I was telling a good friend about some things that I am facing. I love talking to her because she always views my situations through the lens of the Bible. 


When I told her how I was feeling and my new determination, she listened. And, then she affirmed me by showing me an even deeper way of looking at my circumstance. She told me that God loved me so much that He saw fit to keep that situation from me. Here I was thinking that maybe I'd done something wrong and was being "punished" in some way and she  showed me the protective hand of God by removing me from that situation. 


When I took a minute to look at everything, I could hardly speak. God loves me that much...it's amazing, for surely I don't know why He does. But I rest in the assurance that He does.


So, as you make your way through this coming week, know that no matter the circumstances you may face, God loves you. He has always loved you, and He only wants what is the absolute best for you. So trust Him. 

She's mentioned that she's in love but I really saw it Sunday. She didn't have to say a word. And, as she introduced me to the man she loves, it was really special. She was inviting me into her joy. She is my special sister in the Lord.

Here's my prayer for her:

Father God, I thank you for my sister. Even now, whereever she is and whatever she is doing, I desire for you to bless her and keep her. She has served you with patience and longsuffering. And, now God, as she turns the page to this next chapter in her life, I pray that You will continue to lead her and guide her. Give her peace in her decision making and continue Your good work in her life. I also pray Father for the one that she loves. May he forever be a man of God, good to her in every way. May he be the priest of their household should things progress to marriage. And, may he be a man that follows directly after Your own heart. Father, as their hearts do this dance, may you forever be in their midst. It is in the name of Jesus, that I submit this prayer. Amen.

Romans 12:15 says Rejoice with them that do rejoice... I rejoice with my sister today!

I know that you rejoice with her too! And, if you have any special moments or memories that you'd like to share about when you first fell in love, please feel free to share them by leaving a comment.

If you love someone, you should tell them.

I have oft times been afraid to let people inside. I have been the victim of senseless hurt. And, as a result, instead of clinging to my Jesus, I clung to my wounds - fearful of letting anyone else inside, just in case they might hurt me too.

But, then one day, it really, really happened. I fell deeply in love - quick too. But, the problem was that I couldn't communicate it. I hid my love behind a wall, only letting small portions out at a time.

Okay, let me rephrase - only letting itsy, bitsy, portions out at a time. The end result was when I was ready to let my burning love flow like a river - the relationship was over. Go figure. That was years ago and I can still remember my shock - and the ocean of tears that followed. So, what have I done since then?

Well, honestly, I built another wall - only this one was stronger, more sturdy, made of the finest "keep-folks-out" fear-harboring material I could find with a "built to last for eternity" guarantee. This was the wrong move.

Okay, let me rephrase - DON'T DO THAT! It's the wrong thing to do.

I'm not saying pour your heart out without regard for the consequences. Afterall, the Bible says to guard our heart with all diligence. I am saying that when you venture out to love someone, let them know. There's nothing sweeter than an "I love you" from someone that you care about.

Don't let fear govern your life. Let God rule it. Build your relationship with God and He will certainly make sure that your heart is protected. No need for a strong wall, as specified above. I'm tearing mine down - and as I do, I'm sifting through all of the time and energy wasted in the false hope of protection.

I don't want you to have to sift through the rubble. So, if there is someone that you love today, stop reading this blog and go tell them.

Here Comes the Bride
All dressed in white
Dah dee dah dee dee
I don’t know the rest of the song…

Good news. A childhood friend of mine is getting married in October. I am throwing her a Bridal Shower this weekend. YAY!

I think we are going to have a blast. I’ve got games prepared, gifts to give and love to share. I can only remember the middle school days – boy, we’ve come a long way!

One thing that I like about this bride is that she is not bridezilla in the least. She is planning a small, private event with just those that mean the most to her and her groom. She’s not interested in what can become the spectator side of a wedding. No huge frills – just the main event – the proclamation of enduring love before God and the families.

I think that our society has gotten to happy with those lavish weddings – don’t get me wrong – the spectator in me wants that invitation! But, when the lavish exceeds the love, we have a problem.

Wouldn’t we all be better, as couples, as individuals, if love ruled the day? Love is the greatest gift.

Let’s practice giving that gift over and over again!

Have a good weekend!

Why is it so "popular" to admit homosexuality? I am really disturbed by this trend. If we look at celebrities, they seem to be coming out in droves - T.R. Knight (which by the way really surprised me), Lindsay Lohan (I'm still shocked) and even though many had speculated this to the be case - Clay Aiken - and there's more!




In the local schools, this issue is raging out of control. I have a good friend who told me of the activities going around at her daughter's school. Saints of God, this is a praying time. The spirit of homosexuality is strong.

I think we have to understand a few things.


