Do I Really Have to Go to Church?

Many people wonder, “Do I really have to go to church? Can’t I believe in God and just stay home and have 'home' church”? 

A friend once told me, “I don’t have to go to a church if I want to get close to God, I can go sit on a mountaintop and be close to God.”  The only problem is my friend never goes to a mountaintop. And how many people are really going to initiate "home church" with teenagers? I can't imagine that going over very well.

So, let me tell you why I think we have to be disciplined about our church attendance. Over the summer, I was very disciplined about going to the gym, mostly because I have a workout partner who does not let me slack off. I've lost a few pounds. I feel healthier. And I actually enjoy exercising with my friend. Well, unfortunately, my partner has to miss the gym for about 3 weeks and I've only gone ONCE without her. This morning, I should be at my spin class but I wimped out. It’s so early! And I’m so tired! Excuses, excuses...

Without accountability, I feel less motivated. Without someone to encourage me, I want to stay in bed. Without someone counting on me to get there early to save her spot, I just don't go.

You see, that is why we need to go to church. We need people. We need people to keep us accountable. We need people who will encourage us and better yet, we need people to encourage. We need to exercise our gifts of the Spirit or our gifts will get wimpy. We need to build our muscles of faith. We need the nourishment of God's Word from people who have studied it more than us. 

And just as a side note, I have actually met people who have stopped going to church because they have been “offended” by a pastor or the pastor falls into sin. HELLO, pastors are human and humans sin. You are not worshiping the pastor but JESUS. If a pastor falls into sin or you are offended and feel you cannot attend their church anymore, I totally understand. That has happened to all of us at some point in our Christian life. But don’t give up on God. God did not fail you. Man did. Go to another church. Don’t stop going to church all together with some nonsense about going to a mountaintop. I’m sure you have heard this before but let me remind you, no church is perfect because churches are made up of imperfect people. I’m imperfect and I attend, so you are going to be stuck with people like me. We serve a PERFECT GOD, He has called US His church, and we have a job to do. 

Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer. Hebrews 10:25 (CEV)

As the Day of the Lord approaches, it is going to get darker and darker in this world. We are going to need The Light that comes from the Holy Spirit's presence. The Holy Spirit dwells in every Believer. So let's not neglect going to church. Let's flood the place with His saving light. As the world darkens around us, people who are searching and lost will see our bright light and find their way home.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG)

So, since my workout partner will be reading this soon, I promise to go to the gym this evening. I need to go for my own well-being and health. But if I promise to go to the gym, will you promise me something? If you have been hurt by a previous church member or if you are waiting for a mountaintop experience, will you please give church another try?

Pray before you go. Ask God, “God, I want to draw close to you. I want to feel your Holy Spirit's presence. Direct me to a church where I will feel at peace and I will be fed from Your Word. And once I am there, give me the gifts of Your Holy Spirit (like teaching, hospitality, compassion, and healing) and put me to do Your work. Help me be a light to others. In Jesus Name, Amen."

May the God of Love fill your hearts with His Love,

Yolanda

Great new video from Jefferson Bethke, Darkness is Losing. Please listen and be encouraged.

God, The Giver of Life - Signs of the End Times

“You are the giver of life. Your light lets us enjoy life.” Psalm 36:9 (NCV)

Recently, I was talking to some friends about the increased persecution against Christians: beheading, rape, buried alive, forced conversions, imprisonment, etc. My friends were completely astonished by the news. Their explanation for ignorance, “I don’t watch the news. It’s too depressing.”  I can relate. Sometimes the pain in the world can be so overwhelming that I just want to escape into my own happy place and never leave. But yesterday, I went to see the film The Giver and it reminded me that I have not been called to live the Christian life in a pretend “happy place”.

The film takes place in a Utopian society called The Community. The Community has eliminated emotions, free will, and all past memories from its citizens in order to prevent violence, inequality, and social unrest. The citizens are given injections everyday to suppress their emotions but without feelings of pain there can be no feelings of love. The have “pleasant” lives but no real passion or love for one another. They are merely numbers in a colorless society.

