Overcoming Me

Usually around this time of year is when I start writing down my goals for the next 12 Months.  I also review what I wrote down to accomplish in previous years and noticed that often times I may not accomplish every goal within the time ascribed (12 Months)  but noted that some are accomplished within a 24-36 month window and I gleefully put a check mark for accomplishment. Such a wonderful feeling to do this!

2018 feels like it moved with such immense speed. In fact, these past few years feels like each subsequent year moves faster than the last. Have you experienced the same?

I've had many high points, low points and in between this year and I'm thankful for all of them. Yes, I'm even thankful for the low points because interestingly in these moments I've discovered various strengths and been propelled to stretch  beyond myself.

I will share how I channeled inner and spiritual strength to motivate myself beyond myself these past 12 months. In addition to developing a lifestyle of thankfulness, especially during the 'low' and in between moments/seasons of life.

I am naturally an introvert; almost 'cookie cutter' introverted. Like all things, there are great positives (strengths) and negatives (limitations) to this personality style.  One of the limitations of being an introvert is avoiding small talk/random chit chat.  You've guessed it, I am not a social butterfly.  There is a difference between being Introverted and Shy.  I am  not a shy person.  I can be 'social' if I choose, but its not my natural inclination.I am naturally inclined to hide away and not bee seen or noticed.  (perhaps a main reason why I am still 'single', perhaps the main reason why I don't have a blog profile picture, perhaps the reason why I don't write too many personal posts among other perhaps..... ).

Any how, this year I decided to challenge the Introverted me and join my Organizations Toastmasters club. Toastmasters is a public speaking club/community. I knew joining that I am generally a good public speaker as each time I've had to address an audience, I receive positive feedback unsolicited. My main reason for joining Toastmasters however was to transition form a generally good speaker to a GREAT public speaker, but more personally to challenge myself to mingle and just generally talk more, on purpose. The title of my first Toastmasters speech was 'Introvert Anonymous' which I compared joining Toastmasters for me was akin to joining an anonymous group for recovering addicts. So far, so great! I am thankful that I am investing in this aspect of my life and that I choose to challenge myself in this way. I am excited to see how this investment flourishes as time progress. Plus, I get to practice my chit-chat, small talk skills when I run into a club member. #Winning #Thankful #LivingPurposefully #OnPurpose.

I am also naturally an analyzer. Just like being an introvert, there are many positives and a few negatives to having an analyzer mind.  One of the negatives limitations of being an analyzer is OVER analyzing almost everything, often times unnecessarily. For me, this also causes some degree of anxiety, high degree of procrastination and the annoying habit of indecisiveness because, thinking 'analyzing' too much into a situation, suspecting 'analyzing' a persons unspoken intent or words, needing to know 'analyzing' the what if's and all possibilities to make the right decision; As a result, I am also not inclined to take risks.
This is one of the reasons I was so eager and was so blessed to have read Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado  this book truly brought perspective to my anxious  over analyzing thoughts. I am a work in progress in this area and I am practicing daily to not think so deeply all the time, just live and let live and Faith my Fears.

I definitely can write lots more about my personal limitations and finding ways to overcome them.  It's a challenge that I look forward to improving on personally to nurture a better version of me. 

Finally, I am generally a very grateful person never hesitant to show appreciation.  I endeavor to keep strengthening this aspect of my life to always find reasons to be grateful and demonstrate an attitude of Thanks Living.

I encourage you to acknowledge your personal weaknesses and find ways to overcome them for a better version of you is waiting on ......YOU!

A Secret to Share

Are you a secret keeper?  

A ‘secret’ is something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown by others.
You may be wondering well, why are you sharing a secret then?!

Because knowing empowers us, knowing awakens our consciousness, knowing gives us the ability to make a choice, knowing creates opportunities, knowing liberates us.

