This is a FIGHT but VICTORY Awaits

Well we started the ABC's of tackling the somewhat mysterious villain better known as PROCRASTINATION! Last blog covered A: Accountability. Let’s take up a few notches. Indeed there is so much to be learned from a Former Procrastinator! Procrastination hinders the progression towards goals, it seems to stifle gifts or cause a negative light on an otherwise talented person. Let’s look at the things to overcome this. There is indeed a better you behind that procrastinating habit! Ready let’s go... Of course I would hope it would be as easy as the Blog picture indicates to get from the Start to Finish line... But really each step counts! Let’s finish this! The B: Balance! Balance is definitely needed to overcome procrastination. Often times the procrastination is not something done on purpose but more of a habit formed sometimes from piling on your plate. What we pile on the plate of "Life: can be jobs home marriage ministry life errands sports and gasp even social moments (yep social media too!) All things work better in balance rather than off-balance. Hectic living harried thoughts and unrealistic schedules can cause you to push things back further and further into virtual nonexistence! There's really a time saying No to some things or prioritizing needs to come into play. Making good workable task list realistically gives realistic results. On my professional job we had Protected Time. Blocked off for completion of a certain type of office work. This works well for writers! Note here: Balancing things in your head mentally is bound to have a downward spiral or meltdown... Something a struggling procrastinator does not need! Write it for your sanity sake. It’s amazing what 15 minutes of planning does versus 15 minutes of scattering our arms and heads like an octopus does. One brings more completion! Try it balancing can be your best friend in overcoming procrastination! The C: No Compiling: Talk about a yarn ball effect. When things are all compiled little really gets accomplished. Sometimes we need to get another C word in action, Categorizing! If your task is creating a business plan than the sticky notes for dinner plans should not be mixed in there! Along with the car payment notice. Take a breath been there! Things like this create a whirlwind of confusion and unfortunately something may get undone overlooked, Apples with Apples and Oranges with Oranges on this one! Procrastination is a tough one to tackle! Got to dive in this one, one pile at a time! Remember car note with car info work notes with work files ministry with ministry etc. The D: This one is loaded! Distractions little foxes as the Bible describes spoil the vine! Yes little things little hey get back to it... etc can cause a halt to things! For instance it’s tempting to watch a favorite show with a huge test pending the very next day, not to mention you’ve not even looked at the notes for weeks! ALERT::::: That one little girl time session may have needed to be shortened that quick posting on FB could have been done later and guess what the time spent could have broken those notes/study into little sessions and the night before would just be a review rather than a big headache. Identify distractions don't patronize them tackle them head on. Be honest that they are distractions and investigate your attraction to them! What is enticing to you about it? .Quickly close the portal! These are good pointers from Accountability to discovering the Attraction to Distractions Please smile you on your way to overcoming Procrastination! See you in the next blog...

Confessions of A Former Procrastinator ..

pro·cras·ti·nate prəˈkrastəˌnāt/ verb delay or postpone action; put off doing something. "it won't be this price for long, so don't procrastinate" synonyms: delay, put off doing something, postpone action, defer action, be dilatory, use delaying tactics, stall, temporize, drag one's feet/heels, take one's time, play for time, play a waiting game Origin late 16th century: from Latin procrastinat- ‘deferred until tomorrow,’ from the verb procrastinare, from pro- ‘forward’ + crastinus ‘belonging to tomorrow’ (from cras ‘tomorrow’).

