Messy Love

"Lord, your love is perfect; Especially when it seems like it is not".

This is what I wrote in my journal earlier today, after waking from a nap and feeling burdened and heavy about it being a holiday and desiring my own family (just keeping it real, I have my moments).

Can I share with you something I have learned personally about God's love; it's Messy. Yes I said it,it was  not a typo, lol! What I mean is that out of my life relationship with God, the most beautiful moments that I have experienced in relationship with Him has been birthed out of hot mess situations (undesirable, unpopular, lonely, seemingly dry, or consequences from our bad decisions)!

I can explain it best like this: Imagine, there is this well known Chief artist and He is preparing to premier His best art piece ever. Everyone is talking about it. Some are skeptical, some are excited, and some don't know what to expect. It is clear that this chief artist is SO excited about His premiere piece of artwork. He has put his blood, sweat, tears and heart into it. He makes it perfect not missing one stroke or painting. So here goes the public viewing and you are the star guest. The unveiling is about to take place, many have gathered to seen (some because they genually want to know and others just to see what the hype is all about). The chief artist comes in and greets everyone, He introduces his premiere piece and asks you to do the honors of unveiling this most precious artwork!!! Once it is unveiled,  It is quiet in the room some are looking in astonishment, others look disgusted and turn there nose up, then yet others are confused as to what it is or means! The chief artist asks you what you think, you don't want to hurt His feelings because He is so excited and overwhelmed with joy! To you, the premiere piece looks....... Messy. To you it has so many imperfections and things seem to be all over the place! The artist can see from your facial expression exactly how you feel, then He grabs your hand and says, " My love, let me explain. This is my most beautiful prized possession. I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. This is my LOVE for you and it is my MASTERpiece"!

If you can tell, the chief artist is God and we are His special guest He asked to do the unveiling. The painting is His love for us. See, the world has given us a shallow, easy and even selfish view of love. This is not Love though. A lot of the things we experience in life may seem a hot steamy mess and the way We see our lives is in the world's eye, so we try to deny it or even look at it in disgust. It may look messy and far from perfect to us. Although His love is perfect, when we are in the midst of trial or test it may not feel or look perfect because WE are not perfect. Only God and His love is.

 Stop trying to be perfect for the world, the world will never be satisfied. Receive God's "messy" Love, which is perfect through His eyes! Let's ask Him to show us our lives through His eyes! It will look completely different! <3

What will you have to offer once Found? (Worth the Wait)

 

I saw something on facebook posted by one of my mentors Cee Cee Michaela the other day that changed my way of thinking in the area of Love, Marriage and Sexual Purity. Basically, it was challenging singles to ask the question: "What will you give your future spouse when you are FOUND"? We often talk or hear about being a Virtuous Woman or a Mighty Man of Valor, we are told not to settle, but don't be too picky, put your self out there, be sociable, get in the word, become the woman or man that you would want that other person to have, the list could go on. This can be great advice and encouragement; but we want to make sure that we are not putting the focus on us and getting that ring on our finger just so that we can finally say: "I's married naw" .

Proverbs 4:7 "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."

Can we be honest and real with each other, when you think about your honeymoon night or being with your mate, what do you think? Honestly, a lot of times I would think about sex (of course). It would be perfect; I will make him feel good and he would make me feel good! We will experience pleasures like never before, he would be "sprung" and so in love with me all the more! It would be perfect, right? God shared a revelation with me the other day; "Anyone can make someone feel good, many people can give someone else lots of sexual pleasure, that's really not much to give and that is not all that you should want to give your mate on your wedding night". You know what the most beautiful gift you could give your mate on your wedding night/honeymoon? Give them GOD, His Spirit living on the inside of you. For my sisters, we want to give him, HIM. When I saw that facebook post, it really hit me to the core, because this takes the focus off us or another person and put it on Christ. So instead of just saying that "We are Worth the Wait" (which is true), take it even further and much higher and confess "Lord, YOU are Worth the Wait". Ultimately, that's really what we are waiting for! Instead of my husband being "sprung" on me, I want Him to be SOLD OUT for the Lord!!! I and you have a part to play in that as we become one with our mate.

So this is what we do: Let's fill ourselves up SO much of God that we are consumed with HIM. Let Him cleanse us from past hurts, pains and sins. Let Him do a work in us, heal us and deliver us so that He can use us for His glory, not just in marriage but in ALL He has called us to do! So I charge you brothers and sisters, let's get past just waiting for our desires to manifest but let's fill ourselves so much with our Heavenly Father, that every person we come in contact with will leave having encountered the true and living God and not us! I believe this applies to both singles and marrieds.

***I want to share some beautiful pictures with you from the Worth the Wait Gala, it was Awesome! Men and Women, Youth, Young Adults and children on Fire for the Lord and walking in Sexual Purity or having the desire to do so! www.iamworththewait.com

A family that is PURE together, can BREAK Yokes together!

