This is the day...

The Impossibility, BUT God said all things are possible!

2019-03-26T17:55:00.000-04:00

What know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost BUT yet you abuse it by not giving it the food of LIFE… (give your body the fuel that will never lack -- Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.)

The wages of sin is death, BUT you act like you don’t know that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son… (Salvation is unto one path only -- Jesus spoke, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, BUT yet you speak sickness, poverty, debt, death, and damnation… (I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, BUT we wait to see what’s going to be done, refusing to put faith into action… (If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.)

For those that believe in Jesus, the works that He did, greater works shall we do, BUT you don’t believe that God is doing stuff like that here, on earth, yes… even NOW… (Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.)

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? BUT you won’t reach beyond what you do daily for things (people, possessions, whatever we have given greater value then God), and still be lost, lonely, hurt, rejected, wounded, damaged?...

BUT by definition -- used to indicate the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated.

Aren’t you tired of living a conflicted life… choose life, choose love, choose, choose, choose… because the enemy understands the mere act of not making a choice means you have NOT taken a stand with God almighty, you are double minded… (A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.)

Make you choices strong, and LIVE WITH NO MORE “BUT”

Be encouraged, your best is yet to come!

Lessons Learned...

2019-03-23T13:14:00.001-04:00

I spent years doubting my abilities because I didn't feel supported by my loved ones. I wanted them to love what I had shown I could do. I had plenty short comings along the way, and much to learn, but I also had done the work and had allowed the passion that I have for what I love to push me to study more! Along the way, I got side tracked by the lies that I wasn't good enough because I was constantly being questioned about what I could do.

The fact is:
James 1:17 New King James Version
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

God's truths are NOT just for a moment, when we receive Christ and nuture our personal relationship with Him we can study to know that His Word says:

Hebrews 11:6 New King James Version
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 12 New King James Version
12 ... let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

If I miss the point that He rewards me when I seek Him, and I only have seek Him first so that the truth of who I am and what I am capable of shines and of course He will get the glory... I feel like I'm rambling, but these are clear thoughts... I do my part because He has already done His. I can NOT see what He has for me unless I seek Him, but when I do, He delivers... and He delivers because He does NOT and CAN NOT lie (it really is written in His Word).

So in fact the lie is believing I'm less than what He has created me to be. I will be driven by what He's placed in front of me, pushing me to my greatness! So everything I do in His name and as a result of what He's given me will be perfection!

I pray that this helps someone who has doubted their gifts... let go and release the thoughts that the enemy has planted and walk in the knowledge that God makes NO mistakes, and everything He does IS perfection!

Be encouraged, your best is yet to come!

2019-02-25T10:30:00.001-05:00

Missing purpose is horrible feeling, only surpassed by merely existing. How do you get your drive back... I believe the importance of direction does not seem to be as impactful as it did during my youth... but it truly is very important. We should always be geared toward the next level of where are we going. That can only lead to how will we get there. I'm thankful for the process, and know that keeping the ideas fresh and present will be a saving grace.

A bit of babble... perhaps... But health and well being are directly related to direction and purpose. Just get through each day is not enough. There is more, and we must walk it out. May we stay on task to accomplish the assignments that God has given so that the impact we are destined to make on the world, we may do just that. We have all been born with a goal of servitude to the most High, but the purpose was a dual goal, and that was to bring HIM joy, but to give us a life and a livelihood. My belief is that in walking through this we will know heaven on earth.

May I start moving strategically so that my heaven on earth can start now... because the alternative is leading no where, and I'm tired of avoiding my greatness!

Knowing and doing things because my best is yet to come!

2019-02-25T10:02:00.000-05:00

Special Notes to My Kids:

Love is a strong word not to be used lightly... God's love for us is evident of this in the life we live/lived/going to live... The huge mistakes that he knew we were going to make... And sent His Son for redemption so that we can live our best life (yep... I'm definitely quoting Lil Duvall)... It is mind blowing... I can only pray to love with that level of love to those He has given me to love...

