Sunday, October 13, 2013

With Long Life: The Face of Ninety-Nine


Melanie E. Beasley's Grandmother at 99
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased." (Proverbs 9:10-11, KJV)

In August 2013, I had the honor and privilege of celebrating my grandmother's 99th birthday with her. My mom used to always tell Granny that she would live to be 100, and that's something that I have never forgotten. Earlier this year, while visiting with Granny, I asked her, "Granny, do you remember Mom used to always tell you you would live to be a hundred?" "Yeah, Baby," she replied. "Do you WANT to live to be a hundred?" I continued. "Yeah!" she said enthusiastically. "Then I stand in agreement with you!" I said. And so I prayed and asked God to give my grandmother at least 100 years.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Why do bad things happen to good people, and what will eventually happen to the bad people?

Someone very dear to me sent me a text a couple of months ago and asked me to send scriptures on this question. Little did I know that this seemingly simple request would lead to me conducting some serious Bible study, even late into the night and early into the morning hours. Over the course of at least a week, up as late as 1AM with work just a few hours away, and with much prayer to the Lord for direction and words, I believe the Holy Spirit led me to write this essay in response.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

In Loving Remembrance: Rudolph "Rudy" Emanuel Cook

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

(2 Timothy 4:7)

Rudy Cook
On Saturday, May 11, 2013, at approximately 1:50PM, my uncle Rudy passed away peacefully. He would have been 88 years old on May 30.

Uncle Rudy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year, and throughout his fight, he was an inspiration.

Thinking back over the years, I don't recall a time where I ever heard him complain - about anything. These last few months were no exception, for not a single time did I witness my uncle complain or get angry, with the exception of when he tried to do something and just didn't have the physical strength he needed. God was ever merciful, because over the course of the illness, Uncle Rudy was in no pain. He held on as long as he could, and I truly believe that it wasn't until he knew for sure that my aunt would be okay that he finally let go and allowed the Lord to call him home.

Monday, February 18, 2013

The Interview: Great Things

As I asked the Lord to enlarge my territory, according to 1 Chronicles 4:10, He took me up on it...immediately. This video is my interview about an interview, quite literally. It is my account of how God is moving in my life, and my reaction to it all.

In 2007, God gave me an idea to create my own website, "Clay for the Potter" (www.clayforthepotter.com). Two years later, He gave me the inspiration to start a blog, "The Simplicity of My Testimony" (www.simplicityofmytestimony.com). This year, He allowed me to be in front of a video camera, and only He knows how wide the audience will be.

Someone once told me, "It's not always about you." This is my mantra. It is all about the Glory of God.