Posts
What is your IDP? What is an IDP you ask? It is an Individual Development Plan. What do you plan to do with this life you’ve been blessed to have? Ok I know you get up and go to work or school but what’s next? In business, we ask what are your 1, 3, and 5 year goals. I challenge you to start developing your life goals. Aspire to go higher. Create a fast track to living the life you want to live!
It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut, be comfortable, and get complacent. Honestly, is that the life you’ve dreamed about? Or have you stopped dreaming altogether? I hope not. With the incredible power you possess within by God, set your sights on going higher and being better as an individual who’s developing goals—planning your work and working your plan!! (Exodus 9:16, Jeremiah 29:11)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
WOW! Woman of Wisdom: Hope Beyond Reason
WOW! Woman of Wisdom: Hope Beyond Reason: "Hope thou my soul! My soul hopes in God!(Psalm 43:5) First let me say that this is not a political agenda of any sort. However, in the mid..."
Hope Beyond Reason
Hope thou my soul! My soul hopes in God!(Psalm 43:5)
First let me say that this is not a political agenda of any sort. However, in the midst of the tumultuous state here in this United States of America there seems to be a lack of hope(also known as: courage, expectation, trust, optimism, faith, anticipation, desire, and/or possibility). Hope can best be defined as having a wish to get or do something or for something to happen or be true, especially something that seems possible or likely.
It seems that with the political pendulum having swung in favor of the republicans, that there is much talk of doom and gloom filling the media-air waves. I personally was tired of turning the television on and finding hate campaigns every 2-3 minutes promoting negativity. I can certainly see why people are pointing fingers and playing the blame game…But GOD!
My friends, what does God have to say about it? How about: Faith is the substance of things “hoped” for and the evidence of things unseen. (Heb 11:1) How about this: "And Jesus said unto them ... , "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to younder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you."
(Romans 1:17)
OR
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
(Deuteronomy 31:6)
Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
1 Chronicles 22:13
All things are possible with God- put your hope, trust, success in Him!
First let me say that this is not a political agenda of any sort. However, in the midst of the tumultuous state here in this United States of America there seems to be a lack of hope(also known as: courage, expectation, trust, optimism, faith, anticipation, desire, and/or possibility). Hope can best be defined as having a wish to get or do something or for something to happen or be true, especially something that seems possible or likely.
It seems that with the political pendulum having swung in favor of the republicans, that there is much talk of doom and gloom filling the media-air waves. I personally was tired of turning the television on and finding hate campaigns every 2-3 minutes promoting negativity. I can certainly see why people are pointing fingers and playing the blame game…But GOD!
My friends, what does God have to say about it? How about: Faith is the substance of things “hoped” for and the evidence of things unseen. (Heb 11:1) How about this: "And Jesus said unto them ... , "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to younder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you."
(Romans 1:17)
OR
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
(Deuteronomy 31:6)
Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
1 Chronicles 22:13
All things are possible with God- put your hope, trust, success in Him!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Jeremiah 33:11
While in prayer this morning the Holy spirit began to compel me to let you know to trust in God. He will never leave you nor forsake you! A scripture came over my spirit- Jeremiah 33:11- the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who will say: “Praise the Lord of hosts, For the Lord is good, For His mercy endures forever”— and of those who will bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. For I will cause the captives of the land to return as at the first,’ says the Lord.
Father I ask in Jesus name that you sing over each and everyone reading this message right now! Sing over them with a voice of joy, and a voice of gladness- Let your gladness permeate their spirit, Lord you are good to us and your mercy is from everlasting to everlasting- Lord restore us, and bind up any captivity that the enemy may be attempting in Jesus name! Return us to the joy and gladness as before according to your will. Lord I praise you! I trust you! I magnify You o Lord my strength and my redeemer! Praise HIM!
Father I ask in Jesus name that you sing over each and everyone reading this message right now! Sing over them with a voice of joy, and a voice of gladness- Let your gladness permeate their spirit, Lord you are good to us and your mercy is from everlasting to everlasting- Lord restore us, and bind up any captivity that the enemy may be attempting in Jesus name! Return us to the joy and gladness as before according to your will. Lord I praise you! I trust you! I magnify You o Lord my strength and my redeemer! Praise HIM!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
WOW! Woman of Wisdom: Encouragement...