Remember to be the change u expect to see!!! Love always, Mommy

Time for a Reset

2018-06-10T06:55:00.000-04:00

Living too long in an unhealthy space will make life feel impossible. The struggle for normalcy becomes more foreign each day. Eventually you tell yourself that perhaps the lie that things won't get any better is more fact then fiction. Worse still, you resolve that you could make do and settle for what makes you uneasy each moment. Living without Christ as my passion has become my crucifixion. Feeling empty when I know how and with whom to be full with can no longer be ignored. Walking outside of God's purpose for me has sentenced me into a box of mediocrity that has my life feel little more than listless... I choose life today! I choose Christ... Interupt my rest with visions of clarity and directions so I will understand creatively what is next and put action to Your vision for my life. A total surrender is all that I can move towards for necessary peace to live the coming days...

Rembering God's promises are yes and amen... His best for me is yet to come!!!

Time to Make a Change

2016-05-14T11:24:00.000-04:00

I was challenged to ask God to speak through dreams and as always God answered!

Had a dream that I was in a hospital room, I was the patient, and I was apparently trying to avoid the procedure that had to take place... it was necessary, but I had no desire to go through it... So in my attmept to be slick (which is so not like me) I pretended to be someone I wasn't... The name chosen was, however, marked for death!

Be careful that you aren't saying to God that you wish you could have things made like so-and-so, wishing you had riches like the world, or the cares of the world not to worry about... we don't know how others are living... and our relationship with Christ truly is enough, it's our unbelief... that faith to trust God that He is our Jehovah Jireh, our provider... no one can take credit for how God is moving mountains on our behalf, He truly wants to show out on our behalf, but we grow weary, or simply don't trust Him at His WORD. NEWS SCOOP: IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE!!!! His Word tells us He WILL provide... that's that!

So God tells me, you shall live and not die (Psalm 118:17)!

So I find comfort in the truth of who I am, and whose I am... and I hear audibly until it woke me out of my sleep, "now GO and declare the works of the Lord!"

Many of us know that there is more that we should be doing, know that there is a calling, but nearly to the point of wanting to hide and pretend to not be called, we would rather take on another person... condemning us to death! True life begins when we develop relationship with Christ... there is much Kingdom work to be down, soldiers don't retreat, it is time to stand your ground, move boldly, and declare the WORKS OF THE LORD! Don't be deceived or discouraged by the things that the enemy may try and show you, if you keep your focus on God, you too can literally WALK ON WATER!

Are you ready? You tired of pretending? GO AND DECLARE THE WORKS OF THE LORD! It's not for the reward... but sidenote, rewards do follow!

Be encouraged, your best is yet to come!

I know this song is old school... but heard it on the radio the other day and it lifted my spirit and moved me to push thru! I pray it bless you as well!

It's according to your measure of Faith!

2016-02-12T16:07:00.004-05:00

James 4:2 (KJV)

2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

Had a convo with my sister today and she said something she normally doesn't... she spoke something so simple it could have been overlooked, concerning something she has been believing God for, "I am expecting it to happen!!!"

Praise God, this is the key. We have not because we ask not... but even more than that, one step further... we have not because we are good to contradict ourselves... we tell God about our needs, go to prayer about our concerns... then we complain about the very things we "left at the Master's feet"... we stood in agreement with our brother's and sister's, and then speak negatively about the very same thing... we asked God to take it from us, and then in the next breath, made it our own again, saying we don't know how to handle it, it's out of control, how we will handle it next.

How often do we truly say "God take this thing from me , I give it to you," and follow up with, I am expecting this because this is easy for You! And leave it... that's it, no take backs... but leave it!!! This is where our victory lies... here is where the true change comes!!!

I challenge anyone who has had any issues, big or small, take it to your Heavenly Father and KNOW (EXPECT) that the resolution will be manifested! Then praise Him for doing it (yep, radical I know.. but even before you see it, as an act of true faith... thank Him)!!!

Post your praise reports and give the enemy no ground! Stay in the habit of praise and watch God show out!

Be encouraged, your best is yet to come!

How well do you really know the Father

2016-02-12T13:35:00.001-05:00

Had a conversation with my mother the other day... Not unlike any other day... But this day brought about a revelation that I hadn't considered.

