Thanksgiving Day 2017

There is something to be said about traditions, yes, some of them need to be done away with, but there are some that we should hold on to forever and this is one of them. There is nothing like thanksgiving day with family and friends- whoever they may be.  After my recent mission trip to Guatemala, seeing their love for family and community, have restored my love and gratitude for the holiday. Therefore, I wanted to do something different, but I didn't want to be alone, I wanted to see my family and friends I haven't seen in a long time. So, I convinced my son (Reuben) to take a road trip with me, even though he was going out of town,  he said yes! He was there at 5:30 am, we loaded the car and off we went. I drove, he slept, we stopped for gas and to eat enjoying our time together.
 We are now at my sister house, entered, forgetting the code for the alarm, yes you got it, the alarm is going off, I am afraid that the police will show up and arrest us for breaking and entering (see how the mind works, hahaha). Finally got the alarm off, verified information for the authority, now let the celebrating begin.
My nephew(Carlos) came in with his twins (a girl and a boy),O Joy!! He and his wife are both in the military. He is back from tour duty, but his wife is still in Afghanistan. Hats off to them both for their service. 
Then we were off to see other family members and eating at every stop, well not at every stop (in case my doctor is reading this) .  Unfortunately, my time was limited and I couldn't see everyone. The  big deal was hosted by my baby brother (John) and his wife (Wanda) in the country (Charleston, SC). A house full to capacity of people talking loudly, laughing and eating from tables of food, until you just couldn't eat anymore. I had so much fun with a lot of people I've never met before. We met as strangers and parted as family and friends. You guys did a good job baby brother; really good, Daddy would be proud of you.
While I had so much fun with everyone, the best time was with my baby (Reuben). Watching and listening to Reuben as he interacted with everyone, caused me to realize what an awesome young man he has become. Best road trip ever!! We talked almost the entire three hours back. Thanks, son, truly appreciate it. Safe travels today.
Now to my oldest son, daughter in law and grandson. We missed you so much, but understand having to share yourselves with each family. Thank you Jeremy, Asha and Elijah for the lovely dinner you shared with us before leaving and the thanksgiving day picture. I know you guys are having a great time, but I can't wait until you all are back home (my need to control, a little).
This has been one of the best thanksgiving day ever and there have been some good ones.
Thanks to all of my family and friends, old and new for making this holiday so very special.

Jessie

Doing the Right Thing, always Pay off.

A Testimony -

WOW ! another year has come and gone. Good bye 2012, thanks for the memories. There were so many lessons learn, that enlighten my life with knowledge, wisdom and understanding,  I will never be the same.  Our God is so awesome! that He made sure my year ended with a bang. A couple of days before Christmas, my husband went to a store and found an item that is expensive. He waited at the store hoping that someone would show up looking for it, but no such luck. We went on a mission to find the owner, we located some information and made contact, after having them to id the item, we met. The item was returned and through much tears and hugging, we were informed that they had given up on ever finding it. What stood out to me was when she told us that she ask God "who are these people?  Well, we hug some more and departed.  As we returned home, feeling all warm on the inside, I heard in my thoughts " this is how you make the world beautiful for Jesus, one person at a time".  I shared the thought with my husband and we prayed, giving thanks to God for the mind to do the right thing.  It's not over yet! About two days before Christmas, I received a call and it was my new friend (that own the item) wanting to see me. She came bearing gifts, I know WOW, right. It was such a surprise, and a bit over-whelming (weren't expecting anything). That was the start of it all. Now it's Christmas Eve, I get a phone call from another friend who wanted to see me, we met and you got it, more gifts, things that I've been hoping for. Christmas Day family and friends, but it was even more special because of  restored relationships.
Since that day in December, my life has been full of surprises. Thanks 2012 for all the memories. 

This is where 2013 begins and the surprises continue. Another friend calls, I was on her mind and she believe that the Lord spoke and told her to (you got it) be a blessing to me, so she obey and I was blessed, yet again. After each of these blessings, I heard "see doing the right things all ways pay off".

When God said that He will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus, believe you me, He will (Philippians 4:19). Therefore, let us make a greater effort to do the right thing each day and declare 2013 as the year to make the world beautiful for Jesus.

Grace and Peace,

Jessie Singleton

Things In Common: People of God, Remember God

Things In Common: People of God, Remember God

I've heard it all, now they want guns in the schools? Come on! really?

People of  the most High God, your hearts maybe broken/hurting even over this tragedy and the others that came before, so am I. However, don't close your eyes to what is going on. Teachers and administrators carrying guns in the schools. What?

