FAMILY FORT

Greetings -

This blog was created in about 2010.  Beginning in 2013, I met Pam Sheppard who has considerably helped to guide me into more truth...  Most of the content on this blog was done BEFORE I met Pam...  Plenty videos of Pam Sheppard are available on youtube.  She's also written books that can be purchased.  Here's the link www.lulu.com/spotlight/pam_s911 

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I wrote the content on this blog with sincere and holy intentions with the knowledge that I had at the time... We live, learn and amend...as errors are exposed and more truths are revealed...

Only GOD is perfect. It's vital that you seek the Lord to expose any errors that you've embraced. Please ask Him to expose any areas of darkness to you and for what is necessary to do to dispossess what's NOT of truth.

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This tab on LIONS SHARE MAJESTY is for postings that concern families and relationship issues.

The topics here are separated by photos.  Example: When the topic changes, a photo will appear before a new topic begins. 

Please share your comments here to help build the "FAMILY FORT."

Thank you for your consideration and indulgence.

DEATH OF TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS

How many of us are in continuance mode with relationships that are dead weight associations? I mean they add nothing to us but certainly subtract from our positive progressive journeys. The subject relationships could be relative to friends, acquaintances, and dating associations. I do NOT exclude from these descriptions some “Christian” connections which can also prove hazardous to godliness.

Our Lord does appoint us to minister to the dead and instructs us to be mindful that we were once dead ourselves. It is, however, crucial to be in tune with our Father to discern when to move on as the Spirit leads. My experience has been to linger too long where I should have cancelled some “subscriptions” to relationship “magazines.” Fool that I was, I remained in the “pages” well after the expiration dates. Hampered spirituality was the result when I continued engagements where I no longer had any business.

We can allow vice grips on our emotions that cause us to cling to toxic connections. Why do we cling? The reasons vary. Fear readily comes to mind. We can fear the absence of the entanglements. Granted, the entanglements are toxic but we foolishly desire them, regardless. Often, we are afraid to disengage. We have become accustomed to the presence. Inner battles rage.  We know better but are afraid to do better. What will it mean? What can replace them? Reluctance is stronger than logic.

There is hope. Undoubtedly, it can be difficult to trade in liabilities for assets. One reality is that assets are not always immediate after cancellation of liabilities. Hurt tends to be the immediate consequence. Separation anxiety is a definite result. Tough it out, though, because rainbows can be a certainty. It is absolutely a surety that we can rise above the pain. What is vital is a heart to work through it with awareness that it will hurt but conquer we shall.

Emotional warfare is an apt way to describe it. We must purpose to do it and allow nothing and no one to impede our journeys to wholeness. GOD can show us the paths of life. His question is, “Do you want to press on to gain it?”

Recently, someone gave me declarations that, in essence, amounted to rejection of me. Gratitude is felt for that rejection because I learned that inwardly I have come to a new place. What he said was beneficial for me to know. It may, to some people, seem odd for me to express gratitude for rejection. The truth that he spoke resulted in some measures of freedom for me. Something shifted within when I digested the content of his words. That shift has been instrumental in turning some things right side up. I am thankful.

Burial of dead relationships is essential to move forward. We cannot embrace freedom if we cling to death.  In the interest of balance, I cannot conclude here without inclusion of another aspect on the matter of toxic dead relationships. Evidence supports that there are instances that the dead can live again or live where there was no previous life. Once toxic does not necessarily mean always toxic. Remedies do exist to bring the dead to life.  Happily, toxic dead marriages have been revived, healed, and restored to blissful unity. Family estrangements have gained healing. Those are glowing reports.

My experiences have also proved that it is possible to have peace in the presence of storms. Dissension has surrounded me where I had to reside, that is, relationships severed but I had to, for seasons, remain in the same physical places. I learned to go and glow in spite of it. That meant that heart disconnection happened before physical disconnection occurred. Immediate physical relief is not always attainable. What can be attained, though, is a heart set to reject attempts to discourage joyous progression. Peace can be resident in the midst of toxic dramas. Determine to sing in the rain. Escape before you leave. Leave intact. Victories are choices that begin in our hearts.

Wisely consider relationship choices. Ponder and select what is reasonable, safe and responsible. Chances are some relationships can be “saved” while others should be categorized as permanent deaths. Let’s face it – all cannot be salvaged. The better we discern and understand the differences, the more liberated we shall be as whole beings on this great planet earth.