WOW! Woman of Wisdom: Encouragement...: "We all go through some things in our lives. They say if it doesn't kill you it will only make you stronger- that being said here are a few w..."
Encouragement...
We all go through some things in our lives. They say if it doesn't kill you it will only make you stronger- that being said here are a few words to encourage you no matter what you may be facing.
Know that God loves you no matter what! Jeremiah 1:5 says that “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” We are all precious in His sight. He took the time to know us- in every way, shape, and form! He knows what you are up against and He's here for you! Humbly accept that He made a distinction when He called you. Yes,You are special!
Next we often hear she's the apple of his eye (or vice versa) in a romantic fashion. However, many of us don't know that the quote originated in the Word of God: Deut 32:10 says “HE will guard you and keep you as the apple of HIS eye!” Other people may say or do what they want toward you but GOD! (feel free to shout right there!) He will protect you- and He is so in love with you! You are truly special to Him!
Lastly, know that this is all part of God’s plan. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future!” Trust in His plan always- regardless of what it looks like or feels like!
Be encouraged my sister, my brother regardless of your situation or circumstance!
Know that God loves you no matter what! Jeremiah 1:5 says that “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” We are all precious in His sight. He took the time to know us- in every way, shape, and form! He knows what you are up against and He's here for you! Humbly accept that He made a distinction when He called you. Yes,You are special!
Next we often hear she's the apple of his eye (or vice versa) in a romantic fashion. However, many of us don't know that the quote originated in the Word of God: Deut 32:10 says “HE will guard you and keep you as the apple of HIS eye!” Other people may say or do what they want toward you but GOD! (feel free to shout right there!) He will protect you- and He is so in love with you! You are truly special to Him!
Lastly, know that this is all part of God’s plan. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future!” Trust in His plan always- regardless of what it looks like or feels like!
Be encouraged my sister, my brother regardless of your situation or circumstance!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The Woman in the Mirror
Today I awoke to a mirror of me
Who is she, is that me indeed?
Who am I to be?
In a new element
Outside of my comfort zone
I have began a journey
Filled with peace,
Powered by a desire
To discover, re-discover, and uncover
The woman God sees
It's a journey
That breaks molds
Of the woman I had become
Accustomed to being
A transformation
Like the caterpillar
To resting in the cocoon
Where life seems still
Or some event leaves you
Comatose,
Unbeknownst to you
You survive!
From resuscitation,
Being submerged,
FREE!
Out of the cocoon
Is a new You (Me)!
The woman I was then
Has been shed away
And what remains
Is a wiser, more confident,
Stronger, more passionate,
Me-reflecting in His eyes!
Beautiful butterfly!
Who is she, is that me indeed?
Who am I to be?
In a new element
Outside of my comfort zone
I have began a journey
Filled with peace,
Powered by a desire
To discover, re-discover, and uncover
The woman God sees
It's a journey
That breaks molds
Of the woman I had become
Accustomed to being
A transformation
Like the caterpillar
To resting in the cocoon
Where life seems still
Or some event leaves you
Comatose,
Unbeknownst to you
You survive!
From resuscitation,
Being submerged,
FREE!
Out of the cocoon
Is a new You (Me)!
The woman I was then
Has been shed away
And what remains
Is a wiser, more confident,
Stronger, more passionate,
Me-reflecting in His eyes!
Beautiful butterfly!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Where To?
Where To?
Taxi? Taxi?
Where to ma’am? Please “take me to the other side of town, just as fast as you can…”
Ok maybe I’m the only one who remembers the lyrics to that old blues song!
Some people run in circles, like dogs, chasing their own tales. Some run to men and/or women looking for that missing link. We have all been guilty at some point or another of looking for love in all the wrong places.
I thought, before last night, that looking within was the answer. Besides I’ve been touted as a woman of wisdom, with a keen sense of direction. I am a woman who knows what she wants and is persistent in her pursuit of it (whatever that “it” may be). I looked in the back pocket of my mind, thinking maybe I hid a little note there to self: “Self, here are the keys of life which should open most, if not all, doors!” HA! Yep none of those keys worked. Let me search my heart. My heart has always seemed true, even when my mind appeared to be playing tricks on me. Heart, show me the meaning of love. Help me to express your desires in all that I say and do. Again, I have come up short of what I thought I was doing so well on my own power and strength. Insufficient in making the mark, depleted in showing the yearning that I have to love and be loved by those closest to my heart. What am I doing wrong, and who can I turn to when I need love?