The secret is actually a word.  A word whose meaning is too often misunderstood.  This word is often spoken of but very seldom demonstrated. Contrary to popular belief, this word is a verb, an action word …………the word…. Is……LOVE😊  

Love! I am sure you have heard this word before and perhaps even confessed love for someone at some point in your life. 

Perhaps you have professed love to your Parent, Child, Spouse, Friend or even your pet!  The secret is that it is not enough to just ‘say’ love; The power lies in demonstrating what it means to love.  

Love is best demonstrated through our actions. 

Love compels us to be inconvenienced, Love compels us to think of our self less. If we are honest, demonstrating love most times does not feel good.  Why? because it has nothing to do with us and everything to do with others.
Not too long ago, the world watched as 8 boys and their coach were trapped in a cave unable to exit.  Volunteers from all over provided their time, resources and manpower to formulate and execute several plans in order to rescue the boys and ensure their safe evacuation. 

All the volunteer divers knew there was a risk involved because of the water levels, narrow enclosures, and the need to carry oxygen on their backs for the rescue. We all breathed a sigh of relief when FINALLY all were saved. My thoughts and prayers with the family and friends of Saman Kunout the volunteer who died while bringing a supply of oxygen to the boys ran out of oxygen and became trapped when flood waters increased in the cave.

The reality is we may never have the opportunity to volunteer on an international life saving mission, or stop world hunger; however, we can start right where we are.

If we decided to demonstrate love intentionally…….can you imagine the possibilities that would manifest as a result? 

Well, You may be wondering, where and how do I start? Mother Teresa said “If you want to change the world, go home, and love your family”

My Favorite reference book- The Bible- one of the gospel writers Paul informs us on what love is and what love is not in 1 Corinthians 13. 

Love is patient, 

love is kind, 

love does not envy or boast; 

Love is not arrogant or rude. 

Love does not insist on its own way; 

Love is not irritable or resentful; 

Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Perhaps a good starting place is practicing patience and kindness to those closest to us and continue to build from there. 

The following quotes captured my attention.

On Patience: Adel Bestavros is quoted

"Patience with family is love, patience with others is respect, patience with self is confidence, and patience with God is faith"

On Kindness: Bob Kerry is quoted 

"unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly and most underrated agent of human change"

Jesus Christ said "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God"
The demonstration of Love is powerful if used consistently, persistently and irrespectively.  Love builds, Love restores, Love heals.

I challenge you to "share" this secret, with our actions. Let our actions spill the secret and define the true meaning of love particularly when it is least expected and least deserved.

Greatness Defined

Sharing a brief quote from my lesson study reading this morning.  This spoke to me and I was compelled to share.




Matthew 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 


Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,   and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.




" To define true greatness, Jesus called a child to stand before Him and said, “‘Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven’” (vs. 4, NKJV). Jesus didn’t talk about being a great preacher, or a great businessman, or even a great philanthropist. Greatness, in the sight of God, is what we are inside, not what we do externally, though no doubt what’s inside will impact what we do externally.




Notice, Jesus defines greatness in a way that most people in the world don’t. After all, who wakes up one day and decides that the greatness he or she wants in life is to be as humble as a little child? It seems strange to us, to aspire to something like that, but this is only because we are so tainted by the world’s principles, ideas, and concepts."


Quotation excerpts taken from: Idols of the Soul and Other Lessons from Jesus




Our perceptions are so skewed by worldly standards; May God help us me to realign our my thinking to His principles and standards.

State of the Nation

Don't know why there has been a block on writing lately. It's not like I don't have thoughts running through my mind. There has just been a pause in my spirit; nevertheless I am going to pick up the "pen" of inspiration once more, and press towards written thoughts once more.


This morning while doing my devotional reading in  II Chronicles, my thoughts drifted to the State of this Nation, who's founding fathers/leaders highly esteemed God, and His moral laws.  The evidence of God's morals and laws from the early 1700s through 1800s is evident in the words engraved in various monuments and memorials of powerful and influential men of Leadership from America's past history  are displayed around the U.S Capital...

