The News

 Dear Gentle Readers!

I come into a still place of process. I come sharing that I do not want to be part of the trials and tribulations, a strong soldier list as part of being in the Army of the LORD. Take me out of the game, coach (not death), but this game. This part of the process... this lesson plan...this moment. Fast-forward me to the "finish work", the "victory place", the blessed place."I don't want the trials and tribulations!!!

I know you are wondering where this is coming from.... Well.... last week, my mom got the news that she had cancer, and this week we got the news of the status. So, on Monday morning, while my mom was in Birmingham, Alabama, and I was in Washington state, my best friend and my mom went to her first oncologist appointment. I sat in the bed with my husband...praying... crying... being cool on the outside...but having a whole panic attack with an overstimulated nervous system. I went through the worst of the worst thoughts in preparation to execute an action plan. I created the most chaotic situation that my heart could handle. Yes, I am a therapist, and I know none of this is healthy, but here I am doing the opposite of what I tell my clients to do... sue me... I am human...lol! Before this information, I got the news that a good friend of mine died. Her death affected so many people, paralyzed a lot of us, and just made me think... What do I need to do with my time here on the other. Fast-forward in my still process about the friend's death, I get the news about my mom. Back to the story... So my mom calls me calmly, saying... they say I have a tumor on my uterus, and nodules on my lungs. She then gave the phone to my friend, who sneaked into the bathroom to say in a shaky voice, " Drika, it's bad! Baby, you have to come home". I am like ok, tell me what's going on (I was calm when I said it) as I had her on speaker phone with my husband next to me. She then tells me the details, and I say ok, I can't come home by Friday. Y'all, it wasn't that I couldn't come home, because Daddy had shown out financially, it was that I didn't want to come home. I want to be on the road home with my husband, enjoying the open space. Being a wife and making memories. I know that sounds selfish, but here I am allowing my only child's syndrome to speak. Yes, I am going home, but the journey is overwhelming to my soul. This was not where I wanted to be. 

If you are new here, I apologize that this is your first read. For old readers, you know your girl will spiral out of control and then come back. I call it the David complex. You know, through his psalms, he will start with praise and worship and then go into his emotions and end with praise and worship. In the words of Vivan Green... "I am on an emotional rollercoaster." But this news does not stop the reality of GOD's healing. I literally just wrote about the wait and how I want a baby... Now I am writing about trusting GOD again!!! Begging GOD for the miracle of healing my mother, at the same time healing me. Looking to write about the testimony.  I forgot to tell you that for the past month or two I have been praying for wisdom.... MAN, this is such a test of that. 

Today I prepare for my flight home, tomorrow I arrive, Friday I get the clarification and treatment plan of the news. But as this is taking place I am still asking GOD for wisdom. Wisdom on how to be a daughter in the midst of her own healing. How to ask for help when I am usually Miss. Independent. How to be present and not predict what GOD is going to do and how I should respond. This news is drawing me to watch GOD with my eyes wide open. Yep, I need the confirming signs, wonders, miracles, reminders, and insight. Because this feels different. It feels out of my control, and it hurts, because the fear of this healing leading to death is a reality. But I was reminded in my spiraling that I know several people who have survived this journey... Who have are walking testimonies of  GOD's healing power and grace... And that is my stand... GOD, if you DID it for them, you do it for my mom. Give me the wisdom to do and handle the process. 

My scripture while on this journey of process, wisdom, and trust is this: "Show me your faithful love this morning. I trust you. Show me what I should do.  I put my life in your hands."~Psalms 143:8 ERV

I am sure I am not by myself. I know someone reading this has gotten some news that has shifted them into process mode and wants to catastrophize the situation to the point you are having internal panic attacks. But let's take a deep breath and trust the process in the midst of the news. We can't predict what GOD is about to do, but we can be assured of one thing... It will bring Him glory and work somehow, some way in our favor... Though the grief my hid the victory.

Prayer: Daddy, the news has us discombobulated, overwhelmed, and overstimulated in solution focus process. We want the victory ASAP. We want the miracle right now. We need to see your hand at work and your peace at play. We want to trust you, but it is hard when the news is heartbreaking, when the emotions are filled with weight, when everyone is looking for us to be the faith carriers. We are lost, we are hurt, we are broke, we are speechless, and honestly, we don't know how to pray when it comes to this news. The reality of the results runs through our heads, and they do not look like the promise of your victory. Remind us through this journey that you are the author and finisher of everything, you have equipped us with everything we need to move forward, and this is not about us; it's about you. In Jesus Name! AMEN

As part of this news, I have rebranded myself and created a logo for this blog.  Check out @CEOtherapist22 on IG and follow me.

