In Humility!

The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight. The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:24-33 NIV

It is with great humility that I acknowledge the quest I've taken upon myself is going to be the biggest challenge experienced in my life.

Though there are some who may be hesitant to grasp the reality of a potential presidential run by me, others have embraced the idea to the point of being willing to board the bandwagon that as yet, has no wheels. I am thoroughly humbled by their trust and support and candidness.

I remember saying to my walking buddy, that in this place and time (as always with me), I need people to help with my campaign, but I don't want anyone around who is simply going to agree with everything I say. I need people in my life right now who will question everything I do--to ignite critical thinking about everything I say or do. I'm not afraid of correction and when I'm wrong, I'll be the first to admit it.

There is much I do not know about undertaking the challenges of a presidential run, but I'm an avid researcher and know how to say, "Uncle" and call upon others who have the knowledge and expertise that I don't. I'm willing to learn and work hard to earn the trust and respect of those who believe in me and to maintain their trust and respect.

One person expressed their concern about me risking trading my faith because of all the unethical behavior associated with politics or compromising my stance with regard to biblical principles that I teach and write about--prolifically. I appreciate her concern and addressed it and she was assured that I would do nothing without putting the issue before The Lord and would obey Him.

Now, I realize that my belief in the Bible and relationship with Jesus Christ may cause some to halt--mid-stream in a desire to support my run and I can certainly understand it. But let me say this much to clear the air before we even start to put those wheels on the bandwagon. I have not changed my views about what God has said and won't change my views about what God has said. I recognize that people--every human being capable of making a logical decision--have a right to do so without my intervention. Though I may not agree with their lifestyle or decisions, none of that will stop me from loving them as a human being and praying for them to receive God's best for their lives.

God is pro-choice (giving us all free-will and not forcing us to do anything) and therefore, I am pro-choice. This does not mean I am pro-abortion, nor does it mean that I or anyone else has a right to tell anyone else what to do with their lives. I believe that every woman has a right to make the best decision she can about her life and I know there are situations in which an abortion is the right choice and the only person who has to live with the choice, is the person making the decision--not me or others.

I cannot see myself--as a Born-Again Believer--attempting to force my views upon others when I don't have to live their life. I am concerned about all life--especially the lives of babies, mothers, children, senior citizens,  and students and know that it is the responsibility of the Believer to take defend the rights of the poor, vulnerable and needy. So while I admit, I do not understand the choices some people make (and I'm sure that's equally true in how others feel about me), I can respect their right to make decisions about their lives. As long as a person's rights don't infringe upon mine or mine infringe upon them--we're good. The wisest people know that whether we agree about anything or not, there are consequences for everything we do that will impact our lives either negatively or positively.

I've also been reminded how the enemy will work overtime in trying to dig up dirt in an effort to create animosity against me. I know what people cannot find to undermine me they will manufacture in an attempt to discredit me. I can't stop them. People can say whatever they want to say and nothing they say defines truth about me or others. Therefore, they can have at it. I do not have to respond to foolishness or stupidity or trumped up allegations about anything and I won't. As I pointed out to a couple of people--my life is "literally" an open book. Anything, anyone wants to know me--good, bad, indifferent--can be found in one of my books or in a blog post and they're all available online. I have nothing to hide.

Knowing the challenges I'll be facing over the coming months will certainly keep me communicating with my Daddy and because He loves me, He'll guide me every step of the way. If by chance I happen to misunderstand something He's telling me, Holy Spirit will be right there to remind me and set me back on track.

Father,
Thank You for wisdom and insight and humility to understand I need You--every hour of every day--I need You. Thank you for loving me, correcting, and my guiding me in all that needs to be done and for sending people in my direction that can and will keep the wheels on the bandwagon turning in the direction in which You would have us to go. Remind me that nothing I do or encourage others to do should be done in an effort to bring glory to anyone other than You.
In Jesus' name I pray and thank You, Amen!

Fighting The Good Fight!

Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I Timothy 6:9-12 NIV

How do we measure progress when we're doing something for the first time? What standard becomes our benchmark? We're still determining our direction with our boot camp.