There is one elder in this Community who is called The Receiver of Memory who has all of the memories of the past, the good and the bad. One young man, Jonas, who was born with the ability to “see beyond” the colorless world, is selected to be the next recipient of memories. The hope is that Receivers gain wisdom from the past that can be used by the governing council should a crisis arrive. As Jonas begins to receive these memories from The Giver, he is enraptured with the emotions brought upon by the pleasant memories, like joy, touch, and love. When he receives the painful memories of war and violence, he is overwhelmed by the darkness and wishes he could just go back to being oblivious. If you are oblivious, you don’t have to feel. And if you don’t feel than you don’t have a responsibility to act. 

We can be like Jonas at times. Wanting to bury our heads in the sands of ignorance, oblivious to the pain and suffering in the world. If we are oblivious we don’t have to feel helpless, overwhelmed, sad, or fearful. And if we don’t feel, we don’t have a responsibility to act. We can continue to go on with our busy lives, pretending that everything is OK, and keeping our selves so mindlessly busy with the daily grind that our eyes stay focused on the here and now instead of what God has called us to.
 

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. Colossians 3:1-2 (MSG)

The Lord brought to my mind the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13).  God compares the return of Jesus for His Believes to ten bridesmaids waiting for the return of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids are supposed to go out to meet him but he is running late. Five wise bridesmaids bring extra oil for their lamps. Five foolish bridesmaids do not. All of them fall asleep waiting but when they wake up, the foolish ones realize they have run out of oil for their lamps. The lamps need to be lit so that he can see them in the dark. The foolish ones must return for more and their lack of preparation makes them miss the return of the bridegroom. The parable is a warning that ends in verse 13, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man [Jesus] is coming.”

Why is it so important to know what is happening in the world from a Biblical perspective? Because God gives us warnings in the Bible so that we can know when the Bridegroom (Jesus) will be returning for His Bride (Believers). Here are some of the warnings we should be looking out for: (read Matthew Chapter 24 and Luke Chapter 21)

1. Wars and rumors of wars
2. Famines
3. Pestilence
4. People will abandon their love for God and become lovers of self
5. Increase in the frequency and severity of earthquakes
6. Increased hostility against Israel (Ezekiel 28:25-26). Be on alert when all the nations turn against Israel and when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies (Luke 21:20). The start of the 7-year Tribulation period is marked by a signing of a peace treaty with Israel orchestrated by a world leader (Anti-Christ) who claims to be acting in their best interest. (Daniel 9:27)   
7. A move towards one world government, one world currency and one world religion (Revelation 17:13, 13:6-17)
8. Christians being martyred and beheaded for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Revelation 20:4)
9. Strange events in the skies - signs in the sun, moon, and stars (Luke 21:25)
10. False prophets and false messiahs will perform counterfeit signs and wonders in order to deceive people and will even cause Believers to abandon their faith in God. 

God’s Spirit clearly says that in the last days many people will turn from their faith. They will be fooled by evil spirits and by teachings that come from demons.  They will also be fooled by the false claims of liars whose consciences have lost all feeling. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (CEV)

‘Thus says the Lord God: “When I have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and am hallowed in them in the sight of the Gentiles, then they will dwell in their own land which I gave to My servant Jacob. And they will dwell safely there, build houses, and plant vineyards; yes, they will dwell securely, when I execute judgments on all those around them who despise them. Then they shall know that I am the Lord their God.” Ezekiel 28:25-26 (NKJV)

The study of the End Times has always been a double-edged sword for me. It fascinates me but it also frightens me. Just like Jonas in the movie, the more I learn, the more knowledge I want. It keeps me looking up towards God, longing for Jesus’ return, and puts this temporary life in perspective. But just like Jonas who ran away from The Giver, believing he was not brave or strong enough to handle the responsibly that comes from knowing the truth. Sometimes, I want to run away from the burden of The Truth, just like my friends. But God does not want us to run in fear. He is asking, “Yolanda, you know The Truth that I’m coming back for you before the horrors of the end come. Are you going to hide this Good News from your friends, family, and neighbors and let them suffer through it just because it’s safer, easier, and less scary? Do you trust me to give you My strength and courage to share The Truth?”

