NEXT STOP NINEVEH

OK..OK... I am going to Nineveh! Well, not literally but I realize that I have been running from some things that God has been calling me to. Partially because they seemed too big for me or I did not feel like I was equipped for them. It's funny God can show you sign after sign or slowly inch you into something that he wills for your life and you still have doubts. Or at least I do. My faith walk is growing though and I am learning to trust God and take him at his word no matter what. I have had several people tell me that I am called to be an intercessor. They didn't know that it was confirmation because I had dreamed that there was this huge building with corridor after corridor and door after door. I was walking in and out of these doors praying for people. Now God is bringing this to pass through different situations and eventhough I know that this is the season for me to really embrace this and walk in it, it seems like such a huge responsibility, a little scary. The thing is, once I surrendered and said, OK God, I will do this...not in my might but by your Spirit, things began to manifest in other areas of my life. I recieved a job that I had been praying about, I am well on my way to debt freedom, I have seen spiritual growth in myself and others I have been praying for, and I am trusting God that in my continued obedience, there will be more manifestation. What is your Ninevah? Where is God calling you to? Jonah learned that you can go willingly or be thrown overboard in the storm. Either way, God will get His Glory out of you.

THANKSGIVING

I am thankful for:

• salvation
• family
• friends
• shelter
• food on my table
• clothes on my back
• education
• clean water
• the air I breathe
• each breathe I take
• Love (ability to give and receive)
• Pastors (past and present)
• books
• music
• laughter
• smiles
• for each new day
• the smell of rain on pavement
• having a job
• being called to work with children
• being a Hospice volunteer (puts a lot in perspective)
• chocolate

The list can go on and on but most of all, I am thankful, that I still have a heart that is filled with an attitude of gratitude.

THE GARMENT--MARK 10:46-52

This was written by one of my besties! (Hey Kira, girl) I thought It was so awesome, I had to share.

And there Jesus was leaving the city of Jericho
People were following Him-for they hated to see Him go.
Blind Bartimeus was there on the road and heard Jesus was passing by
He was overwhelmed,he wanted healing so with a loud voice he began to cry-
"Oh Jesus,Son of David,have mercy upon me"
"I am a blind man and my desire is to see!"
The people there said "Hush up! He doesn't have time for you!
"Just sit there and be quiet Jesus has much better things to do!"
But Blind Bartimeus cried even louder "Son of David,have mercy upon me
I am a blind man and my desire is to see!"
Right there in that moment Jesus stopped-yes He stood still
For He had heard a voice of faith calling out to Him at will.
Jesus said to the people "Tell him,tell him to come here!"
And they did just that saying "Bartimeus,be of good cheer!"
"For Jesus has called you,so get up,get up,arise!
"He may have compassion upon you, yes He may heal your eyes!"
So Bartimeus got up and cast His garment away
His garment of doubt and pain and fear-those things could no longer stay!
And Jesus said to him "What is it? What shall I do for you?
Your voice was louder than the rest-above them all I heard you!"
"Lord," Bartimeus said "I want to receive my sight today."
"I know if I want to see,then You are the only Way!"
Jesus said "Your faith,your faith has made you whole."
"So go on you way Bartimeus,now onto other people you won't have to hold!"
Immediately he received his sight,yes Bartimeus was no longer blind!
He was made whole. He was set free-soul,body and mind.
The garment he layed down,he did not return to get it
For He was a free man now....so what could he do with it?
I know that man Jesus Who can do the same for you!
He heals every affliction and every pain He'll carry you through.
So ARISE! I say-put down that garment and cry out-
"Jesus,I am afflicted,I come in faith and not in doubt!"
"Hear my cry,my Lord- Have mercy upon me."
For I am blind as Bartimeus once was and my desire is to see."

Now unto Him Who is able to keep me from falling-the Lover of my Soul-Jesus Christ
kirag

I REMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO LOVE ME!

