When U Pray

“Also, teach the older women to live the way those who serve the Lord should live. They should not go around saying bad things about others or be in the habit of drinking too much. They should teach what is good. By doing this they will teach the younger women to love their husbands and children. They will teach them to be wise and pure, to take care of their homes, to be kind, and to be willing to serve their husbands. Then no one will be able to criticize the teaching God gave us.

You should be an example for them in every way by the good things you do. When you teach, be honest and serious.”

‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:3-5, 7‬ ‭ERV‬‬

http://bible.com/406/tit.2.3-5,7.erv

Ahhhh, the struggle is real. I have read this and highlighted it and reread it, but live it? I am probably considered an elder by some, especially those new to marriage but I don’t feel like it. I’ve been with my husband 37 years and I by no means an expert on marriage or relationships but I am aware of them.

My heart has been grabbed lately by marriage woes.. my inbox, my text messages, social media and just life itself. I’ve been touched enough to reach out.

I only have one thing to say today, Trust God! Trust the God who created heaven and earth, the God who loved you enough to send his son so you could be free. Trust him with your heart, your soul and your marriage.

“And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:18-20‬ ‭ERV‬‬

http://bible.com/406/eph.3.18-20.erv

Good morning my loves. As open as I can be it’s always a struggle to share something personal and ongoing. Recently I had a mammogram and they called me back for some extra pictures. Well, that has happened before so I did not panic. My husband offered to go with me, I said this is nothing, they will take some pics and let me know later. Well I was wrong wrong wrong. After the pictures were taken the nurse told me to have a seat because the doctor needed to review the pics and if he could rule out Cancer I would be free to go. Well wait a minute, what are you talking about? That’s what I was thinking but my voice was quiet. A little piece of my soul was hanging on whispering “peace be still “ but my spirit man was screaming in my chest WHAT IS SHE TALKING ABOUT? I just stared at her and said, ok.

She left with pictures of my left breast tucked under her arm. I sat there and the first thought I had was “I don’t have time for this”. I didn’t know if I should scream and cry or just sit quietly. My spirit child kept whispering “peace be still”, “All is Well”, trust the process. I was numb and it was taking forever. But God always has a ram in the bush. A lady from my church who I’ve always considered a friend was there getting an exam and when she finished I asked her to sit with me. She didn’t ask any questions she just sat there and talked to me. God sent her at that exact time, just for me.

The nurse came back to the room and asked me to follow her. We went into a room with a huge table with a hole in the middle, X-ray machines and other items I had never seen. She told me the doctor was unable to rule out cancer and I needed a biopsy of my left breast. I had no words! I sat there numbly as she explained the procedure and what was required of me. I was panicking inside and it seemed as if my voice was screaming in my throat and burning it inside but nothing could come out. After she scheduled my appointment I headed to the lobby and told my friend I had to have a biopsy. She offered to be there with me every step of the way, I was numb. I got dressed and headed to my car.

I have to pause here and tell you that on the way to my appointment I had my smooth r&b playlist bumping in the car from my phone. Normally when I get back in the car it picks up where it left off right.. naaaah God had something else planned. I jumped in the car and immediately the song “Bigger” began to play.. I fell apart right there in the parking lot at how great my God is! He wanted me to know he was bigger than what I was going through. All I could think was “How did this song begin to play?” But then I though about God and him saying nothing is impossible! Yeah he kept me as I dealt with my fears.

Well to shorten the story, everything came back negative and I do not have Breast Cancer🙌🏽 The experience reminded me how quickly your life can change. It reminded me to be careful of my relationships and to cherish the people who cherish me and to love on purpose. To be purposeful about my actions and my reactions. I did not give any of my friends and loved ones the opportunity to support me through this because I did not know if I should burden them with this. But know I realize I could have used the emotional support.

I have prayed to God in heaven and asked in Jesus name that today be blessed, that all of us have an ear to hear and a heart of compassion for one another. I’ve prayed that we remain calm and respectful of each other. I’ve asked the Holy Spirit to Invade the space and bring us peace. I’ve asked God to help us solve our problems so we can all be successful and have a feeling of fulfillment. I’ve asked God to remove any preconceived ideas about any person and to give us a heart for peace. I’ve asked God to forgive us, restore us and renew a right spirit in us. “The Lord enjoys people who worship him and trust in his faithful love.”

“The name of the Lord is like a strong tower. Those who do what is right can run to him for protection.” So I’m asking that his loving protection be granted to you and to me.

