Friday, January 31, 2014
Happy Friday
It's Friday! Woohooo! Have a blessed weekend. May you get the opportunity to do something that makes you happy!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
O, how I worship you!
I have been in an attitude of praise and worship today. I am just resting in the Spirit of Peace I
feel.
As I sat down to write, I decided to put on Pandora. The station that popped on was the Shekinnah
Glory Station. This station primary
consists of mostly worship songs and some praise songs. While the songs ministered to me, I began to
feel an overwhelming sense of peace. I
embraced issues flowing from my heart onto this blank slate.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Agape Love
"Where there's truth and no love, it will grieve you
Where there's love and no truth, it will deceive you
Either one without the other will impede you!"
Pastor Walter R. Tucker, III
Selah
Monday, January 27, 2014
Change the Flow
"Look! There is a river whose streams make the city
of God rejoice, even the Holy Place of the Most High." Psalms 46:4, International Standard Version
As I
thought about what to write today, my thoughts were directed to my journal
response to this particular daily devotional by Joel Osteen, Daily Readings
from Your Best Life Now.
Psalms
46:4 speaks of a river flowing, referring to God's presence and blessings. This devotional continues to encourage me to
change the way I think about my circumstance in life. It informs me that the more I dwell on God's
Word and start seeing the best in situations, the more I change the flow of my
river. Romans 12:2 "be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind" is also a supporting
scripture. It tells us that "we
should experience a progressive transformation of life by the renewing of our
mind. Our minds are changed by payer, by
reading and reflection on God's Word, by worship and by meditation on God's
acts as the Holy Spirit works in us," KJV Study Bible. Just as any change, we must make a conscious,
continuous effort to reject the old way of thinking and replace that thinking
with God's Word and positive affirmations.
I am
aware that for far too long, I allowed negative thinking to dominate my
mind. It became almost as natural as
breathing that my thoughts flowed in a negative direction. This became some of that "weight"
that silently added to my increasing frame.
Although I usually presented myself with confidence and optimism, deep
down inside I was doubting and obsessed with preparing myself for the worst
case scenario.
Changing
the flow serves as a reinforcement of what I need to continue doing. Currently, I make a conscious effort to bind
that stronghold I have been delivered from.
I am embracing what God has truly said about me and the life He wants
for me. I vow to continue changing the
flow of my thoughts until that old, negative stream is completely dried
up.
If you
have noticed that your river is flowing in a negative, undesired direction, you
have the power to change that flow today.
Make a choice to align your thinking with God's Word! Immediately begin to reject any negative,
self-defeating thought that attempts to rise.
Trust me, in spite of your choice
to change your thinking for the better, those negative thoughts will still try
to persist for a while. Get in the habit
of looking in the mirror and making positive affirmations to yourself daily. This will not only allow you to meditate on
positive thoughts, it will also allow you to hear those positive thoughts as
you look at yourself. See yourself as
you begin to walk into that positive light!
Saturday, January 25, 2014
The Last Push
"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up". Thomas Edison
Push TyRenee; push! You can do this! Push! You're not pushing hard enough. But, I am.
I'm trying. This is too tiring
and painful. These... contractions.. are.. ex cru ci ating!
Uggghhh
Why does it seem like that last push is
often times, the most difficult?
I've been in labor for seven years and it's
finally time for me to give birth! I've
been pushing for the past month, but I still have one last push to give before
this baby is born. I am exhausted! I am
also in pain. Although I know they need
the air to completely heal, I am in pain from pulling the bandages off my
covered wounds.
I have made a choice to give my all to
this birth. There's a well-known
comedian I enjoy listening to by the name of Steve Harvey. I recall hearing Steve Harvey talk about his
climb to success. He encouraged those
who were pursuing their dreams to put their all into achieving that particular dream. Instead of other advice to not "put all
your eggs into one basket", Mr. Harvey encouraged the opposite. The rationale behind his advice was if one is
busy putting his or her energy into Game Plan A, B, C and D, he or she is not
able to give the full attention required for Game Plan A. He further explained often times, our lack of
full attention to the goal we are desiring to achieve prevents us from
achieving that goal.
