Monday, December 28, 2015

Getting ready for a Happy New Year

As we begin to enter into another year, let us remember that things that didn’t work out for you in the past may be coming to fruition very soon.  Our timing is not the same as God’s timing.  #TBR

“Small Beginnings” (September 23, 1996)

In 1996, I began to go through a situation similar to Job’s.  No, I did not lose my children, or my home, or my health, but, when you are confronted with misfortune; it can seem as enormous as any problem that Job faced.  Just as Job’s trials, my misfortune seemed enormous and unending.

My husband and I opened a small, retail store selling ethnic cosmetics, cards, hosiery, figurines and a number of other items.  There was no other place in town that sold these particular types of items.  We drew up a dynamic business proposal and submitted it to the Small Business Association, after which we received a considerable loan to start the business.  We found a place downtown (the location wasn’t great, but we could not afford anything better (location is everything).  We remodeled the place, which we didn’t own but rented (mistake!).  We bought fixtures with a business credit card, and we purchased products to sell.  We had done a survey to find out if there was a demand for our products in our area, but you know how often people say one thing and then do another?  Our survey showed a good demand for our idea and our products.  We thought we had a sure thing.  We had prayed, trusted God, and basically, we had done our homework.  Some people say to give a business at least five years to become a success.  I say examine the facts.  Why endure a lot of hardship and expense?  When the cards are dealt after the shuffle, and, after you have drawn more cards, and you can’t make a good hand, then fold and fold gracefully…

To read more – get the book: Bent But Not Broken” by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)
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Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Card or no card - it’s still Christmas

 This isn’t a new subject, but traditions have changed in our household after time.  Usually I try to Christmas cards ready to send out on Thanksgiving Day.  As the years have pass, fewer people reciprocate and send cards to our home.  Could it be the cost of stamps?  Could it be that people are too busy?  Could it be that people really don’t want to communicate?  Whatever the reason, remember that Jesus always was and always will be the reason for this Holiday Season.

Things have changed over the years and I get more joy by putting together an album of the Christmas photos that people from our past send to us.  Of course, there doesn’t have to be a picture enclosed in Christmas cards, but it’s so nice to see how other families grow.  Come to think about it, I use to add a Christmas letter in my cards, but that ceased years ago.

Whatever you decide to do, keep praying for your friends (past, present and future); as you remember that Jesus is the true reason for this holy holiday season.  Merry Christmas to you and your family and God Bless Us Everyone!


To read more – get the book: Bent But Not Broken” by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)
If you like Ms. “V”s Blog, come read her weekly columns on The Examiner.com: Christian Living and Events pages.

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Monday, November 30, 2015

Happy Holiday, What happened to Merry Christmas?



 It’s time to go shopping once again, and this is a conversation that you might  hear one day:

“Good afternoon, I’d like to buy a Happy Holiday gift.”
“For what occasion Sir?”
“It’s a Happy Holiday gift for my wife.”
“Do you want a Valentine, Birthday, Anniversary, St. Patrick’s or a New Year’s day gift; or are you looking for an Easter, Mothers, Cinco de Mayo, Independence day, Labor day, Columbus, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Daylight Savings, Veterans, Hanukkah or a Kwanza gift?”
“No, none of those - I want a Happy Holiday gift.  People use to call it, uh, Christmas, yeah, that’s it – Christmas.  I want a Happy Holiday/Christmas Gift.”

Are we coming toward this type of department store conversation in the future?  Is there soon to be a day when we’ll have a separate departments in stores that run all year long, contains nativity sets, heart shaped boxed chocolates, shamrocks, bunnies, crosses, specialty foods, menorahs, turkeys, flags, pumpkins and fire crackers.  It would be the largest department in the entire store, well-stocked and well-staffed establishment; open all year long and available for your Happy Holiday needs.

If you’ve noticed, some of the above mentioned holiday names have been changed (and not to protect the innocent).  Why do we “mess with a good thing”?  Christmas is understood in many different languages.  Many websites would have to change their domain names if we were to replace Christmas with Holiday.  Are we to replace popular Christmas movies and Christmas songs with the words “Happy Holiday”?  Try it.  It doesn’t work.

Well, Merry Christmas and remember to keep CHRIST in the masses.

