Amazing things happen when men of God pray.

I’m blessed to have a small circle of men in my life I call friends. Each of them is special to me; some I’ve known my entire life, a couple I’ve known for more than 20 years. Theses guys are special because they are men of God and they know how to get a prayer through. I call them my heavy artillery. I call on them when my back is against the wall and I need some serious backup. Now, I also have strong women of God in my life as well but I believe something amazing happens when men of God pray.

Okay don’t get me wrong, I believe women can also war in the Spirit. My mother was one of the greatest prayer warriors who ever walked the face of the earth. I just think we as women can learn something from men who pray. I’ve found when I call on my guy friends, they listen quietly to my concern and only when I’m finished do they ask questions. They don’t interject or cut me off with what’s going on with them or their family. The focus is on my need only.

Sometimes we as women listen but we tie ourselves into the equation. As I said my mother had the gift of prayer. I can remember whenever someone would call her, she would listen and then, she’d pray. Not once did the situation become about her. How many times have you called a girl friend for prayer and end up interceding for them. As I said earlier, I feel we as women can learn something from men who pray. They know how to listen with their mouths closed and their ears open and then they go to war.

I’m doing a devotional on prayer and in it, I’m looking at different people’s prayers in the Bible. Today I was reading one of David’s and it dawned on me, he really knew how to pray. I thought about the Apostle Paul and his prayers and of course the prayers of Jesus. I’m learning to pray as these great men of God did. This blog is not to say women can’t get a prayer through, it’s to acknowledge a special group of gentlemen in my life.

There are those that say men and women can’t be just friends, well I beg to differ. I wouldn’t take anything for my guy friends. They teach me so many valuable lessons.  Above all they teach me that amazing things happen when men of God pray.

Ciao!

Savannah J.  providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

The Love of A Widow

Source: The Love of A Widow

“Baby, you’re like a little bird singing in the rain”

When I was a young lady, my mother once told me I was like a little bird singing in the rain. It took me awhile to figure out what she meant. One day it dawned on me, she was telling me in her own way that I’m a worshiper. Have you ever had your attention drawn to a window because you heard a bird singing it’s heart out in the pouring rain? Most birds will seek shelter when it storms but every now and again, one will stay and sing; that’s my mother’s definition of a worshiper.

A worshiper will sing in spite of. In spite of their circumstances, their feelings, or their health to name a few. Like that little bird who raises it’s voice in song to our Creator in the storm, a worshiper will raise their voice with tears streaming down their face. I, like most people have had my share of hardships but when things become unbearable, I do what comes naturally, I close my eyes, throw my head back and I worship God. And above all, I trust and believe. I trust and believe in my brokenness like that little bird singing in the rain, that my prayers are heard.

One of my favorite praise and worship leaders and song writers is Michael W. Smith. I’d like to share one of his songs with you in hopes that it blesses you as much as it blesses me. Enjoy.

Here I am to Worship

Ciao!

Savannah J.  providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

The Art of Speaking Softly

Have you ever met someone who seems to be always on edge; ready to pounce on whomever rubs them the wrong way. It’s almost as if they seek any and every opportunity to argue. They wait for an offensive word or a tone of voice they don’t fancy and in their opinion an ill-spoken comment. I coin these persons as someone always looking for a fight. And then, we have those who are the exact opposite.

These persons have a knack for diffusing tense situations. They are by no means doormats or pushovers, it seems they’ve simply learned the art of speaking softly. Battles are chosen carefully, as are words.

I’ve been following a devotional study by Pastor Rick Warren on gentleness. In a couple of his teachings he talked about using a soft answer to turn away wrath or anger. The basis for his teaching is found in Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” NIV

He used the example of how when someone raises their voice at us, we raise ours back. Eventually you’ve got a tumultuous situation. Pastor Warren suggested as the other person becomes louder, we lower our voice and become quieter. Now that, my friends is easier said then done. However, I decided to give it a try one night at work. Just as I needed a something for a patient, I noticed someone from another department who could help me enter my area. When I approached her, she was curt and borderline rude. I kept my cool and refused to match her tone. By the time our conversation was over, we were laughing and she said she’d ensure I had what I needed and she wished me a good night.

