Back to Basics

We are the church. Did you know that? The four walls that enclose us on Sunday mornings are just that—walls. When we leave the building we should be taking the church with us. After all, we are witnesses for God, His representatives here on earth. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can take God’s word where the Spirit leads us.

Before David decided he wanted to build a temple for God, He (God) was everywhere the people went; He was not boxed in, He was in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). Even after the temple was built, God could not be contained. When the Israelites went into exile in Babylon, God was with them; when we, modern day Christians became part of the Vine as Gentiles grafted in by God’s grace and mercy into Abraham’s family tree, He didn’t leave us, on the contrary, He molded us and made us part of His family, all without walls! So why do we limit ourselves to the four walls of the church? Why do we continue to do business as usual, holding on to tradition, locking our doors against those who look and speak different than we do, when the God we serve is a God of change, one who doesn’t look on us based on our gender, color or anything that hints at a difference in our make up; a God who looks to do ‘a new thing’ in the lives of His people?  Here’s why: we are afraid of change, so we remain locked in the four walls of the church afraid to wander in the wilderness not trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide us, and what is worse, we keep others out, thus isolating ourselves, which keeps us from being who God created us to be: His church.

We must go back to basics, back to allowing God to lead us by day and night, through His Spirit, to reach others for His kingdom.  To do so, we must tear down the walls that separate us from God’s children and welcome them with open arms.

Read: 2 Samuel 7:1-14

We Must Go to War!

Today I went to see War Room with some of the women in a faith formation group I facilitate at my church. All summer we have been watching movies and discussing them afterwards. Most of the movies have been faith-based true stories, and some of them have been Hollywood blockbusters with story lines worthy of dissecting from a faith point of view.

War Room is a faith-based movie with a bang -- one that hits home with content so powerful it is an example to what we, as Christians ought to be doing in terms of fighting the spiritual battle for our lives, our families, and this world.

Ephesians 6:12 states, "Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places." (ERV). War Room is a reminder of the fight we are supposed to be fighting. We ought to be strategizing and setting up our plan of attack on the spiritual forces that are reared up against us. We have to declare war on the enemy and arm ourselves with the tools for our warfare. What tools? The tools God has given us to fight this battle - God's armor.  Ephesians 6:13 tells us, "That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing." (ERV). 

God did not leave us defenseless, he has given us weapons with which to fight this war. These weapons are found in his Word, The Bible. Ephesians 6 lists those tools: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the most important tool of them all, the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:14-17).

We, as Christians, are reminded that we are not alone in this fight -- God is with us every step of the way. So we ought to take up our weapons and allow our General, God, to direct our steps in this battle. Strategize and plan your line of attack! That means you should call out your enemy and set the battle lines! Let him know you are ready to go to war, let him see you equipped and wearing your armor, and remind him that the battle was won by Jesus, who defeated him when he rose from the dead!

As I always do, I love to add some visuals to my posts. I don't always have time to sit down and blog, nor do I often have time to post some of the cards I create, but when I do blog, I love to post photos for you to view. So, here are just a few cards I made in the past few weeks. Enjoy!

Mixed-Media Background w/ die-cut cover and  words

Mixed-Media background w/ die cut cover

Wedding Card

Embossed and Distress inked tree

Wedding Card

A Season for Everything

Life is not just about having fun. It's comprised of good times, bad times, sad times, and in between times. These times are a part of every living human being.  Sad, but true.  We have to take life as it comes to us. We have the choice to let it weigh us down or to take it in stride.

I recently experienced the loss of someone who was, I believe, destined for greatness. However, God had other plans for him.  This young man was at the beginning of his young adult life when it was snatched from him by a bullet (stray or intentional, I'm not sure). Though he left this earthly so soon, he left behind a beautiful testament as to how one should live life.

I met him three years ago. He was 21 at the time.  His life was cut short just before his 24th birthday.  The takeaways I got from his life are many.  This is what I learned about him in my short time of knowing him: He was a fiercely bold young man; he was loyal; he was not afraid to speak the truth. He was intentional in everything he did in his life: looking for a job, writing music, caring for his baby girl. He knew what he wanted in life and set out to achieve it.  I loved his fearlessness. He spoke in a commanding way and was positive in his outlook on life.  These are the things I will remember about him -- his boldness, fierceness, and fearlessness!  He inspired me to write my life statement (I found out at his home going service that he'd written one last September, and had checked off the things he'd achieved since writing it).

Though his life was cut short, I feel it served the purpose God had for him. I know he inspired my life in the short time I knew him.  As a mother, I don't know what it means to lose a child. My heart goes out to all who've had to experience having their child leave this earthly life long before their time. No parent should have to experience such a loss.  However, I encourage all to look at the good times and remember the things about them that put a smile on your face. I especially want to encourage you and remind you that you will see your loved one again. Scripture states, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4. The Bible also states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

Here is a card that I make for his mother. It reminds me of what is important in life - prayer, giving thanks and my deepening relationship with God.  Be blessed.