#1
Ok, true story.
So I put on a long dress today then Victor (my Welsh family-pastor friend) said we would walk up to the open market in Pontypool so I said ok, let me go and put on some "pants" under my dress. There was a chuckle from his wife and everyone else in the room but I just smiled, got dressed and headed out.
Then an hour later I saw his daughter with a nice part of jeans and I said, "those are cute "pants", where did you get them from"... She laughed and said...here we call them either jeans, trousers or denim...pants....well, those are under wear!!!
Yup, there were giggles all day. More things to learn while Im in the UK!
#2
So I stood next to a little girl, she couldn't see me from where I was standing, she asked me my name, then she repeated and asked in her cute Welsh voice...Are you the Dark Skinned Lady?...I laughed and said yes...she said.."Where are you from"..I said America...she said, "There are tarantulas in America, right"...I almost said no but at that very moment I remembered the American tv show" Are you smarter then a 5th grader?"...thinking that this little 7 year old was smarter then me and probably just read a book on all the insects on the planet...I kindly said, Yes, I think your right!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Last Week in the USA
An Ache I cannot Shake
It was Saturday, one week before I would venture to the airport for the flight to the United Kingdom. A few days earlier, all matters were continuing to confirm that it was time for me to go. That day, I woke up with an ache in my back and arms I never had before, I realized that I could no longer stay in the USA, the "grace"..."ability" to abide in this nation as an intercessor was done and the nations were desiring the partnership of my heart with the King in their lands. So I had to go.
Sunday
I visited an older couple, elders in the faith always have a weight of wisdom that makes matters so much easier to understand. B and B M wanted to be sure to pray over me before I headed out and they blessed me so well. Blessings from a mother and a father (even if they are not biologically yours) serves as a catalyst in the spirit. I left them knowing what I needed to do for the next day.
Favor in the Air
Monday
Because some of this testimony is still in progress I will say only this, I went into work and shared that I was moving. Was able to share with everyone who asked how the Lord over the last 3 years has CONTINUED to open doors for me as I walked forward/stepped out on Faith. Many starred in awe and listened of testimony after testimony of how God moved miraculously for me. Just like Peter, Jesus spoke...Confirmed it was Him...Peter walked.
Tuesday
A Pastor friend decided to send facebook messages to every pastor, missionary and friend he knew in Europe, messages went to Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. Many responses and everyone trying to find me connections in Scotland because that was where the Lord was sending me. I was soooooooooo grateful! I watch the Lord moving doors for me. He said as I go, He will open doors....so I watched!
Wednesday
I was invited to Wales. A pastor who has a desire to open up the Wells as Evan Roberts and many others did during the Great Welsh Revival of 1904 was inviting me to stay with him and his family as I wait for things to pan out in Scotland. What an honor. Later I found out that Seth Joshua, the man who spoke the word that impacted Evan Roberts (and released the Holy Spirit in his life) was born 15 yards from my window.
I was being invited by the Holy Spirit to partner with the Lord and agree with intercessors of old...even beyond the Welsh Revivalists of 1904 in the nation of Wales. This is Christian History in the making, this is monumental to me.
Thursday
I feel that I should connect with my brother in Switzerland, spoke with him and decided I am visiting with him the following week. Later that night, the pastors confirmed that I could come over as soon as I would like. I felt the Lord letting me know, Wales was my first stop. Again, beyond honored...I am called to the nations so I leave USA, go to Wales, UK and then to Switzerland all in about a week?!!!!!! How amazing!
Friday
This was a day of final packing, resting and saying good bye.....sweet day.
Saturday
I was a stand-by for the 10:55pm flight to London...then I would take a bus over to Wales.
All day long, I finalized bags and got ready.
I stopped by IHOP Cartersville, people prayed one of the words that stand out to mention is that someone pulled a penny out of their pocket and put it in my hand and said..."One Cent"..I thought, what?? Then I realized, it was "The One Sent", Lord was highlighting, I am the one sent to the nations, there is a wind coming to UK, Provision for you....many other words of encouragement from the Lord. Yup, I am the one being sent from the King into the nations, thanks so much Lord, thanks so much.
