There is a scripture I want to post that declares who is "really" in charge of the wind, rain, snow, etc..and it ain't Mother Nature, that is FOR SURE.

Job 37:4-6

Under the whole heaven He lets it loose,
And His lightning to the ends of the earth.

After it, a voice roars;

He thunders with His majestic voice,

And He does not restrain the lightnings when His voice is heard.

God thunders with His voice wondrously,

Doing great things which we cannot comprehend.

For to the snow He says, ‘Fall on the earth,’

And to the downpour and the rain, ‘Be strong.'

We have to remember the excellency of His Mighty Name. Nothing is too hard for God.

Right now, I am going through a TUMULTUOUS time---physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. However, my human frame will HAVE to remember that I am a SPIRIT being in a HUMAN body and not the other way around. Therefore, I will also have to instruct this human frame that it will not DICTATE to me how I will feel, act, think, speak, or respond. I will "walk in the spirit" so I can "fulfill the deeds of the spirit." Otherwise, if I stay in this flesh, I will only fulfill the "deeds of the flesh." The flesh gets me NOWHERE! Only by His Precious Spirit will I ever get ahead!

Amen---

Pray for me, as I pray for you.

"40 Years"

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."—Isaiah 61:3.

Happy 40th to me! YAYYYY!

I know some of you are younger than me, but a whole bunch of you are older than me and are probably cracking up at my 4oth year birthday. HA! What is it about getting older that makes us almost "boast" about our age? Perhaps it's because with age comes wisdom, or so it should. I love when older ones say to me: "Oh you're just a young spring chicken." I agree! I am as young as I feel and that is certainly not my age!

I love the fact that God saw me through another year, but more than that, 40 blessed years. I thank Him for His faithfulness to me. He has also been very faithful to those connected to me in my life. I am sure you can testify the same report for your home!

I just want to pause and thank the Lord for His goodness to me. I am super grateful for all that He has done for a nut like me. I am serious. He sees it all, yet He loves me--all of me. How amazing is that? No one can ever, ever compare to the Lord. He is worthy of all our praise and honor.

God bless you and happy Fall !!!

Anna

He is here!

Baby Jordan Ray has arrived to our family! 10/11/11 !!!

What a blessing! He was 9 pounds 10 ounces, 22 inches long. We are so happy and thankful to our Lord for the baby's safe arrival.

Thank you all for your prayers!

Anna

Waiting for my grandson to arrive :)

Hello everyone!

I am currently in Florida awaiting the arrival of my grandson, Jordan. My poor daughter is 40 weeks pregnant and ready to pop! She is sooo beautiful though and is doing well. She was supposed to have him two fridays ago now but the doctors don't want to rush the delivery since the baby is doing well. He just isn't ready to come out!

So we are enjoying our time together as a family. There isn't much money to do anything, and I truly thank God that we invested in our timeshare when we did have money! It costs peanuts to stay down here, compared to what it would have cost.

Check this out-I am more appreciative now than I ever have been before of the little things in life. I think when we have an abundance, we can take it for granted. For example, I was getting some exercise in Downtown Disney, a place filled with food and shopping. Since we had no extra money to eat there, we had packed a small lunch. We ate and then went walking for about an hour.

At first, I found myself so upset that I couldn't go into Gloria Estefan's restaurant, Bongos, or buy movie tickets, or even some candy at the candy store. But as I walked, I felt a gentle nudge to take a look at the flowers and the sun glistening off the water. I also took note that 100 dragon flies were gonna attack me at any moment! Seriously though, even the smells of delicious food cooking made me smile.

God turned my heavy heart into a heart of praise. It is something I won't forget. I thanked Him for the little things in life that I took for granted. I've been to this area tons of times with TONS of money and NEVER ever stopped to appreciate the "free" things that life has to offer.

Satan does his job by getting us to focus on what we DON'T have..but I have learned to give God the glory in what I DO have. I thought I had done that before, but it is easy to think that when there is an abundance in the bank. I now realize that I took a lot for granted and now I am in a peaceful place called being content, no matter what's in my pocket. I thank God alone for this victory in my life!

How about you? If there is anything that the enemy is trying to rob you of right now, stop and give GOD the PRAISE FOR WHAT YOU DO HAVE!!!

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Phil. 4:12

Lord, give us grace to walk through every area of life, no matter what we have or don't have. Grant us a contented, peaceful heart Jesus. Amen.

