Weeds

Matthew 13:24-43 New International Version (NIV)

The Parable of the Weeds
24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

Sometimes you let the weeds grow... how many times have you decided that you would prematurely remove the weeds/bad? How many times have you decided that you were going to take control of the situation and separate the good from the bad in your life before it was time? There are times when bad things actually produce beautiful fruit.

I let my weeds grow (not out of necessity,  but sheer laziness). Then, I began to think it was too late to plant my garden (maybe my laziness was hoping it was too late lol). In the mornings I like to go out in the backyard and listen to the birds, wake up by ingesting too much coffee (Lord forgive me),watch the trees sway in the breeze, pray, and begin my day.

So these weeds... they are tall... I'm embarrassed to say, some as tall as my grill. But I started to see them all begin to form and come together. And the longer I sat I begin to think of the functions of each of them. Some of them have thorns, some of them do not, some are tall some sort,  some have seeds etc. I began to think that maybe people don't like weeds because they are generally ugly, and aggressive to their "good" plants.

We love to decide what's good and what's bad for us, right?! We know better than anyone else  what's best, right? Kind of like a child thinks they know best,  but the creator/ parent essentially knows more.

So these weeds were obviously created for some purpose in nature,  hence their rapid growth.  Just as bad situations in our life have been put in front of us to help us grow and to become better people.

Eventually I found about five different kinds of weeds. Previously I hadn't even stop to notice that the plants that were forging my backyard or actually each individual species. Over the spring I have watched them grow and change, never really expecting a positive outcome, I mean they are weeds what positive can come out of a weed?

Then I noticed buds... but flowers have buds, so I thought (I know, I'm so bright). I waited patiently for these glorious flowers to present themselves,  never knowing who or what they were,  just having faith that something pretty had magical been implanted by a bird.

This morning there they were!

Verbascum blattaria, or moth mullein, is a flowering biennial weed belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. An invasive species native to Eurasia and North Africa, it has naturalized in the United States and most of Canada since its introduction.

Look at that beauty, from a weed.  I have always said, that out of cow poop comes flowers,  and that bad situations can essentially lead to something glorious... this is that representation. I waited,  I allowed for natural growth,  and I was rewarded. 

Stay open,  be patient,  enjoy beauty,  embrace your struggles and your weeds... now it's time to cut these bad boys and girls down ;)

Be blessed, 

Little Servant doni

Pearls of Wisdom - Cultivating your pearl...

So do you know how pearls are made?

Oysters make pearls in response to an irritant, such as a grain of sand or another object. When any irritant makes its way between the mollusk's shell and mantle, the creature produces nacre, a protective coating that helps reduce irritation.

So essentially it takes its irritant/problem and creates a beautiful pearls that we then wear around our neck. So this pearl is like the testimony of the pearl getting through its problem and creating something absolutely beautiful from it. What do you do with your irritant? Do you let it scratch you up? or do you wrap it up and use it in your testimony to draw closer to God? Its all a choice, and perspective ship that your faith should allow you to make easily.

Job 28:18 ESV

No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal; the price of wisdom is above pearls.

Therefor let us be wise in God. Let us be open to his healing through HIM, others and ourselves. Take your pearl and show the world you have survived and how beautiful you are.

May the Lord be with You,

little servant doni

Pearls of Wisdom - Contest Closed

What a week. We just got home from a weeklong stay in the Riley Children's Hospital, for my 4 year old son. He is having some G.I. issues. It is so hard to watch your child with tubes and needled in them, I found myself pleading with God often for healing. They still have not found the problem. I can only find peace in trusting God and knowing he has this under control. He will see me through it and HIS will shall be done. My son belonged to God before he did me. Honestly I feel like God is just letting me borrow him for a short spell.

I have met the most amazing people so far along my pearl Journey. I have connected with wonderful big hearted women. Amazing women who have donated gifts and shared their personal stories with me. I have been in awe of how God can open doors and give you exactly what you need when you need it. He will never give us more than I can handle and I believe it.

The nominations for the free pendant set are closed. The beautiful thing is that I intend to send a gift to ever woman who was nominated! So thank you all for participating and your time well spent will send a gift to the beautiful woman you shared with us all. God has blessed me so I have no other intention than to bless you.

Hopefully over the course of the next week I can catch up on some blogging and sharing of my studies. I am so grateful for your prayers and support. Please know how I can better serve you in any capacity in the future.

I love you!

Little Servant Doni

Pearls of Wisdom - Parable of the Jumbled Pearl

So if you don't know me something you find about me is I am pretty open and honest.

