13th Disciple PRAISE

GOD I PRAISE YOU because I am just a servant.  I have no education, no money, no unique skills and no friends in high places.

I marvel at what YOU did with a handful of disciples.  I absolutely praise You for what You've done with my life and what You're planning to do.

I'm just a simple girl who serves a MIGHTY GOD!

Yes, I praise You!

Always Meeting My Needs PRAISE

I needed some #encouragement and went down to the lobby to talk with Chet.  He and Marietta are believers and as always, GOD gets the glory when we gather in His name.

Later I was praying about something, using scriptures, and the Spirit of the Lord took me here: 

"...the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me." -John 14:30 NLT

I needed a Word from God and He, once again, #proved to be FAITHFUL.  I have to PRAISE HIM!

I wept... #so very grateful

I absolutely love that I can PRAY and PRAISE the Lord here without Persecution.

FATHER, In Jesus' name, cover my brothers and sisters in the Lord across the globe as they face persecution day after day.  THANK YOU for Your promises: 

"...the Lord God knows how to save those who are devoted to him. He will save them when troubles come. And the Lord will hold evil people to punish them on the day of judgement." 2 Peter 2:9 NIV

"The LORD is my Rock, my fortress, my place of safety. He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection..." Psalm 18:2 ERV

May they run to You, their Abba, for an extra measure of compassion, strength and perseverance. May YOU alone be glorified and remind them that their reward will be great for those found faithful. In His name, I pray. Amen. 

Proverbs 11:25 PRAISE

On Christmas day, my heart was SO happy!  I woke up excited while still at my mom's and the morning was just beautiful.  Her Christmas tree was so pretty and the light was coming through her window reminding me of His Grace! I hugged my mommy around 10:00, and headed out to find a cup of coffee....YAY! 7-Eleven was open.  Yummy!

Just bubbling over with Jesus Joy, I headed to Howard Rd., to see the Fuller girls.  As usual, I said, after parking and walking up to the door..."God I know there's a penny out here."  I looked around and did not see one.  Then I decided to walk around the tree-box and there it was, behind the tree on the ground.  And then, when I discovered that the entrance door was locked so I walked back around to the front and yelled up to the balcony...another penny (this one so bright and shiny) right in front of my feet.  :-)

Before leaving, I prayed over the girls dad and we prayed at the dinner table! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! My gran-girls are covered by HIS Blood!  I PRAISE YOU FATHER!

When I got home, Missy called me and minutes into our conversation, completely caught off guard, I begin to weep.  God knows why.  I love how God knows all about me and how HE used my Missy to encourage me.  We had sweet fellowship on the phone and afterwards, I had even sweeter fellowship on the floor of my God Space.  I had some chores to take care of before hitting the road and after I'd finished them, I purposed my heart to hear from the Lord.  All I wanted was to be still with my Savior, to pray and to be ministered to.  I got my Advent Devotional and there it was #again...my #2018 Word from the Holy Spirit....experience...

God says that for those who refresh others will be refreshed; according the Proverbs 11:25.

I sat down at the foot of the cross and brought my heartfelt petitions to HIM and He met me where I was.  I PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME!

Father I love YOU and I PRAISE YOU!  I wept some more and some more, YOU comforted me!

First devotional: As we reflect on this past year, we recognize that some hopes around the world have died while others have been birthed.  But the Savior's birth over 2,000 years ago continues to "garland" the hearts of all who joyfully received the "Lord of the universe" and #experience HIS eternal hope and peace.

Second devotional: YOU will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! -Isiah 26:3 NLT

I came before Your Throne and I received mercy, grace and peace...I PRAISE YOU and I Thank YOU! (Hebrews 4:16)

My Missy PRAISE

While driving toward Ohio, the sun/Son was basking on me, His chosen and favorite one, I used my earbuds and had the sweetest fellowship with Missy, my sister in the faith :-)

She moved away and I love and miss her dearly. We always share our praises, heartfelt burdens, trials and the HOPE we have in the Lord Jesus Christ.  We get to encourage one another, cry together from time to time, as we reveal our deepest prayer request, and we get to laugh out loud because of the authentic fellowship that comes from being His.

The PRAISE aside from Jesus being Lord of #our lives is that He reunited us from our New Carrolton days.  In my youth, my big sister and I lived in an apartment complex with our mom off of 85th Ave..  I think I was in the 7th grade.  Missy and I are about five years apart and back then her big sister and my big sister were friends.  We had no idea until Valentine's Day of 2014.