Romans 8:38

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love."


I am in a very beautiful place with the Lord Jesus Christ...and of course, I owe it all to him. He has been so patient with me and forgiving. It is amazing how great God's love is for His creation. I don't even have the words to describe what or how I feel.

Sometimes it takes alot of mistakes to realize the depth of the Lord's love and forgiveness. I have made tons of mistakes these past few years and yet the Lord has been right there for me all along.

I owe all that I am and ever hope to be to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He has never let me go and he has upheld me during my darkest moments. Yet, he allowed me to go to the lowest points for my own good. It was dark and painful but looking back, the greatest joy I have and will ever have is knowing he was right there.

Where are you today in your walk? If it is darkness, he is The Light. If it is loneliness, he is there and won't ever leave. And if you feel you're at the end, he is the very Beginning. Give it all to Jesus.

Amen

Psalm 118

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever."

Take a moment on this Monday morning and simply thank the Lord for all He has done! It is to our benefit that we remember His great acts of kindness and deep mercy. When we clothe ourselves with thanksgiving first thing in the morning, it becomes like a thick armor against the things of this world that seek to penetrate and destroy our spirit!

I am thankful that I am healthy, have a roof over my head, and have an awesome family. We all go through stuff but I am still grateful.

Lately, my oldest son has been riding my last nerve! He has a lot of testosterone flowing through his body and I guess every now and then he forgets who I am. Quite sadly, I enjoy reminding him of who I am more often than not LOL. But it's robbing my peace. I can't have that in my life. I must have peace and not strife.

So along with my thankful heart today I'm going to CHOOSE to focus on the great things about my son. He is helpful, funny, loving, kind, and for the most part, respectful. I choose to see the good in him and to bring every negative thought captive to Jesus. No one is perfect and he needs an understanding ear as he goes through these threshing years as a teen.

What about you? What will you be thankful about today? And what will you PURPOSELY choose to ignore that has been having a negative effect in your life? God bless us all in our journey to seek Him and draw closer.

Blessings!

Hurricane Irene

Ay yai yai. What a monster storm that swept through our area, as well as the East Coast. From Virginia up to Vermont...my, my, my what a disaster. Add to that an earthquake that hit our area (originated in Virginia) right before the Hurricane came!!

What is Heaven speaking to earth these days? Could it be that the very words of our Lord Jesus Christ are beginning (like labor pains) to fall upon this earth? I tremble when I think of how close we are to the return of Jesus. Part awe and part fear..am I ready? Am I really ready?

Matthew 24:38-39

For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

I just want to be found ready. I don't want to be like the virgins that lacked oil in their lamps. I want to be found ready!! (I hear that song in the back of my mind..)

I have slipped these past years. My prayer to the Lord is to give me the hunger and the desire for His Kingdom. I am not backslidden, thank God, but I have allowed the stuff of life a seat in my world. This cannot continue. With the Lord's help, I will get back on track. I think I had to get to this place so that I can be reminded (and HUMBLED) to remembering who it is that really gets all the GLORY for the anointing upon my life. It is YOU LORD!! ONLY YOU!!!

Please remember all our brothers and sisters that have suffered devastating losses and are displaced right now.

God bless!

Sis Anna

Sucker Punched

"..from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:2



Sometimes things happen that sneak up on us and take the wind out of our lungs, leaving us feeling as though air is coming through a straw in very small doses.


Tonight, as I was cooking in my kitchen, my nephew, Noah, came downstairs to chat with his "favorite aunt" as he calls me. He is also my godson, the son of my sister, and I love him very much. I am very close to both of my sisters, and their kids are special to my heart.



My nephew had on a shirt that I liked. So I told him. And then he said the words, "Oh, this was Jay's shirt. Mom brought it back from Guam." "Ohhhhh.." was what I replied as I quickly turned my back to him. He ran off, thank God, to finish what he was doing before he came to chat. I was left trying to gasp for air. Jay was my beloved nephew who took his life last year. Too young. Too sudden. Too tragic.



My tears filled my eyes so fast and this huge rock settled in my heart. I began to recall memories of my nephew. Even though I left Guam many years ago, I loved that little boy from the moment I set eyes on him. He was precious to my heart. He was the son of my sister--one of the closest people ever to me. So her pain became my pain. It's a sister thing...