This young lady's name is Blair Wingo. She is a part of the Passion 4 Christ movement. I was sent a link to one of her videos a while back and every time I see another, I am in awe of how she is allowing Christ to use her. I pray for such boldness and passion. Enjoy and be blessed.

JESUS WEPT

This morning I was led to read the account of Lazarus' death and resurrection in John 11. My spirit was focused on "Jesus wept." As I began to pray something was revealed to me. Jesus knew his assignment. He knew that his friend Lazarus was to die. He knew that he would go back only after 3 days. He knew that he would bring Lazarus back from death and he also knew why God had ordered these things so. It was to give those who believed in Jesus, a deeper, stronger belief. To take them to another level of worship and devotion so to speak. As Jesus returns to Bethany, he is questioned 1st by Martha, then by Mary as to why he did not come earlier to save his friend. Jesus begins to become disquieted in his spirit, perhaps a little angry. He asks them where they laid Lazarus and then Jesus weeps. I have heard many explanations as to why he wept, the main one being that he loved Lazarus so. As I prayed, I was given something else though. What if Jesus wept because all of those who said with their mouth that they believed that he was the Messiah...The Christ... in the same instance openly questioned his abilities and his motives. Which ultimately was a questioning of their faith in who Jesus was. How many times has Jesus had to weep in our lives. How many times have we looked at a situation and said, Yes, Jesus I believe that you are the Son of God, I believe that you have all power.....BUT. I think it is our "buts" that make Jesus weep. In the natural, I do not like to see those around me cry from hurt, disappointment or pain. I decided this morning to never make Jesus weep because of my disbelief again. I will trust in him and rest in the fact that all things are working for my good!

SMILES AND SMIRKS

I thought I would share two funny little stories with you guys today.

I had my first visit with my Hospice clients last week. Since it was my first visit, a veteran volunteer went with me. The visits went well. I must say that I am not happy with the overall care given at the nursing home that they are in though. Anyway, one of my clients is an alzheimer's patient. We all know how that disease can make you regress to another time period in your life. Well, this lady saw me and I guess it put her in a time warp to pre-civil rights because she started telling me a story about how someone she knew was going to get him a black boy. I patiently smiled and listen as she relayed the story. Then before I left I asked her if I could pray with her...and I did. After visiting some of my other clients, We passed by her again. She was sitting in the same place staring off in space. As we walked by her, We told her that we would be back soon to visit her. With a big bright smile and a giggle, she boldly proclaimed, "I hope not". All I could do was laugh because I was sure that she meant to think that and not say. it.

I was feeling under the weather this weekend so, I made an appointment to see my doctor. The nurse gave me a gown and told me to slip it on and the doctor would be right with me. As I was getting undressed I heard "Great and Mighty" playing. Not thinking about the fact that there was no music playing anywhere else in the office, I thought, "Wow, how wonderful. They are piping Gospel music through the intercom." I listened for a while, and then remembered that I had changed my ringtone the night before and the music was coming from my phone. (LOL)

It's Raining, It's Pouring!

I just wanted to stop for a few minutes this morning and give thanks for the rain. I have missed the smell of the pavement after a good rain. I love rainy days, although they make me want to snuggle up in a comforter with a good book and call it a day! I read a line in a book the other day that was so simple yet powerful: Only sun makes a desert but the rain makes the flowers grow. That is so true in the physical and the spiritual. It is during the times in our life that there seems to be only rain that God can cause the greatest growth in our spiritual walk. It's in those times that we can drink of the living water to hydrate the places where we have become dry and stagnant and as a result watch new things begin to take bloom. Praise God for the rain. It is indeed a blessing!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

SORRY, NO BABY STEPS!

