Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Words Are Life...The Book Thief Movie Review

(Spoiler Alert)

Yesterday I saw the movie, The Book Thief.  It’s one of those movies that will haunt you long after the credits have rolled by.  I hate it when that happens….

It is about a young, brave girl named Liesel who goes to live with a foster family in WWII Germany.  Her foster family ends up hiding a young Jewish man named Max in their basement for two years, saving him from Nazi capture while putting themselves in grave danger. 

When Liesel first comes to live with her foster family, she feels abandoned and all alone.  She has lost her mother who was captured by the Nazis and her younger brother has died on the way to their new foster home.  She soon comes to love her foster father, who reaches out to this young frightened girl through his love of music but also by teaching her to read.  He provides a quiet retreat for her in the basement where he has created a wall dictionary for her to write down all the new words she encounters. This living dictionary opens up her world as she embraces her love of literature. Her sweetness brings light to the darkness that surrounds her.

Liesel begins to steal books, which are being burned and confiscated by the Nazis, in order to read and share them with Max who has been confined to a dark basement.  She also uses the stories to distract herself and her neighbors from their fears while they hide in a bomb shelter. As she shares these stories with those around her, she provides them comfort and hope. Max encourages her to write down her stories in a journal he has made for her. Max shares that in the Jewish faith, story telling and words are very important.  “Words are life,” he tells Liesel.

I found myself loving and hating this movie.  Loving it from avid reader and writer’s perspective because I love to get lost in a story and I enjoy the creative process of writing and sharing my stories. Hating it because it brought up feelings of sadness of what humanity can do to one another. Hating it because it brought up feelings of despair that history may repeat itself while we are brainwashed by media propaganda and distracted by selfish pursuits. And mostly hating the feeling of fear that crept into my heart when I thought about my own possible actions. What would I have done when faced with saving a life at the risk of sacrificing my own?  Would I have stood up for a neighbor who was being dragged and beaten merely for his race and religion? Most importantly, what will I do if history repeats itself?

This movie is a “Must See” even if it makes us uncomfortable because it reminds us of the danger of allowing ourselves to forget the horrors of the past. It reminds us of the necessity of educating our children on the truth of history so that we can hopefully prevent our children from repeating it. But also because it gives us hope. That one person, no matter how young, can make a difference, can save a life, can stand up against evil, and can give hope.  And that maybe if she can do it, then if and when the time comes, I can do it too.

This movie also reminded me of the power of the written word to share someone’s story, to reveal truth, to inspire, to make a difference, and change our world. 

This movie made me think.
This movie made me give thanks that I still have freedom to speak, to write, to share.
And most importantly, this movie made me pray.

Before the Resurrected Jesus ascended to Heaven, He told the disciples to wait for the Promise of the Father in Jerusalem. This promise would be the baptism of fire by the Holy Spirit.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and the end of the earth.” Acts 1: 8

I spent a lot of my Christian life working and living in my own strength, with not a lot to show for it. Oh, I was saved and living to the best of my ability. But that was the problem I was living to the best of MY ability.  When times got tough, I struggled. Sometimes I felt like I lost my way. That is not the way that Jesus intends for us to live.  He knew that times were going to get tough and dangerous for the disciples as they lived out their mission to spread His message of salvation to the world. They would face persecution, torture, starvation, threats of death, and death itself.  The Father gave them His very own Spirit Power because they were going to need it. Just like He knows we need it today.

As this world becomes more and more hostile to the Christian viewpoint, we are going to need the Holy Spirit’s power to give us wisdom, courage, and faith. And as this movie brought out these feelings of self-reflection and fears, I had to remind myself that I need not fear. God's perfect love for me casts out all of my fear (1 John 4:18). What I loved about this movie is that it reminded me to pray daily for more of God's Holy Spirit power. It reminded me that God's Word IS Life. I need to memorize it and hide it in my heart because there may come a day when that privilege is no longer available. God's Word is alive and meant to be shared so that it can bring light to the darkness, life to the dying. That is our calling as Christians, to share God's life-giving Word, resting in the peace that God goes before us and with us, preparing the way. 

So go see the movie (if you're 13+) and let me know what you think...

Love,
Yolanda








Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The Wonder of Christmas - Poem


The Wonder of Christmas
Isn't presents underneath the tree
But the gift of salvation
Beginning in a manger
Ending on a cross at Calvary

For God’s greatest gift
Came from Heaven above
Jesus, the Wonder of Christmas,
Given for us as a sacrifice of Love

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

For God so loved the world
That He gave His only Son
That whoever believes in Him
Shall not perish
But have everlasting life

Pray we never forget
The true wonder of Christmas...
Jesus left His Heavenly throne  
To become Immanuel - God with us


Merry Christmas,
Love Yolanda
 Ó 2013 Yolanda Villafana


Matthew 1:23 (CEV)

 “A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.”