In this photo, my sister is in the middle being comforted my niece (Jay's oldest sister)to the right, and my youngest sister, Stephanie, to the left. My sister, Christina, is bent over at her son's coffin.



We often forget a person's tragedy. Time moves on for us, but it goes by excruciatingly slow for the one who suffered the most. Time really does not take the pain away fast enough..but it is the only healer.


Maybe we can pause a minute and say a prayer for someone that we know has suffered loss....loss of a child, a loved one, a pet, a dream, a marriage...losses come in many different forms. Prayer is powerful--never underestimate it. I have found extreme peace in many trials, much of which I am CERTAIN came from praying people.


They may never know you prayed, but God will. And He is the best source of comfort for any pain we endure on this earth. He gives peace amidst the tempestuest of storms. I thank Him for His great love.




--Anna

Rest in peace, Jay Michael, affectionately known as "Jay-Boy."

Overwhelmed

"From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me." Psalm 61:2-3

There are days when only scripture can suffice to say where I am in life. I thank God for His Precious Word. It is a lifeline to me when I feel like life and all of its sorrows are crashing over me like waves over the rocks of a jetty. Bam! Bam! Bam! Crashing, falling, tumbling...sometimes life is like that.

Don't worry, I know that God will only give me what I can handle, but like Mother Teresa said, "I sure wish He didn't trust me so much."

I will take all of these trials in stride and just believe Him and His Word: "He makes all things work together for good..." He really does. No matter what we are going through, He has a Master Plan...for He is The Master.

I am not perfect, but I serve a very Perfect God. I have come to seek Him in the Beauty of His Holiness and ask Him to help me live for Him, no matter what is going on around me. People can really suck the joy and love out of us, but I have come to Him to fill up my aching heart with His love. Yes, my heart aches 1,000 aches today, but I trust that the Healer will come with His anointing oil to bind my wounds.

God bless you this wonderful Wednesday.

Sis Anna ;-)

Being Thankful

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thessalonians 5:16





Sometimes we need a reminder of how GOOD GOD REALLY IS. Today, I was driving through my old neighborhood, Paterson, NJ. I was kind of ticked at the amount of traffic going through this little town on my way to Route 80. I just dropped my daughter off at work and had to head back home. Unfortunately, it is at the peak of rush hour and can be a huge headache.



Well, as I was headed to my destination, the Lord caused me to see something that melted my heart. There, to my left, is a daycare center. It was hustling and bustling. Moms were dropping their kids off and rushing back to their cars to get to work. However, one mom was not so "fortunate". She had no car to run back into. She had A TAXI CAB.



Yes, that is correct. She was rushing her baby inside and I saw her motion to the taxi that she would be right out. My heart sank. I wanted to get out of my car and say, "Here, drive this. You would probably appreciate it much more than I do these days." My goodness! I take many things for granted, even my transportation! God forgive me! Oh, the lessons in life that God teaches us! We may not have everything we "want" but we sure have everything we "need", AND THEN SOME! Shelter, food, health, clothing....He is faithful.

What does our flesh have us complaining about today? Can we take a minute to thank God for all the blessings He has given us? Let us have an attitude of gratitude.


God bless you,

Sis Anna B.

Fickle Friend?

"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

Thank GOD for TRUE friends!!!! Seriously, take a minute to thank Him for them!!! We are here today and gone tomorrow...so I want to thank Him for those that have stuck by me through thick and thin. I have some very close friends. I am very grateful for them and how the Lord has kept my heart filled with laughter and joy thru my pals.

And then there are the FICKLE friends. You know EXACTLY what I mean. They are like what Jesus described as Pharisees...whitewashed tombs full of dead men's bones (Matthew 23:27)!!! LOL!!! Sounds strong but it's true! The bible describes these people as beautiful on the outside but dirty on the inside. Wow!

I got those "fly-by-night friends" that talk so much "smack" about being my "girl" and all that. But I never hear from them..and trust me, I'm not clingy or need a call EVERYDAY but once a month is nice! Hey, what am I saying here? If you claim to be a friend, then be one. Otherwise shut the hell up about it because the Word tells us where there are "many words, sin is not absent" (Proverbs 10:19).

I make it my business to contact those I consider my "peeps" on a weekly basis just to let them know I love and care for them. When I see that reciprocity is absent...it's time for me to re-examine these "friends" and move on. As TD Jakes would say, "Learn the gift of GOODBYE." LOL

Anyway, God bless and be a friend INDEED!!!!

