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The Plain Brown Wrapping

  • It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth. She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn Luke 2:6 WEB.

    The greatest gift that God ever gave mankind spent His first hours laying in a feeding trough for animals. Mary wrapped the baby Jesus in strips of cloth herself which meant that it was a lonely birth without others to help her. There was no room for them at the inn. It was a picture of poverty, obscurity, and rejection. The greatest event in history went almost unnoticed by those around it.

    God is so secure in Himself that He does not need to impress anyone and His word makes it clear that the pride of a man makes him blind to all that God has for him. The wisdom of man is foolishness to God (1 Cor. 3:19). Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you (James 4:10). God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

    How many times have we missed what God has for us because we felt that it was beneath us. Looking back over my life, God gave me the greatest opportunities, wrapped in an humble, plain looking, brown paper wrapping. It looked beneath me and my flesh wanted to complain and tell the people how important that I really was.

    Once after being laid off from a high paying job, I ended up drawing unemployment and could not find another job anywhere. I spent a lot of my time alone on the Waccamaw river fishing and listening to the Bible. During the last week of my unemployment, I was fishing and I prayed earnestly, Lord, I need a job. Anything, just open a door. I only want to be able to listen to Your word. Soon after praying I caught the biggest large mouth bass that I had ever caught in my life. It was on the last cast of my last fishing trip that year.

    The next day a temp service called and said that they had an opening at Miracle Finishing for a brass polisher and they wanted me to go talk to the manager. The following day, I pulled up in my Toyota Supra wearing a black leather jacket and shades to find that it was a loud, dirty, hole in the wall housed in a hundred year old brick building. All the employees except the manager were temps, addicts, and many almost homeless.

    It was extremely hot in August and giant ghetto blasters roared above the already deafening machines in a dimly lit building. Car-sized belt sanders ran with no guards in place and would cut off limbs if you bumped into them. Sometimes the buffing machine would snatch the part away and then fire it back at you, knocking you down. People sometimes smoked pot at the machines, and the manager came in hungover everyday. Everyone there was just living for another Friday to come. It was a dirty, dark, hole-in-the-wall and everyone was covered in black smut from the machines. The job paid a third of what my last job had. Everything in my flesh screamed, No, this is beneath me!

    I walked up to the manager and the first thing that he said was, Are you ready to start? Bring something to listen to as it can get really boring here. At that moment the Holy Spirit brought my prayer back to remembrance and said This is what you asked for. Through clenched lips I told the manager Yep.

    The turnover rate was infinite because most people did not last a week, many even left before their first lunch break. But I knew that it was Gods will for me to be there, though it was still hard to keep my pride under control. I deserve better than this was always just a thought away.

    I soon made it into a game of working for God Himself, and became a model employee. Bright, shining, and always early, my workspace was the cleanest in the building. I went home each day as black as smut from the compound and then when I washed, my skin became a greenish tint from the brass dust. My brother would stop by now and then and ask me, Dion, what in the world are you doing here?, and I would tell him, Its a God thing.

    I fasted as much as I ate, listened to the Bible all day, and prayed in the spirit while just grinding out part after part. I started out running 300 parts a day, but was soon running 7,500. It was a mindless task of repetition and it allowed me to meditate on scripture while working, I loved it.

    One day I suddenly felt oil being poured over my head and spun around thinking someone was pulling a prank on me, but there was no one there. That was a turning point in my life, and things began to change around me.

    I will shorten this up as it is growing long, but when I humbled myself and followed the path that the Lord revealed to me, He raised me up quickly. I went straight to the top and became the manager, then after that He pushed me into my own computer business for the next decade, and then on into ministry using those skills and testimonies that I learned along the way.

    A long time later when God began to shut my computer business down and I was unemployed again, I showed up for a church workday event. The only job left was to scrub all the bathrooms and toilets. No one had chosen to do that one. I sensed that God was setting me up and I did it wholeheartedly as if I were working for the Lord. I left those bathrooms sparkling behind me. About a month after, the Lord put me into full-time ministry.

