Rule of Life #47

Simply because you remove the stinking garbage from the bin in the kitchen and place it in the garage does not mean the stench will no longer exist. When you walk out to the garage in the morning, it will smell like trash. LOL....

Faith

This morning during my prayer time, I thought of Isaac in Genesis 26. Isaac sowed in a time of famine and reaped 100 times over that same year. I am beginning to see the harvest of all the good seeds I have sown over the years.

My mind flashed back to when I moved back to Arizona four years ago. I was a single mother with two small children, no job, no family and no friends. That is crazy! But I knew it was were I was supposed to be. And I am so thankful that I am here.

My biological mother, Ida, moved to San Antonio, TX from Detroit, MI about a year ago. She moved with no job, no friends or family. Yet, God has provided for her during the past year. I believe that His provision occurs because she is where she is supposed to be. She has faced many challenges but through it all, she has clung to the victory she has in Jesus.

Jesus said we would have tribulation in this life. But to be happy and full of joy because we are in Him and He has overcome the world. (John 16:33). I am so amazed at how my faith in God has grown. There used to be a time when bad news or events would send me over the edge. Now, I just remember how good God has been to me. I have a great job. Despite being tired as a single mom, I have healthy, smart, beautiful children. I eat every day. I have a roof over my head. I have a great church and friends. I am one year from being Dr. Dayna Thompson.

I talked to my mom almost every day - usually through text messaging. She told me she starts her new job on Tuesday. No matter what we face, God is always faithful to provide a way of escape (1 Cor 10:13). Everyday, I am learning more and more about how much God really does love me. Even though I get tired and feel like I am in a pit, He lifts me out, dusts me off, and walks with me on this journey (Ps 40:2).

Faith. Just a simple world that contains explosive power to change our tomorrow. Do faith. The benefits lead you to life and life more abundant (John 10:10).

Today's secret: the enemy can only steal from you if you allow it. You allow it by falling into fear instead of standing in faith.

Movie and Pizza

I sent my mother a text message and asked the following question: "Is it wrong to be tired of being a parent?" I know that is an awful question but lately my kids have just worn me out.

After school, I took the kids to see "Happy Feet 2." I can honestly admit that I would have been really upset if I had paid full price to see that movie.


We went to the $3 movie theatre. It was pretty cool. The kids liked the wax figures.

I was grocery shopping earlier today and saw a kit to make pizzas. NyCee does not like pizza but will generally eat off the pepperoni. I thought it would be a fun activity to let them make their own pizzas.

Tyler didn't want sauce. NyCee wanted light sauce. Collectively, they managed to get the cheese actually onto the dough.

Some days, my life is just exhausting. I tell myself, "It will get better." I spent the last week in fervant prayer for the strength to continue this journey. I would not wish single parenting on any person. It is lonely, tiring, frustrating, thankless and seemingly unending. Please pray for me. I am in a true spiritual battle. I will continue to fight the good fight of faith. I will not be defeated. I will maintain my joy and victory in Jesus. I will not quit. Well, I really can't quit. What would I do with my kids if I quit? LOL..

Inspiration

For a while, I have know that God has called me to teach his word. Today's world provides so many avenues to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have started a blog devoted solely to providing daily inspirations that I receive from the Lord during my prayer time.

I am going to learn how to use Twitter and Facebook. We have to be a light in the world. We have to use whatever means we can to spread the gospel.

I will maintain both sites. This one is about me and the kids. The other is for all of us when we need encouragement.

Alpha & Omega's Princess is the title of the blog. Join me as we journey through life to get the promises of God.

Trust

5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;"
Proverbs 3:5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

As I was praying this morning I thought about this scripture and how easy it is to do this when things are going smoothly. But how do we trust in the Lord when the storms of life are blowing all around us? I just read a book titled, "The other side of faith." The focus of the book was how we allow fear into our lives without even realizing it. It is small anxieties over simply things. But the bible is very clear, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil 4:6 NKJV). This literally means that we should not concern ourselves with the cares of this life.

