I May Be Cut But I Still Have Life|When Soul and Death Meets

I was taking a walk on our neighborhood trail and came across this huge, beautiful tree that had fallen during a resent storm. Half of the tree was lying in the pond it once stood so gracefully beside and the other half laid on dry land. Severed in the middle so the path could be passable, the tree laid dormant and lifeless. I took a picture of the tree as I  wanted to see what would happen to the tree over time.

Two weeks later I walked the trail again and the tree was still lying there. Half in the pond and the other half on dry land. However, this time there were signs of leaves starting to grow on the part of the tree that was resting in the pond. I took another picture as I wanted to continue to see what would happen to the tree. The part of the tree that was on land had no apparent signs of life.

Two week later I walked the trail again and the tree was still lying there. Half in the pond and the other half on dry land. I thought for sure property management would have cut the entire tree to make if safe for their neighbors. But, no, the tree was still there. As I approached the tree, there was very visible signs of life on the tree that was lying in the pond. At that point I received a revelation. Even though this tree had fallen during a storm, cut in half and left to die, it found life on the other side. You see, the part of the tree that was connected to the pond still had life. The part that was lying on the ground did not.

The part of the tree that was lying in the water had a chance to live because it was connected to the life source...WATER. As time went on and the tree remained connected to the right source, signs of life began to be manifest. This is how our life works when we're connected to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. He is the water that will never run dry. He gives us life when life experiences cuts us off. When we look or feel like we're dying, His blood, (which is the lifeline to the body) gives life to our SOUL. Our spirits are made new again and we begin to live.

What's the lesson in this message? As long as the part of the tree that was lying in the pond stayed connected to the water, it survived. We are the same way. If we stay connected to the spiritual water source, which is Jesus Christ; we will be like the tree planted by the water, we will live as well.

Stay planted and live. :)

Remember to Smile, Show-up, Succeed Everyday
Find Peace WithiN

Be blessed,
Ms. Lisa D.  :)

Who are you yoked with? When SOUL and Yoke Meets

Matthew 11:28-30 reads, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. "

I've read this scripture for years. Coming up as a child in the church; this scripture was quoted so many time. Walter Hawkins even wrote a song with these very words. But never had I really taken the time to study this passage of scripture to see what Jesus was really telling His disciples, until now.

This past Sunday, my pastor mentioned this scripture and he defined the word YOKE as "the word of God or the teachings of  Jesus. Liked unto the laws of the Old Testament."This sparked a question in my mind, because I had never heard it explained that way. Being a student of the word, I begin to study more about what Jesus meant and if the word REALLY meant what he (my pastor )said. This is why you have to study the word for yourself to be sure you're getting the word the way Jesus intended.

And yes, he was right. In the Greek the word Yoke means, "to be as that of slavery, troublesome laws imposed. A balance, pair of scales." If you've ever seen anything on a scale, you know it's hard to balance them them because either one side is heavier than the other. An uneven scale is hard to carry. Just like a heavy load, it's hard to carry alone.

NOW, I get it. I now understand what Christ meant when He said take my yoke upon you and learn of me. In the Old Testament people lived by the laws God created for them to live by. There were so many rules, most people never lived up to them. There were 613 laws He created in the Old Testament days. No who could ever live by that many laws? We can barely live by the ten commandments and or abide by the laws of the land, not less try to remember and live by 613 laws. So, Jesus came to abolish the laws.

With Jesus, we have Grace and Mercy. Jesus Christ is the law now. What He says is how we live. Take my Yoke = take my words, take me and learn of me, study who I am. Because what I'm asking you to do is easy compared to what the laws and the Pharisees required of you.

This is the good news my friends. Jesus Christs' yoke is easy... Follow Him and Love One Another. :). That's all he requires. Now, that's a yoke I believe I can carry. If we do good, good will follow. Love Christ and Serve His People. I believe in doing this our lives will be filled with the Light of Christ that other's will see and will want to be.

