This past Friday I spent almost 12 hours in an airport in New York trying to get home, after working 8 hours. It was cold, crowded and I was beyond tired. I pushed back the tears as I asked God to help me understand why I was there and what He was doing and how it all added up to His ordained purpose for my life. I reminded Him of the scripture that says "with all you getting get understanding" so I wanted some "major understanding."
After all of those hours of working and waiting, I had to take a bus, train and another bus to my commuter apartment. Arriving about 1am I had to get up at 3am to catch a van back to the airport on Saturday morning. I stood by for 3 more nonstop flights on Delta, before I was led to go over to United, which meant a connection through Chicago and then to Atlanta.
Not only did I get the first flight I stood by for (New York to Chicago, having to seat on the Flight Attendant Jump seat, which meant no sleeping, but), I was fed like a queen and on the next flight from Chicago to Atlanta (which had 70 open seats!!!) I was blessed with a seat in first class, by the window and was able to sleep from the time the aircraft pushed back in Chicago until after it landed in Atlanta (at 4:30pm)!
Still trying to make sense of it all (having missed a Saturday class in Atlanta that I really wanted to attend), I praised God for getting me home. In putting my things away as I prepared to get off of the aircraft, I came across the Mustard Seed book marks we had made for the Prayer Walk last weekend (Matt 17:20 with an actual mustard seed glued on). I gave one to the Flight Attendant working first class, just as a way of encouragement. She was shocked, but really pleased and later said "I really needed that today."
I dug into my bag to pull more out to give to the other 2 Flight Attendants working in the back, but they passed by me before I had a chance to locate the other bookmarks in my bag. After finding the bookmarks, I instead gave them to the gate agents there in Atlanta, 4 women I had not seen in a long while. They too were surprised and before I knew it, one after the other gave me a big hug and said they really needed that today!!
I was encouraged by their encouragement! In stopping at the restroom in the terminal I felt led to share one of the book marks with the cleaning lady there. On my way out, as I handed it to her, she quickly looked at it and before I knew what was going on she had grabbed me by the neck, hugging me and said "Praise God, thank you so much! Praise God!!" That almost brought tears to my eyes as I saw her face light up at the reaction to God's word!
Sensing a pattern "assignment" here from God, I gave one to the 3 TSA security women standing at the door leading out to the baggage claim area and heard one say she was going to put it on her refrigerator. There was one of the 3 who did not seem too thrilled by it, as I noticed her reading the words, but, as I walked on my way, I continued to silently pray for God to bless her. I knew that a "seed" had been planted into her soul, literally, and it was only my responsibility to plant it as God led and He would take care of the rest.
I caught up with the crew that had brought me, standing at the Hotel Pickup area and was able to give the other 2 flight attendants a book mark. One shared at she had never seen anything like it and the other said when she was young she had a necklace with a mustard seed inside! I did too!!
As I sat quietly waiting for my van to take me to my car, I wondered if the entire reason for me not making it home on Friday was so that I could be used by God to plant "mustard seed" encouragement into the hands of those women I had come across. Especially the cleaning lady in the rest room. By her reaction you would have thought I had given her a million dollars, seriously. What ever the reason for the delay in me getting home, I praise God for every aspect my life: 1. For having a job and it being a job I enjoy; 2. For being called to a ministry that I can incorporate into any where in the World I am; 3 For being safe in the airport in New York on Friday, instead of up in the air in the midst of the storm, or sitting on a hot aircraft somewhere waiting for it to pass over before we could take off; 4. For being able blessed to see the Hand of God move in the big ways and in small ways too!! 5. And for being used of God in unique and interesting ways.
The sermon my Pastor taught on Sunday was right on target: "The Blessing of the Kingdom: Called to Blessing", based on 1 Peter 3:8-12. She taught, in part, that the trials we go through are often "test" to build our "faith muscles." Regardless of the test, we are to still have a good attitude and still obey God, knowing that His Word is true and He will never leave us, nor forsake us (my paraphrasing from the sermon). Even in persecution and hardship there is a way He wants us to act - in faith, with courage.