In a word, “JESUS!” He is a strong tower! A place of refuge in the time of storms! In His shadow there is rest! I also know that in the shadow of God is a cool place. Not just cool like the kids proclaim, but cool against the heat of life! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego- of the Old Testament- can attest to Him being a place of cool comfort, when thrown in the fire! Some of us are in the fire right now! He is a savior, who is capable of rescuing us from the bleakest of situations. I urge you today, as I encourage myself, to look to God. My friend, sister, brothers, reader look no further! The answer is not in your own strength, but in God’s strength which is made perfect in our weakness! He knows each situation and is waiting for us to pursue Him. If we seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness, He will give us our heart’s desires!
Love you,
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Be prepared in prayer
Come to the table prepared for the blessings you've prayed and asked God to give to you...He has answered!
-Make Prayer your Priority
-Pray without ceasing
-The fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much
-Pray as Jesus showed the disciples- Luke 11:1-4
-Believe that if you ask you shall receive, if you knock it will be opened to you, and if you seek you shall find
-Believe that all things work to the good of those that Love the Lord (Roman 8:28); regardless of your situation or circumstances, you have the power to speak to the waves and make them behave. Speak to your situation and know that God is sovereign over it and able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ask or think! He is prepared to move on your behalf if you simply will go to Him in prayer (conversation) and ask Him! (After all He is Jehovah Jireh= your provider). He will provide heart relief for the heart ache, financial blessings for debts, jobs for the jobless, and joy for the sorrowful...Just ask in prayer and be prepared to receive the blessings you've been asking God to shower upon your life!
Now- Thank Him because it's happening for You right Now! Thank you Lord!
Many blessings,
-Make Prayer your Priority
-Pray without ceasing
-The fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much
-Pray as Jesus showed the disciples- Luke 11:1-4
-Believe that if you ask you shall receive, if you knock it will be opened to you, and if you seek you shall find
-Believe that all things work to the good of those that Love the Lord (Roman 8:28); regardless of your situation or circumstances, you have the power to speak to the waves and make them behave. Speak to your situation and know that God is sovereign over it and able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ask or think! He is prepared to move on your behalf if you simply will go to Him in prayer (conversation) and ask Him! (After all He is Jehovah Jireh= your provider). He will provide heart relief for the heart ache, financial blessings for debts, jobs for the jobless, and joy for the sorrowful...Just ask in prayer and be prepared to receive the blessings you've been asking God to shower upon your life!
Now- Thank Him because it's happening for You right Now! Thank you Lord!
Many blessings,
Friday, February 12, 2010
The joy and art of Acceptance!
The joy and art of Acceptance!
There are times in our life where we learn the art and joy of “Acceptance.”
I received some news today that by all measures could be considered bad: My grandfather passed. My buddy, patriarch of the family, died of a massive heart attack. So in this season of Love, I am faced with heartbreak.
Like every day, I’m faced with a decision to “accept” or “not to accept.” I choose to accept. I accept that he showed and taught us how to love and be loved as part of his legacy. I accept that he was an example of a hard-working and dedicated man. I accept that though we cannot bring him back; we can continue to be an example of the great qualities that he gave us as a gift to our present and future. I accept that God has a plan, (Jeremiah 29:11) to prosper us and to keep us to give us hope and a future. I accept that God’s promises are forever, and my grandfather, your dad, uncle, cousin, brother, husband, and friend walked, lived, and believed God’s promises!
Acceptance is part of love!
* This was not my hope to go in this direction for this week's conversation, but I hope you have enjoyed it. I also hope that it will compel you to reach out to those you love and let them know it. Or so my granny would say, "give me my flowers (hugs, kisses, affections, flower, etc) while I can yet smell them!"
100% Woman
There are times in our life where we learn the art and joy of “Acceptance.”
I received some news today that by all measures could be considered bad: My grandfather passed. My buddy, patriarch of the family, died of a massive heart attack. So in this season of Love, I am faced with heartbreak.