Sunday, December 1, 2013

A Tribute to Grandma Margaret

   
Born 12-3-1921 Went home to be with the Lord 11-30-2013 
This past weekend we lost a very special lady in our family.  My husband’s grandmother, Margaret, went home to be with the Lord. And even though I know that she was blessed with almost 92 years of life and she's rejoicing in Heaven as I write this, I still feel very sad.  You see, she was beloved by many and will be missed. She was funny lady, with a quick wit and dry sense of humor.  And man could she let you have it with a one-line zinger that never failed to amuse me. She watched her sports shows religiously, whether it was golf, tennis or baseball and she knew the stats and her favorite players by name. She was also addicted to playing Bingo and was a cool card shark in Poker.  It was amazing how these activities kept her mind sharp as a tack even at 91 years old.  The last time I saw her she complained that she couldn't play poker anymore with her fellow senior home residents because their minds were too slow and she felt bad taking their money, even if they were only playing for pennies.

I remember when I first met my in-laws, like any new bride-to-be, I was very nervous.  But as soon as I met Grandma Margaret, I felt comfortable and at home. She quickly became my go-to person at every holiday function.  She was a feisty widow and I loved hearing her life stories. How she fell in love and eloped soon after meeting her husband and left an old boyfriend behind without a word. How God would eventually bring that old boyfriend back into her lonely widowed life and they would renew their friendship. We were not allowed to call him her boyfriend though because that would get us into trouble.  He was just her special friend.  I loved to hear her talk about her younger sister Belle and I always got a kick out of the fact that they would call each other 2-3 times a day even though they lived minutes apart.

Grandma with her sister Belle
One of the things that made Grandma Margaret stand out was her beautiful chestnut hair. It was always elegantly styled in a 1960’s  hairdo.  She was very particular about her hair and once told me that even though it would be easier to go gray she kept it colored because her husband liked her hair color.  Later when she decided to let it go gray, I remember feeling sad because I had to accept the fact that she was getting older, tired more easily, and that time was passing by….too quickly.

When my husband helped clear out her little senior apartment he told me, “This is just stuff. What is really important are the memories I have of the times we spent together.”  He spent a lot of his childhood hanging out with his grandparents.  He would go fishing with his grandfather and when they got home Grandma Margaret would fry up their catch in the garage. My husband claims she had the best pancake mix fish batter recipe.  Through out the years of my marriage, I've heard how his grandmother was gifted at hospitality. The minute you walked into her house she wanted to cook for you.  According to my hubby, she was up at dawn all the years of her marriage to make his grandfather’s breakfast and lunch.  In my husband’s eyes, she was the paragon of womanhood.  But you know what, that’s totally OK because that is how grandsons should view their grandmothers. Every memory should be filled with love, comfort, laughter, and warmth.  The last few times my husband talked to his grandma she seemed to want to reminisce about all the fun times they shared in the past. She would say, “Remember Eric, when grandpa, you and I would do this and that….” Story after story was filled with laughter and love.  Those were happy days for her and remembering them gave her comfort.
Grandma Margaret and Hubby as a cute baby

I believe one of Grandma Margaret’s greatest qualities was her consideration for others.  It was always very important to her that she remembered every one’s birthday. She would send us a card with a $25 dollar check because she wanted us to treat ourselves to something special.  It really bothered her when her cards arrived late, so one Christmas I gave her a calendar that had everyone’s birthday written on it. She told me recently that she kept that calendar all these years.  As it became difficult for her to get around, she would call us and apologize for her cards being late.  Even though I reassured her that it was OK, it was still upsetting because it was her way of expressing love for us.  In October, my daughter received her birthday card and she was saving the check to buy something special for Christmas.  My daughter has decided not to cash that check.  She wants to keep it as a memory of Grandma Margaret's generous spirit. Because you see, it is the love that went into the card not the money that made the birthday cards special.  

With grandma’s passing, I’m reminded that every moment you spend with someone you love needs to be prioritized because it could be your very last.  Our last visit with Grandma Margaret was a special blessing from the Lord and I will forever be grateful for it.  We had decided to surprise her for a visit on a Sunday afternoon.  Looking back on that day, God worked out every detail perfectly.  We were running late and hadn't eaten lunch so we stopped by the grocery store to buy ourselves some snacks figuring we would eat lunch with grandma in the senior dining room. Unbeknownst to us, she had been ill and was eating lunch in her room. She happened to dislike the meal that had been delivered from the kitchen so the minute we walked in with our bag of goodies she says, “What did you bring me to eat?”  It was hysterical. We ended up buying enough so we all had a picnic lunch in her room.

That day, I had the feeling that it was important to take pictures with her and I am so glad that I listened to that still, small voice. I will cherish these pictures as a gift from the Lord to remember a very special picnic lunch.




