2025 is Among Us!!!

 Dear Readers,

You hear me say it every year... "I am going to do better". Well, I have too many accountability partners to fail this year!

If you are new to this blog, welcome! If you are a faithful reader, thank you for being with me through the journey. Disclaimer, this is an imperfect blog. Yep, I have grammatical errors, properly misspelled words, and some thoughts that may seem unGODly. But what's the trend..."WE Listen (read) and DON'T Judge"! (LOL)

Ok, now that the preliminaries are out way let's talk about this year of 2025. So, I want to first say that this is going to be a year of "mind your business and drink your water". If you didn't know, now you do. This is a year of true focus not from a selfish standpoint, but one from where is GOD calling you. I think a lot of times we are minding our business, without action, without purpose, and without listening. We find ourselves so caught up in what we should be doing based on our own will that we forget about the will of GOD. Been there and done that so many times, I should be tired, but unfortunately, I find myself going back into the cycle.

 This year we will learn. We will take from the years past and apply the lessons, not the responses. We will do the uncomfortable things, with boldness, with grace, with joy, sometimes with tears in our eyes, and hesitation in our hearts. We will do the obedient things, trusting the plan and process of GOD. I am calling this year, the year of #outthebox. We will not do what we feel like we should be doing, or what fits the agenda of who we see ourselves to be. We will do things that make us grow with frustration, yet it births patience and peace. We will sow seeds of faith in the midst of doubt. We will meditate on joy in the midst of grief. I know these all sound like contradictions, but they aren't. They are moments of training and reality. The reality is you will have doubt when you don't know the outcome of the situation. You will grieve the feeling of no and rejection while finding joy in getting a bigger blessing. I mean who wants to let go of something that makes them feel good, to gain access to something they barely know if it will work. 2025 is about to be the year of "GOD you said you would, so I will too." Listen, and read this out loud, IT WILL WORK if I COMPLETE MY PART. 

You praying to GOD to do something when maybe GOD is waiting on you to move something, do something, sit somewhere, and be still. "Faith without works", is not about the action of faith, it's about the obedience of your stillness sometimes. You think the work is action when the work could be surrender. As a matter of fact, the work is ALWAYS the action of surrender. GOD can't get you what you need and ask for if you are filled and full of what you want, and won't let go of it. You asking for healing when GOD needs your action of forgiveness. You can't ask for wealth when you not sowing something... Maybe you are not at the place where your faith will allow you to sow 10%, but sowing something is better than sowing nothing. Let's move beyond that maybe you struggle to say no, so GOD can trust you with his yes. The list can go on and on, but the point is you have to let GO of something to gain access to what you want to possess. 

In 2025 do me and yourself a favor, make room, let go, trust GOD, build community, sit still, become uncomfortable, surrender even if you go it handled, and tell your truth to DADDY before you do man. 

Prayer: Daddy this year is about to be different, not only because we speak and believe it, but because we understand that we must be different to get to the next level you have in store for us. We realize that surrendering is uncomfortable and out of our control. We realize that we are control freaks, and it hinders You from taking control of our lives and the situations we are praying about. Help us! Help us be still, help us be obedient not by force, but by choice, and help us see your will, purpose, and plan working for our good in the tough moments.  

In Jesus Name!

AMEN

Welcome to 2025 

Day 5 of This Is Personal (TIP) 21 Day Fast: Will You Not Know About It

 Dear Reader,

Can you believe it? We are on the 5th day of our fast! I am so excited to hear what Daddy is already doing and revealing in your life!!! Don't forget if you are behind you have plenty of time to catch up. Don't allow being behind to be an excuse for why you can't participate. 

This Is Personal (TIP)  is a 21-day fast and journey. During this journey, we will move from seeing the Word of GOD as a guidebook to seeing it as a space for personal encounters with GOD! We will explore three focus scriptures and create space for us to reflect and journal about: How to create our own record book with GOD,  How to move from who we are to who GOD has called us to be, and How to stand firm in the process during the difficult times.  Though the journey is individualized and personal, it allows for collective accountability and discussion. 

