FaiTH or FailURE- Your Choice

31 Days of HOPE

      Hebrews 11:6  Without faith it is impossible to please G-d.

I watched the movie "The Rite" . In case you haven't seen it , this film is about a young seminary student who begins to question his faith in G-d because he does not believe satan exists. To cure him of his arrogance and faithlessness, his bishop  sent him  to understudy a seasoned exorcist. I won't bore you with narrating the events that unfold in the story , but in the end the student has to save his mentor by exorcising him and so the young priest's faith in G-d is restored and he has a respecful awareness of what the enemy can do if he is not confronted with faith.

Although this is a true story and both priests are alive and working to defeat the devil, I noted the theme of the film. In spite of the Hollywood special effects, The HOPE found in this drama is that without faith in G-d , evil will twist your thoughts, distort the Truth, and keep you from succeeding in anything good.

Prayer: Father , deliver us from evil. Amen

    Be HOPEful and be encouraged- Dr . Norma

What Does G-d Want From Me?

31 Days of HOPE

Micah 6:8 - He has shown thee ,O man what is good, and what does THE LORD require of thee , but to do justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy G-d. 

Good Morning!!!

Its Monday morning  and some treatment effects have caused  a week of not writing . However the good thing is , we are still in 31 Days of Hope and we will just make up the week by posting twice for this week !!!!

Some folks are still milling around wondering what G-d wants from them while oppurtunities for service to G-d are going unmet. Others are having long and emotional arguments and discussions about this. As I have said constantly , The Word of G-d is full of wisdom and encouragement. here the Prophet Micah lays it out very plainly as he says:

• 'to do justly"- this simply means to do the good and right thing no mattter what . We know what is the right and the good thing to do in  whatever situation we find ourselves.If its a choice between paying a bill and buying those killer shoes you just gotta have , pay the bill and avoid the sin of debt. (AHA! didn't know debt is a sin, did you?)
• "to love mercy"- mercy is love for others . People of G-d must be loving and willing to be motivated by love in all our relationships. This means forgiving , and being charitable in all our dealings with others. We must be willing to be merciful rather than demanding justice  for ourselves in every circumstance. look at the other person's situation and ask yourself what would you do if you were in his / her situation? Your answer may surprise you.
• "to walk humbly with your G-d"-walking humbly with your G-d means worship. Not the corporate worship we do in our churches and synagogues and temples, but the quiet worship in our hearts that lets G-d know that we hunger and thirst for Him day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.

If we have learned the good and right thing and are choosing to do them,  if we are careful to be merciful to others universally, then our lives are in constant worship and  He will fill us to over flow with His grace, mercy, and we shall see His Presence in everything we encounter. ( Matt.5:1-8)

Prayer- Precious and Most Holy G-d, Our Father, help us to learn what it is You require of us and then to do it: cheerfully when we can , but above all to do it  faithfully until our faulty understanding kicks in and we  are obedient without question. Thank You ,Father for Your Patience with us . Amen

See you tonite!!! Be encouraged , Dr Norma

A Prayer For The Weekend-Ps.121:3,4

31 Days of  HOPE
 A Friday  Night Prayer, Weekend Meditation
I want to thank everyone who has followed  this 1st week of 31 days of Hope. Before I write the prayer for tonite, I am hoping that you have taken the time to ask G-D what Season you are in . If not , prayerfully give this question some thought. The answer will help you determine how you can prepare to be in cooperation with Him as He moves upon your situation. You may be feeling pretty low , your situation may appear HOPEless , but  remember our G-d NEVER sleeps. Psalms 121:3,4