Ahhhh.. Hi there! My name is.. And I am a former procrastinator..sigh Now we don't have those level of confession. But to those that struggle with procrastinating it does sometimes need to be declared and decreed! It ends today not tomorrow LOL! Procrastination is in itself habit forming. The mindset is that time is on my side when truly we don't control time at all. It can start a domino effect in your life and accomplishments.Of the worst sort that is! Sometimes what is being put off is a really delaying some of the greatest things in your life! Emotions are tied to procrastinating Up first.."I don't feel like it today" Fear..I'm not sure if I can do this.. feeling overqualified but truthfully the right one for the job! Anger/Frustration can lead to procrastination..Perhaps clarifying the matter might help with this one! Distractions are key in identifying procrastination as well.Things happen but in that what can we control? Is it at that moment priority? Or can it be addressed later. Prioritize for the Prize ! The prize of completion Task that are not prioritized or identified can deter whats rightfully due at that moment. And cause further frustration Frustration is not our Friend! Procrastination is a hindrance and Fear is not Welcomed here! Lets look at the ABC of how to go from current to a former Procrastinator Take a deep breath Ready set go... A: Accountability As a procrastinator accountability was like a bad word. It meant checks and balance on something that was not seen as even needing balance (it did) Have a good accountability system in place. Reminders need setting. Checklist if that works.. An actual partner...Not one who will be unconnected but are serious about your finished task/project. They should have insight into what your accomplishing! To not only offer accountability but good advice! If you struggle with accountability the root should be determined Investigate that the thing that stops the accountability ( in us) Especially because it can be highly toxic and negative. Or it could be unknown why perhaps we view things from a skewed perspective sometimes as a procrastinator I viewed the intensity of a finished project more readily than I did the little pieces Please Speak to Procrastination in word and deed. Let it know that it will not have that level of power and influence Your Destiny awaits.

#LifeChanging The Beauty of Employing Wisdom

Well who said Life changes are negative unfruitful or unnecessary? Somethings are truly positive very fruitful and definitely necessary for a good life! Here are things I found very helpful in the transition to living a life of Wisdom 1. Let the things that matter least stay in that place! Never shift the value of what is really meant to be of no value! Like the one that is in constant need verbally but never seems to lack anything in your eyesight. Rid yourself of unnecessary financial and emotional straining. Fruitfulness would say show love but don't buy into lack 2. Balance your time to get things done in your world..Its amazing that this can teeter on the edge of seeming selfish especially in my line of "work"..Full time ministry! However its unproductive to teach others this principle of living whole and all the things for your life are half done or neglected! The most effective teacher is the one that teaches and leads by example!

3. Lastly, Explore it before you invest. Is it really worth effort time and resources? Follow the leading of Wisdom and the Holy Spirit. It may look golden but the core is no where near that. Investigate things don't be enticed! I've learn to love wisdom regain and really maintain your peace Be Empowered and Enjoy the Fruit of your Labor!

I ran across an interesting article: "Don’t Settle for a Fake Anointing"

Don’t Settle for a Fake Anointing

Pastor V ministering to at "Mission Day 2011" A Life with Christ is Worth Living!

Pastor V Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Hockley,TX : "A Marriage After God's Own Heart"

And the Gospel of Good News is being spread..Beauty for Ashes Fellowship Meeting 2010

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Martha Munizzi "DANCE" Live Video!

It's That Time!

As we prepare for a second year in ministry the winds of change are blowing. God has ordained our path for sure. My spirit is leaping for joy today.
Gone are the hindrances, the negativity and carnal mindsets. The fresh oil has been poured. Positioned and ready to operate in His might.
Beauty for Ashes IWM's blog will be buzzing. There will be messages of hope,laughter,and testamonials! Join in on sharing the beauty of God's love.
Love to you,
Pastor V

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Wes Morgan - I Choose To Worship

The Road to the Retreat... Beauty for Ashes IWM's Women's Retreat: "There is Beauty Beyond Pain Retreat.. ..

Saturday May 22, 2010 was a monumental moment for Beauty for Ashes IWM. The 1rst retreat of many was held in Houston, Texas.
Yes, "There is Beauty Beyond Your Pain" Women's Retreat was a definite "WOW God!" moment.
The Scripture in IS 61 took flight.. there was present the broken, the wounded and even those that were whole but ready to elevate in the Anointing of God.