‭I’ve asked all of this in the name of Jesus, so according to my faith, it is done!

You taught me to love you. You taught me passion and purpose and joy and laughter . I smiled

You taught me to hate you. You taught me despair, loneliness, loathing and regret. I cried

You taught me forgiveness and how to be unforgiving. Yours lips taught my ears to lie, your tongue taught my heart to die, I cried

My God taught me how to live, his love taught me how to love. His power gave me strength to leave but his love gave me courage to stay. I smiled

Only in our relationship could I flourish and only

by our love could I be saved.

Today my “Do it Scared” attitude let me down. I’ve been in Europe for over a week meandering along winding roads, taking harrowing bus and taxi rides, bravely doing it “Scared”.

Today as we docked at the beautiful picturesque Santorini Greece, sitting in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea surrounded by the Aegean Sea on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other I lost it. This island is Unimaginably breathtaking with beautiful homes built into the side of the mountain with awe inspiring vistas and it scared me beyond belief.

As I researched the island I saw the winding roads and thought, hmm I’m afraid of heights, how is this going to work? As we travelled to island after island I was able to talk myself through my scariest moments and was doing fine. Last night as I read through the ship information it provided me with information that was vital. The first information it provided was the time to disembark and that we would be using tenders..-umm I truly don’t like tenders and all the previous ports provided direct port walk offs, but no problem I can handle a tender.. yes I can. The second set of information they provided gave me pause, it mentioned that there were three ways to get up the mountain to the town, walk up 588 steps, I did not mis type the word there were 588 steps. You could ride a donkey up the 588 steps and if you walked up you were in the path of donkey poo or you could take a cable Car up the mountain that is 1,000 feet above sea level.. ummmm, I was very concerned but i put on my big girl panties and pasted a smile on my face, then I reminded myself I could just “Do it Scared”. I came too far to back out so I planned to be successful, I sat with my back to the view and watched the mountain, it took 2 minutes and all was good. Soon after we got to the top I was brave enough to take pictures and truly enjoy the majestic views and the awesomeness of my God. I knew Only God could have created the scenes I saw.

We began our private tour to an ancient site that is currently being excavated, it was good, the ride up was concerning but I did it. I closed my eyes when I got overwhelmed and I confirmed that I had to “Do it Scared”. Next stop we went to a winery with a view that almost stole my breathe away, it was amazing. Ok, pat myself on the back, I did that with little to no panic.. I’m good right? Wrong, on the way to a town called Aio we were admiring the view and I saw the road ahead was winding with no edges, sheer drop offs and crazy drivers.. I lost it. I laid down in that van and cried like a baby. I had reached my limit. I had been brave as long as I could but that scene wrecked me. Then I got mad at myself for giving in to the fear and I cried even harder because I was disappointed.

On the ride back to town Michael sat with me and I laid my head in his lap and he talked to me until we passed the scary parts. He didn’t make a big deal out of it he just sat there with me until I could gather myself. Unfortunately I’ve been weepy since i got back to the ship, it’s like the tears were so glad to get out that they keep coming. Tomorrow is a new day and I’ll “Do it Scared” at the next island.

I was laughing with my cousin today about the kids thinking Bishop Knox was God. Adults find it strange when kids confuse the pastor for God but the more I think about it, the more I realize they may have it right. Not saying I think any pastor is God but shouldn’t his actions on earth be a reflection of the God he serves?

There is a song by William Murphy that says the change I want to see, must first begin in me. Well most Pastors have gone through a transition that changes the heart they were born with.

But should it only be pastors, ministers, teachers or Bishops or should it be everyone who has accepted Christ?

Casey J has a song called my heart..she says

I’ll be your heart to the ones I meet

I’ll show love to the least of these

I would have never known if u didn’t first love me

I’ve learned to love when I’m your hands and feet

I’ve learned to love Ill be your hands and feet

So to all my ministers and friends, we are created in his image and his likeness, let’s allow the world see him in us!

I don’t have to understand.

I don’t have to fix it or figure it out.

I don’t have to know your intimate or personal details.

I don’t have to put on a fake smile, pretend or lie.

I will be here because i can’t imagine any other place to be.

Supporting, even when I don’t understand.

Loving, even when you are unloveable,

Praying, even when you can’t,

Because supporting you is my #1 thing to do.

I’ll be here pushing, pulling or dragging you to tomorrow, because I know that Joy comes in the morning.

So, as you progress along this journey, don’t worry about me, I’m back here cheering you on, praying and trusting God with you and for you.

