Young ladies, keep it sacred!

I truly tried hard to maintain my innocence, but I am forever grateful to God for the people who helped me keep it sacred. My first boyfriend ever was in 8th grade I was absolutely "infatuated" with "Indian". He was the first guy who loved me enough not to steal my innocence. I definitely would have probably given in because "I was young and in love." It would have been the greatest error and I am forever grateful for those who were praying for me. I know it was God that truly kept me.

However, the first thing he asked was why are you saving yourself. After we talked he left and he turned into my protector. We both knew I just was not ready and he would tell guys she's no longer my girl but she is a super star and you can not have her. He would say one day she will be on CNN and he would literally chase guys away who flirted with me and he kept me.

Later, I would stay to myself for sometime and then I dated but Mom would always laugh when I said I had a boyfriend because she would say you have no idea what a boyfriend is. She was right, "my motto was I keep my mouth going and my legs crossed" and "boys and books simply don't mix," besides I was not doing what other girls were. I was content with going to the movies in which Mom chaperoned by dropping us off and picking us up. It was very innocent and I was very blessed that the guys I dated were usually gentlemen.

What stood out most in my mind was a guy that tried really hard to get me in bed when I was visiting a friend. He was very attractive and was obviously used to getting his way. However, his comment was the badge of honor I carried in life. He told me that I would keep holding out until no one wanted me etc. I just laughed and said good. He finally ended with but really you're the girl I will be back to marry because I want my daughter to be just like you.

I share this to help young ladies realize a boy or man will take what he can get but even the worst ones still want the woman who holds on to her virtue. In the many years I have been married the men have all been the same. They have flattered me with compliments but the key is to keep yourself out of compromising positions. I have been offered careers that paid $150.00 an hour to promises of how they would see to it that I would have the world. They continued to flatter me with "a woman as bad as you can not have five kids" etc but the key is staying true to God and to yourself. (Princess, you are not for sale).

I tell my children all the time. A man or woman will always choose the one that has been preserved the most. Even today my husband always tells my daughter be like your Mom was. Therefore, keep yourself because every relationship will effect you either emotionally or physically. Be wise concerning your body for you only get one and it is okay to save yourself for that special someone who you will spend the rest of your life with.

"I am Missing You and Nobody Knows it But Me"

Recently a friend reminded me that I am one of the few of my friends that are still married. She asked that I share some ways we have gotten through 17 years of marriage. While it has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life, it has also been one of the best experiences of my life. My recent experience desiring to merge my spiritual life and my natural family life was very difficult. However, my husband and I survived.

Ironically we managed to use "secular" music videos from the past to express our frustrations because I really don't like arguing. I chose "I'm Not Your Superwoman" and he replied I don't want you to be, I just want you to be you. He then replied in song "I'm Missing You, But Nobody Knows it but Me." It was therapy for us and maybe it will help some of you.

To love and have been loved is truly the greatest wealth ever

In my opportunity to spend time evaluating my life journey, I have been blessed to watch Eat, Love and Pray. My friends favorite actress' Julia Roberts did an awesome job. It truly helped me recognize the rich blessings I have been surrounded by, my children who truly love me and a husband that has stuck by my side through thick and thin.

I have had time to truly appreciate the love in my life that comes from my immediate family, extended family and friends. I truly thank everyone who has touched my life and I realize more than ever that rich can be evaluated in many terms but to have lived and to have been loved is truly the wealthiest that one can be.

Healing is right now, God is a right now God!

I was recently asked to share my experiences as a parent. I was hesitant, however, as I began to observe I began to realize I have truly been there and need to share. As a mother of five, there were times when God was doing some amazing things in my life. As soon as I could see the light, my children would get sick, for some reason it would hit one after the other until I heard a sermon about being tired of being sick and tired. The sermon taught on how we have the authority to stop sickness as soon as it enters. We have to get to a place of zero tolerance.

Therefore, I began to meditate on that thing. The next time a child became ill in my home, I did as instructed. I began to talk to the problem. I told sickness it could not remain, I let it know it was trespassing and that there are no vacancies. I advised it had no place in my home and it must go and that was the last time sickness struck each of my children. It attempts but it departs as soon as it enters. I trust God with their health for I know he is a healer.

I specifically call on God to remind him that his word can not come back void and according to Isaiah 53:5 by his stripes they are already healed. I remind God that we are in covenant and therefore his children must be healed. I warn Satan to leave and take his illness with him.

You see it is what is unseen that does the damage. We have to recognize that the spirit realm is where it begins, but you have the ability to cause illness to depart immediately. As Justice my son once reminded me "God didn't say we have to wait", he said "healing is right now!"

Praying for Arizona: A reminder to pray for wisdom for our leaders!

Truly praying for the families in the Arizona shooting. Praying that our leaders will be more careful and realize the power of words and symbols. It is so heart breaking to know that a 9 year old filled with such innocence and potential for greatness was taken away. My prayer is for restoration and healing for Congresswoman Gifford and all injured in this tragic situation. The price of healthcare in one of the wealthiest nations indeed. Does the dollar even compare to such a massive loss?

God is amazing!

2010 was trying for my faith because I love people and although I respect my "secular" friends (as they choose to call themselves) and their interests. A few have had a hard time respecting mine. Yes it is all about Jesus for me. I only want to write about the good He does. I have chosen to devote my testimony to what God has done. You have a right to devote your time to what you have done and what man has done. But please don't come at me the wrong way and believe because I will forgive I will not get upset. I have moments like anyone else. Living for Christ does not mean I will accept the mess.

However, I will commend my friends who are not just calling to seek an ear to hear their problems. I have friends who actually know when I need alone time or know when I too need a listening ear. I have friends who have respected my alone time with God and for that I say thank you! God further confirmed my need to be alone when the phone just broke as it began to ring this week, please know strange things happen for a reason.

I can remember taking a second job at night as an Asst. Manager at a theatre some years ago because of the hours and it allowed my children time at my job and fun for all of us. However, there was a homeless guy and the ushers would try to calm him down and he would just disturb the people. So they would call me and I would pray and as I walked in he would just leave. The ushers were always amazed and I would just smile and say nothing. I knew God was with me when I entered and he knew he could not remain. You see Gods light can not be overshadowed by any darkness. Some people are getting uncomfortable with my silence but we all need time alone.

Thank you for allowing me time to refresh and to renew my alone time with the father. It has truly been an amazing journey. I am simply enjoying hearing the refreshing words of my father, reminding me that he loves me, that he adores little me, that he wants so much more for me. There is nothing more important to me than pleasing my father, for I always want to be the apple of his eye. There is nothing like it! Just know that the father we serve is truly amazing and it is refreshing to spend time alone with Him and only Him.

Clean House in 2011!

2011 is about balance. The world has takers and givers. Sometimes the givers get drained. It is time to do inventory. Sometimes God has to clean house in order to restore that which was stolen. There comes a time when God is ready to repay you seven times what the enemy stole but there are hinderances. We have to truly let go and let God! Therefore, recognize what is surrounding you because everybody can not go on your journey with you.

Don't be disobedient by trying to hold on to that which is already gone!

2011 is the year of the Blessing!

In Christ!

Denise