So, I officially started my Hospice volunteer work today...with a bang. When God says to do something, he doesn't always ease you into it. I should know that by now, huh? I was assigned to 8 wonderful souls. I am excited but I have to admit that I am a bit anxious. Diagnosis could be anything from "aging", to cancer, to alzheimer's. I told God that I was open to whatever he wanted to do with this experience, he definitely heard that prayer. I have to remember that God will never plant me in a place where he has not equipped me to flourish. I know that in this process of blessing others, my life will, in turn be blessed and enriched in ways that I can't even begin to imagine. Keep me in your prayers and stay tuned.....

10 ITEMS OR LESS.

Hi everyone. I took a short sabbatical from blogging to allow God to advance some things in my life and in my spiritual walk. After, receiving several inquiries as to why there have been no new posts, I was so thankful that at least a few people felt that the Spirit was using me to convey some good stuff! For the past few days, the Lord has had me thinking about the "10 items or less"express lines in the store. (Yes, I do believe that God can give us revelation through anything...most time through the simplest of things.) I used to be one of those people who was extremely irritated by those who were in this line with more items. "Can't they read"....."Do they think they are special"...."It's not fair to those of us who follow the rule"...."It slows down those of us who really don't have a lot of suff". I would stand in the line pouting, impatiently tapping my foot. Mumbling about the clerks who overlooked the extra items and were just as pleasant to these patron as they were to all others in line. (Oh the injustice of it all --sarcastically now). Then one day, the Lord said, is this attitude going to get you to your destination any faster. If you make a big deal about these extra items to the person in line or the clerk, it will only serve to cause commotion and confusion,which will eat up more time than scanning a few extra things and cause embarrassment to someone who was striving to meet the same goal and need as you. It would also make you look petty and childish. Then the Lord said, why don't you assist them instead. Help them carry or load their stuff onto the belt. That way, the process is quicker. Take the extra time as a breather to a busy day. Use the delay to make sure that you have not forgotten anything that you need before you checkout. Our spiritual walk can be like this sometimes. We can find ourselves irritated at those around us who seem to be "carrying a few extra things" and are still bold enough to expressly go to Jesus. We feel like because we have less issues or sin in our life at the time that we should somehow have a one up on that other Child of God that seems to have more items to scan. How dare they think themselves equal. How dare they break the rules and be treated the same? Well, because they are the same through the blood of Jesus. So, instead of allowing jealousy or anger to prevail. I stop and praise God that this person deems me worthy enough to witness them coming to Jesus with their "extra stuff". I stop and reflect, taking inventory to see if I have forgotten anything that needs to be checked-out. I help them with their items through prayer and I watch and rejoice as Jesus scans and bags their stuff with the same grace and compassion as he does mine...allowing them to leave with the things that they need in vessels that are equipped to hold them.

LOYAL BUT NOT LETHAL

Loyalty.... I used to think that a loyal friend was someone who would stand by me and support me no matter what the circumstance or situation. I realize now that my definition was incomplete. While I do want supportive people around me, I do not want "yes men". I want people in my life who will call me on things that do not line up with the direction that God wants my life to go. Not attacking but causing me to assess...praying for me and with me through the process. I suppose that this shift is yet another sign that God is moving relationships in my life to a deeper level and for that I am thankful. I also suppose that it is a sign that he is more deeply maturing me!!!! At this point in my life, I am content not to resist! Do you love me? Then tell me what I need to hear and not what will appease me. If there is something in my life that may contribute to spiritual death, don't seal my grave by "walking in love" around the dirt that may bury me. Do you love me? If you see me sinking in any area, lift me up and pull me out. It is then that I will know that you truly care!

Let the Godly strike me!
It will be kindness!
If they correct me, it is soothing medicine.
Don't let me refuse it.
~Psalm 141:5

WORD OF GOD SPEAK

I know that I haven't posted in a few days. August 29th marked a new year for me....and I am so thankful! My birthday gift to myself is to truly allow God to make ALL things new in my life this year! So, I have been taking some extra time reading my instruction manual (BIBLE). Right now, I'm finding myself at a loss for words, and the funny thing is, It's ok.

