Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Modus Operandi

“And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.” ~Mark 14:13

Intricate. Precise. Exact. Intentional. Those are only a few words that I can think of to describe God’s modus operandi, or His mode of operation — His “M.O.”. God’s way of doing things are never coincidental. In fact, I do not believe in coincidences. Every thing happens for a reason, and with God, this is most true.

I am praising and thanking God right now for the little things that seemed so insignificant to me. The things that He’s allowed me to do that I thought nothing of. For He has placed me in scenarios and situations whereas I’ve had to use skills that I didn’t even know I had, and I wondered why He put me in these situations. A little of this, a little of that, all to hone and polish something He put in me.

I see today how He has begun to weave all of these little things together in order for me to us for a greater purpose. Wow! Isn’t that so like God?

Review Mark 14:13 above. Jesus gives instructions to two of the disciples to locate the upper room where they are to prepare for the passover meal. The Last Supper. Jesus tells them exactly what they will see and how they will know they are in the right place. What He says doesn’t seem all that remarkable or odd. But it is. Actually, He said something highly significant. That is that they would find a man carrying water in a pitcher. Or a jug. Again, seemingly insignificant. But if you understand the customs or culture of that time, you would find it odd. Men either did not carry water, or if they did, they did not bear it in pitchers. Women did. Men would tote water in skins.

So, naturally, this man carrying a pitcher of water — a seemingly small detail — was yet a very precise and intentional act of God!

The scripture doesn’t tell us, but I do wonder why this man toted his water in a pitcher? I am sure that it was a so-called coincidence, and even he probably wondered why he did it. Perhaps a skin wasn’t available. Perhaps a woman wasn’t available to bring the water. Perhaps initially there was not a need for water. There are numerous possibilities and dynamics to this, but the bottomline is that it was necessary for this man to be carrying water in a pitcher at that exact moment as a sign to the disciples.

Why was it important for this to happen? This was yet another action of God to show that Jesus Christ knows all. He was/is not just a “good man”. He is divine, He is Lord, He is the Savior. Yet another opportunity for the disciples to receive and accept Him. Even then, they did not fully know who He was.

God’s M.O. has not changed. He is still performing miracles and doing the impossible today. He still uses the ordinary to do extraordinary things. He still shows us signs of His power and greatness. He still takes little and turns it into much. He still builds and weaves the most intricate details of our lives into something significant.

Don’t take for granted the small things that occur in your life. You don’t have to think that God is not active or present in your life because you may not see anything spectactular (according to you). Some of those little incidences are catalysts for great things.

Trust God in all ways. Don’t dismiss what you may not understand. Trust Him!

Blessings!

Carla Y. Nix

Sunday, December 28, 2008

An Open Letter - Dear You, Part 1

This open letter is the result of a conversation I had in my head. It is a conversation that I imagined having with someone who plays a big role in the dysfunction of a precious family I know. Although the family’s situation is different than my own, I can relate to the position the wife of this family is in. Only because my past experience, though not the same, brought the same feelings of pain, hurt, and anger. Out of those negative feelings, I did write my own letter at the time (years ago). God has delivered me from such a place in life, but it does hurt me when others go through what I went through, or what this family goes through today.

As I had the conversation in my head, I thought it best to write it out and pen it here. I truly believe that many can relate, and perhaps, some could very well be the target of the words I’m about to express.

Dear You,

Yes you. You, the woman who seem to have no shame whatsoever. What is your problem?

I am very angry because of your actions. But what angers me even more is the fact that you don’t think enough of yourself nor do you have any pride. It hurts me to know that you are a partner in crime with the demise of a family, but it kills me inside because you are also the culprit in destroying your own life. Worse, you are painting a very ugly picture for your daughters of what a beautiful strong woman is.

Why do you care so little about yourself that you would be involved with a married man? What makes you not value yourself to the point that you are willing to steal whatever time you can from a man who is obviously not capable of showing true love and commitment? Why are you wrapped up with someone who is not honest nor has respect for the mother of his children? What makes this man so appealing to you? Why do you not know that you deserve better?

You’ve played footsy with this man for years. He has been told a number of times that he is free to leave to be with you solely. But, he hasn’t done it. He can’t do it. He obviously does not hold you in high enough esteem to want to be with you fully. He will not leave his wife for you, and if he does one day, do you believe that he would be faithful to you? He never has been.

Why do you settle for that? And you wonder why God hasn’t shown favor towards you. Why should He when you are not living as you should? Please don’t think that your life is a secret from the Lord. Remember the woman at the well who met Jesus? The woman living in shame? Jesus, without hesitation, let her know that the man that she was with now was not her husband. I hope that you know that Jesus knows the same about you today. Most of all, I hope you know that Jesus can deliver you as well, just as He did this Samaritan woman.

I should be angry with you because you are affecting a great family that I love dearly. I guess I am. But, I am truly devastated that you, my sister, are ruining your own life. I cannot say enough that you deserve so much better, but you are limiting yourself because you choose to waddle with this man.

You choose to be the other woman. Shouldn’t you be the only woman?