You can send your prayer request and answers to the homework assignments to: thisispersonaldevotional@gmail.com

Also, join us for prayer on Mondays and Thursdays during the fast:

Mondays at 6 am cst (starting January 29, 2024)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86178915186?pwd=Q1JKMFlpMENaeFZNaHZXLzB4QUROdz09

Meeting ID: 861 7891 5186

Passcode: TIP2124

Thursdays at 7 pm cst (starting February 1, 2024)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84134169890?pwd=Z2xQallweWQ4NTBnSTlZeWpXN3cydz09

Meeting ID: 841 3416 9890

Passcode: TIP2124!

Day 4 of This Is Personal (TIP) 21 Day Fast: See, I Will Do A New Thing

 Hey Readers Hey!!!

How are you doing on the fast? How are you feeling? Please share what GOD is doing for you during this time and make sure to join me on Youtube by subscribing to my channel. Hey and remember we are doing our first morning prayer on Monday.

This Is Personal (TIP)  is a 21-day fast and journey. During this journey, we will move from seeing the Word of GOD as a guidebook to seeing it as a space for personal encounters with GOD! We will explore three focus scriptures and create space for us to reflect and journal about: How to create our own record book with GOD,  How to move from who we are to who GOD has called us to be, and How to stand firm in the process during the difficult times.  Though the journey is individualized and personal, it allows for collective accountability and discussion. 

You can send your prayer request and answers to the homework assignments to: thisispersonaldevotional@gmail.com

Also, join us for prayer on Mondays and Thursdays during the fast:

Mondays at 6 am cst (starting January 29, 2024)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86178915186?pwd=Q1JKMFlpMENaeFZNaHZXLzB4QUROdz09

Meeting ID: 861 7891 5186

Passcode: TIP2124

Thursdays at 7 pm cst (starting February 1, 2024)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84134169890?pwd=Z2xQallweWQ4NTBnSTlZeWpXN3cydz09

Meeting ID: 841 3416 9890

Passcode: TIP2124!

Day 3 of This Is Personal (TIP) 21 Day Fast: Do Not Dwell On the Past

 Great Day Readers!

This Is Personal (TIP)  is a 21-day fast and journey. During this journey, we will move from seeing the Word of GOD as a guidebook to seeing it as a space for personal encounters with GOD! We will explore three focus scriptures and create space for us to reflect and journal about: How to create our own record book with GOD,  How to move from who we are to who GOD has called us to be, and How to stand firm in the process during the difficult times.  Though the journey is individualized and personal, it allows for collective accountability and discussion. 

You can send your prayer request and answers to the homework assignments to: thisispersonaldevotional@gmail.com

Also, join us for prayer on Mondays and Thursdays during the fast:

Mondays at 6 am cst (starting January 29, 2024)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86178915186?pwd=Q1JKMFlpMENaeFZNaHZXLzB4QUROdz09

Meeting ID: 861 7891 5186

Passcode: TIP2124

Thursdays at 7 pm cst (starting February 1, 2024)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84134169890?pwd=Z2xQallweWQ4NTBnSTlZeWpXN3cydz09

Meeting ID: 841 3416 9890

Passcode: TIP2124!

I Am Worried

Hey Readers!!! 

I know it's been a while and I promise you all have been on my mind, but life... I am sure you all can understand how life's ups and downs can get you so off-tracked and discouraged that you start to place energy away from your assignment onto the things you should surrender to GOD.  As I prepare to celebrate another year around the sun and a new year. I find myself worrying about things I haven't worried about in the past. I am worried about being a great daughter to an elderly parent as an only child. I am worried if I am prepared to deal with the single life for another year with no children. I am worried if I can deal with the ups and downs of life healthy.  These worries have had me up since 4:34 am this morning asking Daddy to come to the table with Jesus for a "Come to Jesus" meeting. I asked Daddy how did I get here. What did I do or go wrong when it comes to how I have been living life for Him and with Him? I was so frustrated to point that I stop speaking and surrendering, that I start asking for a word. You know what Daddy did?!? He gave me a word not once but twice. The first word he gave me is found in

 Proverbs 12:25 NLT " Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up". The TPT version says "Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart".