Go,

Be Brave

Be Strong

Be Weak if that is what today brings,

But keep going

Do It Scared!

The reality is you still have a life to live, kids to raise, jobs to do, but you don’t have to it alone.

Your support team!

Peace and power,

You know what I’m talking about right.. the peace of your salvation and the power of the Lord working hand in hand..! Yeah that’s what I’m talking about.

The shunamite woman in 2nd Kings is Peace and Power. Her story was just a few chapters and verses in the book of 2nd Kings but her faith is an example to me.

The cliff notes, there was a prophet who used to come to town regularly so the woman and her husband made a room for him in their house, being kind. That’s the first thing, he didn’t ask them to provide for him, they saw his need and they listened to the God in them and provided something he needed. He didn’t have to beg, plead or shed blood, they offered. That represents true kindness and being the hands of God.

The prophet was so thankful he offered to do something wonderful for them. He knew they had no children so he told them they would have a child next year. I love her response.. “Elisha said, “About this time next spring, you will be holding your own baby boy in your arms.” The woman said, “No, sir! Man of God, don’t lie to me!””

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭ERV‬‬

http://bible.com/406/2ki.4.16.erv

See this was the desire of her heart ❤️. She wanted him to be sure because if he promised it and she didn’t get it, well you know how that goes. She could have become bitter and turn from God if he was not being truthful , but that’s not her story, nope she gets the child of her desire and life is good.

One day as the boy played in the fields he became ill, the father said “Take him to his mother”. Now my mind is all over the place with this statement, first I was thinking 🤔 you’re his dad, can’t you handle it? Then I thought, ok you are busy in the field and there is nothing like Mama When you don’t feel good. Ok ok that’s me thinking but he gets to his mama and dies. Lord! 🤦🏽‍♀️

Mama is no regular Mama right? So she lays the boy on the prophets bed in her house. Remember the boy was a reward for her faithfulness to Gods prophet. She then tells the servants to get the donkey ready and she heads out to see the man of God! Her husband wants to know why?

“And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.””

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/2ki.4.23.esv

All is well? What do you mean, our son is laying dead in that room and you leaving talking about ALL IS WELL! I’m sure he was thinking “where do they do this at?”

As she approaches the prophet he sends people out to greet her.

“Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’” And she answered, “All is well.””

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭4:26‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/2ki.4.26.esv

ALL IS WELL.. I bet you’re thinking she is crazy.. butthat’s what Peace and Power looks like.

I’m going off script here, I’m using my very creative imagination to try and imagine what the people had to be thinking as they saw her. Her child was dead and she was getting on a donkey talking about going to search for the prophet. What can he do right? The kid is dead! They probably felt sorry for her and thought she was losing it. But their opinions did not stop her. She got on that donkey and went to find the man of God.

“Then she said, “Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me?’””

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭4:28‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/2ki.4.28.esv

She made a demand on the word of God, yes she did, she reminded the Prophet of their earlier conversation. Peace and Power! The prophet went home with her and made it right, and the son was restored to life.

Peace and Power.. when tragedy struck her house she did not weep and cry and fall apart. She grabbed the peace of her salvation and met her situation head on. She used the Power of God to speak to the situation and make it right. It’s like she knew if she could get to God that he would make it alright. She knew the situation appeared dead to everyone else but not to her. She did not care what others thought as long as she could get to God! Hallelujah a praise goes there. Peace and Power!

ALL IS WELL

“My brothers and sisters, God chose you to be free. But don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful selves. Instead, serve each other with love.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:13‬ ‭ERV‬‬

http://bible.com/406/gal.5.13.erv

“Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:9-12‬ ‭MSG‬‬

http://bible.com/97/col.1.9-12.msg

“So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.

Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:1-4‬ ‭MSG‬‬

http://bible.com/97/col.3.1-4.msg

Just God’s word today!