I had a single girls "get together" and Missy overheard me talking about my sister. That's when she remembered the name from her youth.  As we talked more, she called her sister to verify that it was in fact true.  Yes, it turned out that we were neighbors when we were young.  We could not believe it.  ONLY Jesus could have woven our lives together again, on Purpose for His Purpose.

I remember when I first met Missy. I was locked out of my condo and instead of going to the 8:15 service, I had to wait for the Locksmith.  Afterward, I attended the 10:45 service.  It was there that I met Melissa and her beloved son, Josh.  They were seated behind me and I loved them instantly.  Overtime, we became friends and discovered that in addition to our prior address, we had lots of stuff in common.  PRAISE THE LORD for Reuniting us.  I love praying for her and her (Four Kings) and I love how we have seen the Lord answer so many of the prayers that we've prayed so far. 

God we are fully TRUSTING You and we are #expecting more answered prayers because You said that if we have #faith the size of a mustard seed...YOU would do the rest.  Increase our faith Lord! We love You, we need YOU and we Praise You!

Telephone PRAISE

I have been procrastinating about getting dental insurance.  I had it before I retired and then I didn't.  PRAISE THE LORD, I now have it.  I had to contact the Provider, pick a doctor and request my new member's card.  YAY...it's done! I finally did that today. Thank YOU GOD!

The woman on the other end of the phone sounded so very pleasant and so eager to meet my needs.  I told her that her voice was very warm and very friendly.  I could tell that she was smiling wide as she said, "Thank you."

While she had me on hold, I heard the Spirit say, "Ask about her prayer needs."  I always get nervous about that, as I mentioned in a previous post....but I desire that my heart of obedience would overrule my fleshly fear. So before hanging up, I asked Yvonne if I could pray for her.  She said, "Yes, please pray for my family."

I went on to say that we can be sure that HE hears us when we pray in faith.  She said, "AMEN, I'm a #believer!"

My heart did cartwheels!  My #favorite 4 words!  PRAISE THE LORD!

In No Particular Order...

PRAISE:

Today was an awesome time of fellowship in the Walmart parking lot.  My heart was sad and only God knows why. I had intended on going to Giant Food to pick up one item, drop it off and come back home.  Therefore, I intentionally did NOT PRAY for a divine appointment.

I needed to be alone with the Lord on this day.  But after running the single errand...I found myself at Panera, then Walmart.  After not getting what I came there for, I was walking back to my car and just grateful that I have a GOD who cares about all the things that are on my heart.  As I approached my car, a woman was sitting in a black car next to mine.  Her window was half down and I said, "Hi."  She smile and returned the greeting.

The Spirit stilled me and I did not immediately drive off.  I looked over at her and she had her hand over her head and I thought to myself that she was either sad or not well.  I took a deep breath (as leaning into the Spirit is always outside my comfort zone) and I asked her if she would like to pray!  She said, "Yes, I would love to pray!"

PRAISE THE LORD!  We prayed in the public's eye, in the midst of Christmas shopping and in the PRECIOUS and MATCHLESS name of Jesus!  We quoted scripture and reminded GOD of what He has promised His children and it was so rich and encouraging.  As it turned out, she knows two fellow former coworkers who are now in the ministry...Arlinda Page and Stacye Earl.  

Her husband had returned to the car, put the packages in the trunk and sat on the driver's side to smoke a cigarette. He was quiet and patient as we continued to PRAISE OUR KING!  I loved that her husband didn't rush her along. 

GOD IT WAS YOUR PRESENCE and YOUR PERFECT TIMING!  I needed it as did my sister in Christ, Karen. I told her that I loved her.  THANK YOU! Another PROMISE according to Isaiah 65:24.

Answered Prayer:

Father I praise Your Holy name because YOU have given me my heart's desire. YES YOU! I wanted to be a journalist, but ended up being a cop...Patrol Officer for 8 years and then a Supervisor for 17....WOW!

PRAISE THE LORD I SURVIVED!!!

GOD has given me the two things I wanted the most: The ability to serve seniors and the ability to counsel young girls and women.  I could not do with without the Grace, Wisdom and Discernment of my LORD!  I prayed and He answered.  I still pray and He still answers...

YET another Promise fulfilled...Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you your heart's desire. (Referencing Psalm 37:4)

Answered Prayer:

Yesterday, I prayed for a Divine appointment and Yes, HIS Faithfulness was astounding.  Alicia had texted me a heartfelt prayer request.  I was planning on going to DC to visit Mother Williams and the Holy Spirit said to stop and see Alicia.  Being obedient, I got a "Praying The Names of God" devotional and started my day....

