RESToration

I have had the biggest issue with going to sleep and getting a good nights rest. I blamed my frequent trips to the hospital for this for a long time. During my period of illness I was admitted into the hospital , well lets just keep it at well over the amount an average person should and within each admission of course you deal with the physical issues of your body keeping you up but in addition to that there is a group of people dedicated to research and monitoring that just means finding out not only what is ailing you but also investigating the best ways to get you back to a healthier state of being. Basically non stop healthcare professionals in and out of your room detailing and documenting each vital sign symptom and whatever else you have been assigned to be under observation of in addition to the medication that is a foreign substance circulating throughout your body as you are not in a complete and whole sense of caring for yourself. All this being said was to defend my case that yes of course my sleep is off.

The truth is I have always been this way. I was taught that an idle mind is the Devil's workshop so I keep myself busy with a to do list that never end when I was younger playing sports constantly showing interest in learning new things always finding myself being the leader of a club or group pf people  and then of course as you get older you actually do inherit a great deal of responsibility and for me that was with my children. so not only do a I have my own personal to do I have their to dos I am constantly occupied with.

I built walls of tasks so you would never catch me doing absolutely nothing. I came home from a hospital visit and the first thing I started to do as I walked in the house was clean I did not make it upstairs to my room until maybe 5 hours later. It was like my mind just started right back where it left off so my body followed suit, forgetting what I just came out of which was a serious visit I could have not made it through. As I sat on my bed I was heavy with concern on why I do this to myself. Do I really feel the need to be always doing something or is this me covering up me not focussing on what should be addressed? Its true I need cleanliness and order to process things effectively but what I was doing was excessive (OCD) and worry can lead me right back to major health problems. That night I made it my mission to set an alarm every night to go to bed and that meant turning off and stopping everything I do and go lay down even I don't go to sleep I had to stop at that time. I did this for a month. As you could imagine the first week was insanely rough. I am known for also being someone you can come to if needed and so the hardest task was not answering calls or texts... Man what a discipline!! I just had to pray that it was not an emergency an that hopefully the person on the other line would understand I have to get back to them at a more convenient time. I still struggle with this but what I have gained from seeking rest is greater than the struggle. My peace has been restored and that is major. There is no way I can be in the position of being someone you can depend on if I am not adequately equipped without worry or being always busy from being available to even myself. I learned how to be available to me and that meant not so preoccupied with things I felt I need to do and not allowing God to be who He is. A provider and I trust that. I trust He will provide for not only my needs but the needs of others and I need to be well rested when it is time for me to step into my position/role I play in this life.

A Solid Foundation

Building relationships are important to know and understand how to do. So far each post I have written is pertaining to a relationship with God being the foundation to our  relationships. Why should our relationship with God be our foundation to build on? God gives you the opportunity through our relationships with others to build on what He has established in you. Notably this but it is also allows us to give to others who God has called us to be. Knowing who you are is primary to how you respond to being in relationships with others. The process of building in relationships is to improve who we are and what/how we do.

Building a better relationship with God is building a better you. He knows the purpose in His creation. Investing in this can bring you peace and that is truthfully the real goal in life. Understanding who you are will build confidence and cause you to live by a standard. Having a standard means you will not allow others to dictate or take over your life, self-worth, and purpose.

"He who loves understands, and he who understands loves." 

-Paul Tournier

I enjoy this quote because it brings out the truth in which we must take into account. Sure it's important that we love but more importantly to understand why we must love. We must love with no condition attached just simply because we understand that without it we cannot truly be imitators of God. God is love.

Build in love, the kind that permeates throughout your entire being and takes you into eternal peace and joy. 

  

Growth in Recovery

I wrote my story before my transplant and I am glad I did. I have since this story been in three major surgeries in less than a year. I am currently going through procedures from my colon being removed and reading this has helped me in understanding the fullness of my recovery process. Reading this has allowed me to give myself credit for the things I am currently working through in my relationships and outside of them. I am still in the proper timing of who God has created me to be as I am recovering and being made whole, restored. We must trust that all things work together for good. It's not about my personal good as much as it serves for a greater understanding of how good God operates in maintaining order.


Well here it is ...


I was 16 years old when diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis. I didn't understand how your body would just decide to attack itself but it never stopped me from leading a full life of athletics. I ran marathons throughout school played soccer and basketball but running became my relief through college. I had two kids. The first in 2007 was my son and I called him my chosen one. I knew that having a child would be a nine month battle but I chose to go through with it. I had to go to several doctors and get treatments every so often. This is while going to school full time and working. After he was born I discovered I had also ulcerative colitis that developed from the pregnancy so that just added to the main issue. I had to move forward now to take care of a child. I never stopped running, never stopped going to school or working. I was pushing myself to my limit while taking care of my disorders. In 2009 I had my daughter, I call her my fighter because she was almost a miscarriage but through all of the things that I was doing to support my son and myself, she fought to stay here. Eventually I had to go on bed rest at the end of my pregnancy with her, more medical bills and now paying back student loans accumulated from over the years. I eventually ended up getting married to their father. Then one day my body shut down on me and my husband left me and the kids alone. I went to live with my sister who helps a lot. Now, after a few years, my children and I are back living with my parents. I have weekly appointments, emergency hospital admissions, and continuous treatments and procedures to help maintain me as stable as possible. I have been on disability for 3 years now that means one small check a month to take care of me and my 2 blessings, my kids.




