Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

Beginning Small

I’m an introvert by nature. I’ve never quite fit or blended well with the ‘in’ crowd. Therefore, I shy away from most large gatherings. My bashfulness became such an obstacle that in school when the given assignment was an oral report, I would opt for a zero as my grade. For me, standing before the class and speaking was unimaginable! Beyond conceivable. Little did I know that it was Satan's scheme to saturate my mind with insecurities to keep me from my destiny. Constantly telling me I wasn’t good enough and that I didn’t matter. Believing those lies held me captive in my own body. As a result, writing became my chosen vehicle of expression. However, I kept my newfound fetish in the closet. It was all for me. My therapy. My sanity. My release. Until God intervened.

Don’t ask me how, but I’ve always sensed God had other plans for me despite my current location in life. I wasn’t sure of the path or where it would lead. But I was curious. No, make that hungry. Greedily, I took steps forward. Determination vanquishing the looming fears to withdraw. I KNEW greatness was out there for me. I heard it calling my name. Then the panic set in. What if I failed? The calling grew louder . To get something I’ve never had, I had to do something I’ve never done—L et go of my fear of rejection and let God rule. Have you ever felt that what you were going through was much bigger than you? In fact, it wasn't even about you. My big aha moment. The end destination was God's direction all along.

The mistakes made.
The pain endured.
The heartache suffered.
The failed relationships.
The friends lost.
It was all a divine setup to get me exactly where God wanted me.
Depended on Him.
Focus and faithful.
Disciplined and decided.

This writing that I love so much wasn’t for me to keep to myself. It's a gift to be shared. Everything that I had under gone was to prepare me for this moment in time. It was up to me to seize it! On shaky trembling legs, I staggered out of my secret closet peering apprehensively around the corner with each stride and accepted my first writing assignment. A poem. That opened doors to other possibilities I would have never dreamt of or believed. Who knew that one step of obedience many years ago would connect my path with the opportunities that lay before me as an author, writer and columnist today. A living testament to at no time underestimate small beginnings, because you never know where they might lead...And though your beginning was small, yet your latter end will greatly increase. Job 8:7

Iris Celeste is the author of Christian Fiction novel Praise Your Way Through. A story of love, betrayal and forgiveness. Because being saved doesn’t mean being perfect. To learn more about the author and order a book visit http://www.irisceleste.com/.

Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

My Father's Business

A close friend of mine and I were discussing an incident that transpired in the Book of Matthew between Jesus and his twelve chosen disciples. Just before The Last Supper Jesus declared that one of them were going to betray him. Of course, they all denied the claim. However, that’s not what shocked me. What caught my attention was not the disciples’ reaction, but Jesus’ response. All along He knew who was going to betray him and when that betrayal would take place…but he changed not! He treated Judas no different from the other eleven. Now how many of us would have responded in the same manner? I know I would have shown all kinda attitude up in there!!! But Jesus did not concern himself with such trivial tactics. He was strictly about his father's business. He refused to take his eyes off the prize and allow anyone or anything deter him from his mission here on earth.

I pray for such dedication and focus. I confess there have been moments when I was doing the right thing, I thought for the right reason but when faced with opposition I allowed it to hurl me off track. But after rereading the message in Matthew it shed some light. What I do for the Lord has nothing to do with popularity, being respected, recognized, neither fame nor fortune. It has absolutely nothing to do with any of those things. In fact, it has nothing to do with me! God selected me as one of His vessels to be used for His glory. Therefore, warfare is expected...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

The devil doesn't want me to reach my goal and though he can't stop what God has already predestined, his objective is to discourage me. He wants to keep me stressed out and distracted enough where I don't have the time or energy to do the work of the Lord. Remember in the desert when he approached Jesus and taunted him in his weariness. But Jesus wasn't fazed nor did he try to tackle the devil in his own strength. He fought back with the word..."it is written, worship the Lord your God and serve Him only." Whether he was confronted with antagonists or entrusted friend, Jesus never diverted from his assignment. Likewise, when assaulted with lies, encounter hurtful accusations or simply misunderstood, do as Jesus did and retaliate with scripture..."did you not know that it is necessary for me to be about my Father's business."