I am not feeling my best today. Usually that would bother me but I am resting and trusting that I will be up to par when necessary. My head hurts and my throat is scratchy! You know that is hard for me because I love to talk so much. "Shush says the Lord"

Nominations are still open on my pearl contest and I have been overwhelmed by the love shown on the blog post. It just makes me think about deep things like; who have we forgotten about? what do I stand for? what kind of person do I want to be? what does changing the world look like from my perspective? what can I do today? what can I do RIGHT NOW???

All from one little pearl? Pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a bit of food, a grain of sand, or even a piece of the mollusk's mantle becomes trapped in the mollusk. To protect itself, the mollusk secretes substances that it also uses to build its shell - aragonite (a mineral) and conchiolin (a protein).

So a tiny irritant is covered in beauty in order for the oyster to continue to function. Essentially the oyster TRANSFORMS the irritant into a thing of beauty. Weather out of necessity or mere vanity the irritant becomes a Jewel. Take the irritant in your life (your testimony, your sin, your problems, your issues, your babies daddy, your boss, your sickness, your broke and brokenness) and give it to God and let him TRANSFORM it right before your very eyes. He will take it, change it, and give it back for you to put on your crown.

People seem so ashamed to share their "irritants". We are seemingly so caught up in the mere image of perfection, that we forget that relating to people means to empathize and/or relate to them. I sin. You sin. we all sin. We all have issues and problems, so why not confide in each other, without judgement so that we can help better each other?

Proverbs 27:17 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ 

As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.

We need to uplift each other. Love each other. Support each other. Learn from one another.

At some point we have to be the light/change that we want to see.

I love you, 

Little Servant Doni

How to Donate to Pearls of WIsdom

Ok so I wanted to have this streamlined in one place because I think talking about money is the bain of our existence, yet it has been rumored it makes the world go round.

If you would like to Donate please comment below or send me an email at coolhippriest@yahoo.com and I will get you that information.

Donate to Give - Each donation ($30) will allow someone else to receive 1 cage pendant (random), oyster/pearl and necklace ( a 3 piece set). This will be given through giveaways and posted on the blog so you can see where your donations are going.

Donate to Receive - Each donation ($30) will receive 1 cage pendant (your choice of what I have in stock), 1 oyster/pearl and a necklace ( a 3 piece set). Delivered/mailed to you or the person of your choosing.

Donate to Give and Receive - (have your cake and eat it to?) a $50 donation will get you 2 sets (6 pieces total).  You can give one, take one, or give them both to people you Love. (or keep them both for yourself!)

Donate to ministry costs, - Oysters, necklaces, pearl cages, bags, cards, stickers, small gifts and love are included in many of these gifts and gas and stamps are very helpful to this operation. (Any amount helps.)

Lets watch God move in this TINY way.

Little Servant Doni

P.S.
SUBJECT: Donate
Coolhippriest@yahoo.com

Be Blessed

What I have learned so far. Pearls of Wisdom

I almost got discouraged!

There, I said it. My goal is to be truthful and a bit transparent. I prayed for God to give me a direction. Check. I prayed that my heart could be softened to God's people. Check. I said  "HERE I AM OH LORD SEND ME" ( but not outside my comfort zone Lord because you know that is where I struggle.

I wrote the blog. I gave the invitation. No one showed up. Well, not in the ways that I seemingly expected. So part of my journey will be to highlight my new PEARLFRIENDS (yes I made that up) that I meet along the way. So back to no one showing up. Waiting isn't my strong suit but I wanted people to have time to answer. Nothing. I prayed on it and went to sleep.

Morning. I checked my blog and found two of the most heartfelt nominations. My heart was instantly melted and the realization that if I can even minister to one person, then my job is done (for the moment). I don't get to pick the outcome. I get to be obedient and watch God work his own Ministry,

I got my first ministry Donation! I have to tell you about that in another blog. The story is just too good not too share.

Then I got 9 orders, well my sweet salesperson did (I'll tell you about her later as well). So those order will help me to give MORE of these awesome gifts to those who may have been forgotten.

Am I changing the world? Probably not. But sending love sharing beauty, and connecting people back to God's heart while I do it. Is all I can ask to be used for.

2 Corinthians 9:8-11 Besides, God is able to make every blessing of yours overflow for you, so that in every situation you will always have all you need for any good work. As it is written, “He scatters everywhere and gives to the poor; his righteousness lasts forever.”  Now he who supplies seed to the farmer and bread to eat will also supply you with seed and multiply it and enlarge the harvest that results from your righteousness. In every way you will grow richer and become even more generous, and this will cause others to give thanks to God because of us...

Little Servant Doni

P.S. Always feel free to comment. I don't bite.