The days before the retreat were spent in prayer and fasting before God. There were women around the globe expecting a great move in the retreat. It occurred like a flood!
The enemy should have just be wearied and ready to get back because there were pray warriors on every turn.. We pressed in and laid on the altar before God..ready to serve His people.

There was unity and the love of Christ amongst the appointed workers for the retreat..we flowed on one accord.. God honored it..He really did. The laughter in the midst was priceless..We always have some joy in the house at BFA! :)

Husbands were supportive all worked diligently and in unison! Wow again!!

There was fellowship from Elim ministry in Houston,TX.. Joe and Marissa- if your reading I love you so.. thank you is an understatement.
Both Joe and Marissa worked side by side from the onset of the retreat until we left the building. Thanks Lord!! for faithful kingdom builders.

The dancers worked diligently and faithfully to prepare for worshipping God through dance. Countless rehearsing, sacrificing of time.. Thanks Ladies.. You beheld the fruit..

The praise and Worship leader prepared to usher us into the Throne Room.. She had a voice of an angel.. Yolks were going to be broken for sure

The cook what can I say.. but Bon Appetite! She prepared the menu worked the plan and it was go from there.

The prayer team of intercessors went to the grounds to pray rain didn't stop us.. we pressed.. Those grounds were Holy!

The instructors prepared their lessons yielding to the voice of God and obeying.. Wisdom is priceless

The vendors had their awesome works prepared and ready to go! Way to go..God does give us creative ideas to gain wealth.

The administrative staff worked hard to create a beautiful agenda, postcards and gift bags..Creativity is no stranger to the folks at Beauty for Ashes IWM!!

The decoration team worked to set a table fit for a queen.. see the pics! We are God's best.. nothing less would do!

Let's not forget..Mr. Joe of Pressing Promos that was able to create the beautiful t-shirts in a crunch for time.. and even 7:00 am coffee!! Thanks Mr. Joe!!!

The true blessing is this all the long hours of leg work and outpouring was done by under 15 women!!! What a testimony of God's supernatural favor, and how He can empower us through the Holy Ghost!!

My friends it rings so true that We can do all things through Christ which Strengthens Us... Philippians 4:13

Still saying WOW God!!! See my next blog...

January is National Mentor Month.. A Tribute to My Mentor

January 21rst is “Tell Your Mentor Thank You Day”!
Well my mentor has passed on to glory. However, a public thank you is befitting...
I had the fortunate experience of being mentored by my own mother. My mother spent countless hours of time encouraging, instilling and motivating me to go beyond the norm. I was taught the value of a good education and how to apply the learned material. My mother instilled and helped to develop leadership skills necessary for my future. She challenged me to expand my thinking beyond average and strive for the best. I learned that life though it holds many turns can be lived to the fullest. my mother worked with children from less fortunate families by tutoring them, exposing them to cultural activities etc. She believed in charity and goodwill and lived her life accordingly.
Thanks Mom for your hard work and great example!

Leaving the Land of "This and That" and Going To A Place Called "Focused"

