Proverbs 3:5-6

Last year was my first year as a permanent employee and I was blessed beyond my expectations. I then asked God to give an opportunity to give as a way to thank Him for blessing me (taking me from unemployment to being permanently employed – as I know firsthand what a struggle it was to get here).

In about a month’s time my pastor gave out envelops for those who wanted to pledge their offerings, now this was a perfect opportunity for me to do what I had being longing to do. I didn’t offer a great amount no, I offered with a sincere heart, because no amount can be enough to repay God.

The reason I mention offering, is because some believe the offering is for the pastors. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Do you really believe God would call His children and then rely on us to feed/look after them? Not at all. Offering is a form of submission. It has nothing to do with the monetary value but sincerity-value. God knows we have so many things to sort out and pay, but He wants us to submit and put Him first and watch as He sorts it all out.

As I was preparing my offering I asked God to give my purpose and career a direction, now this was in March 2012.

In April 2012 I began to blog and in August 2012 I started a girl movement called I Beg To Differ, something I never believed I was capable of and it touch lives of young ladies. Sometime later, still in August I got a call to be Champion Editor in Chief of a youth magazine called Ambition Magazine.

The amazing part about this, is I was given some serious authority and it felt amazing. We are going live online in January 2013 and we trust to be a great success. And there are many other doors opening for me, doors I dreamed could open and all I can say is ‘Thank you Lord, for your love is far greater than my understanding and longing’

The Gist.

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

This is all those who have lost hope, I have been there and I know what it’s like. I worked at restaurants as a waitress and been a cashier at clothing stores; but I never stopped dreaming and believing. Every time you pray, the Lord listens and at His chosen time – He will deliver.

There’s a quote that says: "Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end." Very much true, so hold on and wait your turn.

Be blessed and fabulous at the same time.

Scriptures to Pray over Your Children

 

Rebekah - posted on 04/17/2009 (24 moms have responded)

1,432

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S C R I P T U R E S

To Confess Over Your Children

Proverbs 18:21 says, The tongue has the power of life and death. As parents, you have the power to speak life or death to your children and over your children. When you choose to speak the Word of God over your children, you are choosing to speak life over them. Jesus said in John 6:63, The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. The following are scriptural confessions that you can speak over your children – and as Isaiah 55:11 says – these words will not return to your empty, but will accomplish and achieve the purpose for which they are sent.

Exodus 20:12 I thank You Father, that my children honor and obey me, therefore, they please the Lord and will live a long life.
(Also found in Colossians 3:20 and Ephesians 6:2.)

Psalm 112:2 My children are blessed and will be mighty in the land.

Psalm 127:3 My children are a reward and gift from the Lord, and I will enjoy them.

Psalm 138:8 My children will fulfill God’s will and purpose for their lives.

Daniel 1:4 My children are children in whom there is no blemish, but they are well favored. They are skillful in wisdom, cunning in knowledge, and understand science. They have the ability to stand in the King’s palace and teach others.

Romans 12:2 My children are not being conformed to this world’s system, but they are constantly being transformed by the renewing of their mind, that they might know what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God for their lives.

I Corithians 6:18-19 My children will flee from all sexual immorality and impurity in thought, word or deed, and they will realize that their body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

I Timothy 4:12 My children are examples to others in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.


1. Salvation
Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
(Isaiah 45:8; II Timothy 2:10)

2. Growth in Grace
I pray that they may “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”.
(2 Peter 3:18)

3. Love
Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love through the Spirit who dwells in them.
(Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22)

4. Honesty and Integrity
May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection.
(Psalm 25:21)

5. Self-Control
Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be “alert and self-controlled” in all they do.
(1 Thessalonians 5:6)

6. A Love for God’s Word
Father, help my children grow to find Your Word “more precious than gold, than much pure gold; and sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb”.
(Psalm 19:10)

7. Justice
God, help my children to love justice as You do and to “act justly” in all they do.
(Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8)

8. Mercy
May my children always “be merciful, as their Father is merciful”.
(Luke 6:36)


9. Respect (for self, others, authority)
Father, grant that my children may “show proper respect to everyone,” as Your Word commands.
(1 Peter 2:17)

10. Strong, Biblical Self-Esteem
Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus”.
(Ephesians 2:10)

11. Faithfulness
“Let love and faithfulness never leave my children,” but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts.
(Proverbs 3:3)

12. A Passion for God
Lord, please instill in my children a soul with a craving for You, a heart that clings passionately to You.
(Psalm 63:8)

13. Responsibility
Grant that my children may learn responsibility, “for each one should carry his own load”.
(Galatians 6:5)

14. Kindness
Lord, may my children “always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else”.
(1 Thessalonians 5:15)

15. Generosity
Grant that my children may “be generous and willing to share and so lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age”.
(1 Timothy 6:18-19)

16. Peace, Peaceability
Father, let my children “make every effort to do what leads to peace”. (Romans 14:19)
17. Hope
May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 15:13)

18. Perseverance
Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to “run with perseverance the race marked out for them”.
(Hebrews 12:1)