One beautiful blessing after another, just as He promised in His Word... (John 1:16 NLT "From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another!)"

I started by going to Alicia's job. I drove to the Sixth District and it was gone. Lol

I had no idea it had been relocated.  But while there, I saw Det. MacWilliams at the gas pumps. What a joy!  Then another blessing, a big one--->  I saw Juanita Brown!  WOW...what sweet and genuine fellowship. Next, I went to the new location of the Sixth District and Youth Division, off of 49th Street., Northeast. There GOD gave me a double blessing by allowing both Casey and Shelly to still be at work.  It was His perfect timing.  They were getting ready to check off.  We had hugs, love, pics, and more hugs in the lobby.  THEN I grabbed their hands and we prayed.  OH YES I DID! We prayed right there in the police lobby.

Answered Prayer:

I pray when I leave the house, if not before (giving the day over to GDO). Lately, I've been praying for Divine Encounters.  He answered last Thursday when I saw Jesse at the WaWa Gas station.  WOW. We hadn't see one another in years.  He had a glow and it was obvious that God's FAVOR and GRACE was with him.

He also answered when I saw Pastor Joe and his beloved Ruth at the Walmart.  The night before, Alex shared some profound visions and scriptures that the Lord had given him concerning Ezekiel.  I was bursting with JOY and absolutely had to share it with someone soon.  I went to get my prescription and some vitamins when Pastor Joe saw me.  I had church right there in the medicine isle.  I was praising GOD and dancing and praising and dancing and praising...WOW, it was so #yummy!  They were just the ones who would appreciate HIS profound work in my son's life and to understand the heart of this praying momma.  The fruit of my prayers are coming to pass and YES, I'm going to PRAISE Him in the Walmart and any place else He allows.

Answered Prayer:

December 20, 2017, my heart was so heavy as I prayed in my God Space.  I love that the Lord met me there and collected more of my tears to add to the collection that He already has.  I then went to get dressed and fixed a cup of tea before heading to church to watch the babies.  I got my Advent Devotional and prayed again. I prayed this: "Father may YOU grant me another #divineencounter just as you’ve done the past three times that I prayed.  May YOU do it via email, text, call, face to face or by the POWER of Your Holy Spirit through something I read".  And lo’ and behold, YOU answered my prayer. 

My #2018 Word is “Experience.”  Here’s what You said, through one of Your servants: "May you, this Christmas, experience the realization of the priestly blessing because of our Great High Priest, Jesus: May the Lord envelope you in HIS peace (referencing Numbers 6:26).:

Praise: 

I recently returned from Ghana.  About three or so weeks ago.  Back up: my dad gave me a love offering for my retirement gift last June.  I deposited it because I hadn't decided which to purchase, a camera or computer.  I'd been wanting a real camera but the choices were too great.  I love taking photos w/my cell but there are those moments when I'm staring at God's creation and the cell cannot capture the INCREDIBLE GLORY of His one-of-kind Masterpieces.  I also wanted a new computer because I absolutely love to write.  I have an (old) Ipad, not a complaint, just a fact...but I love keyboards.  I also have an old Dell...enough said. Lol I say all that to say, I had not spent the money that my #daddy gifted me...until

A few months back I was called to work for a Christian Organization and I would need high-speed internet.  I finally surrendered and got cable and internet services after not having it for almost 7 years.  THEN, my brother in Christ, Christ, who follows me on FB sent me a text, inviting me to come to Ghana.  When I asked him the cost, it was the exact amount I had left after buying a new laptop.  ONLY GOD could have me put money in the back and leave it there for over 14 months.  HE promised to supply all my needs and the money was truly a blessing and not a necessity.  

Back to Ghana: While there amazing things happened...BUT anyone who follows Christ already knows that.  I want to share a simple prayer to say that what matters to us, matters to GOD! 

I do not like bugs, especially the mosquitos that love to have parties over my doorframe every summer since I moved in.  AND, don't even get me started on spiders.  ANYWAY, I said, "Father, if YOU want to use me in GHANA, I want to be able to go back home and tell everyone that I prayed that YOU would not let my eyes see any bugs in this house." The mission house, had bugs.  It was hot and there were spiders, mosquitos and other "who shall remain nameless" bugs in and around the house.  To my knowledge, there were four big spiders.  Judith killed one, Kristina killed two and Ellen killed one.  Denise did not see one bug in that house.  GOD answered my prayers!

