When U Pray

Week 3 of our series on Transforming into a Woman of God. We have the pleasure of hearing from The creator/founder/owner of Daughter to the King!! Kyona McGee!! Please read below as she discuss how to deal with being in a dry place. When everybody around you seem to have it together and you’re sitting there like umm God, hello have you forgot about ME!!! You will be blessed, because I was!!

Have I reached my plateau, or is this just a dry transition season?
When everyone around you seems to be flourishing in their careers, relationships or academics, while you feel like youʼre stuck in a rut, itʼs a common theme to ask yourself, “Have I reached my plateau, or is this just a dry transition season?”
Iʼm here to command that you tell Satan to back out of your ear, and have several seats.
You have not reached your plateau until you meet Jesus, and undoubtedly this is simply dry transition season — But fret not, it too shall pass.
Iʼve been there, Iʼll share the key to getting through it.
I was once stuck, so over nothing “BIG” happening for me, tired of hearing about everyone else “living their dreams.” Oh, and donʼt let me hear about someone going to law school. *insert red emoji face* You talk about make my skin crawl….. honey that would do it!
I was not in a good place spiritually or mentally. It was my dream to go to law school, but I was not accepted, so I was working a regular 9:00-5:00. I was making a difference, I was getting paid “good money,” had an amazing boss… but I was not happy. I was not passionate, I was stuck. I felt like my best days must have passed me by without my knowing. Little did I know, God was shifting around pieces in my favor, behind the scenes to allow me to live the life I know he created just for me.
Years later, after getting married, and having a beautiful daughter, I was randomly (and when I say completely random… I mean random!) accepted to law school. According to the academics office, their admission requirements had changed and I was able to start the upcoming fall! God made sure I had the $10,000 to pay for classes, and the arm and leg it costs to cover my books! How? The same way he turned water in to wine…via a divine miracle.
Now, how did I not give up during that season?
To be honest, I did give up on it. I really began to think that maybe it wasnʼt the plan he had for me and I just needed to learn how to be okay with that. But isn’t it funny that God already told us that he will be faithful, even when we are faithless? (2 Timothy 2:13)
Its human nature to feel stuck every now and again, but it becomes sin when you begin to doubt God and His character. He said that He “has a plan for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” (Jeremiah 29:11). He said that He would keep no good thing away from those who do right. (Psalm 84:11). He said that He will instruct thee and teach you the way to go (Psalms 32:8). His promises are endless but they come with the condition of obedience. Your obedience will get you through this. I know that’s furthest from what you wanted to hear, but I’d be wrong from telling you the key is anything else.
The Bible says that obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22); So when you are tempted to go down a different path, when you’re tempted to get jealous of your friend’s growth, or when you find the success of another equates to pain for you… Check yourself.
You will fall short from time to time. You’ll have to cast down thoughts sent to you by Satan often, but don’t let bitterness become a way of life in this season. Admit that your wrong, and then crack open that Bible to meditate on His plans for you. Your time is coming. He is planning a great reveal on your behalf, but if you never learn to clap for others, you’ll find yourself lonely in a silent room when the curtains are finally pulled open for you.
Remain obedient, love.
Greater is coming

Listen I’m not gone say too much!! This week two on the Topic of Transforming into a Woman of God.. We have the honor of hearing from Dr. Ashley Green!!! Please read below as she discuss “What happens after the transformation?” I was totally blessed by this blog and you will be too!❤️

 Last week, Minister Angela Hood spoke about detaching from the unfamiliar while transforming into a woman of God. You might ask, what does transforming into a woman of God look like? A woman of God should be committed to following God and His ways (in her thoughts, decisions, words, and actions). Becoming a woman of God is about seeking God’s word and living according to it. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This means we should consult with God regarding our decisions, thoughts, responses and actions. Before we react, we need to stop and ask God, “What would You have me to do or say?” Being a woman of God is trying to be obedient to God. There should be something different about you. As God begins to direct your life realize that “if any man be in Christ, (s)he is a new creature; old things are passed (2 Corinthian 5:17). As you begin to live more Christ-like, some things and people won’t be appealing anymore. Some places won’t be fun or comfortable anymore. When God has called you to a higher standard, you will be set apart and that is OK. People shouldn’t be comfortable to do and say just anything around you. People should know that you are a woman of God by the light that you shine in dark places.  

