Daily Devotional – 5/28/14 “Have faith when calling!”

When you call on the name of Jesus with the faith that it’s possible, you’ll quickly find that it’s possible. For Romans 3 tells me that I am justified by faith. Romans 3:22 tells me, “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” See, it doesn’t matter about the color of your skin because we all look alike on the inside. It doesn’t matter about the type of car you drive because we all have to take the same route to see God. It doesn’t matter about the kind of house you live in because the one we’re destined for was designed by the same man. It doesn’t matter about your bank account because our tickets home cost the same. Baby, I’ve come to realize that none of what you think matters actually matter because when we call on the name of Jesus and we have the kind of faith Abraham had, thangs start happening. Yea, when you call out the name of Jesus, in the midst of your storm, not only does it end but it ends at the right time with everything that you’ve been asking for being given to you. Oh when you shout the name Jesus, your enemies run. When you shout the name Jesus strongholds are destroyed. When you shout the name Jesus, the rocks that were about to be thrown your way crumble. When you shout the name Jesus, sickness begins to heal. When you shout the name Jesus, addictions are cast away. When you shout the name Jesus, new paths are designed. When you shout the name Jesus, knives that once cut you won’t even leave a scratch. When you shout the name Jesus, your household is fixed. When you shout the name Jesus, gifts are governed accordingly. When you shout the name Jesus, burdens are replaced with blessings. When you shout the name Jesus!

 

You don’t have to take me at my word but take God’s word because the bible tells me in Romans 4:13 that the promise to Abraham came because of his righteousness of faith and not because of law because where there is no law, there is always faith. This is why Romans 4:16 says, “This is why the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace, to guarantee it to all the descendants–not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of Abraham’s faith. He is the father of us all.” Have faith in whatever you go through because then when you call on the name of Jesus, strength appears; when you call out the name of Jesus, joy is returned and when you stand on the word of Jesus nothing will be able to crack your foundation! All you have to do is have faith when calling!

 

The Wedding Blog Tour

Butterfly Book Promotions Presents…

The Wedding Blog Tour

 
 
 
 

Camille Anderson has been dreaming about her wedding with Trevor Williams since she first laid eyes on him in her driveway 18 years ago. Now that her dream is coming true, she doesn’t want anything to interfere with her special day. But when issues surrounding her parents, an office scandal and Trevor’s nosey cousin come into play, Camille wonders if her dream day will go up in smoke. 

Trevor Williams doesn’t want anything to go wrong with his wedding with Camille. He wants to do everything perfectly; but when he is faced with an important decision, he soon realizes that not everything in life will be the way he wants it.

With the issues that are surrounding them, they soon have to re-evaluate the love they have for each other and most importantly, the friendship they deeply cherish. 

 
 
EXCERPT….
 
 
 