In the past, I was one of those who believed
it to be wise to have a plan B, C and D; just in case plan A did not work out. However, as I grow in my faith and trust in
God, I am more comfortable adhering to Mr. Harvey's advice to stick to only one
plan and give that plan my undivided attention and effort. Just recently, I had the opportunity to
become involved with a business opportunity.
The opportunity was one of much interest and benefit to me. Immediately after signing up to become a
member, I began to see that it was already competing for a lot of my attention. With the advice and support from my mentor, I
withdrew from my involvement with the business adventure so that I can have all
the strength I need to give this one last push.
As I pause to catch my breath, I'm again
reminded of one of my favorite, inspirational scriptures Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." My breathing is beginning to regulate again. I'm going to inhale all the air I can and push
this baby out!
You too have it in you to give one last
push! Just like a trainer encourages you
to breathe and squat that last one of fifteen reps, I'm encouraging you to go
the extra mile to achieve your established goal or make your dream a
reality. You can do it and so can I. Push!
Friday, January 24, 2014
God's New Thing Is Now!
"This may involve me, but it's not about me".
Pastor Walter R. Tucker III
I'm a member of Truth
and Love Christian Church, a Bible-teaching, Bible-believing Church. In addition to our Pastor being a dynamic, anointed
leader; he is an awesome teacher. It is impossible to be a faithful member of this Ministry and remain the same. Our
theme last year was "God's New Thing Is Now!" One of the things he taught us through his
teachings under this theme was "This may involve me, but it's not about me!"
When I began
writing this blog, I dedicated it back to the One who inspired it, my Heavenly
Father. I knew then that this blog does
not belong to me. I am simply being used
as a vessel to encourage others, to uplift and prayerfully, motivate others to
tap into the power and good that resides in them.
For most of my
professional career, I have worked in the Mental Health and Social Work Fields. I know all too well the outstanding number of
people who are hurting daily. I have
witnessed the despair, the hopelessness, and the mentality of utter
defeat! I have seen poverty and
homelessness at its worst. When I was
pursuing my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Sociology, I volunteered at one
of the homeless shelters in my city. As
I humbly served the homeless, my heart ached for them. Although I didn't possess the power to change
their conditions, I vowed to help in ways I could. When time came for me to serve, I made sure
to leave my small problems and negative energy outside on the doorsteps of my home. I made sure to enter into the shelter smiling
and willing to help as much as I could during my shift. I developed a good rapport with the residents
and were privileged to hear some of their stories. I was amazed to learn many of us are only one
pay check from being poor and very close to being homeless should unfortunate
events occur. As a result of my
volunteer experience with the homeless, I wrote a paper highlighting the
homeless population. My paper received
recognition from my school and was chosen to be presented at an undergraduate
symposium. Through this experience,
focus was brought to this often
overlooked population.
Through working in
both fields, I am aware of the need for inspirational and motivational
tools. With so much in society to tear
us down, we can all use tools that will build us up. I can't stress how important it is for us to continuously
eat food that will edify and strengthen us.
Deuteronomy 31:6, NKJV tells us "Be strong and of a good courageous,
do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the one who
goes with you. He will not leave your
nor forsake you". Some of us are
right at the break of our breakthrough!
Those matters of the heart that
you are praying about are being heard.
Those dreams you may have had to put on hold are now ready to be
birthed. Situations in which every door
have seemed to be closed are about to yield to opened doors. Get up and get ready to walk through your
door. God's new thing is Now! Our expierences and God's Will for our lives may involve us, but it really isn't about us!
I leave you with
this song today. Meditate on the words
and may they encourage you.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
May I have this Dance?
“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey
Do you hear that wonderful sound of music? My feet are tapping. My hips are shaking. My shoulders are swaying. And, my hands are clapping. Yes, I am dancing!
