Hope all is well with everyone. With the kids going back to school I know that life becomes a little hectic with getting them ready, feeding breakfast, going to work, helping with homework and all the other hosework duties. Sometimes we get overwhelmed with all these things. There are times in our lives when we feel exhausted, frustrated, and wanting to just scream at the top of our heads. I know I do sometimes. Like the Bible says our help is in you Lord. I want to talk a little about our lost loved ones. After the message Bro. Duvall preaches Sunday morning about the prodigal son I was thinking about all those who have left the church to like he said "try to find something better out in the world". I text my brother after church and said "I wish you would just come back to church, I miss you". I really don't understand why someone would turn their back on God after all He has done for us and after feeling his mighty prescence. When another brother of mine had left the church, sometimes I was mean when I spoke to him thinking that would make him understand until my pastors' wife told me you are not going anywhere with being mean, so I stopped. I just tried to encourage him and it took some years of fasting and praying but eventually he came back. Most of the time a person leaves the church at a younger age and it usually because of friends that that person begins to associate with.. I want to say to all mothers we must be careful at all times who our kids associate with, especially teenagers.
Going back to my other brother, after the text he said "I don't think I will be back, because I don't agree with all the holiness standard" My heart sad for him, because he has lots of talents that could be used for the Lord. I began to think about his statement. The Bible says "Be ye Holy for I am Holy" how plain could that be for us. I know he was talking about wearing shorts because he likes to play sports. The way I look at it is that Holiness is just a small price to pay to make it to heaven. Whatever it takes to make it home, I'll do it. If it takes wearing skirts all the time, if it takes not cutting one's hair, if it takes not wearing jewelery or make up I'll do it. I will not let anything stop me from getting my crown and seeing Jesus. NOTHING IS GOING TO STOP ME FROM GETTING THERE. I would rather be safe than sorry and not make it to heaven for pettiness. Our main goal in life is to please God in every way. AT THE END, IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT.

So if you have a lost love one have mercy on them and just keep praying that the Lord somehow touch their heart before His coming.

NYDIA

devotion

Devotion has its steps. Devoting yourself to Christ is more than just devoting yourself on Sunday! Its devoting yourself back everyday. It says in John 15:7 "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you." Jesus tells us this because we will fight everyday against the enemy. He doesn't want us to have eternal life. He wants us to fail and fall back. Jesus already knows what is to come so i love that he warns us to just remain in him. To pray everyday and grow from reading the word. The knowledge we have will prepare us for the fight to come. The bible gives us the tools to fight. You can never undo the knowledge you put in yourself. In John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world!!" I love this verse because it gives us confidence that there's nothing god cant bring us through! I like the saying what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger!! So true every fight we make it through makes us that much stronger to have confidence that he will bring us through the next! The spirit gives life and our flesh counts for nothing! Keeping myself in the word helps me when i face those people who know who i was and what i use to do. When they ask me to smoke with them that it will be OK Jesus will forgive me. I love that the more i read the more i know better and I grow more fear of god that I know he watching and that nothings worth me giving in.Like it also says in Mark 8:36 "What good is it for a man to gain the world and forfeit his soul." Nothing I have in this life will leave with me. So i put pride in me knowing the word. The words I stain my heart with I will take and god can see. This world is a matter of who you will give your soul to.A god who wants to give you life love and peace. Or the devil who wants you to die and burn in eternal hell. It your choice who will you serve? I'm glad Jesus never reminds me of who i was but who i can now become.Those people cant break me down because I KNOW WHO I AM!! I'VE COME THIS FAR AND I WONT TURN BACK!!It feels so much better this way i love you Jesus!!

Monday chat with Layla.

Hello, it is me again. Your good ol' forgetful blogger friend Layla.

At last weeks ladies meeting after evening church, from across the room, Sister Duvall talked me into blogging again. Thanks for that. Maybe this is the motivation I need to pick my own personal blog back up...I have been slacking in that.

Family and Home is supposed to be the Monday topic. So, good luck to you readers, because I have a messy home and a crazy family....so I am not sure how enlightened you will be for this next month.

I am an advocate for music in the home. Every day I watch two babies and all day, as I go about my day, I either have "toddler tunes" or "Light Classical" playing. I find that music not only helps me with the kids, but it helps my piece of mind...well I say that, but I do admit the toddler tunes are for the babies, not me, I could do without hearing the rubber ducky song a million times a day...ha ha.
But with the music, when I have it on classical and Aaron and Alyssa are home, I find that they do not fight as much. They are more focused, and dare I say more attentive and thorough. I don't have to repeat my directions to them as much, and they are likely found reading, being creative with art, or wanting to do activities that require the use of their minds rather than the braincell sucking video games.
I would love to say they are learning Mozart, Chopin and all the other great composers, but their desire to work I think stems from their distaste for the music choice, but the soothing rhythms are what contribute to the peace in the home.
And with the babies, they get to hear educational songs that showcase ideas like abc's, nursery rhymes, etc.....