The past few months have been a time of serious growth for me. I have been in a place that was not familiar to me at all. This place if named would be "This and That". What a funny name you say.. What exactly does that mean? It was some stuff uprooted and some was planted by God himself.
Biblically it would be likened unto the Wilderness experience that the children of Israel had to go through prior to the Promised Land. However, I did want to prolong my ordained time in this place.
I called it ,”This and That” because it seemed like stuff was scattered in the wind like leaves. I found myself baffled..whoahh how did I land here? “This and That” seemed like a bunch of loose ends. It was uncomfortable for me..I liked having it all together you know! Oh but this place was not governed by me at all.. No, I was led there by the divine handiwork and planning of The Sovereign Lord,God himself.
My conversations with God definitely entailed detailed questions. The funny thing was that God really did not seem to speak to my inquisitive nature but to the future path I was being prepared for. He spoke and commanded self examination. The reigns of my heart were tested like King David. I found myself encountering issues that required total trust. Yes, I learned how to have total trust in God. Oh Lord, I whined I want to get out of this place. It's uncomfortable and sometimes lonely here.
Like a child I really wanted God to be moved by my whining and pouting. That Didn’t work though..I had to pass this way..through "This and That”. I literally exhausted myself with trying to make change happen.
Then one day..God revealed Himself in only the way he could. He showed me that this place was ordained. I realized all the while.. I was growing up in Him yet again.
Often times we mistakenly think that we reach a plateau in Christ and thereby are unaware that our spiritual growth is ongoing!
God began the uprooting in “This and That”..He instructed there. He breathed fresh oil daily because yesterday's was all gone. I had my daily bread nothing more and nothing less. My wants seemed out of reach. My solutions and I stress my solutions..were hopeless and fruitless. Arghh, I sighed, “What’s a girl to do in this place!!!!!?
Now, as God commands, I'm headed spiritually to the place I've been being prepared for all along. It's called, “Focused". Even though, it seemed really fuzzy getting there..I was heading somewhere!
This place is where the Ministry that God has ordained for me comes to the forefront. Not for others to be impressed or wooed. No, this is solely for God's kingdom to be built. It is here that only the people that God ordained to be connected can remain in an active role. The blessing on my life, the covenant with God is fulfilled on my part now. Yes, it's a mature place in Him. Thanks Lord!
Focused is the place where I am a doer of the Word, however only upon the clear instructions of God. It's a place where the provision I tried to create will now just overtake me.
Yes, it’s a mind blowing place. Focused for me is the place I've desired to be in God for a long time. The place that bears fruit from the pruned spirit I now possess.
The past seasons of unforgiveness and bitterness have been deemed null and void...No longer active.
God is His infinite Wisdom knew that I had to travel through my “This and That” to let go of baggage and weight. Now, my growth still goes on but with principles of the Word in place. God does perfect the things that concern me!
Focused is the place God desires for us all. The place where only He can get the Glory for all that will manifest. He works miracles through us and for us in that submissive place. Others benefit from the full manifestation of our matured Spiritual gifts. What a beautiful concept.
I'm loving this place already...Why? because God's love for me led me right here. His timing is not like mine. I knew that 2010 was approaching so I thought,"Oh wow! I'm going to get the promises in 2010.
However, the Most High God informed me as I exited my wilderness - It was not a calendar date but a divine timing... and guess what, “It’s NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
Truly Yours in Christ,
Pastor Valencia Luckett

Okay.. The gifts and outpouring are still coming...

Oh my goodness! I blogged earlier about the manifestation of blessings and now there's more. My friend Zeeda surprised me with a visit (in the storming rain. She dropped by to bring me gifts and a cake for my birthday. Her mom and two daughters visited also. It was so nice and thoughtful. I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about her genuine friendship. She did not come once but twice and brought yet another gift with her!!
My hubby has been a jewel he did the laundry, tended to the children and cooked a fantastic meal. I enjoyed a day of rest and relaxation. Thanks Honey!

My older sister and my daughter along with Grammy's baby boy (D'Anthony) dropped by tonight. They came bearing cupcakes, ice cream and gifts as well.

God I truly thank you. This has been an awesome day. I have had over 7 Happy Birthday serenades, 2 cakes, numerous gifts and an open display of love from family and friends.

I missed my parents today but yet I celebrated because I know they are in my cloud of witnesses cheering me on in this race.

Well I'm off to bed- It's been an overtaking kind of week.

Good night,
Pastor Valencia
God's Girl

The Road to My 40th Birthday- Oh! It's a New Thing for Sure

Okay God this is mind blowing just rethinking over this week.
I left off at Sunday which by the way the Sunday dinner was scrumptious and delicious. Scrumplicious perhaps!