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud cry of summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the blast of the trumpet of God. And those who have departed this life in Christ will rise first.

Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord! 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (AMP)

Jonas eventually responded to the call of The Giver and became a savior to the people, opening their eyes to the truth.  So God has called each of us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that the eyes of the blind can be opened to God’s love and salvation. Because just like Jonas said, “Without love, what’s the point?” It’s as simple that that. Without God’s love, there is no point to this life. It is just a colorless, pleasant, superficial existence without real passion, compassion, devotion, and sacrifice. We must know in order to feel. We must feel in order to act. We are called to action! 

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (AMP)

So, The Giver has given you His gift of Truth. You are now the Receiver. What are you going to do with the gift?

"If God is love, and love is a gift, than the Giver and the Gift are one...Salvation comes in the giving of His life and is complete in the receiving of His life." Quote from The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn.  I recommend this book highly. It is one of the best books I have ever read.

Love,
Yolanda

PS: If you are wondering, "How do I receive this gift of God's love and salvation?" It's as simple as praying to receive it. Pray this prayer with me:
God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Forgive me of the sins in my life. Please reside in my heart and fill me completely with the love and power of Your Holy Spirit. Guide and direct all my ways. I pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.
You are now a child of God. He calls you His beloved child. I can't wait to meet you in Heaven.

From Ignorant is Bliss to Down the Rabbit Hole

I love music. I always have. I play music when I write, clean, exercise, or just for serenity. If you notice, most of my blog posts include worship songs. Music inspires. Music motivates. Recently, a couple things happened that made me reconsider what kind of music I want to listen to. 

First, my daughter often fights me for radio control because she likes to listen to pop-music. To be honest, I like it too. I love to bop to music in my car or dance around the house. And I've been known to sing at the top of my lungs when alone. The other day, a song was playing and I heard a lyric go something like, “By the end of this song, I’ll have you ________.” I called out to my daughter, “Hey, these lyrics are terrible!” She says, “That song is from the 80s!” Wow, what? I laughingly shared this story with some friends and they reminded me of all lyrics from songs I used to love. I never paid attention to lyrics. I just enjoyed dancing to the beat. I guess I figured ignorance is bliss…

Second, a few days ago a friend, who also loves music, gave me some shocking news. I mentioned a current pop star I like. Her songs are catchy and upbeat. My friend said, “You know she’s part of an occult and has sold her soul to the devil.”

WHAT? No way. OK, I’ll admit she dresses a little risque. That statement was probably a figure of speech. Well, my friend ended up showing me a YouTube video where this singer admitting selling her soul for fame. No hesitation. No joking. Just a statement of fact. I still wanted to deny it, hoping her statement was kind of like, “I’m just a rebel.” When my friend started mentioning other musicians, I literally turned into one of my preschoolers and put my hands over my ears saying, “I can’t hear you! Don’t tell me anymore!” I wanted to remain in my bliss of ignorance.

But because I’m like Alice in Wonderland, once my curiosity is piqued, I get curiouser and curiouser. After doing more research than a self-proclaimed coward should probably do before bedtime, let’s just say I fell down the rabbit hole. The more I researched, the more I became aware of other artists who have literally forsaken all for fame and money. At a recent music award show, Christians in the audience felt the need to leave early because it was so demonic and nonbelievers even tweeted afterwards that they had witnessed something very dark. If it was so prevalent that the eyes of non-believers could see it, how much more should we believers see it? There was even an interview with a comedic actor I enjoy who made the same statement about selling his soul for fame. I had recently used one of his movie clips on my blog. I felt sick to my stomach so I deleted the entire post.

I do not judge these celebrities. My heart breaks for them and I have started to pray on their behalf. Many grew up in Bible-believing homes but they have traded the Truth for a lie. They also have the potential to lead so many young people astray so it prudent and compassionate to pray for them.  