(1) Although this public display of homosexuality on our network television stations and local malls is disturbing, it's not new behavior (check out Genesis 19). Our society has gotten so lax and accepting of sin that homosexuality is increasing accepted. Some, in what I believe to be flawed judgment, even say that the perfect God of the universe created them that way. But, it does not even matter what our society accepts if God rejects it. And, make no mistake, God calls this brand of sin an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)

(2) Homosexuality IS a perversion of God's gift. Check out Romans 1:26-27.



While I deeply oppose homosexuality, I also know that each person practicing this sin is redeemable. I know this to be true because God is no respecter of persons. He does not love me more because I am heterosexual and love them less because they are homosexual. But He does call us all to account. We will all answer for our sins.



So, that's why I want you to join me in prayer. Let's appeal to Heaven for a reversal of this trend and an increase in love for God and His Word. We need to be obedient to God and His Word.

There is yet hope for homosexuals, if they will repent. If we look at 1Corinthians 6:9-11, we can see the hope laid out for us all:

V9 - Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality


V10 - nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.


V11 - And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Can I tell you today that I slept so good again last night!!! Okay, enough of that. But, that is my testimony about the peace that is available to you when you just turn everything over to God.

Now, today’s real post.

God is so good. A few years ago, well, okay, more than a few years ago, God blessed me to meet a wonderful woman of God. At that time, I liked her but I thought she was a bit strange. She listened to gospel music at her desk at work. I was saved but I was a young child in the Lord – let’s just say infantile – that may best describe me back then.

As time went on and I got to know her, I came to really love her spirit. She was then and is now one of the kindest, gentlest persons that I know. She makes me happy when I talk to her – she is always smiling or giggling. It’s a blessing to be in her presence. God has done and continues to do a mighty work in her life.

Then, she moved. I’ve long missed my friend. Sometimes more than I could recognize – if that makes any sense. But, I’ve got good news. As a result of God’s providence, by the end of the year, I will get to see my friend again. I’m excited. She lives in Grand Cayman with her family. What a wonderful family. She’s so wonderful, that she lets me call them my family too. So, although naturally, I am a mother of no humans – just a pet fish, in the Caymans I am a mother of three – two girls and one boy.

So, while one would normally think Cayman – tropical – vacation, I’m thinking of reuniting with my family. She makes me feel like I belong and that is the best witness for Christianity that I could ever imagine. I belong in God’s family and in hers. She has not set up boundary markers. Instead, she exudes the love of Christ for me. She fills me with His love by allowing God to use her in various ways. She even makes me homemade, from scratch, oh-my-goodness chocolate chip cookies!

I hope you have somebody in your life that encourages you in the Lord the way that she encourages me. When I grow up, I pray that God will show Himself in me the way He shows Himself in my friend Kristie.

I love Independence Day. It's special to me - not just because of what it means for this country, but because it was the time that everyone used to get together when my grandparents were alive. All of their children came home. It was just done. And, it was like a huge family reunion.

My grandparents have gone home to glory now. And, their children do not all assemble themselves anymore at this time of the year. Time has a way of allowing us to get away from the things that we used to do in favor of other things.

I will always remember those special times. And, maybe someday, the family will remember and we'll go back to those days. I'm not sad about it - I'm hopeful. I know that we all love each other still - we are still a family.

I believe that God looks at us that way too. We used to spend time with Him and now we have let other things get in the way. But I believe that He is still hopeful that His prodigal children will come back home at some point. And, when His children do, He will be most glad.

So, I encourage you today - that while you are making your holiday preparations and enjoying the company of your family and close friends, do not forget to spend time with your Heavenly Father. Make the time to visit with Him.

Happy 4th of July and may God Bless America!

Because of love He left His throne
And made this earth His home
He did it willingly
For you and me
With Heaven left behind
He came to save mankind
From sin and shame
He could have walked away
But instead He chose to stay
Upon a tree and take
A crown of thorns for me
Because of love…

She then moves into the chorus. I really love that song – especially at this time of year. We are done with Valentine’s Day where proclamations of love were made and now we are steaming full-speed ahead towards to the time of year where we pause to celebrate and remember the resurrection of Christ. He did it all for us to be reconciled to the Father. He did it because of love. Genuine love.

As I look now at my life, I can see those “because of love” moments. I can see where His hand of protection has been in my life and where it is yet still. No one can love us like our Savior. And, no one has done as much to win our love as our Savior. He is our example of real love.

I pray today, that no matter what your situations and circumstances may be that you will pause and look at those “because of love” moments in your life. I guarantee that you will be humbled in His presence and even more thankful for His love.

It's Valentine's Day - let's share the love by reviewing the "love chapter" - 1 Corin 13


If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love,I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge;and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked,does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness,

but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things,hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away;if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes,the partial will be done away.
When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child,reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part,but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

(Scripture is from the NASB translation.)