On a previous visit, I had given grandma a gift. It was the Jesus Calling yearly devotion book by Sarah Young. I love this devotion book because the author is gifted at incorporating scripture in her writing and you feel as if the Lord is speaking to you directly.  At the time, I was a little apprehensive about giving it to grandma because I was not sure how she would receive it. But she was so grateful for it. She asked me to place the marker on the correct date so that she could start reading it. During our final visit, I saw the book on her nightstand by her bed. I asked her what she thought about it.  She told me she liked the book very much and read it daily. I was so glad that I didn't let doubt or uncertainty prevent me from buying her this gift because my prayer is that Jesus spoke to her through the pages of this book, that He called her his beloved daughter, that He told her how much He loved her, and that He prepared her heart to come home to be with Him for eternity. For you see, God has promised eternal life for those who believe in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the source of our hope: 

1 Peter 1:3-6 (CEV)
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.  God has something stored up for you in heaven, where it will never decay or be ruined or disappear.You have faith in God, whose power will protect you until the last day. Then he will save you, just as he has always planned to do. On that day you will be glad, even if you have to go through many hard trials for a while.
Those of us who are left behind when our loved ones go to Heaven may be going through a trail of grief right now. And though our hearts may be breaking, we can't allow them to be shattered because our tears of grief should also be tears of hope. I believe I will see Grandma Margaret again and when God calls me home, she along with my own grandmother, will surely come guide me home. Until then, I will cherish the memories of her and will continue to make new ones with my family for as long as God gives me breath because that is our calling and purpose.  We are called to touch as many lives with the love of Jesus Christ in the time that we are given.

So Grandma Margaret, we love you. You touched each of our lives in your own special way. Each of us has our own treasured memories, and though we will miss your presence here with us, we are comforted in the promise of seeing each other again. I'd like to share these encouraging words from the Apostle Paul:
My friends, we want you to understand how it will be for those believers who have already died. Then you won't grieve over them and be like people who don't have any hope. We believe that Jesus died and was raised to life. We also believe that when God brings Jesus back again, he will bring with him all who had faith in Jesus before they died.
You see, there's far more to life for us. We are citizens of high heaven! We're waiting for arrival of the Savior, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthly bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole.
 1 Thessalonians 4:13 and Philippians 3:20-21

In loving tribute,
Yolanda            


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

My Preschool Lesson on Thanksgiving

This month in preschool,  my co-teacher made a “We thank God for” Turkey bulletin board in our classroom. Each feather had a child’s name and a description of what he or she was thankful for. Here are some of the responses we received:
  • I’m thankful for my mom and dad
  • I’m thankful for my brother and sister
  • I’m thankful for my cat and dog
  • I’m thankful for my toys
  • I’m thankful for Iron Man and Star Wars.  
  • I’m thankful for God, Jesus, Holy Ghost and cockroaches. I have no clue why cockroaches got equal billing with the Holy Trinity but that’s why the 4-year old mind is a wonderful thing. I am sure God got a kick out of this child’s response because He created cockroaches and probably thinks they’re pretty cool too.
The great thing about working with preschool children is that they are very literal. Which I find very funny! For example, in November we taught two scripture verses. The first verse was “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and as you can see from our Thanksgiving Turkey even 3-4 year old children recognize God's blessings in their lives.  The second scripture verse was, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). This verse made a profound impact on one of our sweet girls. On the playground one day, she went around giving the teachers cups of water as she told us, “See I’m being a cheerful giver.” Oh, we were so proud thinking, “Thank you Lord, they are learning to hide your word in their heart.”

So on an unseasonably hot November day she decided to be extra giving.  While on the playground, I saw my sweet student fill up her water glass and approach a teacher from behind.  I am just beaming with pride and patting myself on the back, thinking, “Yes, she’s in my class.” When suddenly, she tosses the cold water right on the teacher’s back! “Sweetie, why did you do that?” “WELL, she looked hot!”  In all fairness, it was really hot that day and she did have a cheerful attitude while she threw the water…

See why I love working with preschoolers! They get it.  They don’t have to over analyze everything.  God says, “Be a cheerful giver” and they give. God says, “In everything give thanks” and they look around their immediate environment and see a million blessings.  They give thanks for family, imaginary characters, and even insects because in their eyes these things are magical and bring them joy.

Oh, wouldn't it be wonderful if we could always keep our preschool perspective on life and remember to thank God for all His blessings? You see, saying “Thank You” to God is not just a nice gesture of empty words. It’s our way of honoring and worshiping God. It’s sacrificing our complaining, ungrateful hearts on the alter of his grace.  It’s being in awe of His mercy and falling down in gratitude because the One and Only True God, who created the Heavens and Earth, who was and is to come, loved us so much that He saved us from our sin and chose us to be His very own children.

Psalm 50:23 (CEV)

The sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart.  Obey me, and I, your God, will show my power to save.
Hebrews 12:28(NLT)

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Recently, I got a new perspective on the story of Jesus healing the 10 lepers. You see, after He healed them of their leprosy only one man came back to thank him.
Luke 17:15-19(MSG)

One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan.

Jesus said, “Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?” Then he said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.”

I always thought that the moral of the story was how it is rude not to show gratitude to God for our blessings. But the last verse “Your faith has healed you” also means “Your faith has saved you.” This healed man got it! This man was not only healed on the outside but he was healed on the inside.  Jesus looked into this man’s heart and saw worship and gratitude. Jesus had compassion on all ten men, loved and healed them equally of their physical illness but only one man got the healing of salvation.  Jesus will bless us because He loves us more than we can comprehend but having a grateful heart shows Jesus how much we love Him. And a thankful heart allows us to get closer to God.