 

Me, Cousin Cammie, Sister Tondalaya

 

Beautiful Leslie and I. God has wonderful plans for Leslie! Whoop Whoop!

 

 

My Church Fam and Friends! Don't they look great! #Purity Rocks

 

 

Co-workers and Friends Latanya, James and Myself 2012 Gala!

We are worth the wait! God is worth the wait!

 

 

Peaches Howard and I; my sista from the same Mista; God!

God bless you!

Single and it's Valentine's Day? Or any Holiday

I definitely know what it's like to be single and on the holiday's. I've been through feeling sorry for myself, wondering "why me" and feeling unloved and even sometimes embarrassed. Let me share this with you; You are not alone! I understand and God certainly understands what you are going through. There is a future and a hope for you. God is Super Faithful.

This year for Valentines' Day, God placed on my heart to encourage singles with some words of wisdom and encouragement for 11 days. I pray that you are blessed, encouraged and even challenged by these nuggets God has blessed me with during season of singleness.

Single and it' Valentines Day? (1 of 11) There is a portion (what you have in your life RIGHT NOW) that God has blessed you with. Are you grateful, Have you thanked Him for it? I hear a hearts cry from our Heavenly Father saying: "Son, Daughter, Are you grateful for TODAY, are you grateful that Salvation is offered to you, Are you grateful for life? Let's give God thanks for our portion right now; unconditionally.

Single and it's Valentine's Day? (2 of 11)
Sometimes we think we want something, but we don't see the full picture but God does! A lot of times, He is protecting us from what He knows is not best for us. Take heart in knowing that God has a plan for your life, including His best choice for you in a mate. Let's meditate on Matthew 6:33 and Jeremiah 29:11 today ♥

Single and it's Valentines Day? (3 of 11)
Finding a man of God or a Woman of God is not the problem, God can do that in a second. Being obedient and in alignment of His will for your life is where your attention is needed. ♥

Single and it's Valentines Day? (4 of 11)
I read a post yesterday that said "Marriage is ultimately (or should we say eternally) not about US, it's about our relationship with Jesus Christ." So, this should tell us in preparing for anything, to be well equipped our relationship with the Father should be our priority. For our relationship with Him is what determines how our relationship will be with everyone else! Have you talked and communed with Him today? Have you slipped away for a moment just to tell How much He means to you? #loveonHim

Single and it's Valentines Day? (5 of 11) Speaking of love, let's do a heart check! One sure hindrance of answered prayer and healing is forgiveness. My brother calls it a ticking time bomb! Let's be real, we have all been hurt and disappointed in some way. If we don't forgive, it creates a blockage and hindrance from us really receiving all God has for us no matter how "good" of a person we are. T...here is good news though: God in all His faithfulness has blessed us with Holy Spirit who tells us nothing but the truth. Set some time aside today and ask Him to search your heart for anyone you have not forgiven. Be open because it may be an area or a person you did not expect (including yourself). Time does not heal things. Confession and repentance does. ♥

 

Single and it' Valentines Day? (6 of 11)
Man! God loves you so much! Yeah, the Creator of the Heavens and the earth loves you more than you know and is thinking of you constantly, all the time! He's Faithful. Someone this wonderful knows what's best for you and has not forgotten you so, Rest. Trust. Honor and Worship.

 

Single and it's Valentines Day? (7 of 11)
"Honor the Lord by making Him an offering from the best of all that your land produces." Proverbs 3:9 Let's give Him our best today! Let's honor and Worship Him with our bodies, only doing what's pleasing to Him! #purity

 

Single and it's Valentines Day? (8 of 11)
So, today I have been listening to love songs to Jesus and my heart just begin to overflow with adoration! Did you know that Jesus is a lover too? He's the Lover of our soul! Today let's purpose in our hearts to love on Jesus! Write Him a letter telling Him how you feel, cook dinner and talk with him, write a little post it note, slip away from the busyness and tell Him how you really feel and how your grateful! He is so cool to be around. Enjoy this uninterrupted time with Him :) ♥

 

Single and it's Valentines Day? (9 of 11)
I know sometimes it's SO tempting to compare yourself to others (believe me I've been there and still have to shut it down when tempted to do so). Especially around holidays, weekends or whenever; you may ask the question: "I've been faithful, when is it my turn", "Lord, you blessed so and so and she doesn't even honor you", or "I just mine as well give up..., it doesn't seem like anyone is compatible with me". Let me share something with you; GOD IS FAITHFUL. That's right, He is more faithful than we are. He's not "out to get you" or to make you suffer. He loves you and desires to give you good things. Hold on to God when times get tough, pour your heart out to Him, Worship Him while in the hallway waiting for the open door! ♥