Love ya!

The earth is filled with the Lord's glory. Habakkuk 2:14

We recently took a vacation to Bushkill Falls, Pennsylvania. WOW. On the heels of losing our mother in law, we NEEDED to just get away and do nothing at all. This location is not far from our home..only about an hour and a half, so it was a perfect get-a-away.

I'm not usually a "woodsy" person. Trust me, every time a tree rustles, I jump. Yeah how weird is that LOL. I can be in a busy city that is ridden with crime and feel right at home. But put me out in the woods and my mind begins playing tricks on me. BIG time. I hear the "Jason" music (from a

dumb horror movie) playing in my mind and I stand guard just to find a squirrel moving around. What nonsense the mind conjures up!

There is something about nature that soothes the soul. Nature speaks to my heart. The Lord created the earth that we live in! There are days (more than I want to admit) where I just don't "hear" from God or "feel" God's Presence, but then I walk outside, and lo and behold, there is the sun shining in all of its glory---reflecting God's handiwork. What a smile it puts on my face and my heart !!

Take a moment to reflect on the Lord's artwork today. Notice the flowers, see the green trees, and smell the freshness of the summer day. If your day is going bad, perhaps this may bring the touch you need to encourage your soul that if there is such beauty here on earth, imagine our FINAL destination--HEAVEN. :-)

God bless and enjoy the photos. Leave a comment if you would like to. I would love to hear

from you!

Love,

Anna

One of "those" days..

Yes, it is one of "those" days. Trust me, I hate saying that. But it's the truth. I had terrible dreams all night long. I was battling so many demonic forces. I was so angry at them that I was coming after them rather than the other way around. Truth be told, however, I was worn out at the end in the dream. I kept asking God, "Where are you, Lord? I need Your Power Father."

I hate dreams like those. It's not the warfare I am speaking about. It is the extreme fatigue that I feel while warring against whatever forces there are. I would like to say that I came out of the fight stronger than an ox, with a cape on and a big 'ole "S" branded on my chest for "Super-warrior." Quite the contrary, though. There is only one word to describe what I felt while at war: tired.

Do you ever get tired? I am sure you do. I don't have any "real" advice for us except to pray. And if prayer seems to tough, then just trust in faith that God would remain true to His Word that we are the "apple of His eye." Who can stand against our awesome Father? No one.

Can you believe that after all those hours of battling demons, I awoke refreshed and renewed in my physical man? Sure, my emotional man was tired and weary, BUT my physical man was strengthened and empowered for the day. I don't know why the Lord chooses to empower one area and not the other. But He is God and I don't question it, but I do "wonder" LOL.

Here is the funny part. I received a few text messages, as well as read a devotional on FB that really encouraged my spiritual man. Could it be possible that these are lessons to my heart--of humility--to remind me how much I need the Body of Christ? I am truly humbled, trust me, in my spirit by the steadfast love of the children of God.

In the recent tragedy of losing my mother-in-law--and yes, it was a tragedy--suicide leaves an empty space in the heart--but I have encountered DEEP steadfast love from my brothers and sisters in a way unimaginable. Seriously, it's either laughter or tears. Or both.

I think of my brother in Christ that posted a crazy video of me with an afro, fighting off bad guys, on my FB page--that video still keeps me laughing til today. He just wanted to lift my spirits, and he did. I have several other close friends that "keep watch" over me by sending me messages of love and encouragement. I am thankful for them. I also have my "silent" friends. I don't really ever hear from them, but I know they are there. I can't tell you how many of them showed up at the funeral...just to hug us and share our grief. I am forever grateful.

I guess I will end this little note with a scripture: "For he has not ignored the suffering of the needy. He has not turned and walked away. He has listened to their cries for help." Psalm 22 vs 24.

To all of you that the Lord has used to touch our lives, we say thank you , and we love you.

Sis Anna

I need you now

"Out of the depths I cry to you, Oh Lord." Psalm 130:1

I love King David and how he wrote. He was a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). That word "depths" is a verb in its original use. It means to "be deep" and is compared to that of an ocean, a valley, or yes, even a pit. Because it is a verb, it is specifying behavior here and not a location. In other words, David was "being a valley" in God's presence. He didn't just go there....oh no...HE BECAME THAT DEEP, DARK, DREADFUL PLACE.