Psalm 100:4 (AMP)

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!

When I remember all that God has done for me, not only my material provisions but also the gifts of: forgiveness of sin, salvation, eternal life, hope in the darkness, security through the storms, refuge in times for fear, healing from pain, and unconditional love, I can’t help but give thanks.  I’d like to end with a portion of Psalm 116 as my sacrifice of praise this Thanksgiving:


Psalm 116 (NLT)
I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me.
I saw only trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the LORD: "Please, LORD, save me!"
How kind the LORD is! How good he is! So merciful, this LORD of ours!
The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me.
Let my soul be at rest again, for the LORD has been good to me.
He has saved me from death,
My eyes from tears,
My feet from stumbling.
And so I walk in the LORD's presence as I live here on earth!...
What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the LORD's name for saving me.
I will keep my promises to the LORD in the presence of all his people...
I will offer you a sacrifice f thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD....

So this Thanksgiving, embrace your inner preschooler and look around your world. What are you thankful for? I'm thankful for the blessing of working at an awesome Christian preschool, with wonderful teachers, filled with children whom God uses to teach me spiritual lessons daily, and for each and every one of you who reads my posts. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Love,
Yolanda

Sunday, November 17, 2013

The Perfect Date


Today I went to lunch with my hubby and across the booth from us was a lady sitting all alone. She caught my attention because it was almost as if she was on the perfect date…with herself.  I actually felt a little envious even though I was having a lovely lunch with my handsome man.

It reminded me of the scene from the movie, The Breakfast Club, where Molly Ringwald is eating lunch in detention with a bunch of high school misfits. As they are taking out their boring lunches, she opens up her neat little lunch box, places a wooden tray on her desk, and proceeds to place a small black Sushi tray on it with her cute little soy sauce bottle. The rest of the misfits just stare at her perfect little lunch in amazement. 

This lady who caught my eye took it upon herself to create the most inviting setting for her lunch date with herself. She ordered her water in a wine glass with a lemon slice on the rim. She opened up her Kindle and propped it up on her little stand so she could read her novel. Soon the waiter placed before her the most appealing black tray with a little scoop of white rice, an entree, a small salad, and a delicious looking red dessert.  I’m so glad her back was to me because YES I was staring.  She looked so elegant, refined, confident, and completely at peace with herself.

I don’t know why she intrigued me so much? As I left the restaurant, I found myself wanting to talk to her. But what could I say? “Wow! You are so cool. I wish I could have been like you when I was younger.” You see, when I was younger I didn't have a lot of confidence. I would never have dared to go to lunch alone. I was insecure, fearful, and I tended to hide behind other people.  Actually, it took me until I turned 40 to start embracing the person God made me: chunky, spunky, and little nutty. I regret wasting so much time worrying about other people's opinions.

I wanted to share the impact this lady’s perfect little lunch had on me today.  Because I don’t want you to be like me and waste another minute thinking you’re not worthy, whether it’s making an ordinary lunch special or asking the God of the Universe to answer your prayers.  Take for example, Friday night I went to church and the pastor asked people to come forward for prayer if they wanted to experience the Holy Spirit’s presence in a deeper way.  I didn't hesitate but jumped right out of my seat. A few years ago, I would have stayed in my seat, convincing myself that my prayers weren't as worthy as someone else and I would rob myself of God’s blessings.  I would be lying if I didn't admit that I still struggle, especially when I don’t see the answer to my prayer manifested the way my human limitations can understand. But my struggle doesn't stop me from getting out of my seat anymore and seeking God's will for my life.

I am writing the following prayer for myself and for you if you are letting fear, a lack of confidence, or feelings of unworthiness hold you back from God:

Lord Jesus, help me not to hide behind feeling of unworthiness or run from the calling You have for my life. Help me to see myself as You see me, as Your precious child. Bring to mind all of my answered prayers and remind me to give thanks for all my many blessings.  Don’t let fear of what others may think prevent me from living the life You have planned for me.  Thank you for loving me long before I ever knew You and thank you that You promised never to leave me or forsake me. Help me to feel Your love so I can share it with others. Amen.

1 John 4:7-19 (NLT)God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.  This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins...And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us.  Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.  And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.  Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.
Love,
Yolanda





Thursday, October 24, 2013

Don't Mess With Me. I've Got An Army of Angels On My Side


Have I mentioned lately that I have a very overactive imagination? If you combine that with the fact that I'm lacking in the bravery department, you might as well call me the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz.  But please don’t call me that because, like the Cowardly Lion, I am aware of my character flaw and I'm working on gaining courage as the following will attest: 

First, when I was in elementary school I would walk home after school to an empty house. I would be alone for a while until my sister got home from high school.  If she were slightly late, I would start to panic and image all sorts of terrible scenarios. One time she was really late. I remember it felt like forever but realistically it was probably only a couple of hours.  I completely lost it.  I ran down to her bus stop to see if she was delayed there.  When I could  not find her, I ran back home and started to have a complete panic attack. By the time she came home I was a complete sobbing mess.  Yes, she was slightly annoyed and embarrassed because she was with her friends but, oh well, that's what little sisters do. 