CALL TO WORSHIP

A few years ago, I was a Mary Kay consultant. Part of being successful was gathering referrals and making "cold" calls. These calls were for the purpose of introducing Mary Kay, setting up skin care classes and offering the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of being part of the Mary Kay family. Responses ranged from great enthusiasm to dial tone, but in every case, the Mary Kay name was introduced and a seed was planted. So, I'm thinking....... A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the most awesomely beneficial and life-changing thing that I could offer another person. Why not be as diligent in my Father's business as I was Mary Kay? Why not pray that the Holy Spirit "refer" people, daily, who need to know about the opportunity of salvation? Then, make it a priority to reach the people on my "list." Whether met with rejoicing or rejection, the name of Jesus will be introduced and the name planted. After all, doesn't everyone deserve a "call to worship"?

TUNNEL VISION

I know that God has not given us a spirit of fear. But, just being real, he has not yet delivered me from my fear of driving over bridges. I love to see bodies of water. I think they are some of the most beautiful, tranquility inducing creations that God has made. That is, if I am standing on solid ground looking at them. Seeing the vastness of the water and being suspended above it with only a man-made structure for support leads me to just a bit of anxiety. But tunnel bridges like this one are a different story. It seems that I would be more anxious knowing that the water is not only under me but surrounds me. I guess that being enclosed, knowing but not actually seeing what lies on the outside, gives me peace. This picture coincides with what God is doing in my life. There are many areas that God is moving me forward in right now, like returning to school, volunteering for Hospice and the Guardian Ad Litem Programs, getting fully connected and involved in a new church home, mapping out a plan for a nonprofit organization, to name a few. He has shown me the destination to which I am headed and mapped out a course for me. My only instruction is to go...to move forward. So, I leave the solid ground that I now stand on and step out in faith across unchartered waters in my life. When I feel overwhelmed, God will act as my tunnel and cocoon me so that I don't get so caught up in the things and circumstances -good or bad- along my journey, to the point where I am distracted or caught in a traffic jam of fear that will delay me in reaching my particular point B. I move forward with God's light as my guide...not knowing exactly where I am on the road but knowing that I AM headed in the right direction and WILL eventually reach the promised land on the other side. Keep traveling through the abundant life that God wants to give you....and be sure to take the tunnels when needed!

ARE YOU STARVING IN THE ORCHARD?

So...I'm determined once again (this time for once and for all) to take better care of my temple so that it will be in the condition that God needs it to be to carry and/or accomplish anything that he sets forth in my life. One thing I am doing is consciously increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables. Fruits are not a problem. I think the majority of people love fruit. It is sweet, refreshing and filling. All of the things we look for in the artificial stuff..without all of the calories and unwanted extras. Some say, "the perfect food." The Lord has been ministering to me about translating that natural revelation about fruit to the spiritual. He began to show me all the times that I would repeatedly pray for peace, joy, patience,love, faithfulness, kindness, goodness...you know the Fruit of the Spirit. He asked, "Why do you starve standing in an orchard of perpetual supply?" HMMMM.... As I meditated on the question, I had a light bulb moment! Those atributes are not called fruit just because they are sweet, or because they grow from the flowering vine of the Holy Spirit. They are called fruit because they hold within themselves constant renewal. When we eat fruit in the natural, we usually discard the seeds. The parts of the fruit that hold the embryos, that will produce the shoots, that will produce....MORE FRUIT!!! FOR FREE...NO PRICE....just a little water and cultivation! If the Spirit of God dwells in us then we already produce all that we need to be fed with a sustaining supply of the Fruit of the Spirit. The Lord has given you peace...the more you actively plant the seeds of peace from your fruit into situations or people that seem to have no peace, the more peace will abound and your spirit man will be filled constantly and consistently with the sweet fruit of peace. The same goes for the rest of the fruit! So, stop starving in the orchard. Eat the fruit, cultivate the seeds, reap the harvest and enjoy!

NO MORE SHRINKING VIOLET!

