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

Your Purpose is Waiting on You

Have you or do you ever find yourself asking..."What is my purpose? How do I obtain my purpose"? We are sure that you answered "yes" and could relate to at least one of those questions. As a Therapist, I always find myself in conversations with people seeking a life filled and driven by purpose. We get the age-old questions "How do I find out what my purpose is"? Well, can I bust some myths and state some facts? 

Myth 1: Purpose is something you seek. 

Fact: The bible states that purpose was given to you before you were formed in your mother's womb. ~Jeremiah 1:5

 

Myth 2: Purpose is hard to obtain.

Fact: Purpose is inside you. All you have to do is tap into it.

Today, I want to challenge you to stop seeking purpose and start seeking the Father, so He can give you the instructions to tap into purpose. 

Remember this, "To gain access to purpose, you must tap into the presence of GOD". ~Min. Shawndrika Cook 

Prayer: Daddy, help us live this life with purpose, understand what you have purposed to do is already in us. Help us tab, maintain, and sustain the call on our lives. Allow us to be in a place to seek you always to gain another level of purpose. In Jesus Name! AMEN

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!

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

I Don't Care

Hey Readers!!!

I know it's been a while and I promised once a month you would hear from me, BUT LIFE!! Those two words alone can preach a sermon that reaches nations!!! But we will talk about that one later.

 Today as I was looking at my Facebook Memories and I ran across a post that I wrote when I was transitioning from being married to dealing with my divorce, to being single again. In this season in my life, I was in a place where I was nonchalant about a lot of things, including my relationship with Daddy. We were just getting reacquainted with each other and I was in a place where everything that could happen, happened!! I was lost and I had developed an attitude and even verbiage of "I Don't Care." So, here is my confession and I hope it helps someone. We will talk more about it after you read it.

Confession: I am really in an I don't care mood. I don't know why I feel like this and I am sitting in my office trying to shake it off... But then I hear the Holy Spirit says to me  I don't care is not a bad place in the right timing... Let me say that again "I don't care is not a bad place in the right timing."(I can shout right there) I know you are saying what does that mean Shawndrika? If I am trusting GOD to be the supplier of all my needs, the lifter of my head, and I am doing my part... I don't care if I have to wait. I don't care if I have to be single until he finds me. I don't care if people don't understand my actions. I don't care if I have to cry to get through the day. I don't care if my communication with GOD causes me to miss moments that others think are important. I don't care if I have to sow, separate myself, or even endure until He comes. I don't care if I have to be silent while people talk about me. I don't care if it hurts now, my Daddy will heal me later. I DON'T CARE!!! When you get to a place where you Don't Care in the right timing then you will realize the freedom in trusting the Father. Learn how to not care in the right manner and watch GOD turn things around. #notcaringwiththerightspririt #idontcareaboutthecost #itsworthit

Whew!!! Were you blessed by that? I know I was!!! It reminded me again the energy we put in caring about things that we can't control, out of our control, and beyond our control. It also reminded me that there are times in our lives where we put so much energy in caring about people, situations, and circumstances, that we miss Daddy caring for us. (Oh, someone is going to get that in a minute) we care so much about the next that we can't enjoy the now. Today do me a favor get you a healthy "I Don't Care," attitude and let Daddy care for you.

Prayer: Daddy, help us have an "I Don't Care" attitude when comes to things that you are taking care of. Let us gain more access to you as we "Don't Care," for the things of this world or the things people say about us. Help to Don't Care for the things you don't care about... Like sin, idols, and being disobedient. Thank you, Daddy, that we "Don't Care" in a healthy way! 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!!!

The Issue of Truth

Hey Readers!!! I know I know !!! It's been a while I realize doing it once a month is going to be realistic for me. But I promise you that you will hear from me more often. So, let's get down to business!!

This morning before getting dressed for work, I read a new devotional "30 Names in 30 Days". (you can find it on the Bible app) I really didn't know what to think about the devotional, but I knew it was one that I needed to read. I really wanted to read it because I figured calling GOD Daddy was not working for me. I felt I needed to learn some new names and characteristics of him. (LOL) Today, was the confirmation that I needed because I learned a new name for Daddy...Jehovah El Emeth which means Lord GOD of Truth...  After learning this new name, I start to say it and pray to Daddy by calling him Jehovah El Emeth. Before I could even start praying, He started speaking and what He spoke hurt.