Ahhh the pit. Ever been there? I believe some of us may have our own personal room there, like a hotel..."Hotel Pit." Not to boast, trust me, but I have been to this place so many times that I have a king-sized bed with a nightstand and my Bible there. This pit is only known by few who dare to allow themselves to "be deep" in God's presence. It is by far--a. very. low. place. (emphasis applied here). This is why I say no boasting can parade here. Who wants to be in this place? I sure don't!!! But I understand now that it is a part of this walk with the Lord, for whom He uses, He also abases. (1 Corinthians 1:29-31) If I want His DEEP, I must decrease, and He must increase (John 3:30). The pit is part of that process.

The pit can sneak up at any given time on any given day. It could be the bills, the kids, the job, the husband. Or it could be the vicissitudes of life. Sometimes I just don't know what it is..but my tears are falling so fast that I have to hide my pain lest I wake anyone up. So I muffle my cries in my pillow...so no one can hear me. But God hears me. He knows. He is there.

"Where can I run from your presence? Where can I flee from your spirit? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there."

Do these moments of despair make me a weak-willed Christian? If it does, it is quite alright with me. For each time I have made a personal visit to this depth, the Lord has always been right there with me. Is there something that has you in a dark, empty place? I understand. And all I can say is rather than feel like you are being punished, take this journey as a part of life that we are privileged to have. The Lord will hold us up when we give him our burdens in that place. (Psalm 22 speaks of this)

I dont want to tell you to enjoy this place--of course not--I speak to those that understand that the "hole in the heart" feeling is not enjoyable! But the one that HOLDS our heart is right there. Call His Name. No darkness is dark to Him---He is there to lead us to His marvelous light. He blows Motel 8 out of the water--because He doesn't just "leave a light on for us." He IS THE LIGHT for us. God bless you and be encouraged.

"...even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." Psalm 139:12

Afflictions

'A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all." Psalm 34:19






Have you ever felt this way? Broke, hungry, and in need of some kindness? And trust me, I'm not really talking about in a physical sense. I am talking in a spiritual sense. If you are not one of the "spiritual giants" (that get on my last nerve)--you know, the ones that can never understand what it means to struggle in this walk with our Lord--then you will identify with me. If King David wrote chapters and chapters about his highs and lows, then why can't we in the Body of Christ just be real with one another? Everyone is saying, "Oh yes, Praise Jesus, all is well..." and meanwhile, like the Shulamite woman, they have something dead they are carrying around---seeking for the ONLY ONE that can help--the Lord.





I consider myself to be a strong warrior for the Lord, but if you're gonna fight, just like in my street days, you best be sure you're enemy will rise up and come after you. I know this far too well. Does it make me a punk? A weak woman of God? An inconsistent sister in the faith? No. It makes me lay flat out on the floor with my face to the ground to a God that can help. I hesitate to tell certain sisters/brothers that I am struggling. Far too often they want to toss a scripture my way, or give me a cliche "God is in control." As if I DONT KNOW THIS???? How about a simple, "Sis, I understand. I totally understand."




You see, I have a BIG problem with those that always seem to be on a cloud somewhere up in cloud city. You have not been tested nor tried by fire to the point of humility. The burnings of the flesh will make us hurt when others hurt. More so, if a strong person is feeling weak and defeated, those of us that have had our knees knocked out in a battle will recognize that ONLY Christ has the power to raise a warrior back up. He responds to what? Our criticisms of that soldier down? Our self-righteous pride of that soldier's condition? No. CHRIST responds to prayers from a heart of deep compassion and love.




Last week, I got on my knees to pray for a sister. All I could do was cry. My children were there crying with me. Yes, I see perhaps why I may think she is being attacked...but my heart would not let me condemn her. Why? Because I HAVE BEEN TRIED BY THE FIRES OF AFFLICTION. I have laid in my bed for days not wanting to face anyone or anything..and only the PRAYERS OF TRUE WARRIORS THAT HAVE WALKED MY PATH got me revived again. When I cried for this sister, the pains were so astounding in my heart and my belly (the place where the spirit of God is felt when His anointing falls upon me) that I was doubled over, wracked with grief, asking God, "Will you not revive her again Lord, will you not revive her again my Lord???" I was battling unseen forces for this sister...as she has grown weary and wants completely out of a situation.



