Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Exhausted!

3.19.2013

I am soooooo tired.  I am physically, mentally and is some ways spiritually exhausted.  It was so bad this morning that I missed Men's Bible Study.  My river of energy is officially dry.LOL  I am happy with all that has happened since the fast started as I have grown and feel like I am more closer to God.  Even better I am more in tune with his purpose for my life.

I have been reflecting on my journey and all the things that I have endured to make it to this place.  Man has it been ROUGH.  Some of sacrifices have been so great!  But to be here...right now...in the LORD!  I am so happy for all that has happened.  The good, the bad, the mundane and the scary.  I look back and I am truly thankful for it all.  Ever tear, yell, laugh and smile has been worth the revelation of God's purpose for my life. 

Everyday I get up and am excited about what he's going to do in my life.  While it is not always positive, I remember my favorite scripture in this season of my life:  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28 KJV)

AMEN!

Nard

Friday, March 8, 2013

Not the time

It's kinda crazy how a song can take you so many places emotionally.  My mind this morning has been on my ex-wife, my daughter, a friend who is in the hospital after falling 3 stories from his apartment, the doctors I met in the parking garage elevator, me second family here in Columbus, my brother and on and on.  I think I am just realizing ,to a greater degree, how much I am blessed and favored.  I am here, I am physically whole and spiritually growing.  It definitely makes you feel overwhelmed and tearful.  God is truly good all the time!:-)

Enjoy!


Godspeed,

Nard

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

A Real Man

3.6.2013 - Day 22


Devotionals:



Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts:  I found this real man confessional awhile ago on Facebook.  I thought it was so amazing because it was one of the few things I've read that really in my opinion allowed men to love God. It spoke to a nature of sensitivity, love and caring. There are so many things in our society that force men into a box of being a "man's man".  Tough as iron never being affectionate and desensitized to anything remotely kind or gentle.

After all we ain't got time for that!*Sweet Brown voice*LOL  We have to go kill defenseless animals, get into fist fights just "because" as well as curse and drink endless amounts of beer.  Don't forget we have to sleep with as many women as we can and idolize other men who's intimacy count is greater than our own.  My bad I didn't mean intimacy...I am a real man..I meant drawz count!LOL  Yeah...REALLY...is what I am thinking too.:-) 

Reading this real man confessional should be must for all women and young men.  We should remember who God made us to be not what society through perversion has defined us.  So, what have I done about it you ask...I have been reading this every morning as part of my devotion time.  I also plan to do it for the rest of my life or until God points me to something better.  After all as it says a Real Man is disciplined and witness to God's love.

Godspeed,

Renard   

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Steel sharpening steel


3.5.13 - Day #21


Devotionals:





Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts:  I got the opportunity to meet with a good friend today to talk about my business as well as catch up.  Every time we get together we end up ministering to each other and often part ways in a better place than when we came.  Today was no different.  We both realize that we are at a point in our lives where God is really working.

In his case, he is beginning to see where God wants him to go and slowly acknowledging he will have to be stretched in different ways.  In my case, I am a little further down the path.  I have submitted to God's will but am still worried about some areas as it relates to my journey.  We both summarized our journey down to one very appropriate point...Trust God and Let GO!  Easier said than done but in the end what choice do we have.  We can both testify that God WILL have his way.  

So what value is there in fighting or not trusting that whatever his will is....it is be better than our best thought out plans.  There is nothing like having a brother in your life that loves the Lord and gets where you are.:-)

Godspeed,

Nard

Monday, March 4, 2013

All over the place...

3.4.13 - Day #20


Daily Devotional:





Revelations/Lessons/ThoughtsMy mind has been all over the place these last few days.  I am focused on the opportunities in front of me but at the same time trying to gain some understanding on the "why me".  So rather than try to figure it out on my own I asked God.  My answer was...why not you!?!?  You were chosen because you can deal with it.

I will be honest and own the fact that I am sensitive about certain things in my life.  My time, my heart and my intelligence are three particular hot spots.  My time because it is the one resource I can't get back once it is gone.  My heart because I  keep it safe while also trying to keep it open to others.  My intelligence because I worked so hard to get strong grades and actually learn my crafts.  When you abuse any of those three, I get heated very quickly.  But it seems like last week and to some extent this weekend every one of those areas have been prodded, poked and fully assaulted.  

I will still own I was on edge after Friday and the weekend just kept on with the trying times.  But it is amazing how calm I became when I simply heard....why not you?!?!?  

