A Poller Christmas 2009

We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a much better New Year in 2010. Our motto, which has been proven, is TBR!!! (Trust – Believe – Receive). God has proven Himself time and time again, that He is our Provider.

We have moved into a lovely home (please read the last few Blogs to see where we’ve come from). We love our church Faith Christian Center and we’re continually growing in God’s Word & serving where needed. Please sign up for email notification with "The Exaimer" (see button on the website) and leave your comments. There is no cost & your words are important.

Robert is growing at his profession and he loves his niece. He has been blessed with many God-given talents.

Tonya is a Poller once again and her daughter, Serenity, is a joy in our lives. Both our children are ‘Blessed to Be a Blessing’.

Serenity turned one-year-old a couple of days after Thanksgiving. She’s walking, has eight teeth and is a little ‘tape recorder. She’s so smart.

Pugsley is the “Garfield Cat” that I always wanted. We rescued him from the pound a few years ago and he’s been a comfort.

Please stay in touch (I know how hard it is sometimes to get a moment, but we press our way through to “git ‘er done”) and remember to keep God first in you life and everything else will fall into place.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (King James Version)) 5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Yours in Christ with love,

Van, Ms. “V”, Robert, Tonya, Serenity & Pugsley

Poller Update Oct. /Nov., 2009

Since my recent blessing of being a reporter on “The Examiner.com (I’m not suppose to use the “first person”), I still can let you know how God is continuing to bless the Poller family through a Blog.

It has been rough over the past 25 months, but we had to depend solely upon God and His faithfulness to bring us out from under and over some steep mountains.
Let’s begin with going to church. No, I did not always want to raise my hands during “Praise & Worship” services (see ‘Lifting Holy Hands’, “Where Did Thant Come From? – Revised”). No, I did not have a “pity-party” (well, I tried not to because God took my invitation list), but I had to confess God’s Word daily, and continue to fellowship with the saints.

Since Oct. 2007, we have lived in a 27 ft. RV; that’s 3 adults, one little bitty baby and a dog. We had our daughter’s dog also, but she found another home for her dog & it was a sacrifice.

During this time of confinement, we had to live on limited supplies of clothes, food and storage for the items that we did have was interesting. Some of our stuff was in our stored moving van (thank you ABF transport co.), some was in a rented shed and some was kept over my in-laws home and their shed. Our possessions were all over the place and costing us more money and inconvenience; yet God gave us favor during that time.

When you allow God to help you get your joy back you don’t fall into “depression” which could have been very easily done. We met new people through our church family, and our internet friends, family & associates. It’s always good to remain social and not continually think about yourself and your dilemma.

When we first arrived in Florida, my skin broke out in burn areas. My lips were dry, cracked and the legions on my face, neck and arms itched and peeled. I went to the dermatologist and they could not give me a diagnosis, but only potions & lotions and tests that did not help.

One Sunday we had an alter call towards the end of service. Our Bishop’s message was concerning “The Woman with the Issue of Blood”. So many people were going to the front for prayer and I hesitated. How was I going to get my ‘touch’ (no, I did not have to go up to the altar, but my faith in God & His Word made me make my way). All I needed to do was to touch the sleeve of our Bishop’s Wife’s blouse (just like the Biblical woman did. I didn’t have to reach the hem of her skirt. She may have called an usher for me). Well to make a long story short, after that Sunday, my skin began to clear up and I didn’t have to walk around with a “sun umbrella” everywhere I went (that’s bondage).

Enough about me – God continued to be with Van, Tonya & Serenity while we were trying to sell our house back in New Mexico. Our house had fallen into “Pre-Foreclosure” and our credit went south for awhile. We were like Joseph down in the pit of despair. No one will know what all we lived through in two years, but we are traveling back uphill.

We thank God that we are able to move on and do His will more comfortably in a new home. We have gone through a divorce (Tonya’s), lost a pet, illness and relocation, yet we are thankful that we have our sanity, jobs, long & short term health, love of family & friends, a great church home, and continued blessings from our Father above.

God is not a respecter of any person who puts their trust in Him. He did it for us and He’ll do it for you too. But you’ve got to allow God to be God and TBR. Trust – Believe – Receive! Continue to gather strength to endure until your prayers are answered. I don’t have a magic wand, but such as I do have I will give it to you and that is – Jesus ;)

Scriptures:• Num. 23:19 “God is not a man that He should lie…”
• Phil. 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need…”
• Luke 17:6 “And the Lord said, If ye had faith…”
• Mark 11:23 “For verily unto you, That whosoever shall say…”
• Phil. 4:13 “But my God shall supply…”
• I John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh…”
• I Cor. 15:57-58 “But thanks be to God which giveth us…”
• Rom. 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit also helpth our infirmities…”
• Ps. 24:7-10 “Lift up you heads, O ye gates…”
• Gal. 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live…”
• Phil. 4:8 “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true…”

“Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials.” Smith Wigglesworth.