The Chapter of Wait

 Dear Gentel Reader!!! (Inspiration from Bridgeton)

I am writing this blog with a heavy and anxious heart. I have meditated on the following scripture:

 Psalms 130:5-6 (ERV) "I am waiting for the LORD to help me. My soul waits for him. I trust what he says. I am waiting for my LORD, like a guard waiting and waiting for the morning to come".

Psalms 143:10 (NCV) Teach me to do what you want, because you are my God. Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Psalms 46:5 (AFV)God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God shall help her at the approach of the morning.

 Through my meditation, I feel like the Holy Spirit sat me down for a personal counseling session. In the session, my guardian angel, Jesus, and me with the Holy Spirit leading the session. The Holy Spirit looks me in my eyes and gets me together about my posture of waiting and my position of purpose. I sit there, speechless, in tears, frustrated by the reminders, mad at the truth, and overwhelmed by the idea of continuing to wait without the fruit I want, at the timing I want it. (Did you hear and see me throw that tantrum?) I did.  

Listen, this chapter of wait hurts. It has my soul meditating on my imperfections.  Trying to examine whether there was anything I missed, need to correct, or just did not do that got me here. My spirit whispers comfort,  reminding me to surrender it all at the feet of Jesus and trust the process. My flesh is fighting the process, thinking of ways to make this waiting short, coming up with ideas to produce what I want, and letting my selfishness be the guide. 

I know I am not by myself.  I'm sure this chapter has shown up multiple times in our lives, and every time, Daddy blows our minds and shows us how it worked out for our good. Then maybe weeks, months, or years later, we're back in another episode of the waiting chapter.  Going through the same emotions. Maybe this time, be a little patient with the process and ourselves. Maybe a little wiser with our ability to be still and quiet in hearing  GOD.  Maybe a little more obedient, not as many tantrums, and sprinkles of trust and surrender. 

No matter what we are waiting for, the waiting chapter is a reminder that Daddy is the author and finisher of our life story. Also, we are reminded how we will never be able to understand the process of GOD.  We can only trust it and understand that victory is the final result. 

Prayer: Daddy, the posture of waiting can be a lot as we are positioned in purpose.  Help us! Help us be still.  Help us surrender.  Help us get over us. Help us to trust the plan, process, and timing of your hand. We desire to learn from the waiting, to see it as a gift, and to realize it's temporary, not permanent.  Daddy, today we ask that you change our hearts, minds, posture, position,  and response to waiting.  

In Jesus Name. 

Amen!

Welcome to 2026

 Dear Reader,

If you are reading this you might as well shout! You made it to another year.  (Cue shouting music). Lately,  I've been noticing a lot of people still feeling this sense of hopeless even during a new year. Today during my quiet time I read this scripture in 2 Corinthians 4:16 "So no wonder we don’t give up. For even though our outer person gradually wears out, our inner being is renewed every single day".

After reading  this I got this revelation:

I think hopelessness becomes strong as we end a year and start anew. It feels like a failure... that the conquer we are to be is lost somewhere or doesn't exist. But I think this is because our human nature wants to keep yesterday in today. Ok... let me bring clarity. We keep saying we surrender, we let go... but reality is...we just change the packaging of things. We feel like if we do enough tweaks and changes, it will make us feel better. Not realizing that we are not making room for the manifestation of GOD'S promise to do something new. He can't do new with old. He is not in the business of refurbishing. New today is just that.  Something we have never experienced, no knowledge of, or awareness of how to move through without Him. I think that's why He gives us new grace and mercy.  It's an opportunity for us to trust and lean on Him.

Prayer: Daddy, help us to make room for your new by being ok with the fact that we don't have to know or understand it to embrace it. Help us understand that trusting and leaning on you is all you need from us. We surrender our imperfections,  perfectionism, and doubt to you. You never see our mistakes and failures as we label them. You see them as opportunities for your detours and recalculations to get us to your will,  assignments,  and perfect peace. In Jesus' Name. Amen! 

Another Chapter, Another Assignment

Dear Readers, it's that time of the year again. P.S. if you are reading this,  I'm glad you didn't get caught up in the rapture. (Yes, it was a joke. No man knows the day or the hour. Not even the one that died for us to have access to the father.)