 So once you’ve made the transformation into a woman of God, and begin to live and operate like a woman of God, how do you deal with the things that come along with it? At first I was honored to be invited to write for the blog but then I admit, I got a little nervous, apprehensive, and very doubtful. I don’t claim to be a minister or preacher so how could I write a Christian blog and be as effective as the minister who had gone before me? Then I realized that this opportunity may indeed be a part of my transformation process. God will put people in your life to help push you to your purpose and help you cultivate your Godly gifts. Always remember that God will make room for your gifts; and when you are weak he is strong.

 I was asked to discuss how to not be ashamed of God’s blessings. I was hesitant about this topic because I am actually still learning to embrace my many blessings. I have often downplayed my achievements because I never want to come across as bragging so I rather just not discuss, and let my work and accomplishments speak for itself. By the grace of God, I’ve always been a high achiever and accomplished everything I set out to do. There wasn’t a goal that I didn’t meet, a competition I didn’t win, or a material that I didn’t own. Most would celebrate that, but I always felt pressure because of the expectation that everyone has. It can be overwhelming and exhausting at times. But every time I am exhausted I am reminded of the scripture “To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12). Nothing resonates more than the phrase “people want what you have until they learn what you did to get it. You don’t know how hard I worked, the sacrifices I made and how much I prayed!” Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. When you focus on God and his plan for your life, blessings begin to flow. Psalms 37:4 says “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. I find comfort in knowing that God wants to bless his people. 

 In my reading I learned that God desires us to enjoy our blessings while using them to bless others. The Bible teaches us that we are blessed not just so we can be happy and comfortable, but so that we will bless others. God told Abraham in Genesis 12:2, “I will bless you … and you will be a blessing” (NIV). When we bless others, God continues to bless and take care of us; and blessings don’t always have to be financial or material. You can bless someone emotionally, spiritually, or physically simply through your prayers, presence, and support. 

Transforming into a woman of God will bring many blessings but realize that things aren’t always going to be great. When things get rough, tough, and stressful, (and sometimes they will), remember God is not punishing you but preparing you for something greater. There will be challenges. God never promised sunshine without rain or happiness without pain. When in times of trouble don’t let your faith waiver. Know that “all things work together for the good of them that love God, who are called according to [his] purpose (Romans 8:28).” Whatever you go through during your transformation, know that it’s ALL working together for your good. For the purpose to build you, strengthen you, and develop you into who God called you to be. 

 Don’t be ashamed of the things that God blessed you with. Your life can be a testimony or motivation for someone else. Let others see that you don’t have to struggle. You can be prosperous. You can be happy and in love. You can be successful in your career and have a family. You can be a woman of virtue, a woman of God! Still understand that trials may come but trouble won’t last always. God will give you double for your trouble. There’s always a rainbow at the end of the storm so let your light shine. YOU ARE BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING!

With Love, 

Dr. Green

For the month of August we will have four wonderful women discuss with us the transformation into being A true Woman of God. This week I’m like bubbling over with joy as Minister Angela Hood speak to us on the transformation process!! As you’re reading simply ask yourself “How is your current situation working for you?”

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord- who is the Spirit makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT
Transition and Change … no one want 

