Praise Session

I just want to take this blog and give God the glory and praise He is due. I am so humbled by all my blessings right now. Obedience is the key. Not questions. Lately, I have been giving my problems completely to God. Which has been hard for me because I am the type that has to always have a back up plan. Praise be to God that He has shown me the right way. I completely let go. I no longer wonder, if I give this amount away, how will I get my bills paid? I no longer wonder, if I take on this large project Lord how will things come together? Instead I say thank you God for this opportunity. Thank you Lord that you have blessed me without me having to do a thing but believe. My family needed a new stove. I prayed to God for it. I gave to church my tithe when I could've been saving. But I believe in what the Bible says. Over the course of a few weeks, I was given a new stove, new furniture, new clothes and coats for my kids, new microwave, lamps, blankets and bunkbeds! Believe me when I say, this woman came to me and my husband and asked us to write a list of things we needed. I didn't indicate that I needed anything to anyone but the Lord and neither did my husband. I know now never to worry whether me or my family will be taken care of. If I truly believe the love God has for us I will not doubt again. Hallelujah!

He is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think according to His works in us! (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Hate your job?

Did you know that God cares about your job performance? I was thinking about this while working my new job as an admissions advisor. I am currently in the works of starting my own magazine and has become very preoccupied with that. I have been letting things lapse a bit while taking care of other business. This job isn't my dream, this isn't exactly where I want to be right now so I guess I don't have to really worry about it too much, right? Then the scripture Colossians 3:23-24 came to me during one of my personal Bible studies. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for me, since you know that you will receive an inheritance form the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." If I let this job, I was blessed with after being out of work for such a long time, lapse then why would God trust me with anything bigger or better? If you hate what you do, change your attitude. When you stop complaining and hating, you open yourself up for God to do His works in your life. Praise God for those long hours. Thank God for that small paycheck. Put your all into it and God will bless you with something better. He will make a way for you. Genesis 21:22 says that "God is with you in everything that you do." So pray before you do that report. Or praise when filling that shipment order. Whatever you do allow God to establish the work of your hands. (Psalm 90:17)

Pray it off

Really quick, I was blog surfing and noticed many bloggers get really disturbed by comments. why? I have had the worst thrown at me for my viewpoints (well, not on this blog so far) and I have no problem. I think it's because I have the ability to let things go easily. As the young kids say these days, "shake it off" If it's something that effects me at all, I pray about it. I ask God to open their heart and mine. Sometimes God shows me that He was using them to open my eyes on something. So my readers, feel free to disagree. If I need to clarify I will. If not, no problem, I'll pray.

My Second Love

I just created a new blog! It is going to be family based. I truly believe God has called us to love Him first and our family second. This blog will detail my family trials and thoughts. Please visit http://thesecondlove.blogspot.com Let me know what you think and if you have any ideas!

Cost of My Oil

The room grew still As she made her way to Jesus, She stumbled throuh the tears That make her blind She felt such pain Some spoke in anger Heard folks whisper There's no place here for her kind until on she came Through the shame that flushed her face until at last she knelt before his feet And though she spoke no words Everything she said was heard As she poured her love for the master From her box of Alabaster And I've come to pour My praise on Him like oil From Mary's Alabaster Box Don't be angry if I wash His feet with my tears And I dry them with my hair You weren't there the night He found me You did not feel what I felt When He wrapped His loving arms around me And you don't know the cost Of the oil in my Alabaster box

