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"Understanding The Will Of God for My Life" Have you ever asked the question, "Why is marriage or relationship so difficult?" I know that they can be a bit strenuous and overbearing at times. Shlanda R. Byrd has had her share! The truth I've come to discover is that in order to enjoy a healthy marriage or relationship, one has to be willing to accept God's will for his or her life. Building Marriages That Will Last is designed to make readers sensitive in the importance of the willingness to accepting God's will for their lives, helping them better understand relationships. Though challenging experiences affect many marriages and relationships, individuals must realize that as believers, God has a purpose and a plan for their lives. We must be willing to accept it! "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." Isaiah 1:19

You've recently accepted Jesus into your life, acknowledging that His sacrifice on the cross cleansed and redeemed you to God again. However, a life in Christ doesn't just require renewal through Jesus's salvation but maturing spiritually from that time forward. Author Lyndon Townsend believes wholeheartedly that to become an overcomer in Christ means to live the saved life. His new book, Under Cover vs. Undercover is a guide to assist Christian readers in growing in knowledge of Christ through obedience to God's leadership. A phaseby-phase process, Lyndon uses scripture references and personal insight to encourage readers' pursuit of partnering with spiritual mentors and determining who to honor (God) and dishonor (Satan). His discussion is enhanced through the biblical journey of Elisha and Elijah; how their partnership helped them draw closer to their pre-ordained callings and find meaning during struggles and uncertainty. Living a saved lifestyle uncovers true riches from

Abundant life consists in loving God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. Our neighbor is not only the person next door, but rather everyone with whom we share this planet. All that we do must be for the ultimate good of ourselves and serve towards the common good of humankind. For this to happen we must begin with being honest and facing the truth about who we are, individually and collectively. At least that's how it looks from my window.

Reaching children in difficult situations requires us to enter into and face the same challenging conditions. We do believe in glorifying God and in serving the weak but we are often deterred by one barrier; self. Our Lord has a direct solution to our predicament; "...If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). We are all called to that ongoing process of mortifying self as we seek to follow him daily. We know how far we have come when we are able to seek and embrace God's will and not ours. His will is to reach the lost for his glory. That is why He sent His son to this world. We follow Christ by reaching the lost; we are saved to do the works of Christ. We are however hard wired to cater to self. The world drives us to seek instant self-gratification, and personal success. Dying to self is therefore increasingly becoming an alien, unacceptable and sometimes an offensive concept in our day. To reach especially the isolated, lost and unchurched children, we have no choice but to die to self. By so doing, we will be truly seeking and embracing God's will and not our own. Noah O. Okiror is ordained by Global Christian Ministry Forum Canada and was commissioned an officer in the Canadian Forces chaplain Services in 2001. He is the founding director of Global River Basin Ministries, an organization dedicated to partnering with and supporting local ministries in isolated and disenfranchised communities, to address the vital needs of destitute children. He holds a Grad Dip/MA in theological studies from Regent College in Vancouver, BC and a D.Min in Theology from Life Christian University in Tampa, FL. As a certified fitness Instructor and a former Physical Education/Biology teacher, he is passionate about reaching children and helping them find peace with God, within themselves and with others through sports. To get further grounded in this area, he studied Fitness and Health Promotion at Humber Institute of Advanced Learning in Toronto ON and is currently pursuing Postgraduate studies in Sports ministry. His transition from a destitute boy in a Ugandan village to a teacher in six different countries, a chaplain in the Canadian Forces and to now a Non-resident sports missionary worldwide, is a story of God's unlimited grace and extravagant love. His only response to that amazing grace is to serve Him among other unchurched and destitute children around the world.