I believe the challenge with speaking softly in the face of adversity is because we have an innate desire to defend ourselves. We want to let that person know, we don’t have to take their insults. But, do we really need to retaliate? What’s the worse that could happen if we don’t. Would it really matter at the end of the day, if the person bringing the offence sees us as defenseless? Now, let me pause here and say, I’m not speaking of bullies or abusers; that in and of itself is a different story. I’m by no means advocating allowing ourselves to be mistreated, so please understand.

That being said, I’m sure speaking softly in the face of rage may not always work. As I mentioned in the beginning, there are some who are hellbent on fighting, but as my mom so wisely taught me, they can’t argue by themselves. It wasn’t easy for me the night I used the art of speaking softly with the woman whose help I needed, however, I’m happy I did.

It’s my intention to master the art of speaking softly and with it the mindset of disregarding the opinions of the hotheaded toward me. As I mentioned in my previous blog, it’s been scientifically proven, those who reduce stress in their lives live fuller, richer and longer. And I purpose to do just that. I’d love for you to join me.

Ciao!

Savannah J.  providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

You Must be Compassionate

Beautifully written testament of God’s grace.

Epi-Centered

A few days ago, my mother-in-law fell and broke her hip.  She was utterly alone, and desperately needed help and yet no one heard her cries for over an hour.

She has lived a rather tragic life and has suffered a great deal.  As a result of how she has suffered, she often struggles with choosing simple kindness.  Born in Poland in 1938 right before the Nazi’s invaded,  her parents died when she was very young; orphaned she was raised by her older brother.  She met her future husband, a young American GI, and became pregnant with twins before they were married.  Speaking very little english, she moved to America to start a new life.  That new life was full of promise but much of that promise was never realized.  Bitterness, sadness and hopelessness have instead ruled her life.  She, probably without real intent, abused her kids and filled their lives with…

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Leaving Those Things Which Are Behind, Behind.

There are times when I find myself rehashing events from my past. The memories aren’t always good. Occasionally, they are thoughts of persons who’ve wronged me or my son or my family or painful situations created my me or others. Whenever I catch myself dwelling on such times, I remind myself of the scripture in Philippians 3:13 where Paul says,  . . . “But I do one thing. I forget everything that is behind me and look forward to that which is ahead of me.” NLV

I’m sure I’m not the only person out here who’s guilty of such reminiscence. Now, the dangerous thing about dwelling on the past, especially instances where others have harmed us or created situations that caused us pain, is it breeds unforgivingness. I believe it’s okay not to forget as remembering can save us further heartache in that it protects us from repeating the same mistakes. But I’m huge on forgiveness. I feel an unforgiving heart is like cancer; it only harms us. It eats us up from the inside out. By holding on to painful memories and not releasing the person or persons who harmed us, we give that person power over us.

I pride myself at being a pretty happy person. I choose to be happy. Recreating painful memories takes away from my joy, even if just for a few minutes. And, it doesn’t solve a thing because the situation is in the past. It’s history. I do hope if you find yourself traveling down the memory lane of painful events, you’ll choose to let go. We all take that miserable journey from time to time but remember, there is a solution. Just close your eyes, take a deep breath and let it go. Release the thought and individual(s). I promise, you’ll be the happier for it and it’s been scientifically proven, you’ll add years to your life.

Ciao!

Savannah J.  providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

To Argue or Not to Argue . . .

I’ve learned that there are some people, who regardless how kind, friendly or patient we are, will always find a way to be difficult. There was a time in my life when I felt the need to stand my ground with such folk; refuse to allow them to push me around. Well, as of late, I’ve changed my stance. Now, I simply shut my mouth and refuse to engage in a word volley.