Brothers and sisters, pray that we would always pray "right" in the eyes of God. Pray that we would be humbled, due to our own afflictions we have gone through, and pray with a heart that says, "But for the grace of God, there I go." Let us pray with FIRE and LOVE for each other, the same power that conquered the grave lives in us. Let it come forth in our prayers. Let us say less. Let us cry more. Let us pray with power.





In Christ,



Sis Anna B.

Getting Raw in God's Presence

Wow it has been a while since I have written! Many good things are going on over here..and some things are not so good. I know as Christians we are to try and look on the "bright side of things." We are to put on a happy smile and try not to be negative--or else Sister Super Christian will make us feel like our faith needs some refining. Don't you just love how "some people" seem to have it altogether all the time? Please!

I am sure that while Hannah wept bitterly at the altar (1 Samuel 1:10), she was not trying to put up a "front" for no one. Nope. She was letting it "all hang out." So much so that she was accused of being drunk in the Lord's house(1 Samuel 1:13). But guess what--she was not drunk. She was just tired of keeping it all bottled in..and so she let it allllll out. And the Lord honored that by sending the priest to pray for her---and those prayers were heard and answered. Not only did God answer, but her womb brought forth a powerful prophet named Samuel who was used mightily of God. It all started with a woman who laid it all down.

Sometimes we have to lay the pretense aside, not care what one motorscooter or another has to say about us, and just get "raw" in God's Presence. I don't know when was the last time you came before the Lord broken and transparent, but I would suggest to do it soon. Pent up feelings and emotions can be destructive. Lay them all down at the feet of Him who is the only answer to our solution.

"...and the LORD remembered her." 1 Samuel 1:19



Love,
Anna

Snow

"Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns." Revelations 19:6

I have a confession to make. In Paterson, where I used to live, I love to go by the Great Falls over there and park. I close both eyes (ok that is not true, in this area-you have to keep one eye open, but you get the point)and I listen to the sounds of the water coming down. It is like no other sound you can hear. The sounds of that water rushing down exudes power and majesty from a beautiful natural source that God has provided for our pleasure.

Nature has its way to reflect us back to its Creator. When I see ANY waterfall, I am reminded of the "voice" of God. Imagine what John heard!! And felt!!! My goodness, to know that the God of all creation desires to commune with us--US???--is enough to make me weep in His Presence. It is no wonder David said, "What is man that You are mindful of him?" I would ask the same question!

Yet, our Creator desires to talk with us. To beat us down? No way--He could remove us with one blink of an eye. He desires, like any good father, to be a part of our lives--for He created us to worship Him. For His own good? No--for OURS.

Life can suck us dry. The Lord, who has the voice of many waters, desires to fill us back up again with that "living water" that never, ever runs dry.

Have you had your drink today?

God bless you,

Sis Anna B.

New Baby ;-)

I am so happy! One of my closest friends had her baby yesterday. Wow what an experience. The Lord is so faithful to us.

I was holding this little guy-who is not so little-in my arms and just marveling at the goodness of God. This baby already has his reflexes working and all of it is in order! He turns to the left or right searching for the breast so he can nurse..and he can feel cold and also reacts to loud, sudden noises. I looked at his eyes, ears, nose, fingers..and was in awe of the wisdom of our Father.

It got me to thinking....


If God can "think" and "create" the human frame and all its inner working parts...what CANT GOD DO? This was a very humbling moment to me. I have many but this one was really working in my heart. I sat there, at 3am this morning, with this bundle of joy close to my heart and thanked the Lord for who He is.


God is El Shaddai, the Breasted One, and He feeds us His nourishment from Heavenly Places. He looks down from on high and has tender mercies on that which He has created. His eyes are on the righteous and He is attentive to their cries. He answers our heart's cries and He orders the steps of His beloved. His thoughts towards us outnumber the grains of sands in the sea, and before my feet ever hit the ground in the morning, He has covered me with brand new mercies. He is faithful, loving, kind, slow to anger and abounding in grace and mercy. He is Daddy, Abba Father, and He is our Lord, also our Cloud by day and our Fire by night. Let all of His children lift up a shout of praise to His Heavenly Dwelling--for no good thing will He withold from those that love Him and are called according to His purposes.

Be blessed and encouraged..in the Lord, El Shaddai. May He hold you close in His arms.