Why would we want to support more guns on the streets, in our homes,  and now in our schools, God forbid.

Don't make the gun organization richer by purchasing their guns. The very thing that have us hurting and grieving today.

I don't know what the answer is. Something must be done, yes, I agree, but it's not more guns, but more prayer.  In 2Chronicles 7:14 - 15 - If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place (ESV).

Let's bombard Heaven with our concerns through fasting and prayer. After all, God is watching and waiting to hear from us.

Grace and Peace,

Jessie

Things In Common - Rejections

Today’s Moments of Hope: Rejection is God’s protection

Posted on April 10, 2012 by David_Chadwick

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If you’ve lived any number of years on this earth, you’ve most likely been rejected. Therefore, when (not if) it happens, here are some things to remember about rejection:
Rejection is God’s protection. You are probably being guarded from something very evil. Therefore, thank God for the rejection!
Rejection is wrong direction. It’s a way to put you on the right path in life. Therefore, it’s something to be celebrated.
Rejection is just perception. The person who rejected me doesn’t really know me. It’s just a perception they had of me.
Rejection is no more dejection. That chapter in my life has been written. It’s time to write a new one. It’s time to move on.
Rejection is not the end of my life. Indeed, if I really trust God, it’s a new opportunity in life for me! There’s something and someone even better in life waiting for me.
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Things In Common - Hope

Happy New Year facebook friends! This is your year, there is hope and things will get better. My lesson for the 2011 was realizing that I am not GOD. I tried  to fix every problem and to be there for everyone, but with my flaws, I some time fail and didn't know how to help. It hurt.  That is when God spoke to my heart and remind me that He has everything under control. I then relinquished all control into His capable hands. Now with renewed hope, I look forward to see what the Lord has for me. Keep believing no matter how things look. I hope you walk into the New Year with your head high and your dreams alive.  I will.

Have a safe and prosperous Year!!
Love you all

Things In Common - Being Who you Are

Hello all! I've been still and quiet since August, giving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the opportunity to speak to my heart. If you know Him (Jesus), you know He has done just that.  I placed a question before the Lord, Who am I, doing this time of transition? There were so many things coming at me all at once, it became confusing. While I do appreciate my family and friends care and concerns for me, I realized that I'm not them. I've been examining my life and rediscovering who I am. To start this journey, I was given this scripture to keep in mind, Psalm 139:14"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well". Know that you are awesome. I took a sheet of paper and divided it down the middle. I then wrote on one side "Who I was created to be" and on the other side "Who I've become". This is to be a soul searching event, me and Jesus alone. I had to be honest and go deep with in. It caused me to laugh, as well as cry. when I revisited areas that still have hurt and pain attach to it, I realized that these are the areas that I had not forgiven. Once I forgave it all, I felt so clean and free, but a little vulnerable (as if nothing was hidden), then came Peace. Let me say here, do not do this until you feel ready, this is all about you and if you decide to don't try to run a Marathon with it . It took me from August to November. There are many things I am not able to share at this time, but I can say that I not only Love myself, but that I Like myself (who I was created to be by the Father). Love yourself and don't be afraid of being who you are. Embrace all of you, the good and the not so good, and now you can change those things that stop you from being your best. If you don't like who you are, go to Jesus and let Him show you how. Remember, you were created with much care and love, you are not an accident. The Father knows what He is doing and being who you are says I trust Him.
Love you all and pray for you daily.

Things In Common - Being Still

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10).  I woke up with several scriptures this morning  and this was the first of three. I hear the Father saying "Be Still", for God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble. Therefore, don't let these times of turmoil bring fear; just remember to be still and with your heart hear and receive the love that the Father has for you. We need to give all our worries, anxieties, and problems to the Lord, Jesus Christ, let Him handle it, and He will. For I Peter 5:7  states "casting all  your care upon Him, for He cares for you". Are we to do nothing? No, that's not what I'm saying. As we go from day to day lets not allow ourselves to become depress and hopeless because of what things look like, but allow our faith to be Stretch. We must trust Him, He will not fail us. He has a very good track record. So keep casting every care on Him, He can handle it. Every morning give thanks for His purpose for that day. The third scripture is Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you". This is the Lord promising to be right in the mist of it all with us. He will not abandon us, with all that He's already done for us, why would He change now? For He gave His only Son. I believe that the Bible is the word of God, it represents God, therefore, He (God) must honor His word. If we allow our faith to be stretch (rubberband), we will come out on top.  Together  these three scriptures give such a powerful reassurance of God's love for His children.  Be encouraged and continue to believe the word of God, to stand on the word of God, and to trust in the word of God.
Father, we are being still before You, casting all of our care on You, because we know that You care for us, for You will never leave us nor forsake/abandon us during our time of trouble. We realize that You are our refuge and strength a present help in trouble; and Lord, we are in trouble. Hear our cry, O Lord, and rescue us. In Jesus' name.  