I get to airport, flight booked, have to stay at a hotel near airport. I met a women who worked for the airline, from Chilli, we decided to share a room and split the cost. NOW, I never would do this but since the Lord opened all of these doors--I trusted Him more then ever, I felt it was ok, so there it is. She began to share things about Cuba and gave me prayer points to pray for them without her even realizing. It was a great time. Bless you QM!
Sunday
Off to London! I get on the 5:25 plane and sit next to a British guy who became my language teacher. He helped me understand things about the US vs UK customs, it was helpful. I was more and more excited about arriving in UK. Bless you SH!
Monday about 8am....I cross UK Border! Delighted to be in this nation, so excited and enjoying all the accents. This is the land where I needed to be. More to come soon. Cheerio!
It was Saturday, one week before I would venture to the airport for the flight to the United Kingdom. A few days earlier, all matters were continuing to confirm that it was time for me to go. That day, I woke up with an ache in my back and arms I never had before, I realized that I could no longer stay in the USA, the "grace"..."ability" to abide in this nation as an intercessor was done and the nations were desiring the partnership of my heart with the King in their lands. So I had to go.
Sunday
I visited an older couple, elders in the faith always have a weight of wisdom that makes matters so much easier to understand. B and B M wanted to be sure to pray over me before I headed out and they blessed me so well. Blessings from a mother and a father (even if they are not biologically yours) serves as a catalyst in the spirit. I left them knowing what I needed to do for the next day.
Favor in the Air
Soon as I leave, I stop by to see some friends. I learn that my friend was just taken to the airport to go to Israel for 2 weeks. That morning she needed $1600 for her flight, she only had $1300 but KNEW she had to go. So some of our intercessor friends began to pray, one got a word and said you will not pay more then $800. When she gets there..able to use a buddy pass..ends up paying $500 for round trip...(note 1300-500=800...800 was her overflow!!!) Then after all of that favor...they put this daughter of the KING in 1st class!!!
So I got excited, I needed to be out of this country by the end of the week....its my time!
Monday
Because some of this testimony is still in progress I will say only this, I went into work and shared that I was moving. Was able to share with everyone who asked how the Lord over the last 3 years has CONTINUED to open doors for me as I walked forward/stepped out on Faith. Many starred in awe and listened of testimony after testimony of how God moved miraculously for me. Just like Peter, Jesus spoke...Confirmed it was Him...Peter walked.
Tuesday
A Pastor friend decided to send facebook messages to every pastor, missionary and friend he knew in Europe, messages went to Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. Many responses and everyone trying to find me connections in Scotland because that was where the Lord was sending me. I was soooooooooo grateful! I watch the Lord moving doors for me. He said as I go, He will open doors....so I watched!
Wednesday
I was invited to Wales. A pastor who has a desire to open up the Wells as Evan Roberts and many others did during the Great Welsh Revival of 1904 was inviting me to stay with him and his family as I wait for things to pan out in Scotland. What an honor. Later I found out that Seth Joshua, the man who spoke the word that impacted Evan Roberts (and released the Holy Spirit in his life) was born 15 yards from my window.
I was being invited by the Holy Spirit to partner with the Lord and agree with intercessors of old...even beyond the Welsh Revivalists of 1904 in the nation of Wales. This is Christian History in the making, this is monumental to me.
Thursday
I feel that I should connect with my brother in Switzerland, spoke with him and decided I am visiting with him the following week. Later that night, the pastors confirmed that I could come over as soon as I would like. I felt the Lord letting me know, Wales was my first stop. Again, beyond honored...I am called to the nations so I leave USA, go to Wales, UK and then to Switzerland all in about a week?!!!!!! How amazing!
Friday
This was a day of final packing, resting and saying good bye.....sweet day.
Saturday
I was a stand-by for the 10:55pm flight to London...then I would take a bus over to Wales.