Selected Quote form

 Abraham Lincoln Memorial

Selected Quote from

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

There is no wonder the US flourished economically, and with relative security of its land and people over the years.  But I pause to reflect on current state of affairs.....

Is God's Morals and Laws currently being upheld/esteemed/regarded by current Leaders of Government?

Is God being acknowledged in any way?

Is God being consulted for decision making?

Here is link to II Chronicles 15  compare it to the events that occurred in 11 Chronicles 16

1. What are the significant points of note from your perspective in chapter 15?
2. What changed in Chapter 16? and what did you learn from this account?
3. Is there hope for America?  If so, how is it possible? (Clue can be found in 11 Chronicles 7:14)



Evaluating the Evidence

The dictionary defines evidence as :

1. An outward/visible sign of something
2. Something that furnishes proof

Words that share the same meaning (synonyms) to evidence are attestation, confirmation, corroboration, documentation, proof, substantiation, testament, testimonial, testimony, validation, voucher, witness.

For some time now I've wanted to share my thoughts on what it means to have the evidence of The Holy Spirit.

I've never spoken in tongues and sincerely don't believe that one need to speak in tongues in order to be saved or that speaking in tongues is the ultimate evidence of the Holy Spirit living in you.

The bible states the characteristics of individuals that will not be saved in
Galations 5:19 -21: 

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,  idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,  envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

The bible also states characteristics of individuals that demonstrate the evidence of the Holy Spirit

Galations 5:22-23:

But the fruit [Evidence] of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

The dictonary defines Language as

1. audible, articulate, meaningful sound as produced by the action of the vocal organs  
2. A systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings.

Words that share the same meaning (synonyms) to language are: lingo, mother tongue, speech, tongue, vocabulary.

The bible states the account of Pentecost in Acts 2.

⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

⁵ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

⁶ Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

⁷ And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

⁸ And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues [language] the wonderful works of God.

During Pentecost, The Holy Spirit gave the disciples the ability to preach the gospel of Jesus in different tongues/languages so that individuals present from other nations who spoke a different language(tongue) could hear the good news of Jesus and His gift of salvation. That is clearly what happened here.

Not surprisingly the early Christian church was so intrigued by this experience that they witnessed or heard about that they too wanted to speak in another language (tongues). Speaking in tongues was thereafter pursued artificially so much so that Paul advised the church brethren in 1Corinthians 12:1-11

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 

 

 ² You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.

 

³ Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

⁴ There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

⁵ There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 

 ⁶ And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 

 ⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 

 ⁸ for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,

⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same^[b] Spirit, 

 ¹⁰ to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 

Let me pause here quickly; Have you ever watched in person who Interpreted of sign language or Spanish, French, Chinese, Igbo etc? It is a gift to be able to translate communication for understanding. While one person may speak or understand a different language, the same person may not be able to interpret it to another non-speaking party. Okay, back to the scripture text....

 ¹¹ But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

The word of God speaks for itself. I just want to encourage someone today, who may be struggling with this issue or feeling that they are not a sincere Christian and unable to live for God fully because of being expected to speak in tongues. 

God loves you and his only expectation of you is to love Him with all your heart and love each person he puts in your path as well.  I'll leave you with this passage from 1Corinthians 13:

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 

² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 

 ³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 

⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 

 ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 

⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰ But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ¹² For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

¹³ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Signs of the Times

Matthew 24: 3-14

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” Matthew 24:3 (NLT).

⁴ Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you,

⁶ And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.

 ⁷ Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes and plagues in many parts of the world.

⁸ But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
 
⁹ “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.

¹⁰ And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.

¹¹ And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.

¹² Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.

¹³ But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

¹⁴ And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

Have you been listening to the news lately?

  I hear the sound of a mighty rushing wind
and it's closer now than its ever been
I can almost hear the trumpet
As Gabriel sounds the call
At the midnight cry we'll be going home.