We must re-examine and redefine what it means to be a contemporary believer. Pastors, leaders and the household of faith, let's take a step back and consider the creeping erosion of our spiritual integrity; and, then let's turn aside to see, how we can restore the PRESENCE of God, within HIS HOUSE. What happened to life-changing, life-compelling experiences that cause people to say, "Come see a man who told me all about me?" He didn't flatter me. We didn't exchange niceties. Instead, He explored my soul and gave me a WORD that prompted my true deliverance. What happened to the Gospel that changes, that convicts, that cuts asunder; because, it is sharper than any two-edged sword? What happened to God's people who are called by His name and a willingness to humble ourselves and pray? The church needs a FACE-LIFT -out with the status quo - in with the rhema MOVE of God! Dr. Tina Bell is a student and lover of God's Word. As a co-pastor and co-founder of a non-denominational ministry, New Vision Assembly, in Jacksonville, Florida, she constantly chases after God. Dr. Bell is a Florida-licensed attorney who has likewise acquired her Doctorate in Ministry, Master's in Pastoral Studies, and has completed thirty (30) hours toward her Master's of Divinity at Haggard School of Theology, Azusa, California. Dr. Bell has proven her zeal both for God and man. The call to effective servant-hood and the draw of the Almighty is ever before her face, as she lives in pursuit of a, "Well done thy good and faithful, servant." Dr. Bell seeks to challenge the church to remain 'SALT' in a world whose taste buds have become accustomed to spiritual fast food that satiates in the moment and has no lasting and redeeming value. She is a voice crying in the wilderness!

I loved this "Graduation Speech." This is a wonderful book and an inspiration to the reader. It is well thought out, well-written and sometimes humorous. He makes you feel and understand what it means to go to the next level beyond graduation. The book is easy to read and the perfect length. The references are a great addition. The author, Clarence Saunders, clearly puts a lot of effort into this book, and his compassion for helping students is amazing. I love his mindset, his true depth and zest for life. I think every graduate should read this, take to heart his words, and use them in their own life to make the dream of "The Good Life" a reality. Lacia Porter, Book Reviewer Clarence Saunders has over 50 years of work experience and has worked as a financial services representative for a major financial company since 1984. He holds a LUTCF, Series 6, Series 63, Texas P&C and Group 1 Insurance License. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Irving, Texas Chamber of Commerce, and is currently a member of Professional Photographers of America. In September 2010, the Texas State Board of Education honored him with the "Heroes for Children" award for his outstanding volunteer service to IISD. He graduated from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas in 1975 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Mr. Saunders has been married to his wife, Ruth, for twenty-seven years and has two daughters with college degrees. Email: graduationfocus@gmail.com Website: www.graduationfocus.com

William Nieves explores the variety of experiences he and his wife have shared through deepening their relationship with Christ in his book, A Glimpse of Judgment. He namely provides details of his fascinating spiritual growth from miracle events leading to Jesus saving his soul. What makes this book absorbing is his honesty in expressing his growth and shortcomings, which we can all connect with, as well as his spiritual maturity from falling back in sin learned along the way to spiritual freedom. The powerful transformation from dabbling and using drugs brings him closer to Jesus, as his wife Jacqueline helps him grow closer to God. What is refreshing is Nieves' awareness of good and evil through his personal journey, as well as his realization that God has never forsaken him. This will inspire you to forge an awareness of the healing power of transformation, the practice of forgiveness and Gods devotion to faithfulness. Included are poems, revealing the author's connection and servitude to the Lord, bringing praise to His holy name.

Cera Grace originated from things God wanted and needed her to see her worth in him. She learns who she is in Christ through others stories. Little did she know at the time, God truly was preparing her for her own story for another book. Tragedy struck in her world December 07, 2015 when she lost her only child. She had written this book during some of his sick days "the last few years of his life." She honors this book to her only child. Her world stopped and faith like never before keeps her standing. I ask but one thing of the readers. Be kind for a day. Do a kind act, and never stop believing dreams can't come true. We all have a story these are ones God showed me. We all shall have days where we will, lose, love and laugh. We all have a story. At no time in life will anyone not have a life defining moment that will change the core of who you are, it is during this time, we understand faith as it is written in Hebrews 11:1 Contact cera.williams@yahoo.com for comments. Facebook cera grace.