The Gift
It wasn’t given to you on Christmas, because we don’t wait to express ourselves on just one day; and besides that — it’s Jesus’ birthday and not yours.
It wasn’t given on Valentine’s Day, because we love you all year long.
It wasn’t given on St. Patrick’s Day, because we, as Christians, don’t believe in ‘luck’.
It wasn’t given on your Birthday, because we’re glad that God had a purpose just for you on that day; you were born and that was special enough.
It was given because of the love that God instills in us to be obedient when He calls us to bestow blessings to someone, and to give that ‘gift’ whenever He asks us to bless someone.
(Excerpt – Where Did That Come From?-Revised by Ms. “V”

To read more – get the book: Bent But Not Broken” by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)
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Monday, November 16, 2015

A Piece of Sweet Peace

Have I stopped listening to God?  No.  If God would tell me to invest in another venture, I would talk it over with my husband, and being sure that I was hearing from God, I would then take action.  I am not fearful of stepping out on my faith.

I used to have an obsessive fear over bees.  I would run if one would come near me.  I would dream that one bee would aim his stinger directly at my jugular vein (the large vein in my neck), and I would awake in a chill.  One night I prayed and asked God to help me.  I didn't know the Bible at that time.  The amazing thing was that God gave me a scripture, and I looked it up.  It was just what I needed to be delivered from my fears:  "And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).   I had to give my fear over to God and trust Him to help me to conquer my fear.  There is a difference between fear and respect.  A bee has never stung me because I do respect their territory, yet I won't run from them anymore.

I know that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives.  Sometimes we know what it is right away, and at other times, we may find out in due season.  God has a purpose for my life.  No other person can take my place.  It isn’t a big place to be sure, but for years I have been molded in a peculiar way to fill a peculiar niche in the worlds work” by Charles Stelzle.[1]  Father does know best.

Praise God, in spite of what some would call overbearing situations; I bask in the peace of God.  The devil still tries to disillusion me about the books which are to be published, yet I rebuke him whenever he shows his angry head.  Praise God for His peace.

To read more – get the book: Bent But Not Broken” by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)
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[1] Stelzle, Charles. Daily Reflections from Leaves of Gold.  1990: Brownlow Pub. Co., Inc., Ft. Worth, TX, 

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Testimony of “Waiting on the Lord”

"YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK – Posted Tue 5/18/2010 5:01 AM, from BTW email scripture.      
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..."      Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)
The thoughts of man help determine his course in life.  If he thinks of himself as unsuccessful, incapable, and beneath others, he will behave in that manner and manifest failure in his life.
God wants the best for you, but He has given you the power to decide the course of your life. Do you have what you want?  If not, what are you saying?  Change your thoughts; change your life.
You were Born to Win! Faith Christian Center, Bishop George L. and Pastor April R. Davis, 8985 Lone Star Road,
Jacksonville, FL 32211,
(904) 725-3636.

I started writing for “The Examiner.com” on September 23, 2009 (I remember the date because I keep my important paperwork filed away).  Usually I get paid according to the number of articles that I post weekly, the number of times and duration that people come to visit my column, and if the person subscribes to receive email notifications when I post new articles.  All of this adds up to about $.01 per item.  There is an extra incentive of $1.00 if the article is ‘local’ and another $25.00 if someone is recommended by me.  In order for me to make a paycheck, I must accumulate $25.00 within a months’ time.  It’s not “fast money”, but it’s what I enjoy doing.

2015 Update: Things have changed and Examiner.com is not paying as much, but writing there is still my calling.  F.C.C. is now called “Impact Church”.

Yesterday, May 19, 2010, I posted an article entitled: “Oil Spill (Gulf of Mexico) clean-up solution 2010” and the response has been phenomenal.  God has blessed me to achieve a wonderful readership following and it hasn’t been easy, but through perseverance, it finally paid off.

Today, May 20, 2010, I went to thank the person who gave me the lead on the story and to take a look at my stats.  Well, today I’ve made more money in one day than I make in one month.  Earnings for yesterday alone were $29.03.  Total Subscribers = 47; Comments in last 7 days = 37; my page views = 3,204; Jacksonville average = 26, and Religion & Spiritually average = 17.
 
The stats for April were: my page views = 2,014; Jacksonville average = 478; Religion & Spirituality average = 492.  Total earnings for the month was $18.58 minus incentives.

As of today (5/20/10): my page views are 3,391; Jacksonville average = 56; Religion & Spirituality = 51 and my earnings are $30.80.  Praise Jehovah Jireh for He gets the glory and honor.  Amen.

