Speaking Life to a Changing World

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I would like to thank my readers, followers, and social media community for your engagement over the years. I would also like to thank my new followers that have just become part of my community in 2016.

I can remember when God called me to create a blog based on my life experiences. It has been an amazing experience in how God has led me to scriptures and experiences that helped me find direction in developing my online ministry. The blog has come a long way since then.

There have been a few updates on my blog and I wanted to highlight the new additions that will be coming in 2017.

Expanding Social Engagement

I would like to invite you to join my new Facebook community. I’m currently in the process of creating an online ministry where we can connect, engage, and edify each other. It will be an interactive space and all posts and comments will be monitored to ensure a positive, encouraging environment to build integrity, trust, and authenticity.

Live Chat

I’ve also added an online chat on the blog page on the sidebar. You’re welcome to chat with me live regarding a topic, question, concern, prayer request, or testimony.  Providing that I’m online at the time, we will be able to chat in real-time. (Please note the chat line will be public). There is a donation that is requested by the app developer after signing up).

Let’s Get Visual

You can connect with me on my Pinterest boards:  Inspirational Bliss or Writing with Purpose

I look forward to your continued partnerships and unexpected blessings that will unfold in 2017. I hope you will partner with me in whichever medium or social media channel you prefer. Thank you once again. Please feel free to share my post with friends and family.

Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with an overflow of abundance and prosperity and may you and your family walk in peace, love, and light in 2017 and beyond!

Your Sister in Christ,

Yolanda Berry-

For unto us a Child is born

Posted on by yolandaberry
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For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

The conception and birth of Jesus is a miraculous event that provided the gift of salvation for all people.

From the time of Christ’s birth, Jesus was sought after to be destroyed by authorities and rulers of nations. King Herod, the ruler of Jerusalem commanded the wise men to find Jesus and tell him where he was born so he could come and worship him. However, King Herod was full of deceit.

The wise men were guided by a star in the east. After the wise men arrived in Bethlehem, where they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they were told by an angel in a dream not to go back to Herod. Perhaps the wise men were called wise because they heard and obeyed the divine voice of God through a dream.  The wise men never returned to Bethlehem but went in a different direction so authorities would not follow them.

Once King Herod found out about Jesus’ birth by the city officials, the king ordered to slaughter all male children under the age of two years. Mary and Joseph had to flee Bethlehem.  It must have been a horrific sight to experience and witness the slaughter of innocent children.

Jesus’ birth was full of uncertainty from where to stay prior to his birth to where to go after his birth. Through the chaos and discord, Mary and Joseph were divinely protected and led to the city called Nazareth. This is where Jesus resided until his ministry began. Throughout his ministry, there were many interruptions of persecution, rejection, rivalry, opposition, and strife.

In a dark world, then and now, Jesus is the everlasting light. Jesus is known as, Jehovah Shalom, the Lord of peace.  In a world of lost hope and despair, Jesus provides all that we need as we walk in obedience to his word. The Son of God was given as a free gift to deliver us from a life of sin and death.

One-touch from God transforms a life. From sickness to healing, chaos to peace, fear to faith, failure to victory, weakness to strength, unbelief to trust and many other opposing afflictions changes course or direction through faith and prayer.

His love is unconditional, despite our faults and failures. Through our trials and tribulations, the Lord is working to manifest His nature within us. We are made in his image and we’re a reflection of his light. Where there is light, no darkness can reside.  We are many members and one body. I Corinth 12:12-26

Let us hold onto hope, joy, peace, and strength.  For in him we live, and move, and have our being. Act 17:28  Emmanuel, God is with us. Matt 1:23

Beginning with his birth and infinite, life never-ending Resurrection: It’s an eternal love that is the greatest gift of them all.

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The Lord gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Scripture References

Matthew 1 and 2

Luke 2:8-20

I Corinth 12:12-26

Acts 17:28

John 3:16

 

Bless His Name

Posted on by yolandaberry
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While we look at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen: For the things that are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal.  2 Corinth 4:18

Thanksgiving is a time when family and friends come together to eat a fresh, homemade meal and to take time to reflect on all the blessings we have received during the year.

As we rush back into our regular schedules and routines, we need to remember to carry thankful hearts filled with gratitude on a daily basis.

All too often, we look forward to the next big holiday on the calendar. We are excited for Black Friday and Cyber Monday to see what deals we can get instead of taking time out to appreciate what we already have. We never take time out to live in the moment, but constantly live under pressure to move full speed ahead.

This attitude or mentality leads to discontentment because we are always reaching for what we don’t have and never really appreciate all the gifts we’ve been given. It also leaves room for unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and jealousy when we don’t get what others have. On the opposite end, it can also open up the door to a spirit of greed when we attain all that we desire.

Overall, it leaves us with a hollow or empty feeling because we are so focused on the material world which constantly pushes us to receive things outside of ourselves and not really fulfilling the internal needs whether it is an emotional, spiritual, or psychological need.

Searching for things outside ourselves does not satisfy.  Inner joy is a spiritual, inward connection that can only be found through a relationship with the Lord.

When you know the Lord is carrying your burdens, you can laugh in the midst of difficulties or sleep through turbulent circumstances without stress or worry. It’s a peace that surpasses all understanding. You are contented in all circumstances despite uncomfortable situations. You’re able to push through difficulties with grace.

You also realize that Christmas isn’t about the latest electronic or digital gadget, but you will understand that Christ gave the greatest gift of Salvation which is the real meaning of the holiday season.

Let’s take time out this holiday season to embrace what we have. We are richly blessed. Even if you’ve struggled through hard times and have lost it all, there is always something to be grateful for.

Take time out to be still and welcome peace as we prepare for a New Year that is filled with faith, hope, and strength: Giving thanks in all things.

Peace and Blessings,

Yolanda-