 

When Jesus steps out
on a cloud and calls God's children

The dead in christ shall rise to meet him
in the air
and then those that remain
will be quickly changed
At the midnight cry (at the midnight cry)

When Jesus comes again

 

I look around me, I see prophecies fulfilling
The signs of the times, they're appearing everywhere
I can almost hear my Father, as He say, "Son, go get my children"
Oh yeah, at the midnight cry, the Bride of Christ will rise....

Midnight Cry (John Jones)

Worship Service

Worship service today was DYNAMIC. Each weak we go higher and higher in praise and worship.

I wanted to post our service from last week here because it was sooooo GREAT! This week was on another level. I'm torn between which to share so I'll share both.

This Week High Praise:
http://new.livestream.com/metrosda/MAY242014

Last Week Dynamic Praise:
http://new.livestream.com/metrosda/MAY172014

P.S. You may or may not see Yours Truly ' Highly Favored' in these videos  :-)

Love Defined....

The inspiration for this post came from my Devotional Reading.  It blessed my soul so much I wanted to share a portion here.

Galations 5:21-23 -  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

“After all, Joy is love enjoying itself;

Peace is love resting;

Patience is love waiting;

Kindness is love reacting;

Goodness is love choosing;

Faithfulness is love keeping its word;

Gentleness is love empathizing;

Self-Control is love resisting temptation.”

Author: Ray Stedman

Blood Bath

I experienced one of the biggest test/trial in my life a few years ago.  I can testify that God may not save you from being thrown in the fire like the three Hebrew boys, but one thing is SURE; He WILL be in the fire with you. When the fire is blazing and unimaginably hot, people will look on and wonder why you are not consumed. They will wonder why you look so peaceful.  The world will be amazed that when you exit the fire you will not even look like you were in an inferno and your testimony will compel others to proclaim you serve a Mighty God.

In the midst of this trial, I began having some intermittent physical symptoms (looking back I may have been experiencing symptoms of anxiety; I don't know).  Every now and then at night, there would be a pulsating in my abdomen where I could see a section of my abdomen pulsating and moving up/down involuntary.  It was scary! and would even wake me up from sleep!  At other times, I would have difficulty breathing like my breath was leaving me and I felt like I would die at any moment in addition to a rapid erratic pulsating from my heart. 

I went to the doctor first about the abdomen thing, I felt embarrassed and weird explaining what was happening to me.  They did several tests and said they could not find anything wrong. 

On another occasion, I went for the difficulty breathing and erratic pulsating I would feel from my heart. They did EKG, blood test other things and found nothing wrong (at this point I said they probably think this lady is a mad/crazy person).  I was disappointed as I left the facility knowing what I was feeling and there was no help or explanation.

As I drove away my breath still feeling like it was leaving and my heart still beating fast and what felt like out of sink I realized that this attack was from a realm that needed some spiritual intervention.  At that point I started crying out to God in my mind but then the spirit moved me to open up my mouth and say it aloud (I was in the car) .......In the Name of JESUS, In the Mighty Name of JESUS..........Cover me with your blood......Blood of Jesus cover me....... JESUS cover me with your blood.

Would you know that calm swept over me and just like that I was feeling restored and normal and well. All the symptoms that was overtaking me just left and NEVER returned.

I thank God today that there is power in the Name of Jesus....I lift my hands in total praise to God.

I realized that day that I needed to access the power from the blood that Jesus shed for me.

Today I'm singing a medley of songs all mixed up together.......

There is power, power, wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb,
There is power, power, wonder working power in the precious blood of the Lamb.

There is power in the Name of Jesus, there is power in the name of Jesus
Break every chain, break every chain break every chain.

I wanna be washed in the blood of the Lamb,
I need a cleansing from the fountain, my soul is thirsty,
My soul is thirsty got this acing within, I wanna be washed in the blood of the Lamb.