For years, I entertained the necessity to prove my point, to show these antagonists what I was made of. What stopped me on a dime, was a scripture I read in the Book of Proverbs. I had seen this verse before but it never struck me until recently. I’ve been doing a daily devotional reading of the Psalms and Proverbs and one morning, I awakened to an epiphany in my inner being.

Proverbs 12:16 flew off the page and jolted me upright in bed. I remember thinking, “this is the answer to my problem.”  It reads, “A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted,”  You see, I don’t like to argue. I feel arguing is futile, divides family and friends and can often make us look like idiots. It can cause loved ones to become estranged and wound some so deeply, they never recover.

The words in Proverbs 12:16 was the solution I’d been searching for. Now, when someone responds to me with a rude statement or answers a question I pose sarcastically, I remind myself of Proverbs 12:16.

As of late, I’ve been concentrating on inner peace and joy. Ignoring words sent to harm me has been a God send, literally. May I suggest, you try it too? Perhaps you don’t have the same problem I did with folk disrespecting you with their words, if not, I applaud you. If, however, you do, remember Proverbs 12:16 “A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.”  I promise you your life will be completely different.

Ciao!

Savannah J.  providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

An old man’s side-piece. (I don’t think so)

The following blog is my thought based solely on an encounter I experienced. It is in no way intended to insult or offend. It is merely my expression of how I was made to feel as a result of the interaction between myself and an older gentleman.  

I had an interesting encounter on a train ride a couple weeks ago. I was assigned a seat next to an older gentleman. All seemed to be going well with our ride until he decided to engage me in conversation. The conversation started off fine enough and then, he digressed and began to flirt. Initially, I attempted to divert the conversation to the usual, “how’s the weather” sort of thing. He’d participate for awhile and then would startup with how attractive I was and how much he enjoyed talking with women. After some time, I grew disgusted. I leaned into him and explained that he needed to stay in his lane, if you will.

With my posture as well as my words, I informed him, I was not nor would I ever be interested in him; after all he’d admitted he was married. I’m not quite sure who the women were he was used to entertaining, but believe you me, I’m not the one. First of all he’s married and that alone is a deterrent for me. Secondly, even if he weren’t married, he was too many years my senior. Now, what disturbed me most about our encounter, was this man’s insistence on having what I felt was an inappropriate conversation.

His mannerisms were quite juvenile, almost teenage like, if you will. He would giggle every now and again and start talking about the women he enjoyed talking with as if I was supposed to be impressed. He even suggested we have lunch. As I listened to him jibber-jabber on, I wondered when or if he’d ever realize his behavior was out of line. Here was a man who was obviously in his late 70’s, still attempting to woo women half his age.

I believe what I found most disturbing about my experience with this man, is the fact he admitted he was married, yet obviously found no qualms with seeking my company. He shared that his wife was unwell and I wondered where was his loyalty to her. I could have made the excuse for him in my mind, he was lonely and seeking companionship (bless his heart). However, I’m wise enough to know his behavior was nothing new.

I’m currently single but when the man God has promised to me comes into my life, he’ll know beyond a shadow of doubt, loyalty, trust and honesty are priorities on my relationship list. And that goes for when we’re apart as well as together.

Ciao!

Savannah J.  providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

Soooo, what just happened?

“There are three types of people in the world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened.” I’ve heard the previous quote by the late Mary Kay Ash on more than one occasion. One morning I had a conversation with a co-worker whom I find to be exceptionally gifted and bright. However, as I listened to her words, I found myself placing her in the second category of the late Mary Kay Ash’s quote. Now before you pass judgement on me for presumably passing judgement on her, allow me to explain.

On that morning another co-worker had been called into our supervisor’s office and offered a promotion. For the sake of clarity, I’ll call her Co-worker B, and the other Co-worker A. Following Co-worker B’s disappearance into our supervisor’s office, Co-worker A became consumed with curiosity as to what the talk between Co-worker B and our supervisor was about. “The talk” was the hot topic of the morning as Co-worker A, two others and I walked to our cars after completing our night shift. When I spotted Co-worker B headed toward her car, Co-worker A waited to inquire from her as to what had “happened.” Well, as I previously said, Co-worker B had been offered a promotion.