Iris Celeste, Author
http://www.irisceleste.com/





About Iris Celeste

Iris Celeste has always loved the written word and spent endless hours as a child being entertained through books. Writing became her chosen method of expression and with that her debut novel Praise Your Way Through was brought to life, as well as, a collection of her poetry entitled Seasons of Life. Iris also writes a weekly column entitled As a Woman Thinketh for Big Time Publishing Newspaper.

Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

Powerless

Have you ever been tired…of mothering? Truth be told, I have. I’ve been to the point where I wanted to throw in the towel and just give up. I’ve even gone as far as contemplating dropping my boys off to their father and not returning. I would simply keep driving and not look back. I was tired. Burnt-out. Exhausted. Spent. Overwhelmed. Underappreciated. Anyway, you call it, it all comes up the same…t-i-r-e-d! I was tired of giving and giving, receiving nothing but bad attitudes and ungratefulness in exchange. I fuss and I punish, only to have disobedience resurface. I attempt to love them into submission, with no avail. Tears become my closest friend as I ponder where I went wrong. My heart grieves a slow death as I watch up-close the destruction of my hopes of having a perfect family.
Reality check: After the Holy Spirit slapped me around a bit I was brought back to remembrance of how when I was at my worst what my Father did for me—His very imperfect child…You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6 Wow! He didn’t turn His back on me as I acted up and ran amuck. He didn’t wash His hands of me when I was a wayward mess. Instead, while I was my filthiest, dirtiest self He continued to show me love. Real love…God demonstrates His own love for us in this while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Roman 5:8

Jacob was a practiced trickster. Noah an alcoholic. David a renowned womanizer. All imperfect. All flawed. All God’s children. But, yet, they all were used for His glory. Who am I to think of abandoning my own children of promise, when God didn’t permit me to fall by the wayside? Children are a gift of the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3
I’ve found motherhood cannot be contained in a box with a pretty red bow tied on top. Heartaches are guaranteed. The laboring will be heavy and intense. You won’t have the answers to all the questions. You will feel defenseless to their pouty mouths and puppy dog eyes. They will try you at every end. Your patience will be lost. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel…Little children, you are of God (you belong to Him) and have (already) defeated and overcome them (the agents of the antichrist), because He who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Iris Celeste, Author

About the author

Iris Celeste has always loved the written word and spent endless hours as a child being entertained through books. Writing became her chosen method of expression and with that her debut novel Praise Your Way Through was brought to life, as well as, a collection of her poetry entitled Seasons of Life. Iris also writes a weekly column entitled As a Woman Thinketh for Big Time Publishing Newspaper. She can be contacted at her websiste at www.irisceleste.com

Blessed Thoughts From Iris Celeste

Dearly Loved

I love road trips. There is nothing like witnessing God's creation through the beauty of nature itself. The splendor of the trees, standing tall and strong. The greenery of the grass and the backdrop of the sky, all established for my enjoyment. Not one thing is fighting for its own space or beckoning for attention. Everything is as it should be. The exact way God designed it...In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

My life is the same way. God views it all from beginning to end. The pitfalls, as well as the mountaintop experiences. He is not shocked by my bad decisions and wrong turns, disappointed maybe. But not at all aroused. He created me and knows all about me...Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10:30 How humbling. Nothing I do can change the way He feels about me...Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. Romans 8:38

While driving in my car, surrounded by nature's ambiance, I felt the evidence of God's love. It was His protection that enhedged me and kept my vehicle on the road. It was He who commanded the angels to keep close watch over me-His prize possession...He shielded them and cared for them; He guarded them as the apple of His eye. Deuteronomy 32:10 Just as the trees and the land doesn't have to vie for God's affection, nor do I. He loves me simply because I'm me...God's chosen one, holy and dearly loved. Colossians 3:12

