All About Lyfe

I recently came across an intriguing article about Lyfe Jennings, an R&B singer.(Sister 2 Sister 10/2005) He was sent to an adult prison at the age of 15 for 10 years and still managed to have faith and make the best out of his life.

In the interivew, he spoke about how he finished high school and college in prison and didn't give up on his life. While in the prison yard of Richland, Mansfield, he would sing with some inmates and gained attention from the warden. The warden asked him to do shows for the inmates and in turn gained attention from the NAACP. He spoke about how he prayed for guidance in his singing career and in prison. With no doubt God answered him. Lyfe continued to move up in his dream of becoming a singer when a tape of one of his performances at the prison made it to the Apollo, a well-known and historic talent show. Once paroled, He gained a music contract and produced a successful cd titled Lyfe 268-192. I have not heard his cd but, according to Sister 2 Sister magazine, he is being compared to late greats such as Sam Cooke and Al Green. He is also in the process of educating children about making good choices in life through a children's book series.

This article made me feel good that the hopeless prison stories that we often hear on the media about guys in prison who rape, shank, maime, kill and never become a productive member of society are not always true. Lyfe never tells what he did to get into prison for most of his youth but it doesn't matter because God doesn't see what he has done but what he is doing to receive His blessings.

Happy That the Quiver is Full

My regular readers should know that I am a proud mother of four. When people ask me how many children I have I proudly brag about my two boys and two girls. But I don't usually get the equal pride. I usually get the sob face and the poor you look in their eyes. " Me and my husband are waiting until we are financially ready." I would get in response or "Children are such a big responsibility." It says in the Bible, "Children are an heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of the mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed." Psalm 127:3-5. I believe that once God unites a man and a woman he expects children to follow. He doesn't want you to show your lack of faith by saying that you won't have children until you are financially ready. Money problems will always come and go, but if you follow the word of God you and your children shall be blessed. In the beginning God ordered Adam and Eve to be "fruitful and multiply." He said this without any conditions. I am not ashamed of my children, they are living, breathing blessings that I will never regret.

Christians Don't Need Coffee

That energy lift. That's what many of us desire as we begin our rat race every morning. We run to things such as coffee, or energy bars, hey anything with caffeine right? I know how it is, sometimes I find myself doing it too. But have you ever thought of trying God? We can do all things through Christ that strengthens us right? So why are we looking for strength to get through our day with other things? Try praying, reciting scripture, praising God for any and everything. You can receive a lift and you won't believe how much that will carry you successfully through the day. The wisest and healthiest way to tackle your day is picking up a cup of God.

bare with me

bare with me, since i started my new job I have become very busy so if there haven't been any new entries in a while please go through my archives and review something new. Thank you for visiting!

The Inevitably Insignificant Actions(poem)

I am so angry
that everyone in the world
doesn't agree with me
that I'm going to scream and scream
and point and point
until I'm lain in my coffin
red faced, finger permanently erect
while the world continues to rotate
people continue to disagree
And God continues to be in control

"The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." John 6:63


"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

The "Look" of a Christian

I remember the first time me and my husband were attending different churches to find a church home. One Sunday, we tried a large traditional church and stood out like eye soars. My husband with his large afro, pierced hooped ears and large tatooed arms, me in my summer dress showing off my name in quotes permanently written on my shoulder, holding an infant and two more toddlers trailing behind me. We were a typical family, we read to our children, prayed together and love God but it didn't look that way to others. We were already saved but were approached by many to receive salvation"the proper way."

Even to this day people don't assume that I am a person who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Is it that I don't wear floor length dresses and keep a Bible in my arms at all times? Could it be that I don't quote scripture in every conversation? We as Christians need to stop adding quota to people who are trying hard to have a relationship with Christ. That's how you scare others away. I believe that doing the right things shoudn't be forced. Christ will speak to you and tell you what needs changing in your life, and if you truly love Him you will. It's not making a list of how to be the perfect Christian and then condemning yourself if you haven't done it all. (Or condemning others if you see them making mistakes.) Remember the scriptures in the Bible about the woman committing adultery? Jesus could've easily condemned her but instead he told those who wanted to punish her to check themselves first, and then he freed her.(John 8:3-11) Try this, instead of shaking your heads at someone, tell them something that will uplift them or help them. Relate to them your uphill battle as a Christian. That's what loving our brothers and sisters is all about.