Now, this hurt was a hurt I had never experienced before. This hurt was the reality of truth. See, I didn't know that I was setting myself up by continuing to learning this new name and character of Daddy. As I said it over and over again. He began to tell me that His truth is not one that is comfortable, it is not the healing oil of gladness. It's not one that creates joy all the time. His truth is one that creates freedom. But even in the midst of being freed there is pain. I know you are wondering... How can freedom create pain? Simple, when you have to say good-bye to the things you invested half your life in, in order to get freed to move into your next, that can be painful. When you realize that the thing you were really working hard to fix is no longer fixable...and for you to fully be freed you must let it go and be ok with it being broken... That's painful! When you realize that the reality of what you thought was your truth was really a lie you created to make it through life, and the freedom you seek requires you to let that lie go to gain Daddy's freedom...That's painful!! I could go on and on about the issue with truth, but the reality is we must be able to handle and deal with the truth. We must allow Jehovah El Emeth to come in and do a work in our heart! We  must allow him to reconstruct our reality that we no longer live a lie, but we live in the truth of His love, word, promise, and freedom through Jesus.

Prayer:  Daddy we come asking that you be Jehovah El Emeth in our life. Allow the light of your truth to be the light we live in. Allow it to destroy every lie that we have created, believed, or fallen for. Allow your truth to be the strength of our desire to be free in you. To enjoy the peace of you and rest in all that you have called us to. In Jesus Name! AMEN!!!


P.S. Here is the link to learn the pronunciation of Jehovah El Emeth
https://tonyevans.org/praying-and-pronouncing-the-names-of-god-page-2/

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!!!

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!!

Good Grief

Hey DDC Readers,

This DDC blog is something different. Today I want to address grief and the spirits that come with it. I want to help someone that is not only dealing with the grief, due to the loss of a loved one, but due to life changes. Let me put on my therapist hat and educate on grief. Grief is not the result of a loss of a loved one alone, it comes with life changes good, bad, and ugly. I always give the example of how someone that lose something like their keys goes through the 5 stages of grief while looking for them. (*the stages of grief are not in a 1,2,3 format.  The five stages of grief are: 1) Denial, 2) Bargaining, 3) Anger, 4) Depression, and 5) Acceptance  You can jump through stages and repeat them often) When you first lose your keys you may be in denial. you may make statements like " I know left the keys right here." We may find ourselves bargaining, especially when someone else is in the house. "Look, whoever moved my keys, please just put them back." After, that statement we may find ourselves angry and frustrated, especially after retracing our steps. We will say things like, "I know my keys were right here, who moved them?" Because the anger can truly be overwhelming we can get depressed, especially when we have exhausted all resolution and actions. Lastly, we will get to the acceptance stage. We will make a statement like "Oh well, I guess I lost my keys." At that moment we find the keys and the grief moment is up. We don't realize that we have experience grief due to the fact that we bounce back so easily from it   I hope that this blog helps everyone that reads it and it helps you move from grief to good grief and healing.

Post:
"As a counselor, my job is to help those in need and remind myself to be a rock so that the person on the other side of the conversation can be vulnerable and get what they need to get out... I pray daily GOD use me to be your vessel that you may get the glory out of the gift you have given me as a counselor. Well, this month has been one of the months where I really need GOD to manifest that prayer 10x. For some reason, the holidays seem like an open door for the enemy to come in like a flood. But can I tell those that have lost a loved one, remembering a loved one, grieving, grieving over a marriage gone wrong, feeling lost, depressed, numb, distraught, discouraged, confused, in pain, bewildered, frustrated, negative, and drain something... He will... HE will remove, restore, renew, heal, protect, provide, pour out, give victory, rescue, and save you in a breath of our Yes and an action of your surrendering! I don't care what it looks like or how you feel.. My DADDY is THE on-time GOD he says he is. Not only that, he will overtake your desires, depression, and desperation with his glory, presence, love, peace, and joy. You will survive the holidays because your purpose is not over. Pick your head up, cry your tears, scream to the top of your lungs... but take of the ashes of mourning and put on the garment of praise... If you leave it on long enough you will start to fill the effects. #gottoresponddifferently #thisishispurpose."