The blood that Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary,
The blood that gives me strength from day to day,
It will never, never, never loose it's power.
For it reaches to the highest mountain and it flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength form day to day
It will ne eeee ver loose it's pow'r.

My Prayer:
Thank you God for your wonder working power.  Thank you for not coming down from the cross to save yourself. Thank you for your sacrifice so that I can have access to you at all times, and that at the mention of your name powers of darkness must come loose and flee.  Thank you for the precious gift of salvation.  I love you Jesus, I worship and adore you, just want to tell you that I love you more than anything. .

'Play' on Emotions

If you haven't already figured it out, I LOVE music. As a teen I sang in several music groups and choirs. In recent years, I sang  solo's at church. Growing up I would drive my mom crazy at times singing often at the TOP of my lungs trying to imitate a soloist I heard at church and I would go on and on... She would say Nadia Favored!......stop, alright STOOOP!! 

I also remember as a little girl crying when I heard certain songs because they made me think how much I love my mom.  Growing up my mom would tell me she love me All The Time. So when I was little whenever I heard the song, I just called to say I love you and a few others, I would cry because it flooded emotions of how much I love my Mommy.

The melodies and lyrics of well composed songs can pull at our emotions. The perfect lyrics and melody often speak to my heart, express my current feelings, sooth my soul, bring me joy.  It all depends on where I am emotionally.

I use to post the lyrics to songs until I recently figured out how to embed the song/music itself from YouTube in my post.

I consider this space to be my personal release of theraputic sorts. Music is a part of who I am, and Is often my preferred method of expressing my innermost feelings/emotions.

Today, the song I'm 'playing' speaks ... I need an Angel...

Personalized Chanting

• I will Trust in the Lord with all my heart. I will not lean to my own understanding.  I will acknowledge Him in everything I do and He will direct my path.

• God has not given me a spirit of fear but a spirit of power and a sound mind.

• The Angel of the Lord encamps around me and will deliver me because I trust Him.

• The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

• God will give his Angels charge over me to protect me in all my ways.

• God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all I could ever ask or think...according to the power that works in me.....

Eat and Think/Food for Thought

Which one of these quotes below resonate with you the most and why?

" Cheat on your Fears, Break up with your Doubts. Get Engaged to your Faith & Marry your Dreams."


" Dont measure each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you sow."


"The true meaning of sharing comes out when it's inconvenient to do so."

 

Greetings

Hello Friends!

I am excited and look forward to sharing testimonies with you as they unfold this year.

I appreciate each and everyone who reads this blog and special welcome to my newest followers.

I'd like to share an excerpt from a very interesting story on Jacob. Feel free to read the entire text for more context if you are unfamiliar with the story.

My charge from Genesis 32:26. "And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh.  And he said, I will not let you go, except you bless me."

The message, you may get injured, hurt, disappointed or impatient, but never let go of God.  In the process God will make a way and he will bless us in His own way and time.

Let's continue to love, pray and praise.

Love you All,

Highly Favored.

Dreaming of Reality

Here I am dreaming again. Day-dreaming;
My mind racing, but this time I'm pacing myself.

The questions of my mind,
The questions of my inner most thoughts,

Who will answer?

There is only one who's answer really matters.
I'm pacing myself.

Let me know please God. I want to hear from you directly.

Order my steps and grant me favor if this is your will.

If this is of you, let me know without a doubt.
If this is not of you or your will, let me know with a shout.

I am confident

I am free, I am all you made me to be.

I am beautiful

I am lovely, I have what it takes to be all bubbly

I am anointed I am blessed

I know you want me to have your best, past your test, and be at rest.
My mind is racing but I'm pacing myself.

Not my will but yours be done.
I trust you, I love you, we've only just begun.

His Ears and Our Tears

This week I read a passage of scripture that reinforced that God is merciful and he hears our heartfelt desperate cries from the depth of our soul, as we plead and beg in our prayers to him. I have experienced times and times again that God is moved with compassion and mercy to answer when we cry out to Him and humble our selves before him. Often times the answer is not immediate but ALWAYS right on time.