I have always shied away from an opportunity to share my story. I don't know, I thought if no one knew it, was a step closer for me to just be normal, ordinary. But no matter how much of a secret I kept my life the extraordinary tended to follow. Around this time, (August of 2013), no one could have told me God had a plan for my life and I believe it because I felt I was facing the last of my days of my life at this moment. I had been ill for the past two months (June and July) prior and in the hospital fighting. I lost my home I had just got with my, then husband and two children, and eventually my husband at the time( I had just married that April) left me to tend to kids and come up with how we were going to now survive (just the three of us). Thank goodness for my family, they swooped in and took my kids in their care until I could get better which was the plan. Still wreak with questions and a shaken faith I was being told my percentages for liver transplant success, this was not high. My doctors felt they needed to act quickly on this pain that was leaving me weak so I was being prepared for multiple surgeries. I was visited by everyone in one evening from the Chaplin to the anesthesiologist. I told my own family who was calling me not to come visit me. All I wanted was peace so I told everyone not to come visit just go to the church and pray and I'll call and conference. The very next morning I was up and walking and without pain, I did not need those surgeries.



There has been some struggling points. I had days when I couldn't see my progression. I tried everything to make the things in my life successful. I beat myself up for not reaching a certain level of accomplishment and then there came a time when I realized I didn't understand progression; I found out that's why I couldn't see it.


You’re not just created to live but to utilize your purpose. That's why I have my non-profit event, A Chosen Generation Cafe where I speak to young people about my story and how I overcame all odds installing a message of being exceptional in Christ, who lives in me and in the lives of others.

Pray without ceasing

1 Thessalonians 5:17  "Praying without ceasing."

To be in constant communication with God is key to the direction in which we move in our lives because He gives us direction through His word and to obtain this direction we must listen. This is our example of effective communication that we should reference in all of our relationships.
         
Communication keeps us away from making foolish decisions out of ignorance. We cannot just assume what God's will for us is by merely just acting according to our own understanding of His word We still need Him, the Holy Spirit to connect the things we are knowledgeable of to what He is truly saying and speaking over our lives. We must not only talk to Him on a consistent basis but also listen.

Jeremiah 33:3  Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

This is key to obtaining knowledge and a wise man knows he needs knowledge ... We need the things learned through instruction and application which is the wisdom we need to be in a successful relationship. Invest the time in your relationships that is required for the full understanding of why you are in it.

A comprehensive relationship is to understand the truth of being in that relationship you hold with one another.

truth = the original information

I love the simplicity of this definition. We would like to think God is complex but He is not. In fact He is just this simple when it comes to His will for us. All He truly desires from us is to be as He has created us to be, in His image, imitators of His love. Show love in effective communication with others.

Thanking God for Community

I've been confronted with feelings of anxiety and depression. Dealing with being unsure with how I am going to survive different situations is not something I handle well, at least in my opinion. I become a bit excessive when it comes to preparing my everyday life. I want to feel at peace with certain tasks and people. I try to cover all basis of scenarios of events that could possibly take place so I do and I did to that at one point I did not include the people that were involved because they wouldn't do  or complete things the way I saw it fit or in my eyes the way it should be. I found out the struggle was real when I became very ill from  a liver disorder I was diagnosed with at a young age. I came out of a two month hospital stay and could not walk,  could barely move my arms so I was assisted in bathing and combing my hair plus a lot of other things that may seem small when you're at your best I could not do on my own. I needed help.

I had a fear of maybe I would not ever get back to where I used to be physically, financially, mentally. At the time I did not address these fears because I had way too much to think about than some little feelings I had. I had/have two children that need me at my best so at the end of the day thats all they would see out of me, my best, which at the time for me was not what I saw as my best. I would push pass severe pain doing things I knew I probably should not have been doing LOL (I still cannot fully admit this). I remember those around me were trying to tell me to just rest (they still do to this day) and of course would try and assist me the best they knew how. No one person could do anything the way I saw it should be but everyone there for me did their best and collectively I saw how it needed to be. I was humbled real quick. My patience was tested tremendously and my trust in God grew enormously, and this was just the beginning of a 5 year crazy fight with my illness.

Since then I have had a liver transplant, my spleen removed, and my colon removed as well. I get the looks and comments whenever I disclose this information to anyone. I really do not look like what I have been through and actually for the most part I don't feel like it either. I had a day when I was texting a friend that I did not want to take any medicine for a headache, his text "I don't blame you, you've been through a lot." I have been told this a little more than a lot but for some reason it did not click until I read it in this text message. I thanked him, my understanding that it was ok to feel a certain way was never there and now I could. I'm not saying you should feel sorry for yourself and go into a depression but recognizing that we are part flesh (human) allows us to see that we should not get caught up in the feeling so deep we go into a deep depression and never see how spiritual strong we are in God and who He created us to be. I have been through a whole lot and I still have some days I am under the weather. I take each day with stride and most importantly I accept gratefully the things I can control and the things I can not I sit back and watch God do what He does BEST!