I literally had 2 cupcakes tonight. SO I cant bite. IM SO FULL.

Be a Blessing to Someone. God Bless.

Pearls of Wisdom (a TINY ministry)

Please bear with me. This post may be a lot longer. I have quite a bit in my heart on this subject so you will most likely see the theme (pearls of wisdom) as a blog title until this TINY ministry is completed.

Pearls of Wisdom is a way for me to serve God, by connecting and uplifting people through words, time, or gifts.

A little backstory. I was obsessed with pearl openings on Facebook. The surprise of watching the oysters opening. The celebration when the pearls is colored, large, unique, or even multiples. Each opening is a unique experience that culminates in the unveiling of this lovely pearl. It is like the adult lottery! The wonder and amazement on how this little enigma, with no brain can turn a little piece of sand, into a treasure.

I did not want to SELL the pearls. One I am a horrible salesperson, I hate it, I feel like if you want to buy something you will buy it. You don't need me singing a jingle in your ear about how fantastic an item may be if you already WANT it.

So I prayed and asked God what he wanted me to do. In the meantime I began to give these pearls as gifts. And not only did I give the pearl and the necklace and the pendant, I began

to make cards and add uplifting bible quotes and stickers and photos to create a unique gift for each recipient. The pearls are unique but so are the pendants, all a celebration of different beauties in life, Depending on how you look at it (perspective). So I wanted to start a small ministry ( a TINY ministry). The purpose of this ministry is to spread Joy and LOVE, to remind people that they are not forgotten, to comfort empower, to connect us to each other and celebrate the small things we can do together. So let me tell you about my pearl Ministry.

Pearls of wisdom would like to give the gift of a necklace, pendant, and pearl, to a nominated person (picked biweekly to start because this is all out of pocket). What's the catch? I need your participation! This is what I am asking of you...

Please nominate a special person in your life for a Pearl of Wisdom gift. Write a story about this lovely person, how they have affected you, and why you think this gift would brighten their day. I will randomly select a winner and they will receive the aforementioned gift (For male nominees we will offer a different gift).

The point?

1. To share our stories. Too many people are being forgotten. From hard working grandmas, to bus drivers, to teachers, preachers, friends, people going through hard times, and all walks of life. We learn from each other, Our stories are catalysts for change!

2. To brighten someone's day. There are plenty of ministries, churches, entities who celebrate people. This is a chance for me to celebrate individuals with a unique gift.

3. To remind us that we make a difference. Our actions matter. Big or small sometimes we need to remind ourselves that even tiny things like smiles can save lives.

so that's it. nominate. share. celebrate!

This will be the official entry post for the week of April 4th, 2018. Entries will be accepted until April 18, 2018. To enter, comment your NOMINATION BELOW.

(If you would like to join with me in this ministry with a donation please contact me personally and I will tell you How to do so! A $20 donation will provide 1 gift to a recipient and help further purchase of more ministry materials. Contact me to see how you can help.)

Love is always the answer,
Little Servant Doni

Don't forget to Nominate Below, in the comment section!

Why Our Yahweh?

So one of you may notice that I changed the name of my blog. Initially I used this blog as a place for me to expound, and relieve my thoughts. I would like to add on to the vision of this place.

Our Yahweh signifies my intention for you to be included in my blog. For you to comment, ask questions, give me ideas, share with others etc. So not only do I want to share with you. I though WE could come together and share with others. Ember + Spark = Flame (thank you Lisa) Iron sharpens Iron so essentially I need you, your testimony and your LOVE to live my best life! He is OUR God, lets share HIM!

On Facebook it seems as though real internal thought and conversation is not welcome. It seems people only want to comment on things that are cute, comfortable, mindless... But oh let that one friend begin to spew about their lives or what they are actually going through. Let me guess depending on the tone, you keep scrolling? I know there are times that I do. Then I realize that the reason I was on Facebook was to connect with others. If I am merely scrolling and liking photos, How am I really imparting myself into these peoples lives. And what am I getting from them other then the cliché Happy, picture perfect photos of their family (because we all know when we stop posting and sharing is when things in our lives aren't the way we want them to be).

So I want to invite you to take this journey with me. To become more personal, to make small differences in unique ways, to fellowship, to keep in touch more authentically, to LIFT UP OTHERS... I could go on and on, but Sharing, Loving, and Giving changes are made. Lives are changed, and people are remembered.

I invite you to have a more authentic relationship with not only me, but with God, yourself, and others.

Matthew 18:19-20 ¹⁹"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

Lovingly,
Little Servant Doni

It's OK to be SINGLE!

I know the singles have heard it all before, " God will send you a mate soon! That special someone is out there!" Etc etc etc. let us go to the word first.