What do you do when your message from 5 years ago still holds weight even now? You share it! This message has more value now than then. I have seen my friends struggle through the holidays, my married friends say goodbye to their long marriages. I have tried to encourage my friends to keep moving as they grieve the loss of their loved ones or marriage. I am here to share this message with them. Because in this season you can't allow the enemy to take away your joy even in their physical absence. As long as you live they live!! Don't allow your want to grief hinder you from your need to heal. I am going to say that again Don't allow YOUR WANT to grief hinder YOUR NEED to heal. Being paralyzed in the moment of their absence will only give the enemy more room in your life. Yes, life will be hard without them, but it doesn't make it impossible. I always encourage those that have lost loved ones to do three things. 1) create a night of memories with family and friends. This night should not be a night where you reflect on the person's absence but on their effects. What can you do make sure that their legacy lives? What I love about great leaders that have gone on before is that even in their death they still live. You can do the same with your loved ones. 2) Create a tradition that allows you to incorporate new family memories. Creating a new norm is not easy but it's doable. 3) Don't fake the funk! It's ok to grieve, cry, get mad and/or angry, but you can't stay there. You can't make statements like: "I am not going to make it through the holidays." "I just want to be by myself." or "You don't understand." Why? Because you can make it, one step, moment, and second at a time. (it's an everyday process), You can't be by yourself, because that will cause you to be paralyzed in your grief. Last, everyone may not understand, but there is someone around you that does and wants to be there for you. So, this season I need you all to grieve yes, but let's grieve in the direction of healthy grief and not unhealthy grief. Let's do our loved ones the justice of living because they would not want it any other way.

When it comes to other life-changing events apply the same three steps but add one, let yourself heal. Don't be a shame of your brokenness, remind yourself that you are in the process towards your wholeness.

Prayer: Daddy, I thank you for every reader that will read this blog. I thank you that you will heal them in the area of grief and brokenness. That you will manifest your peace, joy, love, and comfort in their lives as they continue to deal with the life changes that cause them to experience the process and emotions of grief. I pray that when they read this, they will become free and that everything that was holding them back from experienceing good grief is loose off of them and sent to a dry place. I thank you that as of today, they will experience the healing process of good grief. 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!

It Hurts When People Drop Me

So when I was thinking about this blog, I was going to talk about how people drop you so quickly when things don't go right between the two of you. I was going to touch on how the selfishness of others can cause them to drop you when they should be picking you up. That when people drop you they leave a footprint of rejection on your life. But Daddy had another plan and because " I just want to be obedient". (Topic from day1 of #bloglikecrazy) I am going to do that.

When Daddy turned this blog around he brought me to 2 Samuel 4:4 where we learn about Jonathan's son Mephibosheth. This verse discussed what happens when someone drops you. You become crippled. What got me were the verses before and after the drop. There was a sense of fear that came over the kingdom and the people. The person in charge at the time had no answers to what to do and how to fight, yet he found time to rest. In his resting, he was killed. (this happens all before the drop) The people that killed him bring his head to King David as a sign of victory but in return are killed themselves.  (these things happen after the drop) My question is what happens in the middle of the drop? A lot of times we are in a place where someone has dropped us that it cripples us to wanting or desiring to go to our next. We find ourselves depending on others to take care of us. This is where we see Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel chapter 9. David has done everything up to this point that Daddy told him he would do as king. But, he is reminded of the covenant he had with Jonathan and asked this simple question in verse 1: "Is anyone in Saul's family still alive--anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake"? He gets his answer in verses 3-6a of this chapter. 