I thought right!  Why not me?!?!  God built me to withstand any issues no matter how big or small.  With God's guidance, support and grace I am more than prepared.  He's still working on me in regards to my hot button issues but he has also protected me from people who may not have been honest or forthright in their dealings with me.  I am so blessed that he loves me that much.  I am also blessed that he has given me a heart that desires his will and understanding during my trials.  I AM thankful!:-)

Godspeed,

Nard


Believe

The quote I keep hearing in my spirit...

When people show you who they are...BELIEVE them.

I said at the end of 2012 that the word "Believe" is my theme for 2013. I did not think the word would keep coming in the connotation of this quote, but I guess it is still pertinent.

Thank God for revelation and allowing me to see what I can and can not deal with in relationships rather it be with siblings, friends, saints, or co-workers. 




Saturday, March 2, 2013

Makes me say hmmmm....

Devotionals:

Joel Osteen:

Bishop Timothy Clarke:



Thoughts/insights/testimony

Today is the day that I volunteer at the food pantry.  It's always a treat to be at the church and serve folks in need.  I look forward to it every week!  During that time, I always feel most connected to God.  Most importantly I feel as though I am living out his purpose for my life.  It's hard to explain but I am a hard wired giver.  Which at times is a good thing like for example when I am at the food pantry and also a bad thing like in personal relationships of all types.  

I can't tell you how many times I have been told that I need to develop a nasty side and not buy what folks are trying to sell me.*southern saying*  It's hard for me because I believe in God's principle about turning the other cheek and infinite forgiveness.  If I can rationalize your "why" in my heart than I can forgive you while letting you sucker punch me a few more times.LOL  I have even been known to make an excuse or two for the person in the wrong.  Well that path has led me to disappointment sooooo many times.  I trust to easily and believe that everyone has a naturally good center.  Well,  there are times when I am proven wrong and those times really confuse and bother my spirit.

Guess what...today was also one of those days as wll. Besides being a blessing at the food pantry, I had an awesome meeting that yielded a national partnership opportunity for my new business. The meeting was so blessed. It was amazing. So I was riding a high!:-)  However, the day ended in disappointment.LOL  I just don't understand some aspects of humanism.  Oh well!  I ended my night with a little talk with Jesus and he assured me I'd be juuuusssssttttt fine and that ALL things are meant for my good.  So, I am holding on to his promise and believing him for what he has in store for me.  Sometimes the hardest lessons are taught by your friends and not your enemies.  I think God designed it that way so we can grant forgiveness easier and then set ourselves up for an eye gouge.LMBO  But in all honesty,  it sure doesn't make the medicine taste any better....

Godspeed,

Nard

Friday, March 1, 2013

Relationships-Friends and Siblings.

Thankful for the sermons in February on Relationships.

It has helped me to deal with the relationships I have with my friends. I am thankful for the friends I have. I have a great circle. With my girl friends, we are more like sisters and the few guy friends I have we are indeed like brothers. After this series, I want to strive to be a better friend and maintain the friendships I have. I have learned different things about my friends and how to react or not react to them and I guarantee they have done the same with me. We are all pretty open and honest with each other and with some we ummmm talk to each other about almost everything. lol!!! Some things we probably shouldn't share with each other but we do. I love me some them and I thank God for them and I pray the friends I have are more than just a season, but are here for a lifetime.

It also has helped me to deal with the relationships I have with my siblings. It has taught me how to view being the oldest sibling and how I may be viewed by them and it has allowed me to reach out more to them and actually talk to them. They do in fact know I love them with all of my heart b/c I do tell them and show them that I do. Yet, I just want to be better at showing my love I have for them especially as we get older and life happens. 

No romantic relationship to reference and guess what...I am A OK with that. I already have plenty to work on in the two paragraphs above. :)



Sky is gaining and maintaining.

A new month!! Whohooo!!!

Skylen weighs 14 lbs and 14 oz.  I am very excited about that. Watching God work in my niece's life and let me tell you... it puts a HUGE smile on my face and in my heart.



Tuesday, February 26, 2013


2.25.13 - Day #13


Devotionals:





Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts: Today I was thinking about how God has been stirring up my nest.  I noticed that I have been getting comfortable in my current circumstances.  I mean I knew I was not where God wanted me to be but I was content just being.  Every time I seem to get to this stage in my season, God does something to catch my attention and move me in a certain direction.  Oh yeah and trust me it is always dramatic.  He knows it has to be for me to really see it as his will.  How glad are we that God knows us so well?!?!?!?  