 Answered Prayer And Ginormous Praise:

In November of 2012, just a week or so before I was to go to Haiti, my beautiful fiery red sports car was totaled.  I recall the day so clearly.  I’d just finished yummy fellowship with my sister in Christ, Lauren.  She was telling me about a book that so touched her heart and I decided to go to Annapolis, Maryland to get a copy.  It was so sunny and so beautiful and as I turned the corner, just approaching Herrington Harbor, there was nothing in my line of sight. 
I remember the sky being so clear and pretty…and then, suddenly, my car was knocked across the street with such force, that the airbag deployed and burst into my chest.  I was stunned!!  People came rushing up to the car wanting to get me out. Mentally I was numb.  I heard voices saying, “Are you okay?”

I remember quickly touching my body with my hands, feeling myself, here, there and thinking, I’m still here!” Someone led me to the sidewalk to sit down and I remember seeing the other driver (striking vehicle) with a cellphone in her hand.  My car was completely smashed in the front like a bulldog's face, and I remember thinking, “How am I going to get to bible study tonight?”  LOL (TRUE)

It was a Thursday and I loved my Thursday’s Ladies Night with my GBC Sisters.  Anyway, the other driver was at fault, sited and someone gave me a ride home.  When I walked in the house, I went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror.  I saw a tiny scratch under my chin and that was it.  I burst into tears!  PRAISE THE LORD, I was not dead.

The next day I spoke w/the insurance company and also checked the KBB Value for what used to be my 2006 Dodge Charger that was now history. The price listed was $6,700.  Don’t know why but I prayed asking God if I could get at least $7,000.  MY BIG GOD GAVE ME $10,400!  Yep, HE sure did! LORD I PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME!

Answered Prayer:

As I was nearing retirement (2014/15) I would see one Flyer after another.  My class (90-25) and the year before ours was known as the “89/90 Recruits” so it was becoming more and more overwhelming to see posters and flyers about this person and that person retiring, having a party, the price, the gits, the venue…blah, blah, blah…bottom line, PEOPLE eligible and fleeing in large numbers. My turn was soon approaching. (TO GOD BE THE GLORY)

I didn't/don't have anything against celebrating your earned years of service but who could afford to attend all these events, back to back?!  Personally, I prayed and pleaded with my detectives not to give me a party and not to circulate a flyer with my name on it.  It was my earnest desire to quietly leave.  I received an answer to my prayer in a way I never imagined.  

My right ankle had been swollen off and on throughout the summer of 2015.  On October 18, 2015, after Praising God in church, I stopped by Dunkin Donuts and got my usual.  Purchased a plain bagel and a medium coffee with 4 creams and 2 sugars.  I remember the shoes that I’d chosen that morning feeling a bit tight at first and was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.  I couldn’t wait to get to work to put on my sneaker.  I walked around most the “tour” with a black loafer on my left foot and a green untied sneaker on my right.  I could hear the Spirit saying, “When are you going to get that looked at?”  And I said, “God, I’m saving my “leave for December.”  My plans were to exhaust as much leave as possible around the end of December, as I was retiring on January 2, 2016.

The very next morning, I found myself at the Police and Fire Clinic, explaining to the Doctor why my ankle was hurting and also feeling so embarrassed that I had not been to the doctor sooner.  She gave me a once over, and told me to see my primary care physician. I was scheduled to return to the PFC on November 20.  If I could have danced, I would have, but when I got in my car, I said a HALLELUJAH Shout!!!  I had almost a month off. 

To make this yummy praise short, I prayed that when it was my turn to retire, I would be able to get my purse at the end of my workday; which was 1300 hours, and say “Goodnight be safe" my usual sentiment to my detectives when I would check off... then get in my car and drive through the black iron gates that kept us secure behind the First District Police Station.

WOW!  God, my Ephesians 3:20 FATHER, gave me what I wanted in a big way.  I had no retirement party and no farewells.  My injured ankle not only gave me a series of doctor’s appointments, but it gave me an early retirement.  My scheduled retirement date was January 2, 2016, and I had enough sick leave to cover my time off.  My last full duty day was October 18, 2015! 

PRAISE:

I remember my first poem, written in June of 2005...I was stunned and oh so excited that I could write poetry.  I cannot cook, sew, sing, dance or draw, but I can write poetry and short stories.  I told God that if He allowed me to publish a book, I would donate the money to feed homeless.  He blessed me with the privilege to publish two books, the first one in 2011 and another in 2013.  All the money went to Central Union Mission and Calvert County's End Hunger Program.  YAY...still getting royalties :-)

YES, I PRAISE YOU FATHER.  You not only gave me the gift to write and the ability to "self-publish" but YOU placed two additional books inside my heart.  I will trust YOU and obey YOU!