1 Corinthians 7:7
"7 Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me—a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others.
8-9 I do, though, tell the unmarried and widows that singleness might well be the best thing for them, as it has been for me. But if they can’t manage their desires and emotions, they should by all means go ahead and get married. The difficulties of marriage are preferable by far to a sexually tortured life as a single."

Let's change our perspective and think about singleness in a new way. Let's think about it as a positive! Being single Is a chance for you to grow closer to God and uproot yourself in your faith so that when you do cleve to someone, your relationship with God is already established. You know how it is when you get in a relationship, you forget about your momma, your daddy and all of your friends. You don't want to be ill equipped and rush into a relationship that consumes you and makes you forget about your original love, Jesus!

Being single is also a time for you to establish yourself! Learn what you like and what you don't like. Take time out to find yourself and your career and life path. Being single does not mean you cannot have fun. Being single does not mean you are a leper. Being single NOW does not dictate if or when you will EVER find love. The fact of the matter is there are plenty of people out there for you, you can go out right now and choose one, but if you stay and draw close to God, he can give you discernment so that you aren't wasting your time with " Pookie, RayRay, and them".

There is a God fearing partner out there if you choose to seek it. Hold fast to God and his word and he will continue to guide you on his perfect path. Enjoy this journey, don't be so caught up in the destination that you miss all the beauty, insight, and wisdom along the way. Be proud and hold your head up because there is a time and a place for everything.

Ecclesiastes 3:3
3 For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.

So embrace this time, live in the now, and enjoy what God is giving you time for Today. It could be growth, peace, wisdom, family, friends, love or otherwise!

Little Servant Doni

Do you Fear people?

Are you worried about what people think about you? Do you fear what people will say to and about you? Are you consumed with how many people are hating on you on Facebook, or talking about you at your job?

STOP IT!

Proverbs 29:25 says
"Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety."

When you are in these situations and your mind is consumed with all the negativities of any given situation, please remember that you are dealing with people and that they are imperfect. In this fallen world today we have to remember that sin runs rampant and that the enemy will use many many tricks to try and trap us into getting off course from The Lord's work. He will use your Facebook, your sister, or best friend to get you to be sidetracked and off course.

Be encouraged! The beauty of being a believer is that you have hope in Christ Jesus! Proverbs tells us to trust in The Lord for safety so that when people fail, You know you have safety and encouragement in him. He is your Daddy, he wants to take care of you and shelter you from the turmoil of this life. Be in relationship with him! Just as you maintain relationships with your family, friends, and " your Boo", you should indeed be in relationship with God the Father so much more. Having his word and love in your heart are the tools you need to shake those haters off, and walk in the glory and fullness God has for you.

Do not let people dictate your self worth. You can be fearless in knowing you are a child of the most high God. He will never leave nor forsake you. He has your back!

Isaiah 54:17 says
"But in that coming day, no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!"

Those haters have nothing on our Daddy, so when The Lord speaks, we should listen! Never let people poison your mind to the truth of God's word. Walk boldly and hold steadfast to your faith.

Little Servant Doni

Your friends WILL fail you!

Are you perfect? Are your friends perfect? So inevitably your friends are going to fail you and you are going to fail your friends. Weather they betray you, Lie to you, forget your birthday, or talk behind your back, They are going to fail you and you them.

So put your hope in JESUS CHRIST! Tell HIM your secrets, and go to HIM for advice. He is perfect and he will never ever fail you, leave you, or forsake you. He is the perfect friend. Try HIM! God is not a man that he should lie, so in him you have perfection, wisdom, and LOVE all rolled into one. He sent you his Word, so jump in it and work on your perfect relationship with HIM today!

Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

²² Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
he will never let
    the righteous be shaken.

 

He will not even let you be shaken if you trust him! So have faith and hold fast. He will take care of you and sustain you better then any of your earthly friends will.

 
 Little Servant Doni

God does not call the Equipped, He Equips the called

Do you hear that?
No?

Do you hear that gentle voice of God calling you for service?

If you are like me, you tend to be in utter disbelief that he could forgive, love, then even use you for his work. If you are like me you have believed at sometime you are unworthy, untalented, not good enough, and so sinful that you don’t even want to look at yourself… But then here comes God. Not only did he give his life for us to be forgiven, not only did he love us unconditionally, but he want us to do his work!

What I want to tell you today is to be encouraged at all of the chances we have to learn grow and work for God. There is Godly work to be done everyday, in everyway, and he can use all of us ESPECIALLY YOU! All he wants is for you to open your heart and say yes to him. Whatever your occupation is, work as if you are working for him. Smile at your coworkers, give a listening ear and an encouraging word. Please continue to be the upbeat and positive creature of God that you are, and I assure you the opportunities will come! Before you know it you will be ministering in ways and in situations that you never though were capable.