Like every day, I’m faced with a decision to “accept” or “not to accept.” I choose to accept. I accept that he showed and taught us how to love and be loved as part of his legacy. I accept that he was an example of a hard-working and dedicated man. I accept that though we cannot bring him back; we can continue to be an example of the great qualities that he gave us as a gift to our present and future. I accept that God has a plan, (Jeremiah 29:11) to prosper us and to keep us to give us hope and a future. I accept that God’s promises are forever, and my grandfather, your dad, uncle, cousin, brother, husband, and friend walked, lived, and believed God’s promises!
Acceptance is part of love!
* This was not my hope to go in this direction for this week's conversation, but I hope you have enjoyed it. I also hope that it will compel you to reach out to those you love and let them know it. Or so my granny would say, "give me my flowers (hugs, kisses, affections, flower, etc) while I can yet smell them!"
100% Woman
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Love...
You're all that I hoped for
the life that I planned for
smiles, kisses,
loving and all the more
star gazing wishes
someone to love and truly adore
You are my mental companion
spiritual cover
and physical lover
tried and true
faithful and committed
yet we are human and imperfect
this is my love letter
I stand in any weather
We can stand the rain
and we've dealt with the pain
no more blame games
because you are
all that I hoped for
the man I adore
I was created to help you along
to encourage you to stay strong
my promise to always respect you
and never neglect you
you are a constant love song
The apple of your eye
and my heart's desire,
passion and fire
You are the sweetest thing
I've ever known
long distance nights of conversation on the phone
chills up my spine on that love jones
No this is not the same
and no lil wayne (every girl in the world-lame)
Just confessing this love and making it plain
Love- I will not use your name in vain
the life that I planned for
smiles, kisses,
loving and all the more
star gazing wishes
someone to love and truly adore
You are my mental companion
spiritual cover
and physical lover
tried and true
faithful and committed
yet we are human and imperfect
this is my love letter
I stand in any weather
We can stand the rain
and we've dealt with the pain
no more blame games
because you are
all that I hoped for
the man I adore
I was created to help you along
to encourage you to stay strong
my promise to always respect you
and never neglect you
you are a constant love song
The apple of your eye
and my heart's desire,
passion and fire
You are the sweetest thing
I've ever known
long distance nights of conversation on the phone
chills up my spine on that love jones
No this is not the same
and no lil wayne (every girl in the world-lame)
Just confessing this love and making it plain
Love- I will not use your name in vain
Friday, January 29, 2010
Faith and Patience
In life we often come across a situation or two that requires faith, ok most situations. Alright, alright! Life requires Faith!
The Bible says that, "Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains," (I paraphrased a little there but you know what I meant!). Faith is the substance of things hoped for (ever hope for some things?), the evidence of things unseen (Hebrew 11:1)! Or so grandma might say, "Faith without works is dead!" Or on a day when I want to throw in the towel, (don't act like I'm the only one who has those) and he gently says to me, "Where is your faith?" Hope thou my soul, soul hope in God. My faith is in God.
Ok so I have the concept of faith down, like most of us "say" we do, especially if you grew up in church. My problem is Patience!What is patience? Patience is bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calm, according to www.thefreedicitionary.com (patience is also known as long suffering) Translation: Going through the storm without acting a monkey, lol! Your storm may be unemployment, bad children, or an unhappy home. Whatever the case, "We" can make it through the storm if we exercise a little bit of patience.
Patience and faith go hand in hand, I'm learning.News flash: Patience is not a natural trait for everyone. Proverbs says, "A person's wisdom yields Patience." Some of us can hardly stand to wait in line at the grocery store to buy the things we want/need. LOL! Please don't even get me started on Road Rage! That's a serious case of "Got Patience?" Hence, patience being considered a virtue or divine trait! I was told by (Lady Hairston),Sonya Hairston not to ask for patience, because it brings about tribulations (Romans 5:3). Lord knows that was many moons ago! And, I'm still holding on, persevering, and pushing through trials in my life.
I have endured many trials, maybe I haven't produced the right fruit from my previous trials? Maybe this is all part of the process? Or maybe, it is simply that God is pushing me, and pressing me like an olive, to get the oil? You know the oil that is necessary to live the life that God see's me living- the life I've been dreaming about! "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Hebrew 10: 35-36). Yep you read that correctly- a few scriptures before the famous Faith, is Patience. I told you, Faith is married to Patience! :) As my family and I sat down to dinner, a la the local Chinese restaurant, I completed my beef and broccoli and got to my favorite part: the fortune cookie! It read: The principle part of Faith is Patience!