    These were humble doors that one would easily avoid, but it was His path. I can honestly say that the humble door leads to a great future and many will pass it by while waiting for the management position to come open they so deserve. Be watchful and guard your mind. Learn that when the flesh begins to balk, that it is probably God beginning to move.

    Prayer: Father I seek Your path for me. Help me see through Your eyes and fulfill Your every desire in my life. I yield to You and pray that You guide my every step. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

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66 comments
  • 3
Leslie McLea
Leslie McLea AWESOME!!!!
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr Fantastic. I am reminded of my own Humbling journey, lol. Thank you so much for your Honesty and frankfulness Pastor!
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, I love it when we can truly relate with the wonderful testimony and devotionals from Pastor Dion 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Joan Joseph
Joan Joseph Thank you Paster Todd for the great message, I pray that the Lord will continue to use and bless you though his word.
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and Amen 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson Amen!! That story your testimony is what I needed this morning! I thank Our Father in Heaven for always loving me, guiding me, reminding me, that without him, NOTHING matters! Thank you Lord for your son my Savior Jesus Christ, and thank you Lord for the wisdom and strength you give me every day and see me through the good, bad and times of challenges. Amen!! Bless you All this day!!
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Jesus is always right on time. 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen
August 24, 2015
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Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Thank you Father, in Jesus name, amen. 
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Wayne Felicetta
Wayne Felicetta Amen.
August 24, 2015
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Toyia Tucker
Toyia Tucker Thank you for your testimony. It was a much needed message for me today. I definitely need to humble myself more. God has definitely giving me what I've asked for entirely!!!! Bless you!!!!
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Thank You Jesus for all you've done and all you are going to do for Your children. 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Johnalee Weller
Johnalee Weller GOD gives us the opportunity every day to make choices for our lives, it is what we do with those choices that matter. GOD uses the bad situations in our lives as learning lessons to make us stronger. The problem is we don't always learn. We are always waiting for something bigger and better and miss the little miracles he puts before us. GOD does not let us down we let ourselves down and blame it on GOD.
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Mary Williams
Mary Williamsedited: August 24, 2015   Thank you Psstor Dion i really look foward to your daily reads.....Amen i tell myself this dailly as well as my children being humble is a must....
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Tracey Daniels
Tracey Daniels Thank you Pastor for sharing this humbling and enlightening experience 
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Yes, it was truly a blessing. 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Lou Covie
Lou Covie I just love to read your comments first thing every morning... They are so enlightening and inspiring... Thank you for what you do...
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God is so good. 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Eddie Marrero
Eddie Marrero Thank you fpor sharing, I just became unemployed as of two Fridays ago, and I needed this
August 24, 2015
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Dion Todd
Dion Todd Eddie, I pray that the Lord will put you where you need to be and cause you to find your place. May the right door open and all the others be closed off. May He provide for your every need and richly bless you during this season, in the name of Jesus Christ. 
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Memberedited: August 24, 2015 Jesus is always on time for what we need. God bless you and will be praying that the perfect job comes your way. 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Celestina Ndunda
Celestina Ndunda I relly really seek Your path Lord for me. Give me eyes to see and fulfill what you have designed me for. I trust that you will guide my steps to follow you all the days of my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Ruth Inman
Ruth Inman This is one I will print and keep on the wall. Lord, thank you for having Pastor Dion deliver this directly to me today, you knew it was exactly what I neded to hear. I will stay put and wait for further direction from you Lord, and will remember to be grateful for what you Have given me. Please forgive me for letting pride swell in me, I know you have a plan and its better than anything I could think up. In your Son's name I pray. Amen.
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Nell Neathery