 
Chapter 1: Camille
 
August, 1996
“Camille, you
better get a move on! Tia will be here any minute!”
I rolled my eyes
towards the ceiling at my mom yelling in the hallway. I knew Tia was on her way
over. She called five minutes ago letting me know she was.
“I know, Mom! I’m
trying to find my sandals!” I yelled back.
The two of us,
along with her mom, were heading to the mall to buy new clothes for
school.  Since a new school year was
starting soon, my parents gave me some spending money to shop. Normally, my mom
would take me, but since she had a huge project for her job, she asked Mrs.
Simmons if I could tag along with her and Tia. I think she really wanted her as
reinforcement to see what types of outfits I would pick out so Mrs. Simmons
could report back to her.
After searching
through my room for a good 10 minutes, I was finally able to find my tan sandals.
I slipped them on, looking at myself in the full-length mirror. I couldn’t
believe in a matter of days, I would be heading to eighth grade.  This time next year, I would be in ninth
grade. I couldn’t believe it! I wish this year would just hurry up so I could
start my journey in high school.
I looked at the
green dress I was wearing, wondering why I chose such a hideous color. I hated
anything green, so I didn’t know why I bought it. I guess because I loved the
dress so much. I spun around, letting the full skirt twirl and did another
inspection of my appearance. I sighed, grabbed my purse and went
downstairs.  Once I got down there, I
went into the kitchen and took an apple from the fruit bowl. My mom looked at
me as she stuffed a couple of papers into her briefcase.
“Took you long
enough. What were you doing up there?”
“I had to make
myself even more beautiful. You didn’t want me going out of the house dressed
any kind of way, did you?”
My mom smiled and
put her glasses on. “Of course not. If you did, I wouldn’t let you leave. Now,
I trust you to pick out appropriate clothing for school, okay?”
“Of course, Mom.
See you later. I love you,” I said, giving her a kiss on the cheek before
heading out the door.
I went towards the
driveway, taking in how beautiful the day looked. The only thing that would
make this day better was a breeze or two coming in. Hopefully, Tia and her mom
would arrive soon because heat and I definitely did not mix.
I continued
standing outside when I noticed a tan Suburban pulling into the driveway next
door. I stared intensely at the vehicle, curious to see who my new neighbors
were. The SUV had been coming back and forth to the house since this morning,
along with moving vans and loud noises that woke me up from my peaceful sleep.
Whoever it was probably wouldn’t peak my interest anyway. It was probably some
older couple who I would never see because they never left the house.
I started to
become impatient waiting on Tia. I stood on the heel of my sandals, rocking
myself back and forth. I looked over at the house again, and my entire body
stiffened. My breath was caught in my throat as I stared at the guy stepping
out of the Suburban. He was absolutely gorgeous! I checked out his appearance
from head to toe: ivory-colored skin that looked so smooth, jet-black hair that
was wavy and looked shiny in the sunlight. And the best part – he was wearing
the jersey of my favorite player from the ouHouston Rockets, Hakeem Olajuwon.
He looked over in
my direction with a bright smile that showed his pearly white teeth.  His smile alone made me melt.
He turned around
and looked at an older man, which, from the similar features, I assumed was his
father. He smiled at him, then walked my way. I suddenly became nervous and
wiped my sweaty palms onto my dress. Hopefully, I didn’t leave any stains.
“Hi,” he said once
he approached me.
“Hi,” I said
shyly, wiping my hands on my dress again.
“I noticed you’ve
been staring at us from the time we pulled up to now, so I wanted to introduce
myself. I’m Trevor Williams,” he said, offering his hand.
 I
smiled and put my hand in his, giving a firm shake as I stared into his brown
eyes. Even his eyes were dreamy.
“Camille Anderson.
I guess we’re neighbors,” I replied. Then I thought that was the dumbest thing
ever to say. Of course we’re neighbors; I didn’t have to remind him of that.
“Yeah, I guess we
are. So, do you usually stand outside and keep a watch on the neighbors?”
I blushed and
realized I probably had been staring at him for a long period of time. I guess
I couldn’t help it.
“I’m waiting on my
friend and her mom. We’re heading to the mall for school shopping.”
“Cool, there’s a
mall nearby. Well, I will definitely have to ask to tag along one day, if
you’re interested.”
Definitely, I thought. “So where are you moving
from?”
“Across town. My
dad just got a manager’s position with Cadwell Bank, and since it’s in this
area, he wanted to be closer, so here we are.”
“Cool. Well,
welcome to the neighborhood.”
“Thanks. So, what
school do you go to?” Trevor asked.
“McKinney.”
“That’s where I’m
going. I guess it makes sense since it’s in the neighborhood. What grade are
you in?”
“Eighth.”
“Same here. Maybe
we’ll have some classes together,” he replied.
“That
would be great,” I said with a bright smile while looking at his jersey.
“So,
I see you’re a Rockets fan.” 
“Of
course! I am from Houston, so why wouldn’t I be?”
“There
are a lot of people who live in Houston and like sports teams from other
cities.”
“I
guess that’s true. I know this may be a dumb question to ask, but do you like
video games?”
I
rolled my eyes at him and smiled. “Why because I’m a girl?”
“Well,
yeah.”
“Don’t
let the girly exterior fool you. I play them every once in awhile. In fact, I
just finished playing Tekken 2 yesterday.”
“Really?
I’m playing that game now.”
Before
I could say anything else, Tia’s mom pulled up. Tia stuck her head out of the
passenger side window with a surprised look.
“Hey,
Camille. Who’s the cutie?”
I
blushed again, and Trevor gave a huge smile.
“Tia
Marie Simmons! Get your head back into the car!” Mrs. Simmons yelled.
“Well,
I guess that’s my cue to leave. It was nice to meet you, Camille. I’m pretty
sure we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”
“Yeah.
I’m counting on it.”
Trevor
smiled as he looked at me one last time before heading back to his house.
 

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Sheena Binkley first discovered her love for storytelling when writing her first story for a class project at the tender age of nine. Since then, she has composed several short stories and numerous tales that are not only engaging, but simply entertaining. She is also a freelance writer, penning articles on various topics including education and entertainment. Besides writing, she loves reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Houston (where the weather is always unpredictable) with her husband and son.

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Daily Devotional – 5/27/14 “In the name of Jesus!”

In Acts 3, there was a man who was lame (from birth) and considered a beggar. Now, every day he would be brought to the gate called Beautiful so that he could beg from the people entering. On this particular day he encountered Peter and John and of course he did what he knew to do, beg but Peter replied, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6)” See Peter could have given him what he was begging for but he would have been back at the same place, at the same time the next day begging again so instead Peter gave him healing in the name of Jesus. Yea, Peter or John could have given him what he was begging for but he gave him, in Jesus’ name, the use of his legs that he’s never been allowed to stand on. Yea, Peter could have reached into his bag and handed him a few pieces of silver but they wouldn’t last like his healing would. Yea, he could have given him what he asked for but instead he gave him Jesus. Jesus; who doesn’t spoil like milk or mold like bread. Jesus; who won’t ignore your phone call, deletes your text or come when it’s convenient. Jesus; Him whose name can shake things up and make things happen.