If it was not for each part of Him showing me how collectively I needed Him I would not have understood how to properly handle my unsure feelings and fears. I would not have conquered my feelings of sorrow in times of loneliness and I definitely would not even find it necessary to continue to push for my PURPOSE  being fulfilled.

*Romans 12:4-5
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

The Grand Detour

Soooo ... I've been ghost for a minute but I'M BACK!!! For those of you who don't know I had gotten really ill, I mean so sick to the point I was actually barely moving so to even think that I could commit to writing I definitely needed motivation from within to do so. Mentally I was down, ya girl was out for the count but I pushed as hard as my body could stand and I made it. (I'll be speaking on my FIVE year journey in future articles). I had to make some stops but while I was on my Detour or the more "scenic route", I picked up on some things that I could utilize. *as always with me its about the appreciation for the learning process*

I'm not sure if I will be starting up my class again but I promise you I will be posting new articles from time to time.

I'm going to be honest, growing up I really did not care to be in any relationships outside of the ones I had to be in within my family (my siblings, parents, cousins). SO even feeling the need to speak on them has been a struggle for me. Also, I am a single /divorced mother of two and have been since starting this blog and that information alone tripped me out. It was the question of .. How can a happily single woman feel the audacity to speak about being in relationships? I actually struggled with this question when I was asked to teach a course on relationships. Yes I still taught the course but it took some going back and forth within myself to do. Well I found out in the process of teaching it was needed for me more than it was for others but telling my story about them I had to see that others need to hear as well for the healing to be complete. O that was the revelation I came to by the way I was not at all willing to deal in my own relationships because I felt it was time consuming and I was limited on time. Whats hilarious about that statement is how can I truly say that when I don't even know the exact time that I have for my lifetime? I realized that I was not well from the relationships I had "failed" in, from my friendships, lovers, and some family. I needed to be mended, I needed to be nurtured and cared for. God definitely worked in every facet of my life, through those I least expected and those who have always been around. People who seemed at first insignificant were more involved in the process of my healing than any others. THIS allowed me to cherish the time I do have and fully involve my growth process to be active in my relationships and when I began to do that I found out how each of them were a success non of them failed me. I gained from each of them  and became more equipped.

See I didn't change my route I just had to go back to the where I had begun and truthfully define what my failures were and what my successes were then start fresh, renewed.
I've never changed, I've always known who I was, Who I am, and Whose I am. So in the end or the Beginning I am wiser than before and so I never fell short or failed to see the things and opportunities that were offered to me as I veered off course. I'm not at all saying it was ALL part of the ultimate plan but it did turn out to be beneficial for my PURPOSE.

My relation with God never fails because from it we build and we grow TOGETHER. Yessir I said it God has the ability to grow and He does it through us.


*Psalm 149:4
For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.

*Proverbs 8:30-31
Then I was beside Him, as a master workman; And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, Rejoicing in the world, His earth, And having my delight in the sons of men.

Your Testimony will make others BOLD

This blog is about to change direction a little bit not too much though. I'm enthused everyday about the passion I see around me from those within my age group desiring to see a change in their community as well as themselves.  Radically investing in the next generation by simply sharing a piece of their lives with one another and those younger or older than them.I absolutely LOVE it! This is part of building stronger lasting relationships, the kind that passes down from one generation to another leaving a legacy of faith, love, and purity for this world to rejuvenate with each passing year. 

I have the pleasure of interacting with young people around my community, this is very important to me because, well, I have children and some of the things I witness going on today in schools and homes and prisons are quite disturbing. It can leave you discouraged about where society is headed and I'm positive if I feel this way then our children must feel this deep sense of pressure even if they are unsure where to place the emotion at the time. The resulting truth I gain from most of their stories is that I couldn't possibly understand what its like to live through what they are going through. Even with all the encouraging words to give them its still an "easier said than done" type feeling. The mentality is now that of survival, eat or be eaten. Can you imagine being ill equipped to take on all that the world can throw at you but still have to face it head on no questions asked. Some of us have felt this way at one point but instead of utilizing what was left for you (the passing down of material, wealth, knowledge, or a trade etc) because it isn't being taught or shown anymore or even discussed you are left to find your own. Lets not mention if the motivation to find your own isn't really developed you are left with just following what the majority is doing because they seem to be making it or at least having "fun" anything to take your mind off of the misery the future holds. Imagine feeling alone in a place inhabited by billions of people. This is what I hear everyday. Now I understand there are programs and centers located all across the globe to access knowledge and tools needed for teens and young adults to begin to change and grow but why is it still so difficult to get them to these places. Its not enough to just say they don't want help, so, O well! moving forward with my life. Let's start a movement of motivation, inspiring one another to want MORE. As I get older I'm finding it more important to tell my story. I used to think it was unnecessary, "they don't need to hear what I've gone through just the result which is positive and I definitely don't want anyone feeling pity for me so I'll just leave the struggle out of the success they'll get the motivation they need." WRONG! Doing this left to many unanswered questions and young people begin to not really come to adults because they don't feel a sense of something REAL to relate to. My Challenge for you is to tell your story, I'm not saying tell every gory, juicy detail, some things should be left out (certain things must be understood with maturity). Just know your story can make the difference in a decision today, everyday.