As a child raised in a Pentecostal religious- based home, I was forbidden to listen to secular music and forbidden to dance. So, I didn't really learn how to dance until graduating from high school. Up until then, I can remember watching family members or friends dance when I wasn't around my parents and secretly copying their moves when I was alone. I thought for someone who couldn't dance, I didn't do too bad of a job. That was until I really learned how to dance.
In addition to writing, music is my other passion. I love music! I learned how to sing and play the drums at a very young age. Unfortunately, I didn't get the dancing part down until later. However, when I did, there was no stopping me. I like the way dancing makes me feel. I feel beautiful, confident and alive! Although I'm usually somewhat shy, my shyness disappears when I become lost in dancing.
Before I was married, knowing how to dance was a must for someone I dated. In fact, I took for granted having to even ask the guy if he knew how to dance. I hate to admit it, but I did stereotype all African-American men and assumed they all knew how to dance. Imagine my shock when God blessed me with my husband and I found out (yes, you guessed it) dancing was not one of the things he did well. My baby did not have an ounce of rhythm! Yet he would get out there and dance as if someone had told him he was the best dancer on this planet earth. Bless his heart; he knew I liked dancing so much, sometimes he would attempt to encourage me to dance with others who knew how to dance. However; by then, I was so in love with him that it didn't matter he didn't know how to dance. I respected and was happy for his willingness to at least try to learn to dance with me. Today, we are actually now able to keep a steady groove with one another while dancing!
Watching my husband dance opened me up more. Although he wasn't the greatest dancer, he immersed himself in dancing to and feeling the words of the song that was playing. He would often tell me that he danced to the lyrics. The day I finally grasped what he was saying was the day I was freed in my own dancing. No longer was I a child forbidden to dance. No longer did I have to copy the style of others or limit myself to one type of dance. I became free to fully feel the music and express myself in my own dance!
As I am embracing all of me, I am beginning to freely dance again. I'm dancing to the challenges I'm overcoming. I'm dancing to becoming a Victor and no longer being a Victim! I'm dancing to the reigniting of this fire that is fervently burning inside of me. I'm dancing to finally starting to see some of my dreams come into fruition. I'm dancing to breathing again and no longer gasping. Most of all, I'm dancing to the benefits of loving God and being His child!
Yes, my feet are tapping. My hips are shaking. My shoulders are swaying. And, my hands are clapping. Yes, I am dancing. I only switched partners. Now, would you care to join us?
And, to my adorable husband, "I will dance with you anytime!"
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Staying Connected
"The ultimate connection is when you are connected to the Creator of the universe". Joel Osteen
Selah
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
I Speak Life
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that
love it shall eat the fruit thereof".
Proverbs 18:21
Speak: To convey thoughts, opinions or emotions orally. (www.thefreedictionary/speak.com)
Life: The physical, mental, and spiritual experiences that constitutes existence. (www.thefreedictionary/life.com)
Something happened one day last week
that clearly illustrated this proverb.
My God sister had just gotten her hair styled. The style was a new one for her and she was trying
to adapt to it. When we arrived home,
she asked me to take some pictures of her.
I proceeded to take pictures of her and I thought they were nice. However, my God sister began to criticize them
and point out what she felt were her flaws.
Finally, I told her she was beautiful and suggested she stop speaking
negative things about herself. She
considered my feedback and replied, "I am beautifully created in God's
image". As soon as she made that
affirmation, a glowing smile graced her eyes and face. Her warming dimples were also
accentuated. I quickly snapped some of
what turned out to be the most beautiful pictures I've seen of her lately. Although the pictures I had taken of her prior
were nice, the pictures she took after affirming her beauty far more displayed
her true beauty.
As I embrace all of me, I too am seeing how
powerful my words are in my own life. I have
gotten into the habit of encouraging myself, as well as others, daily! Because I have chosen to live, I want to
speak those things that will produce life.
