I know it is Thanksgiving Eve and many are wrapped up in the traditions of the season and whatever the holiday represents to them. How and if you observe Thanksgiving is your business; I just want to encourage you to remember to give God thanks for the gift you are. No this is not some hokey, cheerleader pump you up positivity message. Rather, this is a heartfelt plea in the spirit of God for you to not lose yourself in the busyness of the season. A good meal, time with loved ones and presents are great but you were created with a divine purpose. There are people assigned to you and you alone that are waiting to eat from the table of your anointing. There is a destiny that God has gifted you for that has nothing to do with you. Even your storms, journeys and their conclusions are divinely crafted as a testimony to God’s goodness. Your setbacks are setups for divine favor and an infectious overflow of the anointing of God!
There is something exquisite and beautiful about the unique gift you are. Your value CANNOT be found under a tree, in a gift box nor can it be decorated with a bow. So it’s your thing, do what you wanna do but don’t like the things you do outshine you. So before you pull up a chair and pile your plate, first look up to heaven and take the time to acknowledge the list of things in your life that demand you give God thanks. When was the last time you looked at yourself naked?
No seriously, I’m not talking about that peak in the mirror you do after your shower or as you dress frantically in the morning. I am referring to when was the last time you really took a look at the total you? We all have those parts of our body that we just don’t like—that cellulite that we wish was non-existent or the parts of our body that lack symmetry. Some of our frames are either too lean or too wide. For many it is a common practice to NEVER look at themselves naked; truly one of the saddest things in life. Just like that body part that we are displeased with, many faucets of our lives we wish we could erase. Too often someone might have told you that you are too “hard” but your hardcore exterior is beautiful because it demonstrates the protector in you. Your no nonsense attitude or serious nature demonstrates a person who takes care of business and refuses to waste time or opportunity. The way you wear your heart on your sleeve reveals the sensitive side to you and your soft hand of care as you interact with the world. We are wonderfully and fearfully made—even our imperfections highlight all that is beautiful and unique about us. That is why we need to look at ourselves NAKED! Are you too soft and need to toughen up? Are you too hard—do you need to relax and practice being vulnerable, allowing those around you to demonstrate their love for you and trustworthiness? Do you wear your heart on your sleeve too much or do you need to practice wisdom in whom you try to help or care for? Do you really have all your ducks in order or is it time for a reality check and realignment? Do you need to keep trying to please those around you or is it time to listen to that inner voice that you have silenced for too long? Unless you are willing to ditch the towel, turn on the lights and look into the mirror of your soul, you will never know. Start your work now: purchase your copy of Sometimes all you have is Happy--A guide to obtaining happiness while awaiting your dreams: createspace.com/5074934 Hear me clearly: YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE (yes, I am yelling at you)! So many times throughout life we are told or made to feel that we are failures. You try and try and nothing seems to come together. You do steps 1-9 and then 10-99 and repeat and still, it works for everyone else but you. Have you ever felt that you were singled out just to be picked on? I'm here to tell you today that the devil is a liar! You were picked out to be blessed. Decide today that, from this point forward, nothing but purpose, success, prosperity and abundance are coming your way. No, every day and circumstance is not going to be pleasant but, even when you experience delays, from this day forward you will no longer be denied. Any "no" will be a "yes" to a higher purpose, calling, anointing, blessing and next dimension living. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE; there is a comeback in your spirit. So right now, trade in your crown of thorns for a BOUNCE BACK spirit. Put on your robe of strength, courage and determination and declare nothing but blessings and destiny over your life. After all, you've already tried giving up, throwing in the towel, frustration and tears--none of those have served you well. You are part of a royal priesthood and dominion is in your DNA. Refuse to live beneath your inheritance. For many the winter holiday season is one of the most depressing times of the year. While stores and TV depict warm, family moments full of food, good times, presents and holiday cheer, the reality is the exact opposite for many. · Is your heart, or the heart of someone you know, heavy because of the loved ones you’ve lost and wish