Iris Celeste

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About the Author

Iris Celeste has always loved the written word and spent endless hours as a child being entertained through books. Writing became her chosen method of expression and with that her debut novel Praise Your Way Through was brought to life, as well as, a collection of her poetry entitled Seasons of Life. Iris also writes a weekly column entitled As a Woman Thinketh for Big Time Publishing Newspaper. You may learn more about Iris and her novel by visiting her at http://www.irisceleste.com/

Blessed Thoughts

For in Him we live, and move, and have our being

It’s 2009, the dawn of a New Year and time (past time) for you to take charge of your life. This is it!!! Don't allow another day, minute, or second to go by without walking in your destiny. God created each and everyone of us for greatness! Today stop living a mediocre life and live out your God-given purpose. Unleash the gift He has placed inside you. If you are unsure as to what that is, pray and ask God to reveal it to you. But, more than likely, it's the area that gives you the most satisfaction and sense of being. I'm willing to bet you are already operating in it and don't even realize it. Want to know what your gifting is, find your passion!

Live the abundant life God set out for y-o-u. Stop permitting other people to navigate your path by taking control of the wheel! Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for having mentors that provide a positive influence, those who support, encourage and stimulate your growth. It’s a good idea to build relationships with people who are where you want to be. However, the path they took isn't necessarily your path. Travel down your own road to success.

Now success can be many things to many people, depending upon whom you are asking. Some may find it in money. For others, it’s a big house and a fancy car. Success for me is personal fulfillment. Money may afford comfortable surroundings, but it doesn’t provide happiness or contentment. The world is full of miserably wealthy people. Redefine your interpretation of success by realizing your potential. It's in your gift...There are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit!

Linger no longer. Commit to following God and bringing Him honor through the use of your gift. I searched for inner peace in many ways, but nothing silenced my quest like recognizing who I was in Christ...For in him we live, and move, and have our being! All that I am and all that I hope to be is in Him...Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. Anything that I attempt to do with no regards to my Father is all for naught...For apart from Me you can do nothing. After innumberable wrong turns and mishaps, I have found that I am useless without Him and my existence insignificant. Now I offer my life as a living testimony to Him as thanks for the endowment entrusted upon me...Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. A sure way to delight yourself in the Lord...stir up the gift in you!

Iris Celeste, Author
www.irisceleste.com
















About the Author
---------------------------------------
Iris Celeste has always loved the written word and spent endless hours as a child being entertained through books. Writing became her chosen method of expression and with that her debut novel Praise Your Way Through was brought to life, as well as, a collection of her poetry entitled Seasons of Life. Iris also writes a weekly column entitled As a Woman Thinketh for Big Time Publishing Newspaper.

Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

Due Season

I have learned that life is not always fair. I’m not going to always get what I want when I want it nor will things easily come my way. Nevertheless, in the midst of going through, God is there. It is He who keeps me from losing it all…my mind, my finances and even myself. Just when I am about to do something completely foolish, God steps in. He thoughtfully removes a bad influence from out of my life. He closes the door of a potentially disastrous business venture. He locks up all possible expansion for advancement. Why you ask? I ask. The timing simply wasn’t right.

Though my spirit is fully aware of this knowledge, my flesh instinctively wants to fight against it and it is at those times when I am tempted to make things happen in my own strength. I toy with the idea of maneuvering people and circumstances around to better suit my needs. But then, I’m reminded of Sarah’s story in the bible. God had made her a promise and when it didn’t manifest in her timetable, she plotted her own plan. Her impatience causing disorder and chaos. However, God remained faithful and the promise was delayed, but not denied.

God has His own reasoning as to when and how He rains down miracles and blessings and He has ordained an appointed time to release blessings into my life…for in due season we shall reap a harvest. I may feel I’m ready to elevate to the next level in my career. But God knows there is still a work He needs to perform in me. Delayed, but not denied. I’m packed and all ready to move into my new home right NOW. But God sees down the road that the interest rate/price will be lowered and therefore making the house more affordable. Delayed, but not denied. I cannot understand why I continue to run into the wrong guys and have yet to run into the Right One. But God recognizes my potential and is using this time prefecting and preparing me to birth a ministry for Him. Delayed, but not denied.