For those who don't know, the above is lyrics from CeCe Winans, a gospel singer's, Alabaster box. I was thinking about this song while listening to it the other day and thought how true it is. That people don't know what other Christians have been through and how much God has forgiven them. We tend to look at others and see what they are doing wrong or has done wrong and then criticize when they speak of the love they have for God or that they go to church. Hypocrites! we may think and shake our heads silently glad we aren't like them. But actually we are. Jesus died for our sins as well as theirs. God sees all sins as the same. He doesn't see one sin worst then the other. Sin equals death.(Ezekial 18:4, Romans 6:23) Jesus is the way from that death, plain and simple. But some religious people want to make it more complicated then that. They want people to be condemned and jump through hoops to become saved. It just doesn't seem fair, right? Who cares what seems fair to you. God is in charge. He controls what goes on. He says who deserves punishment and who doesn't. David cheated with Bathsheba, He murdered her husband. He then asked for forgiveness but the child that Bathsheba was carrying died. And despite his grief David praised God. and God in turn blessed them with a child that grew to be one of the wisest people in the Bible.(2nd Samuel 11 and 12:1-24) We can help each other as Christians and pray for them but we are not called to judge. Remember what God has commanded you, Love Him with everything and love each other.

Quotable

"Spirituality is not superiority. It (being a Christian) doesn't mean we are better then someone else. We are better then the devil (Acts 2:21) We are better than our circumstances(John 16:33) and we are better then our past(2nd Corinthians 5:17) But we are not called by God to be better then others. When you are trying to be superior to others you are in the flesh."

-Pastor Gregory Dickow

"Therefore you are inexcusable , o man whosoever you are that judge:for wherein you judge one another, you condemn yourself; for you that judge do the same things." Romans 2:1

"Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Romans 13:10

anyone with publishing experience?

I feel God calling me to start my own Christian magazine. But I don't know exactly where to start. Is there anyone with experience that can throw a few pointers my way? e-mail me telika8@elitemail.org

Am I naive?

Some would say that I am naive to expect people to look pass others faults and simply love them. That I sound like a child when I insist that people not focus on politics or what ones political beliefs are but on their love for Jesus Christ. Even some shake their heads when I mention letting your problems and the world problems go and simply pray and believe that God will take care of it all.

I think this is exactly what Christ meant in Matthew 18:3-4, when He asks us to become like little children to receive the kingdom of Heaven. He continues to teach that if we must humble ourselves like little children. I believe most adults think too much. We try to add to scripture and reason with our lives. We try to explain away why we must worry and scream and be stressed out when we come to problems in our lives. I look at my children and see exactly what Christ meant. They blindly obey me. What I teach them now they know as truth and they don't question me. That is how God desires us to be with Him! He wants us to not question when he tells us to tithe before we pay the bills. He wants us not to shake our heads and reason with Him when He asks us to love someone who has different beliefs then us. God controls this world and He has plans. He has blessings for all of us. But to receive these blessings, to receive the kingdom we must train ourselves to become His children.

So, if thinking like a child of God is naive then that's fine with me.

Morning Epiphany

God had really opened my eyes to something this morning. It hit me like a brick in the face.

Lately I have been having problems with my husband and our communication. Toward me he has been really bitter and coldhearted. I have been wondering, why has he been acting like this? He no longer acts the way he used to; sweet kisses for no reason, going out of his way to do things for me, saying "I love you" out of the blue. I have been praying about this and trying not to let it anger me, even though it has.

And then this morning while riding to work, I was spiritually grabbed until my eyes were shaken open. I realized how hurtful I am with my words. Whenever I am angry, and me and my husband fight, I would allow myself to get into the flesh and say the most hurtful things. Later I would repent to God and apologize to my husband, but I realized that that wasn't good enough that my words have had a lasting effect. I realized the worst of our problems began after we had got into the most awful fight. We made up, but I believe that the things I said are still with him.

All I can do now is pray that my husband is healed from it. We as women tend to blame our husbands for our marriages going sour but we have to realize that sometimes it's us . We need to look at ourselves and ask, what have we done and what can we do to go about things differently in our marriage? I praise God for this insight. I can't wait to go home tonight and tell my husband all about this. I know that no amount of words can make up for the hurt I caused but I can ask God to change me.

"Death and Life are in the power of the tongue.." Psalm 18:21

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.