Matthew 11:30 - For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

• Don't make it harder than it has to be
• Love God everyday
• Show Love everyday
• God will get the glory everyday
• You'll feel better when you lay down to rest everyday

Smile, Showup, Succeed Everyday 

Remember to Find Peace Within

Be blessed,

Ms. Lisa D. 🌻🐝

Kanye West Sunday Service - Is this the face of the next century church

Don't Give Up, Someone is Listening: When Purpose and Doubt Meets

This week was one of those weeks where I was just questioning why do I write these blogs... Why am I doing a podcast...why am I writing these books. I was just in a place of doubt. I was questioning my call and was I REALLY where God wanted me to be. With those thoughts running through my mind. I began to doubt my purpose. Yelp, Ms. Find Peace Within was doubting her purpose. Even with a smile on my face and spreading joy to others, I was waiver in my own calling.

Then I stumbled upon a WORD. You do know God will send His word in many forms. Monday I was listening to some podcasts, many of them were just random podcasters; some I knew and some I was listening to for the first time. As I surfed the Podcast world, I decided to listen to Oprah's Super Soul Sunday podcast. I chose the latest one with Dr. Edith Eva Eger, PhD, a 90 year old Holocaust survivor. She and Oprah had a very intimate conversation about her journey through the Holocaust and the message she wanted people to get from her first book; "The Choice". This is when God spoke, Oprah asked her the question, "What do you want people to get from your book?" Dr. Edith said, "I want people to FIND PEACE WITHIN!"

I almost fell out my seat. I couldn't believe she said that... Find Peace Within. That's my ministry... that's the message I want the world to get from my writings.. that's the message I want people to get from my books, from my blog, from my podcast. I said "Thank You Lord for giving me yet another message of hope... A message of purpose."

Right when I was ready to stop writing, right when I thought my purpose was not what I thought it was... when I was saying what's the point... God sent Dr. Edith Eva Eger through Ms. Oprah Winfrey's Super Soul Sunday podcast the message that I needed that day... I can't give up because someone is listening. 😊

What do you do when Purpose and Doubt meets?

1. Pray and ask God to give you an answer
2. Listen when He speaks
3. Move without doubt

Thank you Dr. Eger for giving me the message to continue to Find Peace Within. I've purchased my book "The Choice" by Dr. Edith Eva Eger... get yours I know it will bless you.

Remember to Find Peace Within

Be blessed,
Ms. Lisa

At First Sight-When Love is Blind

Have you ever been so blind to a situation to the point you didn't recognize it even with the brightness of the light? I know I sure have. It's been somewhat eye opening to finally have the ability to see what you've been feeling all these years but still unable to recognize it for what it was. I'm sure I have you to thinking but this is the story behind being blindly in love.

I recently watched a beautiful love story on "Pluto TV" it's a free app you can download on your phone and watch TV live. They show old movies in which I enjoy watching. Anyway, back to my story. There was a movie I watched titled "At First Sight" nope, it's not "Married at First Sight" Life Time's hit show, I love that show as well; but I'm talking about the movie "At First Sight". Let me set it up for you.

There is a young man named Virgil, who became blind an early age. He never regained his eye sight, which meant, he grew up blind. His interactions with life was that of a blind man. In the movie Virgil is a massage therapist. Interesting right, how can a blind man be a massage therapist, easy. You don't need eyes to know how to rub a body and make a person feel good and relaxed. :) One day, the Amy a successful architect scheduled an appointment to get a massage and falls into the han