See, what I realize in this story about Mephibosheth is, though he was dropped, abandoned, and forgotten, someone remembers the promise attached to his legacy. King David realized that though he had completed the works Daddy had called him to, he had not honored his friend or the covenant he made with him. How does this apply to us about being hurt when people drop us? Though Mephibosheth's nursed dropped him to the point of crippling him, Daddy saw an opportunity to revise the legacy of a friendship. He saw an opportunity for what was broken and had no value to gain value and wholeness again. That's exactly what Daddy wants to do for us after people have dropped us. He wants to revise us, give us value, and make us whole again.

I know you are wondering what is the moral to this blog? That though they hurt you when they drop you, Daddy is going to make sure that your crippling experience will cause you to grab the attention of a king.  That king will be reminded of the promises attached to your legacy and will call you to sit at this table and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Prayer:  Daddy thank you for the reminder that when people drop us, that it will not hurt our legacy.  Thank you for helping us to remember that we are worth to sit at the king's table no matter how broken we look to others, you see us whole and valuable. We thank you that you have given us the boldness and bravery that we need to forgive those that dropped us, causing us to be crippled by fear, frustration, loneliness, and bitterness. In Jesus Name. Amen

P.S. #bloglikecrazy day 3 completed

Pick Me Up In The Spirit

So, the other day I was strolling through Instagram and I came upon this post that stated: "Check on your strong friends".  I don't know about you, but that statement hit a string in my spirit. Why? Because I am "The" strong friend. I am the friend that wakes up and prays in the middle of the night with you. The friend that you can lean on. The friend that is pushing, motivating and encouraging you to get to your next. I am "The Strong Friend".  After seeing that post I had some thoughts come to my head. Well, technically the thoughts came after an emotion I had about two people I consider to be my best friends made me feel some kind of way. I have embarked on a new journey in my life that requires more than what I expected to give, honestly. This journey has caused me to be busier, but not busy at the same time.  (I know that sounds confusing...let me see if I can explain it better) It has caused me to be in a position of being on call with some flexibility. But, this doesn't mean that I did not or don't have time for my friends. After looking at pictures of them having fun on the weekend, it made me realize that these people that I have labeled best friends to the point to call them sister and brother, don't pick me up in the spirit like I do them. They aren't in tune with me like I am with them, and that made me really upset. Because, when they need me I am there, whether they verbally express it or I pick it up in my spirit.

Me having these feelings lead to a conversation I had with my little sister when I told her that my desire in this season is for someone, anyone in my circle to just pick me up in the spirit. I just want one person to say" I am praying for you. I am proud of you. Thank you for being a friend". Something!! Then I was reminded of a scripture found in Philippians 4:14 " Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble".  (ESV) That scripture really spoke my heart. It caused me to be in a place where I had to evaluate my friends and even myself. Am I the friend that picks her friends up in the spirit? When I do, do I act in a way to cover them? Protect them? Heck, call and check on them? The answer to the last two questions is no. Why? I really can't tell you the why behind it. But, what I can tell you is that I am striving to do better and have apologized to those that I have dropped after picking them up in the spirit.

Today, I want to challenge us to not only desire friends that pick us up in the spirit. But, to actually be the friend that executes the actions after we pick friends up in the spirit.

Prayer:  Daddy, thank you for building us to carry the weight of your Spirit in us. Thank you for allowing us to be in a position that we can pick up our friends. And that You have surrounded us with people that can pick us in the spirit as well. Daddy, help us be bold enough to act on the picking up. Help us be able to not only pick them up but actually call and check on them. Help us to be consistent in our check-ins and helps us maintain a connection that we can pick them up as often as needed. In Jesus name!!! AMEN!!!

P.S. Day 2 of #bloglikecrazy completed!!! Thank you for reading and coming on this journey with me.

I Just Want To Be Obedient

Today start a new journey! Today, I join with bloggers across the world in a challenge that can seem intimidating, dishearting, and frustrating. Today, I start my day 1 of #bloglikecrazy.

What is #bloglikecrazy? #bloglikecrazy is a 30-day challenge of blogging your heart out. It was created by writer, CEO, and blogger Javacia Harris Bowser the founder "See Jane Write". (Check out her page on seejanewritebrham.com.) So, for the next 30days, I will be posting blogs on here for the first two weeks and the last 2 weeks I will post on my other blog page... DearFutureHusband365 blog (which you can follow and subscribe to by going to: dearfuturehusbad365.wordpress.com)

Enough with the chit-chat, let's get down to business, shall we!!

