Double Portion Inspiration

My teenager! It’s hard to believe that in just a few short months, my oldest child will enter into her 20’s. When she was a toddler, I remembered hearing horror stories about raising teenagers. I’m thankful that I always rejected that notion. I never came into agreement with it. I do agree that parenting is never easy and raising teens is no different. Despite its challenges, I’m thankful for the experience of being a mother. Here’s a few things I’ve learned over the years: ·                      Surrender to the process . We have an obligation to raise our children in the training and instruction of the Lord. Even with that foundational training, parenting is full of ups and downs. Don’t have any expectations that you will be a perfect parent or that your kids will be perfect. There’s NO such thing. You will make mistakes and so will your teenagers. It’s all part of the process...

2020 was a crazy year.    How many times have we heard that? I've heard it so much that I'm tired of hearing it. Even with 2020 being a year like non other, our mother became a published author! During a pandemic and in the midst of chaos, she followed God's will.   For nearly 10 years Roslyn and I have both wanted to write a book. We've written in our private time, but we knew at some point, God would take our broken pieces and allow us to share it publicly. Never in our wildest imaginations did we think, mom would become published before us. We didn't even know she was working on a book. She's a very private person so it doesn't surprise us that she kept the project all to herself.   In the book, "Age-Old Wisdom Sayings", she joins three other writers, Marsha Deveaux Johnson, Iris Deveaux Anderson and David Johnson to share priceless words of wisdom. The power packed 55-page book records sayings of old that we've heard so many tim...

Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous and will likely cause pain. For some, it’s an emotion they feel daily. Everyone feels fear and everyone gets anxious at some point. Unfortunately, our world today nurtures an atmosphere of fear. Whether it’s through social media or news outlets, we’re bombarded with fear and anxiety. Often the two emotions travel together. If you’re not careful, instead of the emotions coming and leaving quickly, they will linger and before you know it, you are dwelling in both the emotions. Over the past few years, I’ve learned how to overcome fear. Not manage it but OVERCOME it! Its been a process but if you follow these four steps, I promise that your fear will subside. 1. Read the Bible - it is full of scriptures that help combat fear. 2. Pray - share with God what you’re feeling. Be open and honest. 3. Be thankful and focus on the good in your life - what yo...

 This is the month that we celebrate our country's independence. We are blessed to live in a country where we are FREE! Free to speak our minds. Free to speak our truth. Free to worship and praise God! In the Bible, several scriptures remind us of our freedom in Christ. To live physically and spiritually free is such a blessing. It reminds us that God is always with us and when we keep Him at the forefront of our lives, we live in true freedom. John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free , you will be free indeed. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom . Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Ephesians 3:12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 1 Peter 2:16 Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyon...

During a recent family meal, we each went around the table and shared one thing we loved about each other. Typically my 16 and 10 year old are on each other's nerves, so it warmed my heart to hear them being pleasant to each other. They were also surprised to hear each other's response. Do you ever ask similar questions around your dinner table? If not, try it. My youngest during vacation  As much as it was a blessing to hear them talk about each other, their answer to me was beyond words. My 10 year old started out first. I was pretty sure he was going to compliment my cooking. I've always felt like I take "rock star" status in his mind because I enjoy cooking his favorites on a regular basis. His world revolves around sports, video games, sleep, reading books, and eating. Typical kid stuff. Instead of him listing my participation in any of those activities, he quickly let me know that he loves how I teach him God's word. ...

Prayer is a conversation with God. It's an opportunity for us to talk to Him and for Him to talk to us. It's two-way communication and it should be continual as you move throughout each day. The God of the Universe, provides us the magnificent opportunity to have a conversation with Him! He wants to hear about our joys and victories and comfort us when life gets downright difficult. Here's the thing though, DON'T pray and then worry. It's like oil and water. They don't mix. They were never meant to exist together. If you're going through a difficult time, please pray about your situation and give it to God. He wants to take the cares of your world away but you must release it to Him. If you keeping worrying about the situation then you're doubting his ability to handle it. Philippians 4:6-7 shares the following: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to G...

Most Saturday's I wake up early and head to the trail for a 6 mile walk with my dear friend. We always seem to cry, pray and laugh together. We pray for each other, our families, and just life in general. A few Saturday's ago, my heart was heavy and I was overwhelmed by life. We were walking and talking but my mind kept drifting back to my worries. My mind was anxious and I couldn't even focus on what she was saying. Instead of holding it in, I was transparent and shared my concerns and situation. Even though she's walking through her own difficult situations, she immediately started to pray for me. Those few moments of prayer provided encouragement and a renewed strength. A weight was lifted off my shoulders. My perspective changed and I moved from anxious thoughts to grateful thoughts. I realized in a deeper way that: prayer always works prayer in partnership with others is a mighty weapon The results you're looking for aren't always i...

