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! 

And It's A New Year!

 Great Day DDC Readers!!!

It's been a while I know and every year I say I am going to do better with my blogging and engagement. Life has been somewhat a roller coaster in 2021. A lot of loss and a lot of life-changes that equate to grief. First of all, let me first say HAPPY NEW YEAR! Second, please check out season 1 of my newest project with my sister Jesus +Therapy, Sis Podcast ok, now that the announcements are out the way let's get down to business.

The scripture that has been running through my head is something that I am sure most of you have heard and/or read "But don't dwell on the past; don't concentrate on what happened back then. Just look at something new I'm going to do now! In fact, it's started already. Can't you see it? Yes, I'm making a way through the wilderness, rivers in the desert"! FBV This bible verse speaks volumes on what our mindsets should be in 2022. For the last two years we have dealt with covid and can we be honest it ain't going nowhere (yeah I know what I said and how I said it; however, you know the disclaimer, this blog is imperfect in grammar and open in heart thoughts). We are so caught up in trying to navigate the disappearance of it, that we are missing the moments of GOD's newness in it. So, let's break this scripture down so it can be a guide on how we are to navigate through 2022. 

1) We can't allow the past to be the guide or map of our current. The past will always come up and the memories of the past may seem more powerful than present moments, however, the present is the gift we have to focus on. Let me summarize, don't miss your growth because you think you have not learned from your past.

2) Focus on the new things that GOD is doing. Don't allow your old to outweigh the new. 

3) Change your response and perception. Your ability to be open to a new vocabulary and to see things through GOD's eyes will create a better perspective of what life really looks like. 

4) Be prepared to win! Winning comes with a process, don't allow the process to discourage you from reaching and enjoying the win.

5) Don't get comfortable. You should maintain a posture of discomfort at all times as you go through this year. If you feel yourself getting comfortable, do something uncomfortable so you will not stop growing in the things of GOD.

Prayer: Daddy thank you for this new year. Help us to be in a place of trusting you will all things and being ok with the new things you will do this year. Help us to see things from your perspective and not our own. In Jesus Name. AMEN!

Emotional Seeds : The Corona Edition

This virus called Corona has truly turned our world upside down. It has no target audience, no cultural difference, no area of focus, and no economic status. When I tell you that we were and are in this together we are. We have seen many die, however, we have also seen many recoveries from this virus as well. We currently live in the unknown as many states slowly begin to open back up and try to create a sense of normalcy. We live now in a world where we have distanced ourselves to save lives, however, this same distance is causing others to die internal with the results of external symptoms. With all that being said I want to challenge us to do something that was placed on my heart to do during this time of famine and uncertainties.

During my meditation time this past week, I found myself asking the question I feel all believers have been asking... GOD, how do we end this? What do we need to do to get back to a place of normalcy? I am sure like me and others you have struggled with the inability to gather at your local church and fellowship with fellow believers, or perhaps during this time you desire to have that fellowship because you want a better relationship with GOD. There are so many things that we need answers to and have questions about. Let's go back to what I was talking about... During my meditation time with GOD, He told me that so many people are sowing financial seeds (which is a good thing if you have it to sow. I truly encourage you to sow in this area, especially during a time of famine), however, one seed that we have yet to really address that is need during this time of famine... (Let me pause and tell you why it's a time of famine. It is a time of famine because we are lacking the natural resources and flow of those resources to meet the needs of the people... hence why states are trying to open up that the flow of some economic wealth can come into the state and country. This is the reason I am saying this is a time of famine. Things that were once easy to obtain. (tissue, paper towels, Clorox, Lysol, etc. are no longer easy to obtain) ) Ok, no more interruptions back to the reason behind this blog. (this is why I have to start blogging more...lol) GOD told me that in this season we have to sow emotional seeds. Now I know you are wonder....What are emotional seeds? Emotional seeds are: love, joy, and peace... A.K.A. some of the fruits of the spirit. These seeds are seeds that will not only produce great fruit in the lives of others but also produce great fruit in your life. The fruit of favor, blessings, wisdom, peace, and love. See during a time of famine, no one is looking for a harvest. They are looking for produce. They want the end results, not the seeds.  So, this means that no one will mess with the soil of your seeds. No one will uproot it or cause it to die before it produces your fruit. In summary... "This is the best time to plant seeds, no one will be able to taint it." 

