He Keeps On Doing Great Things for Me

Hello All,

I am thankful for all of calls, e-mails and prayers. I am dry and safe!

I delayed posting this week, as I was waiting for a word from heaven. As you can imagine, the past few days have been rather tumultuous and uncertain for the people of Iowa and other Midwestern states. But even as I read the reports of devastation and smell the stench of the receding waters and its residue, I continue to see God work. In the words of LaShun Pace, “He Keeps On Doing Great Things for Me.”

A few months ago when I met with my tax preparer, she looked over and said, “It’s amazing how much you give with your income as a student.” She continued sifting through the receipts from my two alma maters, churches, and the usual not-for-profits.I did not know how to respond, so I simply joked, “You can give away or you can give it to the government.” I do not share this story to brag or boast, but to bring you to my testimony. Even with the increasing cost of gas and other consumer products, I am still committed to being a giver.

Last week, I learned that my summer job would be saved while my colleagues were laid off. The summer program was canceled due to the flooding and its consequences. Prior to the call and e-mail, I had made peace with whatever decision would come down…But God!

On Monday, I received a letter from my undergraduate alma mater thanking me for a gift I had given to a recently established scholarship for African-American students. Earlier that day, I received an e-mail stating that I had received funding to conclude the data collection for my dissertation. My 600 miles of travel and my 25-cent photocopies will be reimbursed. On Tuesday, I learned that I was awarded a scholarship to assist with my final year of schooling.

Some would call it luck, but I know it is the favor of God.

I know that many of you have been praying for the people of Iowa and surrounding areas, but would you consider putting your faith into action by donating to the American Red Cross. The Red Cross is at the fore of the flood recovery efforts and they continue to assist the affected and inflicted across the world. However, I just read that the organization has had to take out a loan to continue their services. I know it is hard for all of us, but please consider a small gift this week. If you or your church would like to give directly to a local church affected by the floods, contact me and I will put you in touch with local pastors who could assist you.

Trust me, giving makes room for more! As always, continue to walk in your blessings.

ADS

I can't afford it, but God can handle a $4 gallon of gas

Happy Monday, All!

“Stay encouraged,” is the word of the Lord for you this week. While gas is $4 a gallon and our grocery bills are skyrocketing, God is still in control. On Saturday, I went to a gas station to purchase an 8 lb. bag of ice and the cashier was even shocked that the price had risen from $1.25 to $1.44. His co-worker just shook her head and said she received word that diesel would increase by 30 cents.

I know it is hard to stay encouraged when your money is funny and your change is a little strange, but we have to trust our living God. David said in Psalm 37:25:“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

Yes, we’ve all had to make some changes; however, none of my friends and/or loved ones have reported that they are losing any weight. I’m trying to work off a few pounds I packed on during Iowa’s long winter and late spring. You would think a sister would lose a few pounds choosing vegetarian entrees over beef or chicken to save a dollar or two.

This week, try this little exercise I’ve found myself doing lately. Most of us are use to saying grace or a prayer of thanks before eating, but have you considered that this act is transferable. Recently, I have found myself saying “thank you for provision” as I walk through the grocery store and while I am pumping gas. I am a bargain shopper, so I am interested in the little tag that tells you how much each ounce will cost. I still look at those little tags, but as I make my selections, I give thanks.

I once heard a preacher say, “'thank you' makes room for more.” Send me a note if you get a chance to experiment with this little exercise.

It is almost 2 a.m. and it will soon be time to experience God’s manna!

As always, continue to walk in your blessings! (Meditation Passage Exodus 16:4-7)


Arlecia D. Simmons

Copyright © 2008 Arlecia’s Doses of Inspiration by Arlecia D. Simmons
All rights reserved.

Women After God's Heart

On Friday, May 30, the Associated Press reported that the Vatican, the central governing body of the Catholic Church, issued a warning that women taking part in ordinations would be excommunicated. “The church has always banned the ordination of women by stating that the priesthood is reserved for males. The new decree is explicit in its reference to women,” the report stated. A top Vatican official said, "The church does not feel authorized to change the will of its founder Jesus Christ."

As I read the story, all I could do was shake my head. For me, this matter was a continuation of the age-old debate of whether women should operate in ministry. I am not Catholic and I know very little about Catholicism; however, I know it is the same discussion simply taking place in a different room of the house.

For the past year or so, I have immersed myself in reading about women in the Bible and in contemporary ministry. My dissertation research is a study of the life and work of an Iowa woman who was ordained in 1930. Although she was active within a local Western Iowa church, she “pastored” via the radio for over 55 years. For the past two years, I have read her sermons and through issues of a magazine she published for 46 years. I have also spent hours flipping through her personal scrapbooks and letters, and interviewing her grandchildren and her associates who are still in their right mind. I am still making sense of my project and its contribution to knowledge. Nevertheless, one thing I am sure about is that God has always used women to spread the Gospel and assist with the maintenance of the Church.

Even before I began this research, I saw how God used a group of praying women. In my childhood church, there were always women operating in ministry. Last fall, I was saddened to learn that two of these women, the Rev. Mary Broomfield and Evangelist Mable Maxwell, had gone home to be with the Lord. About two months before her passing, I had called the 91-year-old “Sis. Maxwell.” Her mind was strong, as she provided updates on her grandchildren, the great-grands and other relatives that I could not recall. As our conversation ended, she thanked me for the call and simply said, “You stay on the King’s highway.” That was a word!

Many family members experienced my wrath when I learned that they had not informed me that the Rev. Broomfield passed away. I had not spoken to her in years, but I will never forget how God used her to assist with my healing. As a kid, I suffered from an extreme case of eczema that forced me to miss months of school. Because Mary Ford Elementary had no air conditioning, I did not spend many late spring days in the classroom. At times, a teacher visited my home to drop off assignments and go over new material. That is, when I was not in the hospital. While most kids would simply remember missing recess, I recall Rev. Broomfield and Mrs. Mary Lee Fields, the pastor’s wife, coming over to pray and rub me down with oils and other concoctions they had learned about from friends or people at the health food store. My grandmother, Louise, would be right there with the tag team. They prayed, sang, and greased me down. The whatnots in the living room would shake as the women prayed that God would heal my body. While other kids would have been freaked out, such activities became my “normal.”

As I thought about the story coming out of the Vatican, I remembered these women and thought about others of all faiths, who were feeling God’s tug. Many women have dismissed their calling due to political or societal roadblocks. Reflecting on her entrance into the ministry, my research subject stated: "Had I been a boy instead of a girl I am sure I would have been preaching the gospel long before I did. But having been brought up to think preaching was a man’s job I did not aspire to be a minister of the gospel."


No matter how many decrees are issued, the will of God will be done. Today, I am encouraged by Joel 2:28-29 (KJV): 28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…

I am so glad that my research subject, Rev. Broomfield and Evangelist Maxwell took God at His word and fulfilled their assignments!


Copyright © 2008 Arlecia’s Doses of Inspiration by Arlecia D. Simmons
All rights reserved.