Once I am stirred, he takes me to a quiet place and reveals more of himself through his word.  I have been through this process enough times to not only recognize it but also look forward to it.  The 40 day fast could not have come at a better time because literally the week before the Lord stirred my nest.  So, I was/am looking forward to this journey.  I am expecting an awesome move of God for not only me but also everyone in our church.  I can't wait to hear the testimonies!

Godspeed,

Nard


Monday, February 25, 2013

2.24.13 - Day #12

 Devotionals:

Revelations/Lessons/ThoughtsThis weekend was great!  I got the opportunity to spend time with my heart's smile.  My 19 year old daughter.  She's still banged up from her accident but I thank God she's still here.  There is nothing that will have you call on the Lord faster than the feeling of not being able to see your child in a crisis situation.  I remember Bishop and my Parents in my head telling me to give God praise and that was one of the first things I did.  I have still been giving him praise and thanks every morning since the accident.

Seeing her this weekend reminds me of how much I truly love her and how much she still needs me.  I mean, she actually cuddled up with me and wanted my attention.  Say WWWWHHHHHHHAAAAATTTTT!!!!lol  Sometimes as a father to a young woman, I forget how much she's still my little girl.  I mean....like every other day she is reminding me of how grown she is!:-)  But this weekend she just needed her Pops.  My attention, affection and calming spirit.  I thank God for his grace, mercy and favor.  Without it she would not still be here with me.  Yep this was a GREAT weekend!!!:-)

Godspeed,

Nard

Thursday, February 21, 2013

2.20.13 - Day #8


My mood: Tired!!  I actually took a nap today.  I was running all day so when I finally sat down it was over.  I am happy to report that I have been making my 3:00 am wake up calls.:-)  During the day overall, I felt good and really in tune with what I needed to get done. I didn't have any tummy issues today!  Praise God!LOL



Devotions:

Joel Osteen

Bishop Timothy J. Clarke





Revelations/Lessons/ThoughtsToday was a day where I felt like I had nothing more to give.  I was exhausted from running all over the place.  Energy has not been my friend during this fast.  I get very tired towards the end of the day. It seems like every time I hit this tired wall is when everyone needs a kind word, a hug, a smile or a scripture to hold on to.  I always start with this feeling of dread.  Wondering where I am going to find the ability to step out of myself.

But just like clock work every time God has renewed me.  But not only just a renewal but also he gives me an anointing.  A word in the bible I call upon or just some kind words to say.  My mom always told me that what makes you special is on the inside.  I get it now!  It's the spirit that never grows weary.  


It's the spirit that drags the flesh along when it wants to quit.  It's the spirit that says hold up Renard  God needs to use you!  Every morning I pray to God to let me be blessing or share a word and everyday he grants my request.  Even when I am exhausted, even when I feel like I don't have enough.  My spirit still longs to please the Lord!  How awesome is that!

Godspeed,


Nard

FINALLY!!

So...I finally have figured out how to enter a blog! Duh on me for being so slow, but hey here I am nonetheless. 

I am so late....9 days to be exact, but I must say these 9 days have truly already been amazing! I am enjoying the book we are reading for the fast by Max Lucado, he is very insightful, funny, and has a way of  making the 3:16 principle easier to grasp and understand. 

I am fasting everyday until 12 and restricted my diet to just fruits and vegetables and nuts, but still eat a piece of chicken or fish at least 2-3 times a week to get my protein in. So far so good! 

I am excited about this 40 day fast, there is so much I am expecting, anticipating, asking, seeking, and believing God for and I have no doubt that He's going to make it all happen for me!

Looking forward to the future ahead of me....Im pressing!

Dee

Sky is the Limit

Well, I am writing my first blog EVER!!!!

This year's consecration I knew without a doubt what I would focus on...

My, soon to be 10 months old, niece has been sick since the day she was born. She has been in and out of the hospital since the day she was born. She has not grown much (weighing only 11 lbs)  and as a result her brain is not growing, which mean she is not developing at a rate a 10 month should be. I do not want to get into to much detail, but her healing is what I am believing God for in this season of praying and fasting.

My mom actually sent me a text and shared that she knows that  Skylen (my niece) is already healed and that we are just needing to catch up with the manifestation, but the miracle of it all is that her parents will re-dedicate their lives and will walk more in the will of God. I literally cried when I read the text and already a peace had come over me about my niece's healing and the salvation of family members. :))

So, I just wait in expectation for the manifestation and miracle that will happen for Sky and her family(which includes me) :))


Wednesday, February 20, 2013


2.19.13 - Day #7


Physical activity: 2 mile run on the hamster wheel with an incline of 1.  I read this better simulates the conditions of running outside.  Still kept my pace under 10 minutes.  I also trained my triceps.  Basically pulldown movements using cables. I also used supersets and circuits with limited rest time between supersets.   