All day long, I finalized bags and got ready.
I stopped by IHOP Cartersville, people prayed one of the words that stand out to mention is that someone pulled a penny out of their pocket and put it in my hand and said..."One Cent"..I thought, what?? Then I realized, it was "The One Sent", Lord was highlighting, I am the one sent to the nations, there is a wind coming to UK, Provision for you....many other words of encouragement from the Lord. Yup, I am the one being sent from the King into the nations, thanks so much Lord, thanks so much.
I get to airport, flight booked, have to stay at a hotel near airport. I met a women who worked for the airline, from Chilli, we decided to share a room and split the cost. NOW, I never would do this but since the Lord opened all of these doors--I trusted Him more then ever, I felt it was ok, so there it is. She began to share things about Cuba and gave me prayer points to pray for them without her even realizing. It was a great time. Bless you QM!
Sunday
Off to London! I get on the 5:25 plane and sit next to a British guy who became my language teacher. He helped me understand things about the US vs UK customs, it was helpful. I was more and more excited about arriving in UK. Bless you SH!
Monday about 8am....I cross UK Border! Delighted to be in this nation, so excited and enjoying all the accents. This is the land where I needed to be. More to come soon. Cheerio!
Invited into One Year of Intimate Intercession
The Year Before the Nations
One year ago I was accepted into a MPH/PhD program at University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. I was beyond honored for I was the only American and therefore only African American in the program, the Lord was opening the doors for me to "train" for the nations.
Before it was time to depart, the Lord invited me to stay another year and attend school fall 2010. So I did. In that year he would...through His genuine love for my heart...destroyed the reservoir of hate, bitterness and anger that I kept to lash out at Him when I thought He had deliberately allowed something to happen painfully..."for my good". This reservoir had begun to fill a few months after my mother passed away in Nov. 2001 of cancer. I was sure that I had "peace" about the Lord taking her but instead I had a continuous building of an impermeable wall...that kept lies in my heart and the truth that healed out.
He also taught me how to intimately partner with Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth in intercession for my family, friends, cities (especially Atlanta where I lived), nations (Africa and Europe where I was going) and other matters that impacted His heart like abortion in the black community, racism, marital infidelity and mindsets of poverty.
In this one years time, I would be so emotionally healed that I would have to learn how to live in the realm of real freedom of the heart. I was so amazed by how much fear and anger controlled every part of my life that at least 30 times a day, I was thanking Him for my freedom.
As the time grew closer and closer for me to attend Sheffield, money came in but slowly. I knew it was time to leave the USA but what was really going on.
Scotland
2 months before my time to leave, the nation of Scotland, one of the 4 countries that make up the United Kingdom became "highlighted" to me. For me, that means, it would come up in various types of conversations, everyone I met with a European accent...from Scotland, tv shows that I never watched...talked about Scotland in some way. Then I began to watch the History of Scotland (BBC and History channel), learned things like how the Irish brought Christianity over to the Gaelic people of Scotland. Scotland... was everywhere!!! Then I go into work and learn that my exact position in my company had opened up in Scotland...is the Lord making a shift?...am I going to Scotland?
The story continues to unfold but one thing is sure: Before I left the USA, I needed to get to a place in my heart that no matter what, (1) I would not burst out at God from such a disappointed heart (it needed to go), (2) hold things secret in my heart that would jeopardize how freely I would express His love to people throughout the nations and most importantly (3) I would never, never leave Him in my heart, because He truly is the One who passionately loves it.
This One Year of Intimacy allowed me to experience the tangible feeling of His love on me. The Lover who skips upon the hills in desire for me (Sos 2:8)...I actually feel this affection towards me often.
Thank you Lord for the invitation for real intimacy... thank you Heart for accepting.
One year ago I was accepted into a MPH/PhD program at University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. I was beyond honored for I was the only American and therefore only African American in the program, the Lord was opening the doors for me to "train" for the nations.