What we didn't anticipate is a change in our scheduling that makes this attempt almost futile. I say, almost because I'm not one who gives up easily at the first sign of adversity. Unexpected events have taken me away from home during the crucial hours of our scheduling and that has thrown everything off course. But still we muddle forward. Leaving written instructions for someone to follow without being in their presence is not the same as being right there.

While we're learning how to adapt our methodology and accomplish our goal, I get a better glimpse of how God views us. Though He has set out the guidelines for us to follow in His Word, if we are not totally cognizant of His presence--at all times, we veer off track.

This then, is how we fight the good fight of faith. We must remember at all times, He is a very present help in our midst and we must look to Him for direction in all things. ALL things--every little thing--and never take Him for granted because He knows when we're faltering in our own wisdom and when we allow Him to guide us--we cannot go wrong.

So, instead of relying upon my memory for the first breakfast of this boot camp, I should have consulted Him--who would have reminded me to look it up and all ingredients would have been included. Had I consulted Him about the week of our plans, He would have provided me with insight as to what else would occur in our lives.

What to do, what to do! Adjust--all plans and determine if there is a need for continuation for another week or even for the next month--one day at a time. I'm waiting to hear but I will continue to provide the necessary building blocks that will ensure my grandson will thrive and be able to resist the temptations that are bound to be put before him.

Lord, though we know to seek Your wisdom in all things, sometimes we think we can handle the minor details without You. Thank You for bringing us back to the realization that You are our focus and without You, involved in all things, we can do nothing. Thank You for reviving us and strengthening to continue the good fight--every day!

Fool's Delight!

"Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating." (Proverbs 18:2,6 NIV)

The words fool or fools is mentioned in the Bible 108 times and predominately in Proverbs--the book of Wisdom. Hmmm! Now, we know that if we lack wisdom, we can ask of God who gives it to us liberally (James 1:5), but what happens when we lack wisdom and don't realize how foolish we are are?

How many times have we seen evidence of fools through their behavior? You know, those folks who do really dumb things and think they can get away with it. There was even a show on television about "dumbest criminals" that a number of people watched, just to laugh at the foolishness.

I've often said stupid people think everyone else is just as stupid as they are. They don't realize they're incapable of having a rational thought and so they think no one else can either. A perfect example of this mentality is a young woman trying to cash a 94 million dollar income tax check. Really? Of course she was caught! No one in their right mind would attempt to cash a 94 million dollar income tax check when they walk into a bank looking like they just rolled out of bed. Seriously?

But in her mind, the foolish mind, no one would be the wiser and she'd walk away with all that money. I don't even think she had a bank account which proves her inability to have a rational thought. Fools delight in their own opinions, devoid of understanding.

I've had students who tried to turn in papers they didn't write and thought I wouldn't know. If a student can't write a grammatically correct, complete sentence in class, why would they be able to write an entire paper that is flawless, outside of class? Really? Do I have stupid written across my forehead? I think not. And when I give their papers back with comments across the top of the paper about plagiarism, they start stuttering, trying to explain how they didn't have time to do the work, so they had someone else do it for them. Uh huh! Then I tell them to re-read their syllabus which explains the consequences of plagiarized work.

And the same is true for those who run their mouths without thinking--especially in situations they do not understand. They talk and talk and talk, ignoring the warning signs from people who don't want to hear what they have to say and then, when they get in someone's face--the wrong someone--they get the beat down of their life. I'm not condoning violence, just referring to why some things happen to people. Wise people walk away from strife, fools simply continue stirring it up until it explodes on them.

If I, a mere human being, can detect foolishness and a lack of wisdom, how much more so can God detect the fools who delight in stirring up strife?

It is better to be quiet and thought a fool, than to open one's mouth and let everyone know--yep, there's a fool in the house!

I encourage all reading to consider what's being said even in a humorous light and encourage others to seek God and His wisdom before doing or saying something foolish that will result in severe consequences.

And The Beat Goes On! 021915

We invite you to join us every Thursday at 5:00 p.m EST or if you can't tune in, you always listen to our archives. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/maryandtyrone/2015/02/19/and-the-beat-goes-on

Mightier Than The Sword--Live on Amazon!

The day has finally arrived when you can enjoy my completed project--after 15 revisions, but worth the wait. Mystery/suspense worth the read available on http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ/

Books always make a wonderful gift for everyone!