Both versions address what I have been feeling, worry and anxiety, which leads to a place of depression and lack of joy. But what really got me was part B of the scripture "an encouraging word restores joy to the heart." Listen!!! I almost lost it because I realize I was so busy dwelling in the cave of worry and anxiety that I was not making way for the encouraging word. The word that could restore me... The word that would cheer me up. David said it best in 

1 Samuel 30:6 "And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." 

There are times in our worry and anxious moments when we must encourage ourselves in GOD. This means we must surrender. Let's focus on part B of that scripture using the word surrender. "David surrendered himself to the LORD his GOD." That scripture and the action of David take on a whole other meaning of what we should do when it's time for us to encourage ourselves. It reminds us that to truly be in a position of encouragement we must surrender... not just the things we don't have handled, but the things we have a handle on. 

The second word came from an ex that is a friend. He struggles with his GOD relationship and from day one of us meeting I have prayed that he would have an encounter with GOD that would change his life and push him into his GOD destiny and healing. This morning he says to me:

"Hey, something told me to call you to give you this scripture Phillipians 4:13, I am sure you are familiar with what it says, but I am going to remind you what it says...You can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. This doesn't include failure. So, no matter what you go going on, you are promised success". Now I am on the phone with tears coming out of my eyes saying, ok Daddy you really do love me. Because he got out of his comfort zone just to be obedient to give me that word.  I want to encourage someone you may feel like your ability to encourage others may be in vain or you may be sowing seeds on bad ground, but let me tell you the process, the seeds, the wait, and obedience are so worth it. Mind-blowing blessings are on the way keep up the work and stay in the posture of surrendering. 

Today I challenge us to do three things 1) surrender EVERYTHING to GOD; 2) give an encouraging word to someone so you can have room to be encouraged; 3) trust the timing and promises of GOD. The wait may seem heavy; however, the fruit is great and worth the process (preaching to myself)

Prayer: Daddy we surrender all!!! All to you and the things you have in store for us. We surrender the things we think we have control of, and we make room for you. We expect you to handle everything that concerns us because you are not a man that you would lie to, and your words say we can trust you.  In Jesus' Name. AMEN!

And This Happened

 Great Day Readers! I hope that your Holy Week truly started the way for you to grow in your relationship with Daddy, be aware of the revelation of the cross, and create moments of closeness and manifestation of the presence of the Trinity. 

This morning doing my quiet time I came across this scripture. "Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed". Proverbs 16:3 TPT  That scripture hit me like a ton of bricks. Because it tells me the step I need to overcome the fear of failure, grow my faith, create guaranteed success, and how to continue to grow. The step is so simple it's scary. The step is to TRUST TOTALLY IN GOD! I know what you are saying... Shawndrika dull! However, that one step is hard because it comes with three uncomfortable actions we must take: 1) surrender 2) lose control 3) obedience to the unknown (faith). I don't know about you, but, I struggle in all three, especially when I need results like yesterday. Not only do I struggle with these three, but these things, are also inconsistent. When storms come, when issues arise, when things seem not to be working in your favor we must go back to the actions we must take which are the three steps listed above.  My prayer for us today is to trust Daddy at a level that those three things become easy in all areas of our life and not just the areas we are comfortable with doing them in.  Prayer:  Daddy, thank you for giving us the step to guaranteed success. Help us to be able to do our part when it comes to trusting You. Let us be able to do these actions no matter if we are comfortable or uncomfortable in the situation, issue, or circumstance that we are trusting You in. In Jesus' Name. AMEN!

She Reached The Hem of His Garment

Great Day Readers!!! 

Can you believe that January has almost ended and we are about to be in February and that I have done two entries this month?!? Let's pray I keep it up! I am going to truly try as my life continues to create opportunities of demands and advancements. My declaration this year is to be consistent in all the assignments GOD has called me to. 

This morning I  sent out a text to the people that are in my inner circle about something so personal and vulnerable to me. It came after me preaching a message and honestly me realizing I had never said some things out loud about parts of my life as a wife. I had never openly and out loud admit that my bleeding was caused by a miscarriage because by the time we got to the doctor to see what was going on I was no longer pregnant. After taking pregnant tests prior. What do you do when you know something; however, your denial and others' influence will tell you that you are lying to yourself? (That's another topic for another day) Below is the message that I sent to my circle that I feel that you could benefit from. I hope that it blesses and frees you as it did me.