Then when I was in high school there was a terrible serial killer on the loose.  He would sneak into houses at night and attack his victims.  I made my mom lock all of our windows for the first time ever since living in our rural neighborhood. Did I mention we didn't have air conditioning and it was mid-summer. The family was not happy with me.  During this time, I worked as a waitress and a report had been issued that the killer’s car had been sighted in a neighboring town. I remember working late one night and having to drive home. By the time my shift was over I had completely psyched myself out. I ran to my car, locked all the doors, and sped off.  As I drove down a dark and deserted street, I started to imagine the killer on the roof of my car. I drove like a maniac, swerving all over the road in an attempt to get the imaginary menace off the roof of my car.  Thankfully, I lived in a very rural area and avoided hitting any “sane” drivers on the road.  I peeled into our driveway, jumped out of the car, and ran into my house. My mom looked at me like I had lost my mind because I was hyperventilating and near tears.

Finally, there was the terrible night that I gave into peer pressure and I allowed my high school friends to talk me into seeing the horror film, A Nightmare on Elm Street. It’s about a frightening killer who enters people’s dreams whenever they fall asleep. The poor heroine is terrified to fall asleep less she face the same deadly fate as her friends. By the end of the movie, she had gray hair and so did I.  For some weird reason, when I got home from the theater no one was home.  I was freaked out and made my way to my upstairs bedroom.  I kept imagining hearing terrible noises downstairs but I was too afraid to investigate.  As I lay in bed paralyzed in fear, I remember thinking, “I need a Bible.”  I wasn't even a Christian yet but I knew in my heart that as long as I could get my hands on a Bible that God would protect me. Since I shared a room with my older sister, I borrowed her Bible and literally placed it on my chest and prayed for God to stay with me.  I eventually fell asleep with a sense of God’s presence and comfort.

After receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior and studying God’s Word, I have been able to control my fear.  When I sense that feeling of fear come over me, I know to immediately turn to Jesus.  I remember reading a book on overcoming fear and learning the value of praying out loud. Whenever you feel a dark and oppressing presence around you, it is good to pray out loud and proclaim the name of Jesus.  You see, Satan and his demons cannot read our mind. Only God has the ability to read our minds.  So if we’re praying in our minds, Satan and his enemies can’t hear us.  Once you speak the name of Jesus out loud, the power in His Name alone makes the demons flee.    

Philippians 2:9-11 (NLT)
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Recently I received some scary news that sent me straight back to Jesus and into my Bible. My daughter and I were driving and talking about God giving us signs of His presence.  Nonchalantly my daughter says, “I've had an experience like that.”  I’m thinking, “Oh cool it’s probably something really great.” She goes on to share that a few months ago she felt an ominous presence in her bedroom. Enough that it freaked out our little dog that sleeps with her and that she felt really oppressed and scared.  Now, she claims that she told me this before BUT judging by the crippling panic attack that overcame me I doubt it. Luckily my older sister was there to keep me from flying completely off the fear cliff and rushing her over to the nearest church to have holy water poured over her.

After calming down a bit, my first reaction was guilt. I started to worry that I had unconfessed sin in my life that was allowing darkness into our home.  I started doing a mental inventory of our lifestyle and any compromises we were making as a family.  I asked the Lord Jesus to forgive me and to point out anything that He wanted me to change. I also told my husband about the incident and he immediately prayed over her bedroom and started playing worship music in our home. We have also started prioritizing praying together on all occasions and especially at nighttime. 

During my morning devotions recently, I read Psalm 91 and immediately shared it with my daughter.
Psalm 91 (CEV)
The Lord Is My Fortress
Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful.Then you will say to the Lord, “You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.” The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases. He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall. You won’t need to worry about dangers at night or arrows during the day. And you won’t fear diseases that strike in the dark or sudden disaster at noon. You will not be harmed, though thousands fall all around you. And with your own eyes you will see the punishment of the wicked. The Lord Most High is your fortress. Run to him for safety, and no terrible disasters will strike you or your home. 
God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will carry you in their arms, and you won’t hurt your feet on the stones. You will overpower the strongest lions and the most deadly snakes. The Lord says, “If you love me and truly know who I am, I will rescue you and keep you safe. When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you. You will live a long life and see my saving power.”

What I love about this Psalm is that the author is Anonymous.  A lot of the Psalms are written by Kind David and sometimes when I read them I think maybe they apply to David only or that they are a prophetic message about Israel or the Messiah.  But when I saw that this psalm was written by “Anonymous”, I knew that the promises of this Psalm are for each and everyone of us.  We could all be the authors of this Psalm to God.    

I told my daughter, “You have an army of angels at your disposal.  God has commanded that they protect you.  If you are afraid, call out to God and ask Him to let loose His angel army in your defense.”  With the beautiful faith of a child, she was completely at peace with her trust in the Lord. And being an only child she is used to her parents completely freaking out – in a good way- of course. 