Out With the Old...

You know what's funny? Most of my friends and family don't even know my blog exists. Here I am revealing what God has done for me and helping perfect strangers and no one who knows me has the faintest clue. I think it's hard for me to reveal to them what I know, because they knew me when I was wild and clueless about life. Most of them do know that I am Christian but that's really the extent of it. Sometimes I don't like to come out and tell them what I have learned because they would see it as me "preaching" and begin their distance. I sometimes give my opinion on things they may bring up but I don't debate as much. I pray that God reveals Himself to them when it's time. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 says in Christ we are new creatures. How we were in the past shouldn't matter to you or anyone else. I should respect others and at the same time expect them to know and respect the new me.

Because of Jesus' family and the people's unbelief and relying on His the past, Jesus was dishonored."When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked. "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, 'Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.' (Matthew 13:53-57 ) Although Jesus never had a wild past and was perfect people still doubted in His hometown because they knew His family and possibly seen Him as a child.

I hope those out there reading this learn from my mistake and don't judge other people who you used to know as wild and crazy. Believe in their relationship with Christ and allow them to help you strengthen your own.

No Comment

As you can see, I don't receive many comments on my blog. My visitors are also few and far in between. But do that upset me, do I feel like giving up on my blog because of it? No way! I am so blessed by the little comments I do get. From a woman saying that I helped her realize a fear she needs to get over, to a more recent person who was lead to repentance, I am so blessed by it all! I see my blog as an avenue for God's use. Whoever He sends here to learn what He has taught me through the Holy Spirit is all I need. I don't care if I ever get noticed or rich because what I do is not for my glory but for His. Sometimes I would think about my poetry and stories that I write and wonder, what would I do if I my writing doesn't get noticed or published until after I die? Would that be a bad thing? God's timing is perfect. He has a use for everyone and when He is ready to use you, He will. So, to all those who feel unnoticed as they volunteer for many hours for their church, or are frustrated because they haven't received their rightful recognition for donations they have given, just remember the most important thing is giving to the kingdom of God for His glory.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1st Corinthians 10:31

Blessed News

I have been blessed with work! I won't be working in journalism but instead will be an admissions advisor for CTU online. It pays well and I thank God for what He has given me. I see it as Him trusting me with a little before He goes on to take me to bigger things. That's why I will make sure to tithe every check first before anything else. To let Him know that I believe His word and I trust Him to bless me instead of trusting the money. When you hold on to your money saying that you need it or else you won't get this or that, then you are blatantly telling God that you don't believe He has worked in your life but the money has. That you need money instead of Him. I had to repent from that; when I was working a minimum wage job I was holding on to my money and whatever left over I would give to God. That brought me and my family constant struggles because I had no faith. Then about 9 months ago I got a job as a clerk in a store. I made sure to take that little check and tithe it no matter what. After tithing, I may have had 30.00 left in my check but I would confess that God will take care of the rest. and He did. Praise God for this job and praise God I believe in His promises that if I tithe I will be blessed beyond all that I can imagine.

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Malachi 3:10

Opposites Attract

Okay, Okay, I took an extended labor day vacation. I broke away from my kids and family life and spent some time out. I immensely enjoyed my break and on top of that I learned a few things and as a good blogger I'm going to share them with you.

The concept of "opposites attract" doesn't always have to mean a romantic relationship. I realized this when hanging out with my two best friends. (separately) My first friend is single, smart strong, works as an engineer, drives a large truck and against anything marriage or family at a young age. She shakes her head at the times when I am frustrated with my husband and kids. She doesn't believe that a woman should marry unless the perfect man comes along (and I mean perrrrfect!) She also doesn't believe the parts in the Bible about the woman being subject to the man. ("Those scriptures are old and outdated!" She shouts. Just after criticizing me for having a tattoo and "defiling my temple.") I love her to death and she is one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. But we obviously are opposites. My second best friend is in a common law marriage with her 3 daughter's father. She lives in the same place we lived since we were in the fourth grade together. She thinks that it is "impossible for her to move up since she doesn't have a good man like me" and she believes that is the only reason I was able to accomplish what I have so far. She loves her family and children but feels like she is trapped in her situation. She is also a sweety and I love her to death. I pray for her all the time. I pray for both of them. I used to get angry when they would disagree with me but now I've realized I have said how I feel and their life is up to them. It's not up to you to change someone it's up to God. I am sure I am a mess in many ways to them too. And as God is still teaching and leading me, I believe He will teach and lead them.