Monday::
I went on an all expense paid trip to New Orleans. My 91 year old great aunt passed away the previous week. I was very close to her and wanted badly to be there for her children and our other family members. I remember sobbing to God and asking for a door to open. Well.. it did. I was able to pay my final respects, start closure and also celebrate a life well lived. My family was able to meet my grandchild for the first time. We ate so much we popped. Seafood, Creole cuisine, Homemade deserts, even birthday cake! Oh and I cannot forget my uncle's secret barbecue recipe put in full effect. My children from the youngest to the oldest had a blast. I had no expenses yet the red carpet was rolled out.
Oh it does not stop there...

Tuesday: : My friends Pastor Manuel Mukes and Pastor Tanika Mukes were used by God to bless my socks off - literally. Visit the couple @ http://www.myspace.com/tmukes
For almost two years I had a desire of my heart. This desire was delayed but not denied. When I had funds I chose to wait patiently if the funds were allotted for a need. But God. when He does a thing it's seems like the wait was for a moment. The Mukes blessed me with a brand new, fully loaded Laptop /it's black and shiny, has a web cam, awesome graphics, litescribe- I can make professional DVDs.. I cried, I danced before the Lord on the spot, I hi-fived God . I was speechless. The blessings of God overtook me. I publicly speak blessings back into their lives. This laptop will be key to my ministerial duties. Can't go around the globe by plane on a desktop. I'm still smiling and praising Him.

Wednesday: I started working out with Zeeda. We walked, we laughed, we ministered to one another. God your awesome. I love being in ministry full time. You've blessed me to be around genuine Women of God that desire to be in Your presence.

Thursday: Worked out again, did a good workout- even worked up a sweat. God spoke so profoundly it blessed my soul. Got to cuddle with my hubby- thanks God for his Prophetic gifting. It's a blessing to the Body of Christ. Had a wonderful conversation with my Mother-In Law. We laughed about a lot. My sister hinted at giving me her older Mercedes.. oh! whew He is really overtaking me.

Friday My friend Keita sponsored a catering dinner at her home. She cooked this delicious food and people put orders in for the plates. Her deserts included Turtle brownies, Chocolate cake etc. The food was divine. She blessed me with a gift plate and a brownie. God just does not stop. True prophecy is key.

Today, Saturday: Informed that I have a big throwdown 40th party in the making. I cannot wait. But most of all the biggest blessing today is that I know Him, He knows me and together we are one. At 40 it is awesome to recognize and adhere to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is awesome to recieve the reward of total obedience.
God is faithful to his children. Lord thank you for the gift of birth- new birth in the Spirit. Watch out devil- the Anointing in me has been unleashed>>>>
My God has sent the latter day rain and I'm in the midst of the out pour.
Oh! Abba thank you! This day would be nothing without Your loving kindness. The beauty is that our relationship was established before the manifestations. I loved you in my night seasons, in my teary moments, my losses. You've carried me in Your arms and because of it- I can truly celebrate this moment.
Shalom
Pastor V
God's Girl

Wow! What a Week... the Road to my 40th Birthday

I'm so excited about this past week- It was an absolutely awesome week. Today is my birthday but the blessings of God have been overtaking me. It's no wonder it's raining in the natural here in Houston, Texas. Cuz it's raining in my life- the overflow has begun no trickle, no drizzle- rivers of living water are flowing from my belly.
It started the Friday before last at the Demon Crusherz Meeting (held every 2nd Friday- awesome Women's fellowship and ministry) See my sidebar for location information. I preached a message entitled "Unleashed". God is ready to pour out His anointing- no drips, no drizzle- outpour. He's ready for worshippers to worship in Spirit and truth. He's ready to unleash in our prayers as prayer warriors. But he needs the vessel. This message was a rhema word in season. Before the meeting ending an awesome friend and Woman of God, Zeeda prayed for me. She spoke under the authority of the Anointing into my life. It was confirming and exhorting. She spoke that God was in fact releasing and unleashing things and events in my personal life and ministry. Less than 24 hours the Word of God went into effect.
(check her out at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bound4gloryrecordsinc )
Saturday- blessings were overtaking me. On a shopping trip I got too many discounts to list. I saved oodles of dollars. Later that evening we were blessed with software to start our home recording studio. Oh my God -and I mean that literally He is my God.