I was going through some photography
that my friend, Derek, had taken for me.
(By the way, God has given him awesome talent. If you need some pictures, let me know, I'll point you in his direction.) Continuing on now......I came across this picture he had taken of some violets. I always liked violets. Partially because the most prevalent variety is purple....my favorite color. I did a web search and found out that violets thrive and flourish in almost any condition and for this reason it is sometimes pulled like a weed by some gardeners! Then I thought about the term "shrinking violet." It is used to describe someone who is shy or seeks to stay in the background. I realized that over the past years I had allowed myself to become a shrinking violet. GASP! I was misled to believe that in order to be humble, that was the posture that I was to take. In actuality, instead of becoming a shrinking violet, I should have blossomed and flourished as God wanted me to under the care of his hands in any and every situation, place or circumstance where he told me to be bold, beautiful and emit the intoxicating fragrance of the Holy Spirit....to stand out among the rest of the garden for HIS glory ! As I allowed God to minister to me, I realized that true humbleness is being open to the instructions of God. It is willingness to being led by the Holy Spirit without question or reservation. It is being the fullness of the person that God created you to be without thinking more highly of yourself than you should. It is being grateful for every blessing, circumstance and situation, no matter how great or small, knowing that ALL things are working for your good. I had a friend tell me that she saw a renewed boldness in me that she could appreciate. I praise Jesus for restoration of that. I thank Jesus that even as I have allowed myself to be treated as a weed, he continued to plant seeds that are now flourishing into great confidence. The confidence to continue the race and carry out the plans that God has for my life. BE BOLD! BE BEAUTIFUL! BE FRAGRANT! No More "shrinking" violets.

32Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
35So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. 38 But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. 39But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. ~ Hebrews 10:32-39

I WANNA BE YOURS

I literally woke up this morning singing. It was the weirdest thing because when I heard myself I was in the middle of a sentence that is in the middle of a song that I haven't listened to in a long time. I assume that the song was abundant in my heart this morning (....for out of the abundance [overflow] of the heart the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 AMP.) Anyway, I thought I would share my hearts song with you. I think it will be my prayer today :)

I WANNA BE YOURS by Fred Hammond

Before the world was made you knew me.
Before I knew my name, you called.
Reaching out for me with loving arms, telling me that I am yours.
Sometimes, turning away from you.
But you love still remains faithful and true.
What can I give in return for all you've done for me?

Before I was born you knew me
Called me to your arms of love
Born into sin deserving death, but life is what you gave to me.
Sometimes turning my back from you
But your love still remains faithful and true
What can I give in return for all you've done for me?

Oh Lord you made me and you know me
From the beginning you held my heart, you held me close
So I wont resist you
But as you intended, I wanna be yours

Oh Lord you made me and you know me
From the beginning, you held my heart you held me close
So I wont resist you
But as you intended, I wanna be yours...



AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DARE TO BE DISSATISFIED

The other night a friend told me that he went to bed hungry. I thought that my friend had not eaten anything but later was told that he had eaten a few frozen waffles. He had enough in his stomach to sustain him but he was not full. Don't get me wrong, my friend was not being ungrateful but his hunger was not satisfied. I started thinking about all of the things that I was dissatisfied with. The areas in my life where there was a hunger for more. It is easy to get lost in the comfort of our current situation and find ourselves coasting through life on autopilot instead of living the life that God has charted for us. I believe God allows us to be dissatisfied so that we do not become complacent. Moments of dissatisfaction cause us to open our eyes to the true reality of what our life looks like and to examine any ways that we desire the picture to be improved. That's it!... We are to be content with our current station of life but have just enough hunger pains not to become complacent. When we hunger in the natural, our first instinct is to seek out something to satisfy that hunger. Though we hunger in the natural, we should be seeking the fulfillment in the Spirit. Then ALL things will begin to fall into place. On her blog, Jaqueline Lambert says, "Dissatisfaction is the birthplace of the next thing God wants to do in your life." You know, I am inclined to think she is right! Keep hungering....... Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. (Luke 6:21 NIV)

SIT DOWN, DON'T YOU HEAR GOD TALKING TO YOU?