My challenge to you today as we continue to find a new norm during and after this virus is to plant some emotional seeds. The need for their fruit will be in demand and is in demand as you read this. People need the connection of the human touch. However, due to the season that we are in, that same touch that use to heal now kills. Now we have to find a way to produce the same results in a new way and that's through sowing emotional seeds. Now I forgot to tell you how you sow these seeds. You sow them through text messages of encouragement, zoom video calls of listening, phone calls of support and love, letters of hope, and laughter of memories. Listening we have enough bad news to deal with, it's time that we pursue the heart of Daddy's joy in this season.

Prayer: Daddy, thank you for the opportunity to sow emotional seeds into people that I am connected to and even strangers. I understand that we are living in a time of famine and uncertainty and the best thing I can do is make myself available to you. Daddy, help me be the best seed sower during this time of famine. Let me be bold enough to love hard, become grateful in all things, and check on those I think are strong. Daddy, help me be open to accept emotional seeds as I sow them. Help me to maintain balance and never pour out on empty. In Jesus Name AMEN!

I really hope this blog blesses you during these uncertain times. Please know that your physical and your mental health is truly important. If you feel like you need help in the areas of your mental health. Please text the word Villiage to 205-660-0376, to be connected to a mental health expert. This is the perfect time to get everything you put off in order. #noexcuses #mentalhealthawarenessmonth

New Starts Here

Hey Readers!! I know... I know... It's been a minute! I know I promised to do better, but life!!! I know.. No excuses and honestly there aren't any. But, guess what?!? 2020 will soon be here and I will try this again. However, I am not waiting until 2020 to get here to start my new start. My new starts here today!!! Yes, today! Let me catch you all up on the great things that I have already started that will be incorporated into my 2020. I have started #squadgoals which is a group of women that I not only send encouraging messages to but also keep me accountable and consistent. Then, there is #dearfuturehusband365 with a brand new look and content. Last but not least DDC (Daddy Daughter Conversations). I figured out a way to share new content and be consistent. I am excited and it starts tomorrow. So get ready for great messages and an awesome year!

Prayer:  Daddy, as we continue to finish the things of this year, help us prepare for our next. Let us not get content in waiting on a new year to arrive before we put new year things into action. Let us put into action our new year things now. Remind us that our new starts here. Herewith, an open mind, heart, and faith to trust you more by losing control more often. In Jesus Name. Amen!

Merry New Year

It's 2019 and I don't know about you, but I am so excited about everything Daddy has planned for me to accomplish this year. I was really feeling lost, unprepared, and unplanned about this year.  But, during vision casting today I realize I just need to have a board meeting with Daddy A meeting to ask  Him what is it that He is requiring of me, and what I need to do in order to get those things accomplished. The answer He gave was so profound. I will share it with you.

Know this is the year of activation and cultivation. This means that you can't hide behind the scenes anymore. I am going to pull on your gifts... Yes, gifts... You have become comfortable with one gift, and I have many more in store for you. Don't allow constructive criticism to be seen as a personal failure. Know that it is pruning and refining you for your next. It may not feel good and yes it's uncomfortable, but it's necessary for this season. Here is what I need from you:

- Eradicate, the root of generational curses that have caused you to fall. Seek me for the strategy to do this.

- Place, yourself in a position where you can be used for my will, not yours. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

- Openness. Be open to hearing me, feel me, and know me at another level and realize that I am about to do something new, and you are worthy of what I have for you.

-Opportunity. Position yourself in a place to be poured into and cultivated. Be ok when people pull on your gift. Don't be a shame of the opportunity I present to you.

-Obedience is better than sacrifice. You can't sacrifice who I called you to be in order to fit in. This is the season that you need to learn how to be ok with sticking out. Be obedient to the crazy instructions I give. The ones that don't even make sense.

