We have the seasons that last for a while and we make the necessary adjustments to acclimate ourselves. Well as the seasons come and go, I reflect on the various challenges and triumphs that I have had to endure - I call them my seasons. One of my favorite scriptures in the bible is found in the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 verses 1-13.The year 2009 has whizzed on by with each month appearing to end almost as soon as it has begun. I often wonder if it's my age or is it that I am finally taking the time to see how time truly flies.In the beginning of the year, I could not wait for the winter to end. I look forward to the spring which seemed as though winter was lingering on a bit longer. Nevertheless, the seasonal days of spring carried on until it was time to begin summer. Ah, yes summer! I was excited about summer - finally some sunny, warm weather with days to dress without jackets, scarves or gloves. However, summer was interrupted by the spring like weather that poured down rain and a lingering chill that somehow just did not feel quite right. We kept our umbrellas close, rain gear actively ready and a light jacket - not the typical summer. In fact, we had an unusual sleet and hail storm in July where people were shoveling wearing shorts and T shirts. Summer is officially coming to an end and I wonder what the Fall will be like for us. Will summer linger on or will fall take its place and prepare us for the winter?In my daily life, the challenges have lingered much longer than I could stand. It all makes me wonder if the triumphs will come soon and will they last longer. To make it clear, even though I complain about waring the rain gear, I appreciate the rain that comes with the spring, we need it. It is essential for our livelihood. I am not afraid of the challenges, in fact, I welcome the challenges. Challenges allows me to learn more about myself. I work through the challenges and somehow, I make it through. I just do not like the consistency of them as they seem to come more often than necessary. I celebrate the triumphs and at times it seems as though they are short lived as the challenge arises while I am still dancing for joy.I have decided and I am determined to work through the seasons. I will not wait for December 31st to resolve that the New Year will be the best year yet. I will allow each season to come and I will make it the best season ever. When the rain falls, an unexpected blizzard, a snowstorm, or any other unusual occurrence, I will get my protective gear and keep it moving.
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Posted by Narda Goodson on February 9, 2009 at 8:44pm
Discouragement and desperation are tools that the enemy uses to keep us from reaching our goal in Christ. From the beginning of time many have given up their dreams and hopes due to the incessant assaults from the enemy. This is why we are admonished in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to cast down every imagination and thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.There are times we will feel like we want to concede defeat. The pressures of life dig at you without mercy. The relentless stress, anxiety, and demands of your problems increase as you find your ability to cope decreasing. You begin to lose your grip in life and eventually, you breakdown in despair.The word discourage in its verb form means oppose, hinder, inhibit, prevent, stop, and suppress. It also means dishearten, cast down, and depress. When you have been beat down by ‘discourage’, you fall into a state of discouragement.Discouragement is a saddened and cast down feeling we experience when we disallow the Word of God to have absolute dominion over our thought life. It is a deterrent, whose ultimate goal is to lead you away from God. Once discouragement has settled and permeated your heart, its doppelganger, desperation kicks in.Desperation is the state of extreme anxiety. At this stage, you encounter the brutal assaults of distraction, misery, harassment, and nervousness from “the thing” that initially came against you. The continual onslaughts of “the thing” that opposes and suppresses you have brought you to this gloomy place called desperation.When we are desperate, we become forgetful and apprehensive. We do not function at our best because we focus more on “the thing” rather than staying committed and steadfast to what the Word of God has said about the situation. While it is the enemy’s assignment to pursue and hassle you to the point of taking you off course, your job is to keep your guard at all times. 2 Timothy 2:3 says that we are to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.There are many who are being “opposed” by the enemy. This word is a reminder that you are to take your position in your opposition, for the battle belongs to the Lord. The Bible declares that He that has begun the good work in you will complete it (Phil. 1:6).God’s grace is more than enough to get you through the storms of life. By refueling your spiritual gas tank with the Word of God, your enemy will not be able to wear you down. Determine that you will finish what God has started. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Destroy the spirit of a quitter!Tilt your heart towards the SON!Pastor Narda GoodsonFirst Lady of Whitewright, TexasOfficial Website: http://anointedarrowsproductions.org\Social Network: http://christianwomenpredestinedbygod.ning.com/Copyright 2008 Gospel "PiLLs". All Rights ReservedRead more…
Posted by Narda Goodson on January 21, 2009 at 5:27pm
I am amazed that after a good downpour, gardens have a natural ability to "suck it up". . .that is the excess water that has fallen. After the downpour, a garden usually looks muddy and messy; a typical result from the effects of a storm.Although the excess invasion of water appears to be harmful at first, it is actually helping the garden flourish. You see, the excess water seeps into inconspicuous crevices that often materialize when the soil has become hard and dry. Once it enters, it dampens and moisturizes the deep, dry, and unseen dingy places.We will sometimes experience the downpours of life. At times, it may feel like the water will overflow us, but if we allow the excess watering of God's Word to flood our lives, then we too, like the garden will experience a refreshing that will revive, rejuvenate, and revitalize the deep places of our thirsty souls.Does your life have the ability to "suck it up"? Allow the rain in your life to eliminate, eradicate, and exterminate the dry and hard elements that cause infertility and unfruitfulness. When you "suck it up", you will begin to encounter a refreshing, restoring, and renewing that will transform your muddled garden into an amazing terrain.Tilt your heart towards the SON!Pastor Narda GoodsonFirst Lady of Whitewright, TexasOfficial Website: http://anointedarrowsproductions.orgSocial Network: http://christianwomenpredestinedbygod.ning.com/Read more…
