Speak Life

"Life and death, success and failure are all in the power of the tongue." Speak life, speak success--ignore the liars, doubters, scorners, and naysayers. They do not have the last word over your life--The Great I Am--has the first and last Word over your life. He is Alpha and Omega--He planned your life from the beginning to the end. His plans are designed to prosper you and not to harm you. Set aside the doubts about your plans and run with His plans, crossing the finish line victoriously and receive your crown! Hallelujah for Our Risen King! He and He alone is worthy of all our praises!

Soaring Like Eagles

In order to soar like an eagle and rise above the "fray", we must begin to have an attitude like David. In our dry places--we must rejoice and praise Him. In our low places--we must rejoice and praise Him. When we are full and satisfied--we must rejoice and praise Him. No matter what our circumstances are, we must rejoice and praise Him for being an awesome God, knowing that He will raise us to heights we never imagined and keep us soaring above all the enemy would attempt to use against us--for His glory! Hallelujah for our awesome God!

Taryn--Trapped Character

God is truly awesome when He’s pouring insight into us.  While writing Trapped, it was the leading of the Lord who helped me to develop the story for the character, Taryn.  I’m doing some additional research into gender assignment and today, Katie Couric’s show dealt with the issue.  Amazing!  At any rate, I’d love to have some input from those who feel strongly about the issue–one way or another.  I’m writing a sequel to Trapped divulging specific details about the lives of the women involved, individually.  I’d like to know if people would like to see Taryn change her mind about the surgery or pursue it.  Comments are welcome as long as they are respectful of the process and to the person making the comments.  I have not decided how Taryn’s story will resolve itself and will consider the input provided, prayerfully.   If I use any part of your input, I’ll make sure you’re acknowledged in Taryn’s story. Thanks!

Wear the Whole Armor

When we put on the whole armor—the belt of truth (covering our private parts-lives), the breastplate of righteousness (covering our ability to breathe and love freely),  having our feet covered with the preparation of the gospel of peace (ready to witness in any kind of weather), the shield of faith (thwarting the enemy’s attack by blocking his little air pellets, the helmet of salvation (protecting our minds and thought life), and the sword of the spirit (The Word of God)—we can “move forward” with all confidence in our protective gear. Now, notice—there is nothing covering our behinds because—God has our backs (pasts) covered and there is absolutely nothing hindering our forward move with the weapons we use!  Hallelujah!   Here comes that praise dance!  Watch me now!

Faith to Receive

"Ask in faith, doubting nothing!" Jesus said, when we pray, we must believe that we have already received as soon as we ask for something. At that point, our prayer is not a petition of requests, but a prayer of thanksgiving. In the spirit realm, it is already done--in the natural, we will receive everything we have asked of God, if our faith is greater than the doubt the enemy would attempt to use to get in our way. Develop great faith and receive all that you have need or desire from the One who holds everything we could possibly want in His hands! Keep thanking Him and rejoicing in Him until your request is seen. For once we see our prayers manifested, there is no longer any need to hope for it. Hallelujah for an awesome God!

Learning From Mistakes

We must learn from everything we do--especially from mistakes so we won't repeat them. God does not have a problem with the mistakes we make; He has a problem when we keep making the same mistake over, and over, and over, and over, and over..Stop and think! What should you not do again? Stop and reflect! What lesson did you learn? Stop and ponder! How can you make a failing attempt a success? The power lies within every one of us to be who God wants us to be and because He loves us; He will give us our hearts' desires when we learn how to please Him! Let's get moving!

Prevailing Victory

Take heart all who are not where you want to be, yet! The time is coming when all of the naysayers and scorners will see you rise in victory over everything the enemy has attempted to put in your way to hinder your success! The time is near--wait and see how The Lord prevails on your behalf! Hallelujah for victory through Christ Jesus!

Traps

While laying in bed, waiting to "decide" to get out of it, a thought came to mind.  It is not just women who get Trapped by their circumstances, but men and children often feel trapped--by life choices and those they did not choose.  What can we do as a society to alleviate those feelings so that all will come to know of their true worth, without insecurities ruling them?

We create traps for people when we mistreat them and look down on them because they are not us.  When we hate and denigrate, we set a trap.  When we take on superior attitudes over others, we set a trap.  When we are incapable of doing what is right for others, we set a trap--the trap influenced by the enemy who hates mankind.