Regardless if your "persecution or hardship" is dealing with a major health or financial, or job related issue, or being "temporarily" stuck in a place you would rather not be, we must trust and believe God that "this too will pass" and that "God works ALL things together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His Purpose." (See Isaiah 43:1 -3 and Romans. 8:28). We are more than conquerors!! God has a plan for take every adversity and hardship we go through and bring good out of it, making us stronger, more mature and better prepared for the next level of promotion. We can trust God's trustworthiness! God has a good plan for you and for me and He has good thoughts toward us. "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you", says the Lord, "thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." Jeremiah 29:11.
Hope is the breeding ground for miracles!!
Be IN Courage and DO NOT QUIT the good fight of faith! Remember, regardless of what you are going through, big or small, "weeping may endure for a night (season), but joy comes in the morning!"
Be IN Courage!!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Healing the Effects of Childhoold Sexual Abuse: Elegant Doves' Incest and Abortion Recovery & Prevention Assistance
"Left turn only after complete stop". I read those words attached to a stop sign today. I was reminded of how often, especially when I am focused on getting to my destination, that I make only "rolling stops". A girlfriend of mine was recently given a ticket when stop in a residential area for only coming to a rolling stop at a stop sign. It was mid morning and there was hardly any traffic, except for the police officer on patrol. It seemed harmless, as she was on her way to a very important meeting, and she was running late. There was no one else in the area, so it seemed OK just to "pressing into" getting to her meeting on time. But she got stopped, pulled over, given a ticket and was still even later for her appointment.
Check this out:
Rolling Stop Law & Legal Definition
A rolling stop is a term used in traffic law to refer to when a vehicle fails to come to a complete stop. A complete stop is when there is no forward momentum and the needle on the speedometer is at 0. In a rolling stop, the car wheels are still in motion and the car is moving at less than 5 m.p.h. Failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign is a traffic violation governed by state laws, which vary by state. The longer the stop, the more discernable it is to the naked eye, giving a motorist a better chance of avoiding a ticket.
Personal Application
When it comes to the repercussion of incest;(incest being defined as sexual abuse with a family member or someone close enough to be considered as family); and the scars of abortion, rolling stops can be lethal to the soul. I can personally speak of the confusion I experienced because of the pain of the incest that clouded my judgement in many areas. I know first hand of choices made from a wounded spirit, because of not taking time out to think about or rationally deal with the root issues of the things I was facing. I justified many of my actions by keeping "busy". It hurt too bad to think about the pain of the incest abuse my uncle caused me and what it had done to my self-esteem. Later in life, as a repercussion of the scars (effects)of the incest abuse, I could not (did not want to) take time out to deal with the thoughts of what it really meant to have given my baby (babies)"up"; to admit that what I had done was to end the cycle of their lives, which really is the same as murder. A malicious act on my part? Malicious being defined as "Having the nature of or resulting from malice; deliberately harmful; spiteful". No! And yet the results were the same; hidden, undealt with guilt and shame. The painful thoughts of "what could have been" not being addressed.
Was my girlfriend aiming to violate the traffic laws and score a ticket? of course not. But her actions brought the ticket forth just the same. Her rolling stop, not taking time to cease her forward momentum for even a friction of a minute, resulted in her having to pay money she would have much preferred to spend else where.
Be IN Courage!
This article is written to encourage you to come to a full and complete STOP and take a few minutes out to really think about and consider the things that you have buried alive, deep inside of you. Anything buried produces some type of growth, if not properly processed to remain underground. The burial of a loved one after passing is done so in a casket, after the proper processing of the deceased body. A bad memory or a negative reaction to a hurt or neglected pain, not properly processed, tends to resurface, often at inappropriate times, in unexplainable ways; depression, crying spells, eating disorders, substance abuse, anxiety, anger, confusion, despair, loneliness, unable to forget, regret, hopelessness, or grief. I truly believe that "The pain of understanding and healing is far less than the pain of denial and despair".
There is hope!
RESTORE!!! EMPOWER!!! PREVENT!!!
RESTORE!!!
Restore the hope of someone lost in the confusion of the pain of sexual abuse by sharing the positiveness of what you have learned from your experience along with the following resources.