ds of Virgil (the blind man). They develop a relationship and later become lovers. Amy talks to Virgil about his blindness and asked him had he ever dreamed of seeing again. Hey said, yes but never pursued it. She does some research about a surgery that will give him his eyesight back. At first he was against it, but later he agreed to have the surgery. And yes, he did get his sight back, but this time, he didn't know how to live as seeing man. You see, the world he grew up in was all based on the life of a blind man not one who had learned to see. He struggled with reading as he didn't learn how to read letters, he read braille. He didn't know how to recognize an apple ANYMORE as his way of identifying things was by sight and smell. He didn't know how to walk based on his surroundings as he learned how to walk by counting steps. He didn't know how to identify expressions as he had never seen what mad, love, disappointment or excitement looked like. You see Virgil was living in a world designed for his love Amy. He didn't know how to love and live in a world he wasn't familiar with. His therapist told him he know how to see but now he had to learn how to recognize. POWERFUL. He could identify an apple based on how it felt, but not based on how it looked. WOW.

Amy was very excited, he love could now see. He could now see her face, her body, her expressions. Everything she wanted was now in her hands. However, the man Amy had no longer exist. Amy was very disappointed as the man she feel in love with as a blind man, was not the same man she was in love with as a seeing man.  Amy wanted to show him the world. Take him to Paris, take him to the mountains, take him to the beach, show him her architectural work. One day Virgil's eyesight began to go dim. He knew he was going blind again. He later told Amy about his eyesight. She told him that she wanted him to see Paris, he said all he wanted to do was see a live Hockey game as he was a huge fan and a great ice skater too. She took him to the game and it was there he lost his sight.

She had a difficult time excepting the reality that the man she wanted (one with sight) was not the man she loved (a man without sight). They parted ways and he went back to living his life as a blind man.

But as Blind Love would have it; fate brought them back together in the park. It was at that point in their relationship, they knew they loved each other and walked into their happiness he counting steps as she lead the way.


What's the lesson in this story? The love that we often look for doesn't always come the way we see it. Amy's desire to help Virgil regain his eyesight was something she wanted as she felt Virgil's life would be better if he was able to see. But for Virgil, the life he knew as a blind man was the life he loved, and was living his best life. Being blind didn't stop him from living or loving Amy the way a man with sight would. His Blind love for her was much better than the love she could see with her eye sight. 

When Love is Blind

One thing I've learned about loving blind.. the things in life that we think would make the other persons life easier often is the thing that they have no desire to have. With that, it's just easier to let people live their lives, be happy with who they are in how they do life and you just have to make a decision if you want to come along for the walk in the park as one counts steps and the other lead the way.

Oh by the way.. this is a true story. They ARE still💓💓💓 married today... :)

Remember to Find Peace WithiN
Be blessed,

Ms. Lisa

Teacher Davis - A Life Worth Repeating

May the life I live, speak for me.

Proverbs 31:Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax. And willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household. And a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good. And her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff.... Now this is the part I really love. She opens her mouth with wisdom. And her tongue is the law kindness. She watches over the ways of her household...Many children have done well...

Mother. Annie Mae Davis, so affectionately called Teacher Davis by many. We celebrated the life of this beautiful vessel of God this past Thursday June 27, 2019. A life above reproach, a woman of integrity, grace, poise and humility. A Godly woman who touched the lives of so many. From her sweet potato pies, to her care packets. To her encouragement to follow the lead of God, to the guidance one what it means to be and look like a lady. A wife, a mother, a preacher's wife, a first lady, a Bishop's wife, a grandmother, an educator, a woman of influence. She changed the lives of many. Impacted the lives of her friends and family near and far. There was no time to be sad about the passing of this true soldier in the army of the Lord. Standing strong as a help meet and one who didn't look at service as a hardship but as a gift to those who awaited the arrival of her sweet spirit.

After I left the celebration I began thinking about my own life. As you know,  our eulogy is preached while we're still here on earth. I said to myself.."Lisa, that's how you want your celebration to be." Then I asked myself this question...what will people say about me.. Will they miss me, will they speak well of me? Will they speak about my beautiful smile that I shared with the world all the time? Will they speak of the encouraging words I spoke..will they remember that I was a woman of God who loved the word and others? Will they remember me as a loving mother, wife, sister and friend? Will they remember my hugs and kisses that I give so freely? Will they remember that I was there for them when it looked like they were alone? Will my anointing be one that others will want? I pray that my legacy will be as strong as that of Teacher Annie Mae Davis, who was loved by all and missed by more.