The Impact of Repetition

I have mentioned this and blogged this many times. This is something so known and simple, yet not grasped. Love. The greatest commandment is love. We are to love God with everything and we are to love everyone else. Simply said by the apostles, by Jesus Christ, and by God. If God commanded us to love wouldn't doing the opposite be out of His commands? Why would anyone justify hate anyway? Let's say you have the option to hate someone for whatever reason, why would you do it? Would that change anything or any situation? So you say, you don't hate but you are just angry. Anger doesn't solve anything or bring about change either. It says in Proverbs 27:4 "Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger." I am not saying I don't get angry and that if someone gets angry they go to hell, but it's hard to live in happiness when you wallow in anger. When you are always angry with people, you open yourself to do and think in the way of the flesh. Galatians 5: 18-20 says "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, anger, strife, seditions, heresies." We are to stay away from the things of the flesh to have peace in our lives. It says in Galatians 5:17 "For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another." It's much better and easier to see someone who angers you, to pray for them and hope that they come to know Christ or to know Him better. Your first thought would be that that would be too hard but actually once you get started praying and loving it makes your life so much better and peaceful.

Christians, if you are struggling with anger( or anything) and someone points it out to you, don't allow it to hurt you or make you bitter, instead embrace it. You are the clay and God is the artist. Allow Him to push and pull to make changes in your life so that you can grow. Open yourself up to the truth.

In the Morning part2

I wanted to add a few more promises that God has made to all of us when in tragedy. You maybe wondering, "Okay, Telika we understand but this is a major crisis and all we should do is have faith and pray? " Yes! If you truly believe the immense power of God you should believe He is able to change things and help. Stop relying on people and rely on Him! I believe that God created the world in six days because that's what He said in His living word. If He can do that he most certainly can aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

1 Peter 5: 10, "After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you."

Romans 5: 3-5 "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

I know I am not blogging the usual things in the wake of this tragedy. I am not shouting at the government or yelling in despair. I am not doing these things because I know that this is God's way to bring more people into faith. There have been so many people who have stopped believing and started relying on other things. This is the time to change.

In the Morning...

I pray that the victims of Hurricane Katrina see the light and the hope and faith of God and to learn to trust Him in their struggles. I pray they take the opportunity to receive the message that God has a blessing for the people afflicted with this tragedy. I see this as His way to bring these people to growth to teach them to believe and see that He has something so much better planned for them. It says in Psalm 30:5 "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." God has joy waiting for them and these people need to see it and believe it and hold on to it. I could refer you to the red cross phone and the salvation phone and urge all to open their pockets but what's most important that you would open you hearts and minds and pray that they do the same. God will take care of the rest.

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."

(2nd Corinthians 4:8-9)

The Truth

The Bible is the ultimate source in which a Christian has the answers to every question in life. It's too bad that the Holy Bible is seen as boring and treated as such by many people. Your flesh does not want you to see the Bible for what it is, God manifested into your hands. The Bible is His words directed to you. It's an amazingly awesome opportunity that many have but don't use. How many of you have your Bible as a decorative piece in your home to let people know you are a "good person" but don't open it and find out that being good is not what will lead you to heaven. How many of you bring it to church, highlight a scripture or two, close it up never to think about what that message could've meant to you in your life?

I was in a debate with someone who believed that the Bible was just words of men and good advice but nothing else. Sure, men wrote these words but they came from the Holy Spirit. They came from God speaking through these men. These men weren't perfect but God's words are and they were manifested into the Bible. In fact, John 1:1 states that before there was a me or you there was the Word of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." And when the disciple John was given his vision by God, He was told specifically by Him to make an account of it. " He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" (Revelation 21:5)

If you feel you have been slacking off from truly grasping the joyous opportunities of the Bible, don't condemn yourself, that's not what gets you into heaven it's Jesus. But if you would like to hear the words of God spoken to you for your life and you would like to know how to go about conquering problems in your life, don't turn to some self-help manual or psycho-babble, turn to God. He has all the answers for you and you had them with you the whole time.

Honorable hustling?