Things In Common - Believe and Receive

> Believe and Receive


>TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

>“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”

>(Mark 11:24, NIV)

>TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

>Has God spoken things to your heart that haven’t come to pass yet? Sometimes when we are believing for things, it’s easy to let circumstances and the pressures of life drag us down. But when you make the choice to receive your promise and start to picture it in your mind’s eye and declare it by faith, then you start to become stronger. You begin to feel more confident. You begin to feel more settled on the inside. You begin to have joy and peace because you know God is working behind the scenes on your behalf.

>What are you believing for God to do in your life today? Can you see it in your mind’s eye? Can you see yourself healed? Can you see yourself paying off that last debt? Can you see yourself at your ideal weight? Can you see yourself sharing the gospel with a family member or coworker? Ask the Lord to give you a picture of what He sees when He looks at you. As you open your heart and allow God’s thoughts to become your thoughts and receive His promises by faith, just like it says in the above verse — whatever you ask for in prayer will be yours!

>A PRAYER FOR TODAY

>Heavenly Father, thank You for another day to serve You. Thank You for the gift of faith. Help me to hold fast to Your promises today. I choose to set my focus on You. Give me strength to stand knowing that You will complete what You started in my life! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Lesson Learn - Be Encourage

I woke up this morning needing to be encourage, so I went to my source (the Bible) that encourages me the most, read my emails and came up with this thought. Be encourage, refuse to give in to the frustration that has come as a result of dealing with hindrances. Instead, set yourself to seek Me for wisdom and clarity, for I will give you the grace to accomplish what I have set before you, says the Lord. This is certainly not a time when you should get discouraged and give up. You are on the brink of breakthrough. Keep pushing. Keep trusting. Keep the faith!




Isaiah 58:8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Lesson Learn

July 12, 2011


Defeating Discouragement

NEHEMIAH 2:1-8

Discouragement can rob peace, joy, and contentment. But I have great news if you feel disheartened: You're not stuck!

I've known people who appeared to be in an impossible situation. A few years later, however, they were in a terrific place, either in terms of their circumstances or their emotions. The reason? They never gave up. Instead of sulking in self-pity, they chose to believe God, step out in faith, and climb out of the emotional pit.

Nehemiah is a good example. He had every reason to feel defeated, because his people were in trouble. After receiving news that the city wall had been destroyed, this man of God acknowledged profound disappointment and grieved. Though pain flooded his soul, he didn't allow himself to stay in that low place. Instead, Nehemiah cried out to God, seeking direction.

Sadness in the presence of royalty was punishable by death. But the Lord answered Nehemiah's prayer with amazing power, prompting the king to notice his servant's sad countenance and then to ask what he could do to help. This miracle led to the rebuilding of the wall and the redemption of God's people.

The Lord can take an impossible situation—no matter what it is—and move in ways mightier than you can imagine.

Do you live in eager expectation of what the Lord will do? Or have you chosen to linger in the depths of despair? Like Nehemiah, turn your disappointment into a petition for God's help. He can restore your hope and prevent negative emotions from gaining a stranglehold on your life.
Good advice from Charles Standley. Enjoy.

Things In Common - Right Shoes and Walking

Hey! have you ever had a child with a ruptured Achilles Tendon? Well it's no picnic. My son recently ruptured his achilles tendon while at Appalachian State University, playing basketball with friends. He tried to hide it from me, because it was the day before my birthday. What he didn't realized is that mothers have a sixth sense when it comes to their children. The next day, my birthday, I could not shake the feeling  that something was wrong.  I picked up my phone to make a call and his phone number showed up on my phone, so I called and the rest you know. Now the real work begins, it was off to the doctor to find out, yes, it's ruptured and he must have surgery. He was not very happy about the news, because it meant crutches once again (3rd time). When we went to the hospital on the day of his surgery, all he could think about was the fact that he could only wear his left foot of shoes and in fact he only brought home the left foot of each pair of shoes he own. This was a long day sitting in the waiting area, but the fun began when we were able to see him and get him checked out to go home. The medication had him asking where was his older brother, who was at work, the dog, and Turk (TV show Scrubs). The surgery went well and it was time for me to be both mom and nurse, I have to admit, I enjoyed it.  It was every three to four hours of icing the leg and giving him the pain medication. I felt as if I had my baby back (22yrs old) and that felt good. I was more alive and happy than I've been for a while. The next step was getting the stitches out and having a cast put on. From day one, this young man began the count down as to when the cast is coming off and he can wear his right shoes and walk flat again. The fun is slowly fading and I too want the cast off. He went back to Appalachian to finish up the semester, oh happy day. He ended the semester strong, even after having about three weeks of works to make up and taking his finials. The time has come and the cast maybe coming off, I hope it is, because this boy is planning on running if the doctor try to put another cast on. What it comes down to is wearing the right foot of your shoes, walking or a cast. He has forgotten that he will have to wear a big boot on that foot for a while and then therapy. Well, I guess  if he get another cast, because I love my son, I will probably run away from home. Prayer is needed. Thanks