Remember that God is using you as vessel, and that through the Holy Spirit he will finish the work that he created in you. Stay prayed up, and in the word, and he will fill you with knowledge and wisdom that you never could have received on your own. Everything the Lord starts he will finish so if he brings you a test, rest assured that he will give you the knowledge, and LOVE to get it done. The great commission tells us to go Ye therefore and share the gospel, so be bold in claiming the power God has bestowed on you just for believing in HIM. Have Faith that he will reveal to you everything you need as long as you continue to seek him.

Hebrews 13:21 (NLT)

²¹ may he equip you with all you need
    for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
    through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
    All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

Little Servant Doni

Purpose and Perspective

I know we all tend to focus on the negative things going on in our lives, but today lets try to focus on the positive! Negativity and worry are a trick of the enemy to get you to stop focusing on what GOD is doing in your life. The bible invites you not to worry.

Matthew 6:25-34
New International Version (NIV)
Do Not Worry

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?

DO you see that? Can worry add any hours to your life? Nope. So today lets proclaim God's goodness in our lives.

Philippians 4:6 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

I have so many things going wrong but I just wanted to take a moment and list just a few of the things that are right. I am a child of the most high God. I am loved beyond measure by him AND a slew of family and friends. I am not homeless or starving. I have my health. I have beautiful children. My husband is blessed with an amazing job and this has put us in contact with some amazing people. The list really can go on and on.

So when you are completely down and out. Know God loves you and I do to. and if you every need anything of me (prayer, time, a babysitter, a confident, friend, someone to wash your dishes, etc), Please do not hesitate to ask. I aim to be a humble servant of God, since he is so good to me.

and for those of you who didn't know. I just played with my P.P.
(my PURPOSE AND PERSPECTIVE)

The ultimate rebel

When I sit and think of what I thought it meant to be a bad a$$ in my twenties, is awfully horrid to me now. Cursing in public, being an utter terror, listening to music that it really would not be appropriate for anyone’s children to listen to, lying, stealing, sleeping around, going to bars and making a fool of myself… WOW what immensely childish and irresponsible behavior. In retrospect I think, by doing what i thought was rebellious, I was just doing what EVERYONE else was doing. Which of course was the wrong thing. A life full of worthlessness, built upon an sandy house of lies, that lay too close to the beach and is being washed away.

The Lord revealed to me that the true rebel, in my eyes, is the Christian. You want to upset some people? Pray for them in Jesus name. Wanna really make them uncomfortable? Do it in public! And to ultimately mortify them? do it loud enough so that other people can hear it. I mean no one wants the bible thumping Christian around. As much as they are preaching love and acceptance we really don’t want to hear anything they have to say about their Testimony or anything else.

But in becoming a believer, I sold out, I became a rebel. I should be praying and dancing and worshiping him all day every day. Regardless of my circumstances my true and ultimate job here is to tell people about Jesus and his love. To share my testimony about my life and how I have changed because of his love and sacrifice for me. I am to share with people about the miracles I have seen, how he brought my husband back from the dead, How my son was thought to have been miscarried but is alive and thriving, how I have seen him heal the sick and make tumors and lumps and bumps and diseases disappear. So essentially being a Christian is intrinsic with being a rebel. How rad is that?

Matthew 10:22
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

John 15: 18-19

18"If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19"If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.…

SO be a rebel, 

for Christ, 

he appreciates that effort.

Little Servant Doni

Broken Glass

Broken Glass

Looking through my broken glass

Broken pieces of a broken past

My hearts been broken even though it was cast

Watching life go by way too fast

Through that broken glass

Light can shine through

Your heart is in pieces, your heart is blue

It’s hard to remember that the Lord loves you

When your broken glass makes your vision askew

Oh that broken glass

Dear Lord shine your light

Shine it on me, no matter how I fight

I know your love is pure love, so bright

Please take my broken glass and make it right

Broken glass

A mirror, maybe a vase

Something beautiful, Lord let me see your face

Just make me something, Lord shower me with your grace

My broken glass, gone without a trace

You can take this something and make it all ok

Renewed broken glass, a mess, just gone away

You have taken something, that had gone astray

And you shined your light, and showed me YOUR way

Little Servant Doni ~ 2013

So, I wrote this this morning and sent it to my hubby who then tells me that it is an awesome interpretation of a bible verse. Funny thing is I dont even remember reading this verse. I knew God was about to move. SO heres the verse in two interpretations;