I was talking to a friend this morning and as she commented on the story that I told in my last blog, the Holy Spirit brought back to my remembrance another story from my childhood. When I was young, my mom would always watch this cop show called "The Rookies". My sister and I were in the habit of watching it with her. One stormy night when we returned home, my sister went straight for the TV to turn it on to watch "The Rookies". As she did it began to thunder loudly. Me being the bossy, mother-hen of a big sister that I WAS stood up and boldly proclaimed, "sit down girl! You ain't watching no wookies, don't you hear God talkin' to you." After I finished laughing at the story, I began to thank God because if we are still and quiet during the storms of our life that he will indeed talk us through it...as a matter of fact, he often uses the storms to get our attention...to put the focus back on him, instead of all the things in life that tend to distract us. Today if you hear his voice harden not your heart. He will give you rest in the midst of the most "violent" storm.

DON'T SHOO THE CATS

My Mom told me a story tonight about when I was a young girl. It amused me so much that I thought I would share it. One day, my youngest uncle, who is only 5 yrs older than I, was outside chasing stray cats out of the yard. My Grandmother came outside and told him to stop chasing the cats away. When he asked why, she told him that for all he knew he was chasing Jesus away. (That wonderful African American Ancestrial Wisdom -smile). Well, my sister and I were standing near by and not hearing the "you don't know" or the "might be", began to sob uncontrollably. My Mom asked us what was wrong and we told her that we were upset and mad because our uncle was chasing Jesus away. I am so glad that Jesus said that he would never leave me or forsake me. I just pray that the next time that I am faced with something that may distance me from his presence, that I am filled with the sorrow we felt that day when we thought that Jesus was being sent away. Then, I know that making the right choice will be child's play!

FUN FRIDAY!!!!!!

If you were a toy, what would you be? I think I'm like a Rubik's Cube. My personality has many colorful facets. I seem complex at first,but once you spend time with me, you find that while I can be a challenge, I am lots of fun to figure out!

Here are a few things you might not know about me (interesting or otherwise) to get you started:

1. I adore musicals, plays and classic black & white movies.
• Some of my favorites are: Imitation of Life (both versions), A Raisin In The Sun, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (original)
2. Sections of the newspaper must be in alphabetical order before I read them. (I sometimes categorize my circulars, also. -- Yeah, I know....that's deep.)
3. I secretly wish that I were a trained dancer
• Somewhere in an alternate universe, in the galaxy far,far away known as the recesses of my imagination, I have skills that put Alvin Ailey to shame (LOL)
4. Black & White photography and charcoal are my favorite mediums of art.
5. I often mix beverages (non-alcoholic, please) to see what new and exciting flavor sensations I can concoct.
• Fascination from my childhood. Sometimes it "ain't" pretty ...or tasty.
6. After all of these years, I still can't discern when a man is subtly flirting with or interested in me --- Swoosh! I straight miss it every time, until someone brings it to my attention. Sad, i know.
7. Books and Music are at the top of my list of life's little pleasures!
8. I collect smooth writing and interesting pens.
9. I will one day have a private Comprehensive Christian counseling & crisis center and a youth program.
10. Je parle le français. J'ai étudié le français pendant quatre ans. C'est une belle langue mais, maintenant, je souhaite que j'étudie espagnol plutôt. Ce serait plus utile. Je veux prendre une classe espagnole bientôt.

TURN BY TURN NAVIGATION

Last night, I had a conversation with a friend about making crucial life decisions. As we talked, I began to think about my decision making track record. We won't get into numbers, but I will say thank God for his mercy and grace! I praise Him for growth. As I began to pray about things and allow God to minister to me, one of my favorite commercials came to mind. It's one of those "life comes at you fast commercials". The one where the guy is driving along following the turn-by-turn directions that were being given by his car service and then instead of listening to the complete instruction at the end, he turns immediately and straight into the side of a building. I admit...I started laughing just from the thought but, after I composed myself the Lord used that commercial to lead me to a revelation. Jeremiah 6:16 states

This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look, ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." But you said, "We will not walk in it."

