Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Stay in your Lane: Keys for your assigned race

Hebrews 12


1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Learning how to stay in your own lane especially in your divine assignments can take some time when learning how to balance at first, but ultimately as you mature as a runner; you are able to succeed at what was once the impossible by incorporating a few key steps into your regimen along the way. These keys are practical so they can fit any area you may need help in whether spiritually, relationally or even physically


1. Stay within your set boundaries
Going outside the white lines in a race will cause you to be disqualified. Pay attention to your own inside lines.

2. Be willing to bend as your go around the curve
Issues in relation to your assignment may arise, but you will have to learn how to just go with the flow. Remain Flexible.

3. Keep your pace
Don’t try to use all of your energy up at the beginning of the race. Pace yourself in the Holy Spirit.

4. Stay Focused
Set your face as flint on the task at hand. Remain faithful to God in your assignment. He will tell you when the assignment is completed.

5. Push forward when directed
At the leading of the Holy Spirit press into prayer and fasting when you are led to to do so. This will give you strength when you feel you are at your weakest.

6. Celebrate those who cross the finish line before you do
Rejoice and celebrate with others who are promoted or blessed before you are. What God has done for others can serve as motivation for you.

7. Keep a good attitude
Don’t try to overshadow someone else’s victory with a bad attitude. A victory for one in Christ is always a victory for the whole body of believers. We are on the same team.

Prayerfully, these simple keys will help you along your journey as you keep pace in the race that has been set before you. May you always feel the love, joy and faithfulness of those who are assigned to cheer you on daily. A runner always performs much better when they have positive people cheering them on. Blessings.

Monday, April 18, 2011

"A Poetic View" 2011 National Poetry Month Spotlight for this week: Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928, is an author, writer and poet who writes poetry with a flair of color and a whole lot of jazz. Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993, she is only the 2nd poet to have recited poetry during a presidential inauguration in our nation's history. Angelou one of our nation's most recognized poet's has also worn many hats throughout her life & career including those of a civil rights activist, dancer, film producer, television producer, playwright, film director, author, actress and professor.

Dr. Angelou has received over 30 honorary degrees and is Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. On February 15, 2011, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom the nation's highest civilian honor for contributions to society.

The Lesson


I keep on dying again.
Veins collapse, opening like the
Small fists of sleeping
Children.
Memory of old tombs,
Rotting flesh and worms do
Not convince me against
The challenge. The years
And cold defeat live deep in
Lines along my face.
They dull my eyes, yet
I keep on dying,
Because I love to live.

Maya Angelou

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

"A Poetic View" 2011 National Poetry Month Spotlight for this week: James Mercer Langston Hughes

James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, novelist, playwright, and columnist. He was one of the earliest innovators of the new literary art form jazz poetry. Hughes is best-known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He famously wrote about the period that "Harlem was in vogue".


The Negro Speaks of Rivers

I've known rivers:
I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the
flow of human blood in human veins.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I danced in the Nile when I was old
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln
went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy
bosom turn all golden in the sunset.

I've known rivers:
Ancient, dusky rivers.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.


The Negro Speaks of Rivers" (1920)