Carla Y. Nix

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Holiday Goodies

I am just writing to send a little support and encouragement to my fellow diabetics. I will have to admit that this is a most difficult time for me simply because I have not yet conquered the desire and taste for sweets. I often share my struggles with this, and Christmas doesn't make it any easier.

I did some baking. We actually baked three cakes for Christmas. But you know what? I am so proud of myself because I've done well with maintaining good glucose readings. I have eaten in moderation. Yes, I've eaten some cake, but I did not go crazy with it. That's improvement for me.

I've eaten in moderation the big meal I cooked. We even went to my mother-in-law's on Christmas day and she sho 'nuff cooked for an army. But, I didn't eat like a platoon. I ate just a little bit of this and that, and did not feel the need to eat every thing.

It is a struggle. I would love to reach a point where I can say that I have no desire for sweets. Food-wise, I handle much better. The starches and carbohydrates don't call my name as cake and cookies do!

Carla Y. Nix

When Christmas Isn't Merry

As I take some time to write this on Christmas Eve, I realize that many people will go to bed tonight with lonely and hurt hearts. It is after 11:00 pm and the sounds of my family are still echoing throughout the house. I spent the evening cooking and baking, and my daughter Tiffanie helped me (somewhat). Anaiah tried to get us all to play some games with her. Jerry enjoyed watching television, laughing at funny movies, for he has a rare night off. Then, they all got a taste of tomorrow’s dinner tonight! They also dug into to the cakes that were baked. I fussed at them, with love.

I then sat down and called my big brother Michael to check on him and his family. They’re having some struggles right now, but they will be okay. Yesterday I talked to my baby brother Ira. He is doing well. My son called the other night. I didn’t get to talk to him because I was asleep — wasn’t feeling well with a nasty cold — but he talked to his sisters. I am sure I’ll talk to him in the morning.

This is probably the “worse” Christmas for us from a financial standpoint. This is truly a lean Christmas for us, yet it is still a very joyful time. And that is what this blog is about. We may not have a lot of things, but we are happy. We were not able to purchase much of anything as far as gifts, but we are happy. For me, just having my family is all that I need.

Yet I realize, again, that someone else is going to bed tonight very sad. Many are dealing with broken hearts. Loneliness. I know personally of two families who just buried loved ones this week! I personally know of dear friends who lost loved ones earlier this year and this will be their first Christmas without them. And then there are still some whose losses were not as recent, but the void felt from the loss of their loved one is still there.

I know that there is someone who is at home alone. Unlike me, they may not have a family member or friend to call, just to check on them. And then of course there are the thousands of military families who have loved ones serving right now in Iraq, or other war zones, or any other place away from home.

Christmas should be a time of rejoicing, joy, and hope. Yet, it is for many a time of depression and hopelessness.

My thoughts are with you and I lift you in prayer asking God to renew your hope, give you strength, and overshadow you with joy. See, it is not about gifts. If it were, then many people would be happy. Some receive an abundance of gifts. Many are able to give bountiful gifts. Yet, they are sad and depressed inside.

I beg of you to look up. Lift up your head. Reach out to God and allow Him to fill you with His love. Allow Him to fill that void that was left by someone you hold dear. I personally know that it is not easy and it hurts. When my own mother died, it was just a few months before Christmas. That first Thanksgiving and Christmas without her was so very hard. It felt as though I would not get through it, but you know what? I did. And you will too. Cry if you must, but wipe those tears soon and continue living your life. You must!

If you’re unhappy for other reasons, you too can still lift your head. I am also praying for you.

Feel free to write me if you need someone to talk to. If you desire prayer, just ask. If you just need to vent, please do so. If you need a virtual hug, you got it!

Email me: carlanix1@aol.com

Merry Christmas!

Blessings,

Carla Y. Nix

Everyone who is WITH you isn't FOR you!

If you read any one of the three Synoptic Gospel writing accounts (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), you will find that there was always a large following of Jesus Christ. In most cases, they were referred to as the “multitude”. There were large crowds of people. Most followed Jesus for good reason. They wanted to learn more of Him, they wanted to be blessed, healed, delivered, forgiven. They wanted everything that we today want from Jesus.

Yet, everyone in the crowd was not there for pure and innocent reasons. The multitude was filtered with diversity, nay sayers, enemies, and those who wanted to destroy Him.

Why should life be any different for us?

From the time of Jesus’ birth, His life was in danger. Remember the three wise men? Well, they weren’t His enemies, but satan tried to use them to bring harm to Him (Matthew 2:7-20). Actually, it was King Herod who wanted to kill Jesus. Needless to say, adversity and danger followed Jesus from the beginning.

This adversity and danger threatened to stop the mission that Jesus was born to fulfill. You and I are going to be faced with opposition and even people in our lives who do not mean us any good. Sometimes we relish the idea that we know a lot of people. We become thrilled that so many people like us. We think that we are important because we have a large following. I’m here to warn you. Don’t get too happy about that.

Again, as our example, is Jesus. Within the crowds were always the agonizers. The Pharisees and Saducees were always there listening, watching, stalking, questioning — just trying to trap Jesus. Always trying to catch Him doing or saying something that they considered wrong or blasphemous.