Church people, people who go to church but ain’t right. Yes, that is me.
I always hated church people, and I use the term hate loosely, I didn’t like them at all. I always felt church people were self righteous, judgemental and often times hateful. Church people talked about people like they were perfect. Church people loved looking down their nose at someone less fortunate.
Yes, I said all those things and some I can’t remember and I was not wrong. Nope, I was right the whole time and I still find myself sitting and worshipping right along side the Church People.
I bet you are asking, how could she let that happen? You would be right to ask that too, I often ask myself the same thing. Here is what happened.
One day as my life was falling to pieces; my marriage was in shambles, my child was acting a plumb fool, my mother, who was cross addicted to pain pills, alcohol, crack and many other things, health began to fail while she was living with me. One of my siblings was giving me the blues and I didn’t know if I was coming or going. At this period in my life I was invited to church. I said, uh huh, no way, I can’t stand Church people and this is not the time. Well I went anyway and guess what? Nothing happened at first but good music, kind people and a word that made me think about my situation. Well I went back again and again and it became a habit, but a good one. I started going to bible study and really listening to what the man of God had to say about me and what I needed to do. He rarely addressed the Church people and sometimes I would think he was tripping, they needed to know about themselves right? Wrong, I was there to learn about me, not them. I was prepared to be angry, mad and frustrated at the Church People but God kept me.
As the weeks went on I figured out that my relationship with God had nothing to do with the people around me and everything to do with what I wanted. God began to force me to deal with my issues, to see where I could learn and grow as a person. He began to heal the dark and ugly places in me, he began to shift my perceptions. My love for God caused me to be more open, more forgiving and more accepting of others. This did not happen over night nor over a year or two, it has been a twenty year journey. Yes, 20 years of church from a girl who refuses to go in a church for years.
I think the biggest thing I had to learn was that every single person that enters the sanctuary has admitted they have a problem and are there trying to find answers, solutions and healing. Those people have made a conscious decision to do better. They may not get it right, they may still have a million things that God needs to heal in them before he can begin to heal the gossiping and backbiting but trust me, if they keep showing up, they will be changed too.
“Try to be a little of this and a little of that. Even God’s followers will do some good things and some bad things.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:18‬ ‭ERV‬‬
http://bible.com/406/ecc.7.18.erv

I challenge you, don’t let people keep you from church. I know you don’t have to go to church to love God or have a relationship with him, but it sure helps. I am sure there is someone there who encourages you, loves on you who helps you when times get rough.

“We must not quit meeting together, as some are doing. No, we need to keep on encouraging each other. This becomes more and more important as you see the Day getting closer.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:25‬ ‭ERV‬‬
http://bible.com/406/heb.10.25.erv

I encourage you to live free, free yourself from what others think of you, think of your situation or whatever. Free yourself from the same thing you are mad at others about. Let it go.. live your life as you see fit and give the people something to talk about. It will free them from talking about somebody else.

Hey, I’ve really been thinking about Love 💕, you know unconditional love. Is it really possible?

We all know and understand that God so loved the world he gave his son to be crucified so we could all be free. I think we know the story and many of us believe it on some levels and some people are left with more questions than answers. I think that’s ok, but who in the flesh can love like that?<
e go into relationships with great expectations. We want the other person to love us, accept us as we are and make us happy. I’m thinking, who has a magic wand? How can someone else love us as is, and we have not yet learned to love ourselves?

I say that because once we have learned to love ourselves we stop 🛑 looking for validation in someone else. We have to stop and review our lives, look at our mistakes, our personal failures and our successes and forgive ourselves. You probably think I’m crazy for adding forgiveness for success as something to forgive but oftentimes we have lost something or someone for every success. Success demands it’s own payment, yes it does. So you have to forgive yourself for the hurt you caused others, knowingly and unknowingly. You have to forgive yourself for the destructive decisions you’ve made, and the results of those decisions. You have to forgive yourself for the times you were selfish and unforgiving. Forgive yourself for the days you passed judgment on someone without knowing or caring about the facts. <
kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ.”Ephesians‬ ‭4:32‬ ‭ERV‬‬tp://bible.com/406/eph.4.32.erv

You may think I’m crazy when I tell you that you have to forgive yourself to be free to love but it’s true. I know the fantasy is that love heals all wounds but that’s just not true, God’s love heals all wounds. Peoples love can be harmful because their vision of love is warped. Some people believe you love them if you never tell them no, even though saying no can be healthy and responsible. Some people believe that if you don’t beat them when they make you mad that you don’t love them. I don’t want none of that love. Some people think you love them when you buy them something, and the more expensive it is the more real the love. Yeah that loves not too bad unless they broke right? What I’m really saying is learn what Love is, and get yourself ready to receive it.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.”1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4-7‬ ‭ERV‬‬tp://bible.com/406/1co.13.4-7.erv

Live free!<b
ee from oppression !<b
ee from condemnation!<b
ee from abuse!

From sin!

Free from that thing on purpose!

You were not created for confusion, you were not created by accident or just because. Your very existence means there is a purpose for your life.