After reading and mediating on this Psalm, I have begun to pray that the spiritual eyes of my family and myself are open so that we can see God’s angelic army fighting on our side.  I want to be like Elisha’s servant who was reassured of God’s love and protection when surrounded by the enemy army. 

2 Kings 6:15-16
When Elisha’s servant got up the next morning, he saw that Syrian troops had the town surrounded. “Sir, what are we going to do?” he asked.“Don’t be afraid,” Elisha answered. “There are more troops on our side than on theirs.” Then he prayed, “Lord, please help him to see.” And the Lord let the servant see that the hill was covered with fiery horses and flaming chariots all around Elisha.

Just like the servant was reassured that the victory was theirs because God's angelic army was on their side, we can be reassured that God is always on our side. All that God asks is that we love Him and truly know who He is.  Then He guarantees us all the promises of Psalm 91.

He will be our Mighty Fortress
He will keep us safe and secure
He is our Mighty Protector
He is our Valiant Defender
He is our Eternal Salvation

Last night, I felt the need to go to church and be in God’s presence. As I sang worship songs, I prayed for forgiveness, I prayed for a renewing of the Holy Spirit's power in my life, I asked to feel His love in a tangible way, and I dedicated my Blog to Him again.  I asked God to bless my writing and to use it however He deemed fit. Here’s how God answered my prayers:

I've known since reading Psalm 91 that I wanted to write a devotion on it but I felt like my thoughts were disjointed. The only thing I knew for certain was that I wanted to include the worship song, “Whom Shall I Fear [God of Angel Armies].  So last night when our worship band started to sing, “You hear me when I call…..” I wanted to shout, “LORD, that’s my song! You’re playing my song!”  I felt God smiling down on me and as tears filled my eyes, I raised my hands and thanked Him for confirming that He hears my prayers, He forgives me, and He is my inspiration.

I believe God wants to remind us that even though the days are frightening with all the uncertainty surrounding us, even if it seems like evil is winning, even if we are being attacked from all sides, even if we feel Satan waging a war for our soul and for the souls of our children, he will NOT win.  In the battle against us and for us, the God of Angel Armies is always on our side. Jesus already conquered our enemy on the cross when He defeated death and rose again.  He is up in Heaven cheering me on saying, “Yolanda, I love you. Don’t be afraid. Keep learning about me so you will truly know who I am. The more you know me the more confident you will be in the fact that I've got everything under control. The victory is MINE.  There is no enemy that can come against you or your family as long as you always make me a part of your family.”

So my Daddy in Heaven has got this…..I can sleep soundly tonight.
How about you? Do you have trouble sleeping?

Love,
Yolanda

   

Cool video by Chris Tomlin on inspiration for worship song, "Whom Shall I Fear [God of Angel Armies]"



      

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Showers of Blessings


Have you ever had one of those days when you are trying to do a good thing, helpful even, and then all your good intentions end up pouring down all around you, leaving you a wet mess.  Well that’s what happened to me today….literally.

Today on the preschool playground I was trying to do a good thing. We have an airplane teeter totter that the children love to ride but we closed it because it was under a canopy that had filled with rainwater from last night.  I figured that I could easily remove the water by getting a broomstick and pushing the water off of the canopy.  Well the first big puddle of water emptied easily enough. The second puddle was a bit larger so I pushed a little bit harder and well you know what happen…..

Let it rain. Let it pour, all over Miss Yolanda!

I got soaked. Completely and utterly. Down to my chonies wet! And it was COLD! 

Immediately, I started laughing. I could not believe it, but then again I really could believe it knowing my luck. My coworkers just stood there in shock and then joined in laughter figuring it was OK to laugh with me just not at me.  Some of the children were a little shocked and stated the obvious, “Miss Yolanda, you’re all wet.”

Now standing there cold and wet, I had two choices.  I could have easily let the downpour bring anger, embarrassment, and frustration or I could let it bring down showers of blessings. I chose blessings, blessings of spontaneous laughter and joy.  And my God is a God of miracles because my cell phone in my pocket was the only thing that did not get wet.

When life happens and good intentions end up getting us all wet, we must remember it is our attitude and outlook that can either make them into blessings or curses. If we are willing to laugh at ourselves, look up to Jesus and say, "Thank you for making me laugh today and thank you for saving my phone" we may see that God has just sent us the shower we needed to refresh our souls. It was our own special shower of blessings.

Ezekiel 34:26 (NLT)
I will bless my people and their homes around my holy hill. And in the proper season I will send the showers they need. There will be showers of blessing.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (CEV)
Always be joyful  and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.

Love,
Yolanda 



Thursday, September 5, 2013

Prayer of a Mom Entering Middle School


My baby girl is starting middle school and I am freaking out! I have dreaded the teen years since she’s been in my womb.  Because you see, I don’t have a lot of patience for teen drama. I drove MYSELF crazy as a teen, which is why I only work with cute preschoolers.  I leave the scary teenagers to those the Lord has gifted with superhuman powers.