As my fruit ripens, God keeps me in a holding pattern. While in transition, He is maturing me. Strengthen and stretching my faith. Grooming me for what’s about to occur...when He has tested me, I will emerge as pure gold. Strategically aligning the atmosphere for the anticipation of my arrival…Yet I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory He will reveal in ME later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for the manifestation of when God will reveal who His children really are! Confirmation that the best is still yet to come—in due season!

Iris Celeste, Author
http://www.irisceleste.com/













About the author

Iris Celeste has always loved the written word and spent endless hours as a child being entertained through books. Writing became her chosen method of expression and with that her debut novel Praise Your Way Through was brought to life, as well as, a collection of her poetry entitled Seasons of Life. Iris also writes a weekly column entitled As a Woman Thinketh for Big Time Publishing Newspaper.

Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

Two are Better

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if one fall down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. I love this particular scripture. It explains God’s mindset as to why He created Eve for Adam and the logic behind why He sent the disciplines out two by two. We all need a partner! I’m a single parent and one thing I find to be extremely trying is raising a man-child without a man. But God is so good, He placed a male role model in my son’s life by way of my best friend. He is also a single parent with a teenage daughter the same age as my son! We made a pact to not only be a blessing to one another, but to extend that blessing into the lives of each other's children, as well. Whenever I am having difficulty with my teenager or just plain don’t understand what the boy is going through, my friend swoops in and enlightens me. He gives me insight within the walls of the male psyche. They are a whole different species all by themselves and being a mother, there are some things I just don’t get or comprehend regarding boys, especially teenage boys. I pray I serve as the same voice of reasoning for him when it comes to his daughter.

Life experiences are meant to be shared. Shared with someone you can completely open up and be yourself with. All day long, I walk around with a smile plastered on my face or faking the funk a term my friends and I use. But then there are moments when I need to take the mask off and be free to show the real me. The scared me. The frightened me. The unsure me. I need to know that the person I am expressing myself to genuinely cares about my well-being. I have to be certain when I am in need of prayer they are sincerely praying on my behalf and my concerns are being taken to the Lord, not the telephone exposing my secrets to others. ..blessed is the man that walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

God's design was for us to coexist and prosper. ..if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done. I thank God for the awesome friends He placed in my life. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I was able to use their supportive shoulders to lean on when life had almost beaten me down. Their encouraging words sheltered me and pulled me through many rainstorms. They loved and accepted me for who I was, while also pushing me into becoming the woman I was created to be. They served as my loudest cheerleaders and number one fans. Without them, I would have surely given up long ago. The bible says…my intercessor has been my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God—and my heart when joy is abounding. Now that's what I call friends with benefits!

Iris Celeste, Author
www.irisceleste.com

About the Author

Iris Celeste has always loved the written word and spent endless hours as a child being entertained through books. Writing became her chosen method of expression and with that her debut novel Praise Your Way Through was brought to life, as well as, a collection of her poetry entitled Seasons of Life. Iris also writes a weekly column entitled As a Woman Thinketh for Big Time Publishing Newspaper.

Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

Perfect Peace

Earlier this week I started back working out, if you call ‘walking’ working out. No, I don’t do it to lose weight. I do it more for my sanity. It’s amazing how the thirty-minute exercise helps relieve some of the stress from my otherwise chaotic day. While I walk, I’m able to meditate, thank God for His many blessings and mentally process the events from my day. Afterwards, I feel rejuvenated and ready to conquer my next obstacle with confidence and a sound mind.

Before taking the time to ‘walk’ my body out, I noticed how groggy, tired and downright grouchy I had become! If you don’t believe me, just ask my kids. They can attest to the grouchy part. After closely evaluating the situation, I concluded that I needed to reinstall the exercise regimen back into my daily activities.