19. Humility
Lord, please cultivate in my children the ability to show true humility toward all.
(Titus 3:2)

20. Compassion
Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion.
(Colossians 3:12)

21. Prayerfulness
Grant, Lord, that my children’s lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests”.
(Ephesians 6:18)

22. Contentment
Father, teach my children “the secret of being content in any and every situation…through Him who gives them strength”.
(Philippians 4:12-13)

23. Faith
I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children’s hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them.
(Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40)

24. A Servant Heart
Lord, please help my children develop servant hearts, that they may “serve wholeheartedly as if they were serving the Lord, not men”.
(Ephesians 6:7)

25. Purity
“Create in them a pure heart, O God,” and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions.
(Psalm 51:10)

26. Willingness & Ability to Work Hard
Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, “as working for the Lord, not for men”.
(Colossians 3:23)

27. Self-Discipline
Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire “a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair”.
(Proverbs 1:3)

28. A Heart for Missions
Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see Your glory declared among the nations, Your marvelous deeds among all peoples.
(Psalm 96:3)

29. Joy
May my children be filled “with the joy given by the Holy Spirit”.
(1 Thessalonians 1:6)

30. Courage
May my children always “be strong and courageous” in their character and in their actions.
(Deuteronomy 31:6)

Prayer From a Parent’s Heart

 

Written by Beth Scholes
As I sit down to write this article I am reminded of the awesome honour of being a parent. God has granted me the privilege of raising three of His special little ones, but with the privilege comes great responsibility and a lot of hard work. Perhaps more than any other area of life, parenting brings with it the capacity both for boundless joy and tremendous heartache. What can we do as parents to succeed at the task God has given us? Pray, Pray, Pray!
Parenting has not been an easy journey for me. I have had to face my own inadequacy and rely on God’s plan for my life and my children. Part of that process was God teaching me how to pray for my children. There is no exact science for this, but the Lord put it on my heart to write a prayer for each of my children.

Embracing it: I wasn’t ready to be a grandma!
Pray for your kids: Breakthrough Prayer

Why write a prayer? I had so many things that I wanted to remember to pray for each of my children, and writing it out really helped me to be concise. The written prayers reflect each child’s uniqueness, while also covering the basics in such a way that I don’t feel like I’m forgetting any important issues. I’d encourage you to give it a try.
Begin with a decision to take the time to pray for your children. This sounds simple, but it takes follow-through and commitment. When it comes to prayer, there is no substitute for time, and writing a well-crafted prayer for each child takes extra effort. But you will find that it’s well worth it.
Next, sit down and brainstorm a list of all the things you want to pray for. What is important to you as you raise your children in this difficult culture we live in? Try to catch a glimpse of the future: what kind of adults do you want your kids to become? Here are a few items on my prayer list:
* (Editor’s Note: Try printing out these prayer items and insert it in your Bible so you can be reminded to pray for your kids.)

• Purity: I pray for purity both for my kids and for their future spouses. Their spouses are out there somewhere, growing up as children right now, and what happens in their lives will greatly affect the life of my children down the road.
• Relationships: Above all, I pray that my kids will develop strong relationships with the Lord. I also pray for healthy relationships with their siblings, with friends, and with my husband and I as their parents.
• Protection: The world is a dangerous place in many ways. I pray for physical, spiritual and emotional protection for each child.
• Personal weaknesses: Every child has their own struggles, whether it’s lying, angry outbursts, disrespect, or any number of other issues. I pray that God will shape their character and turn their weaknesses to strengths.
• Thanks: Each child also has unique strengths that are God’s gift to our family. For some it’s charm, for others leadership ability or a sense of humour. I thank God for these special qualities and ask Him to continue to develop these characteristics in our children.

After brainstorming your list, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in writing the prayer. Then it’s finally time to sit down and start writing! In addition to working from the list, I try to incorporate scripture passages that are applicable to the situation. Because the Bible is God’s perfect Word, I believe it is very powerful in prayer.
Here is an example of what I wrote as part of a prayer regarding purity:
For a daughter:

“Lord, we ask for purity in her life and that of her husband. We ask for protection over their innocence and purity; protect them from others and wrong choices, call them to a higher standard. We ask for wisdom and discernment in teaching and preparing her for a life of purity and modesty. I also ask that you grant her husband’s parents wisdom as they raise a man of integrity.”

For a son:

“Lord, we pray against pornography and lust and its evil effects on his life both as a child and as an adult. Give us wisdom in teaching him to respect girls and women. Put a calling of purity upon his life that he will never use, abuse, or take advantage of girls or women. We ask for wisdom and discernment in teaching and preparing him for a life of purity.”

I pray blessing and biblical qualities for my children. The Bible has a lot to say about how we speak and the power of the tongue to do damage, but also to bring healing. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).

“Father we thank You for (insert your daughter’s name here), You have heaped us with bounty and we praise You for entrusting us with her. She is fearfully and wonderfully made. You chose her for us and we thank You for the gift she is to us. We bless her and ask that You fill her with “Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, having virtue, or anything praiseworthy, let her think on these things.””