I was in the store last week and the cashier complimented me by
exclaiming, "O my, look at you! I
love your style, your complete look".
As I thanked her, I also replied, "I am so happy"! She then told me that she could see it and
wished me continued happiness.
With so much in the world today to tear
us down, it is imperative for us to be mindful of what we are speaking into existence. We have the power to speak life or death.
Which will you choose to speak?
Monday, January 20, 2014
Run Your Own Race
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great
cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that
so easily entangles. And let us run with
perseverance the race marked out for us”.
Hebrew 12:1, NIV
For the past six months, I
have been reading a very inspirational devotional book titled “Your Best Life
Now”, by Joel Osteen. This powerful book
has been instrumental in the renewing of my mind and spirit. As I read this book during my devotional
time, I journal to each devotional. From
time to time, I will be sharing with you some of the devotionals and journal
entries that have really encouraged and motivated me. Today, I share with you my feedback on this
particular devotional.
1Corinthians 9:24-27 and Hebrews
12:1-2 were the foundation scripture readings.
Galatians 6:4 and Proverbs 24:6 were given as supporting scriptures. These scriptures speak about us running our
own race, fighting our own fight. Scripture
also tell us there’s “safety in multitude of wise counselors”, Proverbs 24:6.
This devotional encourages
us to run our own race; instead of running and being too involved in others’
race. So often, we get caught up in
doing what everyone else does. In the
past, I was guilty of being over-involved in what others were doing. Because I have such a heart for people, they
usually find it easy to confide in me.
Always wanting to help, I found myself focusing on everyone else and losing
focus of my own race! I had began trying
to run my race the way others were running their own or at times, running the
way they felt I should. I had lost
complete focus on the race God had already set for me.
Thru this devotional, I
was informed I can run my own race and God will be pleased. I was also encouraged to seek counsel from
those whom I respect. Seeking and
obtaining wise counsel has helped me at times when I was faced with challenges
and was unsure of the direction God wanted me to go in. Today, I am reminded and encouraged to continue
running my own race with diligence and courage.
If by any chance you have
gotten caught up in trying to keep up with others, it is not too late to
refocus your attention to what you
are suppose to be doing. “God has an
individual plan for each of our lives”.
Joel Osteen
Father, in the name of
Jesus, I pray that you continue to empower and grant me courage to take the
path You have chosen for me. Help me to endure
this race and know that it is indeed the one You have marked out for me! Amen.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Take Care
"Take care of your body.
It's the only place you have to live".
Jim Rohn
In respects to
this piece of wisdom, I am turning in early tonight. After a week of productive, edifying and fun-filled
activities, my body is now screaming for rest.
So, I will be wise and grant my body's demand.
May you too adhere
to this small piece of advice and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Friday, January 17, 2014
In Celebration of You
"Chance made us sisters; hearts made us friends".
Author Unknown
Today is a special
day. Today is the birthday of a dear
friend, my sister Akiba!
Affectionately
called "Kiba", has been my side kick since we were little kids. She always did whatever I wanted to do; which
sometimes led to us both getting into trouble.
I recall one day we were sent to bed for a nap. I wasn't sleepy, so I suggested we play
"hair salon". Now, for those
of you who are unaware of how we played this game, I will tell you. Basically, we took turns modeling the role of
a client and the role of the hairstylist.
Sounds harmless, right? Well, one
of the conditions of this game was permitting the person portraying the
hairstylist to cut and style hair. My
sister attempted to cut and style my hair and I attempted to cut and style her
hair. I ended up shortening the game and
took a nap because I didn't think her hair was cutting. I didn't see it falling off. When my mom awakened us from our nap and
started to comb my sister's hair, my mom almost fainted! My sister's long hair began falling into my
mom's lap. I'm sure I don't have to tell
you the world of trouble I got into from both my parents. My sister was lightly scolded for allowing me
to cut her hair.
As we grew up,
Kiba became somewhat of a rock for me.
Although a couple of years younger, she had an unshakeable sense of
stability in hard times we both experienced.
