November Reflections

November — the season of harvest and vibrant change. Just as the trees release their leaves, our lives too move through cycles of letting go and renewal. The colors of this month remind us that even in transition, there is beauty and purpose.

In this November season, remember the words of the KJV: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” (Romans 8:28) Whatever you may be facing, trust that it is only a season — not a lifetime.

May this November bring you grace to release what no longer serves you, courage to embrace what lies ahead, and peace in knowing that Christ, the immovable Rock, holds you steady through every change.
Release becomes effortless when your roots are anchored in Him.

- Shendoria Middlebrooks , BSEd

What Is Prayer? 

 Prayer is our sacred communion with the Lord—a divine conversation between the Creator and His children. It is not meant to be one-sided, for true prayer is both speaking and listening. The Scripture reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, KJV).

When we only speak and never pause to listen, we miss the sweetness of His voice and the wisdom He longs to impart. The most meaningful conversations are those that flow both ways—heart to heart, spirit to Spirit.

So, as you pour out your heart before Him, take time to be still in His presence. Let your soul be quiet enough to hear His gentle whisper. The Lord has much to reveal to those who will listen. Let us not only be faithful in speaking to God, but also be attentive in hearing from Him.

Thought 2 Ponder

True prayer is not measured by eloquence, but by sincerity. It is far better to have a heart without words than words without heart. In the sacred act of prayer, the soul meets the divine longing—where God’s thirst for His children meets humanity’s thirst for God.

As prayer deepens, the heart is transformed. It stretches and expands, becoming a vessel capable of holding more of His presence, His peace, and His unfailing love. In that holy exchange, we find that prayer is not merely speaking to God—it is being filled by Him.

 The Power Of Prayer 

Prayer is the key that unlocks Heaven’s power. It is not merely words spoken into the air, but a sacred exchange between the human heart and the heart of God. When the soul humbles itself in prayer, divine strength begins to rise within. In moments of weakness, prayer becomes the bridge that connects earthly need with heavenly supply.

Prayer is the key that unlocks Heaven’s power. It is not merely words spoken into the air, but a sacred exchange between the human heart and the heart of God. When the soul humbles itself in prayer, divine strength begins to rise within. In moments of weakness, prayer becomes the bridge that connects earthly need with heavenly supply.

Every bowed head and whispered plea is heard by the One who reigns above all. Prayer opens the door for peace, guidance, and renewal. It strengthens faith, aligns the heart with God’s will, and releases His power into every situation.

Reflection:
Is prayer the first response or the last resort? Take time today to approach God with a humble heart, trusting that every prayer offered in faith reaches His throne and releases His strength into life’s challenges.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of prayer. Teach the heart to seek You earnestly and to trust in Your power. Let every prayer draw closer to You and unlock the strength that comes from Your presence. In Jesus Name ,Amen.

-Regina Marks ,Certified Master Life Coach &  Christian Counselor 

Fear of Waiting on God

Waiting is one of the hardest things God asks us to do. In a world that rewards speed, perfection and order, waiting can feel like standing still while life moves on. People move on. Yet, in God’s Will, waiting is never wasted time—it’s sacred preparation.

When we wait on the LORD, we are not doing nothing. We are learning to trust His timing, His wisdom, and His love. Waiting develops spiritual endurance. It teaches us to surrender our need for control and to rest in God’s perfect plan.

 Often, fear tries to fill the silence of waiting. Silence that fills the air with distrust. We begin to wonder if God has forgotten us or if His promises will ever come to pass. But waiting is not a sign of God’s absence or failures—it’s a sign of His intention to do something deeper in us before He does something greater for us.

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him.” – Psalm 37:7

“The LORD is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him.” – Lamentations 3:25

When we wait with faith, God renews our strength.
When we wait with worship, He gives us peace.
When we wait with patience, He transforms our hearts.

 Waiting is not weakness—it is trust in motion.

God doesn’t simply remove the fear of waiting—He replaces it with love and confidence in Him.

“Perfect love casteth out fear.” – 1 John 4:18

Every time we confess our fear and choose to trust God, our faith grows stronger. He turns fear into fuel for courage and faith into freedom from anxiety.

“In God I have put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” 

– Psalm 56:11

The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.” – Lamentations 3:25

To wait on God is to believe that His plan is better, His pace is wiser, and His promises are sure. In the waiting, our strength is renewed, our perspective shifts, and our faith matures.

-Leslie Marks, MSN, FNP-BC

Healing, whether physical or emotional, is a journey that unfolds at its own pace. It’s shaped by personal experiences, the support received, and the willingness to nurture oneself along the way. 