FB Post from Anonymous

From: Anonymous

Praising God ....if you know my God like I do every hour you wouldn't want to do anything else but PRAISE HIM!! 

Question fb friends???? Why are the people who are doing positive things in life,planning, structuring, set and acheiving life goals and milestones,to make moves for their future and future family's they plan to build together in Marriage SO OFTEN SINGLE???? (I.E. THIS GUYYYY ^^^^^^^^^^) LOL....please help me to understand


Relationship- the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected.
Marriage- 1. the formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife

Those who lead a more structured lifestyle tend to be able to see the bigger picture in most situations. Being single is not the situation that they are in, it is a choice that they are making because to be successfully Single is to be whole/complete. When we enter into a relationship such as marriage we  need to be able to give 100% of our dedication and selves to the marriage. Who we are translate into what we do and how we act so with those who plan it may feel like more of a strategic decision to be married but don't get it twisted it doesn't fall short of love. Its actually more of an unselfish love because you wanted to become more for not only yourself but the party that would eventually be involved. Also with time comes wisdom, some may even come to a defining moment where they don't want to be married based off of the life they've created and this is absolutely fine not everyone gets married believe it or not. There are many monks and nuns that are perfectly happy with this decision.

Now lets focus on marriage a little. The definition above is outdated I guess you could say  now that laws are changing, so we will just call it a formal union typically recognized by law. Wow! straight and to the point it feels like, you can't go wrong with this definition it just is what it is huh?! A formal union, which is just stating a joining together or combining as an act in agreement, but to what are we agreeing? We don't hear too many rules about marriages in the Bible but when it is referenced the example of Christ and His church ride close together. The planning and achieving of goals we accomplish while single are preparing us for a sense of readiness to be in this state of union (marriage) (c.f John 14:3, Ephesians 5:23 & Revelation 19:7-9) These scriptures allow us to see another definition of marriage and how the earthly marriage we have merely symbolizes Christs preparedness and our readiness and doesn't mention at all building together physically but spiritually as we if we were together the entire time. Do you believe in this marriage where it's like the one person has been preparing themselves for you and vice versa, you have been getting ready for them? Finally, you meet and it's with a common purpose/attitude and mutual plan to just enjoy what you have and keep this union sacred. I believe in this marriage so being single is your time for building.

Thanks for the allowing me to use your post and being inspired by it. (also read Special Request post)

DNA

DNA (defined in authority)

Authority-the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience

We can take this title and run with it sometimes. Believe me I know I was the one that said well I am who I am, God (the authority giver) wouldnt make me think this way or act this way if it wasnt of Him? So obviously Im justified? Yup Yup that was me not wanting to change because it was pleasurable to do what I wanted, the way I wanted and Im not killing people so... (yea you know you did the same compare some extreme behavior to minor behavior just to prove you were still good).

The process I took to acknowledge my own spirit led me to see His. Led me to see divinty in me that wasnt my own but given. I have possession of a gift that pulls me to create more, dominate, act and move in a powerful way but I cant without its source and since I didnt create it, it had to be given, I know it has a source. the reason Im saying this is to show if we were all that we are we wouldnt fail. The source never fails He keeps producing life creating dominating while we just have our moments. Obviously if what we do or want was it, then their would be no need to believe in God (hypocrite). The mindset stated (the one I had) above shows your lack of faith not only in Him but in others around you.

So what in the world does this have to do with my relationships? Well you won't need anyone else if you stay in your own thoughts and ways. And if this was a fact that we don't need one another then there would only be one man populating this earth. Im just saying. We dont decide what the Spirit of God does in our lives We cant force the source into a mold of our own making, this causes it to resemble us rather than allowing Him to mold us into His image (the reason it was given). He knows whats best for his image. We discussed beore that this image was "wisdom" in the Divinely Defined lesson. God (our source of authority) had to see that His source was the Word(wisdom)(John 1) that allowed Him to create, dominate, move in power (effectively). And as the Word was with (in a relationship) Him, He also acknowledged that it was Him. So its not by my own authority that I live and have this light. We have to learn how to use it not just wake up and say Hey world this me deal with it!! and we dont out shine the next person with something that can be taken away, no is not God that would take it away... For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Eph.6:12)
The time we begin to heed to His wisdom we can begin to see our lives and the Truth that it holds, we begin to respect each and every other life before us and the message they carry (even the unjust). Not all relationships are close like the ones of your family or lovers, some just are what they are, the random greet on the street. You dont have to take their actions or things they say to heart, no but your eyes will be open to seeing the wisdom to take from it. All I'm stating is our relationships have to be in line and in authority with God or you will not know where to place them in your heart.

Wisdom-the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement.