 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:26 (NLT)

That night when I tried to sleep, I was plagued with a sense of darkness and despair. Devastated by how blind I can be when I want to live in ignorant bliss. I repented of my ignorance and asked God to forgive me. I kept debating whether to write about my discoveries because I felt a sense of unease and fear. I was robed of sleep and kept up a long stream of prayer. Suddenly I heard a huge boom. My husband searched the house and yard and found nothing. We assumed it was a neighbor or a passing car. The next morning, after my husband left for work, I went into my office where I write and noticed the 2-pane window above my desk was shattered. My first reaction was that neighborhood children had thrown a ball or rock at the window. When I went to investigate, I notice that the outer-pane was fine but the inner-pane was broken.

 I immediately called my husband. His words, “It’s all the devil talk last night.” Not helping! I was already freaked out. Since he knows my tendency to go off the deep end of paranoia, he tried to reassure me saying it was probably a result of the house settling or weather pressure. But he ended the conversation by encouraging me to pray over the house…just in case. Today our window repairman told us that it appears to be a spontaneous break.  Hmmm

So having a broken window above my writing desk? Coincidence? Probably.

Is there a logical explanation for why the inner pane broke? Probably.

Was I scared right out of the rabbit hole? Oh yeah! Definitely!

Because you see, the Bible says that if you stand up for Jesus, you will have enemies who will do anything and everything to prevent you from sharing the love and salvation offered by God with those who are lost. And if you don’t believe that the Enemy is real, just look closely at those celebrities who used to resemble your neighborhood kids and now look like walking zombies. Their eyes are soulless. The bargain they made for fame and fortune soon leaves them empty. And their lives culminate into destruction, despair, broken relationships, overdose, or even sadly suicide. The human heart, soul, and mind cannot combat the darkness of the Enemy trying to occupy it.

We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. Ephesians 6:12 (CEV) 

So, if you have noticed, I have been purposely vague in this post. I’m not going to tell you what musicians or celebrities have joined this occult. I’m not going to tell you the name of the occult. I’m not even going to tell you to stop listening to secular music. That’s not my place. Everyone has a responsibility to do their own research and make their own decisions. My responsibility is to be informed and to inform my daughter, not by forbidding her to listen to secular music (it’s kind of impossible because it is everywhere, the gym, mall, school, etc.) but by giving her knowledge. Allowing her and I to make informed choices on what we will listen to and support. Because knowledge is power and ignorance is definitely NOT bliss. Ignorance is dangerous.

So my prayer is that you do NOT take my word for it. But that you pray and ask God to remove the veil from your eyes, like God removed mine, and that you investigate. Most important, once you have identified the Enemy, be sure to arm yourself with the Holy Spirit daily (Ephesians 6:11-12). The Enemy of God has an agenda. His agenda is to promise people a dying world in exchange for giving up God’s promise of eternity in Heaven with Him. It’s that simple. Don't fall for it. Don't let your friends fall for it. It’s a bad deal.  

Go in through the narrow gate. The gate to destruction is wide, and the road that leads there is easy to follow. A lot of people go through that gate. But the gate to life is very narrow. The road that leads there is so hard to follow that only a few people find it. Matthew 7:13-14 (CEV)

 My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world’s language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception. 1 John 4:4 (MSG)

I pray your ears are open to the Spirit of Truth.
Love
Yolanda
PS: If you are one of my frequent readers, I ask that you keep me and my family in prayer. Thank you.

  

Back to School Prayer

When I wake, let there be more of You and less of me

When I pray, let there be more of You and less of me

When I write, let there be more of You and less of me
When I serve, let there be more of You and less of me

When I parent, let there be more of You and less of me

When I walk into class, let there be more of You and less of me

When I hug my students, let there be more of You and less of me

When I greet my parents, let there be more of You and less of me

When I teach, let there be more of You and less of me

When I correct, let there be more of You and less of me

When I play, let there be more of You and less of me

When I am discouraged, let there be more of You and less of me

And when I love, let it be ALL You and none of me

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Yolanda 

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NLT)

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord - who is the Spirit - makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

From Dateless Wonder to Dearly Beloved - Devotion for Singles

Recently, I read a great line in one of my romance novels that transported me back in time. It went something like this:

I don’t get it. Why doesn't anyone want to date me? I’m totally fun. I dress nicely. I’m friendly. I’d love to date me….