The Church has always been a hospital for those with a spiritual need, who desire for their broken lives to be healed, but what happens when the head of the church becomes corrupt? This is one such story of a pastor who became corrupt, and through his conceit, he formed a choir of one hundred voices to glorify his own talents. No one was able to stand against him, until one day when a very bright young man who was sent by God himself, showed up with a choir which consisted of one thousand voices, and was able to stand against him, and outnumber him ten times over. Be prepared to be taken to a small town called Showville, where you will find a story of love, hope; despair, and disappointment; and after many tribulations, ultimate victory!

A mother shares her son's life-changing accident. At twenty-two not only was he reincarnated to a new way of existence, so too his family.Experience his early years, a foundation of intertwining between mother and son - then dealing with the unexpected in life. She came to admire Brian's humor and creativity in dealing with hardships, plus his determination in trials to fight for himself and his beliefs. Her goal is to incorporate into herself what his experiences taught her: "Above all, no matter the circumstances, believe in self."Eleanor's story is not just a message of hope for those suffering from the unbelievable, but it honors and relates to the Silent Warriors who bite the lip, and hide the heartache of caring for their loved one. Indeed the story has its pathways of sorrow, but also great joys.I enjoyed a 'mother's perspective of a son's journey. I was enlightened to the overwhelming trials a paralyzed human being encounters daily. Laurie McAlpineIndeed a philosopher and sage drawing meaning from the glorious and the agonizing; wisdom acquired along the way. There is pleasure in the unassuming manner in which it is dispensed.I marveled at the depth, sometimes a pearl I almost missed. I could string a necklace from those pearls. A mother and son lived tragedy and in it found meaning. I enjoyed the passion, humor, and fun in some of the most unlikely situations; what an example. Kimberley McKaigI was there on that day of the 'Fateful Call'; it was a nightmare. Until I read this book I had no idea how much of a nightmare it continued to be. The honesty of her message will be supportive for families in similar situations - a story each reader will enjoy and learn from. Margaret Hildahl

Life is often described as "The Game of Life". Therefore, Life can also be fairly compared to the games of football and basketball as they both are played in four quarter intervals and two halves. If you were to ask your friends or family who won the first half of the last basketball or football game they witnessed, few if any, could accurately reply. Yet if you asked who won the last football or basketball game and received an answer, they will have expressed who won The Second Half. It doesn't matter who wins in the first half. The Game of Life, Basketball and Football are indeed won in The Second Half. The Second Half is referred to by some as a New Beginning, the fourth quarter, crunch time, gut check time or that point in the game when YOU realize it's NOW or NEVER but it's not over. Welcome To LIFE IN THE SECOND HALF! David K. Jackson is a Pastor, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Certified Personal Trainer, Writer and Proud United States Marine that served on the Elite Marine Security Guard (Embassy) Program. A promising author and teacher whose views on faith and hope are both unique and prophetic. Jackson is very passionate and believes faith is a vehicle that all can ride in.

EXCHANGING LUST FOR LOVE Come, sit back and relax as I take you down memory lane, back into the 1960's. During the times when I was a teenage Christian living like anyone else in the world, not knowing how to put on the whole armor of God. I was living a life blinded to the blessings God had waiting for me. This book will show you, that no matter what you are going through as a child of God, you are not alone. The wrong choices I made would cause me to suffer and provoke me to call on him. You will see how he saved me from sin and my self. He opened the door for me to receive my hearts desire. Your faith will grow seeing the miracles he performed in my life. Open up your heart. Grab hold of this life changing faith. You will say to yourself, "If God gave her, her hearts desire, even after all she did; there is hope for me. Your faith in God will open up the door for you to receive the blessings and desires of your heart. Come on; start reading. Let God blow your mind. What he has waiting for you, is greater and more wonderful than you can imagine. I know because he did it for me and I am no better than you. In fact I'd quote the words of Paul, who was Saul. He said, "That he was the chief of sinners. But oh; that amazing grace that saved a wretch like me. I was lost but now I'm found. I was blind but now I see. Hallelujah!