The passage that touched me this week is in Isaiah 38 where King Hezekiah was sick unto death and the prophet Isaiah told him that the Lord said he was going to die and not live.

Isaiah 38-1-4 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying, ⁵ Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

This instance is not the first time God reversed a course of action due to an individual's supplication. I believe supplication takes you to a level of humility before God that often includes tears and pleading/begging.

Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubls. Exodus 3:7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; verse 8-9: And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.

Psalms 34:15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Psalms 34: 17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

Psalms 34:18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

My Prayer: Today I join with the David as he cried out to you in Psalms 27 I also cry out to you Almighty God ....Hear O Lord when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When you say, Seek my face; my heart said to you, your face Lord will I seek. Please don't hide your face far from me; Please do not put your servant away in anger. You oh God has been my help; Please don't leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation.

I'm Pregnant

This first trimester has been a bumpy ride.  When I discovered this situation,  I was frightened and filled with anxiety.  I did not sleep for the first time in my life a whole 24hrs. How could this happen?  why wasn't I paying attention? why me?!, why now?!....I screamed in horror, my heart started beating rapidly, my eyes wide open, I started chanting, Jesus Christ (not taking His name in vain kind of way) in a help me, what should I do kind of way.  I started to pray for help and could not stop.  My mother thought I was on the verge of loosing my mind.  I didn't sleep a wink, I went to work and came home and was somehow able to function.  I guess it was the adrenalin from my heart pumping so rapidly all night.

I went to work and functioned as if nothing was wrong, but I felt like my eyes were in a constant state of popping, staring and gazing manner.

The next few days all kinds of thoughts came into my mind, and I know that the Lord would not be pleased if I made any of those decisions. I was confused and wanted an easy way out.  But because I deeply want to be saved and I desperately want to make it to heaven I could not oblige or entertain for too long the thoughts that wanted to consume me.  I did not eat for almost a week as I had no appetite. I realized this is a spiritual battler for my soul and I needed to FIGHT.  I began to cry out to God and pray in surrender.  I began to beg God for help and mercy. I made a vow to God and asked him to give me peace because I claim his promises of deliverance, protection, His love etc.  I started repeating verses of scripture verses of the same.

I immediately let go and I am at peace. I know that God will deliver me and vindicate for me.  The next several months of this pregnancy are going to be favored with God on my side. 

This pregnancy is not one of a human life that I am carrying, but one of circumstance.  God is going to deliver though me a mighty Testimony of is Wonder Working Power.

I will continue taking my daily pre-natal vitamins of Faith so that this delivery will be a healthy testimony of praise to the Only Wise God, Creator of All living things.

I am currently on a "vitamin" regimine of:

Faith:  "Faith is that strength, that secret weapon of the soul, which allows us to persevere even when the facts seem daming and the trugh unbearable." TD Jakes

Believe:  "It doesn't matter what it looks like in the natural. [I] serve a supernatural God." Joel Osteen

Praise: "[My]  praise should outweigh [my] petitions. Don't spen all [my] time telling God [my] problems. Take time to thank Him." Joel Osteen

Declaration:  "[My] story ends in victory. [My] final chapter concludes with [me] fulfilling my God-given destiny." Joel Osteen

Because of the high risk nature of this pregnancy I see my Doctor, Jesus daily.  We have a tight bond and I intend to keep that bond even tighter after delivery.

I Declare

One of my recent favorite songs that put a smile on my face each time I hear it is "Break Every Chain" by Tasha Cobbs. 

I love the part where she says "You declare It....The chains are broken"  This small but very powerful part of this song has inspired this post.  It is good to know what you want and what you believe, but it is even more important to personally declare it. 

I Declare......