I thought it was only bidding that I start my first day of #bloglikecrazy with the topic of obedience because this is what this challenge is truly going to pull out of me. When I thought about this topic I thought about how many times I was delayed in my obedience. How many times Daddy gave me the opportunity to be obedient and I found myself more in tune with questioning the assignment than doing what I was supposed to do.  I am sure I am not alone in this action. Questioning something that we know Daddy told us to do.  In doing this routine of questioning I found myself singing this song (yes I made it up) "I just want to be obedient.  Be obedient.  Obedient. Daddy, I just want to be obedient without the questions".  Now this song is not a one-hit wonder, it is a tune that I sing daily because Daddy is requiring something new for me to do daily. Something out the box. Something out of my comfort zone and knowledge. Something that requires me to sacrifice sleep or submit myself to someone. So, the struggle of obedience is real to me.  But, in the midst of the struggle, I am reminded of the scripture found in 1 Samuel 15:22 part b of that verse that says, "Obedience is better than sacrifice". (NLT)

I am sure some of looked at that scripture and wondered what are we truly sacrificing? Especially, when what Daddy is calling us to do is something so simple as praying for someone at 5 am in the morning and we just went to sleep at 2am. Surely, Daddy would understand that you need your sleep to function... RIGHT?!? That if you still pray once you were at least coherent,  that it would be better than struggling with your sleep. But can I tell you that Daddy would not understand! Because as HIS children we are to submit to HIM daily and, that submission requires consistent and total obedience.
That we may not be sacrificing anything personally, but we may be sacrificing saving someone's life. Now, I know you are thinking it's not that deep. But, can I tell you that it is!! I have had to wake up out my good sleep because, my dreams where consist of me dreaming of a person that Daddy told me to pray for. I love the fact that Daddy gives us a chance to correct our disobedience so we can be in a place of obedience, even if mean disrupting something we enjoy.

Today, I want to challenge us to never be in a place of delaying in our obedience. That when Daddy tells us to do something, we will do it without hesitation. That we will be open to the process and instructions that HE is requiring of us. That we will not question the task, but with boldness, bravery, and humility complete it in the spirit of excellence.

Prayer: Daddy, we come now repenting for being disobedient. Whether if it was in our delayed obedience, or not completing the task at all. We ask that you forgive us for our obedience. Today, we take a stand saying we will do, go, say, and obey. We realize that though we may not be sacrificing something, something is being sacrificed when we don't obey. So, we ask for Your grace and mercy and we thank you for giving us a chance to get it right. In Jesus Name...AMEN!!

Birthday Behavior

Hello Readers!!!

I know, I know!!! I haven't posted in two weeks!! But, can I be honest I haven't had the energy and know how to post, what you need in order to be in encouraged. So, I had to get my life and pray about what I needed to share with you.

So, today is a special day. I didn't want to release this blog on Tuesday as usual because I wanted you to be a part of my birthday celebration. Yes, today is my birthday and I am super excited about it. Every year for the last 6 years I have always been in a funk when it is time for my birthday countdown. I would find myself comparing where I should be to where I am. I would think about all that I lost. My areas of lack. My areas of fear and frustration. Anything negative, I thought about it as my birthday approached. But, this year was different I don't know what happened or when it happened. (That's usually how Daddy works. He will shift you and transition into your next without you  being fully aware of the shift or the transition).

Today is not your usual blog.  It is a blog filled with revelation and insight. One to encourage you to enjoy life in spite of! This blog is to bring you more aware of what is going on with you. What Daddy wants to do through you. How you can live the abundant life that Jesus talks about in John 10:10

Let's get started!!!