We all want the same thing, to be accepted for who we are, to be loved and to be happy right? Well get started,

Live free!

Forgive yourself!

Forgive everybody who hurt you!

Love yourself fiercely!

Love like you have never been hurt!

Assume good intent, don’t take everything so serious, they may not be hating on you, maybe you just don’t agree on that subject?

Embrace the things you are afraid of!

Remember there is no right or wrong way to be yourself, you are fearfully and wonderfully made, you don’t need to be different..be you.

Now you are free to be happy.

This won’t be easy, it won’t happen overnight but if you are serious it will happen. You are responsible for your own happiness, it has to come from you, no one can do it for you. Even God can’t make you happy, he can heal you, forgive you and empower you , but happy is your own responsibility. Take it serious; you deserve the best God has to offer.

“God, examine me and know my mind. Test me and know all my worries. Make sure that I am not going the wrong way. Lead me on the path that has always been right.”                           Psalms‬ ‭139:23-24‬ ‭ERV‬‬ http://bible.com/406/psa.139.23-24.erv

As I pray God has been pushing me,. I say this because marriage has been on my mind and heart and especially the woman’s Role.

I don’t know everything about being a wife and I could probably say I only know a little , but what I DO KNOW, is that our role as a wife is different than that of a girlfriend. Not knocking girlfriends because I was one for ten years. (I know some of those ten were high school but they count). As your marriage goes through trials and tribulation (they all do, no one is exempt) I challenge you to Trust God with it. Know matter how dark the days or long the nights keep trusting him.Being wise is better than being strong; yes, knowledge is more important than strength. After all, you must make careful plans before you fight a battle, and the more good advice you get, the more likely you are to win. (Proverbs 24:5, 6 GNT)

Trust in the Lord. Have faith, do not despair. Trust in the Lord. (Psalm 27:14 GNT)

No matter what it looks like, The Lord knows the plans he has for you, they are to give you a future and a hope. Remember that..peace be with you
This is a repost from Facebook July 11, 2013.

“Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” is a well-known phrase in the United States Declaration of Independence. The phrase gives three examples of the “unalienable rights” which the Declaration says have been given to all human beings by their Creator, and which governments are created to protect.
“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.”‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭ERV‬‬.           http://bible.com/406/jhn.10.10.erv

Both of these phrases talk about having a good life. The Declaration of Independence verifies these rights were intended by the creator of the world, the right to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Bible tells you that the devil will try and take it away from you. But if you trust in Jesus you can have it back and more abundantly.

I say that to say, what are you willing to believe? I’m thinking most of you believe that time is unlimited. People are holding grudges against people who love them, people are being petty like it’s a badge of honor. Love those who love you, forgive easy, love hard and don’t let the sun go down on your anger. I’m not talking about going to church or being a religious person I’m talking about being decent. Don’t let social media and petty people keep you from loving on your family. 

This is not new stuff I’m telling you, I’m just saying life is too short. People are dying of all ages, and standing over their casket talking about how much you loved them is just crazy and unproductive. Tell me you love me and show me while I live cause there is no guarantee I will survive this day nor wake up tomorrow. 
 Holidays seem to stir up emotions, so I beg of you today as they get stirred up, let them go for good. 

Today we hear from Gabe Poletti, I’m so excited for you to hear his take on fatherhood. 

The other day, Sheveze came to me and asked me to write a blog about being a good father. I was surprised, I really didn’t know what to write. What can I write about? I’m a new father. So I started to brainstorm ideas for this blog; some ideas came and went. I know I’m not the perfect parent. I don’t discipline our child as much as I should. My 28lb little 2 year old daughter standing at 24″ tall has her 6’4″ 215lb father wrapped around her little fingers and she knows it. But her and I know that I will be always there for each other. My opinion of being a good father is being there for your kids and your wife, as my father did. Always put God first, then family, then work and play.  

To give a little history about myself, my wife and I lost a little boy, 6 yrs ago. He was born early survived for about 12 hrs. That was the hardest time of my life. That could of destroyed my marriage, but it didn’t. It made it stronger. After several years getting medical help, we got pregnant again. Then my wife had troubles again in this pregnancy. At 34 weeks they had to get the baby out. We were scared and nervous. 
When Bella was born, her lungs were underdeveloped and other health issues. So 28 days in the hospital, every night praying for Bella’s recovery, then we finally got to bring her home.  
From the days she was in the hospital, I made a promise to her, that I’ll be there for her. 
Every day I thank God for her and my wife.