Back to our regularly  scheduled program. 

So, as I use these last couple of hours (yes I'm writing  this blog at night) to say my final goodbyes to this chapter. I stand in tip toe anticipation to welcome the next. This chapter ends with me moving from Ms. To Mrs., having my dream job, and increased faith and gratitude. It also, ends with hard and heart decisions and goodbyes, grieving moments, and accepted consequences. 

This next chapter starts  the journey  of seeing the manifestation of what I have been praying  and preparing  for, including the next assignment.  

This week I had the privilege to reconnect with a friend  I deem as a brother and one of big sisters finally answered the phone. In catching  up with the both of them the theme of their lives parallel.  The theme grieving life changing moments. Moments were only Daddy's intervention is needed and wanted. As they shared what was going on, I started having mixed emotions... they  were grief and joy. The grief  of hearing the pain they had and are facing and enduring. The grief of their loss, disappointments, and frustrations. I know you asking, how can you have joy hearing this.  Simple, in this current chapter I learned the life application  of Nehemiah 8:10 "the joy of the LORD is my strength." It means that the formula that they are experiencing will yield space and capacity for the joy of the LORD to become their strength. This means they will become weak and the strength of GOD will manifest as they build their testimony.  How do you know, you may ask? Because I've been there before on numerous occasions.  

Now, don't allow my excitement for their victorious end,  fool you into thinking I'm not praying for them and surrounding them with love. Because I am doing that and more. But their current  moment forces me to increase my faith. The faith to know that Daddy will do the absolute most on their  behalf, including  performing a miracle in their lives, keeps me from thinking about my own storm.

As excited as I am about this next chapter,  I'm somewhat in doubtful spaces. To get through I need  a win for my brother and sister.  I need the reminder that , the timing of GOD is perfect, even in midst of chaos.  I need to know I'm not forgotten in other areas I've been praying for. 

So, as I say good bye to chapter  42. I say yes to the assignments,  storms, faith building,  GOD moving, and life changing moments of chapter 43.

Prayer: Daddy thank you for this next chapter and the assignments that come with it. Thank you for the faith adventures, the peaceful moments, the increase,  provision, and mind blowing miracles,  signs, and wonders. Thank you for never failing me, in the midst of me giving up. Thank you for being a dependable GOD! In Jesus Name.  AMEN 

They Watching

 Great Day Gentel Readers! 

So,  today's blog is brought you by the words "they are watching you".

Over the the 4th of July holiday  I ran into a person I went to college  with.  In our conversations I learned so much about him that I did not know. I was honored that he shared a personal testimony  with me. During our exchange I told him about my own testimony.  When I told him, his response was.... "Man, girl you spoke that thing into existence ". Now, I'm trying not to look shock as he hug me to congratulate me on the manifestation  of the testimony. 

I know you wondering, why were you shocked? Well, it is because I never knew he was watching me.  I never knew he saw my struggles,  the tears, the faith,  and my desperation to trust the GOD process. It really blew my mind! I hold him in  high regards.  (I do not think he knows that). He was so sweet to me as a freshman and always made an effort to speak to me on campus  no matter how big he got or who was around him. 

As we part ways he asked me to keep him in my prayers (which I do) and told me how excited he was. 

Meditating on that moment made me realize that their are people  watching me. They are encouraged by the process of my testimony and truly will root for me when I share my wins.

I wonder how times how you missed the opportunity to encourage  someone  else because you think your testimony  has no purpose, power, or value beyond you.  

Today, I encourage you to consult with the Holy Spirit,  and ask him to reveal to you who you need to share you testimony with. 

Prayer: Daddy thank you for reminding us that the process and finish work of our testimony  is not only for us, but for those watching us. Daddy continues to work in favor of those wondering  is the process worth the work. Encourage  those losing hope, desiring to give up, and overwhelmed by the discomfort of blind obedience. In Jesus' Name.  Amen!

The GOD of Through

 Great Day Reader!

Look at me posting three posts in one month!!! LOL This is going to be a good year. The other morning during my quiet time I got a revelation about GOD. The revelation didn't make sense until I started thinking about one particular scripture...Psalms 23:4 "Even when I walk THROUGH the darkest valley, I will not be afraid (NLT). That word THROUGH stuck out to me like a sore thumb. It rang in my spirit and I to do more research on scriptures with the word THROUGH. Now these are just a few but they hold true to the revelation that I got.