Below is a short letter I wrote in respone to the article "Hard Knock Life and Honorable Hustling" http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0508280001aug28,1,5835965.story written in the Chicago Tribune by John Balz 8/28/05


In todays world it's hard to find someone who use their talents to cultivate their culture, race, country or world. And the ones that do are most often the ones ignored. I was shocked to see the article about Jay-Z (Hard Knock Life and Honorable Hustling by John Balz section 2 perspective.) not just because of the glorification of "hustling" but the way it and Black culture is being misrepresented. Although the rap artist, Jay-Z does deserve recognition for leaving his drug dealing life and turning hip-hop into an enterprise, where are the stories about the talented musicians that rap, sing and play about the positive? The ones that don't commend drugs and prostitutiion but teach others to rise above, hold on to faith and to put the gun down? To me, honorable hustlers are the ones who take the risk to speak out against the sins of this world. The ones that make their money adding to the welfare of their society. It's about time more talented African-Americans stop being the comedic vaudeville show for others to watch, point, laugh then leave to their "homes of White priviledge," (As Mr. Balz so eloquently put it.) while degrading the minds and the views of their own people.

I am on the lead

What are we doing with ourselves? God is sending you a tip for you to lead up on. He is sending you certain trials and tribulations to get you ready for what he wants you to do. He is preparing you for your special niche in His kingdom. He wants you to glorify Him with the talents that He has given you. Have you noticed? Are you following the lead or are you too preoccupied by money or gaining possessions? Or are you too busy being angry with your neighbors over politics to notice that one person who has a message for you? Or that one person God has sent your way to help and bless? Do you see the path or have your turned yourself blind to it? Do you see the path but are too afraid to follow it? It ends in riches and glory. It ends in immeasurable blessings. Have faith, use the word of God, listen to the Holy spirits voice, the pastor at church or that nagging feeling you have deep down inside. Follow God's lead.

Prayers

As we focus so much on praying for ourselves many of us forget to pray for others.
Let's pray for:
The missionaries that they are blessed as they save God's children all over the world
The soldiers that they are safe and they come closer in their walks with Christ (or begin one)
The government that they base their decisions on the Word of God
Our Neighbors that they are blessed and enriched by God
Our Church that it runs smoothly, be taken care of financially and be overwhelmed with members volunteering to share their gifts
Our Homeless that they are housed by the word of God and take the blessings they receive and use it to enrich themselves and their goals.
Our Enemies that they come to know the true love of God and follow it and by doing so become blessed.

My Confessions

My pastor, Pastor Gregory Dickow of Life Changers Church(http://changinglives.org) teaches an excellent way to use your power that is instilled in you from God as a Christian. Many of us, just don't know or don't use our God given powers in our lives and we live in sadness and despair. By reading the word of God and confessing it in faith you can change anything in your life. "For verily I say unto you, that whoesover shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart,...he shall have whatsoever he saith." Mark 11:23

You can find many confession sheets to help you announce what is yours through the word of God at http://changinglives.org/lcic_cfm/confessionsheets.cfm such as health and healing, freedom of the mind, prosperity, divine protection and a whole lot more. These are scriptural based and come right from the promises of the Bible.

My favorite, the daily confession, helps to ease my mind and start my day knowing that through Christ anything is possible. Below I have copied it for you to see.