-Press, beyond your emotions, feelings, disappointments, discouragements, and discomfort. I am a prize worth fighting for.

-Pursue, me like you never have before. Know that I seek for you to be lost in me until there is no more you, only me.

If you do these things daughter I will show you my favor, you will experience a new level of joy, peace, grace, love, and your self-control will go to another level.

These instructions aren't easy nor are they hard. They are a challenge to trust Daddy in His word, actions, and your relationship with Him. Question: How much do you trust Him?

If you aren't new to this blog,  then you know that I have an issue with trusting Daddy with my all, but in 2019 my prayer has been... Daddy, I trust you with me and all of me !!!  I won't worry. I won't doubt. I won't look back.

Prayer: Daddy this year we seek to be what you called us to be, and not what we are comfortable being. We seek to walk in your will, word, and way, trusting you all the way. We seek to fall in love with you and we know that it's you we pursue. Thank you, Daddy, for this new year, and please forgive us for not being comfortable with being uncomfortable, as you take us to a new level. 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!

The Stretch

I know it's been a while, but I have a good excuse... I've been stretching and the stretch has not been easy. So let me tell you what this looks like and why the stretch has been one for the record books. Last year I  talked to Daddy about my next. I had a conversation about what to do now that I was finished with school and I was in a high leadership position. For a while, I didn't hear anything. I keep praying and being silent, but nothing. One day an event at work happen and it causes me to really feel like it was time for me to go, I prayed and this time Daddy gave me an answer. He told me a date that I would need to turn in my resignation and where to go afterward. Now it was where he told me to go afterward that had me kind of shook. I remember the conversation like it was yesterday. He said: "It's time for you to trust me fully, and do what I have equipped you to do. It's time that you go and do ministry at your church". After hearing this I spoke with my pastors to see what we need to do, to get me set up for the transition. They were so excited and felt like this was the best time to do so. I, on the other hand, was feeling some kind of way, but I knew what GOD said so I was in an " I trust GOD mindset".  So long story short I resigned from my job and working for my church full time as the senior pastor's assistant and mental health consultant. I have taken a $1400 pay cut, but nothing in my house has lack... NOTHING!!!

I know you are wondering what is the stretch. The stretch is letting GOD be GOD. How can we name Him provider and not give me the opportunity to actually provide? How can we call Him healer and not allow Him to heal us? How can we say we have victory in Him, but never give Him the opportunity to win the wars and battles that life throws at us? This is the stretch... Letting Daddy be all he says he can, will, and has been. Allowing Him to be everything we need when we need it as we continue to be obedient to all his instructions.

Let me say this... THIS HAS NOT BEEN EASY!!! I have tried to get another job, sought out ways to earn extra income, make my own plans, but GOD has blocked and convicted me of it all.  This stretch has really reminded me of  Jeremiah 29:11 where Daddy says: "I know the plans I have for your life, plans to prosper you, not to harm you."  In this stretch, it doesn't seem like the plan looks prosperous. It kind of feels like Daddy has brought me in the middle of the ocean and said now, swim. No direction, no guidance, only the action of doing what he said. Let me say this I thought that swimming in the ocean would be hard, but can I tell you I have been floating like a fish.

The stretch has taught 5 things... (If you don't know I love the number 5, it's the number of Grace):

1. Learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

2. The weight may seem unbearable, but the wait is worth the process.

3. Remind Daddy of his word and promises. Daddy sees your heart, but HE responses to his word. He said that his word will not return to him void, so speak what he already said and watch him work.

4. Stay focus. When you are being obedient you may feel like you need to explain yourself, but there's not needed when you trust Daddy... Which brings me to number 5.

5. TRUST DADDY!!! When I tell you that Daddy has met needs before I even ask...He has. It can be as simple as lunch to money. I have never been a place where I've never seen His word manifest so quickly. But because I was obedient and I speak His word even in the midst of distractions, I have seen Him come through for me like never before.