　

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

New Beginnings

See the God in me first because at the end of the day I am that I am #amesswithamessage

I have been doing this class for a year now and many lessons I have not posted. Forgive me guys please.(those of you who cant make it to the class) I was inspired with this new life given to me to start over to the beginning with new lessons learned from my own personal life to those around me. I had to really fight this year and I was reminded by a true friend that I stated early January 2013 that I would know all those around me that belonged and those who were not for me. With that said I think the point of being lead has to be known otherwise the rest of what I could possibly ever tell you about the truths I have learned about relationships will be obsolete. Please ask your questions and leave your comments. I will be here for a while.

My scripture for 2014:        Matthew 16:28
"Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom."

Unity

Lesson: Unity in your Relationships


Unity- state of being joined as a whole

I know it has been a while but we are continuing to discuss the characteristics of a long lasting relationship. By the title we are on unity this word is a noun so its a state of becoming this disposition.

Why is Unity important?

1 Corinthians 12:12-26

12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

We have all heard united we stand, divided we fall. Well its just as simple as this statement, you can have it all together as an indivdual, you do for yourself and probably feel just fine and do as you please but even as an individual you must display a sense of unity(wholeness) within you, so here we go again referencing back to our two part man ... "For we are Spiritual being living this physical Experience" After this previous lesson when we acknowledge that we are two part but spirit is first and utilize the Holy Spirit to guide this concept we can understand (without me being redundant) its important for your understanding of the plan He's designed for you. We have also discussed why its important to want to know God's plan for us in previous lessons before when we tapped into His wisdom Vs ours (Man) as a characteristic to posses. Essentially everyone here just keep in mind these characteristics are really how He designed a process so we can understand we can't do without Him even though we can make ourselves gods of us its just nothing like when you actually allow Him to be who He is and just conform to His Holy Spirit. This sounds way easier (basically we dont have to do anything, Give up yourself) but for some reason sooo hard (LOL) And if you noticed, if you made it an attempt to do so (conform to Him) in our very first lesson then guess what unity is what you had to do to understand who you are. So simply put Unity is important so you can know who you are, not just what you like and want and desire but Why you like and desire. This may get strange for some when we step into uniting with others (men) because we Know we are made in God's image but some people are just too different from you characteristically, different desires, different actions ( it all seems sticky trying to unite with different people or incompatible people)United but different?? Just keep in mind United is not to be the same but to be Whole, One, Together. (keep referencing scripture)

How can I unite with people different than who I am?  This seems impossible.
You are not the only one created in His image. I want this statement to marinate ( this should hit hard for all my Boushi people in the room) Yea you ain't the only one with a divine plan and purpose. on top of this you dont even have a clue to what it is thats divine for you because once you do conform to Him, He reveals yes but He just dont start telling you everything he wants you to do within your life in a day, you would probably go crazy and admit defeat before you start. on top of that there would be no need to unite with Him if He did it that way. Thats why I dont use divine plan for us (man) we have a purpose but when we start speaking divinty with us we become confused so let me break it down simple.... God has the divine Plan and We carry a Divine purpose because of His plan, I think somebody should have just gotten Reeeeeeeealll Humble for a second. We spoke on Humble before, I know we get caught up in reading the Bible and praying and seeing first hand sometimes how He makes it light for us to live we forget its still by Him we do these things. Amen (Can I get a Church)

So how can I unite myself in my relationships (friendships, family, marriage...)? Trust in Him 
O my, is that another characteristic ??? Trust was the last lesson, hope we got that down because being unified maybe a little difficult without it (LOL) because He unites us.

Never stop listening and heeding to His Word.

A Call to Glory

Lesson 4

I started back to seek God a little over a year ago because I wanted His favor back in my life. It seemed as though when I started skipping church and not praying as often that's when my life began to spiral down. I was depressed, sad, angry so much more often than not. So I began to go back to church "religiously" and praying but nothing was too different. I was still doing the same things I was doing of course, I didn't believe what I was doing was wrong even though I had been told it was a sin I justified it by saying well God doesn't expect me to be perfect anyway plus He knows my heart. Well one day I hear God ask " Where are you?" Of course I'm like HUH?!!? I thought you could see all things you can't see me. He didn't say anything else so of course I was left with BLANK. What could He have meant by this doesn't He recognize me or know the sound of my voice. well I didn't stress too hard on it after, I just kept praying and asking God for the usual give me strength, understanding .. etc. This year has been good to me, really it has. I was convinced that my prayers were being heard now and everything was turning around until one day in March I got into a heated argument with someone very close and special to me. It's funny it happened during this time period because it was a significant marker point to another event that was suppose to happen but of course that fell through the end of the year before. But anyway this argument left me torn, sad, angry, broken, .. How could I once again come back from this? Well, a voice more distant now speaks to me and says, "Now" At this point I'm tired of everything even the riddles. What is going on!!!