Sis Anna Barreto

Things Don't Make Sense Sometimes

That is a weird title today, huh? But it is so true.

Sometimes, life just does not make sense.

Yes, I know who Jesus is. And I know he loves me and that I love him.

I know about and have experienced God's Providence, His Sovereignty, and His Great Love towards me..and He has NEVER failed me. NEVER.

But the Lord allows us, His creation, to go through the "go through". Why? I DO NOT know!!! I mean, I know, but I wish I didn't. LOL.

The "go through" keeps us humble. OR I should say it HUMBLES us. And hopefully it can teach us COMPASSION for others. I am never interested in how much someone knows unless I know that they have walked a path of suffering of some sort. I respond greatest to preachers and teachers that open their hearts and are TRANSPARENT in their struggles. People that act like the Shulamite woman scare me.."All is well...All is well.." Meanwhile she had a dead boy on her mule. Yes, I know she was going to the one that could help..this verse can be preached in sooo many ways, but what I am saying is that she was hurting !!!!!

Sometimes the GREATEST GIFT we can EVER give others is LISTENING. PERIOD. Don't give a verse. Don't give a REASON. Just listen. And maybe be like Jesus. AND WEEP. It simply says, "I feel your pain."

Anyway, I am just venting today. Just opening up my heart and pressing on.

God bless !

Romans 8:28

We have to believe that no matter what circumstance we may find ourselves in right now, if we are a child of the Living God, those circumstances will work together for the good for those that love the Lord and are called according to His purposes.

I am dealing with several situations right now that are very heartbreaking. There seems to be NO hope from the outside looking in. One is a dear woman afflicted with cancer, another is a child vexed with many addictions, another is a marriage on the verge of divorce, and still another is a sister on the edge of a nervous breakdown.

It looks bleak.

But everyone of these precious people know and belong to the LORD. And believe it or not, I can see HIS Hand upon every single situation. I never lose hope with any of them. I believe He will carry them through to complete healing (whether on this side or Heaven or not) and that He is true to His Word to "never leave nor forsake" us. He is TRUE TO HIS WORD saints of God! Do not lose heart! Remain steadfast in the love of the Lord and just lean on His understanding and not your own.

Father God, my situation looks hopeless right now. However, I refuse to look at my problem, and in faith, I turn this problem over to You. Lord, you alone hold the power and the wisdom to deal with anything that concerns me. Although I feel heavy burdened, I trade that for your light burden and your easy yoke. Lord, thank You for being ever so patient with me. Teach me to remain steadfast while you bring the answers that I need. Amen.

God bless you all.

Sis Anna B.

Number Our Days Unto Wisdom

Everytime I head home from church, I am privileged to catch a full view of the NYC skyline. If I am traveling Route 3 eastbound, the sight is breathtaking. It is literally right in front of my eyes. At night, I get drawn into the city lights, and of course, the Empire State Building is there with all it's stature. As I drive, I seem to get hypnotized--only for a moment--at the beauty of the outline of this great city against the dark curtain of the night.

But then I remember the Twin Towers. And I remember where I was on that dreadful day. I recall how it is missing from the great view of NYC. And my heart pains. But it leads me to intercede on behalf of those I dont even know in NYC. I plead with God to save souls so that they wont perish in the days to come. For something IS coming to this great city and only the mercy of God will save lives on that terrible day. I dont believe in "doom and gloom" but in my heart, as well as many, many others, we know that it is destined to come--for this city is wracked with darkness and sin.

Nevertheless, I try very hard to number my days unto wisdom and do what I was called to do: intercede on behalf of the lost. Whether it is for people in NYC or in the Shop-Rite, I ask God to teach me to pray and make every moment count. Some days, I just dont do it because the dumb flesh wars..but by His great grace, I do pray more than I dont.


It is a privilege and an honor to pray to God for souls. I believe wherever we put our feet, we are blessing that land in the Name of Jesus, and we need to speak out LIFE over that LAND. We need to remember that our lives are but a vapor, and we need to ask God to humble us so that we dont take life OR each other for granted, ever. Let us be found with oil in our lamps and intercession on our lips. Let us be watchwomen ---standing---looking out---waiting---prepared---and vigilant---for the Day of the Lord is soon coming. It is upon us..do we not perceive it? The wars, the floods, the earthquakes, the fires, the crime, the diseases..all point to that DAY.