Answered Prayer:

Fall of 2010 I prayed and decided to file for bankruptcy.  I was divorced and sitting in a big empty house that I could no longer afford. My pride would not let me move after my ex left and my flesh thought it would be best to work 7 days a week.  I made about $3400 every two weeks and the mortgage payment was $3666.  (C-R-A-Z-Y Right?!)

PRAISE GOD for His truth.  I read the book of Hebrews and God showed me where He rested on the Sabbath but Denise did not.  WOW and OUCH!!!

I filed and cried and held my head low in shame.  I kept praying and kept trusting in Him.  It (PAID OFF)! Oh yes it did.  GOD delivered me from $450,000.  He gifted me with a white sheet of paper from the Bankruptcy hearing that said, "Discharged!"  I dropped to my knees and cried! THANK YOU JESUS! He freed me from myself, my debt and that house that held only bad memories.  Then the following spring, HE moved me to North Beach, Maryland.  PRAISE GOD from whom ALL blessings flow. PRAISE HIM all creatures here below...

Praise:

When I was a little girl, the beach was my happy place.  My family went every summer.  I couldn't swim but I loved the sand and the waves. I felt so happy and so free. 

Fast forward, I purchased my first home in 2009.  It was in Forestville, Maryland.  Years later, in 2003, I purchased my second home.  It was in Waldorf, Maryland. I remember when a coworker was retiring and she showed us a picture of her new home near John's Island.  I was so envious.  Not only that, others were talking about moving to Florida...again...envy inside my heart.  Little did I know that losing my home and filing for bankruptcy would lead me to the Chesapeake Bay.  Yes, because I surrendered to HIS Son, His will and His plan, HE heard my prayers.  I asked God if I could live here, right on the water and He said, "YES!"  I wanted the cute little yellow house a block away, but He wanted me in the cute pink Southwinds Sandcastle that I "thought" was way too expensive for me!  MY ABBA Father is #Rich and I'm His daughter! 

Answered Prayer:

I remember when I was told that I would be the Acting Lieutenant (around Feb 2009).

I was not happy about it at all!  I had a tantrum…oh yes, I did.  I could hear God telling me, “You got about 10 minutes or so.”  As if HE was saying, “Vent and get over it.”  Then He told me to go to the Book of Exodus…4:16 (He would use me but speak through me...and He gave me an Aaron. His name was Tom!  

He showed me where His servant Moses (kinda sorta) had a tantrum too…” Why me Lord?!”

Again, I did not want to do it.  The flesh is something else…. exactly why we need GOD!  I was given the assignment because I was the Senior Sergeant in the office.  BUT, there were two other male Sergeants in the office with less time and I’m pretty sure, if either was picked over me, my exterior would have been happy but most likely my interior would have been quietly offended. 

In any event, I had the toughest time adjusting to all the High ranking officials, meeting all the demands, to include leading an Investigation Section with 2 Sergeants and about 20 or so detectives.  The entire time, I was selfishly praying under my breath, “Please don’t ask me to speak to the media in any way shape or form. PLEASE!” 

God answered that prayer!  Yes, He did! I made lots of mistakes and in doing so, I also did some good work as well.  During this stressful time, I was really sick, but didn’t know exactly what it was.  I didn’t have time to be sick, so I kept working.  In doing so, I was becoming more and more confident and skilled at what to do and how to do it.  How to prioritize and how to speak up!  ONLY BY GOD’s GRACE!

That May, I was afforded an opportunity to get my story in the Police Dispatch.  This was a weekly Bulletin for MPDC employees with good news, good work and safety alerts. For this addition, they did a special series for Mother’s Day and Women in Law Enforcement.  Several women were chosen, and their articles were placed on pages side by side, two to a page.  BUT God...HE gave me FAVOR and put my entire unedited entry on a page by itself.  We're not to discuss politics and religion but the very first question was "What was my motivation for doing my job?" I said, "I'm a Christian and Jesus Christ was/is my motivation!" THEY PUBLISHED THAT! #ONLYGOD!

IN ADDITION, GOD gave me an award at the end of the year for Detective Sergeant of The Year. Only His Grace carried me through. Unbelievable! With man it is absolutely impossible, BUT with GOD #all things are possible!

Praising Him Because...

As always, I give my day over to the Lord and ask Him to direct my footsteps, take the wheel or give me a divine appointment.  Today was no different.  My plans were to go to the ..... and HE being so faithful and so wonderful, exceeded my day!

More tomorrow because my eyelids are heavy...