I was reminded of Genesis 3:6-10
⁶ When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

⁸ Then the man and his wife heard the sound of theLord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. ⁹ But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

¹⁰ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

We get so caught up in the technical whats right and wrong in our life and even determining what's good for us as if we could fathom this concept that is blocked by our own opinions anyway. That was what got Eve, she determined what was good for her before she even understood wisdom. Then had the nerve to give Adam some of her justified good she knew of. I was guilty I thought by my works of praying, offering, and fellowship I could see God's favor in my life again. The truth was He couldn't even see me anymore. I was doing positive things and working hard and showing love Hey I had myself covered Right? Why did I even need to come to God my efforts was what was going to allow me to succeed anyway Right? It hit me like a brick you guys... That day He said NOW! He was waiting on me to own up to who I was. I was a broken, torn, depressed spirit that was separated from seeing It was by His grace I had favor. I had to now come to Him in prayer without my ego or trying to get something I "technically" had gotten from my own way of thinking. He was saying now stop covering yourself with leaves making things happen for you that I have already said you would have anyway. I was even like Adam once I did want a change or realized I needed a change I tried to hide behind things (prayer and fellowship). 

Well with much prayer I sought after a relationship with Him, notice the difference? No more was I seeking favor I started seeking HIM and He caused me to become whole. I was ordained a week ago as a minister and I am reminded everyday of reaching this point of glory knowing that I am righteous because of His favor and not my own works. I can now go and sin no more not because of anything else but the fact that Jesus Christ gave me this and I honor and respect this gift of GRACE. I pray everyone begin to recognize their call to glory as I have this year.

Stay Blessed

Special Request

A friend of mine made a personal request for topic. He asked a couple of questions and I will try and tackle them in the best way possible. But I welcome others to also give your input on the matter as well.

1.       Do people’s “superficialness” get in the way of finding true love? I say that because I hear a lot of females want a guy that has a house, nice car, and dress a certain way or make a certain amount of money and the blue collar male doesn’t really look all that appealing to them.

Well I guess I’ll just go ahead and tell you my short answer. No, but I do understand how you can come up with the conclusion that it does.

 In my opinion what’s really going on is when certain females look at these things they get a concept of a “man”. It shows his commitment, dedication and drive to get the things that he wants and women will translate that to .. “Well, he would be dedicated to me and committed because I could be something he wants, right?” We have to understand the outward qualities is not always the best way to gain insight of someone’s internal qualities. Which is where you are coming from but hey it does work sometimes. So how can you argue with them? The real problem I see with thinking this way is it translates emptiness, the relationship won’t always turn out to be about what it was intended to become. It will just be about the things.

Let me say, I’m not materialistic but I appreciate material. I had a relationship where I didn’t care how much he made or what he had, the relationship was based on his personality and interests (this is wrong thinking by the way) but he wanted me to be more superficial (funny huh?) There are more details to that but my point is it’s not just one sided. Some men think that if they don’t see things happening for them they are not doing something right. Who knows which one came first the man concept from being so hard on themselves as a provider or women’s concept of what a provider should look like?

The TRUTH is even this won’t deter finding true love. You can find people who believe in superficial and they will love it and all the things the gain from this “love” and live Happily Ever After. Some people just have a different definition of love. For me.. God is love..He provides.. and it’s a hard but simple concept to grasp by many people. The only true thing that gets in the way of finding “true” love is not having a solid foundation and you will find yourself trying to rely on making one with another person if it’s not strong. Which brings me to your next question….

2.       And what happened to two people building something together?

It doesn’t exist. I know that’s harsh and you maybe like “Geeze,  Grace how cynical of you to say such a thing, Do you even believe in true love?” Yes, of course I do but I don’t believe in a “perfect” love presented by man. Tell me, what are you building that you would need help from a person you met and became familiar with? Your life? A home, family?  Well, you can do that by yourself. Even if a single woman wanted children there’s a bank where they can receive a generous donation towards the cause. I’m being too real now huh? I think what’s difficult for people is getting rid of concepts that the world presents in ads and promotions to sale goods and products without leaving them discouraged with life. This is when all things seem pointless, meaningless, in vain.

 Love just is. It doesn’t build because it would be what you build up to. So you and your significant other should have already been working on this as individuals even before getting to know each other.  So where does this love come about? Remember when I said God is love, he created it, built it, it’s Divine! We accept His love and when you choose the individual to marry you are honoring this LOVE, honoring Him. That’s why it’s is signified by a vow to God to commit to this love and your partner is your personal, first-hand witness of this vow. You both are there as a witness for each other,  to make sure you both keep this vow to HIM. Your partner was the best candidate for you to keep your “foundation” strong. So you are not building because it’s already built! You are keeping . 

So then the next question is what happened to understanding this? Well there are many pitfalls that man has created for themselves from getting this but remember in my lesson notes when I said we fight not against flesh and blood … well it goes back to that. I encourage everyone following this blog to keep studying His word. And seeking after His wisdom, even God’s foolishness is wiser than man’s wisdom. 

Tunnel Vision

Lesson 3

Am I doing this right? Everything looks great but what’s for ME? I know what I want to do but is this what I should do?  Why not I know I’ll like it?