Martin Luther King Jr said it best: "I live for TWO DAYS. THIS day and THAT DAY!!!" He was referring to the coming of Christ Jesus. May this be our heart's cry !


Father, teach us to number our days unto wisdom as Your Holy Word declares in Proverbs. Father God, help us to keep our lamps filled and our wicks trimmed..let us not be foolish with our time..but let us discern the times, like the Sons of Issachar (1 Chronicles 7). Father God, we trust You to lead us in the right direction by the Power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27


Amen....meditate on those words :-)


Sis Anna

Verse of the Day

This verse came to my mind today:

"To whom much is given, much is required." Luke 12:48

Many of us forget to leave out the rest of that verse which reads: .."and when someone is entrusted with much, even much more will be required."


This verse is very riveting. We go around quoting it all the time. However, do any of us really understand what it is to be required of "even much more" ?



I will give an example...



Many people are in awe of great speakers and preachers like Joyce Meyers, TD Jakes, Paula White, etc. etc...but few see the type of disciplined life these mighty men and women of God have to have in order to keep up with the demands on their time.



I once heard Paula White speak and she said she is up every morning at 5am to run 5 miles !!! On her treadmill!! I was blown away! She said in order for her to do all that the Lord is "requiring" of her, she has to keep the temple of the Lord in shape!


Hmmmm...Lord, I will stick to my once every so often speaking engagements for now!! That is the thought that ran right through my head. But then the Lord's heart begins to permeate mine...what do I want from this life? I want to do His Will. If His Will were to require more of me (which it does) then there are many changes I need to make and NOW!


Frankly speaking, there is no more time to procrastinate. On any level. There is Kingdom Business to accomplish and we must be faithful with what He is giving us to do. And then when the "much more" comes, we must be "much more" faithful!


The beauty of our Lord is that He only gives us what we can handle...and from glory to glory. Thank God !



Father, help me to be mindful of the tasks that you have required of me to complete on this earth. Let me be found faithful with the little, and take fear from me to ask you for the much. Lord, I desire only your will, and I ask for the grace to complete it. In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen.

Praise Belongs to You Oh Lord !

“In my distress I called to the LORD;
I called out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came to his ears...."

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.

He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me."

2 Samuel 22:7-20

There is NO GOD like JEHOVAH. He reigns and HIS KINGDOM rules. He is fire like no other and no kingdom can quench His Power. For His children, He battles every foe and He rises up and swoops down to meet them when they call upon His Great Name. He is more than able to perfect that which concerns us. Our Lord knows what is best for His children and He delights in showing and teaching us of His ways. He wants His children to have success so that the wicked's treasures will be shattered and the righteous will receive what is theirs in the land of the living. Let all the earth bow down at His feet and proclaim that the Lord is Our God and His Kingdom shall reign eternally!

All praise and glory to our God!

So anything new?

"Behold I make all things new." Revelation 21:5

What a beautiful scripture from the Lord. I love this..I love how He makes ALL things NEW.

There are things that I sure need to be NEW in my life.

I need a new perspective, because my mind can get cluttered from the stuff of this world. Jesus warned us that our feet would get dirty walking in this world, but we are reminded that he washed the feet of even his betrayer! So how much more will he wash not only our feet, but our heart, soul, and mind. Jesus never leaves anything out. I love our Shepherd. He is tender and full of compassion.

I need a new mercy everyday. And he gives them. Brand new and fresh the minute my eyes open up. I thank God for these new mercies. Some days can leave me feeling like I really blew it with God. Not so. He forgives and restores a truly repentant heart. I love this about Him. His love is unconditional.

And I need new direction. Life can get confusing. But He is not the author of such confusion. He will make all the crooked paths straight. And His Word is a light unto my feet and a lamp unto my heart. I thank Him for direction..new direction...and the directions to go with it LOL !

Lord, on this day, I thank you for making all things new. Father, have your way in my heart so that I may exude a new, fresh, inviting fire from within! I want to attract people to the Jesus that I know, not my flesh that can easily choke the life out of me. Lord Jesus, be my Shepherd and wash me..inside and out. Amen.

2011 !!!!

Praise be to God for another brand New Year!! Let us anticipate great things but also know that when-not if-but WHEN the hard times come, for they always do, that our God is going to be right there with us! Enjoy your weekend !!



Love,

Sis Anna :-)