If I can just share something personal with you: In 2010 I was diagnosed with  gallbladder cancer. I had several rounds of chemo , and simultaneous  chemo/radiation. The tumor had started to shrink, I started gaining weight and was back on  the track to good health even though the surgical oncologist said my case was HOPEless . My medical oncologist did all she could as far as treatment and being as encouraging as she could be.As far as we knew my only tumor was in my gallbladder.  In July 2011 after another visit to the surgeon, I went home after work, and went to bed. The next AM I got up for work and just couln't get it together; the reason- an additional 3 tumors in my brain ! I underwent brain surgery the very next AM ( thank G-d the neurosurgeon was not as hesitant and HOPEless as the surgical oncologist!) and I am  in treatment but on the road to recovery.
My point is this : no one knew those brain tumors were there and my medical oncologist was vigilant!!!I had no headaches , or other symptoms of brain tumors. When I think of the things that COULD have happened but did not all I can tell you is G-d never sleeps!!!!! He knew the tumors  were there and in His Perfect Time  He revealed them. We slept them , but He did not. Hallelujah!!!!! I don't mean to bore you but I needed to let you know that I am not just writing words "at"you. I'm in this with you and you are in it with me. Even though our circumstances may be different, our situations are equal: we need the HOPE that only comes from Him!!!While I am writing this post I  need to thank  and  praise G-D, all my family, epecially my husband , my  daughters biological and spiritual, my son and my daughter in law, who actually is my 3rd daughter, my co-workers, church family , neighbors old and new, and all my friends. I love you so much. I thank all the doctors who helped me , my therapists and all the nurses.
Lets Pray: Precious Father , You Who never sleeps, thank You for being The Sight Beyond what we see. Thank You for going before us and preparing the way for us inspite of what it looks like from our human perspective. Thank you for being The ALL Wise G-d who knows what we need before we are even aware to ask for it .Thank You for being our HOPE. Lord bless everyone reading this  prayer , Bless them thru out the weekend with safety, with peace and with an increased knowledge of You and Your love for us and Your Plans for our lives. If we can ask for anything G-d let it be for forgiveness. Not for the state we may find ouselves in but for listening and being led by a voice that was not Yours that led us away from You. Thank You for making possible a Way of Repentance. We claim HOPE, we claim joy, we claim a new start, we claim restoration and we claim  an overgrowth of blessing .Thank You for another chance. In Jesus' Name- Amen

See you next week, be  encouraged and be HOPEful Dr. Norma

Can You Trust G-d with Your Time?

31 Days of HOPE!

Ecclesiastes 3:1,2 to everything there is a season ansd a time for everypurpose under the heavens;a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.

Everything has a time or a season.Hopelessness is the result of demanding complete control over the time G-d has allowed and the results of our labor in that time. HOPE enters when we realize  that we have to trust G-d with the time He has given us and let Him decide what we are to do and at what point in our lives. If we do this, we will spare ourselves a lot of frustration and wasted time. I say this because many times we have set our goals and time lines without asking Him what He wants done and when. But G-d did not construct the world haphazardly; chances and opportunities are offered at various periods within our lives because only He knows what we can and cannot do and at what spiritual stage we are developed : or in many cases;re-developed .  If you are in despair , feeling that the  time has passed for whatever goal you have set or the "opportunity of a lifetime " has passed you by , January is a good time for you to prayerfully go before G-d and ask Him to reveal your season to you. Yours may be a season of planting or it may be a season of rest or of harvest. Just remember, there is a right time for everything and nothing is accidental in G-d's World.

Be Encouraged and be HOPEful - Dr Norma 

Welcome to 31 days of Hope

WELCOME TO 31 DAYS OF HOPE

As many of you know , this is a blog for encouragement. Every where we look there is some form of hardship ; in the newspapers, on the news, in our families , in our workplaces. Not only are jobs shutting down, churches are closing and so are many of the agencies that provided direction and assistance. Hopelessness is all over: in every age, in every tax bracket, in every neighborhood !!! January is the first month of this new year. I am not promising any magical cures, but I am convinced that if we can fortify our selves with HOPE in the first month, we will have increased stregnth to handle whatever comes in the days that follow.

I have  found wisdom and encouragement in the Holy Scriptures. I promise not to preach to you but, I know The Scriptures can be applied to everyday life with an enlightening and promising result. We are after, all the Children of   Promise, right ? So. What I need you to do is read the posts when you can, apply what you read to your situation and interact with me, let me know what you think , how The Word is moving in your life . I know many "like " or comment on Face book , and some Tweet, but if you look at the end of the post on the blog page ,you will see "comments".  Click  there , type your comment  or suggestion  and enter it. If you need a private response from me, a consult or a referral, e-mail me. My e-mail address is at the top of the blog.

Prayer-Almighty and Holy G-d thank You for allowing this chance to speak to Your People. Father ,I recognize that I am only a vessel and not a Source so I ask that in these difficult days , You will have me decrease and You increase so that Your Voice will be heard by those who are reaching for the Comfort & Hope only You can give. This is Your Servant's Prayer. Hallelujah! Amen.