We were discussing how she had enjoyed watching folks ice skating as she was in attendance of a friend's daughter's birthday celebration. Thought to myself, wait... what? My mother likes being active... like sports? When did this happen? I immediately reviewed all the memories I could conjure up to reflect on her words. No longer listening to a word she is currently saying... I hear the Holy Spirit speak to me... Your mother has always mentioned sports -- swimming, handball/raquetball, ice skating at Central Park and the Rink At Rockefeller Center, table tennis, etc... It was then that I the revelation.

I've known my mother my whole life (not trying to be dramatic, but for real)! How do you know someone your whole life, and not take the time to get to know them? She's always been "Mommy", and in recent years she's become my best friend. She speaks to me daily, watches out for me as much as she can, speaks life into drab situations... laughs with me, will cry with me, and let me know when I need correction. How did I miss who she is? She, just being mom, was my provider, taxi cab driver, boo-boo kisser, advocate, self-esteem booster, and overall, hardest working woman I have ever known. I was so busy seeing her only as the woman that raised me, I never thought to acknowledge who she was as an individual. What were her likes/dislikes, dreams/passions, what was she REALLY like.

Here's the revelation... How many of us say we love God? Truly feel like we do? We attend church, pray, read the word... Now imagine that we take the time to actually have a conversation with God... ask Him to show Himself to us... Let Him reveal who He truly is, what makes Him happy, help us to understand His word, let our motions and motives have true meaning by allowing us to truly get to know Him.

Do you really know the Father? Or is He who we cry out to when we've messed up? Do we show up on a Sunday/Wednesday, throw money at the church, do a good deed and feel like we've done enough? Who is willing to put forth the effort to truly chase and hunger after God? This one thing I do know... If we truly want to know someone, desire a meaningful relationship with them, then start asking questions, start reaching out to them, think about them often... speak / listen / hear them when they speak... answer when they have asked something of you... understand how deep their love is for you... and tell me what your relationship looks like after that... Tell me if you then TRULY find someone you only thought you knew, and instead find out, how much you missed, but just seeing the surface and allowing that to be enough!

Be encouraged, your best is yet to come!

Loyalty is RARE!

2015-11-05T00:05:00.001-05:00

I saw a post today about relationships. It talked about the importance of not betraying the trust of someone who is loyal to you. The message was simple. When someone is there for you, truly there for you, and they are loyal, with their love, time, gift, whatever... don't take it for granted.

I'm on a mission for complete healing. Carrying the baggage of your youth for a lifetime doesn't make you strong, it drags you down, weakening you more every day. I wanted to forget the things that happened to me; every bad occurrence. I practiced the art of forgetting, and pretended like it all was going to be all right. I accused others of being a liar, but it was me living a lie. I wasn't loyal to me!

Ephesians 2:10New International Version (NIV)

10 For we are God’s handiwork,created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

God's Word is true... so why is it that I wouldn't rely on God's Word? How could I not trust this truth? SMH... ridiculous right!?! God created me, knows me like none other, can protect me as I desired, can love me as I've always wanted... why would i allow anyone else to be in the position that was made for God, or for that matter anyone who desires His love. Loyalty had to be reserved for anyone who God has for me...

So now that I know where the problem lies... it's time to be present. I have to be present for me, I matter, I am important. I will not focus on what should have been, I will focus on what opportunities lie ahead. I will fix my future so that the world will open to my destiny. I am loyal to me! As scary as it seemed every day before now. I am excited about what this means. There are no limits. The best is yet to come.

Vow to live in truth...

2015-08-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

Years ago I responded to a mandate to document my truth of what God was doing in my life. There were paths and directives I had been called to and saw some of that journey through, but knew I was falling short when I put my need to be loved... The mere idea of a loving relationship and marriage seemed so much more important than anything that I had been instructed to pursue.

I made the conscious decision to listen to the words of the person I sought after instead of the Word from God. I began to doubt myself constantly. I ignored all negative doubt and shade that was thrown my way when he told me that I made some very bad decisions (that was in regards to leaving my old job paying substantially less than my colleagues were making... How folks he knew in the same profession made so much more). When He said he couldn't marry me until my credit was better, or how I would never earn enough money to take care of myself with the career path I changed to, my self worth and my motivation for pushing towards my mandate was placed on the back burner.