I will live and not die

God loves me with an everlasting love

The Lord has heard me and will save me from all my troubles

The peace of God will forever surround me

God will protect me

God will deliver me

God will continue to let my life be a living testimony to his goodness, favor and love

God is my strength and the strength of my life

My confidence is in God

God is in Control

I serve a Supernatural God

My story ends in victory

Ephesians 1: 19-20; And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when he raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Colossians 2: 9-10; For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

1Peter 3:9; The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

My Prayer:  God take control of my mind and thoughts.  Thank you for loving me and all that you do.  Please help me as I continue to depend on you in Jesus Name I pray....AMEN.

Let Go and Let God

I am so overwhelmed to know that God delights in uncommon, illogical, supernatural manifestation of His power, sovereignty and divinity.  God's ideal does not need to make logical human sense.

Below are a few biblical examples of God defying every human logic/reasoning:

Exodus 15:22-25

Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water.

 When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah.

And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.

Human thinking/reasoning: This water is bitter!! How can a log make this water drinkable? this log is not sugar?! If anything, it may make things even worse.
Our Sovereign and Omnipotent God Answers:  Read Job 38-40.

Genesis 41:38-43
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.  You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.  And Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.  Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt.

Human thinking/reasoning: It is Impossible for an Israelite, slave and ex-prisoner, to become a ruler in Egypt, second in command to an Egyptian King. No one would want such an individual with such a past history to rule their people or rise to prominence in their kingdom.
Our Sovereign and Omnipotent God Answers:  Read Luke 1:50-52 and Luke 18:27

John 9:6-7
When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. ⁷ And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.

Human thinking/reasoning:  Spit and mud is gross. Why couldn't he just speak and command healing like he did for so many before?
Our Sovereign and Omnipotent God Answers: Read Romans 11:33
Matthew 14:17-20

 And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”¹⁸ He said, “Bring them here to Me.” ¹⁹ Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. ²⁰ So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained.

Human thinking/reasoning: There is no way we can feed all these people with just two fish and five loaves.  These people can just go to their homes and eat. We don't need to feed them. We should eat these loaves and fishes ourselves after all we are the ones ministering to them all day we deserve it.
Our Sovereign and Omnipotent God Answers: Read Ephesians 3:20 and Luke 6:38

Whatever it is that God want's to do in our lives, let us let go of our own understing, calculations, timelines so that we can Trust and Obey Gods instructions and directions. God's way is exciting, fun, always a blow your mind experience. Everything God does, He does it Best.

1Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him

The Answer

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. Perfect love puts fear out of our hearts...... The man who is afraid does not have perfect love.


My Prayer

God please give me the courage to love freely.  To love without reservation, to love without limitation, to love without hesitation. Dismiss all insecruities and release all confidence that I need. I am your Favored Daughter. Please help me, teach me and mold me after your will. In Jesus Name I pray.

True Evidence of God's Holy Spirit

My first job right out of High School while attending College was working at WalMart.  I always remember this middle aged man that came in close to the closing hours as he worked the overnight stocking.  While he would be pulling the display pallets to the front, he ALWAYS greeted me and and anyone around with a bright smile (missing some teeth)a nod and a wave; so genuine, humble and unasuming.

His smile and greeting always made me smile and feel good inside.  I have noticed that along lifes path, whenever individuals especially those that I don't know personally greet me brightly and genuinly, I litterally brighten up and feel (not sure how to describe), alive?

As I get older more mature, I feel a conviction that I need to be more purposeful in smiling more and greeting those in my path as I go about my daily tasks with joy and enthusiasm.  From personal experience, I know the power of a smile and a greeting and how it moves me and even shapes my outlook for that day/night/evening.

I am working on this, and my purpose is to make others feel 'alive' (special, cared about/thought of), and to transmit the 'sunshine' of God's presence and warm someones heat and soul.

God desires that we display the evidence of his Spirit/ Character in our lives as his followers:

Galations 5: 22-23  But the fruit [Evidence] of the Spirit [Gods Character] is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

I am a work in progress.  May the Lord help us who desire to please him and display love others.