As I pondered these scriptures, I thought of the Israelites prior to their departure out of Egypt. Exodus chapter 12 discusses the final plague that would strike Egypt. Draw your attention to verse 23: "When the LORD passes through to strike Egypt and sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, He will pass over the door and not let the destroyer enter your houses to strike you."

We know the destroyer is the enemy as Jesus tells us he (the devil) comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). I was comforted by the thought that as long as I stay in the house covered with the blood of Jesus, the destroyer cannot harm me. There are many scriptures that talk about God raising a banner to protect His children when the enemy comes in like a flood (Ish 59:19) And we dwell in the secret place of the most high and hide under His wings (Psalm 91:1). All of a sudden it hit me, fear comes naturally to us. Think about that. It is easy to get into fear. It takes work to stand in faith. It takes work to trust in the Lord with all your heart when the bank account is low and the bills are high, the job is talking about lay offs, the cabinets are empty. It takes work to enter into the rest of God (Hebrews 4:11). It takes trust in God's word and His promises to cast down imaginations (2 Cor 10:5).

I have declared that 2012 will be a year of great victories. I have determined and purposed that my life will reflect the glory of God's goodness and greatness. I have decided to simply trust God. When my mind starts to wander to all the, "what ifs" and "what will I dos," I stop the thought and quote Psalm 23.

The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.

4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live. (HCSB)

These words are always a comfort to me. Over the past few years, I have faced many challenges. But this year is my year to simply trust God. I have made bad decisions which resulted in negative consequences. But through all of it, God showed grace and mercy. This year I stand on the promise that He will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings that I can not contain. And He will rebuke the devour on my behalf because I return the tithe and bring an offering into His storehouse. (Mal 3:10-11).

God said to prove Him. Put pressure on the convenant to get all that He promised. All good gifts come from the Father above (Matthew 7:11 and James 1:17). It is time to stand on God's promises. I choose to trust His word. The Word is Jesus Christ (John 1:14). He is the promise on which we stand. No matter what you are facing. Look into God's word. Figure out what He wants you to do. Do it and then watch His glorious power manifest in your life.

Jesus made this simple declaration: "Have faith in God" (Mark 11:22). Let us choose to do that. Let us choose faith over fear. Let us create a better tomorrow by applying God's word.

Well Adjusted

Bubba is adjusting well to his new school. He is learning to write his name and his speech is much clearer. All day Pre-k, best thing ever!

My days are much more productive and I generally complete all my work before picking him up from school. I am very pleased with his progress and maturity.

God is just getting started

I have made a commitment to rid myself of debt. I have no desire to live under the curse of debt. I have also made a commitment to be more organized regarding my finances. I have created a spreadsheet to track monthly spending. I have ordered checks (I used to get money orders from my bank but the accounting piece of that is a nightmare). And finally, I have created the projected budget for the next three months.

I prayed and asked God for an extra course to teach at my part-time school. My prayer was granted. The money means I will be out of debt and my budget balanced by April. WAHOOOOOO!!!! I am so excited. There are many things that I want to do for the kingdom of God and being bogged down with debt prevents me from being a blessing to others.

I also want to get married. The bible states, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord" Proverbs 18:22. Notice the emphasizes on "good." I do not want to be a "thing" to my husband. I want to be a good thing. I want to be a blessing to him. And unncessary debt is not a blessing. Besides, debt is under the curse. Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law. (Galatians 3:13).

Choose to be debt free!

Somebody Special

This week at school, NyCee is "Somebody Special." Since the beginning of school, each one of the kids has had the opportunity to be "somebody special" for the week. They can bring in a poster full of pictures and their favorite doll, book, or toy every day. NyCee has been very antsy because the process rotates alphabetically. And yup, "T" is a long way away for a five year old.