Prayer: Father right now we thank you that you have already given us an example of the effects of what relentless faith looks like. We thank you that greatness is in us and though we may never see the whole promise we are grateful for the position to see pieces of the promise. We will pursue you like it is our last time, and seek your face over your hand. In the Name of JESUS... AMEN

New Beginning

Happy New Year Fellow Followers!!! I can't believe it will be 4 years this year since I started this blog. It started out as a process to enhance my counseling skills and ended up being the healing process to my heart. Daddy is so awesome!!! He will take your will and plan and some how in the process convert it to bring him glory!!

Well it's that time of the year again. The time we talk about the new beginnings of a new year. The time were we sit and think about what we want to accomplish, speak into the atmosphere, and just really press towards. I am super excited about 2016! I mean it's the year of the expectation of Daddy. I am really ready to see the promises of what Daddy's YES and AMEN looks like aren't you? Well with all this expectation and excitement can I talk to you about new beginnings and how to really look at 2016?

 As children of Daddy we forget three things when it comes to our new beginnings in a new year. These things are: Last year's lessons, Daddy will for us, and faith. Yep, these three things are things we forget to continue to incorporate in our new beginnings. Let's talk about he first one "Last year's lessons." I don't know about you but last year was the greatest lesson plan that I think Daddy could prepare for me. I lost my mother's side of the family with disconnect due to the death of my grandmother, had to move out of the house I lived in for 15 years into an apartment with my mother, lost my daddy's mother whom I was close with but never got the full closure I needed from her death, because my cousin got into an major accident on the way to funeral and I saw it all; and last I was in a major car accident in another state that left me with a totaled car. What lessons!?! Well let me tell you what I got from all of that which were great lessons for me to apply to 2016. Lesson 1. Never ever allow what you feel to predict your assignment. You are not your own, you are just a steward of the body you were given. This life you live is not about you and your glory, but about you completing the assignments that Daddy has give you the honor to carry out. Never allow how you feel to dictate how you respond to life and its situations no matter how much you feel it will bring productivity to the situation. Lesson 2. Have faith and stay faithful. Hum, I think I am about to cry about this lesson. Because it's hard to have faith when your integrity is being drugged through the mud by family, you have so many life changes going on that you don't know if you are coming or going, and you feel like you about to lose it, but you never do. But can I tell you if Daddy is faithful you can be faithful too. Because his track record in your life is greater than the moment of foolish and temporariness that is cause by others or yourself. Lesson 3. Always rest. I know this can be hard when you are looking for answers, solutions, and resolutions to life, but if you rest in the peace, love, and joy of GOD he will become your strength and the rest you thought you would never experience will be one that you desire more and more every day. Lesson 4. Change your vision. How you see things are not how things are actually seen. (that's deep I know). What you see in your face doesn't hold value to what Daddy is doing behind the scene. I am always reminded of the story where the prophet Elisha prayed that his servant's eyes be open during a time of war. And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2Kings 6:17) It wasn't until he prayed for the spiritual vision of his servant that he could see the true vision of victory. Always know that fight is rigged you win every time all you have to do is show up. Here is the final lesson. Lesson 5. Stand on the word of GOD. His words will not return to him without purpose. "so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)
So now you have the lessons you need to enjoy your new beginning apply them to your 2016 and watch Daddy do what he does best...manifest greatness!

Prayer: Daddy as we go into our new beginning help us to never forsake the lessons of our last year or the years before, let us always have the mentality of a student that seeks to learn more  and the characteristics of a child humble, but assured that there is nothing to big or hard for our daddy to do. Let us always remain in the place of faith, hope, and love, realizing that nothing is ever in our control only yours. Let us always speak life where death tries to rest, remaining assured that your word will not return to you void. But Daddy most importantly let us never take your grace and mercy for granted. Let us always be in the position were we realize tomorrow is never promise to us ; therefore, we will rest in today and allow you to take care of tomorrow as we complete what you have called us to and become great stewards of the the life you allow us to live, no matter what our expectations for it is.  In Jesus Name AMEN!