1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)  

¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

The Message (MSG)

¹² We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

One day my friends the meaning and mystery of this life will be shown to us. The reflection we see will be ourselves but radiating in God's glory. We are all broken, we have all sinned, we have all made mistakes that makes us feel like we are not worthy of God's love. The beauty of Jesus is this, YOU AREN"T WORTHY, but you get his love ANYWAY! Just like a parent, his love is unconditional, and no matter how bad we are we are still able to recieve the gift of everlasting life. Just ask him. Pray for it! He will renew your spirit and redirect your life. He will hold your hand when your hand is unholdable, and he will fill you with love and shower you with grace. Try it. My life is proof that Christ's love DEMANDS change, not because he makes you change, because you love him so much you want to change.

Each of us is a mess, a beautifully orchestrated mess. Created by HIM, creator of all things, and each of us in turn are displayed as beautiful pieces of art to reflect the beauty of God. You know how art is. Some people like it, some people don't. Some people only see the good some the bad. But No matter where I am in life, happiness or struggle, If I open my eyes and focus on his face, He lifts me up and I can walk on water again.

I AM struggling, but its ok, because he has met me. right where I am, and will continue with me until the end of my days.

I hope you take the time out to pray for me, because I am praying for you and your families, and all of our spirits and souls.

<3 Little Servant Doni

 

Lent isn't just for catholics?!?!?

I really didn't know that other denominations celebrated lent! I am pretty sheltered in some ways. So this year some of you know I have joined the ministry SDI (The Sacred Dance Institute) and we have to fast for the next 97 days. Yup you heard me right, 40 days for the Father, 7 days for Jesus Christ, and 50 days for the Holy Spirit. When this assignment was placed on me I had no clue where to start or what to do or what I was even doing it for. So lets talk a little about Lent.

What is Lent? In layman's terms I will describe Lent as a preparation of the believer through prayer, penance, repentance, alms giving, and SELF- DENIAL. The goal is to get closer to God through this experience, to be enlightened to his word and his spirit, and to pay homage to God/Jesus and all that he sacrificed for us. When you think of everything that God/Jesus has done for you is it really such a chore to give up something you love (that is typically something that is BAD for you) for a few months? At first I thought " oh gosh what will I have to deprive myself of?". But now I think of it as something positive. It is an honor and a privileged to be able to honor my God through sacrifice, and is it really awful to give up BAD things that are not really getting you anything but pleasure to your flesh?

So what am I giving up for lent? Cupcakes are number one. I love them, but come on, that is a fleshly pleasure that makes me fat. Shopping (i.e. makeup clothes shoes etc). I have more then enough of all of these things and just because I like new things doesn't mean that I HAVE to have them when I have more then enough of these things in my home ( I have kept my $10 glam bag subscription though ladies so at least ill get makeup once a month! Praise God for that). Eating out. we all know that I am a food junkie and it costs a lot of money to eat out, my goal is to make healthy meals at home and if I am craving something from a restaurant I will just try and recreate it in a HEALTHY way at my home. So that's where I am starting, I am open to God's will and wisdom and if he tells me to give up something else, I will do it.

What am I praying to gain from all of this? Enlightenment, closeness to God, I hope to open myself up so that I can flow in the Holy Spirit more frequently and easily, I hope to get a healthier body which will hopefully make for a healthier pregnancy and strengthen me as a dancer, and to find myself in Christ's body as a whole. Please pray for m that I can experience learn and achieve these things.

Today's Lenten Scripture for me comes from Isaiah 58. Read it and follow me on my journey!

God Bless you and give you Peace,
Little Servant Doni

So let us come boldly before the throne of our Gracious God, There we will find grace and mercy for when we need it the most... Hebrews 4:16

I have no clue where I am even going with this post so please bear with me. I just have so much on my heart and so much to share.

So let us come boldly before the throne of our Gracious God, There we will find grace and mercy for when we need it the most... Hebrews 4:16 - This is my memory verse for my dance ministry this month and also KLOVE's word of the day online! If you know me you know my dance ministry and KLOVE are huge parts of my life now and it was fitting for them both to reap the same word from God. LET US COME BOLDLY, not timidly, not let us come meekly or mildly, but BOLDLY to the throne of our GRACIOUS GOD. I have been trying to take this straight to my heart. In prayer I come forth boldly, in my dance ministry I am trying to let the spirit work through me so that I can share my testimony boldly, and in life I am attempting to live my life in a way that boldly shares the good news! In no way am I perfect but the fact that I can go straight to the source, God the Father, and plead my case as well as the cases of my friends and family and the lost is an amazing blessing. To think that my little prayer is that important to HIM has made such a difference even in the way I feel about myself and my life. I am discovering even in this simple verse, that I have a purpose and that God has all the mercy and grace that I will ever need even if it seems I have failed.