The thought for the day that Faith Christian Center sent spoke directly to me and confirmed what I’ve been doing.  I’ve thought of my writing as being successful and the fruition of my goals is in manifestation.  TBR!!!  Trust – Believe – Receive; that’s what faith is all about.  You’ve got to believe it before you see it.  Hebrews 11:1 (King James Version) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Don’t give up on your dreams.  You’ve got to “Believe In Yourself” and keep on Believing.
If you like Ms. “V”s Blog, come read her weekly columns on The Examiner.com: Christian Living and Events pages.

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Monday, October 19, 2015

Keep avoiding the ‘Sunday Family Fiasco’ in 2015 and beyond

This piece was written by David Beckwith, and this writer uses it with her seminars on “The Confident Woman”.  One of my readers requested information on time management, nonetheless, the same situations could happen in Detroit, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Bitburg or any city – maybe even in your town - but don’t you allow it!

The chance of things going haywire on a Sunday morning is at least seven times greater than on any other morning of the week.  Dead car batteries, hot water that is cold, milk that is sour, wet underwear, clogged toilets, stuck zippers, stained suits, cologne mistaken for mouthwash, lost Bibles, curling irons that hiss, nylons that run, sick puppies, power failures touchy tempers, grumpy attitudes, and daylight-saving time.  Thieves break in on Saturday nights just to steal one of a nicely matched pair of socks.

I chuckle at my childhood memories.  We lived only one block from church, but it took three and a half hours, 97 gallons of water, and three cars to move eight Beckwiths from their beds, through the shower, and to the front door of the church.  Moving the children of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land was a piece of cake in comparison.

To begin with, Sunday mornings were marred by a notable family tradition, a siesta soak in the tub.  Leisurely draw the bath water, lock the door to the only bathroom in the house, and soak while reading the jokes in Reader's Digest or clipping your nails.  How the bathroom door survived the brutal beatings I'll never know.  Tempers flared at the thug in the tub.  "Aren't you done in there yet? Come on, open up!"  "Hurry up!  Church is going to dismiss any minute now."  "Do you want dinner served in there?"  Even telegrams from the White House were ignored.

Church stated at 9:45.  A Beckwith normally arrived every 10 or 15 minutes between 9:30 and 10:30.  Nice schedule for an airline terminal, but not a church.

Let's sharpen the focus on the Sunday family fiasco.  What really is happening?

First, God is not honored.  Attitudes for proper worship are formed in advance.  Isaiah spoke of those who worshiped the Lord with their lips while their hearts were far from God (Isa. 29:13).  It is next to impossible to worship God with the latest family feud still on your mind.

Second, God's Spirit is hindered.  Enthusiastic song leaders grow discouraged trying to lead people who are still steaming over cross words fired 15 minutes ago.  My family's late arrival was discourteous and disrupted the service.

Third, hypocrisy is promoted--harsh words one moment followed by blessing God the next.  "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be" (James 3:10).

So what can be done to arrive for church on time with a minimum of frustration?  Have the kids sleep in the car?  Camp out in the church parking lot?

Call a family conference to discuss the problem and discover solutions:
Allow each person to explain his or her Sunday frustrations and offer suggestions, but don't allow accusations to fly: "Yes, but you are always…"  Write the plan down.

Guard Saturday night functions:
Late Saturday nights are the prelude to a chaotic Sunday morning.  Plan to get to bed early.  "Early to bed, early to rise, makes Sundays a pleasant surprise."

Plan ahead:
It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.  Set out clothes, shoes, socks, diaper bags, strollers, and Bibles ahead of time.  Set the Sunday breakfast table on Saturday night.  If sufficient hot water is a problem, schedule some family members for Saturday night baths.  Dad, help Mom get the kids ready and breakfast prepared. This is particularly important when the children are small.  She'll love you for it.

Start the day with some Christian music:
It really makes a difference.  Set a departure time that doesn't require split-second timing and race-car driving.

Plan to arrive five to ten minutes early:
At our home, we set a departure time five minutes prior to the time we must.  Anyone not in the car five minutes after scheduled departure time does the dishes for the next meal.  So far, Dad has done the dishes more often than anyone else.

Expect the unexpected:
Satan will do his utmost to hinder your worship of God.  Reaffirm your commitment to fellowship with God's people, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Heb. 10:24-25).

When you arrive for church early, spend those moments in prayer and reading your Bible.  Ask God to speak to you.  He will!  I should add, if you find yourself running late on a Sunday, don't stay away.  Just quietly slip in, smile at the usher, and hold up your watch and shake it.  He'll understand.  We've all been there.  By: David Beckwith, Library Thing.