Jesus never argued. He always kept His cool. He knew what He was about and the work that He had to do. As He said even to His mother, He was about His Father’s business.

Let me share something that made me write this today. I’ve known for awhile that here online, people were following me, searching me, and looking for information about me. I knew it because I receive the alerts and notices whenever something about me is being searched. Well, I don’t worry much about it, as I know that’s how it is when you put yourself out there. But I was in conversation with someone on a personal business matter. I was eventually told that they have gathered information on me (no surprise to me), and they went on to tell me what they’ve gathered. They said that they know of my website, etc. Okay, all of that is public, so that again was no surprise to me. Then the person told me that they have me listed as an “evangelist”. Now THAT shocked me because I have NEVER listed anywhere that I am an evengelist. In fact, I don’t hold any title to my name. I have not attached “evangelist” to my work. I personally do not like titles and don’t feel the need to carry one. I know who I am and the work that I am called to do. I just do it. I am simply Carla Y. Nix.

When the person told me that, for a moment, I felt like Jesus. By that, I mean, I wanted to say to them, as Jesus said to His accusers, “That’s what YOU say”.

My point is that people will follow you with hidden agendas, mean you no good, and then try to decide who and what you are. I don’t have time to play games. I would never hang around a person whom I couldn’t be FOR. I would never follow you if I didn’t believe in you. I would not act as a friend only to gain something from you. This is what people do all of the time. So don’t allow the crowd, or the multitude, or the connections, or the followers, or your friends list, or even the subscribers, to fool you. Appreciate the support and encouragement that you may receive, but realize what you are doing and why you’re doing it. Stay true to your mission and your calling. Don’t allow distractors to deter you.

Stay true to yourself. Stay true to your mission. And most of all, stay true to God.

Blessings!

Carla Y. Nix

Friday, December 19, 2008

LIFE SHOULD BE LIVED

It has been a rollercoast of emotions this week for me. It has gotten so that I don’t know what to expect each day. So far, after arising in good spirits, I have received news of two deaths. One of my friends, Michael Sears, and the other of Mrs. Jones who is part of my husband’s family. All very sad. My prayers remain with the Sears and Jones families.

On the other hand, I’m feeling happy because God is blessing me in ministry. Allowing me to be a blessing and impacting others in a positive way. Allowing His light to shine through me. God is using me as His vessel, as His instrument. This is all that I desire in life. It really is. I don’t ask for much. I don’t need much. I just want to be a blessing.

I am looking forward to even more great things in the new year. God has already given me my theme as He does for each year.

My theme for the new year:

God’s own time, not mine, in 2009

I’m expecting great things in 2009 because God has assured me that He has some remarkable things in store for my husband and I in 2009. But, He is in control. He is ordering our steps. He is opening the doors. He is leading the way. He has been preparing us and shaping us. But it will be His divine time that it will all unfold. He has revealed this to Jerry as well.

So, I am full of joy and expectancy.

I am sad about the deaths this week. But I do know that each person is now in a better place. Finally at real peace.

I’m a little………well, I’ll be honest and say that I am VERY angry about a situation that has so many layers of being pathetic. My sister-in-law is ill and I’d asked for prayer for her. Someone emailed me expressing that they’re sorry she is ill (and note, did not offer prayer), but went on to make a sales pitch for a product. Now, I understand how their product relates, but the procedure they used to approach me was in my mind quite low. It angered me, very much. I did not respond right away because I knew that it would not have been nice. I believe that the person meant well, but the sad part is that they are driven by making a sale. Another client. More money. That is what’s sad. And it all boils down to what I speak about all of the time. Knowing, or not knowing, one’s purpose in life.

I believe that they think that they’re selling something that will help people, and I’m sure it does. But, as an individual, they have to rise above their product and have a desire to simply want to help people, not to get their money. Which, by the way, I don’t have any money so they won’t or can’t get anything from me anyway! If they really wanted to help, they should have offered prayer, and perhaps offered the product at no charge! Not saying that I would have accepted, and even to do that is walking a very thin line of being an ambulance chaser, but it would have shown that their heart was for my sister-in-law and me.

I was writing this blog as I read their email, so that is why the tenor of this post has changed. But I realize that it happened at this time for a reason. It is timely because it ties in to what my heart has been feeling and has tried to say above. I am rejoicing that God continues to work through me to be a blessing. Period. I do what I do simply because I love the Lord, and I love people. I know that it is my purpose and my design to want to bless, inspire, encourage, uplift, and empower others. Although I, like anyone else, need to make an income, I don’t do what I do to make money. I am more concerned about people receiving what God has put in me to give to them.

I’m not knocking ANYONE for making a living. Not at all. But, I am knocking anyone who is driven solely to make money. Ask yourself, is money your *only* motivation? Are you doing what you were called to do? Are you walking in your purpose? If so, God will provide your income as you joyfully do your job. And you wouldn’t take inappropriate advantage of people when they’re most vulnerable. Nor would your every waking thought, action, and words be about making money and collecting and gaining new clients.

Life is so much more than that! If you don’t know that, then you are not living at all.

Carla Y. Nix