I needed to take ownership of choosing the path of listen/hold onto, or even attempting to "fix" the lists of what needs to "be" in regards to a relationship with me. Light bulb moments along the way were not enough to sustain me. Breaking up many times, trying to move on, each time coming back to the "love"... But far too often I was awaited by resentment... It all started to become very clear. Not sure what type of relationship I had, but we had checked out. Despite the fact that I wasn't ready to deal with everything that comes with that, it was happening. Frequent texts and calls from friends, spending time out, getting missing for many hours, complaining that whenever we go out he always had to pay, or not want to go out because of it. One things for sure, you no longer want this relationship.

I tried to understand at first, but quickly realized, even through the pain of knowledge, you do NOT have a relationship. For more than one year intimacy has been monthly... It became evident whomever was in a relationship with him, it was her feelings that were now first. And being here, living in his house, only meant that he doesn't look like an asshole for putting me out. His way is passive aggressive and deceptive. I could no longer pretend this was only benefiting him.

So this is where I stand... Thank you Lord for allowing him to cover bills at his home and help me on the journey of being able to work from home, that was more than generous considering I was convinced he was already dating someone else and really wanted me out. God thank you for putting it on his heart to use the money I gave him, sometimes nothing / $400 / $500 / $600 as much as $1000, you placed it on his heart early on to pay of my car nearly 6 months early. Even with my inconsistency with rent ... But the lights were on, he fed me, and kept the water on (except the one time he turned the hot water off because he was frustrated with the infrequency of when I would give him rent.

Now, onward to taking care of me and starting over, while living my truth... I have to live my truth, separated... I don't miss an opportunity to share how I feel about him... I am hurt he didn't hold me to a higher level of importance, why I wasn't valued. I love him dearly (I will remain friends with him, and I don't miss an opportunity to let him know how much I still love him); however, I am moving forward to allow him to breath, and for me to walk in the life I know I've been called to, it's time to get the priorities in order and do only as God allows.

What do you see?

2015-01-17T20:47:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been at a mad and extreme pace of applying for jobs. Applying, interviewing, and being rejected... The order has not changed for sometime now. But the time frame I can mark specifically. It's when I got discouraged and stayed there. There were many moments of hopefulness, even moments of insight, and direction. Overall, the truth remained as it was, I had simply failed to do what I have always done in the past, seen life exactly as God presented it to me, NO MATTER WHAT!

Confused? Let me explain with this... in the past, God would show me it's time to move out on what was next... Job wise, I never had difficulty seeing the plan as God saw it, and allowing that to change shifted the flow. In the past, I would simply hear God, follow my heart/gut, and move in the direction I felt led... whether I walked into a job site and was hired on the spot, or applied, and went through the formalities of filling out paperwork as my schedule was discussed, the flow was consistent. This time around had been different, I feared being unemployed, I feared not being able to take care of my family, I allowed panic to set in and winced at the idea of being rejected. And so it has been,,, NOTHING!

What have we been able to lock in on, and not waver or see any other way. The bible noted it this way:

Matthew 15:18 King James Version (KJV)

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

See what God has for you, don't waver from what He has said things will be, and simply watch it come to pass,

So far away

2015-01-15T06:06:00.000-05:00

I can recall a time when I was returning home from dropping off my daughter at camp. It was her 3rd year, and I had already made it past the complicated twists and turns coming from the mountainous area that was the camp site. I was back onto the main highway, but distracted by exhaustion and conversation... On a path common, but tired and talking... Needless to say, somehow, missing my split to head towards my town, headed nearly an hourly past where I should have been... I should have been minutes from my home, but instead, managed to be much closer to a different state line, much less the city where I belonged.

How many times have we been distracted by exhaustion, exhausted and trapped by mindless conversation, activities, or attitudes that lead to nowhere... or even worse, lead you in the completely wrong direction, so far off course that it takes a complete "about face" redirecting turn around to put you back on the right path.

If you find yourself in too many life changing moments of headed in the wrong direction, it may be time to put your filter up... get focused... and have a come to JESUS moment and recalibrate your order.

Matthew 6:33King James Version (KJV)

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

the Message puts it this way...

Matthew 6:33The Message (MSG)

30-33 “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Seek Him with all your HEART... so you don't find yourself miles from what God has for you... His path for you is peace, that will never operate in exhaustion, confusion, idol chit chat, or activities that waste your time...