I set the course of my life today with my words:
I declare today that I will not be defeated, discouraged, depressed or disappointed today.
I am the head, I have insight, I have wisdom, I have ideas, I have authority.
I exercise my authority today with my words and I decree a thing and it is so.
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)…the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, lives in me… (Romans 8:11)
As I speak words today, they come to pass (Job 22:28); they go before me, they bring the things to pass that I desire; and they stop all attacks, assaults, oppression, and fear from coming to my life.
God is on my side today and therefore I cannot be defeated.
His favor surrounds me today as a shield. (Psalm 5:12) I expect favor today from heaven and from the earth.
Jesus had favor with God and man (Luke 2:52), and as He is so am I on this earth. (1 John 4:17)
Therefore, I have favor today with God and man.
I expect and receive favor in my home, favor in my job, favor in my business, favor in my ministry, favor with my finances, favor in every deal I am involved in…
I have the wisdom of God today. I will think the right thoughts, say the right words and make the right decisions in every situation I face today.
My mouth speaks wisdom and my heart is filled with understanding. (Psalm 49:3)
I ask for, and receive, an abundant supply of wisdom and understanding today from God (James 1:5)…wisdom from above, wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, unwavering, willing to yield, without hypocrisy. (James 3:17)
Wisdom and understanding are better that silver and gold and nothing I desire can compare with them; therefore, I make it my ambition and desire to have understanding and wisdom; therefore I know I will have all of the other desires of my heart. (Proverbs 8:10-11)
My words go before me in securing my divine health and healing…
I will not be sick today; I will not be sad today; I will not be broke today; I will not be confused today.
I have health today; I have joy today; I have all the money I need in the name of Jesus.
My steps are ordered by the Lord… (Psalm 37:23)
I have a covenant with God and by the blood of Jesus I release my divine protection and divine provision.
My angels are carrying out the Word of God on my behalf…
I receive supernatural strength and encouragement from God and my angels. Angels carry out the Word of God and every word that I speak that lines up with the Word of God is being carried out by angels, even now as I speak. (Psalm 103:20)
I expect to have divine appointments today, to run into the right people, and to be delivered from the wrong people.
Any adversity, attack, accidents and tragedies that were headed my way are diverted right now in Jesus’ name.
I speak to the raging waters in my life: Peace, be still.
I say to my emotions, peace, be still.
I say to my mind, peace, be still.
I say to my body, peace, be still.
I say to my home, peace, be still.
I say to my family, peace, be still.
Now I speak to:
every mountain of fearevery mountain of discouragement every mountain of stress every mountain of depression every mountain of lack and insufficiency
And I say, "Be removed and cast into the sea in Jesus name!" (Mark 11:23)
I expect the best day of my life spiritually, emotionally, relationally and financially today in Jesus name!

The Doormat

I have been having a hard time accepting my sister-in-law's prescence around the house. She's older then me and my husband so I guess she thinks that she doesn't have to follow any rules or ask for anything of ours that she uses. She's even left her daughter for me to take care of while she's at work without even asking. I have been allowing myself to become worked up about this.

"God, I know I have to be nice and giving and loving but do I also have to be a doormat?" I would often ask in my frustration.

This has been going on for about 3 months until this morning while I was doing my Bible study I came across 2nd Corinthians 6:4-10

"but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in prisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things. "

I saw that scripture as God's answer to me. So what if I am a doormat! I am blessed because I serve. By serving others I serve God. Should I complain? For all God has done for me, dealing with others and becoming a doormat is the least I could do. After all, He gave His life for men( and women) that hated him, used him and still to this day blaspheme and don't believe Him. If Christ would have walked away screaming, "I will not be a doormat to these people!", we would have all been in trouble.

Give Glory to God!

The Feminine Side of His Image

I do believe that God is a man. Many women activists may disagree but I believe the Bible clearly shows that the sex of God is male. In the very beginning, Genesis 3:16, God placed man over women. It is also shown in the new testament, Ephesians 5:22-23, and 1 Peter 3:7, that women are the "weaker vessel." But we are loved and cherished by God and men are ordered to do the same. Since men are commanded to be the head over the women then God, who is head over all, must be a man.

But, I also believe God has a feminine side and out of the feminine side of His image came women. The feminine side of God is the Holy spirit also known as the Holy ghost. According to Hugs for Women: Stories, Sayings, and Scriptures to Encourage and Inspire by Mary Hollingsworth, Holy Spirit is a feminine word in Hebrew. If you think about it, the Holy spirit is what many women are. The Holy Spirit is the one that comes in and effects your emotions, gets you excited and makes you want to shout out for God or fills you up with tears when you realize all that God has done for you. There are many examples of this in the Bible such as Luke 10:21,

" At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."Also in Acts 13:52
"And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."

It is also the Holy Spirit that comforts you when you feel alone or lost.(Romans 5:5) Just like a woman. We are the comforters, we are more emotionally driven then men. The Holy Spirit is also powerful. Like women, the Holy Spirit should be greatly respected for its inner peace and quiet but shockingly awesome power. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."Acts 1:8 Power like, having a career, volunteering at church and still taking care of your family. Power like, giving birth and filling a nation. Power like, being at the brink of disaster but knowing that your and your family will be okay. Power like, smiling at the future despite the present.