Good morning! Listen on yesterday I got to preach on the story of the woman with the issue of blood, it's one of my favorite stories due to the fact I used to be her. No, I didn't bleed for 12 years; however, the almost year of bleeding felt like forever. It created so many emotional trauma moments and increased my areas of fear. It causes me to question my existence and my womanhood. I was married at the time to an insensitive husband, who didn't understand the fears that haunt me in my sleep. Not meeting his needs, realizing I had a miscarriage, and not knowing if or could I get pregnant again. I felt alone and isolated, ashamed, embarrassed, and scared. However, during my morning meditation, these scriptures spoke to me. 

God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart. Examine me through and through; find out everything that may be hidden within me. Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares. See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on, and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting way— the path that brings me back to you. Psalms 139:23‭-‬24 TPT

 He heals the wounds of every shattered heart. Psalms 147:3 TPT 

I know you are wondering how did those two scriptures speak to you. When I reflect back on that moment I remember the anxiety and depression I felt, "anxious thoughts and path of pain". It wasn't until I ask Daddy to search me that the second scripture started to manifest. I don't know where you are in this journey called life. I don't know if you are still in the first scripture or you experiencing the second. I just want to encourage you to stand still and allow Daddy (GOD) to heal you. Know I'm praying for you and I love you! Thank you for the honor to do both.

Even though that text was for my circle, that text was meant for you as well. You may not be in either place. You may be in a place where life is all good and you are progressing along in this journey; however, use this as a reminder when times get hard.

Prayer: Daddy thank you that even in the midst of adversity, disappointment, frustration, and confusion, you are there to search us, guide us, and heal us. You are there to remind us that you heal, you create wholeness, and you are at peace we just have to stand still long enough for you to search us. We love you and honor you. Thank you for being the one that creates ways out of no way. In Jesus Name! Amen

The Out Pour of A Daughter

Great Day Readers!!!

Today we will talk about a conversation I with Daddy concerning people and situations. There are times when we need to just vent and then listen to Daddy!

Daddy, I have to defend myself... I am tired of them talking about me!!! They don't know.. they weren't there!!! Why can't they just accept my decision? Why do I feel the need to please them? Daddy... I gotta keep talking about it...It still bothers me... I know I forgave, he/she, them, and they...I know you told me to let go... But how?!? I have to have a dialogue with someone about it... UGH!!! Do I have to talk about it always? YES...I need to talk about it!! Daddy, t makes me analyze what I need to not do the next time. What I need to look for the next time. I am distracted, Daddy... by what the world has to offer... what goals I have to accomplish... the need to fit in...to show that I can...I did it, DADDY!!!... I am distracted, by what I haven't accomplished...it should have been done about 5 years ago. See, here is the date in my journal... age 25.. married...26...practice in place....27....pregnant with 1st baby... see daddy (pointing at journal notes)...it's right here...DADDY!!!! 

Daughter, calm down! There is no need for a defense when I am your standard. They have no power on how my plan for your life will turn out! They don't know the value of your testimony!  They don't understand what I am doing through you! No need to defend what YOU Don't even know! You don't know my plan. You can't even think like I do. We on two totally different pages. Stop defending yourself!  Find yourself in me and take refuge in what I have said in my word and watch me protect you! So, you feel the need to talk about it? Analyze what you did and did not do? Daughter why continue to talk about your past when I am presenting you with a new present! Every morning do not I breathe life into you??? What is there to talk about, but my promises and word? Nothing!!! What's done is done!  What's said is said!!  But the conversation you need to have is not with yourself, but me... I am listening.. I have the answers... no need to analyze when I have the answered. You need someone to talk to?!? You need to have meaningful dialogue?!?  I have the right person to have it with... ME!!! My Holy Spirit is speaking too!! This world has nothing to offer you!  What I possess for you is priceless and to get distracted with this world over my word is not what I called you to! I know you have heart's desires that seem like that are simple and easy to accomplish. I know that you have things plan and written down. Yes, I told you in my word to write the vision and make it plain. But, never once did I give you a timeline. Time is something that I am never worried about. I control it! I know what "Perfect Time" looks like! Yes, your list has value to me, because it's your heart's desires, but the time you have set to accomplish them has no value. As a matter of fact, it sets limits, valueless standards, and leaves no room for me to take you beyond what you have set. So, stop being distracted with what this world has to offer and become distracted with my word...my presence...my peace..my joy...my personal promises to you...my plan for your life...my victory...my voice...my guidance and leadership in your life. Be distracted with growing my kingdom and telling someone about me. You have so much more to be distracted with besides "this list" you have created, which has placed you in a comfortable box...which creates a blockage to my glory and voice. So, let it go I got you. Today, make up in your mind to have no defense, dialogue, or distractions when I am your DADDY!!! 