We always say life is short after a love one passes suddenly... but do we really think about the life and legacy that we're living today before man... That's not a real question.. just something to think about. So, how do we live a life that's worth repeating. Let me say it the way Teacher Davis would say it to all those who crossed her path.

1. Put God First !
2. Love the way God loves!
3. Give the way God gives!
4. Serve the way God serves!
5. Take no count for tomorrow..today is all we have
6. Leave a smile on every ones face you meet
7. AND remember, what you do today, will be the words that's spoken over your life tomorrow.... when ever your tomorrow comes.

Be blessed and remember to "Live a Life that's worth repeating"  Thank you for your life Teacher Annie Mae Davis. Rest in the peace and in joy of the Lord.

Be blessed

Ms. Lisa
And remember " To Find Peace Within"

To Co-exist Peacefully- Sacrifice or Compromise

This week I started reading "A New Earth Create a Better Life" by author Eckhart Tolle. One of Oprah Winfrey's well known guest and Super Soul Sunday contributors. In the beginning of the book he speaks about the importance of co-existing and how the ability to compromise is the best way to do such.

I've often thought about the ability to compromise and how different it is from sacrificing. Eckhart Tolle says that when we understand our mental position we are able to tolerate people's beliefs and perspectives. I agree with that statement hold heartedly. However, at what point does sacrificing and compromising for peaceful coexistence become too much to do? What is the difference between a compromise and a sacrifice. In my opinion when a compromise is made it's a win/win situation for everyone. I may not get my way this time but I can live with the decision that was made, knowing the next time, I'll be able to get my way. Do we buy a sports car or a mini van, after all we have 5 kids. Sounds like we're getting a mini van. Then when ALL the kids are out of the house, we'll get the sports car. Sounds like a good compromise.

Now, a sacrifice is when something is given up that is needed with the hopes of one day reaping from the sacrifice that was made. Often times, we make more sacrifices than compromises and get very little in return.

As a mother and wife, there have been many days I've sacrificed going to bed on time to prepare a meal that didn't get eaten. There was no personal gain for me sacrificing that time. I still got to bed late and the sacrifice wasn't appreciated. I've sacrificed doing things for myself to help my husband take care of ministry obligations. Sacrifices like this that occur often, could possibly make co-existing challenging.

I remember complaining to our Father one day while working in the yard. I was going innnnn... talking about everything I do for my family and what I don't get back from them. I asked Him, when will it ever be about Lisa. He spoke clearly to me saying; "Continue to serve your family, and I'll take care of you.' He has done just that. I still make sacrifices even when I don't understand. And my Father has always come through for me.

God tells us that if we give our tithe back to Him, He will rebuke the devourer for our sake. It's because of the sacrifices we're protected from the devices the enemy has planned for us. I've learned to look at sacrifices the same way. What I sacrifice will come back to me in greater ways through my Father God. I do believe it's important to communicate to those who we believe are using us and disrespecting our sacrifices. So, how do we deal with those individuals?

My suggestion is to first:

1. Make sure your feelings are valid.
2. Make your concerns known.
3. Decide how much you're willing to sacrifice.
4. Put a limit on those sacrifices.
5. Don't sacrifice that which will cause you discomfort, resentment or harm.

What's my message today. Learning  to co-exist peacefully does require sacrifices and compromises. Just be sure your compromises do not turn into sacrifices. Because that action will turn to resentment in the end. Next, know that our Father sees every sacrifice and what you sacrifice secretly our Father will reward you openly. Ask me, I know because He's done it for me!

Remember to Find Peace Within,

Be blessed,
Ms. Lisa