As I prepared for today I decided to do three things. 1. Reflect. Not on what I wanted and needed. Not on what I did not have. But, reflect on the fact that I did not look like what I had been through. I start to look at pictures from the last 6 years. I saw how I lost and gain weight. I saw how my mask sometimes showed, but no one confronted me about it. I saw how I pushed through despite feeling like life was not even worth living. 2. Realize. I came to the realization that who I am will never be who everyone needed me to be. I will not be able to please everyone, fit there mode, or even be accepted by everyone. Last 3. Revelation. I got the revelation that I have not lived up to my full potential. That I have allowed myself to become complacent, fearful, and doubtful. I found myself comparing myself to people I thought I wanted to be, instead of asking Daddy what He needed me to be.

Through these decisions, five things were birth out of me. 1. Concentration. I realize that I need to focus on what is in front of me. Learn from what is behind me. Prepare for what is ahead of me.  By doing these things I will be able to be productive. 2. Consistent. When you create a routine that works keep working it. Keep building on it. Having foundation is the key to success and consistency is the cornerstone. Daddy is consistent, and because we are made in His image we must be the same. 3. Courage. You must be bold enough to think outside your box. To be in a position where you are willing to say "Yes," in spite of the test. Your "Yes", can't be compromised due to your discomfort. Which brings me to the fourth thing...4. Comfort. You must become comfortable being uncomfortable. See the more you get used to being uncomfortable the more you get shifted and transited into your next. Last but not least 5. Completion. This one is hard because I am so goal oriented that I felt like this referred to my assignment and not me as a person. But, this completion is about being whole. It's about realizing that what you thought you needed was not what you really needed. It's about being ok with you despite your flaws. It's the summary of everything I have discussed with you so far.

So, I am sure you are wondering how can all this information help you out. What can you do with this information? Simple. Use it. Look and see what you need to work on in the three decisions. What decisions do you need to make that you haven't made? What decisions do you need to re-evaluate? The five things birth out of me... Well, those or my tools, revelations, elements of life. They are the things that I need for this next chapter. They can be some or all that you need in your current journey.

Today, I challenge you to use my birthday to create a new year for you. No, not a new you, a new year. We are always waiting for January 1 for us to start all over. But, the reality is, our new year starts every time we open our eyes and breathe the breath of life.

Prayer: Daddy, we thank you for this moment. The moment to breathe, your breath of life. The moment to really get somethings straight in our lives. We thank you for the ability to point out the things we need to deal with. The thing that we need to evaluate and make decisions about in our lives. We realize we do not have time to waste, and we must stay in tune with you. Thank you for your guidance through your Holy Spirit. This moment could not be productive without your Holy Spirit. In JESUS name! AMEN!

An Excused Yes

Today's blog is about to challenge your YES!

This past Sunday my pastor talked about Moses and the excuses he made when he said yes to Daddy.  Let me give you a summarization of this story so you can be brought up to speed for those that aren't familiar with the story.  Ok, so Moses was saved by his mother during a time where the Pharaoh was trying to kill all the Israelite boys. He grew up in the house of Pharaoh, killed a man, ran away, and met his real family, and this is where our story picks up. Moses is with his people minding his own business when Daddy tells him that he will be the one that approaches Pharaoh. Daddy tells him that he will tell Pharaoh  " to let His people go". Well, Moses response to this prestige opportunity is one I think most of us do when Daddy tells us we are going to do something great in the earth...The of  (drum roll please)... The excuse. Yep, that's right the excuse. 

We will give Daddy a, yes, but somehow, someway we end up finding an excuse on why we aren't capable. In Moses' case, his was the inability to speak with clarity. He said in Exodus 4:10-14:

10 Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”14 Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you.  (NIV)

10 Moses raised another objection to God: “Master, please, I don’t talk well. I’ve never been good with words, neither before nor after you spoke to me. I stutter and stammer.”11-12 God said, “And who do you think made the human mouth? And who makes some mute, some deaf, some sighted, some blind? Isn’t it I, God? So, get going. I’ll be right there with you—with your mouth! I’ll be right there to teach you what to say.”13 He said, “Oh, Master, please! Send somebody else!”14-17 God got angry with Moses: “Don’t you have a brother, Aaron the Levite? He’s good with words, I know he is. He speaks very well. In fact, at this very moment, he’s on his way to meet you. When he sees you he’s going to be glad. You’ll speak to him and tell him what to say. I’ll be right there with you as you speak and with him as he speaks, teaching you step by step. He will speak to the people for you. He’ll act as your mouth, but you’ll decide what comes out of it. Now take this staff in your hand; you’ll use it to do the signs.” (Message)