No matter what was gon, she remained optimistic that we would get
through it. She was such a nurturer; she
would hug and hold me close to her until she felt me relax.
Today, Kiba
continues to be a stabling force in my life; though the relationship is now more
reciprocal. She is my trusted confidant;
I don't have to worry about my personal concerns or issues being broadcast to
the world. She is one of my biggest
cheerleaders; excitedly cheering me on when I'm pursuing new goals. Kiba is one of my "play" buddies;
we enjoy and participate in some of the same leisure activities (Karaoke). Most of all, she is a compassionate woman of
God who loves me unconditionally!
Sis, I'm wishing
you a beautiful birthday weekend! May
God continues to grant you great health, infinite agape love and true
prosperity! While some people wait until
a person has died to express their appreciation and love for that person, I
prefer to express mines while I still physically have that person here with
me. From the bottom of my heart, I love
you! And, I thank God for choosing to
bless me by giving you to me as my beloved sister. In honor of your birthday, I celebrate you!
For those of you who have
someone or some people who are special in your life, I encourage you to
celebrate that person while the day is young.
Tomorrow is promised to no man.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Quiet Please
11 "And he said, Go
forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord.
And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a
great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before
the Lord; but the Lord
was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord
was not in the earthquake":
12 "And after the
earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the
fire: and after the fire a still small voice".
1Kings 19:11-12
When was the last time you put yourself first and consented to being "quiet"? When was the last time you were able to hear God's still, small voice? If you had to ponder those questions, it may be time for you to stop and listen to what God may be saying to you.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Write the Vision
"And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain
upon tables, that he may run that readeth it". Habakkuk 2:2, KJV
Write: To form (letters, words, or symbols) on a surface such as
paper with an instrument such as a pen. (www.thefreedictionary.com)
Vision: A vivid, imaginative anticipation. (www.thefreedictionary.com)
Vision: A vivid, imaginative anticipation. (www.thefreedictionary.com)
It's that time of the year again when that famous question is asked,
"What are your resolutions for the year"?
After pondering what areas of my life I want to work on this year, I was
finally able to write the blueprint for my life this year. This tedious task turned out to actually be
fun for me this year because I had the company of my God sister. She and I carefully considered areas of our
lives that could use improvement and we put the pen to the paper. I went a step further and included how I
purposed to achieve each goal. For
example, one of my resolutions this year is to continue fostering and nurturing
my spiritual relationship with Christ.
So, one of the steps I will take towards this goal is continuing to
engage in my daily devotional time (consisting of completing my church's daily
scripture reading, reading an inspirational daily devotional followed by
prayer). After we finished writing our identified
resolutions, we read them to each other.
We actively listened to one another, asked questions and provided
feedback. Also, in effort to hold one another
accountable; we vowed to exchange our resolutions and frequently check in to
see how we are progressing.
Later, as I reread my resolutions, I felt the difference it made in
having these goals in mind and actually seeing them written. Not only did I feel like I now had a concrete
road map to navigate my journey this year, I also felt like I now have to be
accountable. Now that I can visually see
clearer, I am excited and motivated to make this year one of my most successful
years! Look out; I'm about to soar to
unknown heights!
Will you be joining me?
Monday, January 13, 2014
Free to Rest
"Look at the birds of the air,
for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father
feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his
stature"?
Matthew 6:26
(In Loving Memory of my Mom, Alice)
This is a bittersweet moment as I write this
particular post. Today, I'm reminded of
the last message my mother imparted to me before God called her home.
My mom was
diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure at the age of 33. For twenty-one years, my mother was in and
out of the hospital fighting against failure of her heart. In spite of advice from her doctors to
discontinue working and her continued failing health, she continued to work. She was determined to do as much as she could
to provide for her family. Working to
take care of her family was all she knew how to do. She too worked while attending high school
and took care of her mother.