Now I am not saying that classical and toddler tunes are for everyone....but I do think that if we all incorporate a little more music into our children's lives, not only do they benefit from the words of the songs, melody, etc....but it could in fact help them in their walk with God.

I blogged here before about my favorite song/poem. Well that was one of many hymns I learned as a youth (among my favorite, Count your Many Blessings, How Great Thou Art) and that is one of many songs that come to mind when I am in situations that cause me to have to make critical choices for my spirit.

When I first came to Church with Jason, and alter call seemed crazy weird and albeit a bit uncomfortable for me, I used my favorite hymns to help me focus on Christ, rather than trying to figure you guys out. I would sit at my pew, not knowing or understanding worship, bent over trying to pray in different ways than I was used to, trying to put words into my mouth that even remotely sounded like praise, I didn't know how, so I would sing.
"When upon life's billows your tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessing name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."
So I sang that song out loud, then I would heed it's directions, and start to name all the blessings in my life, which led to me then thanking Christ for those blessing, which then led to me praising.
I learned to praise through music.
I learned to lift Christ up through music.
I am touched to the core by hearing other's testimonies through the lyrics they write.

Another example of how music has helped me,

When at ladies conference, before service one afternoon, the bookstore lady got up and showcased a cd that was for sale. AS. SOON. AS. I. HEARD. IT. I knew I had to have it. I couldn't stop thinking about it, when service was over, i went right over and bought it. I would listen to that song I heard in the preview over and over again. I got home, Jason loved the cd, and started playing it at church as the prelude music. And then that unforgettable night, at the Kennons farewell, they were testing the sound in the sanctuary, and they blasted my song. I had a plateful of food, and heard them testing the speakers....I asked them to restart the song, because it was already half way through, I put my full plate down, walked into the sanctuary and joined the other two people in there and started praying, and praising....next thing I know, I look up and there were a roomful of people in there praising... now I am not saying I was the reason that happened, I am just trying to show how my desire for music, and the Spirit, led me to buy the cd.....and now everyone hears that song and it brings the desire of that night back into our minds and hearts

And you never know when your child will be in a situation, and a song they learned in Sunday School (or during service, or choir) will pop into their minds and keep them from making a bad choice, or help them learn to do good. Play good music for you and your family and it will benefit them more than your eyes can see. That is a promise.

Enjoy!

God Is Wonderful, He Is Alive and On The Move

Good morning everyone! I hope you all had a great week! I know I have! The power of God has been moving all around. I think it's in the water or something! = ) Well everyone I have to tell you about a young lady that I met about 3 weeks ago. Her name is Rosa Rodriguez. She has a 2 1/2 year old boy and has been facing some troubles in her life lately. One night we were just hanging out at my mother-in-law's house and she happened to be there with her boyfriend, Carlos, working on his car. We all went to the back to sit down and we started talking about Jesus our wonderful savior. She was claiming to be Catholic. Which was not a problem to me. I was just telling her about our Lord and how great he has been moving at our church. We got to the speaking in tongues and it kinda threw her off a bit. She said she went to church but never heard about that. We explained it to her and about everything that God can do in her life. We talked for a while. At the end before we were leaving I invited her to church and she was so excited to say yes. You could tell she was hungry for more. I woke up the next morning not knowing what to expect when I called her. But she was bright eyed and bushy-tailed ready to go! We got to church on a Sunday morning. It was a little unusual for her all the singing and worshiping. I had to explain what was going on. She then understood a little. Our Pastor spoke a wonder sermon as usual. She said that the sermon was speaking right to her. I told her that God knew she was gonna be here before she had even decided to. She had wanted to cry but was holding back. I said if you feel the need to cry you cry. Well the service was over and we all went to eat. As us Pentecostals always do. = ) Her boyfriend happened to come along. We tried inviting him to church but he was a little skeptical about it. He went that night. Well to make a longer story short she has been coming faithfully for about three weeks. This past Wednesday service we had an evangelist come and speak, Bro. Sam Emory. He is an awesome preacher. The service was about God is always there whether the times are rough or times are great we just have to seek him cause he is always on the move. The whole time the services was going on she was clapping and worshiping just like us. At the end of service he asked everyone who as never gotten the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues to come down to the altar. She paused and looked at me and I told her to go. She went and the spirit of God rained on her. She was speaking in tongues. This is the wonderful gift that God has for everyone just waiting for them to seek him. After the whole service was over she was glowing. She said that her burdens have been lifted off of her. She felt so great and happy ready to receive more. Since that day we have seen each other everyday and she is still glowing with the presence of God. She is trying to live her life serving our mighty, powerful and merciful Creator. She can't stop talking about what has happened to her. Everyone God has a new cup of mercy waiting for us everyday even if we fail don't give up keeping going. God never wants us to give up. When the going gets rough turn to him and he will always be there. Bro. Emory said if you don't have a father here on earth, you always have a father up in heaven. Well everyone just keep my friend in your prayers so her walk with God will get even stronger. Thank you everyone for reading this. I hope it has gave you as much joy that it has given me. God is just waiting for us, he is always around. Hope everyone will have a blessed weekend in Jesus name.