you could have one more Christmas or Thanksgiving to celebrate with? · Do you think about happier times with an ex-spouse, partner or lover? Do you miss the times you once shared during this season with family and friends? · Have you recently lost your job, home or suffered a major financial loss and wonder how are you and your family are going to make it? Do you feel guilty because you struggle from day to day to pay bills and put food on the table and you know you will not be able to give the type of gifts you did in previous years? · Are you the one that is always left out of family celebrations or are your family holiday dinners full of fighting, tension and anger? Do you dread this time each year and struggle to keep up appearances while knowing that each celebration is worse than the one before? I bring you good news; help is on the way! Sometimes all you have is Happy: A guide to obtaining happiness while awaiting your dreams will tell you the steps you can take right now to regain your happiness and joy. You are 40 pages away from the knowledge, lessons, exercises and simplistic steps to changing the rest of your life. Let author Alesha Brown, The Joy Guru, share the many lessons she learned that enabled her to transition from a victim to a victor after surviving 17 years of childhood abuse and suicidal thoughts. Purchase your copy and don’t wait too long--your happiness and how you spend the rest of your life depends on it: createspace.com/5074934 ***As always, purchase extra copies to share with friends, loved ones and those in the community that you can bless with a message of hope and encouragement in the midst of despair and hopelessness. Stop defending, apologizing or minimizing your gifts, growth and blessings to the naysayers:11/16/2014 If you have ever had a surgery and was required to use a drain tube, the attached image probably provides flashbacks. (Sorry but it's during some of our most undesirable times that we learn the best lessons if we are willing to listen to the spirit.)
So often we experience a loss or death in our lives: a loss of a spouse, child or loved one--death, divorce or change to life as we once knew it; financial loss, health crisis, periods of unemployment, demotion or stagnation. Some experiences leave us so broken that we feel like we cannot go on. Yet, sooner or later, you will have to make a decision. Since the work/life continues, will you allow it to go on WITH or WITHOUT you? Regardless of the situation, the world will go on with or without you. Only God knows the number of years we will have on this side of eternity but, eventually, life will continue on without us. The same is true of that situation, loss, job, loved one and any other thing that troubles you: time waits for no one. So I encourage you today, and every day, whenever you feel lost, hurt or broken; persecuted, abandoned or forgotten; when you feel defeated and don't know which way to turn, just know the work continues. What legacy will you leave; what footprint will this earth have acknowledging your time spent here? What souls will testify to the impact that you made on their lives and grieve over your loss? If we start each day with these question on our mind, we will be reminded of our purpose and continue along the journey of life differently. Indeed, the work continues . . . . What , . .. 2 Cor. 12: 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.--KJV I never understood the true depth of this scripture until I was an adult but I'm glad I learned it young. Naturally this sounds like an oxymoron: taking pleasure in that which is unpleasant. Yet, as I sit here facing another one of life's challenges, I can truly count it ALL JOY! I can't do anything but rejoice although physically I must remain still and rest. [Yet my soul still sings his praises and no period of recovery can interfere with that. Actually sing his praises is what has enabled me to weather the storm.] God has proved faithful and strong once again in my life and he has brought me out with fanfare. He has surrounded me with love and support; he has strengthened me and cured all that ailed me. I have come out better and strong then when I first entered the battle: isn't that the end goal? Sometimes it takes an adversity or challenge in our lives so we can enter a season of rest and revelation. I went into this storm knowing that God was going to bring me out and I would be victorious and that is exactly what happened. I declared that I was willing to endure minor discomfort in order to cure what ailed me and that is exactly what happened. [Truly Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.