"How'd You Do That?"

My mom has been a major influence towards me dedicating my life to God through Jesus Christ. I’m not a ‘momma’s boy’ or the type of guy, who cried when he left home to go to college. As a matter of fact, I was ecstatic to leave home. My mom was the type of mother that was always ‘in your business’. I could not get away with anything. When I was doing something that I wasn't suppose to do; I felt that my mom knew about it or would find out. I invoked and witnessed her take a lot of criticism for her parenting. No matter the comments, she stuck to her agenda. Her basis was always Christ-driven. Quite honestly, in my hometown, raising Christian children was truly a challenge.

In my lifetime, I have had some of the craziest dreams. I’m sure you can relate. Some make no sense, while others are a reflection of my thought life. My wife typically is unable to recollect her dreams in great detail. I’m different. Being able to describe my dreams is not so difficult. Typically, they are so vivid and action pack, that it’s hard to forget. Every now and then, I will have a dream that I know is directly a message from God (Joel 2:28). Call it weird, if you want; however, I know that He is figuratively communicating.

One night in my mid-twenties, I dreamt about my mother. The dream started with me and my mom walking (together) past a subway entry. My mom decided to trot down the subway steps. I did not take this route, due to an unsettling feeling. As my mom started to walk down the steps, a creature began to approach her. It was an octopus. The species attacked her with swinging and grabbing tentacles. Within seconds, my mom began defending herself with only her two arms versus the octopus’ eight. After what seemed like minutes of fighting had passed, the octopus finally retreated back to its darkness in the subway. I was amazed and startled by Mom’s ability to fight off this monster. In approaching her, I asked ‘how’d you that?’ She responded, ‘Do not worry about me; I can take care of myself!’ Then, I awoke.

Immediately, the interpretation peacefully and clearly followed. The eight tentacles represented the several adversaries that she faced. Her faith in herself because of God’s promises enabled her to ‘fight off’ the attacks. My mom’s ongoing relationship with the Lord allowed her to succeed in this battle. On the other hand, my unwillingness to walk the same path was connected to my doubts in completely surrendering to God. The revelation was amazingly clear. The disclosure of this dream remains with me to this day. What a remarkable legacy to leave your child. That is, the assurance of your child knowing for what you stand. To ingrain your belief in your child’s being to the point that your offspring dreams about your God-seeking faith.

Now, my mother was not (and is not) perfect. She will transparently tell you the same. As most parents, she has expressed some regrets in the raising of her children. I personally believe any caring parent has these feelings in reflecting moments, no matter their child’s age or overall well-being. However, one thing she will not have to question is her children’s (at least, this child) understanding of Who she serves, worships, and places her hope and faith. The answer to that question would be God through her personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

This Christmas, many parents will shop for the best gifts desired. If their children are anything like my children, they will accept and play with their Christmas gift for a season. By Spring Break, they will move on to the next best toy. Most parents do not mind this process, as they understand; this is the way of a child. For me to give my son a gift that he would forever cherish would be a miracle. Luckily for me, my mom presented a gift that I would one day receive and choose to use for the rest of my life. This gift has given me complete hope in my future (Deuteronomy 5:29), the ability to truly overcome (Ephesians 6:10-17), wisdom (James 1:5), and so many more things.

It’s the most perfect time of the year to reintroduce yourself to your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and become more committed in service and worship. It’s also a good time to ask yourself ‘why?’, if you have not given your life to God through Jesus Christ. Beginning the questioning process of your salvation and life must start at some point. If you are unable to answer your children regarding your faith, you need to examine yourself. Whether you consider your faith a legacy or not, it will be. It’s human nature for your child to answer the question themselves, if you do not. Get a hold of TRUTH, and then communicate this through your words and actions to your children (or anyone). This is without a doubt, the best present throughout a lifetime, that you can offer your child (or anyone).

If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click on the link below.

http://www.cbn.com/stepstopeace/index.aspx

Best Marital Advice I’ve ever received…

Although, my wife and I were not going to be married in our local church; we decided to take advantage of their free pre-marital classes. The group setting courses were very interactive and informal. Many of the speakers transparently discussed the failures and victories in their marriage. This fostered a comfortable atmosphere which led to honest feedback and in-depth discussions.

One of the speakers was an obviously fit, middle aged man. I immediately noticed his dress attire, which consisted of blue jeans, gym shoes, and a button shirt. As bad as it sounds, I also noticed that his clothing were not popular name brands. At this particular church, the staff generally always was overwhelmingly presentable. It wasn’t that his clothing was unprofessional, but it was the fact that it differed from everyone else.

When he walked to the podium, I internally fought my narrow-mindedness. I was well aware that it was rude to judge a man based on his appearance. His subject was family finance. The passion he exuded, promoted me to become an active listener. The sermon consisted of his favorite financial exhortations along with scriptural references. All of the suggestions were extremely reasonable and refreshing, but his last proposal ‘raised some eyebrows’. “Do your best to live on one (whether husband or wife) income.” My first thought, after he made the remark, was ‘…no wonder you are dressed that way.’ As soon as my wife and I sat in our car, I directly commented on his clothing and one income theory. Six years later and now successfully practicing this financial principle, I realized that specific suggestion was the best marital advice I have received. Good news arrived. Due to not being delivered by a well-known, well dressed, highly charismatic minister, but a conservatively dressed man, I found it difficult to receive.

In accepting Jesus Christ and His ways, one can experience the same emotions. Similar to living on one income, His methods are totally opposite of mainstream views. “It is more blessed to give than receive. The greatest among you will be your servant. Tell the mountain to be cast into the sea without any doubt and it will be done.” When Jesus spoke these words many people surrounding him did not accept His principles. They could not bypass a carpenter’s son considering himself the Son of God. Although, they marveled at his wisdom… the hardening of their hearts blocked God’s blessing of salvation and abundant life. To this date, the same practice is taking place. Yet due to God’s grace, mercy, and patience, He has strategically placed his disciples amongst people who desperately need hope, guidance, and unconditional love.

Life experiences challenged me to accept the one income lifestyle as my life of sin challenged my acceptance of Christ and his principles. The hearing of each caused an internal conflict and produced doubtful emotions. Although, I did not like the ‘how to’; I did like the end-result testimony shared. A sense of urgency to commit was experienced. In both submissions, the harvest has been plentiful. I’m eternally grateful for God’s mercy and patience. His grace is truly sufficient.

The bible states God does not show partiality. So what He will do for me, He will do for you. In today’s time, there are several media outlets, books, magazines, outreaches, ministries, and people expressing their love for Christ. If you live in America, it is impossible to have not heard God’s plan of salvation and abundant life. If you haven’t already accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the time will come when God will ask you why you did not. You could, like me, be experiencing issues with the messenger. That is totally normal; however, rejecting the Message isn’t acceptable to experience God’s will for your life. Unfortunately, God will not accept your inability to relate as a ‘pass’ into His glory. Accept the message! God is calling you, receive His gift. Maybe later in life, you will understand His messengers.

If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click on the link below.

http://www.cbn.com/stepstopeace/index.aspx