IS THERE A GOD?

My life hasn't been easy. Although with God's help, I'm conquering the hardest parts.

I'm reminded of the instance in the Bible regarding the lady with the issue of blood. In this story told in Matthew Chapter 9, the woman had been sick for 12 years. When the woman approached Jesus, she did so with "NOW FAITH." She knew that she would be healed.

Just a little faith takes a person so far. In my life, I was forced backwards. I had to ask myself, how do I achieve this "NOW FAITH?" I'm in this empty room and I'm gathering my trials and all my tribulations. How do I find a way around the things that have kept me bound? I needed a breakthrough immediately!

In hindsight, the reality is there are mothers that are raising their children by themselves. Also, there are so many homeless people and countless amounts that are living in poverty. I was led to break my situation down further. I know for sure that the status of my life does not compare to others in terms of pain and suffering. Although, the mental stress was consuming enough to make me feel like I was no different than these people. I was these people. I AM these people.

I remember appearing to be a single parent even when there were two parents in the home. We were both working full time jobs to support our family and our lifestyle. However, there were times that our children needed both of their parents and I was the only one. Our children were not accustomed to having only one parent. Nevertheless, they endured it. I was completely overwhelmed. I've worked many jobs. Some of which are the jobs no one wants to do but being the parent that our children needed was the hardest position I've ever held. Honestly, when you have a spouse that totally checks out that's when you need the Lord to check in.

My mom used to advise me and still does constantly about raising children.

"Focus on your children and believe me your days will be good."

I was now learning firsthand what she meant. She trying to explain to me that issues that I was concerning myself with were irrelevant. Nothing can move forward unless your household is completely stable. We often make the obstacles more complex by worrying about things we have no control over. It did feel like the end of the world, but it was not. Single parents, there are many struggles, but God knows we can handle them, so we do.

During the chaos, we learn very quickly. Therefore, I adapted to going to school meetings, participating in all the kid's sports activities, and financially providing in order to maintain the lifestyle they were accustomed to. It was a tough journey. All my praises go to the Lord. I had to believe in my Father. I had to trust that I would make it through and that God would take care of me. I compare myself to the bleeding woman. My "NOW FAITH" in the Lord, allowed me to ascend on my journey with confidence. It gives me the skills to cope with each struggle.

Don't take back your prayers. Don't listen to the enemy. Listen to Jesus. He will never steer you wrong.

How do you know when God is speaking to you? You seek him diligently. You fast. You pray. One obstacle at a time. One day at a time and when you receive it you can move on to the next trial.

Remember, if you can wake up you can change it.

RELATIONSHIPS ETC....

Relationships are supposed to be a hole in one. This means that healthy relationships require constant work. From time to time you will find that some people have continued their relationships through the good and the bad things. Again, it takes work. It takes God.

How do I meet the people that I'm compatible with? How do I meet my soulmate? In Christian faith, it is believed that God has selected the right one for you.

"I've asked God to send me the right one," we say. Ask yourself. How many times have you taken the wrong turn? You cannot ask God for something and then take it back. We often get misled by the enemy. We let him direct us on things that appear to be good and are not. When you must question the relationship in your head, it may be a clear indication that it is not of God. Be prayerful and that will lead you to answers about your situation.

Relationships deal solely with perception. How do those you are in contact with perceive you? If you project negative energy toward people, you are likely to lose the respect of those people. This is another tool you have access to. Be mindful. As a God-fearing Christian, you must walk the walk and talk the talk. Display to others exactly how you want to be seen. Of course, the enemy is going to try to make you out to be the opposite of your TRUE position but follow your chosen course.

In my experience women are the hardest individuals to adapt in their relationships. They tend to carry all their emotions on their sleeves and it nearly always turns out badly. When women have been scorned, they often have the hardest time in future relationships. They carry the so called "ride or die spirit," diving right in. Women will meet someone they deem to be very likable and then disclose every single detail about their personal lives. This is opening way too quickly. As a man, I am no longer listening. Men want to hear the positive not the negative when they first meet a woman. Your first impression has to be on a positive one.

Dating in this world is nothing like the old days. Most people are already sexually active, especially older and divorced women. Many of these women have children; therefore, a man must weigh his options and do so very quickly. Some men aren't looking for a ready-made family. This is the only subject to that needs to be addressed on the first date. A woman sharing mental or physical abuse is not necessary. As the relationship progresses, he's going to figure that out anyway. There will be times when the door is open to share things like that. Be aware that the time is not from the very beginning. However, if the subject comes up you can't lie but your delivery is everything.

Last, do not present yourself as a victim. We all know that here were warnings that you didn't yield to.

Instead, talk about how you overcame the obstacles from past relationships. Remember it's all about your timing! These things are not easy at all. It is very necessary to have a spiritual relationship with God because he is your guide to a healthy relationship. Just keep your faith entrusted in him.

GOD ARE YOU THERE?

The older we get the more we can see the equalities toward one another. For instance, look to the story of Job.

The book begins with a discussion regarding Job. "Perfect and upright" man who "feared God and eschewed evil" (Job 1:1). I noticed something interesting. In the first chapter of Job, the Bible speaks of children taking turns throwing parties at their various homes. This was before Satan's request from God. Job had children that were worldly. After every party, Job would send for his children. He would pray for them and offer up a burnt offering for each one of them. Ten children, ten burnt offerings. It's amazing that the more you try it seems like the worst it gets. Then question you ask is, GOD ARE YOU THERE?"

Job felt the need to pray, despite all that sins that his children committed. You would think that Satan would ask for God to give up the children first, not Job. The enemy is always after the strongest in the...