Waiting!

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD" (Psalm 27:14 NIV).

Still waiting for the return of my computer! I'm trying to find other things to keep me busy, to keep my mind off the potential lost of all my work, story ideas, not yet developed, and with my propensity to forget--may never be remembered.

While I wait, I think about how God has waited patiently for us to get living right! He never gave up on us (at least some of us). He knew when we would reach the bottom or end of ourselves and be willing to turn to Him, recognizing that He was just waiting for us!

I can't not speak for others, but from a time of accountability (12 or thereabouts), God had to wait for me--to allow Him to reveal Himself to me. I didn't get it until I was 36 years-old. I mean I knew about God, but I did not know Him--on a personal level. I've given my testimony before so I won't bore anyone with a repeat performance, but I'm so glad He waited for me. I'm sure I missed out on some really great rewards, had I been willing to submit to Him earlier in life, but as they (don't know who "they" is), better late than never.

There is no way--I would ever return to the life I once lived without Him, guiding me. He has been too good to me--even in the middle of chaos, confusion, and loss of family members--for me turn back into the pit that nearly cost me my life.

I can live without all the drama of trying to "be something I was never intended to be" in order to do what He desires for me to do--share the Gospel, encourage others to seek Him and live for Him.

So thinking back about how long He waited for me, I can wait a few more days to get my computer back. At least, I hope it is only a few more days. While I wait, I'll pray, and read, and try to remember all those great story ideas and story maps, already written, but may be lost.

If you're waiting--stay strong and trust in Him. He'll make everything all right!

With Patience Do We Wait!

Talking about patience is a lot easier than "doing" patience!
Here am I, waiting for the return of my computer, and at first--I convinced myself to be patient. "In your souls possess you possess your patience!" Well, I guess my soul is getting a little restless or anxious because my patience is running a little thin.
Sure, I can use my little tablet for some things, but it's not the same as using a full size keyboard and having a full size monitor on which I can actually see what I'm typing (I hope people can read this--I can barely see it).
At least I know once I receive the recovery disk, it won't be long. I was just informed yesterday that the disc had been shipped. I'm practice deep breathing to keep me from losing it. I am so dependent upon my computer!
As a writer, who does not use "pen and paper" I am lost without my computer. And the bad thing is since the hard drive crashed, I have to start everything over from scratch if they cannot recover my documents and pictures--oh! What a mess!
Okay, now that I've gotten that out of the way (or out of my system), I think I can wait. And while I'm waiting, guess what I'm doing? A little of this, a little of that. I've walked over five miles already this week, tended the little garden planted, working on doing some housework (which I hate, but someone has to do it). Oh! I've actually finished two books!
Yeah, we can learn to wait with patience or at least learn to patiently wait, doing other things. If there's a difference--let me know!
Trying to be a little humorous today so I won't become despondent and cry over the fact that my computer has deserted me and I feel so alone and abandoned! (sniff, sniff)
God bless your day as you laugh at the antics of an older woman with vision issues and fingers that are too big and heavy for this little keyboard. Luv2luvU!

Dontcha Just Hate It...?

Don't you just hate it when...

The person standing in front of you can't make up their minds about their order?

The person driving behind you stays close enough for the bumpers to kiss?

The person standing behind you feels the need to share all of their life's woes with you?

The person in the movies just has to talk loud enough for all to hear when people are trying to listen to the movie?

The people driving next to you have to share their taste in music--with everyone for miles around them?

The people who live next door to you refuse to discipline their children and then wonder why all the neighbors hate to see them outside?

The person you're having a meal with can be heard enjoying their meal and is not ashamed of their loud smacking sounds?

The children you raised with all the love you have act like they were raised by animals?

The person driving in front of you is completing their personal hygiene and slowing down traffic for everyone?

People on their phones feel the need for everyone to know their business, when they really should have kept it to themselves?

You see people texting while driving in the midst of rush hour traffic?

The people you thought were your friends turn out to be your arch enemies?

The people you know love to borrow, but never have anything you need when you need it?

You think you have done all you can for your children and yet they do not appreciate anything and expect more from you?

You saved that last piece of "anything" to snack on the next day and someone beat you to it?

You finally get to the front of the line to complete your purchase and the power goes out?