I pray for wisdom as a parent regarding specific issues for this child. The Bible says whoever lacks wisdom should ask…so I ask a lot! “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

“Lord, grant us wisdom. We ask that you would impress upon him that lying is wrong. Help us to train him to be a man of integrity and honesty starting now. We ask that you would raise him up to be an upright man; one who is pro-active for what is right. May he not be passive, but aggressive for truth and what is honourable.”

Relationships will be a lifelong pursuit for your children: relationships with family, friends and especially with the Lord. My dad prayed faithfully for a good Christian friend for me in high school. I am so thankful for those prayers, and I believe God has answered them many times over in my life. I thank God for many wonderful friends over the years.

“We ask Father that you would fill her life with good relationships, first with you Lord. Help her to seek after Godly things. We ask your blessing on our relationship with her, help us to express to her and for her to feel unconditional love; may she rise up and call us blessed. We ask for good friends for her; that she may feel accepted and influenced by good kids. Keep her path straight. We ask your blessing on her life by causing Godly people to positively influence her life at the crossroads she will face. Go before her and prepare the way.”

I hope this glance into my heart as a mother will encourage you in your parenting journey. As I conclude this article I want to share that the first prayer I wrote was a turning point for our family. I wrote that prayer out of desperation because I had tried everything the world has to offer, and yet nothing had worked. Truly God wanted to begin a work in me, and it started with turning my eyes upon the Lord and looking to Him for answers. As I look back I see a faithful God working in our lives. The true changes began when I took my eyes off changing my child and started changing myself.

Case of the Ex – uncensored!

All of a sudden my ex rocks up from nowhere. And I really thank God because if he had showed up this time last year, I probably would have fallen back into his arms. But this time I am like “Oh really, shame man”.

One would say I am bitter, but I am not. I am just no longer there, I’ve moved and grown.

I remember how I used to beg this guy. O my lawd, like begggg! We’d have a tiff and guess what. He’d be on silent mode lol, haai we ladies really do take crap yazi - how I thankful I am we’re through.

Just imagine me – me bagging a guy – that guy iyooooh!

This whole thing made me realise just how much I’ve grown. It’s true what they say – what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Phela when I broke up with him, the pain was so intense it felt like my heart was ran over by a train. Sometimes I wished I could take out of my chest and run it under cold water – you know just so it could cool off. I listened to Mariah Carey’s H.A.T.E U; Ciara’s Never ever just to mention a few.

Because my self esteem was so low, I felt like I’d never find (oh sorry, I mean be found) by  man 5 times better, I thought he was the it – but the it wouldn’t hurt me like that. The it would care about us from the onset.

Please can I just mention the prayers hle bathong lol! ‘Lord can you please fix us, God I love him…’ I am sure Jesus was on some ‘Oh gosh, is she still crying over that?’

One day a close friend of mine (who couldn’t stand the ex) asked me what is it that I miss about him and you know, I really had no answer. He was selfish, proud, arrogant and (gosh, I am gonna outta fingers counting here lol). It was the idea of having a man I missed, he was hard working and I really liked that about him. .

But still, he wasn’t as hard working on our relationship as he should have and what hurt the most is how quickly he dated – like a week later quickly!

This isn’t a hate mail, oh no. this is a note by a woman who has had to learn of her worth the hard and painful way. After the break up, I set down and I told God all about it, I wrote down all that I desired to see in myself first before in a partner – and as you can see, I am there, I have arrived. It also taught me to pray to God about every single who asks me out. It might seem foreign to others, but it works for me. I’d rather be impossible than nurse a broken heart that’s for sure– oh sorry, once bitten twice shy. He can go be single somewhere else for all I care!

I am simply blessed beyond…

Real love

I was in a conversation with a young lady yesterday and from what I could gather, there is a lot of young ladies who don’t know just how precious they. They don’t know that they are in fact a gift from the Lord to their future spouse.

So here’s the truth. Firstly you must know that God has created a mate for you (not mates) so there is really no need to go through every possible meaningless relationship hoping he might be the one.

 Isaiah 34 16 Look in the scroll of the LORD and read: None of these will be missing, not one will lack her mate. For it is his mouth (God) that has given the order, and his Spirit will gather them together.

Secondly, you must know that love is important. You must know you are worthy to be loved, but please don’t miss the point; you are worthy loved by you first before anyone else can love you. How can you expect a man to love you, when you don’t love you? How will you then verify the love that a man claims to have for you?

Thirdly, you must know this – only God can teach you love, for He himself is love. Spend time with Him. Read His word and praying for spiritual fulfillment. And as you do this you will begin to transform inwardly. You will know your real value and you will begin to value yourself and will automatically begin to want to wait on God for a spouse. You will be fulfilled and content.

And this is followed by this truth - you will begin to understand that you are indeed a blessing. And sometimes some work has to be done by God in your life to get you to that point. As we all know that a diamond or precious stone is found in rubble and then cleaned up to reveal its real value. So, when you’re still in the rubble, let it be God who cleans you up, allow His process to happen in you. And when He is done your real value will shine through.