 

Single and it's Valentines Day? (10 of 11)
Do you REALLY believe that you are worth the wait? I know what statistics, people and the media says, but what about what God says: "for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body" 1 Corinthians 6:20. Please do not settle and give up your treasures just because it's a man made holiday that everybody is supposed to show love. You are loved everyday. The one who honors and cherishes you the most. He wants you to wait until His perfect timing, any other way wont even compare to His way. He honor's obedience ♥

Single and It's Valentines Day? (11 of 11)
Rejoice in the Lord Always again I say Rejoice! God writes the best love stories! Put your pen down, a matter of fact throw it away and let Him write the story this time :). Serve Him and Worship more Him while you wait and even when He blesses you; still serve Him and Worship more! Lord, let our service and Worship unto you be the common denominator in all seasons of life! ♥

God has a plan!

I don't believe in coincidences anymore. I truly believe that everywhere we go, the people we meet, the things we witness are all a part of God's plan for our lives. Even when we were doing things that we were not supposed to do, He knew that we would do it before we even did it.


Something I LOVE to do is dance for Jesus! I feel that I could do it all day and night, it's such a blessing that GOD has given us the dance as one way to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth! However, there is a great lesson the Lord has taught me about gifts that He has given us and ministry that He has called us to: we cannot be complacent or get comfortable!


I'll use myself as an example, I remember when God had made it clear to me that I was called to the dance ministry and this is what He wanted me to do. Well, I went full force with studying about it, doing it, learning and sharing with others on it! The I heard that still small voice say, "I want you to sing for me"! I thought, "sing, but I thought you wanted me to dance". He said, "yes, but I want you to sing as well".


One thing about GOD is that when He speaks, if we don't act right away it does not go away! He will send others confirming what He has told us! He did just that for me.


At first I was like, "what in the world! Sing, I only have a choir voice!" Then I had to kindly be reminded that it is not about me, and I just needed to get over myself. It's not about performing, getting hand claps and accolades (this is not to say it's bad to be recognized or honored), but we can't let this be our motive. And I thought since worshipping the Lord through song was something I did not do as well compared to others, that He would never ask me to do it in front of others. Boy was I wrong!

Don't allow yourself to get "stuck" or "limited" by what you do now by putting yourself in a special box. "I'm a preacher, I'm a prophet, I'm a dancer, I'm a Worship leader, etc.". I believe the Lord wants us to say, "Lord, I will be whoever you want me to be, whenever you want me to be". God maybe requiring more in your life. If He is, trust Him. He is the one that wrote out His plan for your life before you were even born and has given you grace to complete that purpose!

In the waiting room (P1)

Have you ever been at the doctor’s office or in a line for something or basically made an appointment and you had to sign in at the waiting room then sit down and wait for your name to be called? This is something I have experienced many times! Sometimes I get seen right away, sometimes I have to wait a little while then I get called, then there are other times where it seems to me like it’s taking far too long. In these moments, I normally start questioning if I maybe missed my name being called or if they forgot about me or I even go up to the front desk letting them know “I’m still here……waiting”! Don’t even get me started about when we start seeing other people get their names called and you think to yourself, “Now, I know I was here before they were”!!! Lol, it’s kinda funny how we can behave while waiting, but it is not easy or desired most of the time. However, the bible gives us some instruction on waiting and does not really make it seem like a bad thing to do. I mean, truth be told we all are waiting for something even if it’s for tomorrow to come.

Habakkuk 2:3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

Psalm 52:9 I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.

Now, these scriptures have some precious promises from our Lord! However, what’s really most important is WHAT we are waiting on or WHO we are waiting for. When we wait on people or even things to happen we will become frustrated often. But when we wait in the Lord who is our peace, our joy, our provider, our King that’s when we are able to rest in waiting for Him.

Who knows anyway, your name may be the very next one to be called!

FINISH STRONG!

Let me share with you a word from God:

Finish Strong!

Everybody has something going on in their life and God is completing some things in the life of His children. It could be the end of a test, an assignment, a trial, whatever it is He wants us to FINISH STRONG.

You know how in the beginning of things it’s easy to work hard and to trust God, but as time passes we get tired, frustrated, sad and even irritated about the situation? Doubt may began to slip in and Faith becomes weary. We wonder what God is doing and how He allows somethings to happen or not happen. Whatever you are “finishing” in this season: it could be school, ministry, relationships, etc. God wants us to FINISH STRONG.

As we approach Ressurection Sunday, think about Jesus and his journey to calvary! I know He was tired, I know He wanted to give up, I know it was painful and He was weary and bewildered, but He finished and He finished strong, because He got up with all power in His hands and because He finished strong, He still to this day is the greatest person that ever walked for on this earth! Things will not always be this way. But God is shaping you and molding you right now and sometimes that hurts and it’s hard. But praise Him anyhow and when you feel like giving up, ask God to strengthen you. Ask Him to send you help, He will. He is faithful, He loves you and He sees you.