This small, but needed routine that I have taken up to help balance my day made me think of something. My prayer life has the same effect. I’ve observed if I hadn’t spent quality time communing with God, my mind is also thrown into a jumbled mess. Consequently, not taking the time to feed my spirit caused cluttered thoughts. With my focus and purpose unclear, it didn’t take much to set me off or derail me off track. What I needed was to start my day with prayer…You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You. Isaiah 26:3 Praying served as a way for me to release all of my worries and anxieties directly to God and worked as an agent for me to also hear from Him as to what direction I needed to approach my day…The steps of a good (wo)men are ordered by God. Psalm 37:23


Just as physical exercise was the medicine my body needed to keep it fine-tuned and running properly. Spiritually, my mind could not function as it should without first conversing with my Heavenly Father…I urge, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made—that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:1-3


Iris Celeste, Author
www.irisceleste.com










Iris Celeste has always loved the written word and spent endless hours as a child being entertained through books. Writing became her chosen method of expression and with that her debut novel Praise Your Way Through was brought to life, as well as, a collection of her poetry entitled Seasons of Life. Iris also writes a weekly column entitled As a Woman Thinketh for Big Time Publishing Newspaper.

Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

Real Love

I’ve searched for love most my life.

Thought I would find it in being a wife.

Thought I would find it in being a mother.

Though both are feelings like no other.

The love that I was searching for.

Was locked behind a metal door.

It was inside me all the while.

But had turned hard and hostile.

From years of disappointments and lies.

My love I learned to cover in disguise.

Never let them see you cry.

That was the principle that I lived by.

Although I cared, I pretended not.

‘Til one day I realized it was all a plot.

Designed and orchestrated by Satan, my foe.

To confuse me of everything I know.

That love was meant to be given away.

Only the truest will return one day.

As God demonstrated love by giving His son.

He established the convenant of how it begun.

Now my search is over and the victory’s been won.

I’ve found real love in The Anointed One.


Iris Celeste

About the Author

Iris Celeste is the author of the novel, Praise Your Way Through. She resides in Macon, Georiga with her family.

Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

The Hidden Talent

As I look back over my life I wasted so many years trying to fill a void with worldly possessions and meaningless accomplishments. That great office job, the perfect piece of furniture, the latest outfit, a budding new relationship…all to no avail. Eventually, after the newness wore off they all left me feeling empty—incomplete. I drifted aimlessly and with no direction or joy to speak of. The day-to-day grind was becoming intolerable. In time I became sick and tired of merely existing and not truly living life to the fullest. So I prayed and asked God for revelation. Why am I here?

The instant the prayer left my lips God gave me a wake up call (be careful what you pray for). I shockingly came to the humbling conclusion that nothing was about me. My life was not my own to claim. I was born with a purpose…on assignment for Him. God had impregnated me with a special talent. But it was up to me to birth the baby and bring it to life. Reluctantly, I started aligning my will with His will. It didn’t come easy. The laboring was hard; demanding even, and thrust me out of my comfort zone. I wanted desperately to resist and run back to the familiar. But discontentment wouldn’t allow me.

God amazingly ordered my steps, even when I refused to move my feet. He opened doors and provided opportunities to expose my talent. Not publicly at first, but to my own consciousness. I soon came to realize nothing God ever blesses us with is for us alone. My gifting wasn’t for me to keep to myself nor to hide. But to be a benefit for others. Standing on shaky, unsteady legs I stepped out on faith to uncover my true calling and with that came my life’s fulfillment. At last, the void had been sealed permitting the unveiling of the me I was destined to be. Are you too searching for your purpose in life? A reason for being? The answer is closer than you think.

Iris Celeste, Author
Praise Your Way Through
www.irisceleste.com

Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

Give Thanks…

As this year comes to an end, I can’t help but wonder where the months have gone. I remember vividly this very time LAST year and it seems just like yesterday! Now as we are entering into another year, emotions overwhelm me as I think of the many memories I shared over the closing of this time span. The most dominant being thankfulness. I’m thankful for the family that loves me unconditionally. I’m thankful for my friends—my extended family—who are always so supportive of me…I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I’m thankful for God’s provisions that enables me to provide a decent life for me and my children… Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. I’m thankful for His shield of protection and covering us under His wing…When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. I’m thankful for His mercy and that I wasn’t cut off long ago…. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. I’m even thankful for the pitfalls, because its there that I grew nearer to Him…In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I’m thankful for all the bad decisions He allowed me to make, because now I know better and do better as a result…And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. I’m thankful for all the dark and lonely nights, because it was then I rediscovered the greatness in me…I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. I’m thankful for all the people who didn’t believe in me, because it helped me to believe in myself… may God give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, may the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe. But more importantly, I’m thankful for life…I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance…to the full, till it overflows! May all your days be a day of thanksgiving.