Before it was time to depart, the Lord invited me to stay another year and attend school fall 2010. So I did. In that year he would...through His genuine love for my heart...destroyed the reservoir of hate, bitterness and anger that I kept to lash out at Him when I thought He had deliberately allowed something to happen painfully..."for my good". This reservoir had begun to fill a few months after my mother passed away in Nov. 2001 of cancer. I was sure that I had "peace" about the Lord taking her but instead I had a continuous building of an impermeable wall...that kept lies in my heart and the truth that healed out.
He also taught me how to intimately partner with Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth in intercession for my family, friends, cities (especially Atlanta where I lived), nations (Africa and Europe where I was going) and other matters that impacted His heart like abortion in the black community, racism, marital infidelity and mindsets of poverty.
In this one years time, I would be so emotionally healed that I would have to learn how to live in the realm of real freedom of the heart. I was so amazed by how much fear and anger controlled every part of my life that at least 30 times a day, I was thanking Him for my freedom.
As the time grew closer and closer for me to attend Sheffield, money came in but slowly. I knew it was time to leave the USA but what was really going on.
Scotland
2 months before my time to leave, the nation of Scotland, one of the 4 countries that make up the United Kingdom became "highlighted" to me. For me, that means, it would come up in various types of conversations, everyone I met with a European accent...from Scotland, tv shows that I never watched...talked about Scotland in some way. Then I began to watch the History of Scotland (BBC and History channel), learned things like how the Irish brought Christianity over to the Gaelic people of Scotland. Scotland... was everywhere!!! Then I go into work and learn that my exact position in my company had opened up in Scotland...is the Lord making a shift?...am I going to Scotland?
The story continues to unfold but one thing is sure: Before I left the USA, I needed to get to a place in my heart that no matter what, (1) I would not burst out at God from such a disappointed heart (it needed to go), (2) hold things secret in my heart that would jeopardize how freely I would express His love to people throughout the nations and most importantly (3) I would never, never leave Him in my heart, because He truly is the One who passionately loves it.
This One Year of Intimacy allowed me to experience the tangible feeling of His love on me. The Lover who skips upon the hills in desire for me (Sos 2:8)...I actually feel this affection towards me often.
Thank you Lord for the invitation for real intimacy... thank you Heart for accepting.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Purim and the Holiest Place I ever stood
Today, I went to my first Purim Parade in Atlanta, Georgia.
My friends Natasha, Leila and I are among several believers in Yeshua and desire to learn more about Judaism. So we went to Toco Hills watched and celebrated Purim ( the festival remembering the day that the Lord saved the Jewish people from annihilation through the obedience and favor of Queen Esther). Children in costume (symbolizing how Esther hid her identity until the appointed time), candy, whole families and lots of fun!
So Parade ended outside of synagogue. I watched from across the street because I didn't want to do anything that offended them or anything. THen we discussed it and decided to cross.
We watched children in merry-go-rounds and bungy-jumping. I wanted a tour but I felt that my head needed to be covered and I needed a dress. So I asked a lady who was highlighted to me and...she gave us a tour. I looked inside of their sanctuary....it was soooooooooo beautiful. I had never seen something so beautiful. Another women walked up and we began to talk to her and I asked if I could take pictures, she said sure, you can stand outside of the door and take them through the window. I felt that I wasn't allowed in and she implied that as well. BUT to take pictures was enough for me. :-)
Then an older man, Rick, walked up and said would you like to go in.....
I said yes in great awe, but I do not have the proper clothes, he said it is ok ( I think he had leadership in this place).
As soon as I walked in, I began to cry and so did Natasha standing behind me. I sensed a Holy Presence I had never felt before. You can feel a weight of God like I had never known. Now mind you I have felt the presence of God in heavy, profound truly memorable ways and this was just something else amazing that I had never known about God.
Rick began to explain to us the decorations in the room. How there are symbols for each of the 12 tribes of Israel and they each were up in the glass sky light/dome over the main part of room. There was an eternal flame, symbols showing different festivals and he pointed out where the Torah was located. ( I was able to share that I knew they were hand written and on lamb skin and such and he was impressed....thanks Israel and the Kingdom class teachers)!!!