The Importance of Reading God's Word

2014-12-17T06:17:00.001-05:00

I made excuses after excuses, and yet there was one thing that kept coming up... Read My WORD. I thought for the longest that I was being tormented by the fact that I had been trying to excuse simply reading the Word of God. I could make time to eat, watch tv/youtube, work... wasn't reading His Word more important than all of these things?

Stay in the Word...

Psalm 119:11, 105King James Version (KJV)

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Take the time to read the entire chapter, it is chocked full of structure that will keep you guided into His righteousness. It will keep you from being foolish and making decisions that won't impact your life for Christ, keeping you from being stuck in the rut of bad decisions.

Think about all the times that your parents have instructed you to do something... perhaps they said something didn't even make since at the time, but somehow, when you needed it the most, you were able to reflect back on that word/phrasing/situation, and it literally helped you through that situation.

That is how we are to use THE WORD of GOD!... It is a specific and strategic guide tool. When sick, weary, lost, we can remember what God has shown us through accounts of the Word, and literally see a way of how to best handle whatever life will bring.

Wisdom

2014-12-16T06:44:00.004-05:00

Proverbs 18 The Message (MSG)
Words Kill, Words Give Life 18

Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good.
2 Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.
3 When wickedness arrives, shame’s not far behind; contempt for life is contemptible.
4 Many words rush along like rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.
5 It’s not right to go easy on the guilty, or come down hard on the innocent.
6 The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him.
7 Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.
8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?
9 Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism.
10 God’s name is a place of protection— good people can run there and be safe.
11 The rich think their wealth protects them; they imagine themselves safe behind it.
12 Pride first, then the crash, but humility is precursor to honor.
13 Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.
14 A healthy spirit conquers adversity, but what can you do when the spirit is crushed?
15 Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.
16 A gift gets attention; it buys the attention of eminent people.
17 The first speech in a court case is always convincing— until the cross-examination starts!
18 You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision.
19 Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond.
20 Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.
21 Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.
22 Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of God!
23 The poor speak in soft supplications; the rich bark out answers.
24 Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.

Wow... there is so much wisdom in this chapter... I chose the The Message to view the Word broken down... There is so much in this chapter alone that I am so guilty of, it stands to reason that answering before listening doesn't make any sense (verse 13)... but yet this is one of my biggest struggles.

If I am victorious, and I am... and made whole through Jesus, and I am... then these truths, at the very least, should be the blueprint for my life. To repent is a good start, but to repeat is an offense in and of itself. So I not only repent, but renounce the very behavior that would cause me to be anything unlike the Son of God. If I want a personal relationship with my Father, and I do... I must understand and do the things that will bring me life, emulate my Father by doing the things that will bring forth more wisdom. I desire to walk within my giftings and put God first so that He will bless everything that I do. I want nothing less than what the Father intended for His Son Jesus... He is an extension of His Father, and that I my best life. Using His wisdom will set my course of action to smooth sailing on the sea of life.

Thank you God for continuously resetting my course of sail so that I can gain wisdom and stand the course of life with you.

Jesus Loves Us... Did YOU Know?

2013-09-06T03:30:00.001-04:00

You ever love something so much that you feared losing it? So you begin to come up with ways (consciously or subconsciously) to protect and shelter it so that you don't lose it... only to smother it in such a way that the very risk you weren't trying to take, you've forced!

I've had a second chance, despite my path along the way... And I know that God is real because He allowed me to experience true love! It is NOT a storybook romance, it was an intentionally connection and willingness to love in spite of how I may been struggling with whatever life was throwing my way.

How much more does our Father in Heaven love each of us? I reflect on how my children may do something that is wrong, and I don't just cast them away. How my job may not run smoothly, but I'll push through. How our vehicle may act up, but it still can be used. God knew that given the opportunity to understand His love for us, that it REALLY is unconditional, and that He would sacrifice His Son for us, and that one day, the light would come on and we would get the picture... but, that even if we never did, we were so important to Him that He wanted to ensure that we have a way to live life to the fullest! That's love...

True love is in part determined by your commitment to each other, by the way you live out your lives together day by day, expressing your love in every possible way through respecting each other, encouraging each other, and serving each other minute by minute, hour by hour.