Throughout my mother's illness, my mother's number one
prayer request to God was for Him to grant her health to raise all of her kids
to adults. She was extremely concerned
about our care and felt no one else would care for her children the way she
knew she would. My youngest sister by
both of my parents turned 21 years of age three weeks after my mom was called Home. Mercifully, God answered my mother's prayer!
It was the Sunday before her demise; she passed away two
days later on Tuesday. My mom had been
readmitted to the hospital and was under critical care. I had gone to the hospital to visit with
her. I was expecting to find her weak
and in bed. Instead, amazingly I found
her sitting in a chair, happy and ready to share news with me. She began to tell me she had a revelation! She read Matthew 6:26-34 to me and begin to
share with me what God had revealed to her.
She finally realized that she no longer had to worry about her care, nor
her children's care. She finally
understood just as God takes care of the birds of the air and animals of the
earth, God will take care of us. She
asked me had I ever just watched people feeding birds? She told me to note how the birds are fed,
without having concern of how and where the food will come from. She told me we are much more valuable and God
will also provide for us. Watching my
mom dance around the room and call family members to share this news, I later realized
two things. God had completely healed my
mom and she was finally free to peacefully rest!
As I pray about my future, I am reminded of this precious
gift my mom passed on to me after giving me back to the same God who had given
me to her. Philippians 4:6 tells me
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God". I am instructed not to worry about my future
or anything else for that matter. I can
rest in peace knowing God is my Jehovah-Jireh; He will provide for me!
You too can rest in that same peace!
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Don't Survive; Live!
The
thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that
they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John
10:10, KJV
survive: To continue existing, in spite of danger or
hardship. (www.freeonline.com/survive)
live: To remain alive. To have an exciting or fulfilling life. (www.freeonline.com/live)
"I
don't want to survive; I want to live".
When I heard this statement as I was watching "Twelve Years of
Slavery", my focus on the movie completely dissipated. In my mind, I kept hearing that statement over
and over.
This
powerful statement resonated with my spirit so much because it voiced exactly
what I have now chosen to do; live! One
of my most devastating, life-changing events occurred seven years ago. I lost my dearest friend, my mother. Though there may be words in the vocabulary to
describe my feelings of this significant loss, the words will never adequately
convey the magnitude of what I truly felt.
For seven years, I survived. For
seven years, I gasped for air to maintain my existence. Finally, the pain of holding on to the things
I had latched onto to "help" me to "survive", became more
than the pain of letting go. I cried out
to God that I was finally ready to live once again! As soon as I let go, He reached down and
began pulling me up.
As God continues
to pull me up, my heart opens more and more to the beauty of life. I now thirst for water only He can
supply. I'm beginning to use each day as
another opportunity to plant seeds of goodness.
My passion that had died out has been reignited. My heart is being purged and my mind is being
renewed. I am breathing and no longer,
gasping!
Whatever you
may be going through that may be causing you to only survive, please know you
don't have to settle. There is hope and
you can begin living. God's Word, John
10:10 tells us that Christ came so that we could have life and more abundantly. That means that we do not to have to be
content with just surviving. You can
make a choice today that you will no longer just survive, you will live!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
O, what a Friend!
"Friends are angels who lift our feet when our wings
have trouble remembering how to fly".
Author Unknown
I am looking
forward to receiving a treat this evening.
A very close friend, my God sister will be flying in to visit with me
for a couple of weeks. I'm especially
happy because I have not seen her in almost four years!
My friend,
who's coming this evening, has been a God send.
She has been a rock during some of the most challenging times of my
life. She has encouraged me in my faith
when I thought I would never again see a glimpse of light. Besides all of the fun I know we will have,
I'm anticipating what will spiritually result in her visit here. With God involved, the results are endless!
When was the last time you spent quality time
with a very close, uplifting, earthly friend?
When was the last time you joyfully honored the youth in you and
"played" with your friend? If
it has been a while, maybe it's time to pick up the phone and make a date with
that earthly angel God has placed in your life.
What are you waiting for?
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