RESOURCES
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children =
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PublicHomeServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US
Survivors Of Incest Anonymous=
http://www.siawso.org/
Childhelp USA The National Children's Alliance Hopehouse=
http://www.hopehousemaine.com/
Hotlines:
Suicide Hotline: 1.800.SUICIDE
All States' Reporting: 1.800.FYI.3366
National Survivors of Domestic Violence: 1.800.799.SAFE
National Family Violence: 1.800.222.2000
Incest Awareness Foundation: 1.888.547.3222
Incest Hotline: 1.212.227.3000
Incest Survivors Anonymous: 1.800.386.5599
Child Abuse Childhelp: 1.800.422.4453
Youth Crisis Hotline: 1.800.448.4663
Child Sexual Abuse Stop It Now: 1.888.773.8368
Family Violence National Domestic Violence: 1.800.799.7233
Piedmont Women's Center 24 Hour Hopeline - 1. 864.233.3823
Also, be informed about where sex offenders live by contacting FAMILY WATCHDOG
http://www.familywatchdog.us/
(note: you can put the name of your street (with or without adding your house number) and it will bring the information up).
EMPOWER!!!
Empower yourself by renewing your strength in every area of your life: Physically, Spiritually, Mentally and Financially. Take the time for your yearly medical and dental check-up and mammogram.
Take quality time EVERYDAY to get quiet in God's presence to hear His voice. Yes, remember to pray, but just as vital, take time to really hear His voice. Open your Bible and hear what the Holy Spirit is saying as you read the Scriptures.
Take time to study and just as important, take time to laugh and have fun. BALANCE is the key. Take the Motivation DNA test at http://www.getmotivatedbook.com/Test.aspx, to find personal strategies on overcoming any obstacles, achieve any goal and accelerate your success with Motivation DNA. It's free and you will get immediate results (with no strings or obligation attached).
Take time to review your current financial situation. If stressed by overwhelming challenges, process through it. Go and get wise counsel on how to make the needed adjustments to take you forward to your desired goals. OPEN AND READ YOUR MAIL even if you are challenged by your budget. TALK TO YOUR CREDITORS. YOU ARE IN CONTROL! YOU ARE have rights and regardless of the status, you are due respect. You give what you get, so be respectful, and YOU control the peaceful flow of the conversations.
Join us for our quarterly Celebrate You! Celebration Workshop, a support meeting style workshop. The next workshop will be held in October. Stay tuned for date and location.
Our Annual Annihilating Incest Conference will equip you with information and tools that will help you stop the generational cycles of this senseless crime. Join us in November for this empowering event.
Take TIME FOR YOU! and retreat with us, as we join: 1) True Identity Retreat, October 2-4, 2009 in Cleveland, Georgia (Contact http://www.trueidentityministries.org/ or call 770.865.3655. 2) Balancing Life's Demands Women's Retreat in Callaway Garden, October 16-18, 2009. (Contact http://www.mylonn.com/ or call 770. 945.1736 for more information and call 404-681-6071 only to register with the discount offered to Elegant Doves participants).
Take part in our 8 week Incest Recovery Tele-class beginning every Monday evening from October 19, 2009 through December 7, 2009, from 8:30pm -10:00pm. This is a step by step focus, with personal application of tools to heal the wounds of incest and childhood sexual abuse.
PREVENT!!!
Equip yourself with knowledge! Allow us to share the 7 Steps to Protect Our Children through the Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children Training. It is a must for every one of us on the planet. We, as the adults, are responsible for keeping our children safe. (call 404- 681-6071 or email me for more information - elegantlin@aol.com)
Allow us to help you with Abortion Recovery Assistance, processing through the wounds of post abortion healing through our 12 week Bible Study or our condensed 4 day weekend retreat. Email me for more information.
YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!! You have the power to heal. Tap into your power of choice to live life more abundantly - healed and in wholeness, turning your scars into stars.
Celebrate You! and Be IN Courage.