After she explained each picture, she was able to select five class mates, (using her teacher's pointer) who asked questions or made comments about the pictures. A couple of the comments were: "you look pretty in the blue dress." Or, "I like when you were a baby."

She was also able to help the teacher with practicing their numbers and calender time. They sing a song titled, "Days of the Week" which is to the tune of "The Addams Family." NyCee was very excited to finally have her turn. On Friday, we will take in treats for the kids.

Investor

I did it. I bought my first stocks today. I am so excited. I enrolled in a program that will purchase shares of stocks on a monthly basis. I have the funds coming out of one of my "inactive" accounts. I have money deposited into it from my paycheck but it is not my expense account or bill paying account. I am determined to change my tomorrow one small step at a time.

Also, I have a small box where I put $7 a week in my closet. $7 is one less trip to McDonald's for happy meals. The purpose of that shoe box is self control and it helps me see the bigger picture. At the end of the year, I will have $365 in that shoe box. Rather than looking at it as $1 a day. I see it as $365. Perception is key to changing our reality.

This one is about me

What you may not know about me is that I cut off all my hair. Yup. All Natural! It is odd. I must say. I do not like how I look. I think I look like a boy. (Although I receive a lot of compliments about my new look.) However, I have switched to all natural hair products for all of us. My hair is healthier, thicker and stronger. Right now, I use products to make it curly. It looks like Samuel L. Jackson from pulp fiction. Definitely NOT the business. But, because I have to wait for my hair to grow out, it is teaching me patience in other areas.

I officially started the dissertation process this week. I have to write my prospectus. (It is a fancy paper to justify my topic to a group of people.) Once the prospectus is approved, I will start writing various chapters of the dissertation. That is pretty exciting.

I have purposed to be debt-free in six months. I am on a very tight budget. I carefully calculate my expenses. Debt is from the very pit of hell. I think it is awful like a noose around the neck and you are just waiting for someone to pull the chair from under you. I am done with it. Tired of it. NO MORE DEBT.

I have been reading a lot of magazines and books on finance and investing. Pretty excited about that as I prepare to buy my first stock. I am truly getting in a better financial position.

I also want to get married and have a family. There are certain criteria that I expect my future spouse to meet and I am sure he feels the same. Fiscal irresponsibility will not cut it. Living by a budget is healthy and smart. God does not care about you having nice things. He cares when your family and peace are destroyed in pursuit of the things. I am excited about this year. I look forward to sharing wonderful testimonies of God's blessings.

"Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!"
Psalm 32:11

Tyler's teacher took this picture of him today. She said he is adjusting very well to the new school. This schedule is working on so much better for all involved parties. I complete my work generally by 1:30p or so. Then, I do not turn back on the computer until have they gone to bed.

I literally could kiss the man who invented all day Pre-k 3 on the mouth.

With Time to Spare

Thank God for the inventor of all day Pre-k for three year olds! I have accomplished so much this morning. Graded papers, attending a meeting and a training session, threw in a load of laundry, prepared my meet for dinner and I have an hour to spare before I have to pick up Bubba from school.

Jimmy Cricket in Chocolate sauce! Why didn't I think of this before?

Fart Competition

Yes, you read correctly. My children thought it would be funny to stand in the middle of the family room and have a fart competition. I wish I could have captured their faces on film. It was priceless.

New Year, Now What?

The last few days the weather has been beautiful. The kids and I have enjoyed bike riding and playing at the park near our house.

I found an all day pre-k for Tyler which was really necessary. I realize that although I work from home, I do work. Having him in school 3 days a week for 2.5 hours was more disruptive to my schedule. Yet, I did not want him in day care. So today, we toured a school 5 minutes from my house with a full curriculum of reading, writing, computer time, library visits and center time. I think the situation will be good for both of us. He needs to be in a social environment. But it is an actual school setting.

I have to start writing my dissertation. Other than that, I do not have anything excited to tell.