This book highlights the majesty and power of our Wonderful Lord. Through examples and experiences readers will be encouraged and strengthened. The youth, young couples and new parents will be energized and be inspired with strong commitments. Mature individuals will benefit from the experiences shared, and as a result persevere and be joyful. It is a book for everyone who is seeking a closer relationship with God and a more excellent way to manage fear. Daisy O. Brown is a pastor's wife, a home maker, a mother and a grandmother. She has worked in the corporate arena. Working in partnership with her husband in his pastoral ministry has been very rewarding. However, the highest and most rewarding achievement she has experienced is raising her children to make God first, and give Him the glory He is due.

Throughout my lifetime, I was unable to recognize the enemy. I failed to understand or accept this fact before I became a born again Christian. The snares represent the events the enemy uses to trap and keep me in bondage. The tares represent consequences or outcomes of these snares. The principle of seedtime and harvest work naturally and spiritually. This enemy has used the principle proficiently to advance his kingdom. Societies coveted question, "Why would God?" as if God takes pleasure in our suffering. Let's get one thing clear, it was never Gods intention for the earth he created to be in such disorder. Once sin was introduced, it provided the enemy access to God's creation. Satan has no power to create. He is an enemy of God, once God pronounced judgement on him in the Garden the fight began. The enemy began to use his seed to destroy God's seed. Jesus assignment was to destroy the power the enemy had over God's creation. This was accomplished with his death burial and resurrection. The enemy knows he was defeated through Jesus Christ obedience. He has used snares and tares to take advantage of God's creation. God has placed a particular assignment in my heart. It is to expose the enemy. Jesus exposed the enemy on several occasions during his time on earth, but you can see we have been blinded by the god of this world (2Cor4:4). Jesus uses the parable (Matt13:24-30) to show his disciples that the enemy never sleeps. He's looking to take advantage of every opportunity to deceive and destroy. This book was written not to condemn but to expose our enemy and give you Gods word so that you can fight a good fight of faith. Bibliography The New James Bible The Message Bible The New Living Translation second edition The Darby Translation

This book is a guide to understanding what God says about confidence, how to gain it, and how to use it appropriately to improve your life. Part scripture study, the author uses scripture to encourage the reader to feel confident in their decisions so that they may live the life God intended for them. The author writes with authority on the subject and familiarity with the role of motivator. Her use of scripture comes across as knowledgeable of both the Bible and what the reader needs to hear to build his or her own confidence. Written in a caring, genuine tone, the book reads as a supportive loved one lending life experience and guidance. The author shows true concern for the reader's evaluation of self-worth and relationship with God. Clearly, her motivation to write comes from a place of devotion to spreading God's word and uplifting His believers. A must read if you seek to have a sustained confident walk with God. Times may change, and seasons may differ, but God and His Word remain the same forever. This book guides you through seasons and times, focusing on the One who knows the way, as well as the end from the beginning. It is recommended to all, not just to read, but also to bless someone else with, as a rich resource.

The Tithe explores the meeting in Jerusalem when the saved Pharisees in Antioch were demanding the Gentiles to be circumcised. Paul, Barnabas, and some Jewish brothers were sent to Jerusalem to speak with the apostles and church elders. The book discusses the authority given to Paul by Jesus and "what, how, and why Paul taught the Gentiles what he did. Scriptures are presented from Romans to Hebrews where Paul could have discussed the tithe. In conclusion the Jerusalem meeting is discussed again and the argument concludes with what James says to lay upon the Gentiles. In 1973 Derek M. Cranstoun Sr. was born again in an Apostolic Church in Columbus, Ohio. He was baptized in Jesus name and came up out of the water speaking with other tongues. He served as a deacon with the gift of tongues and interpretation in two churches from 1973 until 2008 where circumstances led him back to his original church where he serves as a deacon/trustee closer to home. His commitment to time spent in studying, praying, and listening to the voice of God is God's strongest calling and connection to Him.