Iris Celeste, Author
www.irisceleste.com

Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

New Every Morning

I am continuously astonished at how God not only listens to my prayers, but when I see evidence of those prayers being answered. My heart swells with sheer joy at the thought that a God so big cares so much about little old me. With millions of people in the world, wars and famine; He values the significance of my well-being. It’s then that the guilt starts to settle in and I feel ashamed for ever doubting Him. I don’t know if any of you are like this, but sometimes I will pray about a particular situation and still fret over it. I find myself lying awake at night hoping God comes through all the while devising a backup plan in case He doesn’t. Surely God must shake His head as He unyieldingly rains down my daily manna...o, you of little faith.

This week I was wringing my hands worrying over the probability of things to come. Though I had prayed, the situation was still at the forefront of my mind. Exhausted over excessive toiling, I decided to fully let go and whole-heartedly trust God. Afterall, He has yet to fail me. As always when the walls appeared to be closing in on me He provided a way of escape. Just when I thought I couldn’t make it another day, God stepped in. His overpowering love kept me from being consumed. Great is His faithfulness.

No matter how hard I try, I am unable to put into words the emotions that engulf me to know my Father in heaven is concerned about my every need. He knows them all before I can even ask. His sole desire is to bless me.
ME, a little country girl from rural South Carolina.
ME, with no more than a high school diploma.
ME, a mom single-handedly raising her young boys into men.
ME, broken—damaged and sometimes misguided.
He loves me and when it is I feel overwhelmed and think no one else cares, understands or notices…His compassions never fail and are new every morning.

Iris Celeste, Author
Praise Your Way Through
http://www.irisceleste.com/

Blessed Thoughts with Iris Celeste

The Way, The Truth and The Life

Yesterday I cried. Not from grief or sorrow, but out of pure joy. I was happy! As I reflected over my life my heart instinctively overflowed with gratitude. I endured hardships, heartaches, disappointments, and loss. Though my path was encumbered with numerous obstacles and landed me in various pitfalls, still I stand. What I considered as my demise gave birth to a miraculously new beginning. He reached down from on high and took hold of me. You see, each trial was designed for a purpose. Through it all God held me, protected me and kept me for such a time as this.

As long as I was at the steering wheel wrong turns were made. I often traveled down dead end roads. Some were rocky and in need of repair. Others were smooth, but held many curves. I admit to being hard-headed and sometimes taking the long road home. As a result, I found myself wasting time driving in circles passing the same scenery…dizzy and confused. My destination always the same—lost. I was in need of a road map. That’s when it hit me! Let not your heart be troubled. I had a comforter; an advocate on my behalf. The Spirit of Truth. After years of struggling to make it on my own I no longer had to. So I took advantage of the situation and conferred with my Counselor. As soon as I began to align my will with His will life made sense. I realized my path was already paved out for me, all I had to do was take the first step in the right direction. With each step of faith God opened doors of opportunity for me to succeed and with that I found love, joy and peace. I found life abundant.


Iris Celeste

Author of Praise Your Way Through
www.irisceleste.com

Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

Dream Deferred—Waiting For It

One of my favorite stories in the bible is the record of Joseph. The accounts of his life have made a profound influence over my own. God had big plans for Joseph and revealed it to him in a dream. But poor Joseph made the mistake of sharing his dream with his already envious brothers and the bible says…they hated him all the more. Being guided by their envy the brothers plotted to kill Joseph. But their greed was greater and they sold him into slavery. This landed him into the hands of Potiphar. Now most would think this would be the end of the road for Joseph. However, the bible states…the Lord was with him and he prospered. With God’s favor upon him, Joseph became Potiphar’s attendant. That position placed him in charge of Potiphar’s entire household and everything he owned. But once again, trouble found Joseph. He was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and imprisoned. Nonetheless, the Lord was with him and Joseph was entrusted with the responsibility of safekeeping the other inmates. Why you ask would God follow Joseph to the dungeon? He was preparing him for what was to come. The dream was still in effect. But before God could usher Joseph into his destiny He first had to train him for the task. What better place then amongst the lowly in spirit.