We can--accept people for who they are--without bias or judgment.  We can love them--simply because we are all in this race together--the human race.  We can stop polluting our atmosphere with hatred and denigration.  We can look to the only Wise God in heaven to give us direction in all things and obey His Word!

We can change the environment in which we live and create one in which all know they are loved and appreciated for who they are, not for who we want them to be.

In all things, let us glorify God and do only those things that will please Him!

Being Thankful

Good morning, Lord! Thank You for choosing us as the generation of people who will abide by all of the laws of the land and who will cause the ignorant to be silent when they see our good works. Thank You for bringing us out of the darkness into Your marvelous light. You have created us to be a "royal priesthood", destined to do great things for Your glory and that others will be brought to a place to praise You for all Your mighty acts, on our behalf! Hallelujah! Glory to God in the Highest for loving us and using us for His glory!

Dance the Victory

I will sing Your praises from the rooftops and every place my feet go, until every devil trembles at the sound of Your name! There is no other name by which we can be saved, or in whom we can have faith, but Jesus! Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! O how I love to call upon Your name! Hallelujah--I feel a victory praise dance--shout Glory!

It's All Good!

No matter how often a person is rejected or made to feel unworthy by others, it's all good!  There is One who will never reject us and sees us as being worthy enough to give His life for us.  Who else,  but a loving God would see us in all of our imperfections and shortcomings and love us anyway?  Who else, but a loving God would see us when we fall, help us up and forgive us for any trespasses against Him?  Who else, but a loving God is not willing to see us perish--having been influenced by an enemy that hates all mankind and all that God has created?  Who else?  No, not one man--but the only One and because of His love and grace towards us, it's all good!

What Does it Take?

What does it take to get noticed in an arena where apparently no one is either interested in what you say or do?  Is it all about--the sex appeal--that's never really real?  Is it about cronyism or nepotism?  Or is it just favoritism?  How is a person supposed to know if no one ever tells them--what it takes to engage others in your endeavors or at least as participants--no comments, no nothing--why is that?  What does it take--really to garner the attention of those who need to read and to pay attention to what is going on around them? When you discover it or if you discover what it takes--let me in on it.  Thanks!

Invisibility

I am near you,

But you don’t see me.

I talk to you,

But you don’t hear me.

I touch you,

But you don’t feel me.

I whisper in your ear,

But you turn your head.

I stand toe-to-toe, face-to-face,

But you go the other way.

Am I invisible?

Or do you just not care?

I feel, I see, I hear, I bleed

I rage, I soar, I roar, and yet

You do not understand

And continue to ignore me.

I am you and you are me,

Human beings together in

One World!

Staying in the Fight!

When trouble comes your way

Do you play dead or stay in the fight?

To see just how victorious you will be

Determination, passion, yeah that’s the key

To success—achieving your dreams no matter

What others think or how it may seem,

This is your time, no slacking, doubting

Your claim to your name being bounced

Around—flying here and there—in the minds

Of all who can and will do something about

This crazy carousel ride—careening through the night

Almost tossing you to the ground, but holding on

With all your might—you make it to the end and discover

You were right all along; this could be a song of

Deliverance, patience, fortitude, and might bringing

Justice and victory closer, just within sight

Of the naysayers so they can see, just how grand

Life is when you stay in the fight!

Ladies, Please!

Yesterday, while eating at a very nice restaurant, I had to make that trip to the restroom we all have to make at one point or another.  A lady came out of the stall at the same time I did and left, without "washing her hands" and returned to her table!  I couldn't believe my eyes.  Come on--how gross is that?  I cannot even imagine returning to a table to eat without making sure my hands were clean--simply eliminating bacteria and other germs--so I would not have to worry about the germs of others.  What a disgusting habit!  It's bad enough when men don't wash their hands when they use the bathroom, but ladies, please--take the time to use a little water and soap to get rid of the residue, left behind from using a public restroom. 

Meeting the Needs of Others

When someone you know is in need—what is your response? 

Do we first think about whether or not we like the person before we decide to help?

Do we assess our ability to meet the need?

Do we offer encouragement in times of struggle?

Do we refer them to others when we know where help can be accessed?