Courtney Smith shares her testimony as a young woman growing up in a Christian household to an eventual spiral into drug abuse in Rescued: From Drugs to Jesus. Her story is written candidly, as she openly shares her yearning to be loved and accepted. As she grows into her high school years, she begins to recognize a void needing to be filled; as a result, she turns to drugs and grows further away from God. Her downward spiral becomes a source of introspection and purifying spiritual journey, which allows her to reconnect with God and grow from her past.Smith examines the nature of addiction from her personal experience and the testimonies of others to share with you the factors which can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression; she shares how prayer and determination to live a Christ-centered life has had a tremendous healing impact on her, and how God can redeem you of your sins. This is a transformative, emotionally-powerful read, informing you on choices, pain, addictions and the nature of love. Smith's story will connect to those who have fought addiction, or those looking to understand the nature of love in a clear scope. She reminds us we are all part of God's Kingdom and can change our lives and re-commit to Christ.

This book is her fifth book in the Passionate Heart Series. Her first book, Growing a Passionate Heart, was co-authored with Nancy Keller, MFT, and is curriculum designed to facilitate healing from childhood sexual abuse. Her second book, Growing a Courageous Heart, was written to help women overcome the bondage of eating disorders. Her third book is called Embracing a Feeling Heart, and was written to help people grow in their understanding of the emotions God designed them to experience, and was born out of her own struggle to accept and embrace the emotions God created her to feel. The fourth book, Loving from a Pure Heart, was co-authored with Nancy Keller, MFT, and was designed to help those struggling with dysfunctional relational patterns. This latest book is designed to help people uncover and examine and heal the wounds caused by various kinds of emotional abuse that may be interfering with the life and relationships to which God calls them. Wendy J. Mahill serves as a lay counselor at RiverLakes Community Church in Bakersfield, California. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and the director of the Passionate Heart Ministry that provides support groups for women who have survived childhood sexual abuse, who have struggled with eating disorders, who have struggled with painful emotions, and who have struggled with dysfunctional relationships. Wendy has been married for 42 years, is the mother of five grown children, and enjoys being grandmother to six grandchildren who've nicknamed her "Jam." She has personally dealt with painful emotions as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and has taken great strides in overcoming a long-term eating disorder.

That couldn't be her diagnosis: clinical depression? However, it was the diagnosis to explain her frequent bouts of intense tears, overwhelming feelings of sadness and loneliness, and difficulties in functioning in her marriage and raising her daughter. Yet as she wrote her autobiography, Shattered Secrets, author Sandra Gallagher sought to explore the origins of her depression and understand what God wanted her to learn during this emotional trial. Sandra felt she was in control of her life, the middle child in a family of six children, and was determined to carve her own path in this world. Her strongest influence in embracing who she was came from her youngest brother, Dwight, who had Down syndrome but didn't let his condition dictate his life. His passing at age twenty, as well as her father's passing a few years later, led Sandra into a downward spiral and heightened her depression. A few bright moments came into her life with her marriage to husband Pat and the birth of their daughter Alex, but Sandra still struggled with her debilitating depression and inability to ask for the help she needed from others. However, little by little, Sandra realized God was trying to reveal to her His ability to help her heal from her medical condition and thrive again in life. Shattered Secrets is an engaging, heartfelt story of the challenges that arise for those enduring clinical depression and how not only does the person with depression suffer, but also those of their family and friends. Sandra voices eloquently every meaningful moment in her life, whether they were joyful events or arduous trials, to confirm the necessity to turn events over to God and let Him lead the way to recovery and the person's true purpose. Clinical depression may have had a grasp on Sandra's life for years, but through God, it no longer determines her life's path.

What does your heart crave? Love? Intimacy? Worth? Peace? Trust? Control? The greatest human desire is to be loved. Its cavernous appetite demands satisfaction. And its quest often takes us from one relationship to another. The results have a predictable ending and we can feel betrayed by what we thought would fill our heart's void. Whether we made past sexual choices we regret or were a victim against our will, our sexual past can leave scars on our hearts. As a result, we build walls and make vows to self-protect. We lose trust in others, lose faith in God, and lose our sense of identity-hiding our true selves behind masks of our own making. "This isn't how I thought my life would go." "This isn't how I thought my story would turn out."We can't simply delete the painful chapters of our life. But what if we can truly be at peace with God and with our past? What if the Hero of our story can free us from the ghosts of the past, and instead craft a redemptive story through the pages of our life?UNBOUND is a Biblical study of hope as it will help you find freedom from the lies and ties of the past, reclaim your true identity, and unleash your God-given potential. Through the pages of UNBOUND, you are about to meet a Freedom Fighter. Stefanie doesn't fight with the weapons of this world. She isn't involved in overthrowing governments or mob mentality. Instead, she fights courageously for women who find themselves broken and spiritually stuck because of their sexual pasts. Healed from her own painful past, Stefanie Libertore surrenders her own story to offer hope that others can be free. Her passion is to encourage the Bride of Christ to rise up, embrace their healing in Christ and unleash their potential, becoming Freedom Fighters for others.

