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.