Whatever we do, we should remember that we never know when it might be us in need.  With that in mind, how should we expect others to respond to us?

Whatsoever a man/woman sows, that only is what they can expect in return.  Or to simplify this—whatever goes around, comes around.  We can only receive what we are willing to give.  Open your heart, your mind and sometimes—your wallet.  Ask for wisdom in all things and then strive to do whatever is necessary to meet the needs of others.

My Father's Gift

Renewing interest in my first novel--available on amazon.com.  Hot tea, hot chocolate, hot toddy--whatever helps you to get cozy on a cold day (or a hot one), get ready for "hot cha-cha-cha" romance with people who know how to love!

Eyes are Watching

God is watching--everything we do!  What will He see you doing?

Through Whose Lens?

Through whose lens are you seeing life?  Calmly, reflect and think about that.  What we cannot see, we should not judge!  After all, our life's lens are our own and no one could possibly see through them. 

Writers

Writers write so those who read will have something constructive and entertaining to do!

Republicans vs Democrats in Michigan

Reviewing the Michigan Votes Updates, I discovered a significant pattern in the content of bills being introduced. The bills themselves can be viewed through the legislative website at www.michigan.gov.  But this is what I've noticed:
           Bills introduced by Republicans are aimed at "controlling others" and keeping themselves in a superior position.  For instance, they want to reduce high school graduation requirements, give teachers guns to take into the classroom, and don't want the poor to receive any realistic assistance (financial or otherwise) in order for the poor to live a life with dignity. 
         Bills introduced by Democrats aim to alleviate struggles and strains felt by the disenfranchised masses and help elevate them in life.  They want justices for everyone, everyone covered by medical insurance, and teachers and other public servants treated with dignity and professionalism they deserve. 
         Thank you--all the Democrat legislators--for looking out for everyone and putting your egos on a shelf. We, the people, appreciate it!
 

Going Big Time

http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M.-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ  Share the promotion!  When we reach 25,000 in book sales, we're donating $5,000 to a women's shelter.  Get a good book and assist those in need.  We are also giving away $50.00 American Express Gift Card determined by random selection of receipts received proving purchase of book.  Selection made on March 2, 2013.  Hurry!  Don't delay in buying your book.  Submit copies of receipt via email to mary.hallrayford@gmail.com to participate.  Thanks for sharing with other social media!   The blitz is on!

This is The Day!

Today is the day that the campaign for Trapped is blitzed on the web!  Here's the deal--when you purchase the book, send a copy of your receipt via email to mary.hallrayford@gmail.com.  In the subject line write:  Trapped Blitz.  A random selection will occur within the next 15 days and the holder of the receipt will receive a $50.00 American Express gift card!  When there is evidence--that 1000 books have been sold, another selection will yield another gift card for $250.00.  Book sales through Xlibris.com do not need to submit a copy of receipt--just the date of purchase with your name.  When sales have reached 25,000 a donation of $5,000 will be made to a women's shelter in the name of the person who purchased that book.  Are you in?  There's nothing to lose and everything to gain--a good book and the chance to win more than you spent and to help others.  I'm excited and I hope you are, too!  Let's get this online blitz started!  Share the good news with others through every social media!

Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble.com
Xlibris.com

On your march, get set, Go!

It's Time!

There comes a time in everyone's life when we must face the realities of living.  If we are blessed long enough to see and understand each milestone of life, we certainly can appreciate God's love and humor.
   The milestones:
     1st birthday
     5th birthday
    10th birthday
    13th birthday
    16th birthday
    18th birthday
    21st birthday
    30th birthday
    40th birthday
    50th birthday
    60th birthday
    70th birthday
    80th birthday  (promised life)
    90th birthday  (long life)
  100th birthday  (special long life)

We come into the world dependent upon others and if we live long enough, we are often dependent upon others at the ends of our lives.  Isn't it about time we show our appreciation for everyone in our life that makes our lives special and worth living?  We never know when the end will be, but we can make the most of every moment in time we have--right now!  It's Time--to care about how we live and what we do at each milestone in our lives!

Awareness!

Are you aware of who you are?  Perhaps, there is something deeper within that makes you wonder how you got where you are.  Need a little push to explore--self?  Get Trapped and see if you find yourself within the pages of the lives revealed.  It could be you. Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Xlibris.com.