Proverbs 19:14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Ecclesiastes 9:9 Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.  

Be blessed beyond…

Psalm 23 A psalm of David – What it means to me.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

Our Lord guides us where to go, to where he has prepared a future for us. We may feel inadequate for what he wants us to possess or perform, but (I lack nothing) we are sufficient. Although at times it may seem like the path he is guiding us on is full of turmoil and distress, we can have peace, because we are where He wants us (he leads me beside quiet waters).

³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.

While I perform his purpose for my life, He gives me fulfillment. He keeps His eye on me constantly so I do not make mistakes because he is faithful to His word.

⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

Challenges and obstacle will rise against me, my life my even be threatened, but because I am were you called me to be, I am at peace and not frightened as I know in your presence no evil can overcome me.

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

As those who hate and persecute me look on wanting to see if their traps and schemes will work, you use it Lord to bless me. You don’t just do well for me, but you do it Lord so abundantly that they can all see that it can only be you who has blessed me.

⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever

All the days I spend in your presence, walking the path you have set for me bring me joy. The more time I spend with you, the more I long for you. I have found no greater joy in life than being where you want me

And out of the rubble came me - a Virtuous Woman.

The greatest challenge I think is overcoming ones family cycle. We know we are made to soar, but the situation around us spells something totally different.

I am no different, I was raised in a family that could have been ok, but because of stubbornness, justification and constant passing of blames we were not.

For 15 years of my life I was made to believe the man I was calling dad was my dad, when in fact he was my stepdad. I am to this day very thankful to God for bringing him into my life. Not only did he play so perfectly the role of a father, but because in my family he is the only one who saw value in me.

This truth I learned about two months after I was raped. I was still dealing with the one issue and just suddenly another appeared. No words can explain the pain I felt. I was so truamatised, I began hallucinating. I felt like a bad child. I felt like I had been so bad that I didn’t even deserve the love I was getting from him. That the one person I loved so much was being taken from me because I was a bad child. I even started believing all the horrible things I was called (not my stepdad) like a curse, a demon etc, things I refused to believe because he always saw value in me. I asked my mom questions, but she wasn’t interested in saying anything.

As a result, my relationship with my now stepdad changed. I wasn’t as open to him as I was before, because I honestly didn’t know how to handle this truth.

And just before my 16^th birthday I was introduced to my dad (photocopy I tell you). We met at church, my mom called me outside and said I want you to meet your dad, took me to this a man and said “here, your dad” and left us there. I looked at this stranger and thought “did you really have to disrupt my life”. He also wasn’t keen on taking the responsibility of being a father, but blew hot air saying this and that and I wasn’t interested.

It was 2002 when we met and it was only last year (2011) that he began taking responsibility.  I called him last year and told him that I forgive him and what he does with it, is his choice. He can be a father to me or continue pretending he doesn’t know me, either way I am ok with it. I was able to say this because I was now fast learning that my past has no authority over my future unless I let it. Can you imagine seeing your father every single Sunday at church but have no relation to him what so ever. So I didn’t want to be in that cycle anymore. I wanted out and it’s also because I was now a parent myself. The funniest thing about this is that my son is best friends with my dad’s son (confused look) and it’s quite obvious that they too look very similar.

A while after my call, he called me back and asked if I was available the following day. I was a bit surprised. He had set a meeting to introduce me to my siblings. I was so nervous, since I was used to rejection, I thought this would be the same. I was happily wrong, I first met my brother and the following day my sister. I also met an extraordinary woman, my step mom. She is so beautiful, inside and out. She welcomed me in her house and made me feel like they’ve known me for years. 

I thank God for sorting is all out, because even the little things we pretend don’t matter, really do. And they are amazing at eating away at ones joy.

One thing I know for sure, I am not ordinary and will never be. Although I can never change my past, I can work on my weak and sensitive areas in order to grow. I know also I can’t keep playing the blame game. Yes it happened, but guess what? I made it, stronger even.  

Genesis 41 ⁵¹ Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” ⁵² The second son he named Ephraim and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

Be blessed beyond...

Mrs. B

To me, Boaz isn’t about his influence or his riches as the word of God describes him (Ruth2v1), these two things are bonuses, simply because I work hard and take good care of myself and kids. To me, Boaz is about my second chance at marriage. He is about God blessing me with a husband who will love me, my kids, my past and future.

It has been said to me time and time again, that what I believe in is impossible; I don’t expect people to understand because they don’t know where this desire roots from.

With life experience, I have learned that it is better to have what is pleasing to God, than to have what you think is pleasing. There is a great number of men in the bible and you might wonder why Boaz. Well, it is because my situation is in need of a Boaz. A friend of mine needed and has an Abraham because her situation needs that Abraham type of man.  See, Ruth had land she inherited from her late husband, I too have land I inherited form my ex husband – my kids, so my Boaz will have to take me and my land.