My mood: Today was a GOOD day!*in my Ice Cube voice*  I felt pretty sharp and had a few meetings all over Columbus.  I definitely was productive and added to the discussions.  I felt strong in my thought processes and on point with my suggestions.  I would say I am back to normal with the exception of some tummy growling.  But you know me...I played it off by asking the woman next to me if it was her stomach or mine.LOL  Yep...sure did.:-)

My devotions:

Joel Osteen:

Bishop Timothy Clarke:


Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts:  My thoughts for today were about the I Declare Day #7 that I have in the picture above.  It took me a long time to get to the point where I am just now beginning to accept God's timing.  I was raised by Christian parents but never was told specifically how much God was in control.  To give my parents an out of sorts, they had my bother and I starting at ages 21 and 19.  So they themselves were babies raising babies.  But, I am glad God gave us to them.  Because they are still married and modeled a safe, welcoming two parent home with rules and regulations.  I don't want to get off topic but that deserves some praise in this day and time regarding marriage.

Back on topic, I have finally realized through meditation and great mentoring that God's timing is ALWAYS perfect. If I were to have what I wanted when I wanted it, I would mess it up or would not glorify the giver.  Can we say spoiled brat syndrome!LOL  I have learned that God lives where I end.  When I can't take anymore...when it makes not sense..when I can't fix it on my own.  Only then does his timing become perfect because I realize it was not by my will, my efforts or thoughts that things happened.  

God gets the glory, honor and praise when I stop looking at what I want and start understanding he knows what's best for me and when it's best for me.  So if I am smart, I stop looking at my why nots and whens and ask God for peace, mercy, grace and endurance.  It makes sense to not concentrate on what I can not control but to concentrate on the one who's in control of everything.  Definitely a better plan of action that I am still working on.:-) 

Godspeed,

Nard

Tuesday, February 19, 2013


2.18.13 - Day #6


Physical activity: 2 mile run on the hamster wheel.  Ran at a good pace.  Tried to make sure I was running slightly under a 10 min mile pace.  The pace felt very comfortable.  On the weight training side of things, a chest workout was in full effect.  Of course my favorite 100 dips was front center.:-)  Lots of cable cross over work from different angles.  Also added in some close grip dumbbell presses at a ~30 degree incline.

My mood: Pretty much back to normal.  Had a few tummy rumbles but overall I felt good.:-)  I also went late into the evening before eating.  I believe it was around 8:30pm when I finally consumed some food.  It was definitely an awesome meal as I went to Chipotle and ordered a veggie bowl with brown rice.  Needless to say it hit the spot and tasted like a Maine Lobster.:-)  Ok, I'm lying!LOL

My devotions:

Joel Osteen:
Bishop Timothy Clarke:




Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts:  Today was one of those days that I knew was coming.  Part of my growth in the Lord has been dealing with my anger in a positive and productive way.  Before growing in this area, I would allow myself to take way to much and then burst when I hit my limit.  And when I burst you got one of two reactions...I would either shutdown or say something very hurtful and then cut you out off my life.  Definitely a very unhealthy way of handling an emotional reaction that is very temporary.  Essentially, I needed to learn to master the art of gentle correction while granting forgiveness.  Weeeellllll today was the day...to echo Kevin Hart...I gonna learn today!LOL  

I won't give too many details but let's just say a meeting ended with me being cursed and called a very derogatory and childish name.  The old Renard would have went back at his attacker with equal if not more fervor.  But Praise God, I not only held my tongue but also remained calm and even tried to gently correct the situation.  The gentle correction did not work but I am hoping God will honor my efforts.:-)  At the end of it all and once I got to my car, I gave God some mighty praise.  Because I survived what was clearly a test in my walk.  More importantly it showed and proved that God had changed me and that he is working in me.  Notice I said working...I know that he is not done with me yet.  How exciting is that news?:-)

Godspeed,

Nard

Monday, February 18, 2013


2.17.13 - Day #5


Physical activity: My legs were a bit on the sore side so running was out for today.  I trained my abs and did my normal 50 dips.  I also added in some close grip dumbbell presses at a ~30 degree angle.  It's a nice way to hit the lower chest.  Felt strong which is good as I thought all this vegan stuff would kill my strength.