This summer, my daughter had to mature rather quickly.  For the first time ever, I had to go back to work before the start of her school year. She suddenly had to make her own meals, take care of the house, and be responsible. It was a learning experience for both of us.  I just have to brag and say that she did great. So you’d think that I would feel confident in her ability and decision making skills right? Nope, I had to experience a painful life lesson in order to get the message that it’s time to let her spread her wings so she can learn how to fly.

Middle School is going to be a whole new ball game. There are multiple classes, hormones running a muck, girl clicks, and potential bullying. To top it all off, parents had to lease laptops for each student to use at school.  I know, I know, technology is a good thing. But REALLY they expect 6th graders to deal with multiple classes, hormones, and care for an expensive computer.  Last year, I was lucky if I could find my daughter’s homework assignment in the bottom of her backpack, in one piece and without PB&J smears.

So the day we went to pick up her new computer from school, I made sure to ask the tech guy if the insurance policy covers any and all natural and unnatural disasters.  He assured me that even if my daughter dropped it in a lake it would be covered.  Whew! I felt better but I still gave my daughter the 3rd degree, “Don’t eat by it. Don’t drink by it. Don’t share it. And for goodness sakes DON’T drop it. You will handle this computer like your life depends on it.”

As we are exiting the technology classroom, I tell my daughter, “I’ll carry it!” Very clearly still having trust issues. We get about 20 feet down the hall when my elbow hits a protruding door handle and BAM there goes the computer crashing to the floor! “OH BLANK!” comes spewing out of my mouth.  Unfortunately, there was a nice teacher walking by who starts to snicker and says, “You better take it back while you are still here.” Luckily, he didn't say, “And watch your language young lady!” 

My very supportive daughter goes, “MOM, you are so embarrassing. I am not going back in there.”  I guess I deserved that so I took the walk of shame alone. As I entered the class, full of the really perfect moms, I tell the tech guy, “OPPS! I just dropped it.” He gives me a look like “REALLY?” Yep, I even showed him my wounded arm as proof. The good news is that the insurance coverage really works! After being handed a perfectly working laptop, I decided my daughter should carry it.  We laughed all the way home and as I was driving I had an epiphany. I realized it was time to turn over the laptop, metaphorically speaking.

This last month my daughter has proved that she is capable of taking on more responsibility...when I let her.  I've been so afraid to let go of the reins because of fear of failure, injury, or danger but it’s time to trust her and, more importantly, trust in the Lord. I am hindering her maturing process by being over-protective.  So I have decided that this school year, I am going to take on more of the role of mentor verses smothering, mother hen.  I am going to teach her organizational skills because it is a skill she must master in higher education, work, and life.  I will give her limited freedom on her laptop but it will be located right next to mine so that I can supervise her online activity.  When school challenges arise, I will not run in and take over. I will assist, if needed, but I will give her the opportunity to work through her problems.

My most important job as a parent entering Middle School is going to be to PRAY for my child.
  • Pray for God to give her wisdom so that she can do well academically, socially, but most importantly spiritually.
  • Pray for God to give her discernment when it comes to friendships and peers.
  • Pray for God to protect her from bullying and danger.
  • Pray for God to keep her pure in thought and action even when the Enemy attempts to corrupt.
  • Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal and empower her God-given talents and strengths so she can be hopeful and excited about her future.
  • Pray that God keeps our family united and focused on Him, that we prioritize church, reading our Bible, and fellowship with Believers.

As I have been preparing myself to face the reality of Middle School, this Bible verse keeps coming to mind:
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)
I looked up the word “direct” in the dictionary and it means to train, supervise, point and show the way.  I pray my daughter sees my life pointing her to Jesus, my own walk showing her the way, and that when I stumble and fall I reach for my savior for help and direction. As her trainer, I must provide learning opportunities to test her skills. As her supervisor, I must keep a watchful eye that she is maturing and staying on track.  If she makes a mistake, I must correct and set her back on course.  I can’t walk the path for her or carry her.  I just have to point her in the right direction, hand her over to Jesus who loves her more than I ever could, and trust that He has a wonderful plan for her future. 

Jesus said:
“I have come so that they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” (John 10:10 MSG)

God’s plan for my daughter is greater than any dream I could ever hope for.  So bring on Middle School….we’re ready. 

But pray for me because, well you know, I’m me….

Love,
Yolanda


When thinking of this new school year, this poem came to me:

A Life of 1000 Possibilities

One life given
One choice to make
One life to shine
Or one life to whine

So take everyday
As a gift from above
To let your light shine
As a testament of love

Take each possibility
To challenge your ability
Failure is not the end
Only where your road bends

Challenges and heartbreak
Will come your way
Some will knock you down
But stand up! Seize the day!

You were chosen
For such a time as this
To let your light shine
So that others you may bless.




Monday, August 26, 2013

What Are Men Really Thinking About?

My hubby is not a reader…unless it’s the maintenance manual for his precious Polaris or his hunting magazine. But even with the latter, I’m convinced he’s only looking at the pictures.  Heaven forbid I ask his opinion on one of my blog posts because he suddenly remembers an emergency that needs his immediate attention in the garage.