For those of you that don't know I recently joined SDI, The Sacred Dance Institute, which is a ministry that specializes in liturgical dance. What is liturgical dance? "Liturgical dance is a type of dance movement sometimes incorporated into liturgies or worship services as an expression of worship: the dancers will respond with an appropriate dance which flows out of the music and is thought to enhance the prayer or worship experience. This dance may either be spontaneous, or have been choreographed ahead of time. If it is choreographed it is generally fitted to the song's lyrics or to religious concepts." So basically we are dancing for Jesus. Each performance in SDI is called a "Ministry Opportunity" which to me really puts into perspective what we are doing. Its not just worldly movement, its movement with the intention to worship, movement with the intention of drawing people in and making them ask questions about Jesus. Isn't that amazing? I feel so blessed to be apart of it. Even in the month I am growing , learning, and seeing things that were not so clear to me before. The support from this LARGE group of women has allowed me to blossom in my Christianity and realize that I am different and what I have to say and add to any given situation is valid, life changing and worthwhile.

I have lately seen some friends who are going through different challenges in their lives. For some it seems like the end of the road, for some their self esteem and worth are down the tubes, for some they are barely holding on. I THOUGHT I HAD PROBLEMS. I have spent the last few months wallowing in a self pity. I don't have a career, I don't have any college degrees, I don't have many friends since I have been saved etc etc etc. Within the last month I have began to focus on what I do have. A loving Savior, and amazing husband, I am a loving mother, I am fun, I am bright and funny, I am loving! Who cares what I don't have? And even if I do not have them now, It definitely does not mean I cannot get them in the future. I am making more friends, reconnecting with old friends, and just trying to live a life full of joy and purpose. My point to all of this is, If you are going through something, I know its hard! I know it can feel like the end of the world. I know some of us feel like we are not good enough and will never get ahead... BUT You are special. There is no one like you! God loves you and has put things in you that will not manifest in any other way but through you. Focus on the positives of your life. FOCUS ON GOD. He will give you everything you need. And his perfect love will add positivity to your life. It will add joy and mercy and forgiveness and change and LOVE. So with that being said. Go boldly, Ask him for help, ask him to change your situation, ask him to change your heart, change your mind and invade your spirit. If you give your life to him you then allow him to live in you. Bad things happen, no one promised bad things would not happen, but you have the opportunity to control your outlook and share your testimony with others. When you share your story and your conquering of hardships it allows others, believers or not, and lets them know YOU CAN MAKE IT!

Be blessed and go forth BOLDLY.
Little Servant Doni

a time to be private, and a time to tell the truth.

The truth is this world is still full of miracles. My baby is living proof that God is alive, real and moving in my life today. Even through this time, I'm in and out of the hospital, I have been in fear of losing my baby, but God has not left me or forsaken me. I wanted to keep this to myself and "suffer" in private but my hope is that my story will give someone hope. I have faith and that's all I have. People can say where is God in this or that but I know in my heart that he is right there with me keeping me sane and not letting me give up. So if you take anything from this. HAVE FAITH! it can and will change your life.

"Let us go boldly before the throne of our gracious God. There we will find mercy, and grace for when we need it the most" Hebrews 4:16. That is my memorization verse for the month. and I take it straight to heart.

We need to go boldly before God, and he will give us every single thing we need, including mercy and grace. Even when we think all is lost there's always a little light to remind you that everything good is worth fighting for. Never give up. Never lose hope. And never lose sight of what you truly love.

We should not have any poor among us.

Did you know that we are rich compared to other countries and other families even here in the US. and that our pennies are like hard DAYS work for them. Give something back. Help a neighbor. Donate to a charity. Give that bum $1. Donate some old toys or clothes. Sing to an old person. None of us here on this earth should be without.God placed each and everyone of us here to help someone else. He did not put us here to heard riches while our brothers and sisters starve. Its not a personal opinion. Its biblical. I cant quote right now because Im late for work but it IS biblical. we need to be helpers and aiders and lovers of our people.Gods people.

What has happened to the village or community mentalities. From helping you neighbor watch their kids to correcting someones child at chuch... we have stopped helping each other to advance help and enrich each others families.remember that phrase "it takes a village" well it really does and as Christians and lovers of Jesus we need to think more about GOD and  us and we, instead of me and mines.