I read a story the other day of a young college graduate who was medical school bound. She did everything to the plan, excelled in all her studies and was moving forward to become a doctor. One day she was approached by the CEO of a record label who saw the way she dressed and asked her to please style one of his new artist he had just signed on. She had never styled anyone before, didn’t even know what a stylist was and it definitely wasn’t in the “plan” but she went for it and what a success it turned out to be. She is now the CEO and fashion stylist of her own consulting firm.

This story doesn’t happen everyday. In certain cases many will go on to actually becoming the doctor. But what was it that she had in her possession that made her make that decision to become something other than what she “knew” her passion to be. The questions above are not wrong questions to ask in fact they are encouraged. The key is knowing when to ask them. Sometimes we want something so bad we can taste it and even to the point where we predict when and how it should be happening for us. So we put our self in a box on focusing on one thing really hard and then we look up and nothing happened for some we stay here until we see results and for others they begin to dip and dabble in many other things just to see a result. The thing is we don’t know what the future holds, what the present will bring some things may feel like they are done in vain. Nothing is new under the sun everything has been tried even down to the good deeds or charity that you do but what makes it different, what makes it fulfilling to go through the mundane and seek after the “riches” of this world? Solomon describes it best in the book of Ecclesiastes when He says “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens..” (3:1) “So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?” (3:22)

So what you’re trying to say is I should just be happy for nothing? No, You should be happy for everything. God shows us this through His wisdom, which is His will for us to use Him as our foundation.

After looking up these two words in the dictionary:

1.       Wisdom=Enlightenment

2.       Foundation- The basis or groundwork of anything, the natural or prepared ground or base on which some structure rests.

Enlightenment is what we experience from using His wisdom it shows us the time and season to use His wisdom. So in essence it all jus goes back into itself to be used even more which leads to the word “foundation” If wisdom of God be your true foundation then it will always return back to you. Your relationships should begin to reflect this trait.

I challenge you all to look more into what is the prepared ground on which you rest. Simply Study! If you feel u don’t know where to begin, just start from the TOP the beginning Genesis. 

Divinely Defined

LESSON 2

We hear it all the time work on you, strive to be the best you, study to show yourself prove.

It’s my choice to present to you relationships from a spiritual stand because this is where it began on its own and it is where it will ultimately end. We are always confronted with the things and ways of the physical .  And from our contact with these things our experience with them help us to relate to who we are, you know that feeling you get when you do things and it just doesn’t feel all together right or sometimes it does but it feels good not just in one way to you but deeper. The lessons you learn through life help but what is it that defines these lessons? Have you ever been through a situation and found a perfect solution for its resolve then you encountered a similar situation and thought Hey I should be able to use what I did last time right? And then reality shows that was not the best solution for the situation even it if was the exact same coincidence as the first, It just didn’t work this time. Why? There is still more to learn than what the surface showed. These situations and feelings give most of us a sense of spirituality, or where it began without our awareness of it. You should be aware of your divine definition.

What do you know about where you came from? We discussed last lesson that we were made in God’s likeness or image. (cf Genesis 1:26-31) What is this image of God?

The challenge this question presents to our mind is baffling, I mean He is clearly not a person, but He  does posses some human traits like love and forgiveness. We may begin to think of how He appears to the naked eye, does He have a nose, mouth, eyes? How can we possibly understand this “image” the one that we suppose to have as well?

Well let’s go back to lesson 1. We brought up in John chapter 1 this Word that was with Him before we discovered that it was Him. This Word had a purpose in being in a relationship with Him first, meaning God had to attain some sort of knowledge or lesson from His initial experience with this Word. I am now going to start calling this Word “wisdom”. Yes, This Word could be many things but I find it most significant to call it by its end result. Wisdom is a name reflective on what exactly He had to possibly gain from being with it so close to the fact that He became it Himself. Could this possibly be a part of His image? Wisdom, this would mean we also have this and that could explain why most of us choose to learn from life experiences or take it to personal depth the things we encounter daily including some of the relationships we hold. Our spirit desires to know this Wisdom or Word or God or ourselves? Is God a subject of relation for you when it comes to attaining wisdom about yourself?  

How well do you manage this relationship?

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I would like everyone to read this verse and express to me what it means to them?

 NOTE: Wisdom is described all through the book of Proverbs (as a woman) if you would like to know more about how it is viewed spiritually. (feel free to ask me questions).

Challenge: In each relationship you have and will have, try to seek out more of a divinely defined you.

OMG, Is this Life for real?

For most of us we have had our days where we have thought or said  "Man, I wish I was a kid again" I know when I was a child I had this whole outlook on life and what it was like and supposed to be. Some of us even had make believe friends, King of over an entire land, or even had some absurd things we wanted to be when we grew up. Then we grew up and ideas changed, some new ones introduced, people started teaching us what was good/bad, society formed us to what was an acceptable way to live. We inherited a status based off of credit scores and the things we own. With all of these things we are overwhelmed sometimes on decisions to make, I mean we don't want to make a mistake, and most of us are not so patient so we want it fast and now as well. It all seems just as unrealistic as it did when we were children just making up who we were (a princess, thief, knight, etc) in whatever fantasy location we chose to be in. But it just felt right when we were young, What was the difference between now and then? Is there a difference? Someone once told me that I think  I live in a fantasy world, (LOL) Maybe I do?