So when he got home today and told me he wanted to read me something, I actually got a little scared.  Could it be a secret love letter from an old girlfriend, bad news from his doctor, or maybe cut backs at work?  As I sit down and prepare myself for the worst, he reads me this email from a friend:



Of course when hubby read it to me, he changed the word "motorcycle" to "Polaris". I about died laughing because this is SO true in marriage! I don't know how many sleepless nights I've had torturing myself while he's snoring right next to me...probably dreaming about his precious Polaris. Well, no more. Next time, he seems distracted and quiet and tells me nothing is wrong, I'm going to believe him, leave him to his thoughts, and take a nice, long bubble bath. 

But wait. Do you think my hubby was trying to tell me something with that email? NAH! He just thought it was funny.

Gotta love marriage!

Love, 
Yolanda

PS: I wish I could give credit to the original writer of "Her Diary, His Diary" but I could not find the author's name. So I hope they don't mind that I shared it because it was too funny to resist.    


Thursday, August 22, 2013

Breathe, Pray, Love


I heard a great quote at church last Sunday:

“The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of faith is the end of anxiety.” George E. Mueller

On Saturday, I had one of those emotional breakdowns that make you want to run away from home, hide out at Starbucks until they kick you out, or just escape to a “happy place”.  Usually my happy place is a fictional story that is playing out in my head but this time I really envied Elijah who “went up to heaven in whirlwind” (2 Kings 2:11).  Elijah literally bypassed death and was taken straight to heaven. Since I have always been a cowardly escape artist when it comes to conflict, this seemed like an easy way out.  But because God doesn't want me to be a cowardly escape artist, the closest I got to heaven on Saturday was taking the longest shower in history.  As I stood under the water, letting it wash away my tears, I starting singing softly to the Lord, “I’m ready Lord. When my time comes, I’m ready.” I could feel myself giving into the stress and I began to fear I would break out in a Shingles rash again. 

In that moment, I had a choice to make.  I could either let my stress conquer me or I could BREATHE.  I remember back in May when I broke out in a Shingles rash, I went to my ApageHeart Ministry friend, Jerry, for prayer.  He reminded me that I needed to “breathe in the Spirit”.  Not some “mumbo-jumbo New Aggie” breathing exercise but literally breathing in more of God’s Holy Spirit.  Basically, I like to think of it as an act of surrender and obedience.  It is reminding myself to take the focus off myself and to redirect my sight on God.  I prayed, “God fill me with more of your Holy Spirit power” while inhaling and prayed, “Forgive me of my sins and unforgiveness” while exhaling.  I must have stood under the water for 10 minutes taking deep breaths and praying.  I remember thinking, “Lord, you say in your Word that if I seek you with my whole heart, I will find you. I want to feel your love. I want to have your supernatural peace that surpasses understanding. But even if I don’t feel you or see you right now, Lord, I am going to believe you love me out of faith.” 

Then I decided to give over my anxiety and stress to God and I literally changed my tune. I raised my hands to God right in the shower and started singing one of my favorite old worship songs, For You Are Good:

I cry out for your hand of mercy to heal me
I am weak I need your love to free me
Oh Lord, my Rock, my strength in weakness
Come rescue me, Oh Lord.
You are my hope, your promise never fails me
And my desire is follow you forever.
For you are good
For you are good
For you are good to me.

I must have sung, “For you are good” over and over again until the water ran cold and my frozen heart thawed. By the time I walked out of that shower, I was ready to forgive and be forgiven.  No holding grudges, no pity party, no bad attitude.  The entire atmosphere in my house changed.  And the love that I craved from God came in the form of a hug from my daughter and a kiss from my hubby.  The words I craved from the Lord came to me in the lyrics of the worship song, Love Came Down, sang at church on Sunday:

If my heart is overwhelmed and I cannot hear Your voice
If the storms of life they come and the road ahead gets steep

I will lift these hands in faith, I will believe

I remind myself of all that You've done

And the life I have because of Your Son

Love came down and rescued me

Love came down and set me free

Now I am Yours, I am forever Yours

Mountain high or valley low

I sing out and remind my soul

I am Yours, I am forever Yours

When my heart is filled with hope, every promise comes my way

When I feel Your hands of grace rest upon me
Staying desperate for You God, staying humbled at Your feet
I will lift these hands and praise, I will believe
I am Yours, I am Yours
All my days I am Yours

As Christians, we are never promised an easy road in this life. We are only promised that when the road get tough, God will never leave us or forsake us.  I shared this “not-so-attractive” story about myself to encourage you.  When you feel like running away, hiding at Starbucks, or escaping down the path that seems easier, remember to Breathe, to Pray, and receive God’s Love.  Even if we don’t see it manifested immediately the way we want it to be, God reveals His love for us, through the Spirit, in ways that will amaze us. It could be through a quote at church that speaks to your circumstance, a worship song that speaks to your heart, a hug that comforts, or a kiss that expresses forgiveness.

Love,
Yolanda

Jeremiah 29:13 If you look for me whole heartedly, you will find me.
Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.
James 4:8 Come close to God and God will come close to you.
Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you  O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you.  
1 Kings 8:23 …and he prayed, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.”