Of cause, I have come across the guardian-redeemer who would be more than happy to have me, but not my kids. For me it doesn’t work like that, it’s all or nothing.

When it comes to God’s favor; reasoning and motivating doesn’t feature anywhere. It is a pure gift; it has nothing to do with ones righteousness. I don’t know what great favor you’re asking for from God today, but just know that your past, shortcomings and all else negative doesn’t influence God’s plans for your life at all.

Read: The book of Ruth

Be blessed Beyond…

Broken – Amended

When my little girl arrived into this world it was the worst possible day of my life. I mean ‘God how can you give me a girl, I can’t raise a girl. Is this some punishment?’I asked with tears rolling down my face. Nothing in me connected to my daughter, everything in me rejected her.

The emotional pain I was in was enough to kill me. The thought of her hating me was so tormenting. Hearing her cry would just cause me to breakdown. She was my little girl, but I just couldn’t love her even though I knew she deserved to be. I had no problem loving my son, so it couldn’t be that I hated children. It was time to face reality if my daughter was ever going to be normal.

As a child I had a hate relationship with my mother, simply because I experienced a lot of abuse in my childhood which she could have prevented and also because she was never ever close to me. All I remember about her attitude towards me is she would just yell if not beat the life out of me.

When I found out I was pregnant for the first time, I sat down and decided what kind of mother I would be. Was I going to give my children hell on earth or was I going to be the opposite of what I know. My first child was a boy (yey) no confrontation there, but about two years later the test of my words came.

When the midwife smiled “it’s a girl” tears just rolled down my face. You know, if it were possible to reverse time, I seriously would have. I also learned what I had decided on was not going to be automatic; I had to fight for it.

I had about a million reasons why I didn’t want to change the way I was feeling, but then I’d look at my newborn beautiful girl and think of a little me who had to endure all that pain and I knew I had to fight. I had a chance and choice to give my daughter something great. She was still a baby, so in her eyes was still a perfect mother; I wasn’t going to let history repeat itself. In my mind I thought; what if my daughter isn’t as strong as I was? What if she doesn’t make it alive? I couldn’t let the pain of the past be greater than the possibility of love between a mother and a daughter. Although this kind of love had always been a myth to me, for my daughter’s sake I wanted to live in that myth and pursuing this myth gave me a chance to do things differently, to protect my child’s future and her destiny.

Well the fight was not at all physical but all spiritual. It was a generational curse and if it was not rebuked, it would destroy.

I started praying about it and as I prayed I mentioned all those painful events that brought me here and as I mentioned them, I began to relive them. A part of me said its too painful, just quit and then another part of me said ‘remember what kind of mother you want to be, remember you promised yourself that you would be better’

It was a spiritual war that lasted months, until one day the Lord gave me victory. My daughter was about seven months old when I began to love her as a mother should love a daughter, and once the love started, it was unstoppable.

She’s six years old now and what a blessing she is. With her being in my life I learned that love conquers all. We are very different, she is girly where as I grew up a tomboy. She is fashion savvy, when I pick out an outfit; she picks out shoes to go with it for me. She loves lip gloss, says Vaseline isn’t as thick, long lasting or glossy. Her favorite past time is standing in front of the full-length mirror (I am now converted). She loves changing her outfit; she does it at least three times a day. She makes me watch all Barbie doll adverts.

Containment is fear; it wasn’t easy admitting I had a problem that threatened to destroy my motherhood and also that my mother has nothing to do with this, but everything to do with the mother I was to become to my daughter. Yes I never chose the way I was brought up, but I had a choice to be better if not best. It wasn’t easy, it was painful, but we all know that Iva likhishwa ngelinye iva.

You can choose too, to continue living in emotional torment of break free in Jesus. You choose.

New Living Translation (©2007) John 10:10
The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Be blessed beyond

Judith Tshabalala – A Jonathan sent from above

Yep that’s her; she is a real blessing to me indeed.

We met at high school; we were in the same class from 1999 to 2003. But we didn’t always like each other though. In grade 8 we literally despised each other, but in the following year we became super bff’s.

On the first day of school in 2000, I was running a bit late that by the time I got to school all the kids were in their classrooms and I still had to find my new class.

As I walked in, she waved at me (I was so surprised) and I noticed she was sitting alone, so I joined her. It was a bit awkward at first because just about a month ago we were enemies.

As time went, we were known as twins. We had lunch together, sang together (we sang, gosh we sang), but it was her heart that I found remarkable. She loved me more than any friend had ever loved me. When I wasn’t ok, for whatever reason, I knew I could count on her.

She would sacrifice her lunch money so I could get to school. I remember on numerous occasions I’d walk in class, sit down and whisper to her “I don’t have money to go back home after school” and a plan would be made.

I had a huge problem with my eyesight and as a result, she would take down all the notes on the chalkboard as fast as she can and by the end of the period give me the book to take home and copy the notes.