I counted three dead animals in the road today on my way to work. Three furry little creatures were not able to make it to the other side. As I drove past, careful not to hit them, I began to wonder why there were so many. I do commute to work but these animals were all in a concentrated area. All three were recipients of a deadly interaction with the road and a multi-ton vehicle.

It amazes me how, as a prosperous nation, we quickly overlook such events. And, perhaps, in light of the week I’ve had with the death of a fellow co-laborer, I’m a little sensitive. But, these creatures are God’s creation. There is something to be gained by taking a little time to reflect on the fact that something that was here is no longer here.

Sometimes, I think that some of my activities are sooo very careless. I’m not watching and being alert as I should. Perhaps these furry little animals were struck because of the time change from daylight savings time to standard time – they crossed as usual but didn’t take into account that something was different. Perhaps by an admitted large stretch of my imagination, they and the drivers were “careless.” Perhaps they were not watching as they should. My point is this: we have been lured into a false sense of security. We need to watch and pray, but at times, that seems like the last thing we do. It should be the first.

We need to watch and pray. Although we may not be trying to “cross the road” we are trying to make it into Heaven. We need to watch and pray so that the subtle tricks of the enemy do not have the opportunity to rob us of our reward. Watch and pray so that our loved ones make it into eternity with us. Watch and pray so that we flee from hurt and danger.

We need to stop depending on somebody else to “do something” about the situations and circumstances ravaging America. Who is standing up for God? The elected official in Georgia is being called “crazy” because he dared to call a prayer session for rain in the midst of their drought. Who is publicly standing with him? We need to watch and pray. Don’t you recall a time when homosexuality and promiscuity were not suitable for primetime television but now, that’s all you see. More and more television programs are embracing this lifestyle of illicit sex as okay – when God clearly says it is not. And, then we wonder what happens when someone, something or some belief lies dead in the figurative road of life – Christians need to watch and pray.

As many times as we have “crossed the road,” each day is a new one. We are to be careful – we are to watch and pray. This applies not only to ourselves, but to our loved ones. God desires that not one be lost – we need to extend the umbrella of Christian love to our brethren – we need to make ourselves available to help them make it to the other side in a spirit of community.

Will you join me in watching and praying? It begins on the inside – in your quiet time, alone with God. Watch and pray.

In these ministry posts, I have tried to emphasize what real love looks like. The series Falling In Love with the One directed its readers towards a relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the One. The only One. When He becomes our priority and the center of our attention, everything else falls in its rightful place. I have discussed this through several posts.

In “What is Love?”, the agape love of God was emphasized. If only we could grasp a picture of His great and undying love for us – we as a people, and we as individuals would be much stronger for the Kingdom of Heaven. I followed this post with “A Sure Foundation” which spoke on the emptiness that is assured without a relationship with Christ. To experience the fullness of His agape love for us, we have to have a relationship with Him. He has to be the foundation of everything that we do. With Him as a foundation, we are assured of success in the midst of all circumstances because we are leaning on Him and not on ourselves.

After those two posts, I directed readers to a post entitled “He is our Everything” which was a video link posted on Godtube. I pray that you experienced that post. It was wonderful to see a visual depiction of how straying away from Christ – chasing after the things of the flesh – will damage us and we have to fight our way through those situations to get back into right relationship with Him. And, He doesn’t sit by while we do this, He is right there with us, pulling us in. Powerful video. If you haven’t watched it, check it out in my August 27th post. As it relates to Falling in Love with the One – any relationship that takes precedence over our relationship with Christ is out-of-order.

Then I embarked on a much needed vacation – not from God – but from my daily routine. In doing so, I was able to draw much closer to God and experience Him in the Cayman Islands. The end result – I came home equipped for more ministry service. Take time to spend alone with God. We always want the typical “dinner and a movie” date, but the most rewarding dates I have been on have been with me and the Lord – allowing Him to minister to me – alone and away from the noise. In essence, get still so that you can hear from God. Get away from all of the distractions and you will surely have an encounter with Him that you will cherish.

“The Fruit of Cold Feet” encouraged you to press forward in ministry. Once you have gotten into fellowship with God and have begun experiencing His agape love for you – you are rooted in Him and have Him as your source and foundation, and you recognize that you don’t have to chase after Him because He is available and is your everything. You are spending time alone with Him (quiet time and devotional time) and serving Him in ministry (however He leads you). I encourage you not to get “cold feet.” Just do what He asks of you. He is faithful enough to keep you. All you have to do is to desire to be “kept.” Press on in His purpose for you. Our God is faithful. Whatever He says He will do, WILL COME TO PASS.

I’ve asked it once before, but I’ll ask it again – “Who wouldn’t love a Savior like that!?!” I hope that you are as in love with Him as I am.

Blessings,
Sanya