My prom picture 

Seriously, this was my mantra in high school, college, and beyond. I was the Dateless Wonder. I literally took my cousin to prom. Sad, I know! Especially since I designed my own prom dress and it was custom-made by my awesome mom. I was definitely born in the wrong era and not appreciated in my own. Anyways I digress…

I’d like to tell you that one day your Knight in Shining Armor will show up at your castle but I think most Knights today have misplaced their chivalry handbook. In the mean time, instead of waiting in the castle, there’s a whole kingdom of adventures waiting for you.

This summer, a friend lent me the first 4 seasons of Downton Abbey. My daughter and I are totally addicted. It’s been a great bonding and teaching tool (OK, that’s my excuse for watching 5 hours of DVDs on lazy summer days). My daughter will pause the DVD to ask questions like:

• Why do the girls have to be chaperoned?
• Why do girls wear gloves all the time?
• Why do they have to cover their shoulders with a shawl?
• What’s the big deal if you run away with the chauffeur? They’re in love.

My answer…

Those were the glorious days when girls were raised to be “ladies”.  A lady is defined as a well-mannered, virtuous, and considerate woman with high standards of proper behavior. Attaining the favor of a lady was a challenge for gentlemen in those days. Men met that challenge because more was expected of them. They had to storm the castle, climb the tower, and slay a dragon. Somewhere along the line, ladies have stopped believing they are worthy of the challenge so men have put down their armor. Very sad. Let’s change that. Let's pray for spiritual revival among our young men. Men were designed by God to be Knights and they need to be reminded to fight the good fight. Not only in relationships but for the sake of Gospel of Jesus Christ. But meanwhile....  

My favorite character in the series is poor Edith. My daughter doesn't get why I love her so much. It’s because, if I lived in Downton Abbey, I would be Edith. I was always unlucky in love but desperately seeking a grand romance. The only thing that bugs me about Edith’s story-line is that just when she gains some confidence and independence as a columnist and writer, she falls in love with a married guy. I literally ranted at the TV, scaring my daughter, “He’s not the one. He’s not worthy of you. I don’t care if his wife is in a loony bin, he is not your happily ever after.”  If I were writing Edith’s story-line, the married guy would be dead and I would make her editor of the magazine. It’s not that I don’t want Edith to find love. I do. But I want her to finally understand that she is worthy of a great love. She doesn't need to settle.   

So Single Ladies listen up! God has a plan for your life. Not for tomorrow but for today. Right now! Don't put your life on hold. Trust in God’s timing. He wants the best for your life to start right now. You have all been gifted with beauty, intelligence, creativity, talents, and a divinely designed nurturing nature. If you are thinking, like I used to, “I must have been absent when God was handing out beauty”, let me remind you that you have been created in God’s image and He has made you beautiful because He is beautiful.

So using my Downton Abbey analogy, if a chauffeur comes around and wants you to sneak behind your parent’s back. Raise your gloved hand and say, “If you’re willing to meet my parents and court me respectfully than I will love you regardless of whether you’re the chauffeur or an Earl. If not, hit the road!”  If a good-looking Turkish Diplomat tries to sneak into your room for a good time, without considering you worthy of marriage, kick his Turkish butt out the door. He’s not worth the heartbreak. You get my drift. Life’s too short to waste on Turkish diplomats, no matter how good looking they are. You get one life to shine! Don’t waste a minute. If I could go back in time and talk to that “Dateless Wonder” I would tell her:

Stop mopping. Go out and live life!

So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In Your generous love I am really living at last! Psalm 63:2 (MSG)

Seek God and ask Him to fill you with a renewing of His Holy Spirit’s love and power. Pray that He directs your steps and opens doors of opportunity. 