I also battled with Afrikaans as I never did it as part of my languages in primary school (oh what horror it was), so I would write my spraak (Afrikaans word for speech)in English, take my dictionary and translate it, then I would give it to her to check if my spraak made sense. At times she would just burst with laughter “haai sekuyinhlamba phela le, lol ufuna ukuthi kahlehle lol”

And like all girls we had our fair share of fights, but we never let it brew longer than necessary though. If any of us was wrong and just battling with apologizing, we’d write a note on a piece of paper and literally throw it at each other, by the end of the day it would all be forgotten.

There was sometime during high school when I had to sell niknaks (ok well, hobo snacks) to be able to get to school every day. Every morning I would bring about two very large carry bags filled with these. Now because of the demand of these I had to have rules of sale (that’s what we called it). I would only sell at a certain time and place. I would not EVER stop and sell to someone cause then in a few seconds, I’d have a tens and tens of kids buying from me and I’d then literally fight them off (it wasn’t pretty). So whenever I had to g to the loo, I’d tell her “don’t sell, not even to a single person ok?” when I come back she would be screaming “Fortunate, uyabonake abantu bakho?” because she decided to sell to one person and the next and the next and by the time she knows it, she’s flooded by school kids.

Then came boys, my goodness I was naughty. She had a crush on this guy who was two grades ahead of us. He was cute shame; my friend would melt every time she saw him. And me being me, whenever we saw this poor guy facing the opposite direction I’d call his name and when he turns to look I’d just sing, my friend on the other hand would melt like butter on a hot saucepan lol. I had a crush on this guy and I am still too embarrassed to say what I did, but I did not do something stupid.

Her family was really amazing. I was treated like one of their own. I spent a lot of nights at her house and we’d sit in the kitchen close to the coal stove, those were the days.

This is to just appreciate her as a friend, a sister a pillar, confidant and cheerleader – N.J. Tshabalala

1 Sam 18:3-4 ³ And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. ⁴ Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

When faith for a better tomorrow is all you can hold on to - Hold on to it even tighter!

This past weekend made me sit back and really thank God for his amazing love and faithfulness. Had I not had the courage to move forward, I‘d still be stuck where I was, I would still be unhappy and miserable.

I remember when I made the decision to end my four year old marriage to a man I had known and been with since my teenage years. The decision was not an overnight one. It took me about a good six months to conclude. I often sat alone and cried about what would happen. The guilt of taking my children from their father was unbearable, but the thought of my life being stuck in unhappiness and possible depression was even more hurting.

I knew that for me to be a good mother, I had to take care of me and I knew my marriage was one of the things that had to go.

A lot of people blamed me, but of cause I wasn’t s and still am not about to discuss the reasons for my divorce.

I was still a student when it happened, so financially I was at a bad place. There were months when I was over budget by a quarter of my salary. How I got through all that, is by God’s grace. Then there were people who thought they knew about me, who were very annoying with their constant questions.

I made a decision not to move back to my parent’s house as I needed time for just me and the kids to heal all together without any third party influence. My son was ok, but my daughter wasn’t very impressed. I remember one day she said to me if she was married, she would never leave her husband and make her kids move in into some low standard place. With tears in my eyes, I just looked at her. I wasn’t upset at all, but very hurt for causing her so much frustration, confusion and sadness which I couldn’t explain to her.

I knew it wasn’t going to be easy starting a new life, but I also knew it’s what I wanted. Looking back now after two and a half years I am glad I took that step. It has brought me to a place I never thought possible. I dreamed of being here and today I am finally here. I can only think of what the future will be like.

2 Kings7 v 3 Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate. They said to each other, “Why stay here until we die? ⁴ If we say, ‘We’ll go into the city’—the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let’s go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die.”
⁵ At dusk they got up and went to the camp of the Arameans. When they reached the edge of the camp, no one was there, ⁶ for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!” ⁷ So they got up and fled in the dusk and abandoned their tents and their horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives.
⁸ The men who had leprosy reached the edge of the camp, entered one of the tents and ate and drank. Then they took silver, gold and clothes, and went off and hid them. They returned and entered another tent and took some things from it and hid them also.
⁹ Then they said to each other, “What we’re doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace.”
¹⁰ So they went and called out to the city gatekeepers and told them, “We went into the Aramean camp and no one was there—not a sound of anyone—only tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents left just as they were.” ¹¹ The gatekeepers shouted the news, and it was reported within the palace.
¹² The king got up in the night and said to his officers, “I will tell you what the Arameans have done to us. They know we are starving; so they have left the camp to hide in the countryside, thinking, ‘They will surely come out, and then we will take them alive and get into the city.’”
¹³ One of his officers answered, “Have some men take five of the horses that are left in the city. Their plight will be like that of all the Israelites left here—yes, they will only be like all these Israelites who are doomed. So let us send them to find out what happened.”
¹⁴ So they selected two chariots with their horses, and the king sent them after the Aramean army. He commanded the drivers, “Go and find out what has happened.” ¹⁵ They followed them as far as the Jordan, and they found the whole road strewn with the clothing and equipment the Arameans had thrown away in their headlong flight. So the messengers returned and reported to the king. ^{16 Lord had said.}Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. So a seah of the finest flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a shekel, as the
¹⁷ Now the king had put the officer on whose arm he leaned in charge of the gate, and the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died, just as the man of God had foretold when the king came down to his house. ¹⁸ It happened as the man of God had said to the king: “About this time tomorrow, a seah of the finest flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.”
¹⁹ The officer had said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” The man of God had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!” ²⁰ And that is exactly what happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died.
Be blessed beyond.