Check this out:
Rolling Stop Law & Legal Definition
A rolling stop is a term used in traffic law to refer to when a vehicle fails to come to a complete stop. A complete stop is when there is no forward momentum and the needle on the speedometer is at 0. In a rolling stop, the car wheels are still in motion and the car is moving at less than 5 m.p.h. Failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign is a traffic violation governed by state laws, which vary by state. The longer the stop, the more discernable it is to the naked eye, giving a motorist a better chance of avoiding a ticket.
Personal Application
When it comes to the repercussion of incest;(incest being defined as sexual abuse with a family member or someone close enough to be considered as family); and the scars of abortion, rolling stops can be lethal to the soul. I can personally speak of the confusion I experienced because of the pain of the incest that clouded my judgement in many areas. I know first hand of choices made from a wounded spirit, because of not taking time out to think about or rationally deal with the root issues of the things I was facing. I justified many of my actions by keeping "busy". It hurt too bad to think about the pain of the incest abuse my uncle caused me and what it had done to my self-esteem. Later in life, as a repercussion of the scars (effects)of the incest abuse, I could not (did not want to) take time out to deal with the thoughts of what it really meant to have given my baby (babies)"up"; to admit that what I had done was to end the cycle of their lives, which really is the same as murder. A malicious act on my part? Malicious being defined as "Having the nature of or resulting from malice; deliberately harmful; spiteful". No! And yet the results were the same; hidden, undealt with guilt and shame. The painful thoughts of "what could have been" not being addressed.
Was my girlfriend aiming to violate the traffic laws and score a ticket? of course not. But her actions brought the ticket forth just the same. Her rolling stop, not taking time to cease her forward momentum for even a friction of a minute, resulted in her having to pay money she would have much preferred to spend else where.
Be IN Courage!
This article is written to encourage you to come to a full and complete STOP and take a few minutes out to really think about and consider the things that you have buried alive, deep inside of you. Anything buried produces some type of growth, if not properly processed to remain underground. The burial of a loved one after passing is done so in a casket, after the proper processing of the deceased body. A bad memory or a negative reaction to a hurt or neglected pain, not properly processed, tends to resurface, often at inappropriate times, in unexplainable ways; depression, crying spells, eating disorders, substance abuse, anxiety, anger, confusion, despair, loneliness, unable to forget, regret, hopelessness, or grief. I truly believe that "The pain of understanding and healing is far less than the pain of denial and despair".
There is hope!
RESTORE!!! EMPOWER!!! PREVENT!!!
RESTORE!!!
Restore the hope of someone lost in the confusion of the pain of sexual abuse by sharing the positiveness of what you have learned from your experience along with the following resources.
RESOURCES
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children =
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PublicHomeServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US
Survivors Of Incest Anonymous=
http://www.siawso.org/
Childhelp USA The National Children's Alliance Hopehouse=
http://www.hopehousemaine.com/
Hotlines:
Suicide Hotline: 1.800.SUICIDE
All States' Reporting: 1.800.FYI.3366
National Survivors of Domestic Violence: 1.800.799.SAFE
National Family Violence: 1.800.222.2000
Incest Awareness Foundation: 1.888.547.3222
Incest Hotline: 1.212.227.3000
Incest Survivors Anonymous: 1.800.386.5599
Child Abuse Childhelp: 1.800.422.4453
Youth Crisis Hotline: 1.800.448.4663
Child Sexual Abuse Stop It Now: 1.888.773.8368
Family Violence National Domestic Violence: 1.800.799.7233
Piedmont Women's Center 24 Hour Hopeline - 1. 864.233.3823
Also, be informed about where sex offenders live by contacting FAMILY WATCHDOG
http://www.familywatchdog.us/
(note: you can put the name of your street (with or without adding your house number) and it will bring the information up).
EMPOWER!!!
Empower yourself by renewing your strength in every area of your life: Physically, Spiritually, Mentally and Financially. Take the time for your yearly medical and dental check-up and mammogram.
Take quality time EVERYDAY to get quiet in God's presence to hear His voice. Yes, remember to pray, but just as vital, take time to really hear His voice. Open your Bible and hear what the Holy Spirit is saying as you read the Scriptures.