To read more – Get the Book: Where Did That Come From?” by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

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Monday, October 5, 2015

Oregon and other senseless killings: Who’s to blame?


It was only last week that Pope Francis visited the United States with aspirations of hope and healing for this world, then on Thursday October 1, 2015, a mentally disturbed gunman opened fire at Oregon's Umpqua Community College.  According to Fox News6 Now, the gunman, who was not a Christian, asked the individuals what religion they claimed.  Those who affirmed Christianity were
shot.

Pope Francis and his visit to the US
Since the 1800’s there have been too many school shootings in the United States, not to mention movie theatres and other venues.  According to the Today Show, there have been 31 mass shootings since Columbine and the statistics are startling.  If you missed the show on Friday, take a look at the findings.

Who is to blame?  The President and government are tired of the holocaust and want to ban guns.  The NRA says that their organization, and what it stands for, is not to blame.  So who or what is the cause of all the senseless crime against humanity?

In Christianity it is taught that the devil is the one who is at the helm of all the confusion and unrest.  When the Pope came to the US to bring the people a vision of hope for their future, the devil became agitated.  He once again, sought and found someone to use for his destructive mannerisms.

God has given man the free-will to live his life upon this earth.  Man chooses what path he will take, if it will be a path to goodness or a path to evil.  The shootings, that make no sense, are not of God, but of the one who roams this earth causing death and destruction.  God wants us to know Him as our Father.  God doesn’t want anything bad for His children.

Also to read similar posts – Get the Book:
Where Did That Come From?” by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)
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Thursday, September 24, 2015

Transgender: Confusion or controversy?

Update: September 24, 2015
Bruce Jenner at 2012 Olympics
(This post is not a mean post, yet it should help both sides in understanding)

According to Wikipedia, Transgender is defined as: People who experience a mismatch between their gender identity or gender expression and their assigned sex.  Since Bruce Jenner has come out as Caitlyn Jenner, there are more and more transgender individuals that have openly submerged to the top of some controversy.

Transgender people are very recognizable (as are crossdressers) unlike some people who consider themselves to be ‘gay’.  How would you accept a transgender person coming into a gender-specific sauna, shower room or public restroom that you were occupying, and there were no individual stalls?

Caitlyn Jenner
Turmoil is now brewing over transgender persons using gender-specific restrooms and locker rooms, yet not every facility is financially or structurally able to construct a separate unisex area.  Some individuals don’t want to be forced to use a particular area, but isn’t that what makes us civilized?

In February of this year, a national news agency reported that a Michigan woman lost her gym membership over the ‘inappropriate’ manner in which she complained about a transgender woman in the locker room.  She wanted to know why there was a man in the women's locker room.  To her, he looked like a man with male parts, and that's what stopped her.  She was uncomfortable with him, as a male, in her locker room and restroom.  The facility has committed to creating a non-intimidating, welcoming environment for their members.  Their gender identity nondiscrimination policy states that members and guests may use all gym facilities based on their sincere self-reported gender identity.

Lila Perry
Around September 2015 another news source reported a dispute erupted after a transgender student (a male who identifies themselves as female) began using female facilities at Hillsboro High School in Missouri.  High school senior Lila Perry said that she wanted to fit in with the rest of the girls, so she started using the girls’ bathroom and locker room.  Parents said their daughters were uncomfortable, because even though Perry wears dresses and a wig, she is still physically a male.  After a school protest Lila decided that she didn’t want to use the ‘gender neutral bathroom’ that is an option at the school.

Once an individual completes the transition of change, how would a potential straight partner react once an intimate exchange is established?  Would they flip-out or understand the deceit that the transgendered has brought to the relationship?  A woman can identify another woman just as a man can recognize another man, despite cosmetic implications.

God does not make a mistake.  When He created individuals, He was not confused.  He made them either male or female.  As taught in many Catholic Schools, from the Baltimore Catechism, the first two questions and answers are as follows: Who made us?  God made us.  Who is God?  God is the Supreme Being who made all things.  If God is the Creator, than He chose what gender He placed in each individual.

This is not a ‘bashing’ post, nonetheless, since the subject keeps coming up in the news and on TV shows; it needs to be addressed.  We are to love individuals despite whether they may have decided to change their original nature (male/female), yet we do not have to love the sin-nature which they have chosen.

And one more thing: To Whom It May Concern, Christians are taking back “The Rainbow” because it’s God’s promise made to mankind who believe on His Word.

Also to read similar posts – Get the Book:
Where Did That Come From?” by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

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