A third of the way into my drive home, my phone rang, it was Co-worker A. She was beside herself with anger about Co-worker B’s offer. She was upset because she herself had asked to apply for the promotion and was told she didn’t qualify. Her rant went on for the remainder of my drive and then some. Co-worker A was upset because she felt disrespected and walked over. She felt that all her hard work, coming in on days we were short to help out and attending numerous meetings was all for naught. No one noticed; no one cared. All her toiling was futile.

As I listened to her, I came to realize she was waiting for acknowledgement and opportunities to be given to her. Now, sometimes that concept works and sometimes it doesn’t. I’m not trying to make light of her situation because I know her character and how hard of a worker she is. I know all she said is truth. The picture I’m trying to paint here is, how this gifted, talented, and intelligent woman was watching things happen instead of saying, the heck with this, I’m going to grab the bull by the horns and make something happen for me!

I’ve come to understand we have everything we need to succeed already on the inside of us, all we have to do is tap into it. After listening, I suggested to Co-worker A, that she take her talents and resources and carve out a future for herself instead of waiting for something to happen. At the end of our conversation, Co-worker A agreed with me; not only did she agree, she took action.

So many times in life, we sit silently by and allow opportunity to slip away. Instead of going after our dreams we allow them to grow dust. We not only watch things happen, we wonder what happened. I, too, have been guilty of this. As of a couple years ago, I made the decision to take steps to make things happen in my life. Now, I’m a firm believer that God has the final say, but James 2:26 that says  “. . . faith without works is dead.”

I don’t believe God wants me sitting idly by waiting for opportunity to fall in my lab, I believe we have some control of our future and it’s up to us to set our goals and execute. It’s up to us to make things happen!

Ciao!

Savannah J.  providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

“Don’t Give It Life.”

I was talking with my brother a couple of days ago about a situation that had come up in my life. I decided to pray about it and leave it in God’s hands. When speaking with my brother, he of course agreed. We share the belief, our words and thoughts have power. For instance, I’m not one to talk about my health unless it’s in a positive light. Were you to ask me how I’m doing, my response will be, “I’m well,” because I believe in responding in that manner, I affirm my good health. I claim Divine health and healing although my pain level on a daily basis is rarely less than a three on a scale of one to ten. They say, I have arthritis.

On my most painful days, my pain level is usually an eight. Rather than “give life” to the situation raging in my bones, I choose to take something and spend time alone where I close my eyes and see myself as whole. I believe beyond a shadow of doubt, the same Jesus who healed over two thousand years ago, still heals today.

In my conversation with my brother, he quoted my niece. The saying, “don’t give it life,” is hers; her way of speaking only positive outcomes to whatever arises by not allowing negative words or thoughts to dominate the situation. I like that. How many times have we said something and watched it happen. For example, “If I eat this, I know it’s going to make me sick, but I’m eating it anyway.” Only to spend the next twenty four hours in agony. Or we speak something over someone else’s life and watch our words come to pass. Lets face it, whether we accept it or not, our words and thoughts have power.

I’ve had co-workers tell me I’m falling apart because I catch a cold or they can tell I’m in pain. I quickly correct them; I’m not falling apart nor do I plan on falling apart. The Bible in Psalm 103:5 tells me, the Lord will satisfy my desires with good things so that my youth is renewed like the Eagles. (paraphrased) That is how I choose to live my life.

I’m not one to push my beliefs or opinions on others, but if I’ve shared something here today that you can glean and be blessed from, please own it. I had another co-worker tell me, he admired me for my way of positive thinking, but it doesn’t work. My response to him was, it doesn’t work for whom? Because it works for me. My plan is to continue to foster positive thoughts and words, even when it’s a struggle to do so. I’d rather live my life seeing the good it has for me than spending time miserable because I dwell on the negative.

When troubles come my way I will pray and then leave the rest to God. I’ll remember as my niece says, “don’t give it life.” 

Ciao!

Savannah J.  providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g