My Sons, My Heros

I was recently awaken out of my sleep with this thought "If you do right by your kids, they will rise up to meet you". I'll be honest with you, I didn't know what it meant, but I prayed and ask the Lord what does this mean? And soon I had my answer. This is where the title of this blog come in, My Son, My Hero. I get ask all the time how did I get my sons to grow up with such respect for others and most of all for each other? They are each other best friend. My reply was always "I don"t know, prayer". It was prayer!! I believe the Bible when it say to train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. I believe that a newborn  baby is a gift of great value from the Lord; I believe that parents are commission by God of the great responsibility of rearing our children; I also believe that it takes great wisdom to raise our children, even more so today. I didn't know what i was doing, therefore I kept my children before the Lord in prayer; every where I went they did also. I had to denied myself  many things in order to live in a decent house/community for the safety of my children. As a woman, it was extremely hard, because you can't keep up with the friends and trends of the time, nor can you have white furniture and expect it to be a home for little children.  I decided to give the best of me to my children; and that is my love for them and the Lord, Jesus Christ. I've always told my children that I wanted them to love the Lord as much as I do; He saved my life. Now that my sons are soon to be 26 and 22 years old, they have rise up to meet me and I am proud to say that I was given the honor of training them. When we put our all into raising our children, it will pay off in the end. One my sons has finished college and one is about to finish, they have always held a job of some sort to help with their personal needs. However, the thing that make me so proud is that when I got laid off, it was under some questionable circumstances. As the head of  house hold (husband on disability), I couldn't afford to be without a job. This sent me into a downward spiral, fighting to keep the faith, all of the phone calls stop(where did they all go?), no one to talk to without walking away feeling like it was all my fault, it was my problem. I was in a car accident in May 2009, a year later I lost my job, even though I had just graduated from UNCC with a Masters of Art in Teaching (December 2009), I am unemployed. I have a mortgage, student loans for me and my sons, and other bills (no, not credit cards) that I am responsible for. This is when it began to change for me; no one calling any longer and others are calling looking to me for help, I stuff my feelings and went with the flow, sinking deeper and deeper into despair; not paying attention to my needs. My son came to me and offered me what I had always offered them, My love for the Lord Jesus Christ. He offered me Jesus! It still makes me cry. I was sinking deep into depression and My Son, My Hero said "mom come and go with me, I found a church that teaches the bible just like you and I think you will enjoy it". I promised to go the next Sunday and I did. He brought me back to my first love. Oh! my God my sons have rise up to meet me. Love your children enough to train them in the way they should go and they will rise to meet you (your expectations).  So, let your expectations for them be the same as the Lords' (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

What's Next

In the last two years I've lost a total of 73 pounds, life was good. Little that I knew, I would  be involved in a car accident, have major surgery and get laid off.  I've since gain all of the weight back and am now looking for work.  What's next for me? I'm still in love with teaching and working with at risk children. I've recently received my passport and now dream of going on missions around the world. I have my husband and two sons, who desperately needs me and my hand full of friends.  What's next? I will get this weight off again and maybe even get a job or establish my own business. I've learned so much during these set backs and I am determined to use everyone of them. So, what's next? Me, finally it's my turn.
Thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for His loving kindness toward me. 

Things In Common - Face to Face

 Have you ever sat down to watch a show on TV and it sound as if they were talking about you? Someone is describing you to million of people. You have now come face to face with you. What is one to do? What do you do with the information? Do you accept it as truth, grow and move on/or do you denie it, say that's not me and refuse to change. In the book of St. James (1:24) states that he takes a good look at himself and then goes away and at once forgets what he looks like;walking away forgetting whose face was in the mirror does not profit any of us. We must be willing to face the truth about ourselves, in order to grow and become a better person. I was watching Dr. Phil and to my surprise I heard them talking about who seem to be me and without my permission. What I thought about me (the good,the bad and the ugly), but couldn't put it in words or where afraid to put into words was now staring me in the face. It was hard but I decided to embrace the truth and face me, myself, and I. I believe that truth is inside of us and we know it, but is terrified of coming face to face with it. Accept all of you and you will be the better for it. Grace and Peace.