Be encouraged. Dr Norma

Merry Christmas To All!!! Why We

Merry Christmas !!!!
For these most recent past  weeks I have been ,like you ,enjoying the December energy: shopping, decorating,  and admiring other peoples' decorations and traditions.
Last month, my husband & I traveled to  Fayetteville,North Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with our son and our  daughter in law.  On Sunday we worshipped with them at their church : New Life Bible Church where  Rev Drs. Allen S and Norma McLauchlin are the Pastors. As it happened, we were at the church on the 1st Sunday of the Advent Season and we were very pleasantly taught many things about Christmas traditions. Some of the teachings included:

• The use of evergreens- Isaiah 60:13-"the Glory of Lebanon shall come unto you , the fir tree, the pine tree and the box together , to beautify your sanctuary."
• The poinsettia- a Mexican plant whose flower has become a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem.
• The candy cane - representative of the humble shepherds who were the first to worship the Newborn Savior. The red stripe- the Sacrificial Lamb, the white stripe- our Sinless Savior. The smell & taste of peppermint relate to the herb hyssop-"purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean . Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow" Psalms 51:7 

This list is not exhaustive; many more traditions and symbols were explained in the service . I found it very gracious  that not only did several ministries  have an explanatory part in the service but all the congregation participated , even guests , by singing and by the responsive reading. We had a good time at New Life Bible Church and as we wait on Christmas Eve, it is my prayer that you never forget the reason Christ came , and why we should always remember Sacred Traditions. They keep us in touch with The Reason for the Season.

Prayer - Hallelujah ! Thank You Lord Jesus for laying aside Your Heavenly Glory and coming to Earth so that we may have a Place in Our Father's Kingdom. Without Your Obedience it would not be so.Thank You for teaching us the value of forgiveness. Thank you for enduring The Cross in our place . Thank You for getting up and Thank You for being our Advocate even now. May Christmas with all its traditions constantly remind us of You and cause us to hunger and thirst for Your Presence in our lives even more. Glory , Hallelujah. Amen.
       Merry Christmas & be encouraged. Dr Norma

Seasonal Stressors - Beware!!!!!

I believe December is one of the most mystifying months of the year. The beauty of  Christmas decorations, winter fashions, the stark, contrasting natural scenery, and that awesome , hopeful energy charge that is in the air only in December create a wonderful, joyous season. As beautiful as it is , December is  the most stressful month  in the calendar year.

In this post I want to encourage you with  some ways to de-stress December.

• Stressor -Over extending yourself
   Its ok to say "no" when you already have enough to do. Firmly, but pleasantly state that you will be happy to help at another time when you are less committed. 
• Stressor- Spending too much  Set a realistic budget, especially on holiday spending. As you wander around the malls , remember that there are 364 more days you have to live.
• Stressor- Family drama
•   Accept your family for who they are- they are feeling the same strain that you are feeling  and you aren't perfect either. Hug'em , remember why you love 'em and enjoy 'em.
• Stressor- Overeating-
•    For many of us, it is hard enough to be disciplined about food thru the year.  However, when we are constantly surrounded by holiday goodies for a good month or 2, it is that much harder!!! If you can , eat lightly or have a cup of tea before you get to the party . Should you mess up, forgive yourself and get back on track .

Hopefully this list will give  you some help in navigating though some of the stress of the Holiday season. This is a time of joy!!! Be merry and Be Encouraged!!!!  Dr Norma

 Scripture Reference- Phillipians 4:5- let your moderation be known to all men

In A Season of Hope..........

Hello,

 As you know we don't usually publish this late,  however I  just read some really encouraging news, and I did not want to go to bed without wishing you a safe and happy week-end.

As reported by the Associated Press, there are 2 new medications available that have had a stunning effect on breast cancer .One experimental drug called pertuzumab held cancer at bay for 18 mos, versus the 12 months reported  by more usual treatments.  Another medicine, everolimus sold as Afinitor, kept cancer in check in a median of 7 months in women who had conditions that were worsening in spite of treatment. Although the new meds are expected to be very expensive, and are NOT proven to be cures, physicians are hoping that they may become cures when given to women with early stage cancers.

I found this to be very encouraging , very hopeful GOOD news and so I had to share it with you. For more information about this consult the American Cancer Society, or if this information is directly pertinent to you, speak with your oncologist.