Take time to study and just as important, take time to laugh and have fun. BALANCE is the key. Take the Motivation DNA test at http://www.getmotivatedbook.com/Test.aspx, to find personal strategies on overcoming any obstacles, achieve any goal and accelerate your success with Motivation DNA. It's free and you will get immediate results (with no strings or obligation attached).
Take time to review your current financial situation. If stressed by overwhelming challenges, process through it. Go and get wise counsel on how to make the needed adjustments to take you forward to your desired goals. OPEN AND READ YOUR MAIL even if you are challenged by your budget. TALK TO YOUR CREDITORS. YOU ARE IN CONTROL! YOU ARE have rights and regardless of the status, you are due respect. You give what you get, so be respectful, and YOU control the peaceful flow of the conversations.
Join us for our quarterly Celebrate You! Celebration Workshop, a support meeting style workshop. The next workshop will be held in October. Stay tuned for date and location.
Our Annual Annihilating Incest Conference will equip you with information and tools that will help you stop the generational cycles of this senseless crime. Join us in November for this empowering event.
Take TIME FOR YOU! and retreat with us, as we join: 1) True Identity Retreat, October 2-4, 2009 in Cleveland, Georgia (Contact http://www.trueidentityministries.org/ or call 770.865.3655. 2) Balancing Life's Demands Women's Retreat in Callaway Garden, October 16-18, 2009. (Contact http://www.mylonn.com/ or call 770. 945.1736 for more information and call 404-681-6071 only to register with the discount offered to Elegant Doves participants).
Take part in our 8 week Incest Recovery Tele-class beginning every Monday evening from October 19, 2009 through December 7, 2009, from 8:30pm -10:00pm. This is a step by step focus, with personal application of tools to heal the wounds of incest and childhood sexual abuse.
PREVENT!!!
Equip yourself with knowledge! Allow us to share the 7 Steps to Protect Our Children through the Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children Training. It is a must for every one of us on the planet. We, as the adults, are responsible for keeping our children safe. (call 404- 681-6071 or email me for more information - elegantlin@aol.com)
Allow us to help you with Abortion Recovery Assistance, processing through the wounds of post abortion healing through our 12 week Bible Study or our condensed 4 day weekend retreat. Email me for more information.
YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!! You have the power to heal. Tap into your power of choice to live life more abundantly - healed and in wholeness, turning your scars into stars.
Celebrate You! and Be IN Courage.
Monday, August 10, 2009
JOIN US FOR OUR PRAYER WALK AUGUST 15, 2009
You are invited to join us for a one hour PRAY WALK of unified prayer for Elegant Doves International, Saturday morning, August 15, 2009 from 8:00am -9:30am (Rain or Shine) at the Mud Creek Soccer Complex, 5600 Ernest Barrett Parkway, Powder Springs, 30127.
One hour of intense, concentrated, focused prayer for strategies to meet all the overall needs of Elegant Doves; binding the spirit of incest, sexual abuse and abortion across our city, nation and around the globe; lifting up similar ministries and organizations.
Informal (come as you are), unified in purpose, walking the track in groups of 2 or 3's, standing on God's Word.
For more information, email Linda Michelle Trainer @ elegantlin@aol.com
One hour of intense, concentrated, focused prayer for strategies to meet all the overall needs of Elegant Doves; binding the spirit of incest, sexual abuse and abortion across our city, nation and around the globe; lifting up similar ministries and organizations.
Informal (come as you are), unified in purpose, walking the track in groups of 2 or 3's, standing on God's Word.
For more information, email Linda Michelle Trainer @ elegantlin@aol.com
Inspiration from original Steams in the Desert Volume 1
I still remember the day I was in an old book store in Limerick, Ireland and picked up a new copy of "Streams in the Desert" by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. I could hardly believe my eyes. My mom had first introduced me to this inspiring devotional book years earlier, and here I was, working for American Trans Air as a Flight Attendant, on layover near Shannon, Ireland, in a tiny, store-front book store, holding a book that had helped me to understand God on a personal level when I could not make sense of of anything in my young teen life. Out side it was a cold, gray and overcast day, but with the greenest green grass and foliage I had ever seen. Inside that "doll house" size book store, it seemed the sun rose to shine as if in the middle of an August afternoon in the deep south; bright,joyous and sho-nuff real heat!