The PURPOSE of this book is to MOTIVATE, INSPIRE AND ILLUSTRATE power tested ways and means to succeed in life. The Target of the book includes the young and older, highly educated and the less educated the multimillionaires and those living on limited budgets. It is aimed at PhD's and the dropouts who need inspiration to make life better for all. It is designed for the religious and the nonreligious who need to be motivated to attempt and accomplish greater and greater goals and dreams. There are none who do not welcome and seek a MOTIVATIONAL MOMENT that will help them through the day. There are thousands of Godly people with a deep sense of commitment who believe but still need that Motivational Moment and inspiring lesson to drive them forward in faithful service and growth. There are many others who need to see the LIFE ILLUSTRATIONS which will both MOTIVATE and INSPIRE them to bring their goals and dreams to reality. I have written and compiled true to life stories and related testimonials intending to lift and challenge and inspire all to be equipped and ready to live one day at a time with the determination to...... N E V E R G I V E I N T O G I V I N G U P!

"Took a look in the future, then glanced back at my past, It was some kind of funny Cause those negative thoughts didn't last. I had some regrets, but then I took a look at my success." Excerpt from the poem "Success on Display" by Constance Walker Big Dreams, Small Pockets is a contemporary collection of poetry written by poet Constance Walker. This, her first book of poetry, features 40 original poems written by Walker to reach a generation in search of Big Dreams! The poems were written over a 10 year period of time. They were written to encourage, inspire and motivate women, men and children to create their own paths to success. Big Dreams, Small Pockets is about overcoming tragedy, believing in yourself, being conscious of your part in society and achieving success on your terms. Ms. Walker's poems address "real-life" living to a diverse generation. She uses humor and life wisdom to get her point across. You will find her writing to be brilliant, heartwarming and encouraging. All her poems convey the message that she so eloquently writes in A Note from the Author, "You are not alone". *** Constance Walker is the President and Owner of "Connie's Cakes". She is an entrepreneur, poet and author who has been writing poetry for over 10 years. The mother of one, she lives in Washington D.C with her son.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dan Quinn, now 68 years old, was the oldest of seven children. He went to St. Teresa's Grammar School and later Bishop Timon High School where he graduated in 1965. His athletic feats during his youth were legendary. He excelled in whatever sport he participated in - Basketball, Track, and most significantly, Baseball. In fact, he was drafted as a Pitcher by the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization after completing a stellar career at Buffalo State College and numerous top local Baseball leagues. He has since been recognized for his prowess being inducted into the Bishop Timon High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame. He then encountered numerous mental and physical afflictions. Using his unique perspective as a star athlete and relying on his strong Catholic faith, he was able to cope with his demons. He now resides in an Orchard Park Health Care Facility where he shares with others his faith-based perspective in his writings and in person.

Alice is the Pastor's Wife Who Left the Church. She met David who became her husband in college. Their marriage was not ideal even though he was a pastor. Eventually she returned to her family home on the Pee Dee River near Florence, South Carolina. To support her life there she became a school teacher at Williams High School, which she had attended. JoAnne DeWitt, the author, lived with her family near the Pee Dee River. She began writing at an early age and her story of a Fifth Grade trip to Columbia, the state capital, was published in the Darlington News and Press. Her writings have been published in periodicals and in newspapers from her early beginnings. In addition to her writing and publishing, she has taught writing and language arts in classes in high school to the college level.