With Great expectation for us,
---Daddy

Prayer: Daddy, our prayer is simple today. Today we ask that you be LORD over our lives and create the path to our success. We let go of our control and we surrender all. In Jesus Name...AMEN

The Power of the Roar

Great Day Readers!

I am so excited about the revelation of today's blog.  Sunday, we had a guest pastor come in and minister to us.  He came from the topic: Is There a Cause? I love how he used the story of David to demonstrate the cause to ignore the doubters and be reminded of the promises and covenant of GOD. But, what got me was the knowledge he gave about the roar of a lion. He stated that the roar of a lion could be heard five miles from the place where the lion roared. He stated that the lion's roar is so powerful and loud that it paralyzes his prey, making it easy for him to kill. OOOOOOOOO!!!

Can we take that concept and apply it to the supernatural world? More importantly to the enemy's effect on our life... Look, 1Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." ASV

Can we examine that scripture a little more and apply it to the fact I stated at the begin about the lion's roar?  It says the devil is as a roaring lion. (Pause) I don't think you saw what I did. It says he is LIKE A ROARING LION... Ok here is the revelation I need you to grasp. If he is like a roaring lion, that means his roar really doesn't carry the power, weight, and authority of a real lion. See it may sound like it's paralyzing and that there is no way of escape, but the reality is... It's just the roar of a lion come from the mouth of a kitten. (Had to give you a visual) That's why fear can feel seem so real. The enemy is a great imitator but not an originator. He has smokes and mirrors that create the perfect atmosphere to paralyze you in fear, insecurity, doubt, depression, disappointment, frustration, and negative thinking. See, here is the thing about the enemy, he's good at his job and perfects it daily. Where we go wrong is being caught up in his perfection. We forget that our Daddy is the creator of all things and that we have the authority over the enemy. His roar can't paralyze something that was meant to hunt him. He is the prey we are the predators. He can't paralyze us!!! But, we forget our position, our place, purpose, and title, and this is how we become paralyzed and become his prey. 

I know you are wondering... How do I get over the enemy's roar? How do I stop being the prey and become the predator? Simple, focus on the right roar. Oh yes, there is another lion whose roar is greater than the enemy. He's called the lion of Judah. Revelation 5:5 says, "But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

The Moral of this blog is simple: Stop listening to the roar of the enemy and focus on the roar of Judah. It is the roar of Judah that causes you to be victorious in all things, including the attacks and roars of the enemy.

Prayer: Daddy right now we thank you that we are no longer paralyzed by the roar of the enemy. We are so focused on the roar of you through the lion of Judah. We thank you that we are paralyzed in your blessings, overflow, love, peace, joy, and grace and mercy. We seek to be the lions that roar to the enemy your word, promises, and will causing him to paralyzed. In Jesus Name! AMEN!!!

HeartBroken

Hey Readers,

I know it's been a while, but I have been in an unmotivated funk. No reason on the why, but just have. But this past weekend a statement was made that blew my funk out the water. "GOD will break your heart to blow your mind."

What do you do when Daddy breaks your heart to blow your mind? Well, with a heart of thanksgiving you tell Him thank you. I am sure that the statement alone has some of you all confused. Why would Daddy break my heart, when He told me that He would give me my heart desires? (Ps 37:4) Well, can we quickly (and I do mean quickly) examine that scripture? When Daddy talks about giving you your heart desires here, we must examine the three verses prior. It says that we must delight ourselves in Daddy. When we delight ourselves in Him then, He will give us the desires of our heart. But we get the desires of our heart because they are actually His heart desires for us. Which brings me back to the statement that I said at the beginning of the blog that shook my world. "Daddy will break your heart to blow your mind."