As I held a copy of the devotional book my mom had allowed me to read on many occasion as I was growing up and going through the hard places in my life (which she did not even know of); the book that peeled back the truth of God's tender love and mercy in ways that I had never understood, I was amazed. I felt a fresh confirmation that the God I had often put on hold, was indeed "sho-nuff real"! I remember pushing back tears as I read words that comforted and encouraged my soul that afternoon in the same way they had before, with the same intensity and the same warmth and power. I have cherished that book ever since; worn,tearing at the seams and taped up, but remaining powerfully anointed and packed with inspiration and encouragement which is truly from God Himself, touching the deep places in my soul with hope and assurance.
Today I came across a selection that I pray and trust will encourage you, as you continue to press through all that life hurls at you. Take comfort that God's Word is the "sword of the Spirit" which can cut through to the core of any challenge, bringing peace and joy back to replace the places of fear and sadness in your life.
Be IN Courage as you read these awe inspiring words. Stand up and DON'T QUIT!
Streams in the Desert - Volume 1 - complied by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
August 8
Thou art my king, O God: Command deliverance (victories, margin) for Jacob. (Psalms 44:4 RV)
There is no foe to your growth in grace, no enemy in your Christian work, which was not included in your Savior's conquests.
You need not be afraid of them. When your touch them, they will flee before you. God has promised to deliver them up before you. Only be strong and very courageous! Fear not, or be dismayed! The Lord is with you. O mighty men of valor - mighty because you are one with the Mightiest. Claim victory!
Whenever your enemies close in upon you, claim victory! Whenever heart and flesh fail, look up and claim VICTORY!
Be sure that you have a share in that triumph which Jesus won, not for Himself alone, but for us all; remember that you were in Him when He won it, and claim victory!
Reckon that it is your, and gather spoils. Neither the Anakim nor fenced cities need daunt or abash you. You are one of the conquering legion. Claim your share in the Savior's victory.
As I held a copy of the devotional book my mom had allowed me to read on many occasion as I was growing up and going through the hard places in my life (which she did not even know of); the book that peeled back the truth of God's tender love and mercy in ways that I had never understood, I was amazed. I felt a fresh confirmation that the God I had often put on hold, was indeed "sho-nuff real"! I remember pushing back tears as I read words that comforted and encouraged my soul that afternoon in the same way they had before, with the same intensity and the same warmth and power. I have cherished that book ever since; worn,tearing at the seams and taped up, but remaining powerfully anointed and packed with inspiration and encouragement which is truly from God Himself, touching the deep places in my soul with hope and assurance.
Today I came across a selection that I pray and trust will encourage you, as you continue to press through all that life hurls at you. Take comfort that God's Word is the "sword of the Spirit" which can cut through to the core of any challenge, bringing peace and joy back to replace the places of fear and sadness in your life.
Be IN Courage as you read these awe inspiring words. Stand up and DON'T QUIT!
Streams in the Desert - Volume 1 - complied by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
August 8
Thou art my king, O God: Command deliverance (victories, margin) for Jacob. (Psalms 44:4 RV)
There is no foe to your growth in grace, no enemy in your Christian work, which was not included in your Savior's conquests.
You need not be afraid of them. When your touch them, they will flee before you. God has promised to deliver them up before you. Only be strong and very courageous! Fear not, or be dismayed! The Lord is with you. O mighty men of valor - mighty because you are one with the Mightiest. Claim victory!
Whenever your enemies close in upon you, claim victory! Whenever heart and flesh fail, look up and claim VICTORY!
Be sure that you have a share in that triumph which Jesus won, not for Himself alone, but for us all; remember that you were in Him when He won it, and claim victory!
Reckon that it is your, and gather spoils. Neither the Anakim nor fenced cities need daunt or abash you. You are one of the conquering legion. Claim your share in the Savior's victory.
From Joshua, by Meyer
We are children of the King. In which way do we most honor our divine Sovereign, by failing to claim our rights and even doubting whether they belong to us, or by asserting our privilege as children of the Royal Family and demanding the rights which belong to our heirship?"
(end quote)
Be IN courage!
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