So in both versions of this scripture, we see five things that happen when it comes to Moses' excused yes. 1. Moses questions Daddy. He even goes to the point where he begs Daddy not to give him the assignment. Now, Moses' begging confused me. Because in Chapter 3 (Read it for yourself) he had an intimate encourage with Daddy that literally caused a shift in his life. But, now at this moment, he is questioning the assignment. Is that not how some of us are. We have an awesome encounter with Daddy. I mean it is a life-changing moment. Yet here we are moments later, questioning Daddy's request of us saying yes to the assignment that He called us to. 2. Moses was quick to point out his unequipped ways. He reminded GOD that he was not able to complete the assignment, due to the fact that he did not have the equipment to do so. But, I love Daddy's response... He told Moses that He would go with him. He reminded Moses how was the creator of all things and the same thing that made Moses unequipped He would equip. But, just like some of us Moses told Daddy that was good enough. Let me take a sidebar here and say this... There is nothing Daddy can't offer that is not good enough. Daddy's presence is more than enough!! If we become comfortable with Him, then, we can become comfortable with the things that He calls us to. Back to the points. 3. We see the grace of Daddy. Daddy got mad that Moses clearly told Him that His presence was not good enough for him to complete the assignment. Daddy is so great to us! Because even in his anger He graces us with His love and comfort. Which brings me to point 4. Daddy did not agree with Moses excuse, but he did understand that he needed comfort. Instead of giving him a way of escape He equipped Moses with another tool...his brother Aaron. Another sidebar: Daddy will make sure that you have no excuses to completing the assignment. You can tell him what you lack and He will create the equipment to meet the need. 5. I love how Daddy still told Moses, (summary) "Even though you have your brother to speak for you, he can't speak unless you open your mouth." Last sidebar: Even when Daddy provides you with the equipment to complete the assignment it will not work until you do your part.

 So, what's the moral of this blog? No matter how many excuses you give Daddy, He will always equip you to complete the assignment. But, He will make sure you work so you can see the potential that is in you. He will make sure that you conquer that which was once an excuse. Daddy will make your excuse your GOD testimony

Prayer: Daddy, thank you that no matter how unequipped we feel, you are waiting and able to provide us with the tools we need to complete the assignments.  Daddy, help us to understand that what we see as an excuse is actually an opportunity for you to get the glory. Thank you that where we are weak your strength will make us strong. In JESUS name! Amen

Selfish Heart

What a transparent moment this blog will be as I had a come to Jesus meeting with myself. Over the past couple of months during this transition of moving out the secular world of working into ministry, I have really been examining me. How I talk...Think.. See others... Respond to others... Just my heart. I prayed the dangerous prayer found in Psalm 139:23 "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." That prayer alone has revealed my selfish heart. A heart that did not realize how brokenhearted I was... that I had projected it onto others. A heart that was willing to judge others before look at self. A heart that desired what she wanted when she wanted it, without asking Daddy what He wanted for me.

This has been a tough pill to swallow. Because this whole time I have made it my goal to pursue Daddy in a way I never pursue Him before. I feel so defeated and disappointed in myself. I feel like what is the use of the Christian journey if this is going to be the end result of my efforts of getting close to Daddy. But, here is the thing this is where the enemy wants me.  Question have you ever felt like where I am? Have you ever felt doubtful, hopeless, and discourage in your pursuit to seek Daddy? Have you ever felt like it wasn't worth it? Can I tell you something that has really saved me from feeling guilty and unworthy of Daddy's presence and love (because those are the emotions that I felt when I realize this was my heart), His grace and mercy is new daily!!! I know that seems so simple but not good enough. I know it seems like there should be more to help with a selfish heart. But after realizing how selfish I was.  I heard the Holy Spirit say " His grace is sufficient." ( 2 Corinthians 12:9).