 to deal with these items. We dream of a better life, we want better and many of us may even yearn for something better. This hunger can take us to the point of experiencing the unsettled discomfort of where we are. There are some that will lose sleep and even others that their very bodies will cry out when the place that they are does not line up with the place that they are called to be. Isn’t it wonderful how God equips us with an internal compass? Just like in the natural, a compass will always point north, in the spiritual and moral realm we have been “hardwired” with a device that let’s our spirit-man know when we are off course.You know just what I am talking about. At times this reckoning is so internal and private that it will probably not be the topic of casual conversation at the Saturday BBQ. It is often easier to discuss other people or events rather than to look someone square in the eye and recognize that the place/state/relationship/job or condition we are in no longer fits. Perhaps it never did. Maybe it was a detour. Or your growth and development warrants a new environment. Even if we do not admit it verbally to others or ourselves; when we are standing in the mirror and our own reflection stares back at us there is a knowing from our soul that resonates in our eyes, if we pause long enough to really see ourselves.
And this is where things get scary. We want better in our heart. Our mind knows that on a academic level better is possible. Our spirit is crying out for us to take posession of all that the Lord has in store for us. But our flesh – well, he is kicking and dragging. If he (our flesh) has been eating ice cream and fried fatty foods he’s not going to want to stop and eat fruit, veggies and a healthier diet. Unless the desire for something different exceeds the need to remain comfortable there can be no change.
When John the Baptist was telling people to “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand” he wasn’t asking for everybody to say they were sorry. He was saying “Hey! Stop thinking that way. It’s not working. Learn to do things God’s way.” (Angela’s Revised Amplified FrFr Version). Before we even think about changing we must transition our thought process. Romans 12 talks about being transformed by the renewing of our minds. One of my favorite questions came to me courtesy of Dr. Phil. He often asks “how is that working for you?”. I love this because if what we are doing is not working it’s time to learn to do things differently. And if we are consistent in a behavior then we should admit that on some level it is working for us. Our mind must become renewed in the way we receive, process and value information. The Holy Spirit will challenge our way of thinking. He will either tell us, guide us into or show us a different direction through others.
Change is uncomfortable and requires inconvenience. We say we want to lose weight but do we want to exercise? We want to finish our degree but are we willing to attend classes, stay up late studying and read all the required material? We want healthy thriving relationships but that warrants vulnerability, communication, sacrifice and don’t forget boundaries. We want a deeper, closer walk with God but are we willing to turn off the tv, shut down the cell phone to seek and hear Him? All change costs. Are you willing to pay the price?
There will come a time when you look in the mirror and you will know deep within you that it is time. Anais Nin says it this way “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”. Like a caterpillar inside the cocoon facing the appointed time: you will burst forth. It will be awkward and uncomfortable. It may even require pain or some type of force to thrust you into your blessed place. One thing I can assure you is that the experience you will have with God through the process is worth your discomfort! He will show you his faithfulness and mercy. An old hymn saying “time is filled with swift transitions…build your hope on things eternal- hold to his hand, God’s unchanging hand”. God is immutable, this means He CANNOT change (Mal 3:16). This fact makes HIM the perfect anchor to hold fast to while you weather any and every storm. You can count on him no matter what comes or goes. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He is our real #Day1 and always down for you -remember that and stay open to learning His way!
From glory to glory … keep the faith!
Rev. Angi

Dan.3.28.erv Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their God has sent his angel and saved his servants from the fire! These three men trusted their God and refused to obey my command. They were willing to die instead of serving or worshiping any other god.

Why do you think these three were able to withstand the fiery furnace? My mind tells me it is because they understood God’s integrity. They knew him for his word,  they trusted him without hesitation.

God is so true to his word, he made a promise to David and he said this;
Psalms .89.28-33.erv My love will protect him forever. My agreement with him will never end.   I will make his family continue forever. His kingdom will last as long as the skies.   If his descendants stop following my law and stop obeying my commands,   if they break my laws and ignore my commands,   I will punish them severely for their sins and wrongs.   But I will never take my love from him. I will never stop being loyal to him.

Wow, what kind of God is this,  he said even if they don’t serve me,  I made a promise to David so I will punish them but I will never leave them.  Could you serve this God?

Romans 8.31-35.erv So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from his love?

God has shown his love,  his devotion and his commitment to his people down through the ages,  he has told us over and over that he is not a man and he can’t lie. Isaiah 55.11.erv In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do. Wow..

If God said it,  it has to come to pass.  Who can’t serve that God?

http://bible.com/406/jos.23.14.erv “It is almost time for me to die. You know and really believe that the Lord has done many great things for you. You know that the Lord your God has not failed in any of his promises. He has kept every promise that he has made to us.

I’m hooked on God, I’m convinced he is who he said he is. .💗

Sheveze

rom.10.17.nkjv So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

How do you manage all the stuff you have to do? I’m sitting here thinking I need to get my health under control,  I need to eat better,  I want to keep my marriage strong,  stay in the word,  run a business. ..the list is long and growing and there never seems to be  enough hours in the day. I go to bed thinking about all the things I didn’t get done so my mind scrambles all night for a solution and I wake up tired. Am I the only one besides Joshua who needs more time?
jos.10.12.nkjv Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” stand still time so I can get it all done. How do you stay prayed up and encouraged when life is so busy? 

I could not do it without the people in my life who pray for me, who pray with me and who encourages me along the way. You need to have people in your life who are willing to go to God for you,  who understands it’s not what you pray, it’s whenupray.

If you  are feeling overwhelmed stop, drop and roll. Stop worrying about your problems, drop to your knees and tell God what you need,  roll your butt over, get up and trust God.

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s always tough for me to share my personal stories because it kind of leave me open, if that make sense. But I do understand that someone can be blessed from my testimony… I debate with God A LOT, crying like wait… They don’t need to know that!!!! He win every time though!!! So here it goes.. 
2010, I was like 28, a single mother of a beautiful 4 year old. I was dating this guy off and on and we ended up pregnant. At first I was all for it. But then reality set in and I’m like I don’t want to be a single mother of 2 kids, 2 different daddies. Ain’t no guarantee this negro will be there even though he assured me he would!! I was battling. I talked to my mom and she assured me The devil can’t create life but I wasn’t really trying to hear her at that time. I made up my mind to have an abortion. 
He was so angry with me but he said he would support my decision.. So I made the appointment, he picked me up and we went. I swear it was the worst experience of my life!!! And I almost died once and I think it was worst than that I swear!!! The whole process is just awful!! You see a little counselor first to make sure you ready for the foolishness you’re about to partake in. 