Continue to Be Blessed in Order to Be a Bigger Blessing.

Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com

Testimony Time

1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Our lives are surely in God’s hands. He has been there for us ever since we committed our lives to Him. You may have read about our moving from New Mexico in 2007, but if you haven’t – check out my Blog Archives on http://victoriapoller.com (see: Poller’s Christmas 12/25/07; “ToTo Where Are We?”, Nov. 8, 2007; “What Tropical Storm?”, Aug. 2008; I Believe the Report of My Lord, Standing on the Promises of God & Wellness Update, June 2008; and Relocation Update, July 2008).

Now let’s see what the Lord has done recently for the Poller household.

The house we owned in New Mexico has SOLD. The new owners are Christians and they knew Van from refereeing basketball. They also attend the church that we were members of and they are true believers who have shown their faith.

Since we left NM in Oct. of 2007, and the world fell into a Recession; the house was on the market. We had to pay for two households; New Mexico and Florida. The expenses included: Mortgage, rent, storage at two facilities, utilities, lawn care, cell phones, food (we eat out a lot because of the limited space in our RV {27 ft. of space for four people and a dog}, laundry, supplies, gas, Drs. Co-pays, optometrist (military doesn’t cover as much as it use to), and there are probably more – and yet we continued to tithe and give offerings. I believe we found favor with God because of our faithfulness.

The house in NM fell into PRE-FORCLOSURE status after another couple had reneged on their “Lease Option Purchase”. They did some nice renovations, but did not pay the mortgage and it’s difficult to recover from months of missed payments. We did not accept the Foreclosure letter. The battle was on. You know how the Word states that the battle is the Lords (I Samuel 17), but people expect God to do all the work, nevertheless you’ve got to do your part in the battle just as David did. We prayed, came into agreement, and did what we physically and mentally had to do.

Anyhow, after killing many trees in paperwork and negotiations with many people – long distance; the new owners are moved in. We asked God for a miracle (on the outside it looked bad), and that’s what we got. But it did take some time. There was no ‘magic wand’.

There is a Part II to our relocation and that consists of a new home here in Florida. God always has better things for His people and those of you who know us know that He gave us the desires of our hearts.

Stay tuned for Part II, and if anyone has questions or needs some more encouragement, then contact me on my website or email me. Just know that God is faithful if we only believe and wait on Him.

Ms. “V”
http://www.victoriapoller.com

Make It a Happy Mother’s Day

Sometimes it’s not “Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, or in Detroit, or Las Vegas, or Florida; yet, while trusting in God, we should wait while a bad situation changes. Now is the time to recall the better things of our past. We can also continue to ‘count our blessings’ one-by-one.

We have so much to be thankful for. Our home has not been destroyed by a disaster. We did not have to go through turmoil like Ann Frank had to endure while living in her house. Maybe we received a healing from an ailment and didn’t realize it. The roof over our head may not be the one we believe God for, but it’s keeping the elements outside. We are a blessed people.

I’ve heard it said so many times that: “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy” (Yes, I know about the double negatives). It may be a true statement, but Mama can make the difference. Sometimes we Mama’s have to ‘press’ so that everyone around us isn’t miserable while we await our change to come.

Yes, I did write, “Never Let Them See You Sweat” and it’s true. Why should the world want to follow Christianity if you’re no better off than they are? But oh, do we have a ‘secret weapon’ against the pitfalls in life’s journey; and He is the Comforter. He is the Holy Spirit within us who gives us peace & counsel while we are being delivered from any temptations (I Cor.10:13) that may come our way.

So just because we may have heard the saying, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”; don’t allow the saying to be true in your life. If you have to do without for awhile then hold onto the Spirit within until a change is made. Let’s look at what we do have instead of what we don’t have. What’s the sense in complaining and being grouchy? Every day is Mother’s Day. Enjoy it!!!

Ms. “V”
http://victoriapoller.com

“To Share or Not To Share”

II Tim.1: 7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”.

If we had our child in a contest, or in modeling (no, I am not saying to exploit your child), then their picture would be displayed everywhere. I’m talking to those parents that are overly cautious of having pictures of their young children shown on social network sites. “I don’t want my child’s picture on the internet because there are so many pedophiles in the world.”

Let’s look at “People Magazine”. They always try to be the first to show off a celebrities’ new baby. As long as the picture does not show private body parts (which most sites do not allow), then don’t be afraid of showing others your children, grandchildren or close young relatives.