As I meditated on this scripture the process was crystal

1. Stand & Look- be still in the situation and allow God to show it to you through his eyes. Be real with God and yourself. Take any "blinders" off. "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckeled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. ~ Ephesians 6:15,14
2. Pray - first for clarity on God's predestined plan for your life and the situation, then for the path of provision that God has prepared for you. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path" ~Proverbs 3:4-6 "For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. ~Proverbs 2:8-10
3. Walk -- in obedience! "And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed. ~Hebrews3:18 "But I say, walk and live[habitually]in the Holy Spirit[responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh(of human nature without God.) ~Galatians 5:16(AMP)

...the fog of complication and drama, lifted and I wondered why it had taken me so long to get this simple concept to take root in my spirit. I realize that in alot of instances I was being led, in varying degrees, by my emotions instead of The Spirit. We face many crossroads in life. Which way do we turn? There is a path that will take you directly to God's intended goal. The path of obedience where he smooths the potholes and makes our way straight. Then there is the other road. Full of twists, turns, complications. Yeah, in the end, if we are God's children and change our misguided direction, we can still end up where He wants us to be but, the trip will be longer and a lot less enjoyable. So, let's make it easy on ourselves. Let's vow to us our GPS....God's Positioning System!

JUST JUMP

My aunt has a trampoline in her backyard. Jumping on it has become the activity of choice for my cousins and the neighborhood kids. Last night I was thinking about how much fun the kids have being fearless. They jump hard knowing that the more contact that they have with the trampoline, the higher they will be sent. I hear them being filled with such joy as they jump without reservation or fear..higher and higher. They even throw special tricks in (LOL). They don't fear falling and being tossed around. They seem to laugh harder when they do. I think it's because they know the trampoline WILL break the fall. When they do misstep and tumble, they don't stay down and give up. They keep bouncing in that place..in the safety of the trampoline until they are able to get, first to their knees, then to their feet and back into the air. As I thought about it, I decided, that I want to live my life like that....reaching for the sky. Putting no limits on how high God can take me in my spiritual walk and in my life. Allowing Christ to fill me with joy and freedom in knowing that he is my springboard and my safety net...my trampoline.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS!

I woke up this morning thinking about how blessed I am to have my circle of friends! Then I thought, you know I do a good job when it comes to my friendships but I want to and know that I can do better. I often say, I wish that I had this or that in my friendships and relationships. The Holy Spirit said "Here's the key: SOW THE SEEDS AND PRAY!" If I want friends for instance that celebrate the milestones in my life, I have to make an effort to celebrate theirs!...(Preferably on time but some of you know that I am notorious for belated! Pray for deliverence...LOL). If I want them to nurture my dreams and the visions that God has placed in my heart, I have to first know theirs and then actively support them. Well, you get the idea. So, today, I purpose to treasure my friendships all the more, plant new seeds and watch our relationships grow to new heights.... So, here's to my inner circle...