True love must be other centered. You see the real problem in most marriages that are under siege is self-centeredness. The surface issues may be money, in-laws, the distribution of household chores, the kids and/or sex. Underneath those issues lurks the “kingdom of me”. When my needs, my expectations, and my desires, determine my behavior toward my spouse the only one I truly love is me.(http://www.marriagegodsway.com/2011/11/true-love.html)

I've found that when I focus on others, and it's done in love... I can't go wrong. The love is felt and intensified by the genuineness of it. It is an undeniable good thing. Here's to remembering just how much I am loved this day, and showing Christ's love to others... God bless

Write the Vision... Make it Plain

2013-01-11T07:19:00.002-05:00

The Word of God speaks of the just living by faith... (Habakkuk 2:2 - 3)

²Then the Lord answered me and said:

“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
³For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.

What has the Lord shared with you... impregnated in your spirit, that has grown in your belly over the years? What have you yearned to do that you have entertained, dreamed, and nearly been able to taste? Aren't you tired of being pregnant? It's time, truly time to birth the vision that God has given you... the plans for your life isn't scripted, not predetermined, but through God, are predestined for just what He promises. This is greatness!!!

Some of us are walking around with heavy burdens, full bellies of ideas, concepts, truths that God has given us that was never meant to be held for a lifetime. NOW, is the time to release what we have carried for far too long!

Pray. Ask the Father how to pursue what was placed in your spirit. How many people are standing by, needing what you have been holding onto. Why are you waiting for the "right time," "money ain't right," "I have to many responsibilities," perfect timing that may never come.

This year I have been challenged with the time of birth... I have nursed an idea since the age of 7, pursued what was in me last year... and am now ready to give birth to what God has called me to... It is scary, exciting, and unnerving all at the same time. I can't let that deter my drive. This is my year to push to another level!

New job, new faces, entrepreneurship, branding, marketing... it will all take place this year! Traveling, working hard, and let's not forget my primary foundation of newer levels in God, family, relationship... this year is not just full of promise, but sealed with expectations of the manifestation of what God has shown me over the years. It is time...

Be encouraged, your best is yet to come! Much love

Be grateful...

2012-08-18T17:22:00.000-04:00

Do you have anything to be grateful about? Has God done anything for you that you know was a miraculous wonder? It may sound like the beginning of a testimonial Wednesday night services... but do we have to be at church and wait for an invitation to give God His props...

This week I have a special praise report... One that on paper does NOT sound like it is worth a praise. But looking at things outside the box, realizing it could have gone very different had I not been in tune with what kept ringing in my ears...

[SN: for those of you who swear out you have never heard God speak... ever been at a stop sign... had a "feeling" that you needed to go down a different road... leave the house, and think... something isn't right, and go back to realize you left something on, or hadn't lowered the garage door, or didn't lock the door... or about to enter the highway, and think, let me take an alternate route... only to realize you avoided a bad accident, or major traffic... Getting ready to turn in a project, and you think... let me look over this one more time (despite the fact you've reviewed it 100 times already), only to find a major mistake that could have cost you... my point is, when you tune into that "something told me" "feeling" "gut instinct"... because He (God) created us, He lets us know when we need to do something that will keep us from danger, or improve our present state... and in most cases seem simple or ridiculous, but will be that basic thing that takes us to the next level!... More on this another time.]

I was with a friend who was checking on her financial aid for this last semester that we should have at school. The system had changed the semester we entered our program, and she and I started at the same time. Regulations emphasized actual classroom hrs instead of whether we were enrolled and attended class. This meant if you had financial aid that you were granted, or had applied for a loan, until the hours required for each semester were met, no funds could or would be released.

I had done my due diligence (so I thought)... I had applied for a scholarship early, met with my financial aid folks every 2 to 3 weeks to ensure I hadn't missed anything that needed to be done prior to my last semester, and I altered my schedule to go to class during the day and night to boost my hours needed. But I clearly heard God speak to me... go check on your financial aid... I've been checking on it... and looked online, I've met every guideline, crossed every T, dotted every I... but I didn't miss a beat, I made time and sat in the office.