Sunday my daughter came to church! Oh Lord you are faithful. Prodigals do return home to you. God is so awesome.
Please read the next entry for more - it's so much only God could have done this!

Knowing your Purpose puts your Pain in Perspective

9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, [c] saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.

I read the two scripture verses above and received a profound revelation about purpose and pain. Jabez was named as a memorial to his mother's pain. She had to look at him daily and call his name. I'm sure she would wince at the thought of the pain. However, the Word says he was more honorable than his siblings. So I'm sure that even though his birth caused pain this erased it for his mother. She had to smile with pride to see the hand of God on her son's life. She had to say he was worth the struggle of child birth.

In regards to the ministry God has given me I can relate. I have experienced painful incidents in my life. Oh! there is a list: sexual abuse, domestic violence, divorce, rejection, competitive jealousy, backbiting and on and on. This was true pain. It was unbearable at times. However, in the midst I was called preach the Gospel. God had need of me for His Glory. He revealed my purpose in the midst of the pain. Yes, it's true He healed me. However, the reminder of the pain did not leave. Why? Because it was my testament to the awesomeness of God. My testament that all things worked together for my good because I'm called according to His purpose. Now I know I'm called to be Prophet, a Pastor, an Evangelist and a Teacher the pain makes sense. I do not glory in experiencing the pain, but I give God the glory for how he used it to birth Beauty for Ashes International Women's Ministry. I give him the glory for how my pain did not destroy me; but because of it I got to know God as my Abba, my friend that stuck closer than a brother. To the readers of this blog entry allow God to call you out of your pain. He will propel you into your purpose.
Jabez cried out to God to remove the pain he carried. The key thing is he cried out! He looked outside of his pain and keyed into his purpose. I agree that there is a higher place that you get in God. It is where you say this pain will no longer fester like an infection. You get determined to step into your healed place, your God give purposed place. It is there that ministries are birth, visions come to pass, relationships with God matures, and others are helped to see their purpose.
I urge all those who have suffered painstaking moments or seasons in life- Cry out to the Living God to embrace your purpose. There's someone that needs to know that despite the pain the purpose God has for them is greater.
My prayer is that you allow God to reach into your painful place and place you directly into your purposed path
Shalom
Pastor Valencia

The Power of Agreement is Awesome

Oh my goodness, Houston, Texas lookout! My good friend Pastor Lisa (her blog is "I'm in Another Place In Him") have been touching in agreeing in prayer as led by the Holy Spirit. It started out with the two of us... now on yesterday we had other sisters in Christ with us in agreement. Beauty For Ashes International Women's Ministry, Bound for Glory Ministry, Demon Crusherz Women's Ministry, , Family of Love Christian Center and Zion Tabernacle Christian Church all of (Houston, Texas) were touching the Throne. The power of agreement is truly awesome. We prayed, we wept, we encountered the Father. God is so awesome, he speaks in Worship and beckons you in to the throne room. He desires for us to enter into His presence. There you can truly delight yourself in Him. As a result, our lives have changed, our faith is growing and be exercised outside of the box. We believed that God operates in the miraculous! He is the Living God. He spoke, He moved by His power, we were on one accord and it manifested in that place. The Glory of the Lord filled the house. We left knowing that our prayers were answered. Loved ones are saved,people are healed and made whole, the blind will see, the deaf shall hear. Oh my goodness God is on the move in our lives. We are not coming out of the gap,we have some sister friends that are lined up in agreement. What a wonderful thing.
We are meeting on Tuesday mornings at 10:45 am. If there are any readers out there that have prayer request please email them to: beautyforashesiwm@gmail.com
If you are interested in attending you are more than welcome. Remember the Word of God says in Matthew 18 vs 19 states: Again I say unto you, That if any two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father in Heaven.
Shalom,
Pastor Valencia Luckett
Beauty For Ashes International Women's Ministry

I'm Living the God kind of Life-putting the drama in check!