• KG - Thank you for pulling me out of my shell and allowing me to release my comedic and crazy side. I will not go back into that box. For being there to lift me up in prayer and pulling me to new heights in my spiritual walk. For allowing me to vent about my life and always understanding in the spirit what I am going through and where I am coming from...STOP STALKING ME!!!! (LOL) I am so blessed that you were dragged into my life. (LOL) Sorry, no exchanges or returns....As Is only! Love You!
• Pooh- Thank you for being a friend and pulling me in when I felt isolated by so many others. Thank you for encouraging me to go for everything that God has purposed for my life. You challenge me and that is a good thing. You are an Awesome woman of God. A little militant and zealous...but those are good traits (LOL). I have learned a lot from you. Can't wait to see the vision come to pass. Love you little sis!
• Thumper - It has been an interesting ride to say the least. I would not change it or trade it for anything. You have become one of my very best friends. Thank you for always being honest with me...It has helped me to grow in so many ways. You are a GOOD man. I am proud of all that you have allowed God to do in your life. Through you God has shown me how to be grateful in every circumstance and to trust God to deliver no matter what the natural looks like. You my friend have taught me stength. The wife that you find will be a good thing and blessed indeed. Love You!
• The Blessed One - Thank you for reminding me that I am "Beautiful" even when I don't always feel like I am. Thank you for your prayers! Our relationship has taught me to allow Christ to be strong in my vulnerability. You are an awesome Man of God. I know that your life has great purpose! Remember that you are chosen of God to be here. Why else would Satan be after your life at such a young age. I am thankful that you are in my life. 8 yrs and counting. Let's fight for this with our prayers... I Love YOU!!!! Did you hear it in your spirit????
• SORORS of ZphiB and Sisters in Christ: I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!! No matter how I unconsciously push you away, you love me anyway. I will do better. Faith: I love your Spirit! You are beautiful inside & out! Lil Bit: You are my heart. I know I don't talk to you or keep in touch like I should. Trying to wade through my own issues. I love your straight forwardness and your love for people and life. OH..and your great hair!!! DSmits: Thank you for always thinking about me and checking up on me. I love your Perserverence and that HUGE heart of yours. Keep letting God have his way! I am proud of YOU! Tricey: I talk to you least now (gotta change that), but I think underneath it all we are still the most alike. Thank you for encouraging me and being you no matter what the circumstance. I am blessed to have all of you after all of these years. You are amazing women!!!! Women of Strength!!! You have all been through alot in life & come forth more polished than ever. You all inspire me!!!!

What about YOUR friends....have you celebrated them today?

WILL YOU LEAVE ME HANGING

Will You Leave Me Hanging
written by the HOLY SPIRIT transcribed by LaShonda

Will you leave me hanging?
Hands suspended in the air
Tethered and nailed...in one position held
Wondering why I seem dead to you
Unspeaking, Unmoving
Buried under your issues, your problems looming
Instead of leaving then in the tomb
Like the shroud that tried to hold but could not consume
The POWER my father gave
To ressurrect from the grave
My Spirit , your situation, your soul, your life
I AM- THE LIVING CHRIST
You went down- buried with me
But forgot to come up
Drowning in the water that symbolized the cleansing of your cup
Denying the power ot transform your life
I got up - yet you don't recognize
THE LIVING CHRIST
The wind is blowing.... Mighty, Rushing
Do you feel it?
Will you sit back and say nice breeze or
Be filled with my Spirit
Bask in my glory, operate in my might
Open your mouth, Say my name
Put 10,000 to flight
Walk as I do, talk as I do
Is my D.N.A really in you?
Deliverance, Anointing....Now
Or do you Deny Authority?
Leaving me hanging
Hands Suspended in the air
Tethered and nailed...in one position held.

Through The Looking Glass

Ok..why through the looking glass? No, I do not have some strange fascination with Louis Carroll or his famous book of this name. For the past few days, God has really been speaking to me about repositioning my perspective. When faced with something it is almost an immediate reaction to look at that thing through my own set of experiences, expectations or emotions...facing things with a memory of the past instead of taking the time to examine each experience new and independent of the rest. It's like looking in a mirror. I can look in a mirror at this very moment and see an image of myself and the things around me in that mirror. But, if I go back seconds later, thinking that I already know what I will see, I may miss some small thing that makes this image of me different from the first. If we don't take the time to examine the things of life independently and through the mirror of Christ , we miss the opportunity to improve ourselves , our image, relationships and experiences. So, I invite you to journey with me THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS as I allow God to show me myself and the divine inspirations in day-to-day life.