Notes from the class 4/13/2012

We are all on this journey with a purpose and a goal. Our goals may be different but our purpose is all the same. When you trust that you are being lead by God you begin to be witness to the things he allows to be known to you and you recognize the teachings being laid out before you. You still have the choice to adhere to them. But even with this you learn to respect those for their choices because God is going to continue to work in any occasion, He knows the end result and it will be that all will know Him and seek Him. In time all is revealed and nothing is kept from them that love the Lord.

We must not be condescending to others for the choices that they make. Continue to show love and allow God to do His will through them. This is way better than you trying to enforce your will on them as God has shown you. The beauty is in the difference.  If we came to the knowledge of Him in all the same way we would not have true possession over our walk. There is a divine order that must be governed. God knew this from Himself and He knows that this order has to take place within us all in order for it to be True and powerful.

" For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  Ephesians 6:12

This scripture was brought up in class. Such a powerful realization when you truly understand what is really going on in your life. We may rely on individuals and trust our close friends, lovers and family and for some of us they may do things that lose our trust. And we began to ask “What is it that I did wrong?” or even “Why don’t they understand I am here for them and how much I love them?” These questions are answered when you understand this verse.  We are spiritual beings living a natural experience. But keep in mind that there is a way to live spiritually in the flesh for all things were created with the same intent, for it was all created from the Word. This truth is what will lead us to our next lesson …

Keep in mind the questions to answer. I want to encourage all those who are following to participate in the blog as well. Remember there is no wrong way in this walk to Knowledge and understanding of who you are. The more you comment and ask questions the more others will be inspired. This is the relationship this blog is created to serve. Our fellowship is important to your growth.

Questions I would like for you to think on until the next lesson:

What do you know about where you came from? Is God a subject of relation for you in this regard? How well do you manage this relationship?

For once, It's about You!

LESSON 1

Relationships come in all different forms: parent/child, sister, brother, friendship, fellowship, companionship, acquaintance, co-worker, etc. There are a number of them, each one managed however seen fit by the ones participating in that particular relationship. So seeing that each is vastly different and holds its own unique value to each individual, is it possible that any of them have a direct correlation to the other. I mean really what is presented as a commonality for each relationship you hold in your life? You are. So let’s start with you.

In the beginning it was you and the relationship that wasn’t by your choice but given, you and the Word that gave you purpose and meaning. Now just to be clear I will explain what this Word is. It is best described in John chapter 1:

¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

If you notice with me this scripture states The Word as being God, so when I say the Word I’m actually saying God.  But also notice that in the beginning even for Him was the Word. He too had this same relationship upon His existence without it there would not even be God in His own being. This concept brings on a whole new meaning of made in His likeness. (We will discuss in a future lesson in detail) This Word said that you will have life and it was so. I know most of us will separate our relationship with God from others because of who He is. I mean He is all knowing, powerful, forgiving, renders unconditional love. He’s just different from everyone else but are you not involved within this relationship. You are the common place in all your relationships so you hold the key to their success from the first one you have ever had to the last one you will ever have and why not set a precedent with the very first, the one relationship that deemed you worthy of Life. So I think it is safe to say that You are important and acknowledging where you came from, how, and why will set you on the path to defining you, the one who holds the key to your relationships.

Questions I would like for you to think on until the next lesson:

What do you know about where you came from? Is God a subject of relation for you in this regard? How well do you manage this relationship?

Feel free to comment and ask questions. I encourage this.

Tell Me

I Just want to open the floor before I begin for all those who care to share:
What do you think is important to have in any relationship of any kind?

Don't forget to read Lesson 1: For once, It's about You!

Just Me and Him

Growing into adulthood I could never quite figure out why I was always so different, why I didn’t care for the same things the majority did, or even why I felt when those were in need. I been told “Grace, you’re just a good person” Not that I don’t believe them but it had to be something more. I have been to a point where I just don’t trust men any more (Human kind) but I never stop having faith in human nature. (sounds twisted huh?) Why can’t I just say forget this world and all things in it!!! That’s when I was reminded (Let’s just say by something divine) that when I was younger I used to always say, “I wana be just like my father.” Yeah, every girl looks up to her dad and mine, well I thought he was perfect. Yeah he has been through a lot and made his share of mistakes but out of all his faults I saw his passion more. I admired his relationship with God and His will. He studied and made it his life to do for Him. I wanted to be just like my “father”.  I wanted to be blessed (Happy) beyond measure and posses insurmountable peace.  I was 4years old by the way. I remember saying these things as if I knew that it would be needed in the future. It was pointed out to me that I have two fathers: an earthy and a heavenly. Now I didn’t specify but how many of you know that I didn’t need to (insert Amen here). Well I didn’t because I believe as a child you know exactly what you want and nothing seems impossible because you posses everything (We lose this quality when we get older).  All this is my testimony and now I don’t ask why because I am my Father and He is me. I speak for us. I speak to make His Word flesh. My one True relationship is the one I have with my Father and It is my example for all the ones after.  I share with you my Truths on Relationships.