Leila knew so much about various stories in the Torah that Rick went and grabbed a book off of the shelf and they got so in to the Word, I don't know about you but I am sure for African Americans to be this knowledgable about Judiasm is surprising to him and an honor for us.
There was so much symbolism and history, this was such a life changing encounter for us all.
My knowledge is limited at this point in my life but from that I can say this was a presence of Holiness that I have ever known, there is more for me ahead.
As an African American, learning more and more about our Jewish roots as a Believer in Christ, I hope that I grow in the revelation of Christ and help to make History in the hearts of Black Americans. I repeat, there is more ahead.
My friends Natasha, Leila and I are among several believers in Yeshua and desire to learn more about Judaism. So we went to Toco Hills watched and celebrated Purim ( the festival remembering the day that the Lord saved the Jewish people from annihilation through the obedience and favor of Queen Esther). Children in costume (symbolizing how Esther hid her identity until the appointed time), candy, whole families and lots of fun!
So Parade ended outside of synagogue. I watched from across the street because I didn't want to do anything that offended them or anything. THen we discussed it and decided to cross.
We watched children in merry-go-rounds and bungy-jumping. I wanted a tour but I felt that my head needed to be covered and I needed a dress. So I asked a lady who was highlighted to me and...she gave us a tour. I looked inside of their sanctuary....it was soooooooooo beautiful. I had never seen something so beautiful. Another women walked up and we began to talk to her and I asked if I could take pictures, she said sure, you can stand outside of the door and take them through the window. I felt that I wasn't allowed in and she implied that as well. BUT to take pictures was enough for me. :-)
Then an older man, Rick, walked up and said would you like to go in.....
I said yes in great awe, but I do not have the proper clothes, he said it is ok ( I think he had leadership in this place).
As soon as I walked in, I began to cry and so did Natasha standing behind me. I sensed a Holy Presence I had never felt before. You can feel a weight of God like I had never known. Now mind you I have felt the presence of God in heavy, profound truly memorable ways and this was just something else amazing that I had never known about God.
Rick began to explain to us the decorations in the room. How there are symbols for each of the 12 tribes of Israel and they each were up in the glass sky light/dome over the main part of room. There was an eternal flame, symbols showing different festivals and he pointed out where the Torah was located. ( I was able to share that I knew they were hand written and on lamb skin and such and he was impressed....thanks Israel and the Kingdom class teachers)!!!
Leila knew so much about various stories in the Torah that Rick went and grabbed a book off of the shelf and they got so in to the Word, I don't know about you but I am sure for African Americans to be this knowledgable about Judiasm is surprising to him and an honor for us.
There was so much symbolism and history, this was such a life changing encounter for us all.
My knowledge is limited at this point in my life but from that I can say this was a presence of Holiness that I have ever known, there is more for me ahead.
As an African American, learning more and more about our Jewish roots as a Believer in Christ, I hope that I grow in the revelation of Christ and help to make History in the hearts of Black Americans. I repeat, there is more ahead.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
I'm in Love...with Africa?
As I look upon the photos and images of this great and beautiful stretch of land, I am always in awe. There is a mystery and an amazement that catches me every time yet it is not as if it is all foreign and unknown to my heart despite the fact that I have never stepped foot on the land.
Yet I wonder, what is it that keeps me in awe, what is it that causes me to begin to love beyond reasonable explanation. Why do I care for those children more then any other children on this planet? Is it because they look like me or because I know they belong to me, Me as an African American? Do I care for them more because I know that I can love them better then another race because I understand them more then any oneelse....because I am black? Or is it because over the last seven years I have had dreams of me gathering them, protecting them, teaching and taking care of them. Or...is there more.
Could it be another level of love not limited to my reasoning. Can it be the Love of the Father, God himself towards these children and group of people growing and groaning from my heart.
I want to love them. I want to hold them. Hold them and allow the Father's love to embrace them.