If you believe in the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost – call Him up and tell Him what you want (I know this song doesn’t have a lot to do with this piece, but it came to me ;)

TBR!!! Trust – Believe – Receive

Ms. “V”
Ms. “V”s Official Website

Sow to Tear

Have you ever sewn into God’s Kingdom so much (and I don’t mean just money) and you don’t seem to receive a return on your investment?

Well God showed me how my blessings (talents, tithes, offerings of time and finances) go into a “Paper Bag”. It’s those ‘things’ [see Phil. 4:8] that begin to stuff the bag and eventually, there appears a little “tear” in the bag. Very soon (which we thought was an eternity) the bag explodes with showers of blessings from the Lord. Trust – Believe – Receive ;)

Luke 6: 38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com

It Ain’t Over

You may be sick of hearing about the “Pop Icon”, but just as Elvis, James Brown, John Lennon, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Patsy Cline, Sam Cook, Billie Holiday, Marvin Gaye, Nat king Cole, Otis Redding & Mahalia Jackson (just to name a few) have come and gone, so too was the short lived life of M.J.

The death of Michael Jackson was sudden, unbelievable and thought provoking. When I received a text message, from my son, before church, I texted back, “Yeah, right”; but it was true.

No one really knew all the pain (physical & emotional) the MJ had to endure most of the 50 years that he was here on this earth. Even though there are numerous books on the market about his life, who can say what went through his mind on a daily basis? We saw some of his life story from a made-for-TV movie (Man In the Mirror/ The Michael Jackson Story). Sure, he had some ‘not so good judgment calls’, but who of us is without any sin in their lives.

Who knew that a trip to a grocery store would be so endearing for anyone? Or the hurtful accusations about your appearance (from a family member) could cause so much pain? Sure we could point finger and bring up negative aspects of a person’s life, but what about the good things that Michael Jackson did and how he was a positive influence on so many. I choose to be positive and, “…think on these things”. Yet all-in-all, after all the scandals, after all the blame & allegations; let the truth be told; Michael is probably awaiting the final judgment and singing “Leave Me Alone”.

Below is a Blog sent to Gospel Today by Ms. “V”:

Boy, am I glad that I’m not God. As a COG (Child of God), I cut my teeth on positive music such as Michael Jackson’s, before I was saved (and I won’t be going to hell if I sing one of his songs today). You wonder why we have such a hard time getting people to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Who would want to come into the arms of a tyrant? God is not a dictator. He is a loving and forgiving Father.

As I state in one of my books, “Who is to say who has been forgiven by God in their final hour here on this earth?” As I prepare my Blog on all my sites, I contemplate the positive influence that MJ had on so many people and reflect on the scripture “Phil. 4:8” – let’s think on the positive things and stop looking for the worst.

Looking Over Some Titles from MJ:

“I’ll Be There”, “ABC”, “Ben”, “You are Not alone”, “Black & White”, Who’s Lov’in You?”, “We Are The World”, “The Love You Save”, “Smile”, “Leave Me Alone”, “Human Nature”, Got To Be There”, “Man In The Mirror”,
I don’t recall a time when there were so many celebrities that have died in one month. The memorial tribute during the Oscars, and other award shows, will be in an extended version next year. May they all R.I.P. and be left alone.

Ms. “V”
Ms.”V”s Official Website

“Who Are You?”

If you had read my Blog form June 2009 (“Security In Cyberspace”) you would note that there is a growing concern over “Social Networking” and it’s rightfully so; yet there are positive aspects to an old song – “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold”.

I’ve met some very wonderful new acquaintances ‘face-to-face’ from my social network circles. People that I have prayed for, encouraged or have something in common with, have become new friends that are tangibly accessible. I’ve encountered old comrades from school, other writers and businessmen, celebrities, and the computer has added new meaning to “small groups” within a church’s internet network.

But please, update your photo (at least every 6 months) so that I won’t be caught with my mouth gaping open from what I see before me. Either the person is heavier than their picture; has less hair; has more wrinkles; or is not the person (or thing) that you’ve been viewing the whole time that you’ve been conversing online. Beware of those persons who don’t resemble anyone else in their ‘pics’ or who doesn’t show themselves at all. Remember that the Word of God still says, 16Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Mat. 10

When meeting someone for the first time I have my husband with me and I don’t compromise our safety by choosing a meeting place that is not public or well lit; no matter if it’s a male or female (yes, I do watch CSI and anything is possible). Trust – Believe – Receive! Be Blessed in Order to Be a Blessing and “Fear Not”
!
Ms. “V”
Ms. “V”s Official Website