People are starving Ya'll.Starving! I don't even care what got them there. Booze, bad decisions, drugs, etc. EVERYONE is entitled to their own mistakes. But now who is going to help them? We should. Each and every one of us should be doing whatever it is that we can do. Not begrundgingly but in the name of the LORD! We should be out loving restoring and giving because we are loved, we are forgiven and we are SAVED. Ok I am late for work but chew on that. Share your thoughts. Please. Feel free. I like to hear what you think.

Have a Blessed beautful Summer Day. Thank you Jesus.
Little Servant Doni

Galatians 6

Chapter 6

We Harvest What We Plant

1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.2 Share each others burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.
5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Amen




 Good morning! I thought this was some good reading today. I was going to just post it to my page but it inspired me to share with you my feelings and share how it touched me.


Verse one is a big statement in itself is it not? If your brothers, sisters, children, friends etc are sinning then you should HUMBLY and GENTLY help that person back on the wrong path. My first thought was how most of us are totally ok nowadays seeing someone sin and turning the other cheek. We are scared to say anything. Or are we uncaring enough to say anything. And Im not talking about walking up to someone and putting someone on BLAST. The verse says gently and humbly help them. Love them enough to attempt to tell them what the sin is as well as speaking to them a way where they don't feel judged. One of the worse feelings ever is when someone tries to tell you what you are doing wrong while making you feel like they are holier then thou. We all sin so lets help our brothers and sisters in an uplifting way that can reflect Christs love for us.


Verse two... We are to share each others burdens!We are supposed to be a community of believers working together to do what is right and just. We are supposed to support and care for those who are broken, saddened, discouraged and lost. We should be working together and taking the" if one hurts we all hurt" attitude. That's just my opinion though ;)


Verse three is just an ego CHECK is it not? If you think you are to important to help someone else... YOU ARE FOOLING YOURSELF! How many people do we know and see that act as if they are too good to help someone else in need. I think we all should remember that one day YOU could easily be the person in need and since we reap what we sow. You might want to sow some good seed in case you ever need to eat from another brothers or sisters table. Our greatest command is to love each other as we love ourselves. Jesus says that when you feed the lowly you are essentially feeding HIM, and who doesn't want to feed Jesus???


Verse 4. oooh another ego check. If you pay attention to your own work and strive to do your best then you will have no reason to compare yourself to others. Work hard so that you feel good, work well so that you can feel satisfied in what you are doing, and do your work as if your boss is GOD and you will have no time nor need to compare yourself to others. You are not working to be better then "so and so" you are working to provide for your family and hopefully in some way to glorify our Lord.


Verse 5. We are each responsible for our own conduct. In other words "MIND YOUR BUSINESS and keep your nose out of everyone elses" You are responsible for your actions and conduct. SO be the best you that you can be!


Verse 6. We are almost done. Some of you probably stopped reading a long time ago. SHARE THE WORD OF GOD. Share your faith. Go boldly forth into this world because that is what God has placed you here to do. I can tell you that sharing my testimony is one of the most awesome, freeing feelings I have ever felt in my core. To tell someone about how much Jesus loves me just bring me a joy like no other. And even if they arent a believer the person you share it with might just open their mind up about God.


Verses 7-9. You reap what you sow and you sow what you reap. If you sow good seed you get good fruit. If you so bad seed you will gain nothing but decay nastiness and eternal DEATH. Lets sow some life, love, joy and peace up in this world! Can I get a witness?!?!? Lets sow some hugs and kisses and some friendships and some glory. ooh Im getting a little happy just talking about it <3


Verse 10. Lets take it home now. In essence we should do good to who? EVERYBODY! yes even your neighbor you cant stand. Yes even that heffa from high school that you are mad at. Yes even that parent that you feel wronged you. Yes even that person who stole from you. Yes even that man who hurt you to the point that you feel unlovable. Do good to them, that is medicine for you and for them. I promise you after awhile you will feel better about your life and the seeds you are sowing.


I love you guys. I love you guys enough to share myself and my thoughts words and love. I know I am no theologian but I thought it could be a fun and uplifting way to get the word into some of you that don't read the bible because its too boring, or you dont understand it etc. (im guilty of both of those) So lets share if you have anything to say add it. If you have nothing to add maybe just send me some love so I know I touched you.

You know I have to pray now =0) Heavenly awesome amazing father God in heaven. Thank you for waking us up this morning. Thank you for the word that you left for us to help guide our lifes and teach us about you. Lord when we read your word, even in little bits, Please allow it to touch our hearts and to motivate us. Enough so that we and others can see the change in our lives, that your love forgiveness and mercy bring. Thank you for everything you do and are, and Thank you for your holy spirit to give us understanding.


May God Bless you and Keep you, in Jesus name, AMEN and THANK GOD!

Little Servant Doni