ShaneQua... you won't have what you need for school... Ah... school starts Monday... what will I need?... She goes on to explain the new system... and that despite all my EFFORTS... the best she could offer would be to come up with half of my tuition by Monday, and apply for a discretionary loan to cover the difference! Determined not to be discouraged... I told my friend who sat beside me, we were too close to the finish line... we know that God has already met this need, and that we just needed to relax.

That was Wednesday, school starts Monday... I was emotionally overwhelmed, but committed to the knowledge that my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:19]

Thursday, I heard God speak to me again... check your mail (something I don't do daily, and have often skipped a week)... the only letter in the box... a letter from my school... congratulations, we have selected you for a scholarship in the amount that I needed to start school on Monday!!!

Never give up, no matter how discouraging your situation may become... Remember all that you have need of, God has ALREADY made provision for...

Be encouraged, the best is yet to come! Much love, ShaneQua

Stay Connected

2012-05-26T18:30:00.003-04:00

After 5 hours of recharging I pick up my phone, relieved that I have finally remembered to charge it. I look at the bars fully expecting that the bars will reflect the length of time I put in. Which is when I noticed... the bars reflected less than what I started with... in fact, the charge was in a depleted zone, threatening to shut down! I then glance at the computer that was also plugged in... no battery life as well.

There must be another problem. I did what I should have, where was the full energy I should gotten by doing my part?

What happens when we insist that we are doing our part, knowing or unknowing, just not plugged completely in? The reality is, that if we just aren't plugged into the power source, we will NOT be recharged! Even worse, we will continue to be drained of all power until we eventually shut down... the power RENEWS our strength.

We have to know that we are doing what is required so that we won't miss the opportunity to stay fully energized. God has given us the tools needed [His Word and the Holy Spirit] to stay fully energized. It is imperative that we do what is necessary to stay connected to our Father. His mercy/grace is new every morning (Lamentations 3: 21-24)... we don't have to work with used resources, we must only plug into what is new EACH day!

It's time to do His Will

2012-03-27T18:14:00.001-04:00

Ever try to walk away from something you've started, not because you didn't want to be bothered, but maybe because you told yourself that everything else was more important... only to come back to the very thing you started because you realized you HAVE to finish what has been started. In essence, that "thing" that you started was a project so large that you could not avoid it, you could not ignore it!

It is truly time to do His will! The wheels of motion nearly came to a complete stand still. I believe that is what woke in me, shook me in a literal "wake up" and move that you would give to a sleeping child. There is no time to stand still.

It never ceases to amaze me just how much God covers us, even during our moments of standing still (for me that is my great storms). He really loves us with an agape' love. It is unconditional, baffling me every time I think about how much I have not done what I set out to do, failed to miss a mark, or just gave up on a task; and yet He still loves me. Watches over me and shows me just how much He cares.

In what way have you recognized just how much He loves you? I am certain that is what drives me to do His will for my life. I know how much He watches over me, I want to ensure that I am doing what I can to be a part of His plans for me. The rewards are phenomenal, and I am always left feeling a deep sense of gratitude and peace.

Be encouraged, your best is yet to come! Much love, Q

One week down...

2011-08-20T07:42:00.000-04:00

As I come to the close of what has come to be a whirlwind of a week, I can't help but to look back over the week and think... "God, you are incredibly awesome, I wasn't sure I had that much push and drive in me."

On paper, this week was by far one of the messiest, craziest, and hectic ones in quite some time! Praising God because I know this is not a pattern... I, so often have done my due diligence to prepare for what I have told myself is my next biggest, greatest thing! HA... I have to truly laugh at myself because this is not my doing... this is what makes this week hilarious!

6 transcripts, a financial aid package, outdated books, make shift notes, and floor time with a borrowed mannequin and borrowed tools, back and forth to past schools to pick up transcripts, tying out with the job, and oh yes, a teenage son who is entering school at the same time, and sending him to campus praying that he heeds my instruction, only to find out later that he is doing what most do -- not listening -- all of these things don't sound like the makings of an awesome week. But I made it through the week, and I didn't think I had half of that in me. The last words from the financial aid office... Ms. Pressley, congratulations, indeed you have met all requirements... you may get your books and pick up your kit!... Class was over, my teacher (who has to confirm that the bookstore has sold you a complete kit) has gone for the weekend, and wouldn't you know it... the bookstore closed at 1:30pm... it is 1:45pm!