Puerto Rican Tacos

Hello Everyone! Hope everyone is having a blessed day! I am about to tell you how to make Puerto Rican Tacos. I hope everyone will enjoy this recipe. = )

Your Ingredients:
~ Toothpicks
~ Seasonings ( Garlic, Salt and One Tomato Bouillon Cube)
~ Oil
~ Flour Tortillas
~ One can of peas
~ One potato
~ One pack of hamburger meat (est. @ 2.5 lbs.)
~ Lettuce
~ Cheese
~ Avocados
~ Chili
~ Sour Cream
~ Onions
~ Tomatoes
~ And whatever else you can think of to put in your tacos!

First you cook your meat in a deep pan. While your meat is cooking get your potato and dice it up in to little pieces. When the meat is done, rinse it with hot water. Put it back in the pan. Add you potatoes and your can of green peas in your meat. Add a small amount of oil so you can fry it just a bit. Season your meat with garlic, salt, and one tomato bouillon cube. Warm up you flour tortillas in the microwave for a minute so they will get soft. (Not to long because they will get hard.) Get your flour tortillas add your meat. Fold the tortillas in half. Then put your toothpick on the outer edge of your tortillas so your meat will not fall out. After that you are going to fry them until crunchy. (Not burnt.) Take out the toothpicks and add your toppings. Eat and Enjoy!
Love You All,
Sis. Isela

devotion

My devotion to god is the wisest choice I've ever made in my life.Before I came back to church I felt like the world was breaking me down. Like everything that could go wrong went wrong.I was suffocating in pain like I was running on my last breaths. The group i was in was lost and now face prison or death.The day I decided to devote my life back to Christ was the best day of my life!!!I felt like i was really born again.I love going too my church its my sacred place.His spirit is so strong. I can feel him hovering over me.Just the kind of love I'd been searching for.See god gives you good things when you seek him.When you just close your eyes and speak from the heart.I don't have that sickness in my body or the need to smoke anymore.I don't feel empty and alone.The devil had my eyes blinded and my ears locked to god.I didn't know he was always there.He saw everything I was going through,but he couldn't help me if I hadn't asked.When I did he gave my sight back I know where I need to be.I can hear his voice saying,"Don't look back I have better things ahead." Breathing life back into me.In Genesis 28:15 god says" I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." He's my deliverer he's taken so much off of me. Isn't this the kind of love everyone searches for? He just gives and takes away!! All you have to do is devote your time to him and dwell on his name.His works are amazing,he's always watching and waiting for your cry out to him. I know that in good time my devotion will pay off and soon I will be free. Free to enter the promise land and free to fly into the arms of my maker.Ill tell you this he's worth changing for.You'll never forget the day you decide to devote your time to him! I don't!!!!

Memorizing the Bible A to Z

Good morning to all!

What a beautiful atmosphere there was in service last evening. The "sweetness" of God was so refreshing. We had a great ladies meeting afterward and then a meeting for Bible Quizzing. It looks like we will have beginner, junior, and intermediate teams this year! How exciting. Also, I can't wait for the festivities of next Sunday and the "Heels in the Kitchen" party tomorrow night. Let's all keep Nikki and little one in our prayers. They are inducing labor tomorrow.

One of my burdens lately has been our children and how to build a desire to memorize scriptures and become familiar with the Bible. It is the staying power of our spiritual life. In my daily devotional, James Dobson wrote "I'm suggesting that we stop and consider the brevity of our years on earth, perhaps finding new movitation to preserve the values that will endure." I Chronicles 29:15 states "For we are here for but a moment, strangers in the land; our days on earth are like a shadow, gone so soon, without a trace." How caught up with get with this earth. If we could just stop and shake ourselves and remind ourselves that we are here to prepare for the life to come. Truly, the things of this world will pass away.

I ran across this idea for helping your kids memorize scriptures. Perhaps you might want to try it, also. Use the ABC's and in 26 days, memorize 26 scriptures. Ready? Let's go...

A

Proverbs 7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

B

Psalms 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

C

Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

D

John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

E

Psalms 8:9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

F

Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

G

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

H

Psalms 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

I

Psalms 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

J

Psalms 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

K

Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

L

1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

M

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

N

Romans 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

O

Proverbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

P

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Q

Psalms 105:40 The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

R

Job 37:6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

S

Psalms 93:4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.

T

Psalms 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

U

Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

V
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

W

Psalms 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

X
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Y

Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Z

Psalms 119:139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

Love to all...

Sis. D.