• When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk THROUGH the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2)
• For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.(Phi 4:13) The verse most people know

Do you see the revelation? Ok, Maybe not. The Through of GOD is the power of His resiliency, the grace of His peace, the unconditional actions of his love, the limitlessness of His Mercy, and the reminder of your purpose. The Through of GOD creates a space of stillness. It reminds us that we have to be in a place where we make space for GOD to do His job. The Through of GOD allows you to be in a place to see His hand at work in real time. 

This revelation of the Through of GOD is deep and it really has allowed me to realize how to apply the THROUGH of GOD in real-time, especially during these difficult times and unknown spaces. Today, I challenge us to active  the Through of GOD so we can be beyond the space of survival to the place of victory and live in the blessings of GOD found in John 10: 10 "I came that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." This scripture emphasizes the abundant life that can be found THROUGH Jesus Christ.

Prayer: GOD right now let us work the power of your Through by letting good of our expectations of what we want things to look like for our lives. Help us to take hold of your stillness, bask in your peace, walk in the purpose of your will and love, and expose our struggles to you. We trust your GOD and we thank you that in your Through we can do the mind-blowing things you called us to. In Jesus Name! Ament

Day 21 of This Is Personal (TIP) 21 Day Fast: The Finale

 Dear Reader: 

I am excited that you got to join me on this awesome fast. I hope it blessed you like it blessed me.

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

Day 16 of This Is Personal (TIP) 21 Day Fast: Father

This week is about to blow our minds as we dive into how to pray the Lord's Prayer using the names of GOD. It has really been a place of worship and intimacy. I hope you are ready. 

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 15 of This Is Personal (TIP) 21 Day Fast: Call My Name

 I am so excited about this last week! We are about to learn how to call the name of GOD in unique ways based on biblical encounters. Are you ready to encounter GOD on another level?

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 14 of This Is Personal (TIP) 21 Day Fast: IF/Then formula

OOOO we have to play catch up!!! It's my fault! I hope that you are enjoying this fast. Let's dive into the last formula for week 2 and then go into week 3. 

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 11 of This Is Personal (TIP) 21 Day Fast: Obedience Formula

 Hey Reader!

How are you? How are you doing on this fast? Are you feeling like things are happening and you don't know what? I know I am. It has been a strange week for me. I have been in my emotions, feeling heavy and overwhelmed, and I still don't know what I really preached about on Sunday. I feel out of it. I want to be a better person this week, but I feel so drained. With all these things I am encouraged that GOD is about to do something BIG. Being Obedient can cause these things. Being in the position of choosing to write your blog over getting so much-needed sleep can be taxing; however, worth it when you do it because you love GOD and do not see Him as the judge only. Check out today's video as we dive into the obedience formula.

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 10: This Is Personal (TIP) Devotional Testimonial Nugget

 Dear Reader:

Have you ever just wondered what GOD was doing? Like what He was really up to as we do this thing called life with him.  Well, for today's video, GOD pivoted what I thought was the flow this fast. Just watch the video you will get it.

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 8 of This Is Personal (TIP) 21 Day Fast: The Four Frequent Formulas of GOD

 Dear Readers,

I am so excited about this second week of the 21-days of prayer and fasting that we are on. This week we will dive into the four frequent formulas of GOD and how to apply them to our everyday lives
.

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 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 1 of This Is Personal (TIP) 21 Day Fast: Foundation of TIP Fast

 Great Day Readers!

I can't believe that today marks day 1 of our 21-Day fast. I am so excited to see what GOD is about to do during this personal time. I have attached the video for today here in the blog. Please make sure to subscribe to this channel. I really think GOD is about to do something BIG after these 21 days. 

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:

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And Here I am

 Dear Readers,

I have failed at the task of blogging regularly.  I have created unrealistic expectations based on the desire to be consistent.  I realize it's been a year almost since I last wrote something.  What a shame!

This type of mentality is how we feel when it comes to our walk as a believer. We focus on the goal and expectations, instead of the wins. We emphasize the negative and our language reflects it. Then after we have vomited our negativity,  beat ourselves up, and wallow in the failure...sometimes to the point of depression or anxiety,  or both, we then ask Daddy where is he.

How dare we! But seriously...How dare we... Can I express that it's not a dare? It's being human.

There are times we are so focused on our spirit that we don't realize we need to address our soul. Don't get me wrong.  The spirit man is number one; however, we can't neglect the other two parts of us (soul and physical)  and think we can be productive. 