How awesome is our Daddy, that He knew that one day we would make time to pray the prayer, asking him to search our hearts and finding out the selfishness that was in it... that He put a clause in place that would cover us. His grace covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

In all of this, I never thought that I would feel free as I feel now. I am in a place where I know there are some root issues that I need to deal with. That I need to learn how to apply the fruits of the spirit in a life applicable way. That I have to love in spite of how I feel or what they did. Because Daddy first love me (1 John 4:19), and there is nothing greater than love. (1 Peter 4:8). That His joy is my strength (Psalms 28:8) and in Him can I only find peace. (2 Thessalonians 3:16). That long-suffering create perseverance (Matthew 24:13) and gentleness creates a place of forgiveness (Philippians 4:5).

Goodness creates confidence (Psalms 27:13), faith ties the fruits of the Spirit together creating boldness in you (2 Peter 1:5-7). Meekness creates the opportunity for you to gain an inheritance (Matthew 5:5) and self-control keeps you out of trouble (Proverbs 21:23).

Today I challenge us to not meditate on the selfishness of our hearts, but the fact that they can become selfless if we just apply the word of God to our lives.

Prayer:  Daddy, we come to say thank you that your grace is sufficient enough to cover the multitude of sins that our heart creates. Thank you for taking out the time to examine our hearts and not allow us to remain selfish. Thank you that you have allowed the fruits of the Spirit to come in and take over that we may be better sons and daughters. Helps us to remain in a place of faith and examination. That we will not get settled where we are, but we will grow in your light and remain selfless and not selfish. In JESUS  name! Amen

I am Over It

Daddy, I am over it! The heartache, the frustration, the cycles, the relationships, the rollercoaster ride of emotions, the debt, the worry, the stress, the fear, the disappointment, the failures, setbacks, and setups. I AM OVER IT!!!
This is the conversation that I had a few days ago with Daddy as I sat in my living room crying and stressing over the bill collectors calling me, worrying about how I am going to pay, this and that. This is the mindset I had when I thought about the investment I poured into so many relationships and friendships. This is even the mindset I had when it came to church too. I was OVER IT!!!

Have you ever been there? To the point, you were over everything that affected your life in such a negative way? I mean to the point you even contemplated taking your life? Well, that was me. Yep, this is a transparent moment. One that I think plenty people have but are ashamed to admit. I mean who wants to be in the position of showing that they trust GOD and then turning around and saying life is not worth living anymore?

This is probably going to be a real transparent moment for me because I have not told anyone, but you, my readers this.  I have been keeping these things bottled, masked, and hidden. I mean I am a licensed therapist and minister, how does it sound and look for me to be speaking or thinking suicidal thoughts? But, there I was only a week ago in my living room trying to Netflix and chill and these were my thoughts.

But, guess what? The same things that I just told Daddy that I was over, are the same things that He was trying to use to get me to my next. UGH!! Don't you hate it when Daddy uses the things you hate to get you to your next? How He uses issues, situations, circumstances, and failure to show you how to grow. To birth out new assignments, ideas, and gifts? How He takes your constant complaining and creates a moment for you to experience His glory and presence?

I hate it, but it's in those same moments that I realize how much GOD is  I AM! I AM is over it, and I AM is in it. He takes over and uses His strength to create new beginnings for us to be in Him and over IT ... The IT is us. We are the IT!!! I mean the IT is our.....will, word, and way.  It is our ability and desires to want to operate in our strength, mindset, and emotions.

But how do we get over the IT? By allowing Daddy to be it. I was reminded of the game tag. How the object of the game when being IT, is to tag as many people as you can before they get to the base. That's what Daddy wants to do. He wants to tag as many of your problems before they get to the base of your mind and you feel defeated instead of victorious.  That's why I John 5:4 says "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith".
So today do me a favor join me in playing a game of tag. Let your problems run but allow Daddy to be IT!

Prayer: Daddy, thank you that you have already told us that you will handle all that concerns us. We thank you that even when it seems like our problems are weighing us down to the point we want to give up on life, we will tag you and allow you to be it. You are the source of our strength and everything that we need to get through every moment of our lives. We thank you for being IT. In JESUS name. Amen!