I am in love. I am inside of God's love for them and it is good. I may only be able to express to a few with my words but His love will be displayed and known through my life.
I give my life to love them
Yet I wonder, what is it that keeps me in awe, what is it that causes me to begin to love beyond reasonable explanation. Why do I care for those children more then any other children on this planet? Is it because they look like me or because I know they belong to me, Me as an African American? Do I care for them more because I know that I can love them better then another race because I understand them more then any oneelse....because I am black? Or is it because over the last seven years I have had dreams of me gathering them, protecting them, teaching and taking care of them. Or...is there more.
Could it be another level of love not limited to my reasoning. Can it be the Love of the Father, God himself towards these children and group of people growing and groaning from my heart.
I want to love them. I want to hold them. Hold them and allow the Father's love to embrace them.
I am in love. I am inside of God's love for them and it is good. I may only be able to express to a few with my words but His love will be displayed and known through my life.
I give my life to love them
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
I can't believe it's not butter!!
Do you recall that promo quote from the 80's?
Today, I reflect on it because when you grab a small "tub" with that yellow creamy stuff inside and prepare to spread it on your buttermilk biscuit, you expect it to be butter....and well that's not always the case.
That is the same way I feel about believing, stepping out on faith and then seeing it not come to pass.
Our life in the Lord contains more then what is commonly discussed and every step and every adventure is for our benefit and for His honor. Yet we often wonder why, when we go to the "tub" of prayer...reading, declaring His word (logos and rhema),resisting the devil in every way causing him to flee and standing in expectation that when we get up from prayer we will walk directly into our promise....and well that's not always the case.
There is a season of waiting, pressing through, crying, screaming and then there is a brief but the most painful time right before you are kissed with the promise. A friend recently said, its like running the most extreme race ever and right before you get to the finish line you are enduring the worse pain possible and wondering why you decided to be an athlete yet the prize is worth the press.
TODAY, I can say nothing but this, My God will come to my rescue, I will finish the race even if He has to move the finish line closer to my feet.
He didn't take 39 brutal lashes, crown of thorns lodged into his skin, taste His own blood as it poured down his face and then hung up on a tree to be continuously ridiculed so I can just make it by with a partial grin, He died that I might have life and that more abundantly through His Holy Spirit. Not just abundance in materials that are measured by man, but the abundance of love, character, power, fruit of the spirit that last until the return of the King.
So Here I am ....its not butter....its better, come and reveal your Glory Lord, your beloved daughter and friend waits for the truth.
Today, I reflect on it because when you grab a small "tub" with that yellow creamy stuff inside and prepare to spread it on your buttermilk biscuit, you expect it to be butter....and well that's not always the case.
That is the same way I feel about believing, stepping out on faith and then seeing it not come to pass.
Our life in the Lord contains more then what is commonly discussed and every step and every adventure is for our benefit and for His honor. Yet we often wonder why, when we go to the "tub" of prayer...reading, declaring His word (logos and rhema),resisting the devil in every way causing him to flee and standing in expectation that when we get up from prayer we will walk directly into our promise....and well that's not always the case.
There is a season of waiting, pressing through, crying, screaming and then there is a brief but the most painful time right before you are kissed with the promise. A friend recently said, its like running the most extreme race ever and right before you get to the finish line you are enduring the worse pain possible and wondering why you decided to be an athlete yet the prize is worth the press.
TODAY, I can say nothing but this, My God will come to my rescue, I will finish the race even if He has to move the finish line closer to my feet.
He didn't take 39 brutal lashes, crown of thorns lodged into his skin, taste His own blood as it poured down his face and then hung up on a tree to be continuously ridiculed so I can just make it by with a partial grin, He died that I might have life and that more abundantly through His Holy Spirit. Not just abundance in materials that are measured by man, but the abundance of love, character, power, fruit of the spirit that last until the return of the King.
So Here I am ....its not butter....its better, come and reveal your Glory Lord, your beloved daughter and friend waits for the truth.
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