10 things to learn spiritually from Whitney Houston.
Although taken far too soon and too unexpectedly, we can learn these things from Whitney Houston's home going services:
1. She was a child of God and embraced that posture throughout her life
2. She never strayed far from her Baptist roots, the birthplace of "The Voice," and the Gospel music that filled her soul and influenced her stylistically
3. She was a woman of deep and abiding prayer, known for gathering her friends and colleagues in an impromptu circle to petition God
4. Family was her bedrock, her source of strength, comfort, and a fiercely protective cross-generational love that incubated and informed who she was
5. She generously created opportunities for others who had gifts needing exposure.
6. She was a friend, beloved by those close to her as evidenced by the overwhelming outpouring of an unbridled grief, sense of loss and deep sorrow
7. She maximized her God-given gifts, achieving legendary status in a family of standout superstars
8. She didn't allow others or define or limit her potentials by being compartmentalized to one gift when she possessed many.
9. She believed in redemption, second chances and new beginnings and threw herself wholeheartedly into a fresh start being willing to confront the daunting task of change.
10. In 48 short years, she made an indelible impression on the hearts and minds of everyone who experienced her immense talents. She let the world know that she was here and in her home-going, death did not win. We can find hope that our dreams are more than inspiration but mixed with determination and steadfast faith even the most obscure dream can be realized. We can find comfort as parents that faith instilled in our small children is a long term investment that will benefit them as they face the varied challenges of their adult life. And most importantly we can garner a deeper understanding that all of us have some things to accomplish as effectively and expeditiously as possible, being reminded that tomorrow isn't promised to any of us no matter the enormity of the gifts we posses.
Here are some of Whitney Houston's beautiful renditions of Gospel classics including the video of "Yes, Jesus Loves Me."
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Guideposts : Reba McEntire's Gift From God
Hopefully next time she will be able to get a grip on reality.... Best of luck next time Whitney....
Yes, we all remember ''crack is whack."
Can we please stop canonizing these people who don't deserve it? She was an addict who could sing.
Jan Berenstain, illustrator of the Berenstain Bears died today. She brought more joy and positivity into generations of childhoods and her passing goes comparatively unnoticed. I guess she needed a reality show.
Jan Berenstain was a good illustrator, and I enjoy watching the Berenstain Bears, however, Ms. Berenstain wasn't KNOWN the world over. That is the difference.
May Jan Berenstain rest in peace and may the Lord comfort the Berenstain family.
Jan Berenstain Dies at 88; Created Berenstain Bears
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/28/arts/jan-berenstain-dies-at-88-created-berenstain-bears.html
On a positve note, rock bottom is different for everyone that suffers. The Lord sure does work in mysterious ways. That point in which one gives up, let's go and lets God, is different for everyone. For those of you suffering from this demon.... you have my prayers. For everyone else who knows someone who is suffering.... all you can offer is prayers... and love.
I would like to add two more:
I believe first, and foremost, we should ask the Almighty what is our PURPOSE in life. Secondly, we should asked HIM for divine guidance and strength every step of the way.
When we do these two things, we are assured our choices ( including who we marry, career and business opportunities) and decisions we make in life will be the right ones.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Isn't it abundantly clear that we all fall short of glory and need constant forgiveness?
When you seek God and His purpose for your life and ask for His divine guidance He will illuminate your path.
When you heed His directions you will NOT stray far from the path God established for you.
That's of course if you followed the path He's mapped out for you.
The men of the Bible you named above were disobedient, although they repented for their sins, they STILL had to suffer the consequences for their actions.
Yes, we all fall short of the glory and need constant forgiveness. That's why God said David was a man after His own heart, because when he was disobedient he always repented for his sin.
The main focus of my post is knowing our divine PURPOSE and making the right choices in life.
There's NO way in hell, anyone will find themselves on the wrong path when the Almighty is leading them along the way.
BTW - What's the use of asking the Almighty to guide your path and you're aren't willing to MOVE your feet.