Nell Neathery Amen!  Jesus and Humble:  just 2 of God's greatest gifts to man.  And there onl 4 months until CHRISTmas!
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Wow, Pastor Todd--this could be the synopsis of a best selling novel--and better yet, it's true! I can see your story as a movie, too.So inspirational and something every laborer needs to hear. It also reminded me of my last days as an RN. My career ended badly, at a dead-end nursing home that sounds a lot like your brass polishing factory. Morale was low, the staff gossipped, the patients knew they were only there to die, and the general atmosphere was one of utter depression.However, when I first started as a nurse, I had a GREAT  and rewarding job as a med-surg nurse. I really felt as if I made a positive influence at work and my patients seemed to like me.The only reason I left that hospital was because I wanted to delve into Psychiatric Nursing, so I left to work in the county mental facility--which led to my "stint" as a jail nurse---which ended when I was raped by an inmate. Oddly, the jail job was my favorite and I know I saved the county a lot of money, because I seemed to have an inherent knack of knowing when the inmates were faking their maladays! LOL Blessings to all today, Kathy
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen , isn't God just so amazing, always on time. 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Audry Reddy
Audry Reddy Wonderful testimony !!!    
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! Some of the lowest jobs can give us the highest blessings!
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message and the prayer!
August 24, 2015
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Uwalaka Dorathy
Uwalaka Dorathy Amen.
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Connie Astudillo
Connie Astudillo Amen and amen...Father if it is your will please help me get my job back today in Jesus name amen...
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Praying  for you. 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Beatrice &quot;Raye&quot; Huth
Beatrice "Raye" Huth Thank you for this message; I'm currently looking for part-time work and understand the important to be humble and take what is offered to have some income flowing.  In his name I pray for a door to open that will lead to employment.  Amen.
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God will make a way. 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Beatrice &quot;Raye&quot; Huth
Beatrice "Raye" Huth Thank you!  In his light we shine!
September 1, 2015
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Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli I can understand why you listened to the word of God all day, I would have too.  God never promised us a Rose Garden, that is what my Mom and Dad used to say and when I became an adult I found it was true.  There were jobs I didn't like too much but never hated any of them.  There was one job I loved though and after I was there about 10 years the office doors closed because the owner kept forgetting stuff.  I had worked for a General Contractor and was planning on working there til I retired, but because the owner kept sending me to pre bids and bids and I loved doing that, the office wasn't supporting itself much anymore and the Son in law who ran the Utah office decided to close the doors here in Las Vegas. I did find another job but it was not like this one, it was okay.  When my husband and I married we decided to apply for a couples job and got our first one at a privatly owned Storage Company, found out it was nice being able to put one pay check away and live off the other.  It wasn't the greatest job because it was heartbreaking when we had to auction people's stuff off cause they couldn't pay their rent. Then we got laid off, collected unemployment and 3 months later we found another Storage Manager job, we worked there for 3 years and then decided we had put enough away to retire, I was getting my social security which wasn't really enough to live on but we dipped into our savings to pay rent, etc.  7 months after retirement my husband was able to get his SS and now we are okay.  We are not rich, but I consider it comfortable because our needs are met.  Anyway, now I am stuck here in Las Vegas because it is affordable rent, I hate it here but for now this is where we have to be.  I believe it is temporary and God will get me back to California near my kids and grandkids someday, I just am being patient and making the best of it.
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Will be praying for you, and believing with you to be able to move back where you want to be. God bless you. 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Angela Williams
Angela Williams Lord thank you for that word and pastor thank you for sharing your experiences with us
August 24, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member May I too be that humble and willing vessel for Jesus to work in and through me. Thank you for sharing this wonderful testimony. 
August 24, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Allie Ponzo
Allie Ponzo Another great story and lesson, thank you!
August 24, 2015
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Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome thank you for your words they are what I needed today thank you also Dion