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11 (NLT)

Travel! Travel! Travel! Across the street, across town, or across the world. Go on a mission trip before responsibilities of a family tie you down. See the world from God’s point of view. Ask Him to give you His heart for the world.

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Ephesians 5:2 (MSG)

Be outgoing. Meet people. Pray for spiritual boldness. Just yesterday, while floating around in a pool, I struck up a conversation with a 70-year old beautiful lady. We shared our love of books, writing, and wisdom that comes with age. She told me she wanted me to write a blog post on why women her age feel invisible. Men seek younger women causing older women to feel ignored. I told her about this post because I think women of all ages can feel invisible. The good news is we are NEVER invisible to God. God’s word says that He knows our every thought, He counts our tears. He rejoices over us. I was able to make my new friend laugh and give her encouragement. She told me, “Wow, you are full of great ideas.” See how easy it is to make someone feel VISIBLE. And when you touch someone’s life, just for a moment, God’s up there in Heaven saying, “That’s my Girl!”

So unplug from technology and plug in to real people. Plug into a church that has single activities and ministries. Be in the company of like-minded individuals. Falling in love is a chemical reaction based on eye-contact, touch, shared laughter, and soul-to-soul connection. I’m sorry but you can’t get soul-to-soul connection via text.

If you have a longing in your heart for children, sponsor a child from a ministry organization, like Gospel for Asia, Promise Child, or International Childcare Ministries. I have 4 sponsor children, each from a different country. It’s not the same as having your own child, I know, but with each sweet letter you receive telling you how your sponsorship feeds, clothes, and shelters them, God will start to fill that emptiness in your heart. I’d like to tell you a story about a 26-year old single lady from my church. She was adopting a little girl because she did not know if God was going to bring her a husband but she knew that God was calling her to share her love with a child. I noticed that this young lady had a tattoo on her back that simply read, “BE LOVE”. It struck me that WOW, that’s all there is to it, being willing to “BE LOVE”. When we allow God’s love for us to flow out to others, God refills our own cup of love to overflowing, not so we can hoard it but so we can share it. If you still don’t believe me, read the book, Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption.  Her story will move, challenge and inspire you.

Lastly, always remember that you (as a Believer) are the bride of Christ. He has adorned you in radiant linen, dazzling and white (Revelation 19:8 AMP) because He loves you. Even when you mess up, He still loves you. He’s cheering you on. Saying, “MY Beloved, I’m coming back for you. Be patient. Stay strong. I’m right here with you living in your heart. Can you feel my Spirit wanting you to live an abundant life? Go get busy because I’m coming back for you. SOON!”

My prayer is that your spirit has been stirred by God’s love for you. He wants you to depend on Him for comfort, support, direction, inspiration, guidance, and joy.  He wants to fill you with His overwhelming love so that you can turn around and share it with others. And believe me, when you shine with the love and light of Jesus, heads will turn. And because I’m a hopeless romantic, let me tell you what happened to that 26-year old lady from my church. About 6-months after I heard her speak at my Woman’s Retreat, I saw her at church holding hands with a special someone. I mean how could anyone resist someone who lived a life “Being Love”? I couldn't.

So you see, live the life God wants you to live NOW and who knows what beautiful and amazing things God has in store for you in the future. So I want you to get up, turn up the volume as high as it will go, and dance with me to this song by Beckah Shae “Life”. Close your eyes and imagine a heavenly choir of angels dancing all around us. And God whispering to your spirit, “You are my delight, MY Daughter, get ready for the adventure of your life.”

Love,

Yolanda

PS: I have 4 videos I would love for you to watch. Two worship songs, Life  and Still That Girl by Britt Nicole. And if you read this post and still don’t believe this former Dateless Wonder, take a listen to this guy’s, Jefferson Bethke, point of view. I'm praying I get a man like this for my future son-in-law. His videos are called, How do you know someone is The One and Sexual Healing. Now, I've got your attention!