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted.   If you let it, distractions can make you lose focus and disrupt destiny.   Writing my blog posts is a way to encourage others, t herefore, I need to make time for it.   I’m typing this post while returning home from my family reunion.   I’m blessed that both my mother’s and father’s side of the family have an annual reunion.   It’s such a great time to catch up and reconnect with family members.     This weekend we came together in Warrington, Florida (near Pensacola) where my father grew up.   The city holds precious memories of a time full of laughter, love, and wonderful fun. This would be our first family reunion without the last living matriarch of the family because my dad’s twin sister passed away last year and she was the last of his 7 siblings remaining on this side of Heaven.   Our reunion starts on Friday and lasts the entire weekend.   As a family we pray, fellowship...

Roslyn and I love to pray for others.  It's a pleasure for us to agree with people about their individual requests.  When I reviewed some of the recent prayer requests from friends, family, and associates, I realized that many of them had a common theme.    They needed healing !   Psalms103:2-3 shares:   Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases ...   This simple verse is powerful!  For many of us, it's easier to believe that our sins are forgiven but we struggle with the latter part of the verse where it shares that the Lord heals ALL our diseases.    WHY?   Our healing is a finished work of the cross.  By HIS stripes we are healed!  Don't doubt it.  Declare it in your environment, despite how you feel or the diagnosis you may have just received.  Let the following scriptures minister to your needs....

I normally try and put my kids to bed with a book or Bible lesson.  The other day our Bible lesson came out of Psalms 103.  This text of scripture is full of description about God's character.  Here's just a sampling from the chapter: He is merciful and tender toward those who don’t deserve it; he is slow to get angry and full of kindness and love. 9  He never bears a grudge, nor remains angry forever.   (Psalms 103:8-9) I knew my 12 year old understood the words that illustrated God's character but I was pretty sure my little one didn't.  I wanted to make sure he knew just how much God loves him.  I wanted him to know that God's love is constant whether he made good or poor choices.  There's nothing he can do that will cause God to love him less, just like there's nothing that causes God to love him more.   His "works" won't change God's love.  He's the same yesterday, today, and...

In recent months, so many loved ones have passed away.  Not only my friends and family but the loved ones of those I know.  It's heart breaking to hear of another friend that's lost someone near and dear to their hearts.  Until you've lost someone close (especially a parent), you can never understand the grief that one feels during that season of life.  Unfortunately I've lost a parent and it's a "club" I never wanted to join. I was always a daddy's girl.  My dad was my hero.  When he became ill, it rocked my world.  I had to move from believing God was a healer to knowing without a shadow of a doubt that He was my father's healer.   God showed His awesome power, time and time again during dad's health challenges.  That's why when he passed away, it was devastating. I was mad at God. We prayed, we believed, we fasted and he passed away.  Even though God  worked miracles in dad's body in the past, right now, ...

Enjoy God's peace by enjoying the outdoors! The weekend is almost here and we want to pray and declare God's greatest over your life.  May His grace and favor surround you.  May you feel His presence in times of challenge and adversity.  Remember to focus your thoughts only on those things that are pure, good, noble and true.  The promises of a double portion blessing are sprinkled throughout the Bible.  Meditate on the scriptures below and rest in the assurance that God wants the best for you! Deuteronomy 21:17 (AMP)   But he shall acknowledge the son of the disliked as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he was the first issue of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.   2 Kings 2:9 (AMP)   And when they had gone over, Elijah said to Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you. And Elisha said, I pray you, let a double portion of your...

The red velvet birthday cake was delicious! I love posting about my kids.  I reviewed some previous posts and realized that most of them were about our youngest.  With him being 4 years old, it's easy to write about his adventures.  Well today, I'm writing all about my daughter.  The past seven days have been amazing for her.  She turned 11 this week and it's hard to believe how rapidly time flew.  Even though people always tell you to enjoy each moment because they fly by quickly, time still seems to evaporate when raising kids. Not only did she turn 11, she also: Finished her track season by reaching personal goals in the long jump & 400 events Completed her 8th year of dance with a beautiful recital performance Promoted to 6th grade (middle school-YIKES!) The activities of this week allowed me to reflect on her beautiful life.  It hit me that in only seven years, she will be an official adult and leaving th...

I love to "gather" information.  Some might say it's being nosy, but I beg to differ.  If a friend shares she's not feeling well, I'll want to know why.  If I find out that someone is in the hospital, my next question might be, "Oh no, what happened?"  For years in my career I was tasked with asking questions to investigate claims.  It's now spilled into my personal relationships. Recently during a conversation with my mom's friend, she shared with me her guiding principal in life.  It stems from the text in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NIV): 11  and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands.... WOW!  What an awesome scripture.  Since reading it, I've tried to make it apart of my daily living.  It is how I will aim to please God as we are directed to in I Thessalonians 4.  Let's look at this simple text a little further. Peaceful St. Pete beach ...