“You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” I Thessalonians 2:10-12 (NKJV)

I really don’t want to sound like a cliche`, but I can’t help what I’m about to say.  When I think about the goodness of Jesus, and all He’s done for me, I can dance, dance, dance….all day!  Hello!  Yes, I really feel that way. When I think about how God has blessed me, is blessing me, and will bless me, I can’t help but rejoice! (more…)

“When the Son of Man sets you free, you will be free indeed!”
~John 8:36

*Last week was an incredibly interesting week for me.  I experienced highs and lows and events that I did not understand.  It all culminated today during worship service in the form of my pastor’s sermon.  Through him, God explained much of what I experienced during the week.

I won’t rehash it all, but the most prominent thing that happened to me was my singing in my sleep one evening.  It was confirmed by my daughter who came to wake me when she heard me making all of that noise! (more…)

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”  – 2 Corinthians 5:7

Tiffanie, my 23 year old daughter, told me about one of her friends who seem to share one of my idiosyncrasies.  We both use a fork when we eat!

What’s so odd about that? (more…)

I wrote this poem two years ago as part of our church’s tribute program for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I would like to share it here today on this day of recognition, and day of service, in Dr. King’s honor.

THE TEARFUL EYES OF BERNICE

By Carla Y. Nix – © 2008

The tearful eyes of Bernice

Made me cry and also grieve

As one little girl watched another little girl

Mourn before the whole wide world.

That picture remains in my mind today

I can’t believe that 40 years have passed away.

I still feel the powerful grip of grief;

Still feeling sad for Bernice.

That poor little girl had to say goodbye

While on her mother’s lap she lie

A woman of pure grace and strength

Coretta, without Martin, her precious King.

I think often of the great impact he made

I am so thankful for the trail he paved.

And I know that it was only God that gifted King so

In order for this world, and our people, to grow.

I can’t imagine what our lives would have been

If it had not been for Dr. Martin Luther King.

Yet I wonder if my own people will ever appreciate;

I wonder why we are filled with so much hate.

Now grown, this little girl will never forget

The picture, she first saw in Jet

Of MLK’s little girl – his progeny

Those tearful eyes of Bernice.

© January 2008

“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”  ~ John 21:17

I remember a commercial that makes me smile.  During a video phone call home, a grown military son was asked by his mother if he were eating correctly.  She said that he looked a little thin.  He smiled and lovingly said that he was eating and that her question was a “mother” question.

He’s darned tooting!  A mother question indeed.  My 24 year old son (Jerry) lives in Charlotte, NC.   (more…)

“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the LORD’s doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:22-24 (NKJV)

One of the hardest things for us to accept is rejection.  We take it very personally because it cuts through us and somehow says that we’re not good enough.  Rejection can hit you like a slap in the face.   (more…)