This week-end, remember that as Christmas approaches , we are in a Season of Hope. Look for it: its all around us! Lets not forget to thank G-d for it. Be encouraged! Dr. Norma

5 Signs You May Be Limping Into Your Destiny- Week 3

Okay, all the signs are pointing that you are just about there!!!! you can feel it!!! All right!!!!! the decision has been made , gonna do it, gotta  do it!!!!
"All right! All right!  I just gotta talk to somebody!! Let me just pray with some body . Am I sure this is what is right??? Let me call my . . . .
Wow, my mom has been in a meeting for the last 3 hours. My sister  is on a class trip with one of her kids. I can't even get my Pastor on the phone. Why is my best friend acting like suddenly he has no opinions about anything?  Where is everybody? I can't even find one of my haters. Here I am on the edge of a major decision in my life and there is no one to talk to . Why?????????????????"

I'll bet you have been here , haven't you? Right on the eve of a breakthrough and suddenly; SILENCE. No one to say anything good or anything bad.  Plenty of people up to now expressing their opinions and thoughts (whether you wanted them or not!) , about what you should or should not do , say , think, try , go , stay , lead , follow. Now , at the 11th hour- nada. And you never felt so lonely in all your life.

G-d has a way of silencing your influencers . While you' re on the way to your destiny , He wants the choice to be all yours. He wants to make sure you are counting the costs , and not living in someone else's reality. So ,very often, all those people who have been speaking into your life become unavailable to you because they have the power to influence your decision.

Jacob had loaded up his family and posessions and was on the road fleeing from Laban when Laban got the news. (  Gen. 31:22  ) Immediately , Laban  overtook Jacob in the mountains of Gilead. However, the night before , G-d had appeared to Laban in a dream and cautioned Laban to say nothing to Jacob, neither good nor bad. (Gen. 31:24)  Laban  asked Jacob why did he steal away, reminding Jacob that he, Laban had the power to kill Jacob (Gen.21:29)  Jacob replied (Gen31:31) that he thought Laban would take away his wives by force if Laban knew Jacob wanted to go.  Now ,that would certainly be a powerful influence to induce Jacob not to leave would n't it?  So powerful that it may have influenced Jacob right off the path to his destiny!!!!!!!
Share your experiences  here where you have found yourself very lonely , just when you thought you needed company the most. Post your experiences because your voice gives stregnth to someone else.

Please enjoy yourselves on this Fourth of July week-end. It is my prayer that  everyone will  have fun and stay safe. We live in a country where we are free to worship whenever and however we choose. Not all Christians have this freedom. G-d bless America!!! Be encouraged- Pastor Norma

Welcome To A Higher Place

Welcome to the blog for A HIGHER PLACE Live Internet Christian Talk Show. We are in our 3rd season of producing challenging, informative , and spiritually empowering segments.The Purpose of A HIGHER PLACE is to demonstrate the relevance of Biblical Wisdom to modern , everyday life. Our Show is a Biblical Counseling Initiative promoting encouragement, healing, and restoration by revealing that no matter the challenge you are facing, you are not the first to
encounter it and G-d has already provided the Way out. That is
Good News, isn't it?
This blog is a way that our listeners can connect with us even more. Here we will be able to post links to information about our guests, we can post data about our give-aways and incentives and detailed information about the subject of our show. Listed below is the contact information for the Live Broadcast as well as a brief outline for the format of A HIGHER PLACE.
Join us live at www.blogtalkradio/ahigherplace the 2nd Saturday of every month at 6PM. Guest call in # is 646-200-3696. You can leave comments here or on the BTR show page.

GLOSSARY

Each Segment is called a CLIMB-

TORCHBEARER- a Character from the Bible who faced a specific challenge

MOUNTAIN- the challenge the TORCHBEARER faced - FOOTSTEPS- where we can find the TORCHBEARER'S story, TORCHLIGHTS- Scriptures used to navigate the MOUNTAIN in your life - CAMPGROUND- where we apply the Biblical Knowledge to a modern situation- this is usually where a guest joins the broadcast - CAMPFIRE- an affirmation to keep you strong as you navigate your MOUNTAIN.

I am excited about this new expansion in our Counseling Initiative . I hope you are too and will visit us often - Be Encouraged!