Sandra
P.O. Box 1210
Washington, DC 20013

Written Friday August 6, 2010
Revised Sunday September 26, 2010
© Copyright 2010


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MAN WAS MY GOD

Truly, God knows how to deliver in full. He can deliver in such a way that our complete desire for a former sinful indulgence no longer has appeal. We can become so completely in love with God, that habitual sin doesn't grip us as before. Yes, we'll still sin because we're in the flesh. But God can deliver us from strong holds. He does deliverance as He deems fit. Sometimes it is a prolonged process – other times it's not. It's His prerogative as to the how, and all which that involves.

To have the intimate presence of a man in my life was once my god. My belief was that I needed a man to validate my value, and worth as a woman. My low self esteem ensnared me into the position of making a god out of man. Oh, for sure, there were some “pleasurable” moments - that was part of the deception. The devil cannot “rule” if he supplies all that is “bad.” He furnishes some “pleasures” in his mission to keep us estranged from God. He is cunning, conniving and highly intelligent. He should not be underestimated. His aim is to deceive us all the way to hell.

God has the most high-powered agenda. Our Lord is fully aware of every action, misdeed, and intent of the devil. God knows what the devil is going to do before the devil knows it. The devil is mighty but he knows far, far less than our Almighty Father God. The knowledge and wisdom of God trumps every bit of might that the devil possesses.

So while I was out there with man as my god, the only Wise God was observing all of my stupidity, and foolishness. Satan was celebrating while God was grieving about my unrighteous choices. God brought the devil’s celebration to a halt. God allowed circumstances which brought me to my knees in tears, and true repentance. Hallelujah, I was back under the dominion of the King of saints!

Thanks be unto God for His love, mercy and forgiveness. It was made unmistakably clear to me through much heartache, and pain that I was in love with the wrong god. Man was an imitation of life – God is the real deal! Jesus Christ is the True Vine who shed His red, pure precious blood for us.  My existence with the god-man was a lie, a scheme concocted by Satan to remove me from the God who is greater than all - the only God who is worthy to be my FIRST LOVE. If we deviate from that crucial path, we are in position to be destroyed by the devil.

When we align ourselves with the enemy of our souls, and his evil forces, we reap what we sow. God will not force us to choose life – which can only be attained through devotion to God. If we elect death - which is allegiance to the devil – we reap separation from God/Jesus/Holy Spirit, and have an existence without peace - that only God can provide. The word of God says, “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” (Isaiah 57: 21)

God in His loving kindness proved to me that only He is able to give me, through Jesus Christ, His beloved Son, the utmost love, joy, and fulfillment that I craved.  He more than satisfies me with His love, care, and concern. I am fully convinced that God knows best. God may decide to send me a man. My desire is that God’s perfect will be done. Whatever He decides – I'm grounded in the truth that God alone is my God.

I sought to fill the void in my heart with the superficial injection of a temporal fix. The Lord filled that void with the eternal fix of the confidence that only the true and living God can provide absolute certainty of who we are, and the precious value that He places on our lives. My self esteem is invested in righteousness. Now, I truly know whose I am, and that allows me to know who I am - in the Lord. My validation comes from God - the Most High!!!

While I still have much to learn, I am thrilled beyond compare that God abides in me, and I in Him. Words are inadequate to explain the elation experienced by souls that are anchored in God - walking in the Light of the World, King Jesus.

Though transformation is a process… deliverance is oh so liberating!

Sandra 
Written September 18, 2008
Copyright 2008

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RESCUE FOR PARENTS

Please agree with me in prayer for overwhelmed parents.

Ephesians 6:1, 2

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

Ephesians 6:4

…provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Prayer:

Our dear Father GOD, You are amazing and nothing is too hard for You. Please, Lord, in the name of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, minister to and help overwhelmed parents. Some of them are so stressed, burdened and at their wits end. Send people to love on them, Lord, and to help them to cope. Give them the answers, resources and provisions that they need - most especially the need for You as First Love in their lives. They need the awareness that peace can only be attained when You are their GOD, guide, and refuge with JESUS as their Savior and Lord.