“Put On Your “No-Fear” Gear”

“A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Psalm 91:7, 10-11

Syphilis, Cholera, Smallpox, Influenza, Poliomyelitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubellla, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Anthrax, Botulism, Hepatitis, Typhoid Fever, Tuberculosis, whooping Cough, German Measles, Trichomoniasis, Malaria, Plague, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Hepatitis A, B & C, Tetanus, Meningococcal Meningitis, Ebola, Dysentery, Bird Flu and yes ever Legionnaires Disease which occurred in Philadelphia, Penna. around July 1976 (I was actually living there at the time). These are some of the infectious diseases that have plagued some people in the United States and abroad recently since 1950. Some have been eradicated while others still creep up every now and then; yet, we overcome by the “blood of the Lamb” and there was no need for panic.

Then there are some diseases that are not contagious, yet can be deadly to those who succumb to any of the following ailments: Cancer, Asthma, Tobacco, Alcohol, Narcotics, Heart or Mental Health issues, Diabetes, Lyme disease, Chohn’s disease, Parkinsons and Lew Garrett diseases – just to mention a few.

While scientists are looking for a cure to the latest disease (Swine Flu), Christians continue to have the reassurance that Jesus Christ has promised His beloved followers the safety from any or all of the conditions listed in this piece. Who knew that the Blog that I wrote on “Germs” (see Blog July 31, 2008 @ http://www.victoriapoller.com/) would be so significant today.

During this time caution is necessary. Be wise and continue to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer or wet wipes on you and your family (I’ve seen too many women leave a public restroom without washing their hands – That’s just Nasty!) And, as heard on the “Today Show”, cough into the fold of your arm instead of your hand. Handkerchiefs are just not sanitary. Don’t sneeze on others. And above all - don’t be led into fear.

As believers we still should Trust in His Word, Believe that what He has said, He is able to perform, and Receive the healing touch from His hands and continue to use wisdom. If you don’t have the faith of God, and believe in His loving protection, then please use the suggested safety alternatives that you should be able to ‘lean on’ for awhile ;)

Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com

What Recession Are YOU Talking About?

“And He said unto them, “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”

Let’s take a look at some of the examples why the United States (and some people in foreign countries) isn’t doing too shabby economically. There’s money out there in ‘them there hills’. “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” Psalm 50:10

Check with your local Chamber o f Commerce and take note that even though some businesses may be closing, other people with a dream are attempting to make their dreams come true. And did you recently read about “Mysterious Woman, Leaves ₤9,000 in Church Collection” or “Mystery Donors Give Over $45M to 9 Universities”?

Plastic surgeons are still injecting ‘Botox’ and they’re in business for a ‘nip/tuck’ here and there. Nail & hair salons may not have as many customers as times past, but have you noticed any “Going Out of Business” signs on their doors?

Just look at Television. Shows still have commercials that pay out thousands of dollars for a one minute shot at millions of viewers. Game shows continue to give out cash and prizes to the ‘next’ contestant. The rest of the entertainment industry (movies and DVD’s) are being released every weekend. Recording artists are still selling their wares to people like you and me.

How about a ‘Show’ with your dinner? They’re still available for your viewing pleasure. Restaurants aren’t all ‘going–out-of-business’. McDonalds, Wendy’s, KFC and Burger King are still some of the fast food giants here and abroad. Don’t forget that Mickey, Goofy & Cinderella continue to sell tickets to their worlds and Shamu is waiting to see you.

NASCAR, baseball, golf, ice skating and all sorts of sports still have sponsors that give them money to continue their recreations and people are still filling the seats through ticket sales. Have you noticed that Casinos still in business along with your local “lotto” distribution center? Cruise ships may not be sailing as often as they use too, but the ships are still moving across the seas. Bars are continually serving beer, wine & liquors while Cigarette smokers are still puffing away and paying an extra tax while smoke gets in their eyes, hair, clothes lungs (thank God that second-hand smoke is being eradicated). If you think “American Idol” is out of reach then your local “Karaoke” will audition you. These businesses are still in operation.

“Fortune” magazine is still publishing insightful material because they have people (who are still making money) to write about. When you open a magazine or newspaper; you may be amazed to still see advertisements. And yes, even books are still making their way off the shelves and into reader’s hands (see “Where Did That Come From? – Revised” and “Bent But Not Broken” [a little commercial break, thank you]).

My question to you is: If other people are prosperous, and you and I are the children of the Most High God who has given us talents to get wealth (Deut. 8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day); then why should we be concerned about a RECESSION? Do as I have chosen to do - opt out. It doesn’t concern you.

Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com