You run into every inconsiderate person on the planet on the one morning, you're running late for work?

There are a lot of things most of us could hate when someone else does it. Don't be guilty of doing the things you hate to see done by others.

I'm sure this list could go on and on so feel free to add your own--dontcha just hate it things in your comments.

I'm Coming Down Front Street! (excerpt)

These are the same folks who are always complaining about what someone else has not done when they are incapable of finding the energy to do for themselves.

We probably all know some of the Nudniks—they are a very large group of people who live in every area—east and west, north and south and all parts in between.  How do we recognize them?

If you live in the city of Detroit and there is more than one house on your block, go stand on your porch and look around you. You’ll recognize them.

The sidewalk is their game room and you can hear the dice clicking as they roll against the concrete.

The yard and porch is their hangout where they gather to conspire to do stupid when they think no one else is watching. Sometimes, you can locate them by the tower of smoke that hovers above them and the stench of weed, cigars, and unclean body parts that surrounds them.

Sometimes, the “fellas are hanging out on the corner with a jug in a bag that ain’t necessarily brown any more,” but certainly plastic.

And just in case you’re living on a block with six or more houses, you can bet your last dollar that there are least six or  more unmarried females with more than six kids and have at least six baby-daddies on their check list. 

Now, just watch the struggling mamas cuss out their toddlers while dragging them along the sidewalk or into the street. They haven’t figured out that even though the toddler may be walking, their little legs couldn’t possibly keep up with the longer legs of their mamas. Now that baby has put in an appearance, baby-daddy has become a magician and disappeared. That’s no big deal for little mama who’s a hot thang. The next baby-daddy is right around the corner because he’s looking for a fool, who refused to stay in school to learn anything about the nature of her body and brains and so—because she’s lonely and mad, she brings home any cad and lets him move in and they move the kids over. Now the kids are even more confused when they learn that it’s okay to sleep with relatives—you know—the uncles that are not related in any way.

This hot little mama wants to prove something to somebody that her thang is working and produces more little mouths she cannot feed, but not to worry, the girl’s got a plan. She’ll cuss out the kids even more when baby-daddy numbers two and three hit the door and she hasn’t figured out yet, she can’t get no respect when she has none for herself. Plan B and C in case you haven’t figured it out is for all of us who contribute to the tax revenues of our great state to take care of her mismanagement of self and her offspring. But she learned her lessons well from her mama and grandmama and great-granny, too who all used the system and encouraged what they do.

But now, let’s not forget the males who contributed to this hole in our tax revenues because they refused to think of protection since it would seem to impact their manhood or perhaps they define their manhood by the number of babies they make, not the ones for whom they care for. Funny thing is they don’t realize that their contribution to this society in the person of little Jane or Joe is a bigger drain than they have been and brings their “manhood” into question since most real men “think before they act” irresponsibly.

Available on amazon.com and smashwords.com soon and very soon! Comments welcomed!

My Mansion!

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).

There is so much that I could say about the entire Gospel of John, but there would not be room enough for me to write it. The most personal account of Jesus we have, from one who was closer to Him than any other; reveals His persona, character, and promises that we can hold onto for all eternity.

But let me move on to what I wanted to say about this verse. This has always inspired to live right before man and God because I do not want to lose my mansion--it already has my name on it! Now, some would debate whether this was meant to be taken literally or figuratively, but it really doesn't matter. What matters is that I know, a place in heaven has been reserved for me and I have determined not to allow anyone to cheat me out of it!

And because I have a very vivid imagination, I see the front door with my platinum nameplate on it--inscribed in calligraphy, the staircase leading to my upper room, and everything glows softly against a pale background of gold and silver. I would tell you the rest, but I pray you can envision your own mansion.

The bottom line for me in this passage of scripture, is that it is a promise that I know has been kept. Because I love people indiscriminately, I pray all I know and those I don't, have come into knowledge as to who He is, what He has done for us, have accepted Jesus into their hearts, are determined to live for Him, and will know that their place in heaven has been reserved, just for them. 

By the way, my mansion is not a particularly large one, but it's sized just right for me. Big mansions need a lot of maintenance and trust me, my Father knows my limitations with housework.

Have a wonderfully blessed day in the Lord!