I know you wondering why did this statement shake you so much? Well, it's because a lot of times we see Daddy's no as a punishment, as an indication that we are not doing something right or we did something wrong. But, in reality, His no, is His way of telling us what you are asking for is not big enough for me to give you. That I need to break your heart, so your mind can be blown by the thoughts I have towards you. That you need to realize that you aren't thinking my heart desires for you. That you are not connected to me like I need you to be. This what this statement is saying. Daddy is telling us to be bold enough and have so much faith that we are willing to trust Him to break our hearts so, I can blow our minds. WHEW!!! That was a lot to tell and take in, but it was worth it.

We must shift our hearts and minds when it comes to Daddy. We can't be content in our thinking, or even our heart desires that we miss Him. Daddy wants the best for us, and though we are thinking best, bigger, and greater for ourselves, Daddy feels as though we can go deeper and bigger.  Today, do me a favor... Let Daddy break your heart so, he can blow your mind!!

Prayer: Daddy, break our hearts, that our minds can be blown by your grace, favor, love, joy, and peace. Break us so we can be in a position to desire more of you and last of us. Break us, that we may be a testimony of your love towards us. Break us that we may enjoy life more abundantly here on earth. Break us, so we can see you. In JESUS Name! AMEN!!!

I Expect The New Now

DDC Readers,

We are weeks away from 2019 and I am still trying to get into 2018. I know that's bad, but I still feel like Daddy has something that He needs to do in 2018. With everything going on in the world, I really feel like He is waiting for someone to expect something from Him without waiting for the new year to arrive. I am that someone. In a message that I ministered at my church, I told the people that we get so caught up in waiting for the words "Happy New Year", that we missed the newness that Daddy is doing in our present. I love how he put it in Isaiah 43:18-19 (I am paraphrasing) He says. "forget all that I have done because I am doing a new thing"... Then He asked the question, "Don't you see it"? So let me go back, to give you the background of what is going on before we get to verses 18 and 19. So, in verses, 1-17 Daddy is telling the children or Israel what He has done for them, what they have done to Him, and the consequences of their actions. In other words, He is listing the history of their relationship with each other. By verse 18, He tells them to not dwell on the past because, in verse 19,  He is about to show them something new. From verse 19 until the end of the chapter He speaks of the new things that He is going to do and how they should be in a place of expecting, preparing, and experiencing the new now.

That's where I am when I say I am trying to get into 2018. I want to leave the first part of 2018 behind and enjoy the new that Daddy is doing now. I want to be in a place where I am not stuck on what He did that I miss what He is doing. But, can I be honest that's where a lot of us are. We love the fact that we have a track record with Daddy, but we forget that He is just like the energizer bunny... "He keeps going and going".  I know you are wondering... What's the moral of this blog? Well, good Question... The Moral of this blog is this: Dwelling on what He did will place us in three positions: 1) The looking back position. Looking back causes paralyzation. Genesis 19:26 we see that Lot's wife turn into a pillar of salt when she looked back. Which resulted in her being paralyzed in that position for life. 2) The Reminder position. This position tells us to remember what GOD has done but never expecting Him to do anything else. That's why in Isiaih 43:19 He says, "Do you not see it"? which brings me to the last position 3) The blind position. There are times where we can be so blinded by the new that we can't see the now. When it comes to this position I am reminded of Sarah and Abraham.  How when Sarah got the word that they would be pregnant and it did not happen when she wanted it too, she took matters into her own hands and created something new.  But, she missed the opportunity to trust Daddy and  His timing. Had Sarah not been so blinded by timing then she would have enjoyed the process of the new.

Prayer:  Daddy, thank you that you allow us the opportunity to enjoy the new things that you are doing in our lives. We pray that you will help us to never look back on your past track record with us that we aren't able to move forward in what you doing through, too, and for us. We pray that you will help us to remember that you do something new daily and we can't get stuck on yesterday's new in our now. We pray that you will help us to wait and enjoy the process of the now, that we don't become blinded by the new things we are expected from you later. In JESUS Name...AMEN!!


P.S.  I flunked #bloglikecrazy2018. Between motivation and schedule, it was not going to work. But guess what? It taught me that I need to pass myself and maybe even start my blogs in October and have them ready in November... I don't know but it was fun while it lasted. Maybe next year!

I Became A Bride

Hey readers!!!

I hope you are praying for me through this #bloglikecrazy challenge. I have missed two days so far and I am already feeling like I have nothing to write about. But, I must press on and really trying to finish strong!!!