Nowhere in the word does it say neglect your soul to the point that we don't acknowledge, that it is part of us. The word says don't allow it to be the ruler of who we are and how we operate. 

The soul helps us to express grace through our emotions, feelings, and intelligence.  It allows our human side to process what our spirit man already has a revelation of. 

I know you are like Shawndrika why are you telling us this?  Because someone needs to be freed from perfectionism and embrace grace.  Someone needs to stop holding themselves hostage to unforgiveness and forgive themselves.  Someone needs to acknowledge their emotions and feelings,  but not allow them to rule how they do life.  Sometimes life is not lifeing...sometimes our soul is running our life.

Prayer: Daddy help us to not be soul beings alone. Help us to recognize spaces where we have allowed our soul to rule, that we don't make room for you and your guidance.  Be the light that lights our life when darkness tries to destroy us. Help us make room for your grace, love, and peace. 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

It Don't Take All That: I Don't Want To Pray

 Great Day Readers!!!

I am sure you are seeing the title of this blog and are truly puzzled since the blog is based on conversations with GOD and prayer is conversations with GOD. So, I want to explain myself and get to the thoughts behind the title. On yesterday before we started the recording of our podcast Jesus+Therapy, Sis (check us out on Spotify and Youtube, make sure to like, share, follow, subscribe, hit the bell, and leave a comment) I told my sister I had got a text from one of our friends about an event called "The Gathering." I looked at the website for the event saw several pastors and ministry leaders that I knew and I was like ok interesting. The friend was like you should be here sis. I told the friend that I did not see anything pulling me to come to the event. She was like you don't know who these people are, I was like yes. She went on to state how some of the speakers were Generals in prayer and how they influenced her life. I was ok. She was like you don't feel pulled sis 😲😲😲. I didn't respond. Because to be honest no I didn't feel pulled. I then made a statement to my sister before the recording " I don't want to pray"!

 I know what you are thinking and we did a whole podcast on my statement. Let me explain what I mean. There are people that are called to the place of intercession. They are passionate about interceding for others, praying, and going before the thorn to get all the heavens and experience GOD on so many levels.  Ya'll that ain't me. If I could be honest with you, my readers, I struggle to pray and this particular friend is a general in prayer. I mean she shifts atmospheres with her prayers, and she is passionate about that area. She even wrote a book about it and it is great. When I said, " I don't want to pray", I simply mean that I don't want to be so caught up in the experience of someone's ability to pray a certain way that I don't find my own way to talk to Daddy. I stated in the podcast that people pray from their prayer experience. Don't believe me, let's check the bible. Jesus prayed from the position of the savior, he was able to have an open and honest dialogue with Daddy about how he felt and what he was thinking. David prayed from a place of pay and wanting relief, which is why we see him being angry and then reminding himself that he has to focus on Daddy. The disciples prayed from a place of hope and intimacy because they had tangible encounters with GOD. The Children of Israel prayed from a place of promise and hope because they saw what GOD could do when they were obedient and sometimes even when they weren't. So many times when we pray, we become so intimidated by the experience of others that the spirit of comparison takes over we find ourselves not wanting to pray. 

It's not that I don't love to pray, I do, however, there are times were my prayers, because of my experiences and my desires to go to another level where I find myself in a place of intercession. However, my passion and positions in that prayer time are to really just have a little talk with Jesus. I don't want to find myself in a place of comparison with those that may have a deeper level of prayer, and feel the need to force myself to be there. To be that deep, to go through some experience that is really not mine to be able to be on their level. If I have to do what they do in order to GOD's attention I am like this, I don't want to pray.  

There are times in our lives as believers that we find ourselves in a position where we want GOD on another level, however, we want Him through our authentic experience. We don't want to feel like we have to work to talk to GOD or that we have to do what everyone else is doing. We want to work our part in the body of Christ and not be judged or ridiculed that we don't look like everyone else. I think this is why have people who were once saved saying they don't want to do this anymore and why we have a generation that is not desiring GOD like past generations. 

Can I be honest? We make everything about GOD in religion impossible. That's why I feel that body of Christ, Christians are always being judged and talked about. Between the rules of the various denominations and the attributes of what holiness looks like, it becomes overwhelming to want to connect with an untouchable GOD. It makes prayer a chore and not a conversation of intimacy and with the expectation of response. 