Valley of the shadows is a compilation of actual life and death experiences told in a narrative form by a practicing surgeon. The book examines disease, injury and death and dying in a unique manner because its author is a physician and minister. It examines faith, divine healing and the modern practice of medicine as it pertains to the Christian. The author carries the reader on a dramatic journey into hospital emergency and operating rooms along with his patients that were walking through the valley of the shadow of death. The information in this book will change how Christians view disease, injury, the practice of medicine and mortality forever. The book culminates by providing the reader with the author's conclusions about the role of mortality in the life of Christians. Joseph Darryl Amos is board certified in surgery and critical care medicine. He is the chairman of surgery and the trauma medical director of a level 1 trauma center. Dr. Amos is an avid student of the Bible and has been active in church ministry for 30 years.

Rev. George F. DeFord is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended public schools. He is a graduate of Morgan and Coppin State Universities, earning Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education (Correctional Counseling) degrees respectively. After answering the call to Christian ministry, he matriculated at Howard University School of Divinity and earned Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. Rev. DeFord organized Lenten Services for the Route 210 Corridor of Churches, southern Prince Georges and western Charles Counties, Maryland. He was the founding president of the Morgan State University, Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter that has awarded, since chartering in 2005, $41,000 to first time scholars from Southern Maryland matriculating at Morgan State. In terms of ministry to the least of these, Rev. DeFord has made his church available to the Safe Nights program wherein Lifestyles of Maryland, Inc., during the winter months seeks shelter for homeless adults and children. He encourages members of Smith Chapel's outreach team to provide meals to residents of the Robert Fuller Transition House, Waldorf, Maryland. Moreover, he is a strong supporter of prison ministries; several members are trained in Kairos prison ministry to minister to incarcerated women. Rev. DeFord and his wife Lila, affectionately called, "his girlfriend and wife who is one and the same" make their retirement home in Pomfret, Maryland. Together they have three adult sons and two grandsons. He continues to thank and praise God for the opportunity to serve in the Gospel Ministry of Jesus Christ.

This book offers help for anyone that wants to understand more about the Father God''s love and more. It also offers information about:How to hear God & what He sounds likeHow to remain sanctified while in romantic relationshipsHow understand a call to prayerHow to understand more about who you are through The Book of Genesis You can live saved and sanctified every day. Experience is not the best teacher. You can avoid sin in your life through the power of a testimony. This book will light a fire and create a hunger for the Father in you. You will start to question certain experiences that you have had in the past and discover that it may have been God speaking. If so go back and ask the Father what was He saying to you in that season. You will find that He is faithful to answer your request.

L  -  LISTEN               It is really important that youlisten to each other; as you do youwill grow closer in your marriage.O  - OVERLOOK       Remember you are not perfect,you make mistakes. Overlookyour mate''s faults and failures.V  - VOICE                Talk to each other.Marriages are better when youshare with each other yourdreams, problems and desires. E  -  EFFORT             Put forth a concerted effort tomake this marriage what you andGOD would have it to be. Having performed thousands of weddings and have witnessed "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly", I felt compelled to share from my perspective, what God intended for a successful marriage. May the "Menu" be a blessing to your marriage.­-C Sherwood Spence

A DISCIPLE OF JESUS… Hides the Word in his/her heart.  “Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I mightnot sin against Thee”  (Ps 119:11). Studies the Word. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth  not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Wordof truth” (2Tim 2:15). Renews his/her mind with the Word.  “Be ye transformed by the renewing of yourmind…” (Rom 12:2). Preaches the Word. “Preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season…” (2Tim 4:2). Reminds God of His Word in prayer.  “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but MyWords shall not pass away” (Mt 24:35). Meditates on God’s Word. “Thou shalt meditate therein (on the Word) day and night…and then thoushalt have good success” (Josh 1:8). Uses the Word in witnessing and evangelizing.  “That you will have wherewith to give ananswer to him that asketh of thee…” (1Pet 3:15). Fights spiritual battles with the Word.  “Put on the whole armour of God that you maybe able to stand against the wiles of the devil”  (Eph 6:11). Grows closer to God through the Word.  “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh toyou” (Jam 4:8). Strengthens his/her faith by the Word.  “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearingby the Word of God” (Rom 10:17).