God wants His people to experience life's finest. That is not just limited to cars, cash and property. There is an area that all to often we as women tuck away. Yes we tuck it- we learn to fake it, we smile when we really feel like crying or screaming. We laugh and pray that others don't look deep into our eyes and see hurt. Oh! It's time for the madness to stop.

God has another level for His daughters. It's a place of peace, a place where His love reigns and overtakes us. In this place you find yourself releasing those that wronged you or violated your body. It's not magic to getting in this place. No wonder pill.. simply learning to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth... Spilling it out no holding back- removing the mask of pain. It's there where you transform, it's there where your needs are met. It's there when your natural meets his super. Yes, worship will take you there..

So when the drama comes or it seems to linger.. Speak to it in the Anointing and tell it it has no residency in your life. began worship the Father, sit with Him and listen to His voice, read the Word. Lastly, apply it to your daily living.

Oh and Sister's don't forget to keep your swagger- do your girly time- have lunch, laugh, smile because you're living the God Kind of life!!!

Check out more at http://www.myspace.com/beauty4ashesiwm

Shalom (Peace)

Pastor Valencia B. Luckett

Beauty For Ashes International Women's Ministry

Post Office Box 940806

Houston, Texas 77094-7806

Now that's what a miracle looks like!

Wow! 2008 was filled with the fulfillment of the promises of God. My grandson, D'Anthony Allen Young was born on November 1, 2008. He's an angel sent from Heaven. Calm spirited yet firm when it's feeding time! Several moments flashed through my heart the first time I held him. I remembered the painstaking moment that my husband, my daughter and myself learned she would become a parent. It hurt, it was discomforting- not my baby, Lord I cried bitterly. I wept many days and some nights I laid awake worrying that the my little girl (though she was 18) was not ready for this level in life. I remember feeling like I wanted yell and kick the anger out of my heart. This was not the plan we discussed, not a path we were to walk. The pregnancy was challenging, my daughter experienced preterm labor, constant morning sickness, she was weak and feeble, frightened by the changes in her body and mind. This hurt as a mother,I did what I knew to do. This was a spiritual journey, not a time to wallow in the fleshy places. So I would like to share this with someone who maybe experiencing this situation
1. I reminded her of the unconditional love of God. I along with my husband worked to dispel a spirit of condemnation.
2. We showed the love of Christ, self had to get out of the way. After all, we were preparing to receive a miracle not a mess! A prophet was coming to our house! How blessed are we.
3. I embraced and began to operate in what I call the ministry of presence. I made myself available for concerns she had, fears, questions, tears and of course Ultrasounds- he was a cutie even in the womb. I taught, shared and walked by my baby girl's side assuring her that God was with her and would never leave her.
4. Prayer and open communication with the Father when the emotional pain struck- and it did. I had Godly friends that ministered to us and helped us through.
5. I remembered that God was in a Covenant relationship with not only me but my seed and my seed's seed. So D'Anthony's life was covered before he was formed in his mother's womb- God is awesome
6. We just outright loved on her- pedicures, lunch with my sister and I, nursery decorating etc..
7. We did not condone the act but refused to bring condemnation to mother or child. There was no way the devil was going to develop a pattern of low self esteem/worth in this girl's life.
8.The foundation was set, I not only confessed the Word in her life- I introduced her to the Word. Although, she may have strayed there has to be a return to the Word in this lifetime. God is faithful, His Word is set and through Christ it was fulfilled- so who am I to believe otherwise!
Now as I hold my littlest angel in the house- I smile and am reminded of the Father's love, protection and miracle working power. God kept him in the womb, he's a cuddle bear, loves to coo, laugh and smile.
He is a daily reminder that God gives Beauty for Ashes.
So publicly to my grandson I say,"I love you D'Anthony you have added to my life in a way only God could orchestrate".
Love, Nana