I do not need to be a giant; I just need to be me, small me!

God’s promises are so huge and vast, that when I look at them I just feel I need to be someone important to actually be good and have this great confidence to be certified good enough to possess them.

I was born a bright star, smart intelligent but childhood abuse changed my character completely. I learned to survive. Before the age of 25, I had kids and was divorced. Although some may say it was the beginning of the end, it was quite the opposite. For the first time in my life I enjoyed what my peers were enjoying for years: Self Identity.

This was the best thing to ever happen to me, an awesome blessing I once thought never possible. At last I could be my own person, make decisions and not have to report to anyone but God.

At the age of 20, I was diagnosed with severe depression, I lost a great deal of independence; I was literally put on constant watch so I wouldn’t harm myself. About a month before my 21st birthday, I was hospitalised after I overdosed on my anti-depressant (to this day, I struggle to swallow pills).

It took some serious spiritual and emotional work to be here today. I once asked God why he saved. I mean a lot of people go through what I went through and they never make it. It’s very simple; God pre-destined this life for me. All that I went through couldn’t break me as the work I was created for is not done yet. And part of it is sharing this.

With each day, I am thankful to be alive, to watch God unfold another layer of me. I may not fully understand what He wants for my life, but I know that from the small me shall rise a giant to be reckoned with, it’s not over by a long shot. I may be inferior in others eyes, but the one who created in me has purpose for my existence and every day I look at just how far He has taken me and then my faith in Him rises some more. I am beyond the age of seeking verification from others; I am confident that I am like no other, I am unique and loaded.

Gen37 v⁵ Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had:6  ^7 8 We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.⁹ Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” 11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind. 10 
Be beyond blessed, I know I am.

Gen 41 v³⁸ And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” ³⁹ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. ⁴⁰ You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” ⁴¹ And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” ⁴² Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. ⁴³ And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt.

When everything is against you – God is for you: Trust and wait

I must admit I too have had issues with trusting in God. Not that I thought he couldn’t do it for me, but I just didn’t think I was worthy for such blessings. I used to make little rough drafts in my mind on how God would do it. And when things don’t seem to happen, I got worn out, I gave up and forget about it. But the story of Abraham is so amazing to me. How, this man believed and was so patient in his wait and in the end, it was done to him as the Lord had promised.


Gen13  ¹⁴ The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. ¹⁵ All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. ¹⁶ I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. ¹⁷ Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.”  ¹⁸ So Abram went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he pitched his tents. There he built an altar to the Lord - TRUST

Gen 18 ¹⁰ Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. ¹¹ Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. ¹² So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

Gen 21 Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. ² Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. ³ Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. ⁴ When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. ⁵ Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.⁶ Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” ⁷ And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” WAIT

Reading above the Lord makes a promise to Abraham to give him land and a great offspring. Abraham was already old and his wife wasn’t expecting a baby either, but watch what he does; Abraham builds an altar for the Lord. Abraham responds to God’s promise with faith and patience, despite the fact that the odds were against.

I too so want to be counted as righteousness by God, but as long as I keep seeking verification to everything that God tells me or even doing  as Sarah did with Hagar (doing things her way) , I am far from it. I am praying for a trusting and patient heart.

Be blessed beyond!

Mirror Check: Is My Faith Still Good?

When I don’t receive what I prayed for, it’s not a question of God’s ability, but a question of my faith in God. I may be acting right, but is my mind thinking faith, is my tongue confessing faith?

Each disappointment should be a call to mirror myself. Am I still on track? Am I still waiting for what I prayed for or have I made a detour from my initial request because things seem to be taking forever to happen with god’s way?

God has promised not to withhold anything good from me. He has promised to give me all that I ask for in Jesus’ name.  He also promised me that all things will work out for my good. So it’s really not about God’s abilities, but my own faith, obedience and trust in him.

This is just a reminder to me; that what my Faithful God has decided upon for my life shall come to pass. It may not happen the way I want it or by the time I want it, but I know His grant has eternal value and forever peace of mind.

Be beyond blessed!

Celibacy – The C letter word spelled as Impossible!

It’s really sad to see a lot of single Christian women finding themselves in despair after falling over and over the same spiritual trap – Premarital sex. Although it might be good at that time when things are heated up, but believe me once they cool off, you are left filled with self resentment and blame. No one said celibacy was going to be a walk in the park, especially if you are used to doing the deed for breakfast, lunch and supper.

I don’t mean to judge anyone because I know how hard it is, but never the less still possible through Christ who has set us free.

Romans 6 New International Version (NIV)

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ

1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? ² By no means! We are those who have died to sin how can we live in it any longer? ³ Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

⁵ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶ For we know that our old self^(I) was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,  that we should no longer be slaves to sin - ⁷ because anyone who has  died has been set free from sin^.