Lessons I learned from Joseph’s journey: Be careful who you share your dreams with. People in your very own family will not want to see you succeed and will scheme against you. But God in His infinite wisdom knew this ahead of time and declared…no weapon formed against you shall prosper. God is everywhere. So don’t despise the miry pit. Before He can set you high, He has to take you through. And Job knew this best. When all hell was breaking loose around him and his friends had jumped ship, Job kept his faith on the Blesser and not his blessings…though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. When God gives you a vision perceive it, believe it; then rest on it. But expect opposition. Nothing worth having comes without difficulty. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it… rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us. Lastly, stand firm! Know that even the devil himself can’t stop what God has already set into motion…For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.

Iris Celeste, Author
Praise Your Way Through
http://www.irisceleste.com/

What's New On UCF

I'm excited to debut my first columnist on Urban Christian Fiction Blog. I've been following Iris Celeste's inspirational writings on another online site and decided to snatch her up before some national magazine like Christianity Today makes her an offer. Iris will be sharing her musings biweekly on Tuesdays. Make sure to leave her a comment and let her know how her words bless you.

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,

Rhonda

Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

All Things Work Together...

Who knew five short years ago I would be in this very spot--healthy and sane. I, for one, certainly did not. I would have never predicted after experiencing one of the most traumatic events to date that I would live to write about it. You see, I lost someone very dear to me and life as I knew it was no more. It left me bruised, broken and emotionally bankrupt. I felt God had abandoned me and was punishing me for past sins committed. I started repenting for them all, including the time I had twisted my younger sister's arm out of frustration back in 1983. No stone was left unturned. No sin too small. In a word, I was 'desperate.' Desperate for relief from this painstaking ordeal that was being inflicted upon me. I stood alone and left to my own devices. The sista circle had quit calling. My so-called friends were nowhere to be found. No prayer warriors were praying on my behalf. So as most humans do, I self-medicated. The frightened and dejected little girl inside attached herself to any and everything that helped to sooth her pain. There were many mistakes made and regrets that soon followed. I ran as fast as I could into the arms of denial, but was unable to hide. Before long the pain would quickly resurface and the hurt returned unbearable as before, if not more intense. Still I wasn't ready to surrender. I was angry with God and told Him so religiously! I couldn't understand why He had forsaken me. Why me? Why now? All that I perceived to be true and all that I was were stripped away. I was naked. Unclothed for the world to see. Bleeding internally. Dying a slow spiritual death and no one cared...so I thought.

I conducted myself as though I wasn't raised to know who God was. I behaved as the orphan I believed to be. I did exactly as I pleased with no regard of the consequences. Remember I was wounded! But after months of crying and rebelling, disappointments and failings something deep within me shook loose. I grew tired of listening to the devil's lies and the dark deceit he purposely kept me covered in. The resistance I fought against was tearing down my stronghold with a gentle force. A transformation was taking place. I recalled in the bible it stating for everything there is a reason. I began to question the recent occurrences that had transpired in my life. Why had God ostracized me? It was then in my darkest hour I heard His still small voice whisper to my spirit, "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you." Revelation! I came to realize I had survived solely because God had a bigger purpose for me. He HAD to allow me to be separated from the distractions in my life. He HAD to allow me to be set apart from associations and untie unions that never should have been. What I thought was an attack from the enemy was God ushering me into my destiny. I Had To Go Through It! When I felt I was alone and cast aside, He was with me ordering my steps. What the devil meant for evil, God used to elevate me to my wealthy place. The pain I endured, the hurt imposed, the dying of self all worked together for my good. Because in the end I found what I was destined to be. A writer!

Iris Celeste,

Author of Praise Your Way Through

http://www.irisceleste.com/