Don't give up- FINISH STRONG!

God Bless :-)

Do you Trust Him? - Barriers of living a lifestyle of Worship

David, was truly a man after God's own heart! Have you read Psalm 20 lately?

Psalm 20

1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; 2 May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; 3 May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah 4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose. 5 We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions. 6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven; With the saving strength of His right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. 9 Save, LORD! May the King answer us when we call.

This Psalm was written right before David was about to go into yet another battle! I really admire David and I think He was a living testimony of God's grace, mercy, forgiveness and love. Verses 1-5 were the people supporting him and praying for prior to him going into battle. Verses 6-8 are David's response and what he recalls to know about the Lord. Although he had plenty of resources, weapons, horses and so on that he could have been focused on winning the battle with, but what does David say his greatest source is? "Some trust in Chariots and some in Horses, but WE trust in the name of the Lord our God".

David clearly trusted God, and I truly believe this is why he wasso successful as the King!

If you have an area of your life that you are having trouble trusting the Lord, meditate on this chapter. If David can trust Him in a physical battle and come through victorious, you can to!

Jesus- The way out!

Praise the Lord brothers and sisters in Christ and future siblings in the Kingdom!!!

I want to share with you all a fresh revelation the Lord gave me this week. This past month or so has been really difficult for me. I was not myself, I was feeling down, shameful, disappointed and even sorry for myself. Now we know these feelings are not from our Father God! Now, there is a season for mourning, the bible tells us that, even if its for a day, week or some months. God understands sometimes we need to vent and all. However, if all we do is feel sorry for ourselves and get upset, this is a distraction and it will hold us back from where God is trying to lead us. I refuse to be like the children of Israel, who were headed to the promised land and because of their murmuring, complaining and lack of faith; it took them 40 years to make a 11 day trip. NO THANKS, I cannot let this be me. I don't want this to be you either!

This week at work, I was sitting at my desk and began to think of my life over the past few years . I begin to murmur and complain and "woe is me" type of thoughts. So much that I began to cry at my desk, I mean tears streaming! I ran to the bathroom fell on my knees and began to cry out to God: "Lord, I refuse to live my life in frustration and unfullfillment". "I need your help Lord, please tell me what to dooooo!" As I was sobbing in the company bathroom, Holy Spirit dropped in my mind 1 Corinthians 10:13:

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

So, I began crying even more: "Lord, tell me, show me my way out. Even if it's just one word, I NEED YOU". Then in that still small voice with so much peace I heard: "Jesus"! That's it, Jesus is my way out and He is yours too! You know how sometimes we know something or someone so well that if we are not careful it looses its significance or impact to us?!

Why would we feel sorry for ourselves when Jesus loves us so much that He died just for you and just for me! He thought of you, when He was on that cross. Do you know what that means? Is there any greater love than this?

Self-Pity, insecurity, depression and so on are traps of the devil. When we really think about Jesus, dying on the cross for our sins, if it were not for Him we would either be wallowing in our sin or dead!! He came that we might have life and have it to the abundance! HALLELUJAH. Not only did He die for us, but He got out of the grave with all power in His hands and is now our intercessor, standing at the right hand of the Mighty Father! Who better to have as our prayer partner and intercessor than Jesus Christ? I'm getting so excited, that when I finish typing this. I'm gonna run around this house!!! I'm still not done, not only did He die for us and is our chief intercessor, because of Him we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ!!

I could go on and on, but know that Jesus is the way and the only way! Because of him we can be free and have liberty, but we have to receive it. We don't have to be in bondage of anything (i.e debt, sickness, generational curses, past hurts/mistakes, etc.).

This year one of my personal goals is to learn more about the cross and what it means for me. I encourage you to do the same. God has a plan for us all and He has given us gifts and talents to use for His glory. Don't let your gifts be buried because your focusing on the have nots and wants and when he's going to do this or that. I truly believe our blessings are in our purpose, so start moving forward. I know I am! And I don't want to do it by myself, that's not as fun ;-). I want you to join me. Let's use those gifts our Father has freely given us and give it back to Him by using them for HIS glory!!

As Bro. Dave Ramsey says, " This is the year to be weird and do accomplish or at least begin accomplishing those things we have been Talking about for years"!

Love y'all!


****SPECIAL UPDATE: The Praise and Worship Him blog has some exciting things coming up. Starting March 2011. There will be at least 2 posts a month, one being a video. There will be some mighty men and women of God featured on the blog and I am SO excited to see what they have to share with us! Stay tuned :)