Giving Thanks!

Good morning, Cyber Book. I know…it has been a while. Not realizing it, I took a break from writing in this blog and I must catch up! I also discovered that during this hiatus, my ex has been sneaking on here and reading my blogs, showing his friends and making fun of my ‘pain’. Listen, you are 30 years old now. I believe it is time for you to grow up, move on and start building your relationship with God. I TRUE relationship with Him. Before you know it, God will change your natural reactions and you will not be temped to these child-like behaviors. And that is all the energy that I will put towards that. :-) To my friends and family, I wanted to say that this has been a great few months! Filled with love and joy beyond measure. Please allow me to share and be corny! LOL Since I have joined this church (Oak Lawn United Methodist), I met some great people that I consider friends and solid confidants. They have helped me build my relationship with God and they did not have a clue. These select few have been examples of how love should be. Dr. Gretchen – She is not on Facebook or any of these social networking sites but she is truly an amazing person. The first Bible Class I attended at OLUMC was ‘Open Doors’ and these she was. She gave me the biggest welcome and I haven’t left her class since. There was a time when I was going though a break-up and as we all know, going through a breakup seems like the end of the world when we are going through it!! (LOL) Better we should know. Anyway, I digress. Gretchen did not sit and talk to me about it. She did not offer some words of wisdom. She did not do these things because I did not ask. She changed my life just by being there, being a loving and welcoming human being. She was showing me (inadvertently) that this is how love should be. I quickly realized that what I experienced in a few of my relationships (partners and friends) was not love. Dear God, it was like I woke up from this stupor and I took a count of what was around me; and who I let around me. Dear GOD! I tell Gretchen all the time how much I love and appreciate her. She still does not know why. :-) Pastor Frank – Let me tell you about this guy (LOL!!!!!!!). I came to this church a week before he did (even though he had been there years back). However, he was returning as Senior Pastor and the timing was perfect. Like most people (as I am discovering), you don’t know how to receive Frank at first. He is not rude by any means or unwelcoming. He is a TRUE thinker. So when you are talking to him, you can see him sit back. At first, I was like...”Ummm…ok…are you there?” LOL (I cannot stop laughing as I type these things) The Lord open my eyes one day and I realized this guy is an old soul and he is a THINKER! Man-oh-man, how I wish I thought more before I spoke! But Frank as been a great example of patience, strength and loyalty. I had a short conversation with Frank about a situation that involved my ‘worry’ about an ex spreading lies in the church about me. I wasn’t worried about the lies but I was worried that these people would believe this ex of mine and it would keep me from growing in the church. I had plans on signing up for different ministries within the church and become a VERY active member. To have THOSE plans deterred; the mere thought sent me into a state of comfort. However, at that time, I did not know that God would protect me on that level. Before I knew and trust God on that level, I made a decision to leave the church because I did not have the energy to fight the ex with his lies and deceit. I thought to myself “Well, I can find another loving church and grow there.” Before I knew it, Frank (and a few other members) reached out to me. Frank asked me to meet with him so we could talk about it. When I tell you, that conversation was brief and resolved in a matter of minutes. The ‘look’ on his face was priceless when I told him I did not care what my ex said/lied about, my only worry was it would prevent me from being included in church ministries and groups (my eyes filled with tears). Frank gave me a smirk, shook his head and said “You have nothing to worry about.” At that moment, I laughed and rejoiced eternally because I felt God presence in that office hugging me at the same time. I walked out of that office with my head high and my spirit restored. I was on a mission and here I am! STILL STANDING! Thank you, Frank! I love you man! Pastor Kerry – Oh my dear friend, Kerry. It was your face that made my first visit to OLUMC unforgettable. You coming up to me and saying “Oh my gosh its so good to see you again!! Wait…. we never met! I just made it weird. “ (LOL!!!) I still laugh today about that. That was, by far, the best first experience of my life. From that day, I can say that I have gained a friend and prayer partner. You will not hesitate to tell me what I need to do/know. I love that about you. I like when you’re direct with me because I know its because you love me just that much. We laugh together and pray together. Your spirit had been the reason many of us came through though doors and felt as if we were home. Thank you for all that you do! I….yes, I am blessed to be in ministry with you! :-)love you! During these last few months, these group of angels have been there to help me with my growth and I am thinking. I think I finally got the meaning of ‘it takes a village’; even at my old age! Hahaha Looking back on it all, I would do it all over again if it means bringing to where I am standing now (physically and spiritually). I will go through all the heart ache, false comforts and less-than-perfect friendships if it means I would be the ‘Byron’ I am right now. For I know all the GLORY and HONOR belong to God. ALL! Amen :-) :-)