August 24, 2015
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Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander Amen Thank you
August 24, 2015
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Shelby Casey
Shelby Casey Thank you Lord for both times when we are shown favor and when we are asked to take the servant role and wash feet. Let us rememeber whatever we do we do it in your name, washing your feet. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. I can remember a time I was feeling a little sorry for myself cleaning my bathrooms in my home and God said to me, there are many people who would love to have your bathrooms. I understood it wasn't about bathrooms it was about doing whatever I am doing for the glory of God.
August 24, 2015
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J D  Williams
J D Williams I WANT TO BE USED BY YOU LORD SO PLEASE GUIDE MY EVERY FOOT STEP AND PLEASE LORD BRING ME DOWN IF AND WHEN I BECOME FILLED WITH PRIDE.....
August 24, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Did oil of anointing pour upon you, Pastor Dion, or did you discern something els?  Great message/ story.  God truly blessed you and still does.  Your walk looks of confidense in the Lord.  A blessing!
August 24, 2015
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Dion Todd
Dion Todd He anointed me and some gifts started operating in my life after that as well. That is when I first began to move in prophecy and words began coming to me for other people. 
August 25, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler I have known this in my own...a true blessing when I see what happens following.  May the Lord continue to Bless this ministry for so many are in need.  The internet is good for things of such.  People are looking....to be filled...to become part of a loving place to go where you feel accepted as the Lord showed in His own relational way.  The way I was drawn.  He pursued me and I can't say I know of none accept my husband.  Pray for us please.  The devil looks to put a wedge between us.  I have prayed, anointed this place with oil, myself also, and holding on to the memories of the Lord's way He brought us together.  A God/mind blowing experience!!  I was done with men then I a prayerful lady sitting in the church sanctuary where I was secretary spoke a word to me that God impressed upon her.  It was of my husband and I meeting in the Spring of of 1990.  Testing ground is here now.  My heart is troubled and my legs weak.  I sit in Jesus Name of Nazareth for claim of this union that the Lord  put together that no scheme or plan of Satan's has any right to but to go in Jesus Name where God tells him  to go!!  Plead the Blood of Jesus over US at this moment again!  Amen!
August 25, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Loved the message.  One of true confidence in the Loed!
August 24, 2015
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dennis pulscher
dennis pulscher Every time, & I mean every time I am going through some distress in my life I read this devotional and it gives me direction. I lost my daughter due to an epileptic seizure about two and a half years ago and sometimes I wonder what on earth I'm doing. Sometimes the stress and depression from that event gets to me. My heart is to serve the Lord passionately but I sometimes wonder if I have the brains and heart to make it happen. Thanks for the helpful words of encouragement
August 24, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd I'm so very sorry about your daugher, Dennis. I pray that the Lord guides you each day and gratns you His peace, in the name of Jesus <3.
August 30, 2015
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Nell Neathery
Nell Neathery I thank God for showing me the word "humble" an its meaning during my path with Him in the recent years.  May God bless everyone at Refreshing Hope.
August 24, 2015
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Lisa Kordich
Lisa Kordich Just popping in to say God bless you and your work. I have been so slammed trying to get this degree that I haven't had time to read the daily message. I need to get caught up so I can so that. Computer science is the hardest degree to get.
August 25, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!  This was 'wow' for me.
August 25, 2015
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Tyler Velau
Tyler Velau I think that I have done the same thing with my previous jobs. I worked at a bowling alley and was the customer service guy, I cleaned the bathrooms and helped with customers, but I was still a kid and didn't really appreciate what I had. And then, a few years later, when I worked as a drywall taper for a construction company; it was my first job to coat the screws, I always wanted to do more. I wanted to learn and to be more helpful. I wanted to be the guy that did the more advanced tasks. I should have appreciated what I had, and just been happy to be there coating the screws. I should have known the other stuff would come in its own time, I was stubborn. You make a good point, Pastor Dion Todd, God puts you in those places for a reason all the wile planning better things down the road. Its up to you to accept the tasks and carry them out with a grateful heart no matter how mundane they may seem. 
August 29, 2015