Now, That's Soul Food!
Love ya,
The Bible says that, "Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains," (I paraphrased a little there but you know what I meant!). Faith is the substance of things hoped for (ever hope for some things?), the evidence of things unseen (Hebrew 11:1)! Or so grandma might say, "Faith without works is dead!" Or on a day when I want to throw in the towel, (don't act like I'm the only one who has those) and he gently says to me, "Where is your faith?" Hope thou my soul, soul hope in God. My faith is in God.
Ok so I have the concept of faith down, like most of us "say" we do, especially if you grew up in church. My problem is Patience!What is patience? Patience is bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calm, according to www.thefreedicitionary.com (patience is also known as long suffering) Translation: Going through the storm without acting a monkey, lol! Your storm may be unemployment, bad children, or an unhappy home. Whatever the case, "We" can make it through the storm if we exercise a little bit of patience.
Patience and faith go hand in hand, I'm learning.News flash: Patience is not a natural trait for everyone. Proverbs says, "A person's wisdom yields Patience." Some of us can hardly stand to wait in line at the grocery store to buy the things we want/need. LOL! Please don't even get me started on Road Rage! That's a serious case of "Got Patience?" Hence, patience being considered a virtue or divine trait! I was told by (Lady Hairston),Sonya Hairston not to ask for patience, because it brings about tribulations (Romans 5:3). Lord knows that was many moons ago! And, I'm still holding on, persevering, and pushing through trials in my life.
I have endured many trials, maybe I haven't produced the right fruit from my previous trials? Maybe this is all part of the process? Or maybe, it is simply that God is pushing me, and pressing me like an olive, to get the oil? You know the oil that is necessary to live the life that God see's me living- the life I've been dreaming about! "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Hebrew 10: 35-36). Yep you read that correctly- a few scriptures before the famous Faith, is Patience. I told you, Faith is married to Patience! :) As my family and I sat down to dinner, a la the local Chinese restaurant, I completed my beef and broccoli and got to my favorite part: the fortune cookie! It read: The principle part of Faith is Patience!
Now, That's Soul Food!
Love ya,
Friday, January 8, 2010
Encourage Yourself?
Brewing over a cup of Theraflu to soothe the onset of something icky, I stared into the mug and thought...who will encourage me? This year has already proven that it is coming out of the starting blocks with some issues- some I can hurdle and some I have to surrender to God- which is ok with me. Let's dialogue: Ever notice (for the sports fanatic) how a track runner (rest in peace Flo-Jo) comes out of the box with determination, focus, speed, and ambition. I used to run track & as a sprinter if your feet are not set right on the blocks there might be a false start. If your feet are not planted the sprinter does not get that good push off to the race. The starting block is a foundation of sorts. It can be the root of a false start. A false start is either anticipation of the gun or reacting within a tenth of a second. Have you ever falsely anticipated something? I have and the list is too long to blog, but most of you can feel in the blanks for your own circumstances. I can hear Elder Tommie saying to us now- "Baby be anxious for nothing-but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God!" (Phil 4:6 if you need a cross reference) And now what? You got to encourage yourself to get up and try it again! The point is sometimes you have to look in the mirror and acknowledge your wrong, mistake, miscommunication etc and talk to yourself. If you happen to look around and have a mild case of 'deja vu', its because you've been there before! Right? (I had one last night, WHAT?) ;) A friend once told me it was because God was giving you the same test again! OUCH! The scenery may be different, the persons may have different names but the game has not changed. What can change is how YOU react! You are the test taker, and God is the administrator! Interpretation: Boo, you may have failed the test the first time, and for people like me, it may be the 3rd, 4th, or 5th time and we still don't quite have it right! However, it is so good to know we serve a God of 2nd chances (yes, that is plural- chances)! So, if this is your millionth time at it, and you have been blessed at another opportunity for success in a relationship, job, education, parenting or whatever the case may be give it your all and learn from your past obstacles. Besides track and field, unlike many sports, is a one man/woman sport! Say to yourself- "I am going to be the best ME that I can be at____________ and I will give 100%!" Guess what if you knock down a hurdle on your way, it is ok! Keep moving toward the finish line because the competition will not stop to check on you- You must encourage Yourself!
Be Blessed & Encouraged!
100% Woman
Be Blessed & Encouraged!
100% Woman
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