Oh, in the name of Jesus! See, I may not be able to get it with my name but in the name of Jesus doors open, applications are approved, promotions are granted, sicknesses are healed and chains are destroyed. In the name of Jesus; mountains are climbable, obstacles are movable and past mistakes are wiped clean. In the name of Jesus your minimum wage job allows you to live a maximum life. In the name of Jesus your 12 year old car is still drivable. In the name of Jesus your marriage is still surviving and strong. In the name of Jesus you’re still able to work even though man said you should be disable. In the name of Jesus … If only I could feel the feeling that beggar got when Peter pulled him up and his legs didn’t give out. If only I could hear the praise he shouted walking into the temple on the feet that now worked. If only I could have witnessed the power given to Peter for he proclaimed in Acts 3:16, “And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.” Why don’t we have this kind of faith to speak things in Jesus name when His name has the power? I can only imagine how much better we would be when we really believe in the power of the name of Jesus and use it!

Daily Devotional – 5/23/14 “During the interrogation!”

On yesterday, I asked the question; where’s the witness because I am still trying to figure out why we’ve gotten away from testifying on God’s behalf in this day and time. Yes, I know you say you don’t want folk all in your business but I know that couldn’t possibly be it when you post everything to social media. So, what’s the real reason? This is how I see it. Going through storms, tribulations, falling moments, stumbling situations and all the hell you’ve endured was your interrogation and after coming out of it, why not testify about it? I mean, you do know that you’ve been granted the ultimate immunity by the ultimate judge; don’t you? You do know that nothing you done, in your past, will be held against you, don’t you? Then why not witness? During the interrogation you may have lost a few friends and family members but you made it through. During the interrogation, the clouds may have become dark and hung a little low but can’t you see the sun peeking through? During the interrogation, you probably shed a lot of tears, had some sleepless nights, moments of not being able to make ends meet, days of having no food in the refrigerator and thoughts of wanting to give up but didn’t you make it out? During the interrogation you may have had some pain in your body, some sickness the doctor said you’d probably not make it through or some disease that made man shake their head yet you’re alive today; aren’t you? During the interrogation you may have even been addicted to the bottle, the feeling you got when you shot that stuff in your veins, the high you thought you’d never come off of or the excitement of doing you but look at you now; clean and sober. Isn’t God worthy of your witness? Didn’t you make it through your interrogation with your integrity? Didn’t you come out of your interrogation with your inheritance increased? Didn’t you come out of your interrogation with God inhabiting your inward places? Then why can’t you witness? Didn’t God keep His promise of protection, providing, healing, peace that surpass your understanding and gifts that’ll make room for you all during your interrogation? Then where is your witness? You may even be in the midst of your interrogation now but take notes because when it’s all over with and those doors are opened, you’ll be able to walk out with freedom and a clean past. God has a purpose for the things we go through as long as we go through with Him. Don’t count yourself out because of the hell you’re going through now, that’s just your interrogation and soon you’ll have the opportunity to witness by saying, “I can remember when” because then you’d be delivered from it!

Daily Devotional – 5/22/14 “Where’s the witness?”


Isn’t it crazy how God will bring us through stuff and we won’t tell nobody? Why has it become hard to be a witness when God has set you free? I don’t understand how you can go through the trial (sickness, disease, addiction, abuse, hurt, etc.,) be found not guilty (by being delivered) and not tell anybody. That’s like the defense attorney standing before the court calling your name and the judge asking, where’s the witness? I just don’t understand. Why has it become so hard to tell somebody about the goodness of the Lord? You do know that you’re the bible to unbelievers, right? You’re the one an unbeliever sees and your life is what they read, so how can you not share? How can you get me to believe that God can heal me if you can’t tell me how He has healed you? How can you make me believe He will love me through my mess if you can’t tell me a little about the mess He loved you through? How can you make me believe He can pick me up if you can’t tell me how He picked you up? Where is the witness? Weren’t you the one who survived that abusive relationship? Weren’t you the one who was healed of cancer? Aren’t you the one with kidney disease yet you’re still living? Aren’t you the one who used to walk but now you own a car? Aren’t you the one who was once homeless but now a homeowner? Weren’t you the one who was in the gang but now you’re preaching God’s word? Weren’t you the one who used to break up marriages but now you’re happy in yours? Weren’t you the one who tried to commit suicide but it didn’t work? Aren’t you the one who was shot but it didn’t claim your life? Weren’t you the one who was given ten years in jail but only did two and now you’re free? Where’s the witness? Hasn’t God been good enough to you to cry out like the song of David in Psalm 22:22, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you?” Can you say like Psalm 40:9, “I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD?” Where is your witness? When will you tell your story? I don’t know about you but I don’t mind sharing God with you for I’ll scream it from the mountaintops and even from the valley like Isaiah 6:8 says, “Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”” Where’s the witness? Here I am, with my hand on the bible saying, I promise to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth about our God and His wondrous work! Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Every day!