My prayer is that as you read this you realize that your prayer life is based on your personal experience with Christ and your relationship with Daddy. That you do not fall into the trap of comparison that it causes you to not want to pray or even respond in prayer when life creates situations beyond your understanding.

 

Prayer:  Daddy, help us to remember the principles of prayer and the goal to connect and communion with you. Helps us not to get caught up in another person's experience that we must our own personal experience with you. Helps to see prayer as an exciting time to communicate with you and not a chore because it's the job of what a believer is suppose to do. Help us not become intimidated by other's experience or feel judged by their prayer growth. Let become motivation for us to want to communion with you more. In Jesus Name! AMEN

That's It!

Great Day Readers!

 It's been a while since my last blog and can I tell you it had been a whirlwind of a year already. I mean three snowstorms in Alabama, yet along in the south is totally unheard of, along with tornados, and other crazy life changes. This week took that cake! This week I had to let my sorority sisters know that our sister had passed! UGH, THAT'S IT!!! If being single and waiting wasn't enough, I am now having to deal with life-changing things on my own. I don't know about you, but I got a "THAT'S IT" in my spirit. I have been approached by so many men who are seeking marriage, however, are emotionally unavailable and truly just using their gift of gab. THAT'S IT!!!

Now, the spirit of "THAT'S IT" is strong. It creates a heart of discouragement, frustration, and sometimes disappointment. It makes you think that what you desire seems impossible (Though we know nothing is impossible with GOD. Mathew 19:26) This spirit had me so over everything that I did not know what to do. I had a come to Jesus meeting with Jesus about the situation and the emotions I had about this "THAT'S IT spirit. I am sure I am not by myself. Waiting for some things to manifest, serving GOD as much as you can, in excellence, while still trying to keep your flesh in check. Oh, don't forget about listening to married church people talking about if you just work and focus on GOD he will come. Ma'am, sir, HOW!?!? I can't work, when I'm busy killing my flesh, trying to keep my emotions in tack, trying to be obedient, and still trying to "enjoy being single after being married." Oh, let's not forget having to explain to people that being divorced and single is different than never being married and single. When you have tasted the fruit of marriage you desire it again after you have healed from it.

 Can I be real? It's been 8 years since my divorce, and I am going into my fifth year of celibacy. I have no babies, and the thought of marriage is getting discouraging. Dating seems like it's more time-consuming than a process, and it seems like EVERYONE is getting the revelation of marriage and love but for me. Oh, don't even get me started about the fact that everything that I prayed for, screamed about at the altar, cried about in worship, and rolled on the floor about in my closet is happening for EVERYONE in my circle, BUT who, ME! These are some of the few topics I discussed with Jesus during our come to Jesus meeting. After I got done I heard the words from Proverbs 23:26 (TPT) "My son, give me your heart and embrace fully what I’m about to tell you". Where you see the word son, it was replaced with daughter for me. Can we break this scripture down so we can break this "THAT'S IT" spirit? Let's start with the first part of this verse, "My son, give me your heart". This first part broke me all the way down. Daddy literally asked me for something I should surrender daily. He asked me for the one place that captures everything about me. The place that I function from the most, and have been for a while...My heart. UGH. The reason this spirit has a hold on me is because my heart has conformed to the things of this world. The measurements of time, space, and energy, the very things GOD created and has complete control of. Let that sit. The place Daddy needs to start the deliverance process is the one thing we all struggle to surrender...our hearts. Let's go to the next part of the scripture, "embrace fully what I'm about to tell you". UGH!!!! Not only do I have to surrender my heart, I also have to sit still enough to hear what He has to tell me. Let me say that again, we have to sit still and hear what Daddy has to say. There is power in the stillness, even if it feels like there is no one there. This is the climax of my deliverance. This is where the spirit of "THAT'S IT" loses its grip on your life, and you grab hold of the joy of the Lord. Now, this is a process and it doesn't happen overnight. You must be in a place where you are patient with you and understand that the work that Daddy needs to do in you takes time. 

I am still in the process of my deliverance as I write this blog, however, I understand that in order for me to prepare, walk-in, and be the wife that I am called to be, I must go through the process and realize That's It!

Prayer: Daddy, we come to you right now thanking for the ability to realize when we have a "THAT'S IT" spirit. Help us surrender our hearts to you and to be still enough to hear your voice of instructions while taking them in not just for the moment, but for the lifetime. We understand that if we surrender us it will lead to the that's it in you. In Jesus's Name! AMEN