Ironically I am relieved by all of this, knowing I can pick up next week where I left off! Knowing that my beginning will NOT be the same as the end... seeing my bright future, I sigh a sigh of great relief!

I implore, simply challenge, everyone that is bold enough to try something extreme, lend yourself to God's will (if the idea of this is simply terrifying, then I double dog dare ya to do it, it is truly the right thing to do)! This is the true challenge, because this forces you to get in His word, pray, and see what the Father intended for your life. His will for us will line up with His word, and supernaturally bless you. In a word, IT IS THE EXTREME FAITH WALK...

Malachi 3:7-9
⁷Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

⁸Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

So often preachers use this scripture just before the encourage you to dig deep... but consider how we simply rob God when He has blessed us with a gifting, given us a charge to move forth, asked us to do something, and we let Him know, "thank you Father God for this special gift that I know not a sole knows of (with the exceptions being my household), but I will hide this because I don't trust in YOU or myself enough to watch what YOU do with it!" Hmmmm....something to chew on, what is the message that we send God when we don't trust enough in what He has already done!

Be encouraged, your best is yet to come! Much Love, Q

And the evening and the morning were the 1st day! Part 2

2011-08-17T07:04:00.000-04:00

Genesis 1 ¹In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. ²And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. ³And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. ⁴And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. ⁵And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

On paper my day was a hot mess... but God! Can i say He worked it all out for His glory! My car had issues from Monday night, again... I missed the auto spot, but it was a set up for the next day, I cannot thank God enough for not making it there before they closed.

Instead, I mapped out where the auto place was in conjunction to school. I had a peace about the situation, and knew God was speaking to me clearly, praise God for an ear to hear!

The location, directly across the street from the campus! The problem, slightly minor, I needed a new battery... no problem, right? "No ma'am," stated the clerk at Advance Auto... "we can't install your battery, it's located behind your wheel cover!"

Really Dodge --- who does this???

So I go across the street to an unknown local mechanic, that quotes a price that seems reasonable, and praise God again for provision that I was just given the day before... but class begins shortly, soooooo.... I really don't have time. I take the car (again next door, everything is in walking distance) and head off to class.

Last week when I was to attend orientation, my car began this issue. Needless to say I had not even registered for class... but God's favor! I had spoken with the director of the program, and was told how to handle it. In fact, when I arrived, I was expected, and my seat was waiting for me!

Long story short, hours later, after a 5 time visit to financial aid, and many visits to the business office, and a visit to the coordinator of that campus on my behalf, I was told of the time frame I would have to get everything straightened out! My day was ordered by my Father, and if I had put my 2 sense in it, I would have been found either in the halls of the school, or in the parking lot in my car, crying my eyes out, thinking "oh God, I've made a mess of everything!"

His plan was perfection... lend yourself to Him, see what He does for you!

My day ended with a 2.5hr car fix that was ordered by the Most High Himself, not because I knew what to do, but again, because He provided provision! I purchased 2 batteries yesterday, returned one, and after last week, when I knew not one trust worthy mechanic, after these incidents, I now know 3! No more the victim, but now the Victor as I reign victorious through Him... knowing that I must...

Be encouraged, the best is yet to come! Much love, ShaneQua

And the evening and the morning were the 1st day!

2011-08-16T19:59:00.003-04:00

Good Morning Holy Spirit....

did you take the time to tell the Lord thank you for this day? Father God, you have blessed me with another day. I am ever reminded that I am important, everything I do from this point on is for my family and I. It is both intimidating and exciting! And so the journey begins... what will the day bring? Will it go according to plan? What are your plans for me Heavenly Father? I am just in anticipation for what You have planned for my life, I lend and give myself totally to you. This day Father, may my life be a living sacrifice as unto you, Holy and acceptable, which is my reasonable service. Help me through your Spirit to keep your Word hidden in my heart so that i might not sin against you...

I just read a scripture that inspired me:
Jeremiah 9:23-24 ²³Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: ²⁴But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

Be encouraged, your best is yet to come! Much love, Q

Do you know that God loves you? Do you truly understand just how profound that is? What an awesome God we serve!