Then you go in the room and they give you pain meds.. I don’t even think they give you a chance to swallow them before the dr or whatever he is come in with a vacuum and suck the life out of you!! Literally!!! It’s a pain and feeling that’s indescribable!! The rest is kind of a blur after that but I know it was the worst decision I ever made in my life!!! 

The mental prison I was in after having it I think was worst than the actual procedure. Constantly hearing the noise. Knowing I made the decision off selfishness. Knowing I didn’t allow a life to come forth.. I was feeling like I didn’t deserve anything!! 

Oh But God!!!! Fast forward to 2011 women’s retreat… We had to write on black paper everything that was weighting heavy on us. And of course I wrote the abortion on there with a couple of other things. So we all threw them in this fire pit to burn them up and to be free from the bondage those things were keeping us in. They tried everything in the world to get it to light and it wouldn’t light. So we started singing and praising God. I promise you the fire started on its own!! I’m like wait a minute!!! No seriously who lit that!!!! If I never believed in God that night I was turned into a super believer!! It’s like he was showing us that he was in control. Like ladies I got this!!! 
Jesus died on that cross for you and me!! No where does it say that certain sins are excluded. It says he DIED FOR ALL SIN!!! 

Whatever you are dealing with, don’t let it separate you from the love of God!!! I don’t know your situation but I know when I was knee deep in sin I felt unworthy and God showed up in my life… The Glory of God can handle a multitude of Sin, so please don’t let anyone make you feel like you are not worthy!! Not even yourself!!! If he can show up in my life, trust me!!! He will do the same for you!!! 
Jesus saves!!!!! 

  
To order please email whenupray@yahoo.com.. Sizes from small to 3XL.. Colors available are black with white writing and white with black writing!!! Thank you in advance for any inquiries or orders!! We appreciate you!! 💓

http://bible.com/406/eph.5.15-18.erv So be very careful how you live. Live wisely, not like fools. I mean that you should use every opportunity you have for doing good, because these are evil times. So don’t be foolish with your lives, but learn what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, which will ruin your life, but be filled with the Spirit.

I was talking to my dad the other day and we started talking about why he does not drink.  Amazingly it was the same reason that I drink sparingly, it makes us sick lol

I often hear people say that drinking is a sin, well so is eating if it is a bad habit. Anything that you make a small god in your life is a sin,  that is not what this post is about.

When I was younger we used to have so much fun playing quarter bounce.  I was the queen, I could make many shots in a row and I prided myself on my skill. But I still got drunk too, because we were all good at it,  we did it daily.  One day I realized that I hated the feeling the next day,  ugggggg you know life is crazy when you have hangover remedies.  I can remember fussing at my mother about how she allowed drugs and alcohol to ruin her life but my anger at her was not tje same for myself because I was just having fun. 

I had a revelation, she started out having fun too. My mom was a young girl looking for a way to run from her problems so she started hanging with a new crowd and having fun,  then one day it was no longer fun but a requirement. I look at my favorite uncles, aunts and cousins, they were fun to be around but they died young of  alcohol and drug related ailments .  I started counting my loved ones who were on drugs and alcohol and who were no longer with us because of it. I had one cousin die of alcohol related illness  at 28, another in her early 30’s. Both of those left small children who has had to live a lifetime without them.  I started counting the members in my immediate family who have or is suffering with addiction.
My mom’s mom, my mom, her sister, my brother most of my cousins. My dad’s side,  his mom, most of his siblings,  many of my cousins.  I started thinking,  the odds of my drinking becoming a problem were extremely high, and I don’t want that for myself so made a decision, not me. No, drinking is not a sin but it can easily become a problem in your life if you use it to escape your real life. This is a no judgement zone but I would pray that we all look at our own lives and  families to see what legacy we were left.
These post woke me up to get on the page,  not sure why but the word says obedience is better then sacrifice. Be blessed.

http://bible.com/296/php.1.20.GNB My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially just now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honour to Christ, whether I live or die.

Man if I could do some things over again I’d be good.  I know I’ve been forgiven and all that but the things I would change are not so much my mistakes, they helped shaped me. I probable wouldn’t change much in my relationships because they made them stronger or showed me they were not good for me.