--Prov. 18:21, KJV] God has proven in my life that despite what obstacles comes my way they are not to the death. Even if I enter a situation where death is a possibility, I know that it will not be my reality. God is faithful and, although life will always have its persecutions, sufferings, imperfections and troubles, there will be a time of rejoicing, tribulation and jubilation. The more you endure, the more heart ache and trouble that comes your way, the more that God is going repay you for your suffering. So count it all joy and know that no matter what battle you face today, you are coming out on the WINNING side. Sure, there are some things that God will take away from you or heal and there are other things that you will be left to endure. Why and what makes the difference? I don't know but I do know this:God's grace is sufficient for thee and his strength is made perfect in your weakness. We have all had that type of morning: you’re rushing trying to do 100 different things while preparing to leave for work. You run out of the house with little or no makeup and do not feel like wearing any. Well, yesterday I did just thaT--I didn’t feel like putting on the concealer and I knew my office was mostly vacant. If I was brave enough to not wear any concealer all day long,:
· Why do I use/”NEED” concealer in the first place? · Who said that blemishes/imperfections needed to be covered? · Why is it that when I look in the mirror, I still see the same magnificent creation without concealer that I see with concealer on? If the reflection is the same, why do I cringe at the thought of leaving home without out? Some of you would say that my mind wonders too much but this is a metaphor for the way many of us think and act every day. Some of obsess about our outward appearance and how others perceive us. Others of us are so caught up in beauty regimens, diets and trends to achieve the “perfect figure” so that we have a “better chance of” being accepted by others—potential mates, social networks, employers, etc. Others sacrifice their dreams and precious quality of life and family time so that one day they can “reach the top and show the world” just how successful they are. That one day is today: no minute, hour or day is promised to anyone of us. Live life NOW: loudly, boisterously, joyfully and abundantly without the concealer. (P.S: I will still use concealer but with the awareness that, blemishes or not, I’m flawless and so are you.) This is my testimony; people tell me I'm too loud all the time. I just laugh at them because 1) they are often right and 2) they have no idea how many years of childhood I spent abused, timid and unaware that what I had to say mattered. Abuse will do that to you but one thing I know: BUT GOD! Only God will take the quiet, timid and meek and give you a story and voice of power, courage and influence to change the world.
Bottom line: be you, do you and walk in authority, dominion and power. If you're a little loud, that's okay; it's easier to teach a loud person how to tone it down than to teach a timid victim how to walk in authority and victory. TURN DOWN FOR WHAT? createspace.com/5074934 Book: Sometimes all you have is Happy: A guide to obtain happiness while awaiting your dreams
I had the most amazing time today at the 2014 Ultimate Show for Women in Virginia Beach, VA. I was so proud to be on assignment and promoting the National Association of Professional Women. You can find pics of yours truly and other pics/information at: https://www.facebook.com/NapwNewportNewsLocalChapter. One young woman was the perfect example of what many of us do wrong with the best intentions. She shared with me how she is a young college student that would like to open a hair and nail salon. She said that many people told her she was too young to do that and it is ridiculous for her to pursue such a dream as a communication major. REALLY? Hello, as a communications major she will learn the art of public speaking, writing, interpersonal skills, critical thinking and technology. What business owner doesn't need that? So while someone else wants to be a nail technician or hair stylist, this young lady can be a salon OWNER. That is my idea of multiple streams of income and making your money work for you! Reality Check: regardless of your age, you owe it to the next generation to pay it forward. You have the responsibility regardless of your status, career, accomplishment or job title, to encourage the next generation to dream dreams while sharing your experience, knowledge and connections to help them achieve ANY and EVERYTHING they set their mind, heart and soul to. After all, don't you remember when you were child and dreamed of becoming an astronaut, doctor, lawyer, teacher, dancer, etc.? Do you remember the first time someone laughed at your dream or told you, you'll never be able to do that. Remember how defeated you felt; the feeling like someone took a pin and burst you balloon? EXACTLY. Yes, you may have the best intentions to shield the next generation from failure or disappointment but what you are actually doing is teaching them a visionless, passionless life where they live to fulfill someone else's dream and not their own. So go beyond having the best intentions; if you think the path the next generation has chosen is too hard, be determined to find tools, resources and connections that will lighten their road. You can't fall if you don't climb. But there's no joy in living your whole life on the ground." --Dr. Suess |
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