Change their hearts, Lord, and pull them out of the fire and rescue them from lives of deception, anger and fear. Teach them to seek You, believe You, trust You and to cleave to You. Show them Your ways in how to parent their children. Show them that love is vital in communications, in discipline, in providing, and in teaching. Instruct them that youth learn best by observations of love, compassion, integrity, honesty, and credibility. Often adults demand respect from youth but fail to give it to them. Respect should be given and received. The words "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" have important meanings and should be used in communications. Those words are ingredients in the vital areas of respect. Let sharing and caring be on regular display. And most of all, Lord, please teach parents to show their children how to love and how to regularly reverence You through Your Holy Bible, prayer, praise, worship and regular attendance in Your houses of worship.

Thank you, Lord - Amen.

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MARRIED TO UNBELIEVERS

Does anyone recall hearing much preaching/teaching about true worshippers of GOD who are married to those who do NOT serve the most High GOD and Lord Jesus CHRIST? Some months ago, one of my friends told me that her pastor preached a sermon called, “What to Do When You are Married to a Fool.” It pleased me to know that her pastor preached about the matter. My desire is that there be an increase in such preaching/teaching.

I am not presently married (ex-husband deceased) but my heart goes out to those who are married to unbelievers. That was my experience when I was a babe in Christ. It was lonely in the marriage because we were not spiritually connected. There was also a lot of pain because of hurt feelings and such.

Of course, our choices for Christ are always worth whatever we must undergo but I would like to hear more preaching/teaching for those who have to live with unbelievers. Truly, they need much help through coping with who they must live with day to day. Yes, we all have trials and tribulations but that dynamic is particularly challenging – that is my opinion.

Please help me with your comments on this.

Thank you

Sandra
Written Sunday August 8, 2010 

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MOTHER'S OWN

I believe that a major reason that the ideal family nucleus has declined is because, due to various conditions, women allow others to raise their children. It is understandable that single mothers need to work because so many fathers have largely abandoned their familial and parental duties, which includes financial provisions.This article, though, is to ask and answer the question, “Is it GOD’s ideal for married women with children to work outside the home?” I believe not.

God designed the family structure for men to be loving husbands and fathers who provide for the family finances while the loving wives and mothers handle the bulk of the household duties. I do not support, when it is not necessary, that our Lord is pleased with latch-key youth, and youth who are sent to day care while their mothers work outside the home.

In scripture, I do not recollect any passages that encourage mothers to relinquish their child care responsibilities to others. For a period during my youth, my mom did not work outside the home. I am 54 years old and am still deeply moved by the memory of my mom coming to my elementary school class on a snowy day to bring me soup. My mom was the only mother to come to the class with such a love motion. Even now as I write about it, tears well up in my eyes.

So many kids misbehave because they are hurt, angry, and afraid. They are afraid of life, and its varied challenges. So often, they lack enough quality time with their parents. Many of them do not feel sufficiently loved and valued. Frequently, youth are not adequately disciplined. The best parenting cannot be done on the fly in rushed and harried states of mind. Mothers who work outside the home can be so preoccupied that they cannot ideally tend to the manifold needs of their children. In our present society, the stress levels of youth are off the charts. Unfortunately, they fend for themselves too often.

We live in a societal environment now where it is vital that mothers rethink their choices to work outside of the home. Of course, for some mothers to quit jobs is not an option. But there are large numbers of mothers who can quit their jobs to sacrifice for the well being of their children, and the overall health of the home atmosphere.

Recently, I heard a Christian wife and mother testify that the Lord told her to quit her job to become a full time wife and mother. She was not at all eager to do so. It would mean the loss of more than 50% of the household income. The Lord impressed upon her the urgency of His request. She obeyed. One thing led to another. Her husband expressed that he did not believe that they could remain in their present home with the reduction in income. He told her that he would give her four months to prove that they could remain. If she could not prove it by then they would move. Well, she did what was necessary…proved it, and they remained. It was critical to the Lord that she stay home with her child. She and her husband made the financial sacrifices to get it done. Praise the Lord!

Children develop, and flourish best when they are parented full time by loving and righteous mothers – their own mothers, and their own loving and righteous fathers who provide financially, and contribute in other essential ways. That is the ideal of GOD – our Divine Creator.

Of course, the ideal is not always possible, our Lord can certainly compensate for what is not possible. He knows who the mothers are who cannot reasonably be at home, and who the mothers are who can.

Note: Family circumstances caused by neglect, abuse, divorce, remarriages, abandonment and other actions bring another dynamic to the mix. This article is not about that component.

Sandra
Written November 16, 2009
Revised June 23, 2010
© Copyright 2009/2010