I would change when I accepted Jesus, fully. I have always loved God and knew that he protected me but I fought so hard with going to church.  I did want to be judged.  Dang,  I finally admit it,  I did not want people to look at me and see how damaged I was,  how hurt and dirty I was. I took a lot of the things that had been done to me as if they were my sins. I was filthy and church people has a way of talking to you that reminds you of all the negative things you already say to yourself.  So I stayed home and I kept my daughter home with me.  But there came a day when a little church bus  pulled up to the neighborhood in Saginaw and she wanted to get on it.  I allowed my baby to get on that bus because she was seeking God and I knew she was blameless,  I knew that my sins were not hers.  (Had I applied that same  logic to myself,  I would have been on it too ). One Sunday she came home so excited to tell me that she had been baptized.  She knew who Jesus was and wanted him for herself.  I am sitting here ready to cry,  she knew who he was,  she was about 8 or 9 but she woke herself up every Sunday to go see Jesus.

Man, that is my regret,  my one do over.  I wish I had been there holding her hand,  putting on her gown and cap and walking her to meet the Lord and Saviour who had been saving my dumb butt all my life.  I could have answered her questions,  shown her how proud I was that she knew him and wanted him enough to go in that water. I let her meet Jesus without me.

Man,  if I could do it over,  I would. I would have been driving her to church myself or getting on that big old bus right with her. But there are no do overs,  just regret.

But, there is good news.  She knows Jesus for herself.

http://bible.com/111/luk.18.16.niv But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

http://bible.com/406/mrk.12.30-40.erv Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’  The second most important command is this: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ These two commands are the most important.”   Jesus continued teaching. He said, “Be careful of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around wearing clothes that look important. And they love for people to show respect to them in the marketplaces. They love to have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. But they cheat widows and take their homes. Then they try to make themselves look good by saying long prayers. God will punish them very much.”

At the end of the day,  if you can’t love your neighbor, you are the one committing a sin.

The Lord tells you to love yourself and then love your neighbor the same way. If you find yourself hating something or someone examine your heart and see why, none of us can save the other or heal the other person but we can all love each other.

http://bible.com/406/jhn.8.7-11.erv The Jewish leaders continued to ask him their question. So he stood up and said, “Anyone here who has never sinned should throw the first stone at her.” He looked up again and said to her, “Where did they all go? Did no one judge you guilty?”   She answered, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “I don’t judge you either. You can go now, but don’t sin again.”

15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!(2 Corithians 9:15)

Sometimes you have to go into the presence of God and not ask him for anything. A lot of times we get into the habit of constantly asking for more when we should just be appreciate for the things that he already blessed us with.

Father, 

On today we just want to love you for who you are. We want to thank you for another 24 hours to do your work!! Thank you for another day of Grace and Mercy because without it we are nothing. Thank you for waking us up and protecting our families. Thank you for allowing us to have working limbs this morning because somebody woke up and wasn’t able to move. Thank you for food to eat because it’s a child that woke up and had nothing to eat. Thank you for employment because the unemployment rates are crazy. Thank you for a sound mind. Thank you for vision lord God.

According to Matthew 25:21 ” His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Father God your word says if we are thankful for small you will bless us with more. And we not talking more material things because those come and go. But more Love for the person that lacks, More vision for the person that can’t see outside of what’s in front of them. A little more grace and mercy for the people like myself that just can’t get it right at times. More peace for the person that’s living in dysfunction. A different environment for the little girl or boy that may be getting messed with at home. See everybody is not seeking stuff Lord God. Some of us just simply need more of you and everything that come along with you. Be with us Lord God. Your children need you like never before. In Jesus mighty name we pray and ask it all. Amen

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, (‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭26‬ NIV)

Good morning friends,  family and fellow bloggers. Today is Monday and I’m excited.   Mondays represent another chance for me,  for some reason it seems  like a fresh start.  I’m expecting great things from God this week,  I hope you are too. I’m starting this week in Prayer for the things I want to see.

I have been reading a bible plan on prayer and it keeps reminding me how important it is to pray for your family.  Pray for your city,  pray for your pastor,  your president and friends.  Prayer changes things,  yes it does. Don’t take my word for it. But I can tell you I have seen great changes in me,  my family and my mind when I pray,  so I know you will too whenupray.
Be blessed

James.5.16.erv: So always tell each other the wrong things you have done. Then pray for each other. Do this so that God can heal you. Anyone who lives the way God wants can pray, and great things will happen.

Philippians 4.6-7.erv Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.

Sheveze

Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle. (‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭8‬ NKJV)

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; (‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ NIV)