My mood: I was in a great mood.  I attend the 7am service so it was very cold when I made it to church.  But the sermon and message about siblings was awesome.  I definitely reflected on Bishops words as they made a ton of sense and added some much need insight in my life.  I also watched the rest of the services i.e. the 9am and 11am services online.  The whole Sunday series really framed the dynamics of the sibling relationship well and really gave me some tools to use when I have biological children.

My devotions:

Joel Osteen:


Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts:  My thoughts today about were about my brother.  Which make sense based on the sermons.:-)  We had a rocky relationship growing up.  He use the beat the stuffing out of me pretty much everyday that I could remember.  I was his punching bag where he honed is fighting skills.  Case in point, when I was born my mom found him in my crib trying to bite off my toe!  Like who does that!LOL  I also however remember when it all ended.  One gut shot he went down and I went to work on him.  Yep, victory was mine that day.LOL  I guess I had finally gotten his respect so the beatings stopped immediately.  

Over time and through it all, I learned to appreciate him.  While he beat me pretty regularly, no one dared look at me crossed eyed because he would protect me no matter the situation right or wrong.  Now that we are older we laugh at the fights and love each other beyond measure.  He's still a very wild dude who looks nothing like me but I wouldn't trade him for nothing in the world.  I guess I should call him...huh!LMBO

Godspeed,

Nard

Sunday, February 17, 2013


2.16.13 - Day #4


Physical activity: I did a 5 mile run on the treadmill.  Needless to say I am a Floridian and I do not run anywhere near outside until the weather hits close to 50.  I am so bad about it that I try to find the treadmill the farthest away from the window and the fan as possible.:-)  I also added in 100 dips, cable crossovers, rope pull downs and one-arm cable tricep extensions.  I tried to make up for the lack of training during my sickness in one day.  Not a good idea!LOL

My mood: I am definitely feeling more "normal" I got a little hungry around 3pm but overall I felt really good. Although the breath was kicking like the Rockets!!LOL  I read that I could use some mint leaves so they are on the purchase list.  I am also thinking about getting a few Wisps to keep on me as well.  I will own that I am a bit of a crazy person about my breath.  Just one of those things that comes along with good hygiene for me.  Plus I am a huge neat and clean freak as well.  Military Brat...need I say more.:-)

My devotions:

Joel Osteen:



Bishop Timothy Clarke:




Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts:  My thoughts today are about Max Lucado's reading.  Chapter 4 explores the subject of unconditional or AGAPE love.  I always wondered if we as humans had the ability to display this level of love in our relationships.  I found the way he described it as a resemblance to be really neat and note worthy.   Not the true thing but a close as our world and fleshly limitations would allow.  Imagine even when we love at our maximum capacity (and we are asked to try to love at our absolute maximum limits) it is still not even close to God's love for us.  I can honestly say I can not even comprehend the level of God's love for us.  But, I am so glad he does!       

Godspeed,

Nard

Saturday, February 16, 2013


2.15.13 - Day #3


Physical activity: I finally got the opportunity to get back into the gym.  I trained biceps and ended the session with 50 dips.  I definitely felt a bit weak from being sick but it was good to get back to my routine.  I decided not to push it and go for a run in the evening but the plan is to get back to the original routine by Sunday.  I am hoping I will be up to it by then.

My mood: Improved but not there yet.  I volunteer at the FCOG food pantry on Friday so it was good being around the Saints.  We are all in the same boat so it was funny seeing everyone struggling but still having a good time with it all.  I think we may have laughed more during this day than ever.  It helped that we weren't too busy so we had down time to talk, comfort and uplift one another.  As a side note, the older Saints are definitely vocal about their thoughts on gospel music and how the message may be becoming to convoluted.  Ya'll are to radical!LOL 

My devotions:

Joel Osteen:

Bishop Timothy Clarke:




Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts:  Today I had a wonderfully powerful move of God!  I have been working on a business concept for some time now.  Long story short, God gave me something he wanted me to do and I pushed it to the side for a year or two.  I came back to the idea after God got my "attention" again in a very powerful and undeniable way.  Well since that point in time, I have been trying to be obedient and build what God has given me to do.  Wellllllll.....today we got a financial blessing that gets the business up and moving forward from concept to reality   All I could do is start praising him after the call and then cut a step!LOL  Needless to say, it shows what obedience, favor, mercy and faith can and will do.  I'll be honest, I questioned my dream and if it could be done.  However, in the end God kept renewing me every morning and putting angels in my path to keep me encouraged!  God is truly the God of the IMPOSSIBLE!!  A mentor told me once that God does not "kick in" until we think whatever we ask for is impossible so he can get all the glory and praise.  Definitely something worth pondering......