Things In Common - Different yet Alike

Things In Common - The Heart

The heart is like that of a computer, what you put in will come out. I was thinking  about life's trails,  testings, difficulties, fears and how it really builds character in us. It doesn't feel good when we are going through difficult times, but it is to make us into who God has created us to be. I realize that God will allow us to go through a time of testing just to see what is in our heart. What is in your heart? Will you stand and trust Him or will you crumble under pressure. What is in our heart is what's going to come out.  Apostle Peter writes "Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trails you suffer. Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed" (I Peter 1:6,7.. Good News Bible). Therefore keep your heart fill with songs, with love, with joy, with kindness, happiness and with faith, knowing that it is making us into the very image of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I will tell you this, what is in your heart will shine through, so let it be the Son.

Things In Common - Purpose

Welcome to Jessie's Desk and I'm Jessie. I am a teacher who have been laid off.  So, like many others, it was a shock. It seem so unfair, since I did everyting right. I even went back to college and obtained my M.A.T from UNC Charlotte. At first I felt betraded. It was not the fact that I got laid off but the way it was done. I became angry and would have still been angry, if the Lord was not on my side. He spoke to my heart and told me to forgive it all, trust Him to take care of me, because He cares for me. Let it go. I had to go in today for a reemployment workshop and it was hard knowing that I would have been at work getting my classroom ready for my students. If you or someone you know have been laid off and are having a great deal of emotions, encourage them to trust God, even on the hard days, dealing with rejections all over again, just trust in the Lord, He loves you very much and will not leave you alone. Promise me that you will get up every day and at lease take a step outside of the house. Do not crawl into a hole. You are important and have a lot to offer. Maybe this is the time to go inside and see if you are living out your purpose. I can tell you what works for me and that is prayer or just talking to the Lord, He really listens. It's like once I start talking and crying on his shoulders, He drys all of my tears away and give me peace. Share a smile with someone today and make a difference in their lives.  I leave you with Pslam 121:1-8, read it meditate on it and let it bless you.

Things In Common - The Date

My youngest son and I went out on a date Saturday to spend our time together before going back to college. I'm his only girlfriend for now (until he goes back to college). I've always had my special time with both of my sons since elementary school. I had the best time with him, only I don't remember it being so expensive. It was a happy meal and I was the best mother ever, now it's  almost the price of a mortgage payment.  He pick the place and off we went, it was so much fun, laughing,talking and oh yea eating (no wonder I can't lose weight). While on the date with my son my eyes became open and reality kinda hit me right between the eyes, my son is not a little boy anymore. He has become such a mature young man. Where did the know it all boy go? Who is this person ? Is this really my son? Wow!! prayer does work.  The Lord has made me a joyful mother of children (Ps. 113:9) and my children has brought me joy. We are not perfect but we are trying to be the best parents, advisers, motivators, teachers, and now the friend that these two need us to be. As parents we must know when to step back and allow God to be God and love them, just love them like Christ loves us.

Things In Common - Friendship

Have you ever woke-up in the morning with a thought on your mind and you just couldn't seem to shake it? Well, today was one of those days for me and I couldn't shake this thought all day. So here's my thoughts.
If you trust the Lord He will send friends that will build faith in your life. friends will be the people who will cause your dreams to soar, to motivate you and believe in your vision. It is important to know who your friends are and what their bringing to the friendship.  The bible gives us an example of what true friendship should look like. In I Samuel Chapters 19 and 20, we get a picture of loyalty between two friends, Jonathan and David. Friendship is nothing without loyalty, honesty and love. You and your friends should have things in common, mutual respect, wanting the same things and knowing how to be there for each other. In John 15:13-15, Jesus call  us friend. He is our friend and He gave His life for us. We don't have to worry or be afraid for He is a loyal friend who will be there for you. Just cry out to Him and He will be there, to never leave you alone, forsake you, abandon you or let you go.  Well, I know my thoughts seem scattered, but I hope you get the picture and be encouraged. I'll end with the Golden Girls theme song; Thank you for being a friend!! Love somebody, hug somebody and be friend someone today. God bless.

Things In Common - An Open Door

A door has been opened for you, but it mean nothing unless you walk through it.  The scripture states that an open door has been set before you and no one can shut it (Rev. 3:8). The Lord has open a door for you, will you walk through it. Jesus will not lead you wrong.