Be gentle with yourself and honor the small steps forward. Just as bones need time and care to mend, emotional wounds also require space, patience, and compassion to heal. 

Healing is rarely a straight path—it comes with ups and downs, progress and setbacks. That doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re human. 

Practices like therapy, meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature can provide comfort and strength. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness but an act of courage. 

Above all, remember: patience and self-compassion are essential. Every step, no matter how small, is a step toward wholeness. 

Take it one day at a time. Healing is happening, even when it feels slow.

-Regina Marks, CCC, CMLC,CILCP

Jeremiah 33:6

“Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.”

King James Version (KJV)

"God’s love is the gentle hand that mends the unseen wounds of the heart, bringing peace where pain once lived and wholeness where brokenness remained.

- Back Road 2 Peace

God’s Over Our Life

God has blessed Job Reddick with such a power declaration in his song “No Fear”

“I got enemies at every side
It ain't lookin' good, I ain't gonna lie
Arrows flyin', devil's tryin'
To make me think I'm goin' down this time
You might think that I'd be afraid
Runnin' scared with a shaken faith
But the God I know says it ain't over
The God I know's gonna make a way

Yeah, though I walk through the valley
I will have

NoLooking at the definitions listed above, I would think there would be distinct words to separate such different meanings. Perhaps they are more similar than I realize. When I am honoring Christ, displaying fear, or reverence, of his Headship and Lordship in my life, perhaps that fear of tomorrow is captured in my reverence. That fear is present, however it’s not active in my life, when I regard Christ to be my source of life. When we are actively worshiping Christ, our minds are no longer worried about tomorrow or what might come, we are consumed in a reverence of Christ; that whatever comes, it is well with my soul, because it is well with Christ’s Lordship. fear (no fear)
The mighty power of Jesus is fighting for me here
No fear when I'm walkin' through the fire
'Cause I know who's walkin' me through
No fear when the floodwaters rise
If I got my eyes on You”

As a noun, fear is: · an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat: · a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety and well-being of someone: · the likelihood of something unwelcome happening: · a mixed feeling of dread and reverence: "the love and fear of God" As a verb, fear outs on a different characteristic: 

• to be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening:
• feel anxiety or apprehension on behalf of:
• avoid or put off doing something because one is afraid: apprehensive
• used to express regret or apology
• regard (God) with reverence and awe:

Fear is a word that is multifaceted in its definition. We can demonstrate fear of tomorrow just by carrying anxiety that things will not go as we hoped for or apprehension just to start something. We can also display fear as a form or reverence and respect. When we are speechless and in awe of the Lord’s goodness, we express high regard of His Headship over our lives, the lives of families, the world and the universe. (Can I interject here that God is the God of the universe and He is the Creator of all things. We are not worshipping the universe or declaring its headship, God alone is the worthy source of our praise). 

Looking at the definitions listed above, I would think there would be distinct words to separate such different meanings. Perhaps they are more similar than I realize. When I am honoring Christ, displaying fear, or reverence, of his Headship and Lordship in my life, perhaps that fear of tomorrow is captured in my reverence. That fear is present, however it’s not active in my life, when I regard Christ to be my source of life. When we are actively worshiping Christ, our minds are no longer worried about tomorrow or what might come, we are consumed in a reverence of Christ; that whatever comes, it is well with my soul, because it is well with Christ’s Lordship. 

Life can be so heavy and hard; it can consume our every thought and veer us down a path away from Christ. If we can hold onto His hand, even when we’re broken and shattered, He will guide us back to Him and we will find peace and rest.

Psalm 23 “The lord is my shepard (That’s a relationship) I shall not want (That’s supply) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures (That’s rest) He leadeth me beside the still waters (That’s refreshment) He restoreth my soul (That’s healing) He leadeth me in paths of righteousness (That’s guidance) For his name sake (That’s purpose) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (That’s testing) I will fear no evil (That’s protection) For thou art with me (That’s faithfulness) Thy rod and thy staff shall comfort me (That’s discipline) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies (That’s hope) Thou anointest mine head with oil (That’s consecration) My cup runneth over (That’s abundance) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (That’s blessing) And I will dwell in the house of the lord (That’s security) Forever” (That’s eternity)

This was a powerful sermon that I heard and had to share with you. God loves us! Let’s hold onto His Headship in our lives and not fear what is to come. Let us remember that our relationship with Christ is more valuable than any other possession that we could have in this life.

In His Love, 

Patricia 

Patricia Velasquez, PTA, BS, CWCA, CLT