Godspeed,

Nard

Friday, February 15, 2013


2.14.13 - Day #2


Physical activity: No physical activity.  I have been fighting off a cold for about a week and my body finally gave in so I rested.  It was so needed and trust me it blessed me tremendously!

My mood: Today was soooooo much better!  I did not have as much of a headache and I think my body is starting to adjust somewhat.  I still found myself very hungry at times but I was able to focus and pray my way through it.  But overall it was not as bad as the day before.

My devotion:

I thought I would share the Joel Osteen snippets for the past two days.

Here's day #1:


Here's day #2:




Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts:  During the second day I found myself really reflecting on God's promises.  After reading Max Lucado, I remember looking out my window at the sky and thinking...how could you not believe in God??!?  I mean how do you explain clouds, the sun, the universe and so on.  Then I thought, how great is the God we serve that even though he created all these things and more he still knows the numbers of the hairs on my head.  How important to him must I be that he knows more about me than I do.?.?  Awesome thought!!

Godspeed,

Nard

Thursday, February 14, 2013

2.13.13 - Day #1


Fast format: I am doing a full Daniel fast which is different than our church fast.  I will only be eating: fruit, veggies, nuts, lentils, beans, brown rice, quinoa and soy products e.g. tofu and protein powder. Also I will only eat before sunrise and after sunset.  Which is about a 12 hour no food fast but I will be drinking water.

Physical activity: My day started at 5:00 am.  I missed my 4:00 am alarm but it ended up working out for my best because I really needed the extra hour of sleep.  A typical day would be weight training in the morning and then cardio in the evening.  Yeah...real crackhead like for a fast!LOL

My mood: I felt very lethargic.  Which I expected as this is a pretty big change for my body.  I typical try to eat between 5 to 6 small meals a day.  So you can only imagine all the noise my stomach was making.  I think it said I hate you at some point!LOL  With that said, I did as Bishop and the Bible commanded and made sure I remained as normal as possible.  During my meetings on today, I took good notes to help me with my inability to focus.  I also noticed my breath was a little "tart" so used mouth wash several times through out the day.:-)  Hey...just being honest!

My devotion: I have a few that I read every day such Our Daily Bread, Joyce Meyer and a couple more on Youversion.com.  I added Max Lucado's: 3:16 - The Numbers of Hope as well as Joel Osteen: I declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life.  I also found an ebook from Susan Gregory on Amazon for free that has a devotional for fasting specifically.  It's called the Daniel Fast Devotional for Lent.  I will also be adding Gary D. Chapman's 5 Love Languages - The Secret to Love that Lasts next week once I see how my time flows.

Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts:  I had a great meeting with a friend who is a younger pastor here in Columbus.  I told him about how troubled a lot of my relationship have become over the past several weeks.  But in a surprising twist, God had restored all of them by late Tuesday evening.  It was an amazing move of God!  But more importantly we both agreed that the message was deeper.  We believed from the incidents and subsequent restorations that God is a restorer, healer and ever present help.  There is nothing to great for him to accomplish in our lives.  And just as he restored those relationships he will restore me in due time!  Such a great message that blessed me!  

Blessings,

Nard

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Purpose....

We wanted to provide the emerging leaders with a community of support for our 40 day church fast.  Please use this blog as a place to ask question, share experiences, worship and praise.  We know this will be a tough and sacrificial time for all of us but we honesty believe God will move in our lives as well as draw us closer to him.

Please feel to express yourselves as well provide tools and resources for our journey together.  So welcome to all of you and we look forward to growing with each other along our collective journeys.  God bless, keep and uplift!

Dee, Heather, Josci and Renard

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Introduction from Bishop Clarke


Beloved,

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Once again we have been blessed to arrive at our annual time of consecration.

Each year we have as a people set aside a time of prayer, fasting and study that we might give ourselves more fully to God and submit to the disciplines that bring growth in our loves and our walk with God.

This year, we will observe 40 days of prayer, fasting and reflection that will not only change our lives, but we believe will transform our church as well.

My prayer is that each of us will commit to the 40 days that are planned, prepared and poised to take us to another level.

Your Pastor,

Bishop Timothy J. Clarke