So, today while on the way to work I got a message from my cousin. Now, let me give you some background information about my cousin and why the message she sent to me was life-changing. See earlier this year she got a divorce after being married over 5 years with two beautiful girls. She had never driven before, was a full-time mom, with a part-time in-home daycare. She was super depended on her husband, and when he left her and the kids for the life he wanted, she was overwhelmed and devastated. However, she made a decision to get her license to stay where she was and make the best of things by trusting Daddy. Well, this month she got engaged to a man that worships the ground she walks on, loves her and her girls, but most importantly loves GOD. He pursued her by seeking Daddy and when he asked for her hand it was though he was an answered prayer. I sent her a message congratulating her and telling her how excited I was for her. I ended my message with "You give me hope." Why? Because, I am divorced, no kids, and have been waiting. (sidebar: you will probably see this blog again on my DFH365 blog during #bloglikecrazy but from a different perspective. If you not following DHF365 please go to dearfuturehusband365.wordpress.com to follow) Now back to our regular scheduled program...  So, she messaged me back and said this: "Thanks girl, remember what one man throws away, becomes another man's treasure. Any man that see the treasure in you and is willing to pursue you by seeking Daddy will be one lucky man". I started to cry because I never see things like that. But what really got me was the revelation and my response to her message. I said: "Thank you I really needed to hear that. I am accepting the fact that even if I don't become a bride to a man, I am a bride of Christ." OOOOOOOOO Ok!!!! That statement blew me away!!! To even hear myself say it out loud kind of scared me a little. Because I have always desired to get married again, but the real truth is even if I don't I am still a bride of Christ.

As I continue to meditate on my statement, Daddy spoke these words to me, "Before you were even formed and born I called you my Bride. I proposed to you a long time ago and was excited when you told me "I do"! "You are and will always be the bride I pursue until we meet in the sky. My will for you is simple. That you love me. Pursue me.  Trust me, hear me, and be open with me. I am a gentleman and will never force my way into your heart. I want to be all you need when you need it. I want to be the perfect love song for you."

Ya'll, those words ring in my hear as I write this. I realize that even if I never become a wife to a man, I am still a bride to Daddy. Not only am I His daughter I am His bride. I get to carry His last name and reap the benefits. I know you are wondering...What's the moral to the blog?

The moral of this blog is simple: Don't allow what you haven't become detour you from what Daddy has called you to. See I know He called me to be a wife and that in my mind it meant to a man. But what if He called me to be a wife to him instead. We must be satisfied with what we have and where we are. We can't rush the process because we feel like time is not on our side or we will miss moments. Daddy is the author and finisher of our lives and the creator of time. Even if we miss it the first time, He is capable of recreating the moment for us to get it again.

Prayer:  Daddy, thank you for reminding us that we are a bride to you. That we are your choose vessels and that in you we can find peace and comfort. That we can say I do to you over and over and your love for us will never change. We thank you for a wedding ring we will never have to take off. In JESUS Name. AMEN

P.S. Days 6 & 7 #bloglikecrazy2018

Rejected But Now Adopted

I was talking to some friends the other day about rejection. In that conversation, I realize that rejection was paralyzing some of us. That because of rejection we couldn't enjoy the benefits of adoption. I love what Galatians 4:4-5 says about this. "4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."

Can I break those verses down for you? The first verse reminds us of the process of our adoption. That Jesus had to go through the process of saying yes to the assignment of being the ultimate sacrifice. That he had to become a man for the adoption to be legit. The last verse is about us. That after Jesus did his part (filling out the adoption papers, going through the test and interviews, and completing a background check)  it was time for us to do our part. To be in the position to say yes to the name change and enjoying the benefits of the process.

But, even with the good benefits of being called son/daughter we still see ourselves as rejected. We still feel unworthy of the title.  Today,  I'm here to encourage us to not allow rejection to be the delay in our adoption. That we must embrace the fact that though we have experienced rejection from people, family, and self, that doesn't mean we aren't adoptable.

Prayer: Daddy we come asking you to forgive us for allowing our rejection to blind us from our adoption. Daddy helps us to accept the benefits of our adoption and lean on you for understanding. In Jesus name Amen!

P.S. #bloglikecrazy day 4 &5 completed!