⁸ Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.⁹ For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. ¹⁰ The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

¹¹ In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. ¹² Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. ¹³ Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. ¹⁴ For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

With that said how does one get to that point where God wants them, especially if one in a relationship already and enjoying the stolen fruits?

It starts with choosing GOD as your Lord and Savior. You can’t have the best of both worlds. It’s either God or you know who. I found that being honest to God and telling him how much I am struggling with this helped me a lot. I just a said ‘God, it is your will for me to live a pure holy life and I want to, but I feel I cannot do it on my own, so today I give you full reign over this area of my life. I want to wait until the right time, the time that you have set for me. I am terrified of what lies ahead, but I know with you I have made it already and you have blessed me for wanting to do your will, Amen’

And I am proud to say ever since that day, I have been living a premarital sex-free life and it feels amazing. I will not deny that I do get lonely and wish I had a companion, but because I gave this area to God, it never over powers me. I command it to shut and it listens. I understand the authority I have been given and I use it. I am really grateful to God who keeps protecting me.

Each day brings growth, I know more now than I did when I first started and I have come to value this.

I know my value as a woman; I no longer feel the need to impress a guy. I know that I am worth a man who has a close relationship with God (no compromise), who is mature emotionally and psychologically. Not a man who wants constant confirmation from me as proof of my love for him.  And since he is of God’s family, I don’t have to explain celibacy to him, he knows it.

I do hope that this does touch someone and gives hope to them. It would be a great disappointment to live right at the edge of all the blessings that God has for you because of one little sin. We are of God, we have been declared more than conquerors through Christ. If you’ve ever battled with this, then let this be your new hope.

Be beyond blessed!

The Rock

Sitting one day I thought to myself; is it possible to have a split-free marriage, can it really last till death? I mean even big and powerful people get divorced. Is it possible for me to marry and have a divorce-proof marriage, because that’s the whole idea of me not dating at the moment, cause truth be told, I don’t really have the time or the energy to chase after wind.

Then almost immediately, I had a reply in my spirit… Matt 7 vs²⁴"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

I know it sounds so cliché, but there is great truth in this. The verse above does not say because the house was built on a rock no bad weather came on it, but it says even though bad weather, extreme weather came on it, it stood because it was rooted on the rock.

So now I so wanted to know this rock that could give me such great everlasting relief, surely I gotta get sum of dat, please lol!

And the rock is Jesus, when we establish our lives as a whole, every single area of our lives in him we are guaranteed everlasting peace. He is making a promise in his word that if I do this, then no matter what challenge or obstacle I come across in my life, I am guaranteed to stand after the storm. The catch is to listen and do. To go to the Rock (not friends or family) for guidance when strong stormy winds bring confusion. After all he says “I ALONE KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU TO BRING YOU PROSPERITY AND NOT DISASTER…”and act on his instructions.

So after declaring all that in my spirit, I am ready to perform my role in the play called true love.

Till next time, be blessed beyond.

Comments.

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Fortunate Zungu.

Thoughts by Fortunate: My journey

Thoughts by Fortunate: My journey: It’s been a while since I wrote about my future plans. Its mostly because of the rejection and disappointment that came with loosing Mandla....

Thoughts by Fortunate: Being me.

Thoughts by Fortunate: Being me.: I have always had a passion to write and talk, and so heres to finally putting it down.

My journey

It’s been a while since I wrote about my future plans. Its mostly because of the rejection and disappointment that came with loosing Mandla. I invested a lot of hope and faith in it, it really took a great deal of time and self love to be finally ok and of cause my dear friends Njabulo and Demaka , lol I remember she said “oho shame, that’s his loss, have you seen how hot you look these days..” but truth be told, at that moment it felt more my loss than his, I mean he dated immediately, with no hesitation.

So yeah, I did what every girl does, delete,  delete and delete some more, even though it took all of me to delete every single thing that connected me to him. It’s not that he’s all that, it’s just that I invested so much in the possibility.

But we need faith, we need hope, it keeps us going. After each disappointment, I just feel like the rope is getting tighter, like it’s never gonna happen.

The last thing I want is to grow alone, I want what I didn’t have, the love support and all that comes with love.

I am at that point where I wish I knew where I was on this map, which way to turn, but my hope, faith and dreams are all that I choose to focus on – which is how I got to the conclusion to leave all searching and identifying duties to him, Sthembiso Boaz that is (he is the one, I named him after that awesome guy in the book of Ruth, in the bible). I am leaving it to him to find me, to pray for me, to chase me, but as for me I am gonna sit right here and just love myself. I will go out of cause, chances are he doesn't know my address, so I should atleast be visisble lol. But I am expecting him to go out 10 times more, to pray 10 times more, to search 10 times more.

Don’t know if this is right, but I know for sure that this particular situation has to do more with him than me, I might be ready, but what if, he the man is not at the moment? And if he really wants me, then even the Indian Ocean is a pool to him to get to me.

To be continued...